#and yes Victor is VERY lucky indeed

[victorluvsalice]

Valicer Multiamory Month, Day Twenty-Nine: Vampire AU (Londerland Bloodlines AU)

It's the final weekend of @polyamships's Multiamory March, and today brings with it another specific AU prompt -- "Vampire AU!" And, much like with the "Soulmates AU" prompt back on Day Seventeen, I came to this prompt already prepared with a vampire AU -- good old Londerland Bloodlines! Why make up a new one when I've already got one ready to go? :p Accordingly, here is a story about Victor reflecting on just how fortunate he is when it comes to vampires inserting themselves into his life. Enjoy!

--

Victor often thought that he had to be the luckiest ghoul in all of California these nights.

He knew that he’d already been extremely lucky by ghoul standards – the brief but enlightening conversations he’d had with Knox, Mercurio, and Romero during his and Alice’s time in Los Angeles had clued him into the fact that being a ghoul was generally not a fantastic life. Yes, one got immortality, super strength, perhaps a useful Discipline or two, all without having to give up the sun – but those perks almost always came with being under the complete control of a monster. A civilized monster, yes, but still a monster. Still someone who only kept you around for as long as you were useful – who saw you as a tool, not a person. And he knew that he’d come distressingly close to suffering that fate himself – he still shuddered at the thought that he could have ended up under the thumb of LaCroix. That would have been – perhaps not a fate actually worse than death, but pretty close.

But instead, the universe had sent him Alice. Alice, who’d saved his life out of genuine altruism, and who had sought him out afterward not to make him her servant, but to keep him safe from her enemies. Alice, who’d done everything she could to make sure he kept his free will, including trying to break their nascent blood bond before it could get its hooks into him too firmly. Alice, who’d finally bonded him properly only after making sure he understood exactly what he was getting into. Alice, who was more than willing to share him with the others he loved, and bring them into the fold of their chaotic existence. Alice, who truly loved him, and who he truly loved in return. It was more than any ghoul could hope for, and he’d been appropriately grateful.

And then – Smiler had shown up in their lives. Smiler, who lived up to their chosen name by being the cheeriest person Victor had met since Knox. Smiler, who’d seen him watching his friends enjoy themselves from the sidelines in the local club, and had immediately made it their mission to ensure he had a good time too. Smiler, who could practically destroy a person’s mind if they so chose, but who had instead used their powers to calm Victor’s anxieties. Smiler, who’d contacted Alice upon learning their Ministry friends had kidnapped Victor to make sure he got home safely – and who’d turned on them the moment they realized how their powers were being exploited. Smiler, who’d been willing to walk away from them all if it meant they would be happier – if it meant Victor would be happier.

Smiler, who also genuinely loved Victor – and whose blood tasted just as good as Alice’s.

And that was how Victor knew he was truly the luckiest ghoul around. Because how many ghouls could say that they had not just one truly kind and loving domitor – but two?

[jellycatstuffies]

hi victor! i hope you’re doing well!

first off, i love your blog very much and it brings me such joy to see your posts :)

second, i was wondering if you knew anything about dickensian bunny/winsetta bunny? i believe they’re both very discontinued but they are my favourite jellycats by far, despite not actually owning them! i think it’s interesting how winsetta bunny has a “name” whilst dickensian bunny has an “adjective”, and they’re basically just different colour variations of each other. do you know which bunny came first?

thanks again for all the cosy jellycat content 🖤

You have got it a bit mixed up, I understand the confusion.

In Summer/Fall 2020 (back when Jellycat released new designs only twice a year) Winsetta Bunny and Winsetta Bear were released:

A year later, in Summer/Fall 2021, Jellycat essentially updated those designs and released Dickensian Bunny and Dickensian Bear, giving them a more colorful outfit, but they are very similar indeed:

I personally much prefer the Winsettas because of their more neutral colors and overall design differences. In any case, yes, all of these Jellycats have long been retired and are unfortunately hard to find now because none of them stuck around for longer than a year.

If any of you find one of these still sitting in a shop... Lucky ducky!

[egittae]

"Ah...!" It's sometime later that Andrei meets Professor Lambert, back in the dim halls of the Abyss. The earlier, outward signs of emotional turmoil had abated, though he still bows his head guiltily at the recollection of their exchange.

"I— Professor, I'm sorry for reacting as I had in the medical tent," he says, "Something the Margrave mentioned... reminded me of something. I overreacted, and for that I apologize." He may have to find the Margrave and repeat that apology sometime soon, though he is admittedly not looking forward to it.

It's only then that he sees what Lambert is carrying. "I see the Blue Lions claimed the win this year," Andrei remarks, "I've a few from past years, since the Black Eagles have always been among the final victors in the battles I've taken part in, until this year..."

He trails off. Yes, the Ashen Wolves have always scattered during the mock battle, and Lambert may not even have had any expectation of his allegiance at all, but Andrei still feels the need to explain himself. "Have you met Lady Deirdre, Professor? She is part of the Black Eagles house... and the monarch of my homeland."

"As long as she remains in that house, I must give her due loyalty." Even though she hadn't even fought in the mock battle this year, it doesn't change anything. To choose any other house would be to act against her.

With the Battle of Eagle and Lion concluded and the Blue Lions receiving their winning prizes, it was time to rest for the time being and wait for the commemorative feast. It was then that Lambert shed his allegiance for the moment, replacing the blue banner with the purple of the Ashen Wolves despite the truth held in his heart- perhaps once he would’ve felt more sadness from such act, but by now he had grown to accept it. Blue Lion, Ashen Wolf, none would change where his heart truly stood.

Spotting Andrei among those returning to the Abyss’ protective shadows, Lambert smiled. “Andrei, good to see you.” Ever since their brief meeting at the medical tents, the archer had vanished- he could only assume he had fled from Gronder Field and somehow made his way back to the Abyss on his own. Lambert nodded gently, choosing to accept Andrei’s apologies even though he didn’t think they were necessary. “Thank you, but I assure you all is well. I figured something exceptional had happened to put you into that state, and do not blame you for it.” I've gone through this same thing many times now. “My only true concern lies in your condition. How do you fare?”

Funny how so many of them stem from Matthias- the margrave truly had some sort of skill in knowing what to say to send one’s heart and mind into a whirlpool, but Lambert perceived it as a boon. There is strength in facing what you cannot and pushing through. 

The addition of the justification behind Andrei’s allegiance came as a surprise however- even more with the reveal of Professor Deirdre’s actual position. “Professor Deirdre is a monarch? Haha, I must admit I did not expect that outcome! I did imagine her to be a noble, but this is something else.” Now that he thought about it, it made sense. There were little things that could be easily identifiable for a high noble, regardless of where they came from- Lambert always had a hunch of it because of Deirdre’s hair. Beautiful silver waves, seemingly very well taken care of, and a hidden symbol of one’s status as most commoners tend to keep their hair short for convenience and because caring for it can become expensive.

“I have met her a few times, indeed. She is a lovely woman with a kind heart indeed, and if she is a monarch…I can imagine her to be quite the exemplary queen or empress. Her people are lucky.”

With a soft laugh, he eyed Andrei with fondness. “You may support whoever you wish to, Andrei. I will not attempt to control your choices, much less guilt you for it. Much like yourself, I choose to support the Blue Lions because they represent my homeland, and the future king of Faerghus is its House Leader.” A partial truth- incomplete. “If anything, I am much more inflexible than you are. Deirdre may change houses if she ever wishes to, but my loyalty in Faerghus, and by extension the Blue Lions, is unwavering.”

Lambert was still unsure of how to approach that subject with Andrei, if he had to be honest. The last thing he wished was for the reveal of his past status to interfere in their dynamic or cause Andrei discomfort. It wasn’t that he thought Andrei would spread the information around- no, he trusted the archer wholly, but he still hesitated.

With a brief pause, icy pools glanced at the Abyss’ walls for a moment. “Andrei, may I ask you a question? You may choose to not answer.” He began, tone calm and seemingly light. “Are you a noble yourself?” His tone lowered- the area they were in was largely unpopulated, but Lambert still figured he'd take the extra step to be sure.

[nightghoul381]

No Room to Breathe~ Harrison Gray

Chapter 1

This a fan translation so it is definitely not 100% accurate. I do not own anything related to Ikemen Villains. Support Cybird by buying their amazing stories!

No Warnings for this part

Part 1 | Part 2 | Premium End | Epilogue

Kate: “Okay. This mission was completed successfully.”

Kate: “…So, why were you laughing earlier?”

Harrison: “Remember when you tied up the criminal with a rope?”

Kate: “I wanted to be useful to you, Harry.”

(…Now that I think about it, I might have been a little too brave.)

In addition to being a fairy tale master, I am also Harry’s lover.

No matter what I do, I’m always worried about whether my lover sees me as a lover.

Kate: “Um, Harry.”

Harrison: “Hmm?”

Kate: “Would you like for me to be a little more ladylike?”

Harrison: “…”

Harrison: “Well, what do you think?”

Kate: “You’re so quick to dodge—”

Kate: “oof…”

After a sudden thud, I turned around and saw a child with a red waistcoat and a red nose looking up at me.

Child: “I-I’m sorry! I wasn’t looking ahead.”

Kate: “No, I’m sorry.”

Kate: “Did you get hurt? Are you okay?”

Child: “…N-no.”

Harrison: “Hey, are you handing out flyers? Is it for a travelling circus?”

Ferris Circus Child: “I’m a member of the Ferris Circus. We’re in this area now.”

Ferris Circus Child: “I’ll give this flyer to you. If you like, the two of you can come and play with me. Bye!”

The child disappeared like the wind, leaving only a flyer with a gorgeous picture on it.

(…A travelling circus?)

(Does that mean we can only see it now? That’s great, it looks like fun…)

Harrison: “Do you want to go see it now? Are you interested?”

Kate: “Eh? I didn’t say anything just now, right?”

Harrison: “I know you and I know your heart. Come on, let’s go.”

Kate: “Huh…”

I looked at Harry’s profile as he walked away, holding my hand, and I smiled involuntarily.

(I’m really looking forward to the circus and the unscheduled date with Harry.)

(Wow…!)

As we step into the tent where colorful flags are hoisted high,

It feels as if we had wandered into another world.

Harrison: “Wow, the interior of a touring circus is so neat.”

Victor: “It’s true! The Ferris Circus is indeed very popular.”

Kate: “Victor!” – Harrsion: “…Victor.”

Harrison: “Why are you here?”

Victor: “I’m in a fun place, come on!”

Victor: “How lucky I am to be able to meet you cute people in a place like this.”

Victor: “Harrison, don’t you think we’re connected by fate?”

Harrison: “I don’t want to be doomed with you. Shit, don’t hug me…”

Victor: “I love you, even if you’re a bit of a bore. Ah, Kate. Here’s some popcorn. And a drink!”

Kate: “Fufu, thank you. As expected of you Victor, you are fully prepared.”

Harrison: “Don’t take advantage of him like that. That’s why he’s such a nutter.”

Victor: “I’m famous for my modesty. I like to be taken advantage of.”

A fanfare rang out as Harry and Victor had their customary argument.

Leader of Ferris Circus: “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls!”

Leader of Ferris Circus: “Prepare to be amazed! Tonight, we bring you a spectacular show.”

Leader of Ferris Circus: “We are ready to show off our captivating acts. Bringing you the ultimate excitement and surprise. Showtime!”

Kate/ Victor: “Wow…!”

Starting with that signal, performers demonstrated acrobatics and juggling tricks,

Soaring through the air.

Harrison: “Pfft, haha. Your eyes are twinkling, you look like a child.”

Kate: “Uh, because it’s amazing! Oh, look there’s a lion over there too.”

Leader of the Ferris Circus: “Now, next up is the appearance of the very popular Oliver!”

A boy with braided red hair called Oliver appears with his arms outstretched.

Oliver: “My special skill is that I can easily undo any kind of handcuffs or ropes.”

Oliver: “I’m going to put these handcuffs on someone here now.”

Oliver: “And I’ll remove them in an instant. Now, who would like to help me!”

Victor: “Yes, yes, yes, these cute lovers would like to participate.”

Kate/ Harrison: “What!?”

Harrison: “Hey, you can’t just—”

Victor: “You have to get up on stage as soon as possible. Have a good time!”

Oliver: “Hello! My greatest thanks to these devoted lovers. Now, here we go…”

There was a clicking sound, and my right hand and Harrison’s left hand were handcuffed together.

Then a brightly colored cloth was draped over the handcuffs—

Oliver: “Now to remove it, abra cadabra alakazam, and that’s it!”

(Th-that…?)

(…isn’t it coming off?)

Instantly, a storm of boos broke out in the venue.

Oliver: “W-What? I’m sorry, I’ll take it off now. Oh, the key… I don’t have it? Huh”

Harrison: “…Give me a break.”

--Crown Common Room

William: “—So, you return still tethered. That was a disaster.”

Liam: “Really. So, you couldn’t find the key after all?”

Kate: “Yes, that’s right. Moreover, the Ferris Circus is leaving here tomorrow…”

Harrison: “So, tomorrow we’re going to go look for the key. For now, we’ll just stay like this.”

Liam: “Al is an expert at picking locks, but it looks like he’s gone somewhere.”

Harrison: “…That guy, gets involved when he’s not wanted, but he’s not here when he’s needed.”

 Liam: “But, it’s not all bad. If you’re connected, you’ll always be together, right?”

Liam: “It’s true whether you’re awake or asleep.”

Liam’s meaningful smile made my heart skip a beat.

(…I see, it might be fun to be together 24/7)

Harrison: “Are you thinking of something naughty?”

Kate: “I-I’m not thinking anything naughty! Please don’t make such strange comments.”

Harrison: “Hmmm, am I thinking about it though?”

Victor: “I would appreciate it if you would think about me at least a little bit, Harrison.”

Kate: “Wah…!”

Harrison: “So many times today… is today a bad day or something?”

Victor: “On such a bad day, the Grim Reaper, or rather, Her Majesty, has a mission for Harrison and Kate.”

Victor: “The stage for this mission is the Ferris Circus.”

Liam: “Eh, that’s the circus Harry and his friends went to earlier, right?”

Victor: “Ah, apparently the leader fosters and protects children who have no relatives as performers.”

Victor: “—But that’s just the surface.”

Harrison: “…”

Victor: “There are rumors behind the scenes, they are using these children for his own gain and making them do bad things.”

William: “They help children who have no relatives and train them to obey. So much so that they can’t even refuse to commit sins.”

William: “The leader is not only a trainer for the animals, but also for the children.”

(Train the children…ah)

Kate: “When the boy named Oliver made a mistake, his hands were shaking really bad.”

Victor: “I also thought there was ‘something’. They had eyes that were far from freedom.”

The air surrounding Victor felt frozen, like a dark blue night.

Harrison: “The mission is to see it with my own eyes and find out what’s wrong with it. And if I find it to be evil, I’ll condemn the leader, right?”

Victor: “Ah, that’s right. You can find the keys and complete the mission. You can kill two birds with one stone!”

(There were a lot of small children in that circus group. I can’t overlook it.)

Liam: “But is it okay if it’s just the two of them? They are handcuffed together right now.”

Liam: “Can I disappear and stay with Harry and Kate?”

Harrison: “You were so excited about an important practice you have tomorrow.”

Liam: “That’s true…”

Kate: “We’ll just accept your sentiments. Thank you, Liam.”

Harrison: “The key is bound to be somewhere. Don’t worry, I’ll remove it as soon as I find it.”

Liam: “Okay, I understand. B-but if something happens, I’ll come running right away.”

Harrison: “Damn, you’re being overprotective, Yeah, yeah, I understand.”

Victor: “As I asked. Harrison, Kate.”

Kate: “Yes, then—”

Harrison: “Ah, then—”

At the same time, we stand up and start walking in the opposite directions.

Naturally, we were restrained by the handcuffs and we fell down on the spot.

Liam: “Wow, are you two alright? It won’t work if you walk in opposite directions.”

Kate: “…I was trying to go to the bathroom.”

Harrison: “I was trying to get a drink.

We stood up again, and again—we both fell.

Kate: “You’re going to get a drink, aren’t you?”

Harrison: “I tried to follow you to the bathroom.”

Kate: “For now, let’s catch our breath.”

Liam: “…is it really alright?”

Victor: “Kate is dynamic, and Harrison is static. Kate is the sun, and Harrison is night. They are actually opposites.”

--Kate’s room

After a night of being handcuffed, we awoke to the sound of birds chirping.

(…last night was really tough after that.)

I want to go out for an evening walk, and Harry wants to read a book in his room.

I want to have fun with everyone, and Harry wants to be alone and quiet.

At every turn, our behavior was the exact opposite, which as a result, meant we slept peacefully.

(Hm, Maybe, no, even if he is...)

(--Are we the exact opposite?)

Part 1 | Part 2 | Premium End | Epilogue

[fandomworld9728]

The King & Queen of Hell Chapter 4:

"Adam!~" Running over to his husband, Lucifer threw his arms around his neck and showered his face in kisses.

Chuckling, Adam wrapped an arm around his Queen's waist and lifted him up to sit on his arm. "Hello, love. Same pronouns today?"

"Yes. Thank you for asking."

"I see that the rumors are true. Our dear King and Queen are sickeningly loving."

Fixing the sinner now in front of them, Adam felt the hairs on the back of his neck raise. This guy had power just oozing out of him. "And you are?"

"Alastor. Pleasure to be meeting you, sire, quite a pleasure."

"He's helping Charlie with her hotel."

"Oh fuck. Really? That's awesome man."

"Yes... quite. Charlie is such a delightful young lady, and your spouse is such an excellent host. You are a very lucky man." He wasn't just trying to be polite or trying to sweet talk the two. Alastor had no idea how such a man could charm the angelic creature that was Hell's Queen. The very reason for humanity's free will. Very lucky man, indeed.

"You got that right."

"Adam. At least try to be humble?" Lucifer teased his husband. People were always confused how the two most prideful people in all of creation could stand to be married to each other. It was often that their egos would lead to fights and their stubbornness would drag them out for days, sometimes even weeks, before they found a way to compromise or find a victor.

But that's what made it fun! They loved and trusted each other for all their positive and negative traits. At the end of the day, they were silly fights that never truly mattered that always seemed to end up as a game. To see who would yield first.

"Sorry, love. I don't know what that word means."

"Perhaps a dictionary would make a fine gift for his majesty? Ha!" A laugh track played from the sinner, momentarily spooking the first man and causing the fallen angel to try and find his laughter behind a dainty hand.

"...You're pretty funny Albert-"

"Alastor, dear."

"Isn't that what I said?"

"I'm supposed to be the one who's bad with names." Turning his attention back to the radio demon, Lucifer was still all smiles. "That was a rather ballsy move there. Insulting your King disguised as a joke."

"I figured it was worth a shot. I do love a good joke and as you said before. What is life, even an afterlife, without whimsy?"

"Nope! This meeting is over. We didn't even get anything important done!" Quickly walking out of the meeting room, Charlie started to pull guide Alastor out the front door by his cane.

"But Charlie-"

"I'm already running late for my meeting with Lilith!"

"Are you two going to stop her?"

Watching their darling daughter leave, Lucifer couldn't be prouder about how far she's come from being a push over. "Leave her be. She's been busy and stressed with worrying about her hotel and the Exterminations. If she can prove this works, there's a chance that they'll call off the yearly attacks. She's putting all of this on herself... but we'll be here when she's ready for our help."

~

Walking up to the Heavenly Embassy, Alastor couldn't keep his curiosity to himself anymore. "Charolette, why is it that you failed to tell us of your royal lineage?"

Hand on the door's handle to open it, the princess froze. Shit! This is why she wanted to go alone. She didn't need everyone finding out and treating her different. Charlie didn't need to try and live up to their exceptions too. If her friends knew, would they think she wasn't a good heir like the rest of people who knew? Would she let them down-

"That is not something you should hide, my dear." Opening the door, he ushered her inside and walked with her to the front desk. "The heir to Hell's throne saving wayward sinners and wanting the best for them! While your bleeding heart may be a weakness to most, it can also be your greatest strength. I've seen how protective you can be and that's where your power lays."

"That's... what my family always tells me." Taking a moment to think, Charlie signed them both in. Alastor had already figured out who she was so there was no harm in him sitting in on the meeting.

"Then show all of Hell who you are and what you're made of, my dear. Use every advantage you have to succeed."

"Yeah.... yeah! I'll show them all!" She felt much more confident than she had that morning. A new energy filled the princess as she and Alastor stepped into the meeting room. "Let's get this shit done!" 

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[snappedsky]

Borderlands: Skies the Ultimate Treasure Hunter

Skies helps Burton with his mystery in the archives.

*Links to previous and next chapters in reblog*

--

Guns, Love, and Tentacles Part 6

“I do wish I could recall more but you see, I lost my memories. There’s a cloud of dark fog-.”

“Burton, you told me this already.”

“I did? Damn, this curse! I’m sorry, I forgot. See, I lost my memories. There’s a cloud of-.”

“Dark fog, yes, Burton, I know,” Skies says impatiently. “Just please, try to focus. What do you know about the Bonded?”

“Oh, right, yes,” Burton nods, “the Bonded are monstrous, warped by the power of Gythian. They follow the cult leader...uh...”

“Eleanor.”

“Yes, Eleanor. She leads the Bonded, her and her husband, Victor.”

“Right, right. And what’s the deal with her husband?”

“Well, uh...I can’t quite remember. See, I lost my memories. There’s a cloud of dark fog...”

Skies groans as Burton resumes his diatribe, pinching the bridge of her nose. During their walk through Cursehaven, she’s tried questioning the detective for information on the Bonded and their leader, but hasn’t gotten very far. Everything he says has eventually led back to the same dark fog.

“...and as if that wasn’t enough, life took a dark turn for me recently,” he continues, “ran out of booze. In entirely unrelated news, some memories have started coming back to me. But not everything.”

“You don’t say,” Skies grumbles with annoyance. “You’re just lucky I like you and this mystery of yours, or I would’ve left by now.”

“Ah, look, we’re here,” Burton says, coming to a stop. Skies looks up at the building ahead. It has a sign with a picture of a gun scope and the word ‘Hartford’.”

“The gunsmith,” she says, “alright, let’s see if they’re home.”

“Hartford,” Burton calls out, knocking on the door. “Let us in. We gotta talk.”

“Who’s there?” a voice calls back. “Don’t you know it’s Renewal season? Can’t open the door for just anybody!”

“No, Hartford. It’s me, Burt. I mean, Burton.” “Oh, why didn’t you say so? Come on in from the cold then.”

The door opens and Skies and Burton walk into the small building. There’s a fireplace and a table with a man in overalls standing behind it.

“Hey, old friend,” Burton says, “we...are old friends, right? I need you to take a look at something we found in the cemetery.”

“Oh, taken to grave robbing then, have we?” Hartford replies, “how charming. Well, give it here. Let’s take a look.” Skies removes the box they found in the crypt from her coat and sets it on the table. It holds the same symbol as the sign out front. Hartford picks it up and examines it. “Hmm. Based on the maker’s mark, I’d say this was the work of my grandfather. Now THERE was a man of many secrets. Always played it real close to the vest. Also always wore a vest. Classy fellow. Let’s see if we can get her open.”

He uses a pick on the lock and pops open the lid. Whatever he sees inside makes his coal black eyes shine. “Well, well, what do we have here? This is...exquisite!”

“What is it, what is it?” Skies asks like an impatient kid, trying to see over the lid.

Hartford turns the box over to them to reveal it’s contents. It’s a pistol with a scope but wrapped around the barrel is thick, alien-fleshy material that seems to pulse, almost like it’s breathing.

“It’s a pistol,” he explains, “but it’s been merged with some kind of Eridian technology. Quite a rare artifact you’ve got here.”

“Rare, indeed,” Skies breathes, grinning excitedly as she reaches for the weapon. Then suddenly she remembers Burton’s presence and backs off. “Sorry, it’s yours. Go ahead.”

Burton doesn’t seem bothered as he picks up the gun, almost trance-like. “I think this was...mine.”

He examines it and holds the scope up to his eye. “Holy hellfire!” he cries pulling the gun away.

“What’s wrong?” Skies asks.

Burton doesn’t reply and hands her the gun. “Friend, I’m gonna need you to take this.”

“You sure?” she questions. He merely nods and she takes the pistol.

“Now,” he says, “if you’ve got the stomach for it, look through the scope, right over there, and tell me what you see.”

Skies closely examines the pistol, noticing the words ‘Seventh Sense’ engraved into the Eridian part. Then she looks through the scope into the corner of the room.

“What!” she gasps, lowering the weapon. She sees nothing. She looks through the scope again and a sees a man, translucent and ghostly blue.

“A...a ghost...” she breathes.

“So you did see it,” Burton gasps, almost with relief. “Incredible. This is a bottomless well of secrets, and all we’re hauling up are more questions. My hunches are telling me there’s more to discover on this case.”

“I’ve been thinking about that painting and I finally placed it,” he continues, “it was a room in the archives, the Art Gallery. But there was a shadowy, ominous presence. The next secret to unravel has got to have something to do with that room.”

“The archives!” Skies chimes happily. “Fantastic. I was wanting to go there before to learn more about the history of this planet. Lead the way.”

Burton smiles and nods and the pair of them leave the gunsmith’s and head back through the town. Along the way, Skies watches everything through the scope on the Seventh Sense. With the initial shock worn off, she finds it all very fascinating.

“This gun was yours, you said?” she asks, “could you see ghosts through it before?”

“Not that I recall,” Burton replies.

“Well, that doesn’t say much,”she remarks, “maybe the Eridian technology gives it this...sight beyond sight feature.”

They soon arrive to the Dustbound Archives and Skies looks around excitedly at the magnificent building as they go inside. “Oh, I do love libraries. I bet this one has all kinds of knowledge stashed away in its wall. Knowledge is just another kind of treasure, you know.”

“I know,” Burton smiles, “our professions may be different, but it seems we both dabble in similar wares.” They approach the front desk where an irate old lady is sitting.

“Harriet-,” Burton starts to say but she furiously shushes him and he whispers softly. “Sorry. Listen, Harriet, we need into the archives.”

“Would you keep your voice down!” Harriet barks, “this is a place of quiet learning and solemn contemplation!”

“Come on, Harriet,” Burton says gently, “let us in, won’t you? I helped you find that missing locket, didn’t I?”

“Oh, fine,” she snaps, “but don’t you cause a ruckus, you hear me? And this makes us even, Burt!”

She presses a button on her desk and doors on the other side of the room swing open. Skies and Burton hurry to them.

“Glad that worked,” Burton remarks, “I wasn’t sure that locket bit was true.”

“Very smooth, Burt,” Skies grins.

They enter the archives and take a hallway to the right that leads to a locked door. “Now, I don’t know why this door would be locked but the Art Gallery is back there,” Burton says, “and you don’t work in my profession this long without learning how to handle a lock. Gimme a sec while I pick it.” Skies waits a few seconds as he picks at the lock when he suddenly stops. “Wait, do you hear that?”

She strains to listen until she hears a gruff voice on the other side of the door. “I told you! The rift won’t work without the relic! We need to get it back from those meddling wretches.”

“It will work!” a different voice argues, “I just need more time to properly attune the frequencies.”

“I’m done waiting around. This experiment is a failure. She will not be pleased.” “Get ready, friend,” Burton warns, “we’re in for a fight.” “I’m always ready,” Skies smirks, loading her pistol.

The door opens up to a room with a pair of Bonded standing beside some kind of round, swirling machine. They immediately open fire on the cultists, who dive out of the way and shoot back.

“Watch your shots, Burton!” Skies orders, “don’t damage that machine. I wanna see what it does.”

“If these two would stand still, it’d be easier,” Burton says, “slippery like tentacles.”

“Right. Cover me.” As Burton continues shooting, Skies dives deeper into the room. She takes cover behind a pillar to dodge the cultists’ shots. When they stop to reload, Skies races around and tackles the smaller one, smashing her bladed fist through his helmet and crushing his head. Before the other one can retaliate, Skies shoots her pistol and takes out his knees. As he collapses, she charges him and pins him to the floor, pressing her fist blade to his throat.

“Alright, talk, freak,” she demands, “what is this machine? What are you doing here?”

The cultist coughs up blood and scoffs. “You small-minded wretches could never understand. What we do, we do for Lady Eleanor. The heart still beats, the heart still bleeds.”

The cultist tries to smack Skies in the face with his gun. She easily dodges and slices his throat.

“Well, I didn’t really think he’d tell me anything,” she says as she stands back up. “But it was worth a try.”

“Who knows what they’ve been up to in here,” Burton remarks, examining the circular machine. “No doubt meddling with powers they don’t understand. It’s kind of their thing.”

For the first time, they notice black shadows spilling out of the door on the other side of the room. As they get closer, they hear a voice- a girl, young and frightened. “Hello?”

“That voice,” Burton gasps.

“I need help. I’m scared!”

“Whoever she is, she’s in danger! Come on, we’ve gotta find her,” he demands and rushes for the door, but he can’t get through the shadows pouring out of it. “Blast it. How do we get in?”

“Step aside, Burton,” Skies orders and looks at the door through the scope of the Seventh Sense. She can see ghostly orbs swirling around it. She shoots each one, destroying them, and the shadows disperse.

“Well done, friend,” Burton comments and they step through the door into a wide, empty room with small sculptures lining the side wall. At least, it looks empty, but when they try to go through, they hit an invisible wall. “What is this sorcery?”

“Just that,” Skies replies, “sorcery.”

Through the gun’s scope, she can see a maze of ghostly walls blocking the path forward. “Follow me.”

Skies leads the way down the path, around the invisible walls, twisting and turning through the room, until they finally make it to the door on the other side.

“Please...someone! Anyone!” the girl cries out again, sending a shiver up the pair’s spines.

“Sounds like it’s coming from...all around us,” Skies remarks.

“We have to find her,” Burton insists, almost desperately. “Don’t worry, little one! We’ll find you!”

They continue down hallways until they reach a large room containing another one of those circular, swirling devices. But there’s also large, black swatches of fog inside the device and covering a small patch of the room.

“Is anyone there?” the girl begs, “please help me! I’m so scared!”

Skies looks through the Seventh Sense scope and sees a small ghost in the middle of the room. “That must be her.”

“She’s here?” Burton asks.

“Yeah, she’s-.” Skies starts to go into the room, when something grazes her left shoulder. She hisses in pain and looks around but sees nothing. Then she uses the scope and sees ghosts all around the room, firing spectral bullets at her.

“Skies!” Burton gasps as Skies dives backwards, dodging the fire.

“Stay back, Burton!” she orders, “only I can see them.”

She aims with the Seventh Sense and shoots at the spirits. She races around the room, taking cover from their fire and taking them out one by one, swiftly and decisively.

“Heh, not even the dead are safe from me,” she grins when the room has been cleared.

“Is it safe?” Burton asks.

“Yeah, it’s safe,” Skies replies and hurries to the little ghost girl.

“Wh-who are you?” she asks.

“I’m Skies,” she says, kneeling in front of her and looking at her through the scope. “Don’t worry, you’re safe. Never mind the gun I’m pointing at you. It’s the only way I can see you.

“Thank you. I don’t know why I’m here. And I don’t know why those things were trying to get me.”

“Are you Iris?”

“Yes. I think...I think I can leave now that those things are gone. I want to go home.”

In a blink, the girl is gone, and Skies lowers the gun. “Did you hear all that, Burton?”

“Yes, I could hear her but I couldn’t see her,” he replies as he approaches. “She was Iris. That name...it stirs something in me. Wait...what is that?”

He hurries over to the patch of fog at the side of the room. Whatever it’s covering, it’s too dark to see through it. “Can you clear away that patch of fog?”

Skies looks through the scope and blasts away ghost orbs. Just like in the last room, the fog clears away. It reveals a portrait of Burton pushing a young girl on a swing.

“It’s her,” Skies gasps, “Iris.”

“A lost key in a forgotten lock,” Burton muses, “I remember now...we had a house. A cabin in the Cankerwood. It was just the two of us.”

“Iris...she’s my daughter.” Burton buries his face in his hands. Skies watches him pitifully, unsure of what to do. “Uh, I’m uh sorry, Burton. Are you...okay?” “No,” he croaks. He drags his hands down his face and takes a deep breath. “But if that portal thing is the key to seeing her, it’s coming with us. Grab it for me, would you?”

Skies looks over at the circular machine and sees a smaller device on the ground projecting the black shadows into it. She grabs it and the portal shuts down.

“Now let me hold on to that,” Burton demands, “and this all has something to do with that pistol. Let me tinker with it and see what I can do.”

Without a word, Skies hands him both the device and the gun and he sticks them into his coat.

“Iris...” he muses, “said she was going home. So that’s where we’re going. Meet me at my old cabin in the Cankerwood. I’ll send the directions to your ECHO device. But feel free to take your time. I have a lot to solemnly ponder while I stare, hard-eyed, into the distance.”

“Right. I um...understand,” Skies nods.

Without another word, Burton leaves through one of the side doorways. Skies watches him go then sighs. “This mystery is becoming a lot heavier than I was expecting.”

She takes a deep breath and looks around, cracking a smile. “Still, I made it to the library. And Burton’s gonna need some time alone. Let’s do some research.” She starts to head off when a chilly voice chimes from her ECHO. “Esteemed guest...”

“Jeez!” Skies exclaims, nearly leaping from her skin. “Mancubus! Yours is not a voice I want to hear without warning.”

“My apologies. I see you are in the archives.”

“How do you ‘see’ that?”

“I know the whereabouts of all guests...of the Lodge.”

“Right,” Skies groans, “okay. Do you need something?”

“I require a book. A tome...what could be more harmless. Somewhere in the archives rests a cookbook of fathomless darkness. The Nibblenomicon. Speak with the librarian, Harriet. She may know where it’s hidden.”

“The...Nibblenomicon,” Skies grunts, “alright, I’ll find your book and bring it you later.”

“Much obliged.” Skies sighs heavily but quickly shakes off her blues and leaves the Art Gallery to hunt down the Nibblenomicon and maybe some cult information, if she’s lucky.

[ecrisparfois]

beautiful misunderstanding

summary : draco asked you to the yule ball, but someone beat him to it.

warning(s) : none that I’m aware of.

words : 1.3k

A/N : another reupload from my old blog. @lilyrachelcassidy is officially own this piece because she’s not just requested it, then, she was also the one who give it a fitting title AND the one who encourage me to reupload my old works here. hugs and kisses for her.

.

You’ve worried all your Slytherin pals by being unusually ecstatic all day. It’s very unlike you to be all happy and cheerful; they used to the scowl you always put on 24/7. Your antics began right after the lone study session in the library last night. Unbeknownst to them, you did not just change and being ridiculously joyful without reason. It’s hard to be so angry all the time with his word keep repeating on your mind. 

You’re prettier when you smile.

You coyly grin at the book in your hand from the memory.

“Well, I’m glad that you’re no longer a grumpy witch but you’re smiling every other minute at literally nothing is really concerning,” Draco from the couch across your seat stated.

You ignore his remark, letting Draco have his own train of thoughts and assumptions.

“Have anyone asked you to the yule ball? I don’t see anyone even glancing your way,” Draco continued after realising that you weren’t going to give him any satisfaction for his teasing by sending back some insult.

“Why? Have you? I’ve seen a bunch of girls cornering you in the hallway today,” you answered with a mocking grin.

Draco scoffed at the memory. “Cornering is an oversimplification, they tried to suffocate me to death,”

You laughed at his exaggerated answer. During a normal day when you didn’t just asked by a professional quidditch player to be his date to a stupid ball, Draco’s over-dramatic nature always successfully brought a smile to your face.

“You haven’t answered my question,” he noted, you lift your eyes from the page you’re trying to read.

“What was it again?” 

“Have you got any date to the yule-ball?” Draco repeated his question without his initial addition of teasing remark.

You snorted, “Why? Would you ask me to be your date or something?”

“Well,” he shrugged, “We could go together, if you want,” he proposed almost nonchalantly. 

Your mouth agape at his proposal. That was not what you expected at all; you thought he was just going to mess with you like he always did, or maybe it is. You smiled knowingly before breaking into a fit of laugh after you deduced that Draco, indeed, was just fooling around. Draco looking up from his parchment, gobsmacked by your response.

“I’m serious,” he grumbled, effectively shut your laughter.

“Oh,” is the only thing you could say.

“Is that a yes? No?” Draco attempted to appear casual, but you still could see the slightest hint of nervousness in his tone.

“I’ve got a date, Draco,” you informed him apologetically. “I’m sorry, I didn’t think you would –“ you rushed to explain yourself when you notice his usually pale face tinted with a pink crimson in the cheek, gave away his true feeling regarding the situation.

“It’s fine, I could ask Daphne or Pansy,” he cut you off, trying to appear indifferent, even though you still could see the signs of his embarrassment on his pale face.

If you knew Draco Malfoy would ask you to be his date to the yule ball, you surely wouldn’t accept Victor Krum’s offer last night. You wouldn’t care even if he was a professional quidditch player. Hell, you wouldn’t careless even if he was a prime minister. It’s Draco Malfoy – your long-time crush, asking you out. You never consider Draco would ever ask you; he had a dozen of girls practically throwing themselves at him. If only you could be a bit more patient and take your time a bit before just hastily gave Krum a yes in fear that you wouldn’t get to be asked by anyone else. Times like this, made you regret not taking divination seriously.

“Who’s the lucky gent, if I may know?” Draco asked, sound genuinely curious.

“Krum,” you mumbled, still regretting your decision.

“Victor Krum?” you nodded sheepishly, “Is that why you’ve been smiling like you just won a million galleon?” you smiled when a hint of tease in his tone reappeared.

You simply shrug, Draco smiled before saying “Have fun with the popular guy, then,”

You doubt it would be more fun knowing you just blow your chance to go with Draco Malfoy.

.

Krum, you must admit, has a quite decent fashion choice tonight. No, it’s not actually his fashion choice because it was a uniform. All Durmstrang boys wear the same velvety red robes and that had caused you nearly mistook some random Durmstrang boy for him. It was nice; you dance with him along with the other three champions for opening. Krum isn’t much of a talker, therefore you’re the one often initiating conversation.

The task was quite hard with your mind always shouting for you to glance over Draco who eventually took Pansy as his date. He looked dashing with the black robe he was wearing; he didn’t do anything too revolutionary with his hair now that his mother isn’t here to scold him to brush his hair neatly aside. 

It wasn’t even midnight when Krum obligated to be back to his Durmstrang ship, something about training for the tournament. He offered to walk you back to your common room, you refused. Instead, you found yourself climbing the stairs to the astronomy tower. 

You are welcomed by a mop of platinum blonde hair during your arrival. Draco glancing behind his shoulder when he hears your footsteps, he sent a soft smile when he noticed it was you coming. You made your way in his direction to lean to the railing next to him.

“How’s your night?” you asked, glancing at him for a second.

“Uneventful,” Draco reluctantly answer. “How was yours?” he turned his head to meet your eyes.

“It’s alright,” you shrugged. “It could be better if I took someone else,” you gaze at the stars above, did not want to be met with his gaze.

“You look stunning,” he complimented.

“Thank you,” you mumbled sheepishly. “You aren’t looking too bad yourself,”

“Did you kiss him?” Draco who had his eyes on the sky asked very casually as if he was just asking about tonight’s weather.

“What? No,” you replied, stunned by his blunt, unexpected question. “Why would you think that?” 

“I didn’t,” Draco looked at you once again, his dazzling eyes resembling the colour of the silvery moon, he looks absolutely breath-taking with the moonlight fell on his face. “That would be a long-life regret for me. Making you smile is one thing, but kissing you during this supposed eventful night would be abundant,”  

Your heart did a back-flip, “Why is that?”

Draco gave you a look before chuckled incredulously at your question. “I know you’re not the brightest witch on our year, but I think you should figure it all out by now,” you couldn’t decide whether you should be offended or keep anticipating for his next words “I fancy you, Y/N,”

You fight the urge to break a smile so hard, but it was unbearable with how soft his eyes looking at you. “Well, I got news for you. I fancy you too,”

He breath out in relief, his lips stretched into a smile. He pulled you closer by your waist, fingers run across your cheek, and he leaned in until his mouth is right next to your ear. “I want to kiss you stupid right now but it did not feel quite right because you just took someone else as your date, who is way more popular than I am,” he whispered.

“Your pride couldn’t take that, eh?” you jeeringly said, resulting in his scoff. “Don’t worry, you could be my date for the rest of the ball I have to attend in my entire life, then. You could kiss me in next ball if you wish,”

“I couldn’t wait that long!” he exclaimed, “What if I’ll kiss you first thing tomorrow in the morning?” Draco offered.

“Deal,” you answer immediately, barely giving it any second thought.

You wouldn’t get any sleep with how excited you were waiting for the morning to come.

[panda-writes-kpop]

Dreamcatcher - When You Start The "Who Loves Who More Argument" With Them

A/N: Hi guys, girls, and non-binary pearls! I hope you all are doing super well. 💗 I got inspired after watching some TikToks with the same sort of concept, so I decided to put it into written form! I also switched to banners, so let me know how you like them and if the font is readable too!

TW: None!

♡ Masterlist ♡

- Very amused, she willingly participates in this "argument" with you

- "No, Y/N, I love you more!"

- It's partially because she loves showering you with love and affection…

- And it's also partially because it usually ends with you two snuggled up together while sharing lots and lots of kisses

- I mean, if this is what your arguments are going to look like, JiU will not be complaining!

- Takes this as a challenge - there's no way that you love her more than she loves you!

- "Baby, I don't think you have a clue about how much I love you!"

- Will not let this go until you call her the victor

- Is not below starting a tickle fight in order to win

- "Who loves who more? …That's what I thought, Y/N."

- Very confused… why are you arguing about who loves who more? Don't you love each other equally?

- "Huh? Why are you saying that you love me more…?"

- Then she gets that you're trying to joke and flirt with her, and then she's all game!

- Accidentally wins by flustering you past the point of being able to speak proper words. It's up to you to decide if her cute side or her hot side ends up taking you out.

- "I won, right? Let's go get something to eat - it'll be my treat since I love you so much!"

- A little flustered when you first start claiming that you love her more, but she quickly manages to flip your argument on its head.

- "No, Y/N, that's not right. I love you more because you are my favorite person in the world, and there's nobody I'd rather be with than you."

- Will not listen to anything else you have to say, even if you argue with her past this point.

- She'll just repeat the same saying over and over again until you give up on arguing.

- "I'm right, and you're wrong. End of discussion. :)"

- Yoohyeon sees this as an absolute win for either of you. She gets all of your love and praise, and then she gets to give it back? Ugh, this is the stuff she's dreamed of!

- Being a romantic at heart, she pulls out all of the sweet and corny phrases to woo you.

- "You're sweeter than sugar, Y/N!"

- Won't let the argument go - even if a winner has been declared. It'll be, like, three years later and she'll still talk about how she loves you more than you love her.

- "You know that I love you soooo much, right?" Yoohyeon says while wearing a wedding ring on her finger as she stands in the middle of your shared apartment.

- A light, loving smile appears on her face when you first start to declare how much you love her, but it doesn't take long for her to get wrapped up in the argument as well.

- Dami can't logic her way out of this one, sadly, so she'll have to find another way to win this one… as if she's complaining about it.

- After you finish talking, she pulls you into her arms and press a soft kiss to your temple before whispering into your ear

- "Darling, I love you much more than you will ever know."

- She then backs away with an innocent look on her face as you try and eventually fail to put together a successful rebuttal that could top her attempt.

- She pouts and is upset that you won't let her win.

- "Yah, you know I love you more!! Why won't you let me spoil you, honey?"

- Won't stop being upset until you admit that, yes indeed, Gahyeon loves you more than you love her.

- Then she's all smiles and kisses as Gahyeon confesses how much she loves and adores you!

- "Y/N, I can't believe I'm lucky enough to call you 'mine'! Isn't that amazing?"

[perhaps-in-anotherdream]

[CN] Victor’s Luck Date (Eng Translation)

⌚Warning⌚ This post contains detailed spoilers for a date, 运气之约, that is yet to be released in the global server! ♡

[Translation Under The Cut]

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

–

✧ [Chapter 1] ✧

Except for the rhythmic sound of pages being turned and the low humming noise of the Fresh Air System, the office is extremely quiet.

Staring at Victor, who is reviewing the proposal, I make a deliberate effort as I tuck my hair behind my ear and wink at him.

MC: CEO Victor, have you noticed... anything special about today?

Victor: You mean...

Victor’s gaze subtly fixates itself on my face as though he’s realized something.

Victor: This proposal you’ve handed in requires my special attention?

MC: ...

Taken aback, I smirk in haste and gesture for him to “continue.”

MC: No no. Please continue guessing on general grounds, CEO Victor!

Regardless of whether I fiddle with the green leaves at hand now and then, or repeatedly smooth the fur of the rug with the tip of my shoe – he remains motionless as a mountain as he goes through the document.

Finally, he slowly closes the file, pushing it toward me.

Victor: There aren’t any major problems.

Victor: Just revise it according to the annotations.

MC: ...okay.

I pick up the file and turn around. But I still slow down my pace, glancing back at the person behind every three steps I walk, reluctant.

It’s not until I’ve walked to the front of the door that I hear a familiar sigh drifting from behind me.

Victor: Go on, what’s the good thing that’s happened?

YES!

I run back at a brisk pace and lean down joyfully, getting myself at eye level with him.

MC: Take a guess?

Victor: You’ve found a great restaurant?

MC: Is my image of only thinking about food in your eyes?

Victor: Hmm... does your horoscope show you’re going to have excellent luck?

MC: ...while that’s indeed something worth being happy about, don’t you find that my happiness today is very palpable and very weighty?

Victor: [keeps teasing her LOL] The proposal passed in one go.

MC: Victor! That’s undue!

Not saying a word, Victor slightly arches his eyebrows, and I can’t help but sway his arm.

MC: Guess again, guess again~

He sighs a little helplessly, pressing his palm gently against the back of my hand.

Victor: Come on, say it. What on earth is it that has made you so happy?

Seeing how “sincere” he is, I don’t have the heart to keep the suspense any longer and lift my chin with utter complacency.

MC: Dear Mr. Victor, I now invite you to join me in an ultra-luxurious picnic––

I lean in front of him as I speak and can’t help but rock my head, immensely pleased with myself.

MC: Because I...

MC: HAVE! WON! THE! LOTTERY!

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

✧ [Chapter 2] ✧

MC: Victor, I think the look in your eyes wounds me a little.

MC: I don’t see any hint of excitement in them. Instead, there’s a little bit of indifference and a teensy bit of disdain.

I clutch the seat belt in front of me, looking at Victor indignantly.

At the same time, he smoothly turns the steering wheel, and a large expanse of fresh, verdant greenery crashes into our horizon.

Victor: It’s been several days.

Victor: Only a dummy like you can keep harping on it until now.

MC: It’s winning the lottery!

Victor: Even if the prize is only 500 yuan?

–

[Anika’s Notes]: Victor that’s like $70, that’s one top-up SSR + SR right there😂🫣

–

I can’t help but choke, but quickly nod vigorously.

MC: The important point is the 500 yuan! It represents hard-earned luck!

MC: Don’t underestimate the 500 yuan. It perfectly covers this luxurious picnic!

Victor: That’s truly a “great deal.”

Victor: So this “precious and lucky” 500 yuan has been spent?

I perk up the space between my brows and stroke the bag on my lap with a cherishing touch.

MC: Of course not. I’ve already got that 500 yuan nicely framed. How could I possibly spend the good luck!

MC: Naturally, I spent another 500 yuan.

Although he doesn’t respond, I still vaguely hear a soft chuckle.

The street scene outside glistens like an oil painting in the sunlight. Suddenly, I think of something and hurriedly sit up straight.

MC: Victor, have I yet told you that Kiki was the one who gave me the lottery ticket?

Victor: Just said it for the second time half an hour ago.

Not willing to resign myself, I purse the corners of my lips.

MC: I’m sure there are still some details I haven’t told you yet.

MC: Our company held a picnic during the team building activity last week. That day, Kiki gave me the public welfare lottery ticket she had bought randomly.

MC: Just when I was about to fill in some numbers, it accidentally dropped to the ground...!

It seems to be a red light as the car suddenly stops. Immediately afterward, Victor turns his head and sighs.

Victor: Then a little black cat which was passing by stepped on it several times.

Victor: And the 500 yuan you won happens to be the exact number it stepped on.

MC: It seems that you’ve remembered it all very well!

Victor: ...I’ve heard the story of this dummy winning the lottery no less than five times.

Victor: If you continue chattering about this without restraint, today’s picnic will be canceled.

Faced with this “Victor-style” threat, I don’t panic one bit and lightly tap my fingertips against my thigh.

MC: Nope, it won’t be. You already said that yesterday, but you didn’t cancel it...

The next second, he turns the steering wheel, and the car seems to be taking an angle for turning around.

MC: I won’t say anymore, won’t say anymore! I promise it was the last time just now!

He laughs softly, shooting a glance toward the car screen. I follow closely, only to find that the navigation actually shows a U-turn at this intersection...

Damn it. I got bamboozled again.

–

Navigation: You’ve reached the destination. The route guidance is now finished.

As I listen to the electronic sound, I hurriedly look out of the window, and a large emerald, green lawn charges into my line of sight, with three or five tents already standing straight in the shades of the trees in the distance.

Victor: The campsite you’ve chosen, I believe, is the one where you guys had your team building the last time.

In the face of Victor’s inquiry carrying with it a certainty, I grin and unbuckle my seat belt, open the car door and step out.

MC: Hehe, please open the trunk first, CEO Victor~

Very soon, Victor and I walk deeper into the camp carrying the bags of picnic items.

However, my eyes glance towards the underbrush from time to time. But aside from the shadows cast by the grass on the ground, everything is extremely hushed.

Could it be that it’s not here right now?

As I’m thinking this, the footsteps next to me suddenly halt.

Victor: We’ve been walking for so long. Have you still not chosen the spot you like yet?

Only now do I return to my senses and take in the surroundings. I wonder if Victor has intentionally reminded me or not, but the camp scenery in front of us is very nice.

MC: It’s excellent here. Let’s settle here!

I take out the picnic mat, grab hold of the two corners with both hands, and spread it out with a vigorous upward motion. A light pink canvas drops on the grass in a leisurely flow.

MC: Plates, forks, sandwiches, cookies…

After laying out the basic elements on the mat, a rustling sound suddenly drifts from the underbrush not far away.

I follow after the sound of the green leaves gently quivering in the sunlight.

The grass soon grows more and more in volume. Then, a round, familiar black head suddenly pops out, blinking at me adorably.

The corners of my lips are instantly lifted–– it’s the little black cat of fortune that stepped on my lottery ticket!

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

✧ [Chapter 3] ✧

MC: Victor, check it out! It’s the little black cat that I met on the day of the team building!

I lower my voice and tug at Victor, who is still busy sorting out the ingredients. He puts down the little tomato in his hand and casts his gaze following my fingertips.

Victor: How can you be sure it’s the one?

MC: It has that same light coffee-colored check-patterned collar on. You can’t miss that!

Victor: You’ve always had a good memory when it comes to having fun.

MC: …you never miss on quipping about me either.

I give him a feigned glare and promptly fish out a small food box from the picnic bag, from which I take out a freeze-dried piece.

Victor: [acting as if he didn’t know already]  You’re so adequately equipped, as if you came prepared.

I pretend not to hear his voice and shake the freeze-dried piece at the little black cat.

MC: Hi! Remember me?

The little black cat immediately sniffs and looks up at the sound, meowing softly.

Seeing that it doesn’t appear to be much on guard, I persistently shake the freeze-dried piece in my hand.

The little black cat bobs its head up and down following the movement, then slowly walks over to the side of my leg and gives me a soft nuzzle with its head.

MC: You’re so obedient~ This freeze-dried piece is yours.

It bites down on the freeze-dried piece, eating it all up very quickly. Then, it walks over to Victor, nuzzling him gently.

MC: HAHAHA, it seems to be hinting for you to give it a freeze-dried piece.

Victor takes the freeze-dried piece from my hand. While he’s feeding it little by little, I take a careful look at its appearance.

MC: It should be a stray cat from around here, right? Probably because we were too many people here last time, so it was given a scare. It disappeared right after stepping on it.

MC: I really didn’t expect that I’d actually be able to see it again!

Victor: This cat must be a domestic cat of a neighboring household.

Victor: Its collar is clean, and its fur is soft, unlike a stray cat.

I gently stroke its head with my hand. It does feel very soft to the touch.

MC: You’re right! It’s just like Pudding, and also looks very lustrous.

After feeding it, Victor stands up, picks up the tomatoes again, and heads toward the water tap next to the camp to wash them.

Victor: A cat like this should be accustomed to going out at regular intervals.

Victor: After it has played long enough, it will naturally return home.

As I listen to the sound of water running behind me, I rub the little black cat’s cheek, moving a little closer affectionately.

MC: It hadn’t occurred to me that you actually ran away from home, Your Majesty!

MC: However, I’m grateful to you for letting me win the lottery! Therefore, I’m going to offer you food to express my gratitude.

As soon as the words are out of my mouth, the sound of water running behind me stops.

Victor: [sulking]  Isn’t this the ultra-luxurious picnic I have been cordially invited to attend?

Victor: [sulking]  Or am I just a casual attendee?

Though the words are light and don’t seem to carry any emotion in them, they cause my back to tighten up with a jolt. Smirking, I turn around at once.

MC: How could that be, CEO Victor!

MC: Both of you are important. Come, come, come, CEO Victor, please~

I promptly rush over to take the little tomatoes from him and push on his back, getting him back to the dining table in the camp.

Victor: Very quick to offer your keen attention, I see.

MC: It’s my wholly devoted sincerity!

MC: You must know, the person standing in front of me right now is the bestest of the best CEO Victor in the world, and my “God of Fortune.”

MC: So you two can only rest and relax, have fun and enjoy the scenery. I’ll be in charge of concocting the feast!

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

✧ [Chapter 4] ✧

Although the words are out, Victor and I are clearly worlds apart in our culinary talents. The salad ingredients in my hands have all been cut up in uneven shapes…

I sigh surreptitiously and can’t help but cast glances at Victor as I put the sliced tomatoes on the plate.

Victor: Need some help?

MC: Why do you say that? I’m just checking to see if CEO Victor is resting well enough…

Victor: And what if I say it’s not going well enough?

Wrinkling nose in indignation though I am, I immediately open the bottle of fruit juice next to me and hand it to him with a wry smile.

MC: In that case, I must ask CEO Victor to quench his thirst.

He takes the fruit juice but doesn’t bring it to his lips. Instead, he inserts a straw and brings it to my mouth.

Victor: You’d better take good care of yourself first.

Victor: Your mouth is dry.

Warmth surges through my heart. I purse my lips and take a few sips, feeling the trace of sweetness spread from my mouth to my entire body.

MC: I feel full of energy now!

I’m just about to roll up my sleeves when a reaction suddenly comes over me, and I stop in my motion, looking at Victor.

MC: Wait a sec, isn’t this the routine of you capitalists? Giving people a little bit of sweetness so that we work hard without complaints?

Victor: You’re quite good at making associations.

Victor: Clearly, it’s a certain someone who is being insistent on trying to be brave, and now it’s my fault?

Even though he says this, he is leaning against the table with his appearance of remaining calm in the hour of peril, one hand still absent-mindedly stroking the little black cat’s head.

The little black cat affectionately nuzzles against Victor’s fingers, as obedient as if it were Victor’s cat.

This entire picture is simply a hundred percent capitalist behavior.

MC: …humph, that’s fine. Industrious people are never too unlucky. The harder you work, the luckier you get!

MC: Maybe, I will win a lottery again next time!

Even though it has been several days since I won the lottery, the sense of surprise and excitement it has brought me still hasn’t dissipated.

I watch the little black cat wagging its tail, picking up the vegetables while speaking with emotion.

MC: Little black cat, I wonder if your owner knows you’re so lucky.

MC: If you were our cat…

Victor: Every day, you’d let it step on the lottery tickets you bought?

Having my thoughts predicted so accurately by him, I only laugh gleefully, not stopping the movement of my hand.

The glistening water droplets on the washed leaves sway along with the cool breeze, prompting the little black cat to stretch out its paw.

Victor wordlessly carries the little black cat, which has started to become restless, to a table slightly farther away. Then, he shifts closer to me and lays the vegetables I’ve picked on the side.

Victor: Some people may not win 500 yuan even once in their lifetime.

There seems to be laughter laced within his voice, causing me not to want to retort for a moment.

Victor: Luck is nothing more than an appendage.

Victor: It will only knock at your door when you act purely without selfish motives or distractions.

Victor: So, whether it’s a person or an object, it works in the same way.

MC: Indeed. It may also be an encouragement for me to make great efforts~

I smile at the little black cat and am about to continue washing the fruits and vegetables when I realize I’ve been holding chicken liver that cats like in my hand at some point.

And aside, Victor is already skillfully frying the chicken breasts, the delicate aroma of meat partnered with pepper and salt rushing into my nasal cavities.

It appears that we’ve unwittingly switched places with each other while we were chatting…

In a daze, I cast my stare at Victor, and his gaze is also projected on me at the exact moment.

Victor: If we wait for you to finish cooking, I’m afraid others will be preparing for tomorrow’s breakfast by then.

MC: …I call this “fine products come from slow work.”

Victor: The weird shapes you’ve pieced just now, need me to show them to you again?

MC: No need…

Pouting, I walk up to the little black cat holding the chicken liver in my hand and watch it with my head lowered as it combs its fur.

MC: “God of Luck,” before the feast is ready, let’s try the appetizer first, shall we?

However, as soon as I bring the chicken liver to the little black cat’s mouth, it immediately puts down its raised leg and follows the aroma to my hand.

It finishes the piece of chicken liver, licks its lips, and continues staring at me.

MC: If you still want more, we can have another piece.

As I take out a new piece of chicken liver, I suddenly notice that the little black cat has been staring at my hand the whole time, not averting its gaze for even a second.

MC: That gluttonous, huh?

I lift the chicken liver in the air to sound out and find that the little black cat raises its front paws in response, trying to pull it off.

Seeing this scene, the thought of pulling a prank suddenly jumps into my mind.

Thereupon, I slowly lean toward Victor, and the little black cat also follows the chicken liver onto the dining table.

Seeing that the distance is good enough, I immediately lift my hand high and hold the chicken liver in front of Victor.

It seems as though my movements have given it a quickening nudge. The little black cat, which was already all revved up, instantly lifts its paws and crawls them over Victor’s body.

Victor: …

He doesn’t seem to have anticipated this scenario as he subconsciously leans back a little, causing the salad bowl in his hand to tilt slightly.

Looking at how the fringes resting over his forehead conceal the rarely-seen unsettled countenance, I can’t restrain myself from laughing up my sleeves.

MC: Victor, let my “God of Luck” shroud over you too.

MC: Remember to thank me when you win the lottery~

The next second, Victor’s gaze fixates itself straight on me.

Not giving him a chance to say anything, I immediately escape from the crime scene carrying the little black cat in my arms and sit back down on the picnic mat.

Victor: A certain someone runs off quite fast.

Victor: But do you think you can escape just like that?

The tone of voice carrying utter calmness rings out unhurriedly from behind me, and I pretend as if I haven’t heard him as I arrange the plates one by one.

MC: Ahem, the plates are all set. The only thing that’s missing is the big feast.

Victor: All puddings for this week are canceled.

Being hit in a soft spot like this, I promptly turn around, only to find myself crashing straight into Victor’s eyes that brim with smiles.

MC: I was clearly doing a good thing for you just now.

Victor: Good thing? Let’s double it then, as a thank you for your good deed.

MC: Hold on! Let’s make it three days! Three days!

MC: Let me help you tidy up the table first.

I turn back at once, smoothing out the crumpled tablecloth indignantly.

However, I seem to hear the sound of light laughter behind me, followed by a sizzling noise… the aroma of steak permeates the air boundlessly. It appears that a new dish is being prepared.

Looking at how the scenario in front of me doesn’t require my help, I lock eyes with the little black cat curled up in the chair.

Since there’s nothing else to do…

I take something out of my pocket that I have prepared in advance–– a lottery ticket, and place it in front of the little black cat’s paws.

MC: God of Luck…

With my voice lowered, I turn around to look at Victor’s figure from behind and make sure that he is still busy, before turning back and tapping at the lottery ticket.

MC: Please step on it for me again.

–

A week later. I’ve come to Victor’s office at the appointed time to hand over the weekly report.

The twilight outside the window darkens a little, and my heart also can’t help but dim a little along with it, until I hear the sound of the document being closed drifting to my ears.

Victor: You can start preparing to carry out this project.

MC: Okay…

Just as I pick up the document and turn to leave, a voice behind me instantly stops me by calling out to me.

Victor: Give it to me.

Puzzled, I turn back and find him sighing softly while holding out his hand to me.

MC: …what?

Victor: You had the little black cat step on the lottery ticket again last time.

Listening to his precisely accurate prediction of a statement, I find myself rendered dumbfounded for a moment.

Victor: However, it wasn’t a success this time.

MC: Sob sob, don’t hurt me now.

Victor: Give me the lottery ticket.

Pouting, I hand the failed lottery ticket in my pocket to him.

The next second, he stands up, clasps my hand tightly in his, and walks out.

MC: Victor...?

He turns his head sideways, his half-lidded eyes seeming to hide a peal of laughter.

Victor: Consider that you’ve won the prize.

Victor: Now, let’s go redeem it.

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

📞 Call and Moments: In Progress

-

[Anika’s Thoughts, feel free to ignore haha]

—

[forabeatofadrum]

Thank you @cerriddwenluna for the tag.

Rules: List your "top 10" (or up to 10 if you haven't written that many) fics ranked by kudos on AO3. Are you surprised by what's most popular to your readers? Then, under a cut, provide your ranking of your personal top 10 fics (with explanations if you want!), and then tag a few fellow writers!

I admit I didn’t know if I should do the top 10 for Glee fics only, since that’s the fandom we share, or all my fics, so, uh, I did both.

Top 10 According to Readers, Glee Edition:

Myosotis sylvatica (73,167 words) - 151

I’m still alive and I’m still getting love (20,782 words) - 149

Mendacious (27,179 words) - 136

All the pretty things that we could be (70,071 words) - 113

Everything changed (2,642 words) - 113  

I really, really like you (1,575 words) - 107

I’d cry a river just for you (30,541 words) - 106

The Critic (5,322 words) - 92

Ik was meteen ondersteboven. (1,544 words) - 87

It's about time (19,183 words) - 81

I am not surprised about the first 4. I’m still alive is actually a Brittana fic and for a very long time it was indeed my most kudo’d Glee fic, which surprised me. I was aware of this because ironically that is the only fic that ever got a nasty comment, so it was kind of funny to me. “This is so stupid”, babe, people clearly don’t agree. Everything changed is also a crossover with Check, Please!, but I suppose it counts since it is still a Glee fic. Apart from that, all I can say is that I hoped River fic was a bit higher which leads to:

My Top 10 Glee fics:

I’d cry a river just for you (lol)

All the pretty things that we could be

Mysotis series (I always see the 5 parts as one whole, even though sylvatica is the main one)

Mendacious

Barking Up The Wrong Bakery

Ljubim te (yes, it is still a WIP)

Seven am

Anyway series (even though I haven’t reread that one in years)

It’s about time

aap noot mies

I guess it is kind of sad that I struggled with this list after no. 5 😬. Like, I literally sat here going “uhhhh.... aap noot mies, I guess? Kinda? Hmmm.”

There’s just a lot of older stuff that I don’t really remember. I’m sure they’re fine and that I will like them if I reread them. I only knew of two fics that I definitely did not want on the list, but most of the 68 fics are just kind of “in limbo”.

And also I gotta say that no. 1 to 4 kind of share a spot. Those are just my fave fics that I have written and I do not want to pit these bad bitches against each other but alas 😔. I put River fic on one because I feel like that one is the best in “technical” sense. All the pretty things was a fucking experience. So was Myosotis and I loved the universe I created for it. And Mendacious challenged me. If they are no. 1, then Bakery fic is no. 2 because it amused me so much.

Anyway, moving on...

Top 10 According to Readers, All of It:

Everything will be alright (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) (2,566 words) - 626

All shall know the wonder (Check Please!) (11,869 words) - 470

The last to know (Check Please!) (2,579 words) - 467

How lucky we are to be alive right now (Carry On) (1,625 words) - 414

Times are hard for dreamers (Check Please!) (4,595 words) - 285

A rip in time (Whoniverse) (67,972 words) - 249      

Seal the darkness (Carry On) (3,396 words) - 247 

The 2020 Young America New Year’s Eve Gala (Red White & Royal Blue) (2,819 words) - 238

Mr. Grimm-Pitch and Mr. Snow, In The Library, With a Snog (Carry On) (2,877 words) - 231

Feel on top of the world (Check Please!) (917 words) - 212

Okay. Woah. Good thing I split the categories because I genuinely had no idea Glee isn’t in my top 10. I am shook. Myosotis sylvatica is on no. 14! A Love, Victor fic has more kudos than my Glee fics. I didn’t even like Love, Victor which is why I wrote fix-its and missing scenes for it! Not gonna lie, this kind of saddens me. Or maybe sadden is too harsh. I don’t know. It makes me feel something. Glee is my main and my longest fandom (not counting Winx Club) (I will write that Winx Club/Glee crossover fic one day that is a threat) (to me).

I knew that the B99 was the most kudo’d because it accompanied a post that I made on Tumblr and that one also got a lot of notes. I’m happy All shall know the wonder is on no. 2 because I love that one. I am still so amused by people liking my Doctor Who clusterfuck. How lucky we are to be alive right now was my first Carry On fic and it definitely no longer represents how I write for this fandom, so the fact that it’s the most-well known (which I also knew) gives me mixed feelings because on one hand I look back on it with fondness in an “awww look at that wee baby” feeling, but on the other hand I’m like “please, read my later stuff”.

Speaking of the later stuff:

My Top 10 Non-Glee fics:

Paradiso series (Carry On)

All shall know the wonder (Check, Please!)

Time After Time (Carry On)

make a fire out of this flame (Carry On)

The Naked Truth (Carry On)

There’s nothing ironic about show choir (Carry On)

Times are hard for dreamers (Check, Please!)

My rose-coloured boy (Carry On)

The 2020 Young America New Year’s Eve Gala (Red, White & Royal Blue)

The Sarah Jane Extended Universe (The Sarah Jane Adventures)

Does SJAEU even count? It’s not even a fic! But my fucking God I love my SJAEU. If it does not count, swap it with Call Me Maybe (Carry On). I am not surprised that my Carry On and Check, Please! fics make up most of the list, since apart from Glee, those are the fandoms I’ve written the most for. Carry On has definitely taken over, though, so what I said for Glee also applies to Check, Please!: there are some fics that I probably really like but it’s been a while since I read them (*cough*Midnight confessions*cough*). But yeah as I mentioned, my most kudo’d Carry On fic is my first. I am not surprised that Mr. Grimm-Pitch and Mr. Snow is my second highest kudo’d one for that fandom, because I love that one, but I just love other fics more. But even then, if I look at my personal top 10 I do feel like all of them were well-received (apart from SJAEU, but I don’t expect it to get a lot of hits since it is super niche, and My rose-coloured boy which is in my eyes my most underappreciated fic in Carry On, like, come on, it’s only 891 words long!) and I always love it when people kudo and comment on my fics.

Reader appreciation moment!!! Weeeeeh ✨✨✨

Since I feel like this challenge is already spreading among the Klainers, lemme tag some Snowbazzians (I am keeping that term): @facewithoutheart @martsonmars @artsyunderstudy @captain-aralias @cutestkilla

[min-jpg]

can i request zhongli , kaeya and xiao with a fem!s/o that comes from an extremely rich family and the boys get kidnapped and held for ransom and then out of nowhere their s/o comes and beats the group of people that kidnapped the boys , gracefully😋😋

Note: we stan a baddie s/o! Anyways, enjoy the drabbles with a word count averaging 0.5k for each character :) I'll make the setting at an abandoned warehouse, classic

---

Kidnapped Genshin Boys x Fem Rich!reader pt.1

Part 2 (Childe, Diluc, Kazuha)

Characters: Kaeya, Xiao, Zhongli

Genre: fluff, established relationship, some woman kicking ass action, (TW: mentions of blood and violence)

---

KAEYA

Your boyfriend would deliberately act like a damsel in distress with no fighting aptitudes. Exaggerating his emotions to fabricate fear, he voluntarily let himself be held hostage, thinking they caught an easy target. Kaeya went along with his abductors' antics because he intends to bring them down once they reach the hideout.

While they were camping in the warehouse, Kaeya was not worried at the slightest. These people were no vision bearers, just mere greedy criminals that do not know who they were messing with.

Kaeya is aware of how affluent you and your family are. He already anticipated something similar to happen one day. Lowly tactics like these do not budge him at all, especially his unyielding loyalty towards you. As if the Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonious would be shaken by something as childish as this.

While he was improvising a plan in his mind, one of the men yelled, "Intruder!"

They all assembled at the source, but glanced at each other in confusion, "Intruder? Where?"

While an altercation sparked between them about the unseen intruder, their attention successfully diverted away from Kaeya. Thus, using the containers and blind spots to your advantage, you sneaked your way towards your boyfriend. While freeing Kaeya from the ropes that bound him to the chair, you giggled as well, "Are you lost, baby boy?"

Your unexpected appearance left him stunned, but it was a pleasant surprise, "Lost in those eyes, baby girl." He smirked back. By the time you finished, the men realized that the intruder was you.

Now that you are actually here, Kaeya's concerns began sprouting because he wanted to ensure your safety first before carrying out his plan since your arrival was not formulated in it.

You fueled his worries when you stepped forward towards the group. You dropped the bag you carried along in front of them, "Here. You wanted the money right? Take it."

"Well, that wasn't so hard." The gung ho group laughed boisterously among themselves, the leader leaning down to pick up the bag. You swung your foot, landing a clean kick on his face which caused him to stumble back. He pressed his nose, blood trickled down, "You-"

You refused to let him finish by sending another vigorous kick, this time at the center of his stomach, causing him to hunch as he grabbed onto his stomach and surpassing his coughs. To finish it off, you plunged your elbow down the back of his head and connected with an uppercut. The force was strong enough to send their leader flying back and never stood up again, completely knocked out.

The rest of the gang blinked. It was not even a fight. You took him down with only a few moves, barely breaking a sweat.

"You guys want some more? Or just take the money and leave us alone." You taunted them. They hustled along, grabbing the bag, and left their leader in the warehouse. Little did they know, the bag was not filled with money, but just some rocks to give it some weight.

Kaeya walked up behind you, clapping his hands, "That was superb, babe. I didn't know you were such a fighter." Needless to say, Kaeya is so proud of you and praised the way you executed your beautiful course of movements. He will also keep in mind to never mess with your temper too much in the future.

XIAO

Your boyfriend could take out all the adversaries he wanted to, driving them to regret that they wished they never premeditate this abduction. Unfortunately, his hands are tied because the group threatened that harm would come your way instead if he did not comply with their demands.

"You just have to sit here until your girlfriend bails you out. I'm sure she has some extra cash to blow to save you."

You did warn Xiao beforehand that similar incidents happened in the past and it is bound to occur again, to which he glazed over as a simple matter since he is confident with his combat experiences. But you did not explain how the incidents were settled. Xiao did not know that you have the capability to defend yourself, so obviously he reluctantly listened to them to protect you.

If they were to resort to hurting anyone, Xiao would rather have them hurt him instead if it meant they could spare you. He will never forgive them or himself if they even attempt to graze a single strand of your hair.

While worrying for your safety, he heard one of the men shouting a yelp, but it got cut off as his body fell, passing out cold on the ground.

The group huddled together, "Who's there?!" Their eyes darted around to search for the one responsible.

While they were bewildered, you jumped down from one of the containers at the warehouse, sending your knee flying directly towards one of the members to knock him down. In a kneeling position to pin the person below in place, you sent a swift strike to his neck, making him faint. As you stood up, the gang and also Xiao all looked at your abrupt appearance with wide eyes.

Glaring at the men in front of you, "Now, if any of you touched my boyfriend, one doctor visit wouldn't suffice." Without giving them any time to react or respond, your palm curled into a fist, dashing forward to begin taking them down one by one with your nimble feet.

Your calculative movements were sharp and precise, leaving no opening for your foes to attack. As the battle proceeded, your hair flowed gracefully behind along with your bold actions. Although Xiao was itching to help, he only managed to stare at you in awe, marveled by your bravery and poise stance that showed no weakness.

Before you both knew it, the fight ended with you emerging victorious.

You ran over to Xiao to free him immediately, "Oh archons! Xiao, are you okay?" Caressing his cheeks, you frantically inspected his face for any external injuries. Those men will face your wrath if they did anything to him.

Xiao was still processing what happened, his pupils fixed at you, lips parting, "That was really... amazing of you." He wanted to tell you that you looked so gorgeous that it made him breathless, but kept his mouth sealed after. For now, he enjoys the sensation of your hands that were used to unleash such fury now stroking his face so lovingly. It is also worth mentioning that Xiao has a new profound respect for your charming side that he never knew of.

ZHONGLI

Your boyfriend maintained a tranquil state of mind when he was kidnaped. Not portraying any signs of retaliation or profound panic, it even caused the group to be unnerved with how silent Zhongli behaved.

While held hostage, the head of the abduction blabbered about how they intend to lure you here, exploiting you through Zhongli's situation for some quick money grab.

Upon hearing that, Zhongli's eyebrows twitched in a displeased manner, "So you'd rather take advantage of someone for money instead of working for it? Don't you have any dignity left?"

"Obviously! If there's an easy way to earn money, who wouldn't want to partake? Someone as sheltered and rich as your girlfriend will never understand. Don't act like you never took money from her." They ridiculed his righteous morales by bringing you in the conversation, implying Zhongli only dated you for your status.

Zhongli leaned back against the chair with an inscrutable demeanor on his face. He knew that surely someone would point out the disparity in social status between you and him. But, if they thought he only valued your wealth and nothing else, then he will have to disappoint them.

"Oh, I'm very lucky to have a wealthy partner. Something you will never understand, yes? That's why you turn to disagreeable schemes such as this." Zhongli stalled time by making mindless talks with the leader.

Not appreciating Zhongli's remark, the leader raised his arm, ready to swing at full force to land a hit, except you obstructed him. Appearing out of thin air, you found your way towards Zhongli and held a tenacious grip on the man's arm from behind before he could potentially scar your boyfriend's precious face.

The group was alarmed by your arrival and the way you constrained their leader's strike. Applying even more force to twist his arm, you contorted his limb. It caused him to arch his back and bawled in pain as he attempted to wriggle his arm out of your grasp. In contrast, you reinforced your strength and kicked the back of his knees.

Once you let go, everyone watched him squirmed in agony on the ground with your grip leaving a red imprint on his arm. Turning your head towards Zhongli, you sent him a cheeky wink, "You're one lucky man indeed."

Now channeling your attention at the group, "Who's next?"

The group charged towards you, assertive that their strengths in numbers will have more odds in winning against you, a woman who stood alone.

Thus, to prove them wrong, not only did you beat their egos to pulps, but also the entire gang. Keeping a composed manner, your limbs carried your movement with great finesse and elegance. You dodged and blocked every incoming attack, never allowing them to get a clean hit on you. Your presence dominated the flow of the battle.

Eventually, only one victor is appointed, that victor being you.

You walked back to Zhongli to untie him. You placed your hand on your hip, huffing your chest to stand proud, "How was that? Not only is your girlfriend rich, but also powerful."

Zhongli nodded in agreement, softly patting your hair as he watched you with affectionate eyes, "That was a remarkable performance to remember down the road. Guess I have a lot of things to learn about you." Although Zhongli is fully competent to defend himself if things went wrong, he found it absolutely charming of you to protect him. You were reckless, but he acknowledges your ability to fight so gracefully.

[generaloftheskeletonwar]

Secret santa gift for @kimchikit ! I'm sorry for this being so late, I hope you enjoy! https://www.finecooking.com/recipe/spicy-mexican-hot-chocolate The approximate recipe for Vlad Dracula Tepes's hot chocolate

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

Once upon a time, in a land far far away (or maybe not), there was a big castle. But while the castle was big, it did not have too many inhabitants. Only three, in fact. There was the beautiful Lisa, and there was the bright and sunny Adrian (6 years old! that’s very important for him!), and then there was Vlad Dracula Tepes, who, at the moment, was not beautiful, bright or sunny. He sighed as he opened his eyes and discovered what had woken him from his sleep. He had never been less surprised, but a small smile creeped on his face as he discovered Adrian sitting on his chest, his smile bright and his blonde hair worse than a bird’s nest. His heart was so full of love in that moment. His darling, his beautiful moonlight, his most precious treasure. “Papa! Papa! It’s snowing! It’s the first snow of the year! Papa, can you hear me? Papa, we need to go outside immediately!Papa!” demanded the boy. Vlad shook his head and sat Adrian on his lap as he sat up. He looked out of the window. Twilight. Sometimes a man has to be lucky.

“Adrian, darling, I’ve asked you to not wake me up before it’s night. But… If you go and get your mother from the library, we might be able to go outside.” “I already talked with her! She’s searching for my winter clothes, she told me to go and get you! Papa, let’s go!” His father sighed, but he picked Adrian up and went to find Lisa. They did, in fact, go outside, though not before Adrian was wearing three sweaters, two hats, a big red woolen scarf and blue woolen socks-all knit by Lisa. The boy was more wool than person at this point, but Vlad would not have him getting sick. The big fur boots he was wearing should help a bit too. The only annoyance was that Lisa had not allowed him to make the boy wear an enchanted necklace to keep him healthy.

Vlad took a deep breath as the three of them walked outside. The beginning of winter and a starry night, he could not imagine a more beautiful time. Well, both of his darlings being there made him even happier, of course. Adrian started to wiggle in his hold, and the the most powerful of vampires rolled his eyes before setting the little bundle of joy and wool down. A thick layer of snow was already coating the ground, and the boy managed to run a couple of steps before falling on his face. Both of his parents ran after him in worry, but the boy already continued to run, laughing in joy. “Papa!Mama! It’s snow! It’s fluffy and it’s so pretty! It’s sparkling!” A smile appeared on Lisa’s face. “Yes, Adrian, it is indeed beautiful. But my darling, do you know what else it is besides beautiful?” “What, mama?” “A weapon.” The most powerful of vampires turned to look at his wife, but that was a fatal mistake, as he was thrown with a rather large snowball. Calmly, he wiped the snow off, before shaking his head. “Woman, if you wished to declare war, you could have said so.” There was joy in Lisa’s eyes. “Adrian! Come and help me defeat evil!” And for the next half an hour, snowballs landed everywhere, and Vlad’s fancy,expensive cape imported from Turkey was ruined. He did not particularly mind, and finally, he just picked up his enemies, Lisa on one shoulder and Adrian on the other. “I give up, you won the war. Now, the victors deserve a prize, so perhaps, I might offer the both of you a cup of hot chocolate, and the youngest winner may choose a story from the fairytale book, which I shall humbly read.”

Lisa hummed. “We shall be satisfied with our reward.” Adrian nodded, and he was allowed to continue sitting on his father’s shoulder as he made the chocolate. “You see, Adrian, making good hot chocolate is very simple. You boil the goat milk and you add a bit of water. Then, you add some honey, and reach for the spices. First, we want a bit of cinnamon, and then, just the tiniest bit of cayenne. Some vanilla, a bit of paprika, and a good splash of heavy cream. And finally, you take a small spoon and let your taster see if you did everything just right. Is it good, moonlight?”

“It’s so good, papa!”cheered the boy. “Good.We shall take your mother a cup too now, and then, I shall read the story.” “Mhmm!” And minutes later, the little family sat in front of the fireplace. Adrian was on Lisa’s lap, holding his wolf plushie tight, his smile still bright as he looked at his papa. “And which story might I offer the good sir?” asked Vlad. “Piggy! Pig story!” demanded the boy immediately. It took his father a few seconds to understand what he meant, but then he laughed. “Ah, Enchanted Pig. How could you not like it, with such a mother?” Lisa raised an eyebrow. “I am not sure what you mean?”

“The story of a brave young woman who does not judge men by their looks?” “...carry on. Adrian, your father is foolish.” “You married him, mama!” “I did, and I am very happy about that, but he is still foolish.” “That’s okay, mama.” Lisa pressed a kiss on Adrian’s forehead, making the boy smile, as her husband began the story.

“There once was, as never before,because if there wasn't, it wouldn't have been to told, a king, who had three daughters...”

And Adrian enjoyed it immensely, even though he had heard it plenty of times before. Each time, he’d wonder if the princess would like the pig, if she would be brave enough to go on the journey, if they’d live a happy ever after. They did it each time, of course, and as Vlad finished describing the beautiful ball they had after going home, Adrian fell asleep, leaning against his mom, a smile still on his face.

[writing-fool]

mlqc | let’s hit rewind

What kind of videos would the MLQC guys make if they were YouTubers? I think this is a youtube!au, but to be fair, Kiro probably has a YouTube channel in canon. See it as you will? I won’t really talk about their life outside of YT/internet so you can decide for yourself whether this is an AU or not, and whether they’re a full-time YouTuber or not.

As always, enjoy, and requests are open!

Love,

R.

Warning(s): none

Victor

Victor probably has a cooking channel

scratch that. he absolutely starts as one of those Aesthetic™ cooking channels like Cooking tree, HANSE, Sweet The MI or Nino’s Home.

his channel is called Souvenir because he’s not THAT original you can’t expect everything from a man, people. 

he starts off doing these voiceless cooking videos, but after a voice and face reveal at 2 million followers where he cooks something for his followers as a thanks...well, who wouldn’t want more of that sultry voice and glorious face

currently has about 4 million subscribers

Victor’s channel is kind of comparable to Junskitchen, a rather relaxed, casual atmosphere combined with exquisite, refined cuisine

if he feels like it, he does a voice-over, otherwise he just puts calm jazz, blues or r&b over his cooking

HAS done an ASMR special. low-key dislikes the video because he has to whisper voice-overs but people LOVE it

likes making all kinds of foods, but his channel features quite a lot of sweet foods and desserts because a certain dummy has a sweet tooth

a pretty popular feature during quarantine is Cooking w/ Sou, essentially a live stream where Sou (aka Victor) cooks a whole three-course meal while talking to and instructing his followers

his subscribers notice that he doesn’t really need editing to look clean during cooking because his technique is IMMACULATE

by the end, he’s made a themed dinner for two...which always raises a question mark

is Sou single? does he have a roommate? a girlfriend? a kid? WHAT?

after getting your explicit permission, Victor addresses the situation in one of his recent Q&As

“Why do I always make dinner for two? I have a fiancée, she edits my videos in her spare time. She works as a producer. *you wave your hand over the lens* Dummy.” he breezes over it like it’s no big deal even though he’s a tad nervous about exposing something personal like this

his fans blow up the internet, baffled but not entirely surprised that someone like Sou isn’t a bachelor

of course, some leave hate under the video honestly, people who do this to celebs who start dating are HORRIBLE

most subscribers are super supportive of your relationship and thank you for the editing that makes Souvenir such a well put-together channel...also did he seriously call his fiancée a dummy? such a tsundere!

sometimes, you’ll (well, your hands...we’re keeping a bit of privacy here) even be in the end shot of videos, munching away at the carefully plated food

one day, Sou will be making a video titled Wedding Cake.

Lucien

Lucien’s channel LucidLight is a tad bit all over the place

he’s a man of many talents, and his channel reflects just that

i’m not saying it’s a disorganized channel, because the theme is very much there - the uniform theme in Luci’s content is a cozy background, a cup of tea and a soothing thumbnail

i mean that content-wise, his subscribers don’t really know what they’re going to get next...he has a slightly similar style to the YouTuber simon plant 

his content varies from interesting science theories to poetry reading sessions to ASMR to painting/sketching to cooking and much, much more

he has an heavenly soothing, smooth voice. it’s his trademark since Lucien doesn’t show his face on camera. ever. 

doesn’t have a TON of subs, because his channel is a bit of a niche thing, but I’d say he has 1,2 million subscribers and 400k followers on his added ‘business’ Instagram

he holds a lot of live streams on Instagram/YouTube (i know Moments exists in the game, but that’s more like a Facebook or Twitter kind of app...) and is always shown with just his torso and neck in frame. the lives usually include some poetry reading and generally just having a nice, relaxing chat with his followers. they can last up to 5 hours at once, and YOU know it’s because he doesn’t need sleep like a normal human being, but his fans are still asking questions about his timezone

his subscribers are strangely fascinated by his mysterious, gentle nature and also incredibly obsessed with his large, elegant hands

his ASMR videos are often roleplays of Librarian Lucien or Professor Lucien explaining to people why their rest is important

other times, they include soft affirmations, positive whispers, finger fluttering, hair touching and maybe kissing sounds...

Lucien paints a lot too, although he works primarily with ink and pencil sketches. you’ll find a watercolour or oil painting somewhere, but they’re not his most prominent media

his art videos are usually silent, although he might say something once in a while. there’s always some type of solo instrumental music playing in the background.

he does educational videos about biology and universe theories, but will also have reading sessions about scientific books

not intentionally secretive about your relationship, but he’s not one to mention it either

the first time you appeared on screen was when he was doing another live stream. he’s in his office talking about a play, when you come padding in to bid him goodnight.

“Yes, indeed. Laura’s glass menagerie, as the play suggests, is a symbol of fragility. Laura herself is very frail, but her favourite—”

“Good night, darling.” your soft voice rings through the room. viewers see Lucien’s torso turning a little bit, a hand on his shoulder and a curtain hair appearing from the top of the screen. his hand moves, presumably to cup the person’s cheek, before a soft kiss is heard through the mic. “Sleep tight, my love,” he murmurs.

“Ah. Laura’s favourite glass figurine is the unicorn, which...”

people are in uproar, but Lucien is a strong-willed man who refuses to explicitly announce the nature of his relationship.

his subscribers stop asking after a while, because it really isn’t any of their business, and they now know Lucien’s a taken man

you kind of appear on live streams accidentally a couple more times, but nothing’s really changed about Lucien’s content

the only thing he WILL say, and this is purely to give you credit, is “Ah. The background instrumentals in my art videos are played live. Yes, my lover’s very talented.”

you guys are the mysterious, talented, soft-voiced power couple of YouTube

Gavin

Gavin’s channel probably starts as a joint channel with you, something like Rachel and Jun

it’s relatively obvious from the start that Gavin from Birds&Cops is in a relationship, since you guys have a vlogging-style channel

your channel is filled with gym vlogs, travel vlogs to other countries and a lot of self-defence and sport at home videos. 

you guys also post a lot of funny vlogs talking about your day, going on fun dates, of course food vlogs in restaurants, all that stuff...

you often sit down and talk about your life, and maybe you’ll even do a mukbang during it for someone so fit, Gavin does eat a lot of food. 

Gavin’s channel didn’t blow up right away, because vlogging channels aren’t exactly unique, and he looks like the typical ‘straight boy with a girlfriend’

but he started gaining followers after people noticed how cute and blushy he acts, and how incredibly respectful and caring he is towards you

one of the most popular videos is Boyfriend Does My Makeup and it’s adorable. Gavin’s handling your face with so much care, and comments like “I know what this is, I’ve watched you do it many times.” or “Babe, does it hurt? Should I be more gentle? I’m sorry...my hands are rough.” make everyone SWOON

toxic masculinity left the chat. Gavin loves taking care of you in any way, whether it’s getting pads, chocolate and hot packs during your period or braiding your hair

in those yoga/celebrity fitness routine challenges, subs get to see Gavin in a tight singlet and sweatpants/shorts, and it’s HOLY

you’re very much aware of the attention Gavin receives from female fans, and how lucky you are to have found such a sweet partner

Gavin will usually see this type of comment while scrolling and will turn to you and go “Babe, you know I’m the lucky one here, right?”

anyways, a feature that you do to show fans the extent of Gavin’s sweet personality is Pranking My Boyfriend, where you set up the camera for a harmless prank like pretending to have a nightmare (similar to channels like Farina Jo)

that particular video was so fun to shoot, because it ended up with Gavin softly singing a lullaby to calm you down in his arms

“Baby, wake up. I’m here, you’re safe.” Gavin knows how to deal with panicking people, but he hates this prank afterwards because ‘he didn’t like seeing you in pain’

fans squealed. Birds&Cops gained like 50k subs through that video. the channel’s currently at 999k subscribers

overall, it’s just a really lovely, family-friendly channel

Kiro

Kiro knows his way around the web, alright?

not even just as Key, but he’s had a YouTube channel since the age of 15

his channel, CtrlAltChips is a hit with many people of many, many ages

he streams gaming sessions on Twitch and posts them on his YouTube channel afterwards

other content includes (primarily) covers & original songs, simple talking videos, thrifting & fashion videos, mukbangs and candid dance videos in a studio

think of chloe moriondo, doddleoddle, Victor the Drum Destroyer and Cat Strat

alternatively, for the ARMYs here, think of Jeon Jungkook as a YouTuber

Kiro has about 18 million subscribers, which is A LOT, but he’s been on YouTube for 7 years and he’s made a name for himself as a super likeable and bubbly guy with an angelic voice and killer moves

you’d think he’s just a cute boy when he sings acoustic covers, but his dance moves suggest that he’s not THAT cute

also how does he stay so fit with all those snack mukbangs?

he has a segment named In Our Kloset where he talks about social issues (because our boy uses his platform for good) around the world while customizing (not just pins. we’re talking patches, sewing, painting, embroidery) thrifted clothing to his liking. at the end he holds a little fashion show with his new outfits

after a while, you’ll see many of his outfits in giveaways or on sale for charity. Kiro tries to give back to his fans as much as he can, and how better than by sharing a piece of his unique clothing with them?

a great singer and performer. has held actual concerts before and has an actual music career (author-nim leaves it up to you readers to decide whether this is his idol career or some other musical project)

keeps his private life PRIVATE. he knows how the internet works, and he knows there’s no way he can keep your relationship a secret forever, but he’s not about to expose it to the world because of that reason

keeps tabs on information or rumours regarding you and makes them vanish

he’s simultaneously the most open and the most secretive out of the four boys. his fans know his favourite colour, what type of underwear he wears (trunks. Kiro wears trunks.), his birthday,...

but they know nothing about his past, his location, his close social circle or his family (teeechnically he’s an orphan but ig we’re talking about his mentor here. the blood of the covenant blah blah blah...y’know?). Kiro protects his loved ones fiercely

for someone who’s kept so secret, you’re actually really involved in Kiro’s virtual persona. you’re usually behind the camera during his In Our Kloset videos and are in charge of extra research regarding topics so he doesn’t spread any misinformation 

you also give pointers during filming (of course, these bits are edited out) because Kiro tends to trail off and get distracted when sewing

another way you’re involved is setting up the food during mukbangs. you have a great sense of aesthetics, so all of his videos in general will go through you.

while you like being low-key in Kiro’s life, you don’t want him to feel like he has to protect you from all the hate. 

he doesn’t particularly love keeping you a secret either, and it makes him feel guilty because he doesn’t want you to think he’s ashamed of you. he could never be.

you guys give it a good chat over how you’re going to announce it, and he just ends up making a video titled Miss Chips where the two of you sit down and talk to the camera

“Hello my little chips! Uhm, as you can see, there’s someone sitting next to me today. Maybe you already guessed from the title, but this is...my girlfriend, Miss Chips,” cue the cute jazz hands in your direction, “We’ve been dating for a long, loooong time, right, Miss Chips?”

“I just wanted to share this with you guys, since it felt wrong to keep such an important person in my life private. I hope you’re all kind to her, because I love her dearly, even to the point of giving up my snacks...so it’s serious.”

it really is that serious, hm?

Hope you enjoyed reading! 

[ibijau]

Xue Yang’s master pt 3 / on AO3

Xue Yang and his master leave the forest

They stayed a few more days in that little house, until Wen Chao’s wounds were healed enough he could think of travelling… and until their food supply became too low to stay any longer.

Wen Chao wasn’t a very good teacher, Xue Yang quickly figured out, but he wasn’t a very bad one either. He was really trying hard to explain things in a simple manner, rightly guessing that Xue Yang didn’t have the level of education he might have normally expected from a new disciple, but it was clear he struggled with some of those concepts himself.

It couldn’t be blamed on his amnesia, as that appeared to only affect personal matters, like his name, or his family, or his close ones. When it came to things that didn’t touch his emotions in any way, Wen Chao had a great memory… unless he deemed the topic boring, as seemed to be the case with cultivation.

He still was good enough to perform every necessary ritual to purify the house they had used, and to check that the soul of its previous owner hadn’t lingered on in spite of never getting a proper burial. Wen Chao even made Xue Yang dig a grave for the man, as if that really made any difference for someone who had been dead so long.

“You’d be surprised,” Wen Chao said, lazily fanning himself as he watched Xue Yang work. “Some people will linger on for years and years, if they feel they’ve got reason enough. Once you’ve learned the basics, I’ll show you how to get in touch with spirits and see what they want.”

“Can’t we just blow them apart or something?” Xue Yang asked, angrily planting his shovel in the ground. It was an old, rusty thing that did very little when going against the hard ground of the forest. “I thought cultivation was about fighting.”

Wen Chao rolled his eyes. “It’s not just that, even if some sects have gotten excessively martial in the last century. Mine more than most, I guess. But because we can get in contact with ghosts, we have a duty to attempt it. There’s a right way to do things, we have to… to…”

He grimaced and closed his eyes tightly, the way he did whenever he came a little too close to personal memories. At least, so Xue Yang assumed. 

“There’s a way to do things,” Wen Chao repeated. “Liberate, suppress, and only if that fails, eliminate. You have to do things in the right order.”

“Sounds inefficient,” Xue Yang retorted.

“It’s about respecting others,” Wen Chao said. “If you died an unjust death, wouldn’t you want to have a chance to let others know, so they might try to right the wrongs done onto you?”

Xue Yang leaned on his shovel, giving the question some consideration. He’d very nearly been in that situation, after that encounter with Chang Ci’an and his hand had gotten infected for a while, so it was remarkably easy to make up his mind.

“I’d rather just destroy those who killed me,” Xue Yang said. “And then if I have to be destroyed I don’t care, as long as I get my revenge first.”

Wen Chao’s fan stilled, his eyes round as cherries, as if he'd never heard anything so horrifying in his life. “Oh. Well. We’re going to work on this too, I guess. The cultivation path I can teach you demands righteousness, and help given to the weak.”

“Sounds stupid,” Xue Yang grumbled, but he resumed digging that damn grave, so they could burry that damn man who’d been stupid enough to die all alone like that.

He wasn’t sure what that man had done to even deserve an actual grave, when most people Xue Yang knew had been lucky to get a mass grave, or had been incinerated because nobody gave a damn about preserving their body, and many damns about not wasting resourced on some teenage criminals nobody cared about. But he supposed he would consider it nice if someone had taken the time to dig a grave for him, and so maybe Wen Chao had a point.

They left the little house the next morning, and headed out of the forest. Xue Yang had feared it would be difficult to find their way back to the road, especially since it was a cloudy day, but Wen Chao appeared quite at ease. He looked at trees, at what little of the sky was visible, at the ground, and got them back to the road before noon. Xue Yang had to admit he was impressed.

Well, he privately admitted it. He wasn’t about to start complimenting his weird teacher until he could be sure this hadn’t just been a random stroke of luck.

Having rejoined the road, Xue Yang and Wen Chao picked one direction at random and started walking that way. They urgently needed some fresh food, now that they’d more or less gone through all of Xue Yang’s provisions, and figured that they would decide on a direction once they had taken care of that. 

After walking the better part of the day, they reached a village, only to find that there was an unexpected problem to consider. Wen Chao, however exhausted he was by this long day of effort when he was still in recovery, absolutely refused to step into the village, terrified he might be recognised and denounced to the victors of the Sunshot Campaign. Irritating as that was, Xue Yang had to admit it wasn’t a stupid concern. He had to go into the village alone to trade one of Wen Chao’s gold rings for an immense quantity of food, which he then stored into a magic little pouch that his teacher had given him. Feeling magnanimous, and conscious that he wasn’t spending his own money, he also negotiated for another item to be thrown into the deal, one that he hoped would make things easier in the future.

“A mask?” Wen Chao remarked when Xue Yang returned to him with provisions and his present. “Isn’t that just going to make me more suspicious?”

“Everyone knows cultivators are weird,” Xue Yang countered. “Especially the ones that don’t even have a sect. They’re always saying they got to hide who they are, but they also need everyone to know they’re special. So they’ve got masks, or veils, or they wear make-up… it’s good for business to show you’re so powerful you can get away with being weird.”

Wen Chao looked unconvinced, but still put on the crude wooden mask that Xue Yang had bought for him. It only covered the top half of his face, the way rogue cultivators seemed to prefer in Xue Yang’s experience. But since it wasn’t very good quality, it really failed to give Wen Chao any sort of mysterious allure, and instead made him look a little stupid.

It made it even more efficient as a disguise, Xue Yang decided. After all the Wen sect were a bunch of proud assholes, so nobody would suspect one of their young masters would go around looking like this.

Speaking of young masters… as he handed a warm bun to his teacher, an idea hit Xue Yang.

“Hey, Shizun, your dad’s dead, right?”

Wen Chao, who had been about to bite into their dinner, froze.

“I think I’ve heard that. Someone… someone murdered him, right? Not even someone from a big sect even, right?”

“Yeah, some son of a whore who betrayed him to protect Nie Mingjue,” Xue Yang confirmed. “And your brother’s dead too, right?”

Wen Chao nodded grimly and shivered. “Wen Xu was killed by… by him. By Nie zongzhu.”

“Yeah, exactly. So wouldn’t that make you the new leader of the Wen sect, by default?”

Even with the mask, Wen Chao’s shock was obvious.

“I’m too young to be a sect leader!” he gasped, nearly dropping his bun. “And I’m not good enough at… at anything!” he complained. “There’s got to be someone else… can you imagine me, trying to avenge my family?”

“It’d be something,” snickered Xue Yang, who could imagine it indeed, and guessed it would end very, very badly for his teacher.

“Yes, yes, I wouldn't, I don't know how to... it really not come to that,” Wen Chao whined, before pitifully biting into his dinner.

This, as far as Xue Yang cared, was the end of that conversation. No Wen with any talent for cultivation would have been allowed to live, meaning anyone left around would be weak and useless, so reuniting Wen Chao with his people held no benefit for Xue Yang. And Wen Chao was obviously a selfish, talentless little coward who didn't give a damn about anything except himself, quite possibly the only trait the two of them had in common.

Wen Chao was Xue Yang’s now, his master, and he had no interest in sharing him with others.

[aimee-maroux]

Plato-nic Love (Part I)

I sadly didn’t finish the whole story in time but this is part one of Seren and Plato’s epic love story for the ages XD

Illustrations were done by the wonderful @sigeel​ 😍😍😍

So this submission is by the two of us!

Plato-nic Love

Seren poured a libation of wine and started working on the grapevine that had been growing in the family garden for a while. At first, her mother had tried to get rid of it but it had proven the essence of indestructable life and so they had accepted its presence much like Seren had come to accept the presence of its patron god. She was about to cut off a branch to use for making a crown later on when she heard a familiar voice. "How is my favourite bacchae?" She sighed. It had been about a year since she had agreed to become his faithful follower and needless to say she was still the only one. "Do you know what day it is?" Seren started frantically going through all the calendars she had studied, from the reconstructed Attic calendar to the Roman calendar before and after the Julian reform -what moon phase were they in again? "You always think we don't care about these things but I have a sursprise for you." Dionysos flashed her a bright smile. "What?" she said flatly. A surprise from a god couldn't possibly mean anything good.

"I SAID: I have a SURPRISE for you!" Confetti and flower petals started raining down on them and from above sounded a rustic melody played on pan pipes. Seren looked up to see Hermes sitting on a treebranch, grinning as he played the instrument his son invented. "Ha ha, very funny, Hermes." Dionysos took Seren by the shoulders. "He was supposed to play the Time Warp. Because it's exactly ONE YEAR TODAY that you became my bacchae and do I have a surprise for you!" "Yeah, you said so. But maybe it would be better if-" "Nonsense! As your patron god I am exceedingly generous. You see, I have noticed your infatuation with Plato." "You don't say." "Yes. Anyway, Hermes was so nice to pay grandfather Kronos a visit and relieve him of a little artef- well, details, it doesn't matter! What is important is that you will get to meet Plato!" "Really?!" There was a nagging voice in Seren's head that told her to be careful but Dionysos had just told her she'd get to meet Plato! "Really. All you have to do is take my hand. But I have another gift for you. Hermes, come down here!" The messenger god swung himself lazily from the tree and floated down until his winged sandals touched the ground. "My brother pointed out that you might have difficulties speaking ancient Greek fluently so he will grant you the ability to speak it like a native for as long as you give up your native English." Seren gaped. "That... is surprisingly thoughtful of you." "Hermes, do it! And no nonsense like giving her a lisp or a foreign accent!" "Of course not. Why would I do that?" Hermes grinned at Seren. "I'd not even be there to see it." "What? Now? Wait!" Seren cried out as divine magic rearranged the synapses in her speech centre. "I did not agree-" "She'll speak fluently once you arrive in Greece," Hermes said, "Once you return, the magic wears off." Dionysos gave his brother a suspicious look. Then he beamed. "Perfect!" Dionysos clapped enthusiastically. "Hold on tight!" He pulled her into his embrace and Seren instinctively hugged him. The world around them began to blur and the heavens seemed to turn back as they sped through time and space. There was a sudden jolt and the world was clear once again. Only, it looked strange. But not strange enough for Seren not to recognise her patron god had spoken the truth. This was ancient Athens! She felt a nasty queasiness but she was much too excited to care about that just now. She had known about polychromy but the sheer explosion of colours in the city made her heart sing. The reconstructions were mere shadows of the vibrant paint on the statues, buildings, and clothes. And the Akropolis! It looked majestic even now but the ruins were nothing compared to the magnificence of colour and architecture. Seren stood in awe, even though they were miles away down in a sidestreet. Potters had laid out their painted vases and other works as they created new ones. Seren couldn't decide what to see first, jumping this way and that until the unsavoury sound of regurgitation briefly diverted her attention. Dionysos leaned against the mudbrick wall of a house and puked his guts out. "How can you be so chipper?" Dionysos groaned, wiping his mouth. "You're mortal!" We travelled both time AND space. You should be barfing like a youth at his first symposion." But Seren just ignored him in her euphoria. "It's Athens!" she cried. "ANCIENT Athens!" "That fleet-foorted son of a-" "What? What is it?!" "Nothing, nothing. Everything is fine. I just..." Dionysos leaned against the mudbrick house. "Hermes could have said something about the inconvenience of travelling." Seren shrugged. Who cared, they were already there. "I want to see EVERYTHING!!! The sculptures! The pottery! The architecture! The clothes..." "Speaking of which..." Dionysos grinned. "We should get you something less 2020. If you want to meet Plato, we need a certain disguise. And you want to look your best for him, right?" Seren screwed up her face. "Plato isn't about looks. He's about the beauty of the soul." "Well, if you want to go dressed in that tasteless pink sweater and leggings combination. But let me tell you, nothing looks better on a woman than a finely woven chiton." "Yeah, you're not at all biased." "It's one of the few things even Apollo and I agree on, so it must be true." Seren would have been happy just roaming the streets of ancient Athens for a couple of days. Or for however long this time thingy would allow. The prospect of meeting Plato both exhilarated and terrified her.

Dionysos bought her an elegant chiton in the extremely crowded agora. Seren hardly suppressed a squeal when he paid with real ancient drachmae. Only they didn't look ancient at all. "Why is nobody staring?" she asked, as another group of people walked past them without paying them any mind. "Did you put glamour over my modern clothes?" Dionysos laughed. "No need, honeybee. This is Athens. At a time like this they get tourists from all over the world. One strange, foreign costume is not going to turn any heads." He pulled her away from the merchants and splendour of the agora into the entrance of a seemingly abandoned house. "Put it on," he said, handing her the chiton. "Don't peek!" she reminded him before she changed into her new garment. It felt cool and pleasant on her skin and the quality of the linen was indeed fantastic. Despite the loose fit the fabric was so delicate it hugged her figure in an almost revealing way, making her feel exposed. "Is this really acceptable dress?" she asked. "Only with this worn over it." Dionysos came up behind her, closing another layer of cloth over her shoulders with simple dress pins. "You look great, honeybee," he said sincerely. "Plato can consider himself lucky. You got the brains, you got the looks, and even that austere, joyless personality to match." "I get the impression you don't like Plato much." Dionysos slung the belt around her waist and fastened it. "What gave it away? My graffiti, my groaning everytime you bring him up, or the charming way I speak about him?" "The graffiti was a pretty obvious hint." "I hope you appreciate my gift all the more, honeybee." "I do." She smiled. "But I don't think I could appreciate it any more than I already do. This is a dream come true. The most exciting day of my life. More exciting even than Delphi." "Be careful not to tell Apollo," Dionysos warned but he looked pleased. "Sure. If I ever run into him I'll remember it." As they stepped outside, the streets were empty. "Where is everybody?" "Oh, it must be time to crown the victors." "Victors? Of what? It's too cold to be July, isn't it?" "Not the Panathenaic Games." Dionysos smiled broadly. "It's not an athletic contest. Today..." He made a dramatic pause. "Is the last day of the Great Dionysia!" "Oh." Seren was disappointed. "So we can't go and watch any of the plays?" "I'm afraid it is too late for that. But I can show you my theatre and the temple with my cult image if you want."

Seren politely admired the simple wooden log that was supposed to be a representation of Dionysos and genuinely marvelled at the masks that had been dedicated below it. She patiently listened to Dionysos as he recounted the story of the very first Dionysia in Athens and how he used to mingle among the crowd every year to watch what the people of Athens had put on the stage in his honour. Once they arrived at the theatre it was already empty but it was a stunning sight all the same. Seeing everything intact and in its full glory filled Seren with unknown joy. The decorations, both permanent and temporary, were as colourful and flamboyant as the god they honoured. When they made it back to the streets of Athens, there were already groups of shouty drunk people roaming about. "Victory parties," Dionysos explained when he saw Seren's face. "In fact, we are about to attend one too. But first..." A purple mist shrouded the god's body and when it dispelled, his simple chiton had given way to a slutty ankle-length skirt that hung low enough to expose part of his bum cheeks, his arms, wrists, and ankles adorned with golden jewellery. "I know you practiced with the aulos. You're gonna be a flute girl." Seren startled. "What? No! I'm not nearly good enough!" Dionysos shrugged, making his golden bracelets clink. "I don't think I need to tell you that other kinds of women are not allowed at symposia. Unless you want to play the role of a hetaira..." "F-Flute girl is fine."

They arrived at a house that obviously belonged to someone well-to-do. "A group of revellers is about to show up here any minute. We'll join them to enter the symposion. Trust me, they're too drunk to realise we don't belong." Seren nodded nervously. "Now would be the time to ditch that respectable dress." Reluctantly, Seren freed herself of the protective extra layer of clothing and received the aulos flutes Dionysos handed her. The revellers did indeed show up. Loud and obnoxious, it was impossible not to notice them. A man in his late 20s or early 30s led the group. Half-naked and well into his cups, crowned with a wreath of ivy and violets, he was all but carried by two sturdy lads who looked like they were half-naked professionally. "Come!" Dionysos tugged on her arm and they danced along, she awkwardly, he with a grace and confidence she envied. The leader of the group pounded against the door and yelled for "Agathon". Seren's heart skipped a beat. "Is that... Alkibiades?!" she whispered to Dionysos. "The very same." "We are at THAT Symposium?!!" "We most certainly are." Seren gaped at the man who would eventually be the ruin of Athens by defecting to Sparta and then to Persia. He rattled the door, shouting "Agathon!" and dropped his single piece of clothing in the process, quickly picked up by his lads. Seren shrieked when the man suddenly leaned heavily on her, his arms reeling for support. Dionysos was quick to jump to his other side, taking most of the load off his bacchae. "AGATHON!" Alkibiades yelled once more, in the manner drunks yelled on their way home from the pub after closing hours. He kept demanding to see Agathon with a heavy tongue until a servant boy finally opened up and led them to the andron. Alkibiades managed to stand on his own, stumbling towards the host of the party while announcing how completely and utterly wasted he was. "Let's bring the bacchic spirit to this lame party!" Dionysos cheered. Seren gazed around with stars in her eyes. The room was bright with torches and the klinai were populated by men both young and old but all shirtless and all with crowns of ivy on their heads. She looked more closely at the guests while Alkibiades spoke to Agathon, probably congratulating him for his victory. But none of the symposiasts looked like any of the artworks she had seen of Plato. They were most likely created after his death anyway. "Soooo..." She leaned on Dionysos' shoulder. "Where is Plato?" Dionysos gestured at the kline at the very end of the room, occupied by two young men. "The dark-haired one."

"THAT is Plato?! I thought he'd be at least in his 30s!" Dionysos grinned a smug grin. "He wrote the Symposion in his late 30s. But this, honeybee, is the year the titular symposion actually took place. The first year of the 91st Olympiad. Or, as you would say, 416 BCE." Seren gaped at the young man seated on a couch with a blond youth. He had long, curly hair crowned with a wreath of ivy like all the symposiasts, young and old. A strong, Greek nose gave his face a distinct personality. Who would have thought the man Seren knew only from his words and artwork showing him as an old man could be so... hot. The blonde guy leaned over, whispering something to him. Maybe they were flirting. It wasn't anything unusual back in the day, Seren knew that. But they seemed to be about the same age. Shouldn't- "Play, flute girl," Dionysos nudged her with his elbow, "I'll clear the kline for you."

Seren watched him shimmy over to the pair and tried to remember how to play the aulos. She had practiced so much but right now it felt as if she knew nothing at all. Her idol, Plato, might be listening! Her cheeks burned as she blew into the wooden instrument, the tune an embarrassing version of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". Despite playing the role of a dancer, Dionysos sat down with the two no doubt aristocratic young men in his usual impudent manner. The blond youth's face turned sour. "What is the meaning of this?" "I came for the entertainment." "We are very well entertained by each other's company, thank you." Dionysos gave the blonde guy a cheeky grin. "Does your company agree?" He crawled on the kline until he basically sat on Plato's lap, prompting the young philosopher to blush. How cute! "Some people can be such a dull affair, talking about nothing but themselves all the time." The angry blond yanked Dionysos off Plato. "This was a philosophical symposion before you arrived!" "Yes. And to shame! You are celebrating a victory at the Dionysia. Where is the revelry?" "There are countless symposia all over Athens. Why did you have to come and ruin this one?" "You know exactly that I didn't ruin anything. But please, if you have any grievances take it up with my master. Alkibiades." "You know what? I will!" The blond aristocrat got up from the kline and grabbed Dionysos by the wrist, effectively pulling him off the kline. He dragged the god behind him as he made for the door, leaving Plato all alone on his bed of colourful cushions. Dionysos winked at her as they passed and it was at that moment that Seren noticed that his "friend" was the only one wearing laurel instead of ivy. Did they just... cock-block Apollon? But not all is lost, she reasoned, if Plato likes Apollon, he likes blondes, right? Right?

Shyly, Seren sat down next to the man whose teachings she still hadn't figured out. And maybe neither did he. He was so young and handsome. She was close enough to smell his heavy perfume and either oil or sweat or both made his chest gleam in the firelight. It really was quite hot in here. He didn't fit the stereotype of the philosopher at all, being so young and handsome and quite brawny. But no matter how hot he was, his physical appearance was dwarfed by the beauty of his brain and thoughts. His intelligence was that much hotter. That being said, Seren liked to think she would be less flustered if the man were old enough to be her father. But he was not. He must be about her own age. "We got rid of the other flute girl." "Wa-What?" "You must know there were already celebrations with heavy drinking last night. Surely you played at Alkibiades' place or some other house?" Seren nodded timidly. "So Pausanias suggested we refrain from drinking tonight and we ended up sending away the flute girl as well. A shame, because before you came in, it was all boring speeches of the old men assembled here. I enjoy the delightful harmony of music much, much more." "You don't like philosophy?" "Of course I do, but not at a drinking party celebrating the Dionysia. You're not from here, are you?" "Ahm, no?" "I don't think I've met a Spartan flute girl. Most of them come from Peiraieús." Seren laughed nervously. What the fuck, Hermes?! "I hope it's not a problem?" she mumbled. "No, no. I'm just surprised. Do you have a name, dear?" "I... I am Seren." "Seiren? What a fitting nickname! My name is-" "I know who you are!" Seren gushed, "I-I-I admire you greatly, Plato!" "Oh?" To Seren's great relief he smiled. "So you have seen me compete?" "Uh, yes, of course!" Seren would be thrilled to see him at any competition, really. "It's just a silly name my wrestling coach gave me. To intimidate my rivals, he says." "I like it!" "You like my broad shoulders, Seiren?" Seren blushed. "No, that's not what I, uh..." "It's all right. Lots of women admire them." "Ahahaha." Was he flirting with her? Or just bragging? "You may be an outstanding athlete," she said, "But I admire your words even more." "My poetry?" Now it was his time to blush. "Did you play it?" "Not yet." Seren decided to be bold, "People want to hear the same songs, Sappho, Pindar and the like. But... But maybe you can teach me how to play yours?" "No I... I burned them all." "Why would you do that?" "I wanted to focus better on my studies. Maybe I made the wrong call. Mousaios, the guy who just left? He said music is like medicine and can create harmony between opposites, that a musical education is helpful in the study of philosophy. Ah, I don't know. I don't want to bore you, flute girl." "You're not boring me, Plato. Please, tell me your thoughts!" And then, all of a sudden, a large drunken group walked into the room and joined the party, Dionysos among them. There was noise everywhere, and Plato leaned in very close and asked: "What do you say, Seiren. Shall we make our excuses and leave?"

to be continued...

[jiejie-eonni-onee-sama]

Sweet but psycho...

For the lovely @ronaldrx​

Hope it will cheer you up!

TW: Mentions of violence, strong language, sexual undertones, murder.

At the Black Mask Club, Roman Beauvais Sionis was sitting in his favorite place, drinking his Martini.

While doing so, he observed the patrons of his nightclub dancing or getting drunk on the dancefloor. 

"Pathetic!" he snarled as he sipped his glass.

"Sure, boss. But let's say it's a necessary devil as they make you rich!" suggested Victor.

"You mean necessary evil? You got the point, Vic: at least, they contributed to my lifestyle!"

"Besides, boss: are you sure that they are all pathetic?" grinned his henchman as he glanced at the dancefloor where a specific young man was dancing.

"Oh, Victor: you know he is the exception!" cooed Roman as he glimpsed at his lover (Y/N), who swayed his hips on the rhythm of the music.

(Y/N) (L/N), the only man Roman Sionis was devoted to. They were dating for 6 months, and the mob boss treated his boyfriend like a prince. It was an understatement to say that Black Mask adored his lover.

"It was nice of your boyfriend to invite us here!" said Mindy, a little brunette.

"Yeah, sure! And he was not obliged to!" added Sam, an Afro-American.

"Don't worry about that: it was his pleasure! Moreover, he never refused something that I asked nicely!" smiled (Y/N).

"Of course, but your boyfriend is one of the most powerful men of Gotham! I don't think he would care about some commoners like us!" pointed Shanna, a blonde girl.

"Nah, don't worry! Roman knows how much you mean to me. And he will do anything to please me!"

"Speaking of the devil, did you notice that he is checking you out since you start dancing with us?" grinned Sam.

Slightly eyeing, (Y/N) noticed his lover's intense gaze at him.

Smirking, the young man had an idea.

"Well, I see he likes it. What if I put up a show?"

"What do you have in mind?" giggled Shanna.

"Wait and see, Shanni. You won't get disappointed!" sneered (Y/N) as he climbed on a table.

"I think I'm gonna like your idea, dude!" squealed Mindy as she climbed on the next table and started dancing again.

Soon, Sam and Shanna climbed on another table and swang on the rhythm with delight.

The other patrons cheered loudly as (Y/N) danced with all his passion.

"I think he caught you!" smiled Victor as he drank his glass of vodka.

"Indeed. And I thought I was discreet!"

"Not enough for him!"

"I guess so..." trailed Roman as he was amazed by his lover dancing on the table.

He could not take his eyes off of the athletic body swaying on the beat. And to spicy up things, the song hypnotized Sionis:

Oh, she's sweet but a psycho!

A little bit psycho

At night she's screamin', "I'm-ma-ma-ma out my mind."

Oh, she's hot but a psycho!

So left, but she's right though

At night she's screamin', "I'm-ma-ma-ma out my mind."

Grab a cop gun. Kinda crazy

She's poison but tasty,

Yeah, people say, "Run, don't walk away."

'Cause she's sweet but a psycho

A little bit psycho

At night she's screamin', "I'm-ma-ma-ma out my mind."

Sweet but psycho... An accurate depiction of (Y/N), indeed. For those who knew well his lover, Roman can say that he had two distinctive personalities: the first one, sweet and loving, was kept for his loved ones, whereas the other was more wicked and twisted. A part of (Y/N) that scared his enemies...

Meanwhile, (Y/N) continued to dance along with his friends.

"Hey, (Y/N)?"

"What, Mindy?"

"I think Roman loves the show if you see what I mean..."

"I see it, yes... Perhaps should I take the next step?"

"What does it mean?"

"Admire the artist, baby!" the young man smirked as he took off his shirt under the excited cheers of the habitues.

Once topless, he continued dancing as he provocatively moved his hips and his upper body, glancing at Roman with a mischievous smile.

Watching this desirable view, Sionis get turn on. He swore to God that (Y/N) drove him crazy every time. 

Victor noticed the lustful glance of his boss: looks like the two lovers will have fun tonight...

Nevertheless, Zsasz admitted that the presence of (Y/N) in his boss life was a blessing. Indeed, the young man was able to calm down Roman when the latter had his terrifying fits of anger. He was his most valued ally when his boss was enraged...

He would not say that they were friends, but, at least, they respected each other, which was enough for the scarred man.

Suddenly, the song ended, and the clients loudly applauded (Y/N)'s performance. The young man bowed, saluting his audience before he puts his shirt on, gets down from the table, and walked towards the place where Roman and Victor were.

"I hope you fancy the performance, baby!" smiled (Y/N) as he sat close to his boyfriend.

"I did not miss a part of it, my little prince! Gosh, you're an amazing dancer!" laughed Roman as he kissed his lover's forehead.

"Thank you, handsome!"

"I confirm: he was not able to take his eyes off of you!" snickered Zsasz.

"I did not ask your opinion, Vic!" growled the mobster.

"Don't grumpy, Roman: I thought you had fun!" cutely pouted (Y/N).

He felt Roman's grip tighten around his waist as he heard him mutter at his ear:

"I am eager for another type of fun if you know what I mean!"

"So am I!" 

"I suppose you two lovebirds want to be alone at the penthouse tonight?" grinned Victor.

"Unfortunately. Sorry, Vic!"

"That's the rule!" shrugged the henchman.

(Y/N)'s friends arrived near the table, glasses in their hands.

"May we sit with us?" politely asked Mindy.

"Please, be my guests. My sweet boy's friends are always welcomed!"

The three young people sat near (Y/N) and started a charming conversation with Roman. When he was not terrifying people, Sionis could be an elegant and cultivated man with excellent manners.

They talked until the young adults decided to come back home, as the club was about to close. 

"Alright, let's go! We have to find a cab!" declared Sam as he put his coat on.

"Leaving already? Well, I guess good things come to an end!"

"Don't worry, sweetie: we'll do it again next Friday! Besides, I want to be in a clean state of mind for my job!" laughed Shanna as she pecked (Y/N) on the cheek.

"Okay, I understand! Be careful!"

"Don't worry! See you later, pretty boy! Goodbye, Mr. Sionis!" waved Mindy.

"Have a good night! You are always welcome here!" smiled Roman.

As the three left the room, the criminal sighed:

"You have nice friends, (Y/N)."

"I know: they are like my second family. They are so kind to me..."

"Speaking of that..." grinned Sionis as he tightened his grip on the young man's hip.

"You've been a very naughty boy, you know? Getting me horny like that... That behavior deserves a punishment!"

"I am sure what awaits me once we come back to the penthouse..." laughed (Y/N) as he sat on Roman's lap, dominating him with a triumphant grin.

"Provocative, cheeky, arrogant... Boy, you're my type!" chuckled the latter while letting his fingers running along the legs of his lover.

"SIONIS!" boomed a masculine voice.

"Oh, fuck! What again?" growled Roman.

Suddenly, around ten armed thugs appeared in the club, scaring habitues who fled.

"Step aside, baby. Looks like I have some business!" muttered Roman, gently pushing (Y/N) on the couch.

Once the night club was empty, Roman asked:

"What's the problem, gentlemen?"

"You're the problem, Sionis. You stole territories from Boss Maroni, and he did not like it!" snarled the leader of the thugs.

"Who cares about what this old jackass would say? If he is not capable of handling his districts, I take his place!"

"Shut up!" barked one of the gunmen, aiming his rifle at Roman.

"Who the fuck you think you are? Nobody talks to Roman Sionis wit that tone!"

"You're not in the position to tell us what to do! If you want to see the sunlight, tell your scarred lapdog to step back!"

Victor stayed silent, but his gaze was murderous. He was in the mood to peel off some faces tonight...

As for (Y/N), he tried to escape without being caught, but unfortunately, one of the mugs noticed him and pointed his gun at him.

"Not so fast, sugar baby. Where do you think you're going, huh? If you don't want to see your boss ending up like a colander, you sit down!"

The nickname made the young man twitch: nobody called him like that! 

"You're so pathetic..." he grumbled.

"What did you say?"

"Are you deaf, you twat? I said that you and all your little jerks are pathetic! Don't you want to know why?"

"My patience is growing thin!" roared the mug as he put the barrel of his gun between (Y/N)'s eyes.

However, he felt unease when he saw the growing smile on (Y/N)'s face. A deranged, twisted smile that promised nothing good...

"Why do you smile?"

"You made several mistakes when you arrived here, you know? First of all, you believed that you can walk in there and threatening us without suffering the consequences: how wrong you are!"

"You think so? While you prattle, all Roman's guys are busy dealing with Boss Maroni's henchmen! You won't get away this time!"

"Secondly, I am not Roman's sugar baby, you moron: I am his boyfriend! And thirdly, I am not a defenseless sweet boy... I am worse!"

And, without warning, he drew a blade out of his jacket and slit his opponent's throat, killing him. 

It allowed Roman and Victor to fight back and eliminate the other gunmen. A few minutes later, only three thugs were severely wounded but alive. Probably not for long...

"Well, it was easier than I expected!" stated Sionis.

"Sure, Boss!" answered Zsasz as he started to peel off the face of a corpse.

"Ew, Victor! Seriously, can't you just wait to be in the warehouse?" frowned Roman.

Soon after, Roman's henchmen appeared in the club.

"Sorry, Boss: we've been ambushed by the rest of the group! They planned this for a long time!"

"You're fucking lucky that we're alive! Are there survivors?"

"A few plus those three. In total, we have a dozen of Maroni's men!"

"Perfect! Now, clean this mess up: I want to open the club tomorrow night!"

"Yes, sir!"

"And bring those fuckers out of there! The warehouse would be fine!"

"Does it mean I'll have fun?" asked Victor with a sadistic smile.

"Of course, Vic! They're all yours! Consider it as your reward for tonight!"

"Thanks, boss."

Soon after, (Y/N) and Roman were alone in the club. The mob boss turned and glanced at his boyfriend.

"Oh, baby boy: you always made me proud!" he exclaimed as he wiped out the bloodstains on his lover's face.

"I could not let them threatening you without intervene!"

"And you were right, my beloved."

He kissed his boyfriend.

"My perfect little psycho!"

"My handsome sadistic gangster!"

"Oh, I like that. So, what if we're going back to the penthouse and having all the fun I promised earlier?"

"I can't wait, darling! Shall we go?"

"Your wish is my command, my prince!"

Later, as the two terrible beloveds were making love with all the passion they had, Roman thought that nothing could replace his sweet but murderous boyfriend.

After all, (Y/N) was lovely but deadly as hell. And he would never get tired of it.

Provocative, cheeky, arrogant, sexy, smart, deadly, and in love. The embodiment of perfection for the bad-tempered and cruel boss of Gotham.

Thanks for the reading!

I hope you enjoy the story!

See you later and I’m looking for your requests!