#and yes ajax's eyes have light in them when he's with you

[that-foul-legacy-lover]

the idea about childe’s one earring actually being a part of a set he shares with you…………. remarkably unwell. the angst. the potential. the sweet reuniting and “you still have it?” “it was all i had left of you.” gonna be thinking about this forever i think.

you. you get it.

it's a token you always keep with you, some way or another, hanging it from your own ear or your neck if your ears are unpierced. it's a simple earring, really, made of a few beads and a scarlet crystal- and yet it's one of your most prized possessions. sometimes when you're particularly lonely you'll perch on the windowsill and fiddle with the red jewel, staring idly out at the gently falling snow

you're nervous when Ajax- Tartaglia- is scheduled to return. you've both grown so much, will he even still remember you? or will he brush you away in favor of more training, because it was always more training. you gulp nervously when you catch sight of that familiar head of ginger hair, gnawing on your tongue as you watch the Eleventh Harbinger greet his family- but then he makes a beeline for you, wrapping you in his arms with a delightful grin, holding you by the arms when you stumble back in surprise. his eyes, deep blue and with the same hint of spark that you always seem to see, soften, and his fingers brush over the crimson gem hanging from the earring

"We missed you."

that's all he says, a gentle smile on his face, and you simply nod as you swallow back your tears and hug him back. Tartaglia's- no, Ajax's- arms snack around your waist and squeeze firmly, one hand morphing discreetly into an armored claw and stroking your hair because Legacy too wants nothing more than to hold you tightly and take a nap. Ajax leans forward to press his forehead against yours, his own earring glittering with every turn, and as you smile he lets out a quiet, heartfelt purring noise

[neiptune]

hihi v ! i wanted to join your event with buche de noel + childe and prompt #3 ! also, the trope is opposites attract. i am pretty much the opposite in every aspect of him. we are literally golden retriever + black cat duo LMAO ! tysm for hosting this cute event :> 💝

childe x first christmas as a couple/family

“I’m not coming”.

Childe hums, not at all bothered by your pragmatic refusal.

“See, I knew you’d say that”, with the swift movement of lithe fingers, a letter appears in his hand and he offers a wink. “That’s why I already told them you are coming”.

Incredulous, you grab the letter from his hands and do everything in your power to ignore the double-edged sword that cheeky grin in your peripheral is. He’s not lying: the missive, signed by his older sister, conveys rather clearly how excited they are at the idea of you joining them for the holiday celebrations. A sudden dizziness worms its way into your limbs.

“What did you tell them?”, you don’t mean to sound so hostile but the urgency in your tone is hardly sufficient to express the frosty anxiety clutching your chest.

Childe’s gaze softens. Some might argue he had not been in your life as a lover long enough to catch on every inflection of your voice, to interpret every crease between the brows. Yet, he just knows. Despite a confident, often frivolous exterior and a thirst for battle that never subdues, his world never really stops revolving around those who are most dear to him. He’s always been a keen observer and he’ll be damned if he fails the test of noticing when the person he’s in love with is upset.

“Nothing”, because he wouldn’t dare share what you have layed bare in yet another display of genuine trust, “only that I would like to bring home someone who is very important to me. I’d like her to meet the people my heart is always with, my family”. He gently slips the letter from your shaky fingers and offers a smile, eyes warm with fondness.

“Oh, don’t do that”, you feel the guilt threatening to bubble up from your throat and swallow you whole, yet stubbornly push against it still.

“Do what?”.

Be so caring. Make me believe I’m worth all the fuss, every time.

“Will you die if we spend one christmas apart? Go enjoy it with your family. We don’t have to be together all the time, you know”, it’s painful, covering up traitorous fears that squeeze your heart with razor-edged remarks. You don’t want your presence, so different from his bubbly one, to be an imposition.

To your surprise, Childe bursts in vibrant laughter.

“Why, yes! I may in fact die if we are not together all the time, I already feel dangerously close to my own demise when I’m in Inazuma and you stay in Liyue!”, the infectious grin lights up his playful stare. You roll your eyes.

But then he takes your hand to gently press his lips to your knuckles, eyes never leaving yours.

“I write to them. About you, I mean. I have ever since meeting you”.

“What is there to write?”, it’s a genuine question. Your life is quite ordinary, far less exciting that the one of a Harbinger or a traveller, made of a calm routine, architecture and interior design projects you and Kaveh constantly exchange ideas over.

Childe furrows his brows.

“Everything. How you healed me when I couldn’t admit to myself that I needed someone’s help, the way you still take care of me. I write about the dishes you allow me to cook for you, the recipes I learned when we visited Sumeru. I told them all about how easy it was to fall for you”. He smiles again when he notices how flustered such simple, sincere words make you.

“Teucer really wants to see you again. He still remembers, you know? Won’t shut up about the nice lady who once found him by the harbor. Forget me but you’re really going to break a kid’s heart?”.

You deflate, sparing him a good natured glare that is met with a shameless wink. He wins, doesn’t he always?

“Fine”.

“It wouldn’t feel like home without you there”.

“Ajax, I already said yes!”, despite the mock exasperation in your voice, you’re smiling too. Because he wants you there and it doesn’t matter that it’s only your first christmas together as an official couple, it doesn’t matter that you can’t remember the last time you had someone to celebrate the holidays with. Let alone a family.

It doesn’t matter, because Childe loves you so much he’s eager for his family to love you too.

And so you hardly care that you had to pack to spend an entire week in the frozen nation of Snezhnaya, the small seaside village of Morepesok being as welcoming as an environment perpetually covered in ice can be. How can you even remember how much you hate the cold when, the minute you walk inside your lover’s childhood home, his father takes your hand in between his and greets you with so much warmth? Five minutes and you’ve been hugged by all three of Childe’s youngest siblings, Teucer being particularly keen on not letting go of your hand as his eldest sister guides you further inside the house. Ten minutes and you’re dressed in traditional Snezhnayan clothes, a necessary protection against the harsh climate outside, one not even locals like to face if they can avoid doing so. It takes several minutes to comprehend that Childe’s sister has made the clothes herself, just for you.

“So? What do you think?”, his eyes always carry a peculiar light you wish it could be bottled up to brighten dark nights, but it’s different now that he’s home. The joy in his stare is so intense your heart grows in size each time you meet that wondrous gaze.

“Well, it’s cold”, you tease, blunt. It makes him huff with impatience.

“About my family”.

“Oh, that”, you grin, “they’re really… loving”. It’s a word you don’t use lightly. You knew about familial relations carrying a special meaning in Snezhnaya, being so close is part of their culture. Yet, you weren’t prepared to feel all that warmth yourself, a stranger who was enveloped in their affectionate embrace right away. Even when Childe wasn’t there (you kindly but firmly refused to join him and his father on their ice fishing expeditions), his siblings never once left you alone or made you feel like an outsider. You spent days drinking tea, helping them cook so much borscht, you laughed when Tonia got flour on her nose while you were all in the process of preparing the dough for a good serving of pierogi.

It’s christmas eve, the only day you were shooed out of the house because guests are not allowed to help with the arrangements. It’s not like you don’t have a feeling it was just an excuse to grant you some time alone with him.

“They are. And now they love you, too”, his gloved hand playfully squeezes yours. You hum with a smile, the almost empty glass of Fire-Water making faint memories resurface. Back then, Childe didn’t know how bad you are at holding your liquor and once ended up having to patiently carry you home when you downed one too many shots, perhaps also too quickly.

As you observe the way Childe beams next to you, with his childlike glee, you’re once more reminded of how in love you are with him. While he never shies away from providing tangible proofs of his deep fondness, your house practically overflowing with letters and gifts in every size or shape, it feels like this is the most significant evidence you’ll ever get. Him wanting you where he doesn’t have to be Childe nor Tartaglia, the one place where he gets to wake up and be nothing more than a son and a brother. Here, where he drinks hot cocoa with tiny marshmallows and reads his younger siblings stories by the fireplace. Home, where there’s room for you as well from now on, a seat saved at a crowded table, the comfort of a couch illuminated by the colorful lights of a tree too big, one of the presents crammed underneath it carrying a tag with your name.

“And now I love them, too”, you whisper a little too quietly and his smile grows. “Thank you”.

“You never have to thank me. This is also your home now, my heart is yours and so is my family”.

“Ajax”, his name is coated with amusement but Childe recognizes a deep emotion behind the playful tone, one that matches his.

“Promise you’ll always spend christmas with us?”.

“I promise”.

“Pinky promise?”.

“Pinky promise”, you grin. He hums.

“You know what that means. You make a pinky promise, you keep it all your life”.

“I break that pinky promise, you throw me on the ice”.

“Damn right”, he grins, proud. When he kisses you, it feels like even the blizzard raging outside the pub would surrender to the prodigy that are his lips.

thank you for your generosity and for supporting @ficsforgaza. request a character + prompt here :)

[fairykazu]

is he a dog or a cat? with childe masterlist ++ cw: this is f!reader but can be read as gn, crushing && requited feelings.

the way he trailed behind you like a lost puppy during lunch; it almost made you feel pity for him. key word, almost. whatever he tried to pull during english today wasn't cool but you didn't mind it. but the way, he's acting behind you, he instantly regretted it.

but if you think about it, childe’s like a dog, fiercely loyal to the bone and willing to do anything to prove himself. he’s kind of stupid, not in a bad way of course. it’s just sometimes he acts without thinking, swinging his fists instead of using words as a weapon. other times he’s more akin to an orange cat with the way he acts, it’s like he turns off his brain whenever he hangs out with you. 

you remember when you two were playing a game of hide and seek, in your defense, he started it! he bet he could’ve found you within a minute. could he? yes, but that’s beside the point, he attacked your honor! you juked him by running to a fork, throwing a rock at a dead end and running in the opposite direction. when he reached the forked alleyway, he heard the rock in the other side, running at the speed of light. then he knocked his head against the dead end. but did you win? 

yes, that’s the most important part (an obvious lie).

…childe was fine after he hit his head of course, after you rushed towards him, helping him up. he sat on the cement floors as you circle around him with questions, checking if he was bleeding. “ajax, are you okay?” 

he was smiling like a cheeky dog, basking in the attention you gave him. if food wasn't something he'd consume, affection would definitely be his go-to. “of course, i am when you’re with me.” 

he chuckled as you rolled your eyes, punching him playfully in the arms, "okay, from that reaction, you seem to be in good shape to me."

he let out a gasp. he fixed up his attitude, immediately switching his personality from being cheeky to being solemn, tearful even. "oh, name! my forehead hurts so bad."

you tilted your head, well, it's better to play along with his antics than to ignore them. otherwise, he'd keep it up. "oh no." you dryly replied, "do you need a kiss for your boo-boo?"

childe looked up in your direction, breaking his character a bit. he was stuttering out, his freckled cheeks flustered, "really?" he cleared his throat. "i mean, ahem, i believe thats the best way for me to heal."

"really?"

it was clear that childe wouldn't believe that you would go with the kiss. but as always, he knew if he riled you up enough, bruise your ego to prove him wrong, it could happen.

maybe... well, he hopes. "...yepp!"

“if you say so, ajax.” 

he was flustered to the point his neck reddened, he didnt think it would be this easy. you leaned in close and he squeezed his eyes. but it wasn’t even a kiss, just a brief press against his skin but still he stumbled around his words, “thank you… that would surely, i mean, i know that confidently that would certainly– i mean, i know that would make me heal.” 

he’s trying to play it off as cool but internally, he knew he fumbled so bad. who says that? 

“uh-huh, c’mere, let me take you to the nurse.” 

“oh okay!” 

huh… well, he’s kind of a mix of those animals. but how do you describe that? would he be that one show, dog-cat or cat-dog?  youve seen him in a different light before but he rarely shows you what that side looks like. only once you’ve seen him as the fearful delinquent and never again.

“childe, why are you following me? don’t you have other friends?” you asked, turning your heel to stop abruptly, facing him. thankfully the road you took to go home doesn't have any crowds. otherwise, this situation could be taken in the worst way possible. childe rested his head on your shoulder, you could feel the ambience to dampen as you met his ocean eyes. 

he looked back at you, “well, name, your bodyguard is here to protect you.” 

dog. 

you rolled your eyes, “really, thats your excuse.” 

his gaze only stayed on you, “mhm, and as your bodyguard, you need to be safer around these parts.” 

“so you’re a cowboy now.” 

“no? well, i just want to say something.” 

okay, maybe a cat? 

“go on.” 

“you know in english where i acted… weird..” oh yeah, you remember now. if you recall, he was acting off. more flirty than normal, did you hate it? not exactly… but does he really need to know that? not right now. 

“there was this group of guys who were talking about you like you were an object as if you were just the girl of the week. so that’s why i was acting like we were dating. and don’t worry, i did use my words…” 

“that’s cute of you but you also fought them didn’t you?” 

“you called me cute?” 

“that’s what you focused on???” 

“that’s besides the point, you think im cuteeee.” 

“sure whatever you want.” 

he’s a dog that’s for sure. 

[theabysss]

Hearts

pairing: sagau!Childe x Reader

summary: After Child completed your task, he returned to you with a gift.

warnings: religious + cult themes, possessive & obsessive thoughts, cannibalism, mentions of people's deaths, suggestive.

word count: 850

note: I post again at night, it seems it is becoming a bad habit. I need to do something about it. And I, successfully survived more than half of my exams, there is still a little bit left and I will be free. ＼(￣▽￣)／

Childe enters your throne room, bringing with him the thick, iron smell of blood. In his left hand, he firmly holds the casket by the handle, slippery with blood. Inside was his gift to you and he hoped you would like it. His eyes light up when he sees you sitting on the throne. Your elegant posture, full of superiority, the feeling of your power at the border of his consciousness - you were perfection, a true deity.

You gesture to him to come closer and he immediately obeys. The soft carpet leading to your throne muffles Childe's steps, he kneels in front of you at the very throne and bows his head.

"Ajax, have you dealt with those infidels?" His real name escaping from your lips will ignite the blood in his veins.

"Yes, Your Grace, no one is left alive and I gave each of the apostates the most painful death." Childe's voice is full of pride, he carried out your order, maybe you even praise him, he would really like it.

When you lift his chin and Childe meets your eyes, your beautiful eyes, he swallows noisily, enjoying the sight of your features.

"Good boy, I knew you wouldn't disappoint me." You put your hand on Ajax's cheek, completely oblivious to the blood.

Childe blissfully closes his eyes, and tilts his head, trying to cling to your palm even stronger. There is nothing that he could not do for you, because you were his everything. Give him any task and he will complete it no matter how difficult it is, just to hear you call him that again.

"I have a present for you Your Grace." Childe hands you a fairly large casket with both hands. His blue eyes, half-closed with fluffy eyelashes, burn with loyalty and reverence.

You place the carved casket on your lap and open the lid. When you see the contents you take your breath away; human hearts lie one on top of the other on scarlet velvet. You touch one of them, heart is warm and quietly continues to beat, as if not realizing that it has not been in the chest of its owner for a long time.

"It's beautiful." Your voice is full of admiration and you smile at Childe happily like never before.

"I'm very glad about that Your Grace." Childe smiles back at you and your imagination draws a fox tail wagging from side to side behind him.

Childe tilts his head and rubs his temple against your knee, silently begging for affection. You chuckle briefly at his behavior, but yield and bury your blood-stained fingers in his hair.

"I hope you enjoy the taste, Your Grace." Childe lets out a pleased hum as you scratch his earlobe with your fingernails. Your hand running through his hair made him feel butterflies in his stomach.

"Do you want to try?"

You whisper this question into Ajax's ear and a wave of goosebumps runs down his spine. Your warm breath, lips lightly touching his ear and your wonderful seductive voice, Childe hardly suppresses a sob that almost breaks from his lips.

"I would consider it a great honor, Your Grace." His voice trembles, he would take anything from your hands.

You take out one of the hearts and bring it to Childe's lips, he obediently takes a bite and blood splatters on his face. The rest you quickly eat up with your mouth wide open, much wider than a human could, and for a second you demonstrate your sharp fangs.

"Sweet." Childe licks his lips and looks into your eyes faithfully.

You absolutely love his blood-covered face, those blue eyes that make him look innocent and hide the monster from the abyss that he was. His chaotic nature, passion for battle, cruelty and complete immorality, which is why he was one of your favorite followers.

You run your thumb over his lip, smearing the blood and Childe playfully tries to lick your finger, after which you put the casket on the floor to make it more convenient to perform your next steps.

Childe's breath catches when he feels your lips on his and when you deepen the kiss, passionately responds to you. With trembling hands, he clutches at your shoulders, desperately trying to pull you closer. When, due to a careless movement, your fang scratches Childe's lip, he only groans, welcoming the taste of blood, which is now even more intense. The hot dance of your tongues, the way your palm moved from his neck to his chest, made his legs tremble and give way.

As you pull back, Childe looks at you with thirsty eyes, like a human who hasn't had a drink in weeks, desperately, hungry.

"Please Your Grace again… I've been a good boy, please." Childe's voice trembles as he reaches out his arms to you in the hope that you won't reject him.

You grin and give him another kiss, and then another and another. Until eventually Childe sits on your lap and anyone who walks past the door to the throne room can hear his moans.

Reblogs, comments, are always greatly appreciated! ヽ(o^ ^o)ﾉ

[justyoureader]

GENSHIN IMPACT X MALE! OC

Check out the other parts! ;p ( - 2 - 1 - ) Also, do you like it? Should I upload more of these? AND I'M NOT KIDDING I'M HAVING DREAMS OF THIS LITTLE GUY ON MY BANNER HERE FOR DAYS IN A ROW...

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ♫ ⋅.} ───── ⊰

     "Oh, Balladeer. Didn't expect to see you here. I thought you're on some mission again." Lux hummed, sitting up and slowly standing up. "I thought childe was the one on 'babysitting' duty as you called it- today."

      "Ugh.. Don't falter yourself, I just happen to stumble upon you today." Scaramouche grumbled, plopping himself down beside Lux.

      "Whatever you say, kabuki." Luxym just laughs, the sound making scaramouche's face brighten and a light blush bloomed on his face. "Don't call me that—"

      "Ah! Buddy, good to see you there!" A cheerful Tartaglia startled both of them, scaramouche's face immediately turned into an unhappy frown. "Oh my fucking archons, what do you want tartaglia?"

    "You may have forgotten, but I'm the one to accompany teach here." Tartaglia returned with a smile, hinted with displeasure on his eyes. The obvious display of passive aggression made Lux roll his eyes. "Ugh, don't act like you own him, filthy low life."

      Lux decided to step in to avoid further conflict, "He's right, scara, I'll go with childe now. If I'm not wrong, didn't you have an appointment with dottore?"

      "Ah. That's right.. Unfortunate since I wanted to spend more time with you..." Scaramouche mumbled, the last part not unheard by the other two male. "Hm?" The other two inquired, different tones to both of their voices.

      "Nothing. You must be hearing things, pesky ginger. And.. Farewell too  you, I guess." Scaramouche replied, his voice snarky as ever, though there's a hink of sulk when regarding the immortal boy.

      "Bye-bye" Lux shrugged, watching as the indigo haired male disappeared betwern the stack of snow before he got dragged by his former(?) Maybe not former(?) student.

      "Teach! I'm glad it's only he both of us now. I haven't seen you in a while since you're always with the tsaritsa." The ginger head male said with his signature charming grin, something that most poeple would immediately fell for.

      "Sorry for not visiting you much, though I reckoned you're also busy preparing yourself to go to liyue am I correct?" Lux hummed while they strolled down the halls of the fatui residence. The ginger's eyes lit up to the fact his master paid attention to what he does. "Yes! I mean- yes, I've been preparing for the lantern rite in hopes of getting the gnosis."

      Lux hummed in acknowledgement, nodding so in the process. "I see, maybe I'll visit you in liyue then, I'm quite bored as of lately." He said as childe lead them to his (Lux's) bedroom. The male swestdropped at the choice of words, last time Lux was 'bored' he travelled into the abyss and trained him along with his other master. "I see.. Oh, your finger tips is cold again master, you should really stop sleeping on the snow." The ginger frowned in concern.

      "Me? I'm fine. Don't worry about it." Lux dismissed tartaglia's concern towards his cold body. "Teach!" Tartaglia exclaimed in exasperation and frustration, holding out his hand to use his hydro vision to produce hot water.

      "There's no need for that ajax." Lux sighed, not correcting his own habit of using Tartaglia's real name when they're alone. "No, you'll get cold." He frowned, guiding the hot water to Lux's body for him to get warm.

      Luxym sighed, but smiled at his action. "My student is so caring." He cooed playfully.

      Tartaglia's face lit up, lightly flushing as he exclaimed. "Anything for my favorite teacher." He hesitantly scoot over to Lux before leaning his head slowly to his master's shoulder. "I might've or might've not felt homesick a little.."

      "Hm and why not visit your family then? Teucer must've missed you too." He lets tartaglia lean onto him, not bothered by the ginger's act of affection. Tartaglia avoided Lux's eyes, a light blush visible decorating his ears. "I mean.. I miss you."  He said with a playful grin, trying to act as if his voice wasn't trembling.

      "Hm?" Lux's eyes glide to meet tartaglia's dim eyes.

      "Wait no- you didn't hear that. It's nothing."

      Lux looks at him with a small fond sigh, wrapping an arm around ajax before letting the ginger cuddle up to him. "Is this what you want?" He huffed while the ginger-head just giggled smugly. Only stopped when Lux smacked his head, making the ginger release a low whine. "Hey.. That hurt teach!" While Lux only rolled his eyes.

      "Do you detest me that much?" He pouted playfully with a hint of almost unnoticeable insecurity.

      "Of course not." Lux denied with a frown, Ajax birghten up playfully but he didn't truly believe it. After all, what else is he but a weapon for the tsaritsa and the fatuis?

      Safe to say, it's one of the only time that the ginger fatui harbinger let himself lower down his guard, his dim eyes shining just the slightest bit from the genuine comfort. The wholesome moment only interrupted when Lux pointed out, "You should stop fighting with people. I heard you sparred with signora a few days ago and your body is currently patched up with burns." he deadpanned.

      Ajax's expression contorted into a chuckle. "But teach, the adrenaline and thrill is amazing. Just like when I'm in the abyss dparring with master skirk, plus I need to get stronger to protect teucer, you, and my family." He reasoned.

      "Still. Let me check your bruises." Luxym huffed his hand that's on Tartaglia's shoulder sliding smoothly to his waist, the sensation made ajax shiver. "Ah-! Alright alright." He pouted and looked away, sliding off his coat and lifting up his shirt.

      His stomach to his torso are littered with red painful burns, some of dried blood staining on his chest from his wounds that he didn't bother to clean up. "... Will you stop staring? Don't act like you really care about me, teach." Tartaglia frowned, playfully looking away, though a bit embarrassed that his body is being inspected.

   

      "Of course I care, you're my student." Lux sighed, tracing his hand over the burns are a bit severe. "I'm glad signora went fairly easy on you, ajax." He said with relief, his hand ghosting the wounds and burns. The sensation made Tartaglia whimpered, before flushing and covering his mouth. "Hah-.. Why- stop touching it teach. It's not that bad."

      "Let me heal it." Lux said out of the blue, Tartaglia looked startled. "Heal it? You mean bandage it up? There's no need-" Lux interrupted him by pushing Tartaglia down on the bed, making the other's eyes widen, his mouth hang open from his mouth. A strong hand gripped Tartaglia's waist down and the other beside his face as Lux hovers aboce the squirming ginger. "Ahaha.. Teach you're not going to.. Uh.." Tartaglia founds himself unable to find his playful words as his body grew warm from embarrassment.

      "Shh." Lux hushed Tartaglia. "I'm not going to do anything to you." He said with a low voice, Tartaglia finds himself unable to believe that and hides his face on the pillow, embracing himself for what's to come. It's alright, right?.. It's his teacher.. His teacher has every right to use his body, yeah...

      "Calm yourself down tartaglia.." He whispered, muffled by the pillow. He tries his best to do just that but he can't help but winced once his shirt is taken off, fortunately not ripped. He can feel his teacher's hand on his torso, struggling to stay still from the contact. "Teach, teach you're just playing right? You won't actually do it to your student right? I'm sure you're not cruel right?" He asked nervously, opening his eyes to meet with Lux's sharp eyes, it made him shiver.

      "Calm down. It won't hurt." He murmured, placing his hand on one of Tartaglia's burns, said fatui harbinger was about to refute before he felt warmth radiating from Luxym's palm. "Eh?" He asked dumbfounded, and before he knew it, his body looked like it was before he fought signora.

      "Teach you- you-" Tartaglia's face burned from embarrassment, immediately sitting up and bumping his forehead against Lux's before shaking his teacher by the shoulder. "I thought that- aghh! Teach I thought you're going to fuck me?!" He exclaimed loudly, his eyes twitching from frustration which made Lux slapped his mouth with his hand, seriously, he doesn't want their subordinates to hear Tartaglia say it so loudly. The ginger grumbled even if it's muffled by Lux's hand before licking it which made Lux pull away immediately with a scowl.

      "Get rid of that dirty mind of yours." Lux smacked Tartaglia's head again. "Ugh- You're just such a tease, teach. You have no need to make it that dramatic." He scoffed while holding his head, even if he does felt a tiny bit disappointed.

     

      Lux rolled his eyes, "don't sulk on me now. How about I entertain you with some spar?" He asked in an attempt to cheer Tartaglia up, which certainly worked as the adrenaline-loving ginger instantly lit up and grinned excitedly, an Imaginary dog tail swinging behind his back. "Alright. Your word teach, don't hold back on me, please!"

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ♫ ⋅.} ───── ⊰

[voraciousvore]

Giganterra (Chapter 41)

Prologue/ TOC | Previous (40) | Next (42)

Content Warning: None

Word Count: 2k

------ Chapter 41: Nothing to Lose ------

"Let’s go. Now.” 

Millie flinched, flabbergasted. “What?” 

“You heard me.” 

“B-b-but, that’s impossible! We can’t!” 

“Yes we can.” 

“I’ve told you, there’s no escape! Even if we miraculously sneak past Ajax undetected, Chester will hunt us down by scent! He’ll catch us, and when he does…” A shiver coursed from her head to her toes. “We’re done for.” 

“I don’t care, Millie. I’m going to escape or die trying. You may have the will to persevere, but I can’t survive living like this for another second. I’m leaving.” 

“Candy, no! You can’t!” Millie hissed frantically, even as Candy inched forward, shrugging off the weight of the giant’s immense hand. She gradually wiggled free of his fingers and started crawling slowly across his chest, careful not to wake him. “Candy!” 

“Come with me,” Candy whispered back. Both girls froze in place as the giant king shifted in his sleep. He settled back down, breathing steadily, his tremendous chest rising and falling beneath them like the flow of the tide. 

“I…” Millie swallowed hard. “I can’t.” 

“Please, Millie. Can’t you see this is no way to live, groveling and worshipping a demon? You need to try. What do you possibly have to lose, at this point?”  

Millie thought a long moment before replying. My life. All the goodwill I’ve built up over the years. Friends that could’ve been saved, if the fickle king hadn’t been cross in the moment. All of it. Everything. Evaporated into the ether, all because of my own failings, because I was too weak. Her voice dropped to a pitiful whimper, barely audible over the whoosh of voluminous lungs. “I’m scared.” 

“Millie…” Candy looked at her with eyes shining in the shrouded moonlight. “It’ll be okay. Trust me.” 

Millie contracted her throat again, gulping down her fears. She was willing to put her faith in Candy. The allure of freedom was too tempting to refuse, if she dared to wish it. “Al… alright.” Trembling violently, she crept out of the arch of digits and joined Candy. Her fellow human encouraged her along as they crossed the plain of skin. They reached the hillside of the giant’s bicep and carefully descended, keeping their steps as light and soft as possible. Candy sighed in relief when she jumped to the mattress. Millie’s shaking had only increased. Her knees knocked together as they crossed the vast topography of lavish silken sheets, until they finally reached the edge. The two women stared nervously over the precipice, to the impossibly long drop below that would undoubtedly kill them if they fell. 

“C-C-Candy, I d-don’t think I can d-do this,” Millie stuttered. 

“We can’t stop now. We’ll find a way down. We just have to climb.” 

“No, I mean… m-maybe we should just forget this whole thing and go back.” She pointed at the mass of man looming above them on the horizon. “It’s not too late. W-we can just climb up to his chest again, he’ll never know we were gone, we can sweep this whole thing under the rug and he’ll never know, he’ll be none the wiser and we won’t get caught and punished—” Her voice raised in pitch as she started to hyperventilate in her panic, spiraling out of control as she vomited out her words in clumsy haste. 

Candy grabbed her shoulders. “Millie, get a grip!” They both froze when the mattress moved beneath them, as the behemoth stirred in his sleep. He settled in and resumed his snores. Candy let out a relieved sigh. 

“Millie, I know you’re strong,” Candy continued. “Don’t turn back now. We need to get out of here. Both of us. I’m not leaving you behind.” 

Millie inhaled deeply, then exhaled, hugging herself with her arms. “Okay,” she whispered. 

“Let’s go.” Candy had fantasized about escaping every night since she’d been in Giganterra, so she was mentally prepared despite the obstacles in her path. She clasped the purple silk firmly in her hands and began her descent, allowing herself some controlled falls when the folds presented an opportunity. Millie watched for a minute before following. Her hands were quaking so badly that she could barely hold on, but she persevered nonetheless, bolstered by Candy’s boldness. 

The climb was exhausting, and terrifying, and dangerous, but they both made it to the floor without incident. Despite the burning in her arms and the fatigue in her chest, Candy pressed on, pulling Millie behind her with a clammy hand. They crossed the huge bearskin rug, an extensive meadow of brown fur, to the stone bricks of the floor. The stones were rough and uneven at such a scale, and traversing the cracks and rough texture was similar to a hike through rugged terrain. 

The tiny humans slipped through the gap under the door cautiously. King Richard’s suite, besides the bedroom and bathroom, contained a living room area with luxurious couches and a fireplace, along with a small adjacent room for his manservant to sleep. Fortunately, the other giant was deep in slumber, so Candy and Millie were able to scurry across the enormous space undetected. The taps of their small footsteps weren’t enough to reach the distant walls to cast an echo, causing the empty space around them to feel strangely muted. Millie was unsettled, but at least grateful that they wouldn’t wake up the giant servant. 

They made it to the exit door that led out of the private suite. Millie’s breath hitched in her throat when she peered under, only to behold the gigantic heels of Ajax’s boots on the other side. “We’re done for,” she whined softly.  

“What do you mean?” 

“The guard. He’ll see us. He’ll catch us. There’s no other way out.” She buried her face in her hands. “I knew it was a lost cause.” 

“Well, it’s too late to turn back now,” Candy argued. “We must go on.” She peeked out. “Maybe he’s sleeping while standing up, like you said he does. It’s the middle of the night, he can’t be that attentive.” 

Millie shook her head despondently. “I told you already, he’s been enchanted with magic. Something is… wrong with him. He’s not a normal person.” 

“I’m going to try,” Candy declared. “We’ve gotten this far; I’m not ready to give up now. I'll go first, and you can follow me.” 

Millie blanched. Candy grasped her shoulders again. “Listen to me. If I get caught… I want you to promise me that you’ll keep going, and strive with every fiber of your being to escape unscathed. Okay?” 

“Candy, I couldn’t possibly leave you behind—" 

“Promise me!” 

 Candy’s intense gaze burned into her. Millie clinched her jaw and nodded. “I promise.” 

“Look, I’m so small compared to him anyways, I doubt he’ll even notice. I’ll just slink along slowly and quietly. It’ll be fine. Trust me.” She patted Millie’s shoulder and rotated to the door. Millie resisted the urge to grab her and pull her back to safety. She could only watch as Candy crawled under the door to the stairwell. 

Candy’s heart palpitated as she emerged on the other side, Ajax’s huge leather boot dwarfing her. She had lied to Millie. She wasn’t confident that she’d be able to sneak past without being spotted, though she sincerely hoped so. She believed there was a chance of success, however slim. The moonlight pouring in through the window seemed as bright as a spotlight as it illuminated the stoic colossus rising hundreds of feet above her.  

Candy was too scared to look up at the giant guard. She skirted the walls, slipping into the inky shadows to hide her presence. Her feet shuffled forward, inch by inch, as she prayed to whatever deity would listen for the gift of invisibility. Ajax stood in place without any indication of life; all Candy could see from her perspective was his monumental boot and leg, like a solid pillar of stone.  

The stillness was unnerving. Candy’s blood pounded loudly in her ears, drowning out the uneasy silence. The tension became too much to bear and Candy halted in place, struggling not to gasp audibly for breath. The first ledge of the stairs was so close, just a few feet away. She leaned forward to peer over the edge and experienced a rush of vertigo as she saw how far she’d have to go to reach the bottom of the staircase. She turned away and took a deep breath to center herself. 

A prickle of unease darted up her spine, a primordial instinct awakening within her. Candy went rigid as a cold bead of sweat dribbled down her temple. She stiffly pivoted her head upwards, icy fingers of fear encircling her neck in a noose. Her eyes trailed up the body of the fearsome behemoth, over his intimidating oversized weaponry and defined musculature, until she reached his face. An involuntary choked cry emerged from her lips as her eyes met the hard, black, solitary eye of the guard far above, staring directly into her. 

His frigid gaze pinned her to the floor. Her mind screamed at her legs to run, but her limbs refused to respond, as if she were hypnotized. She felt like a fly trapped in a spider’s web, entangled and suspended in place by sticky thread. Time seemed to freeze for an eternity as his gigantic eye bore into her. 

The guard stooped over, his knee crashing down next to Candy. She squeaked with fright and fled as the spell was broken by his disruption, but the massive man effortlessly snagged her with his thick, rough fingers. Candy cried out as she watched the ground drop away beneath her, until she was level with the cyclopean eye. The guard examined her impassively as she screeched with alarm, waving her arms and legs wildly. 

Ajax grunted, closing his fist entirely around her and shrouding her in darkness. Candy pounded her hands and feet into the inner well of his digits, to no avail. The giant surveyed the floor around the stairs before opening the door behind him and lumbering into the king’s chambers. He searched around the couches and tables, lifting them up effortlessly with his herculean strength. He checked under the rugs, along the walls, behind the curtains, in all the cracks and crevasses where a little mouse could hide. Candy’s heart bludgeoned her chest cavity from the terrible suspense. She knew he was searching for Millie, but she couldn’t see anything from the hollow of his fist. She was blind and powerless. 

When Ajax failed to find the other escapee, he entered the king’s bedroom. Hardon was sprawled out on the bed, snoring, with his hand resting on his chest. His guard monitored him with a blank stare for several minutes, as if processing conflicting information. He looked to the king’s cupped hand on his chest, then to the human terrarium, then back to his hand. His hold on Candy loosened enough for her to poke her head out of his gargantuan fist. 

At first, she didn’t understand what he was doing. She could almost see the cogs and wheels turning in his boulder of a head, like he was struggling to understand something. He appeared more like a golem or an animated machine than a man, as if he didn’t have the mental faculties to think properly. She followed his gaze to the king, and the realization gradually dawned on her: He was trying to see if Millie was present, under his hand. 

With the humans being so small, smaller than a single finger on a giant’s hand, it would be easy for her to be concealed there unseen. Ajax knew not to wake the king without good reason. He didn’t wish to invoke his wrath or disturb his slumber. He decided that Millie must be there, where he couldn’t see her. He dropped Candy in the terrarium and resumed his post without a second thought. After all, even if Millie wasn’t in the care of the king, the giant guard understood that no human would be able to escape Chester’s sensitive nose. Without a doubt, she would be found and caught again. 

Chapter 42

Tag List: @tinycoded360 @yummynomms

[ryuryuryuyurboat]

perfect places

synopsis: pizza run at 3am because what better than hot food when it's pouring outside?

genre: fluff. just a wholesome moment. modern au

characters: childe x gn! reader

warnings: established relationship, use of pet names (twice), usage of childe's real name, reader is referred to in 3rd person, raw unedited piece written in 1 minute because i felt silly

a/n: tumblr debut how we doin!! finally posting mwah<3 (if i ever regret this i can say i did this on a whim) likes, reblogs and comments highly appreciated!!

©2023 ryuryuryuyurboat. do not repost, translate, plagiarise, or modify in any way, shape or form.

masterlist

“hey. hey. hey. baby. babe. y/n. Y/N.” childe poked their side. y/n stirred slightly, before opening one eye sleepily. 

“shut up, childe. it’s literally 3 in the morning.” 

“it’s actually 2:23, to be precise.” 

“even worse. go back to sleep.” 

“but i can’t.” 

“and why the hell not?” 

“dunno.” he shrugged, still nudging their side.

y/n groaned, pushing themself into a sitting position on the bed. “okay, okay, fine, i’m up. now what?”

“what d’you say to a drive around the neighbourhood in that new car?” childe grinned at them, immediately receiving a slap upside his head and a string of curses towards his name. 

“no, ajax. it’s literally 2 in the morning, it’s pouring outside, and we have an early day tomorrow—or today, whatever you call this ungodly time. and the car is new. i’m not destroying it so soon.” 

“boo. i thought you enjoyed driving ‘round the neighbourhood at night.” he pouted. 

"not in the middle of the night!"

"pretty please?"

"...only if we can get hot food."

"so that's a yes?" his eyes had long lost their shine– and yet in this instance they seemed to sparkle so brightly.

“you really don’t know when to stop, do you?” the only reply y/n received was a little laugh and a light slap on their thigh as childe slid off the bed and walked into the adjoining bathroom to get ready.

“hey, in my defence, you never said to stop!”

“you suck.” y/n shook their head, their actions contradicting their words as a small smile made its way onto their face.

“aww, love you too!”

and so they ended up here — sharing a bite-sized serving of pizza in a small bistro after an hour (or two) of driving around aimlessly, debating on useless controversial issues like whether pineapples truly belonged on pizza.

if you liked this, do consider dropping me a follow for more :>

[deathbxnny]

Omg official first request I've made ever?

Okay so hear me out, Dragonkin Reader, Dragon of war at a point of time in the past who was best friends with Morax in ye olden days. Reader who use to drink Osmanthus wine with everyone and such, ended up in a marriage with the great Morax and over time things got shaky, when he faked his death and took the name Zhongli and decided that having a dragon partner with obvious features of Dragonkin isn't great for his whole Human(tm) brand he has going on so he just neglects the reader except for during meetings with Childe on occasion, and reader just so happens to befriend Childe who definitely has his eyes for the stunning dragonkin...and perhaps even challenges them to a spar in which Reader wins and he just falls over head in heels with them..and perhaps reader shows up soggy in the rain at the inn room he's in when Zhongli presented Divorce papers and essentially kicked them out 👀 or something of the sort. Extra angst extra forbidden(ish) romance 👀👀👀

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A/N: Why hello there! I am honoured to be the recepient of your request, dear definitely-a-stranger of mine! I love the idea, but have changed it maybe a little bit too much on accident, so I hope that you'll like it anyways!<33 Content: Mention of non-sexual nudity!!!, some light flirting, neglect, Zhongli being a bad husband (like in most of my writing for him-), some angst, emotional adultery???, hurt/kind of comfort, talks of divorce, Childe being a sly homewrecker, somewhat forbidden romance, romantic tension, characters might be ooc?? idk- Female reader, who has some dragon-like features! Word count: 2.2k ((Not proofread at all!!!))

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"Take a leap into the waters below with me, won't you?"

It was a cold and misty morning, when Ajax decided to take a nice swim in an uncharted lake he had found during his travels. It was close to the borders of Liyue city, hidden in a lush field of tall grass, and yet no map seemed to acknowledge it's existence. This intriuged him greatly, as not even locals seemed to be aware of it. And so, whenever the tempratures dropped, he ventured out for a quick dip in the cold water, a familiar tradition from back home. He trudged through the thick grass, his eyes narrowing against the mist. It was easy to miss the lake and so he was always very careful in looking for it, having even gone as far making a small pathway for himself.

A content smile pulled at his lips, when he finally saw the still surface of it in the distance, his steps speeding up, until he stood at the small part of the shoreline that wasn't covered in rocks. His boots came off first, then his shirt and jacket, then his pants. All unceremoniously thrown onto a nearby rock, right next to the foreign silken robes he hadn't seen in his eagerness to get in. Ignorant to what may linger below, he was quick to lower himself into the water, letting out a soft hiss at how cold it was.

Just like how it was back home.

He closed his eyes, muscles tensing and flexing, before they relaxed and his mind drifted into thoughtless dreams of work and his family. It was quiet and peaceful here... perhaps a little too unnaturally quiet. But his apparent fearlessness didn't allow him any doubt or worry. Every now and then, he'd hear the soft movement of the water in the subconsciousness of his mind, until it became a little too often and began near approaching him. He cracked a tired eye open, his arms crossed over his broad chest, as he tried seeing what the source of the sound was. was it a fish? Frog? ... A woman?

The young man gasped softly, his body straightening up in surprise, when he saw her carelessly step out of the water, goosebumps spreading across her body when the cold breeze hit her skin. He opened his mouth to perhaps apologise or question her... yet not a word was able to escape his lips. And she didn't seem to particularly acknowledge him either. Instead, she just now stood next to him, calmly looking off into the distance, before her head slowly turned to look down at him.

The silence was suffocating, but Ajax's mind was racing with millions of thoughts at once. He should be looking away from her nude form. He should get up and... No, he can't do that either, as he was in a similar state. Yet he seemed to have more shame than her. So instead, he could only blink in surprise, when he noticed the scales, horns and cat-like slitted, intense eyes. She was no human, he then determined. A siren maybe? Was she going to rip him apart with the sharp teeth he spied under her lips? Was she going to dig her sharp nails into his heart and take it for herself? Was she going to seduce him and drag him into the depths of the lake as punishment for being so careless? Ajax fidgeted nervously. At least she was beautiful, he supposed. Breathtaking, in a literal sense, if you will.

And yet, his creative imagination came to an end, when the woman finally spoke up, still so unbothered by it all. "It's been a while, since a human decided to lose it's way into my territory..." She hummed, before just stepping out of the water and collecting the robes the harbinger had ignored. "... Have any of them survived to tell the tale?" He asked, trying to retain some semblance of his composure, which seemed impossible in her presence. He heard a small huff, perhaps a chuckle. "Some, yes." She mused, but her voice was oddly devoid of any emotions. Or perhaps, human emotions.

Childe dared to look behind him then, his eyes catching as her bare shoulder disappeared under the silk. "I won't go down so easily, if you happen to be in a bad mood today then." The man near challenged, but he was only met with a slight turn of her head in his directon, as she halted her movements. "I doubt, that you'll ever be a match forme, even in a good mood." She replied, before slowly walking away, her hands gently brushing against the tall grass. But her words only ticked off Ajax's challenging nature, which made him swiftly stand and give her a slight grin. "Then fight me. I assume you are an ancient creature, one with great power. I'd appreciate the challenge-" "-Maybe next time." Was all she said, as her form merged with the mist and disappeared soundlessly. Childe stood in the still water for a while after, his breathing a little laboured from the excitement that had filled him from her words alone.

So much for relaxation...

--

He visited the lake often afterwards, in hopes of seeing the woman again. And every now and then, he'd be lucky enough to do so, even if she never agreed to a fight. Instead, he'd spend his time speaking to her, although that was a little difficult at first due to her reserved nature. Something that Ajax was eventually able to break through as well. He learned three things about her over the few weeks he had spent here. Her name was (Y/N), she was once an ancient, powerful dragon... and she is married, unfortunately. To who exactly however, she refused to say. Not that it mattered anyways, since childe's brewing, selfish jealousy only saw it as a challenge too, if anything. Especially when he learned that your dear husband wasn't very attentive to you in the first place.

"Say, wouldn't your husband get quite angry, if he saw his wife and a foreign man sitting in a lake together... naked?" He one day asked, loosely gesturing between the two of them lazily to empathise his point. But he had learned over time, that dragons didn't care about nudity all that much. They techincally usually didn't wear clothes anyways, right? (Y/N) seemed to have learned some human customs at least regarding that, but her lake, her rules, he supposed. "He forgets I'm there most of the time. I doubt he'll care now." She hummed, her body laying across the warm sand. It was a hot day, the sun shining down and reflecting against the lakes still surface. Ajax kept his eyes away from her, mainly out of odd embarrassment, that he usually couldn't care to feel. But she made him feel alot of similar emotions against his will anyways.

"How can he forget you? I certainly think about you all the time." "About me? Or the duel you are itching to have?" He simply grinned knowingly in response. It was both, ofcourse. "I guessed so... but I'll have to disappoint you once again, I'm afraid. There is a meeting I have to attend with my husband." She muttered, sighing as she sat up with a slight frown. Ajax raised a brow, a silent question she understood. "Appearances are important to him." "I see... but what about your...?" He trailed off, eyes daring steal a glance at her horns, that made her nod. "Yes, I hide them around him... or other people for that matter." "Ah, so, I'm special then?" He teased, making her huff and pull on her thin robe. "Perhaps in a way, you are... but then again, you are in my domain." She said, which made the man smirk a little. He'll take that for now.

She took her leave then, a small wave and bow of her head, before she disappeared in the tall grass. Ajax sighed to himself and sunk deeper into the water. He also had a meeting to get to... but for now, he'll stay in your domain to relax in your comfort, that even lingered in your absence.

--

"Perhaps I shouldn't have done that..." He cursed, when he was running late from falling asleep in the lake. He didn't know how it happened and was quite irritated at himself. This was a mess, but knowing him, he'd always find a way out of everything. So when he arrived at the restaurant, he put on his best, apologetic smile, as he went to greet the man. "Ahaha.... my apologies, Mr. Zhongli! Last minute work came up, that I had to take care of and..." His words trailed off, when his eyes found the familiar gaze of the dragonic woman. He gulped, when it all dawned on him... but then the confusion settled in. Why would such a powerful, ancient dragon be with a funeral consultant? Unless... he didn't know? Yes, that made alot of sense, especially when she looked so human-like now. Somehting that irked Ajax deep down, for some reason.

"That's alright, things happen." Zhongli hummed, ushering the man to take a seat, when he absently waved a hand into the direction of his near stoic wife. "I hope you don't mind my wife joining us for the evening?" He asked, making the harbinger clear his throat. "No, ofcourse not... it's an honour.." (Y/N) seemed less affected by the whole ordeal and so he decided to reel himself in as well and go ahead with the meeting. Every now and then, his eyes would find her calm form picking at her food or idly looking off at a nearby wall. He also quickly noticed how... indifferent Zhongli was to her.

His eyes never trailed to her breathtaking form in her fancy, silken robes. He never spoke a word to her, never asked for her opinion. It irritated Ajax. If she was his, he'd show her off, boast bout the strong, powerful wife he had at his side. He'd never allow her to hide her dragonic features either. She was to be worshipped, just like she told him she once was... but then again, Childe was selfish. He'd rather just worship her all on his own.

And by the end of the evening, it took all his strength to not rip her away from the other man's unworthy grasp. What did he have, that Ajax didn't? But all he could really do, was watch the two walk away, her eyes meeting his briefly, before she disappeared after her husband in the dense crowd.

--

"Even after a nice evening, you can't seem to acknowledge me, Morax." (Y/N) said, although she knew her word would just fall on deaf ears. Especially when she used his old name, actual name. "I don't expect much else from you however.... Would you like it, if I simply disappeared into the depths of my lake forever? Far away from any civilisation, forever alone?" More silence, as the man simply took off his coat and shoes. He only responded when she used that pathetic human name of his. But she'd be damned, before she allowed herself to sink that low. "I will warn you, that I will not be alone however. I have perhaps found someoneelse. Someone who appreciates the war and carnage of love much more than you ever could have."

Zhongli stopped in his tracks, his head tilting ever so slightly in her direction. He wouldn't even spare her a last glance it seemed. He had fully given up on his past and his wife of eons with it. "Then leave." "Very well, Morax." She saw his jaw clench, a last dig at revenge, the sound of a ring hitting the marble floor blending in with the door falling shut.

--

The moon was high up in the sky, by the time (Y/N) arrived at her lake. As expected, Ajax was already resting in it and for a while it seemed. "It's a little late for a swim, don't you think?" He asked, making the woman hum in response, as she shrugged her clothes off and walked past him into the lake, until it reached her hips. "Says who? I make the rules here." The man sat up, his head tilted back a little to laugh softly. "My, when did you get so sassy? Seems like I'm rubbing off on you." "Perhaps so... why are you here?" She finally asked the obvious question, that earned her a smirk. But it was a dangerous one. "It's not for a duel, for once." He mused, the message clear.

This type of burning love he felt was forbidden and perhaps for a good reason. A dragon and a human couldn't possibly be together, and then there was Zhongli, who he still assumed was just a mere human. People would call him a homewrecker, or maybe they'd dare to blame you. But alas... when was Childe ever the one to back down from anything? Especially when he wanted something? It was a risky, uncharted part of life for him... yet that alone seemed to have worked out for him before with this lake, right? "I see... then what is it?" She asked carefully, eyes narrowing a little, when he chuckled.

"I'd like to take a leap of faith." "A leap of faith?" "Yes." His answers were clear and confident, filled with an arrogance only he perhaps could have. But that intriuged the woman, who hummed and reluctantly held her hand out to him then; A final test.

"Then come... Take a leap into the waters below with me, won't you?"

"Challenge accepted."

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A/N: Alrighttt, my back hurts! And this took me about 3 hours to write... and I maybe went off the idea alot... BUT I know you'll appreciate it anyways. I hope everyone else enjoyed this too and thank you again for the request, dear!<33

[nukiiszn]

death finds me with my arms open —

in which grimreaper!zhongli finds ajax on his last day of life

cw: suicide

"a grim reaper?"

the grim reaper was never called to a place without a corpse.

he was at the rooftop of a tall apartment complex, a ginger haired boy sat on the edge next to him.

"why are you here?" the reaper turns to the boy.

"to watch the stars. care to join me?" the boy cocks his head with a grin in return.

the immortal didnt have much reason to refuse. he was called here for a reason, and his best lead was this human.

"i suppose." he took a seat across from the blue eyed male, giving him a curious eye. "what is your name?"

the boy hummed, as if thinking over the question; over something so simple? "i go by many. which one would you like to know?"

the reaper made a face, thinking over the odd response. "your name. whichever belongs to who i am talking to."

the stranger snickered, amused. " ..childe." he paused. "do you have a name?"

"i have.. many as well." the reaper found a curious smile crawling on his face. multiple names for an immortal were not an oddity, but for a mortal human.. "which one would you like to know?"

ajax grins. "whichever one is yours."

"morax." he responds with a bemused expression. "my name."

"you are a reaper, are you not?" childe observes the long tail curled behind him, the tall striking horns, and the amber hued slits in his eyes. grim reapers were of fiction, supposedly, yet one stood right before him.

"yes." morax confirmed. "i'm not sure why im here, however."

"have you ever been called for deaths that will happen? like, in advance? or to prevent them, even." the ginger's eyes glimmer with something morax can't quite figure out.

"i can't say i have, for the former." morax pauses. "our job is to collect the remains of the dead and let them pass on in peace, for the latter. we have no role in interrupting their demise, it would upset the flow of nature."

childe hums, eyes downcast to the bustling city. "ah, yes, i suppose you would be a guardian angel, in that case. it would be quite nice if mine showed up."

morax watches for a second or two. "are you up here to kill yourself?"

the ginger snickers once more. "i wouldnt put it so bluntly. id call it a graceful plummet to my inevitable end, but yes, if you must know. i am."

the reaper's eyebrows crease and he huffs begrudgingly. these sorts of humans were the kind he disliked.

childe quirks an eyebrow. "what, not a fan?"

"hardly. i have no interest to tolerate mortal tomfoolery and their nonsensical gambles."

"gee, strong opinions on something you have no place in. you can't interfere with the flow of nature, remember?" the human repeats, almost mockingly.

morax grumbles in response, his tail flattening on the concrete ground behind him. "you seem to have recognized me immediately. a grim reaper, that is."

"oh, i had my phases. i know my fair share of mythology. grim reapers were an especially keen interest of mine."

"why so?" morax replies keenly.

"their physical depictions, they were gorgeous on paper, and even more so in person." childe offers a smirk. "though quite indignant, unfortunately."

the reaper raises a brow. "grim reapers have hardly much to be jolly about, i assure you."

the conversation falls silent for a while, childe's eyes returning to the stars.

"have you ever been in love, morax?"

morax pauses, stills, then his eyes flicker down, an answer in itself almost.

"yes." morax replies, grimly. "i miss her everyday."

"was the pain great?" childe inquires. "when you lost her."

"greater than the wrath of a thousand vengeful gods." he breathes. "light left my world along with her."

"would you have traded your life for hers?" childe inquires.

"in a heartbeat."

"so you would kill yourself for her?"

morax stills. "what?"

"you would end your life for her heart to beat once more." he reiterates. "so you would kill yourself for her?"

morax hesitates. "yes. i.. suppose i would."

"so you would understand, empathize even, as to why im here."

his amber eyes flicker over. "why are you here?"

"i lost someone. just like you. i lost everything when i lost them. now i will finally lose this body too." childe smiles, regretfully.

morax juts out his jaw. "they would not come back, however, unlike your hypothetical for me. do not be foolish."

"true." the mortal replies. "yet there is no purpose for me here anymore. no reason to live."

"i lived." morax replies. "i lived to tell my tale to you. can you not, for someone else?"

"but you cannot die. you do not have the luxury." childe shuts his eyes tight.

morax wavers.

"you will live even as your world reduces to nothing but misery and gore, and you will do nothing but wish wistfully for the luxury of nothingness."

"but you are death itself, and you persist." childe's eyes meet his, pleadingly.

"do not take this luxury away from me. let it embrace me, if not you."

the reaper softens. a breath, then two, then he speaks.

"zhongli."

childe tilts his head inquisitively.

"my name."

the ginger smiles, soft and real and genuine, one of but a hurting boy.

"ajax."

the reaper understands.

"it was nice to meet you, ajax."

"you as well, zhongli."

zhongli's throat wells. "go."

and he does. he flies. he flies gracefully, a plummet towards his death, as inevitable as he wished it to be.

zhongli's heart lurches as ajax's body does, his throat tightens as he hears the air push around the freefall, his chest hitched with sharp pain as he hears the gruesome splat of flesh on concrete floor.

death falls silent, in ironic condolence, as it descends to the end of the line where lost souls meet their ever after.

he reaches out with a palm, and the remains of young life weave between his fingers before settling into the arch of his palm.

he rises, and holds the soul close to his heart.

tomorrow is another day. with another life lost to life itself. this time, this one, he would carry with utmost sorrow, to peace forevermore.

[impactedfates]

A Pawn In Chess - Tartaglia x GN!Reader

Summary: A 5 year anniversary for you and your boyfriend, and your gift to him needed to be perfect. Recalling all the happy memories you had together, annoying your friend with how in love you were and perfecting you gift to Childe. But was he truly in love with you in the first place?

Warnings/Extra: Fluff to Angst // My OC is included >:D // As always, slightly ooc Childe probably // Reader lived in Liyue before moving to Snezhnaya // Takes place some time after Sumeru Archon quests, no major spoilers though dw :) // A part 2 might be written.

W.C - 2241

A/N- When I told my friend this was going to be an angst fic, she was quick to not want it…sooo if this gets enough notes I might consider a part 2. I’m actually semi-proud of this fic! :D Some basic info you’ll need to know about the OC I included is that his name is Zakhar and he’s an electro claymore user apart of the Fatui. He was really only added because I didn’t know the personality’s of any other Fatui well enough to write about…(that would fit in the scenario anyways)

"And you're doing this, why?"

Came a tired voice behind you. You turned and your eyes met those of a dark navy. One of your best friends ever since your boyfriend introduced you to his group. Zakhar.

"Because it's our anniversary!"

You replied, sighing and shaking your head at him as if it was common knowledge. Then again, with how lovey dovey you and your boyfriend usually were, you suppose it is common knowledge in the Fatui. You continued to cut up photos in different shapes and sticking them in a mini scrapbook. You were planning to fill a book with all the memories you had with your boyfriend. You absolutely adored him.

You adored Childe.

You adored Tartaglia.

You.Adored.Ajax.

"Doing all this for Lord Tartaglia seems like it'll take awhile...especially with how perfect you want it to be"

Zakhar speaks, moving to stand next to you and look at your work. He was probably one of the first to find out about yours and Ajax's relationship. You rolled your eyes at him as you continued to perfectly and carefully place all the pictures on the current page.

"It's our 5 year anniversary, of course I want to make it perfect"

"I just think that there's no need to be this obsessed with your gift to him"

He shrugs, crossing his arms. You let out a dramatic gasp as you set down the scissors and yet another couple photos you took with Ajax's. Zakhar looks at you amused but lets out a light chuckle. Picking up the photo you set down he studies it for a moment, and before he could even ask anything, you were quick to explain.

"That's when we first met!"

"You took a photo of when you two only just met?"

"Yes, and it was cute okay!"

You reply, snatching the picture out of his hands with a fake pout, you carefully cut it into a heart. Although you may not believe in love at first sight, you can say that's what you felt when you first met him. Of course it took much longer than that for you to develop feelings for him. You can still remember that day clearly, you had just returned from a trip from Fontaine when you met him and you were more than happy to tell your friend all the details.

.

.

.

"Hey, wait up!"

Came a carefree voice. You turn and are met with blue eyes gazing into your own eyes. You raise your eyebrow at him. You studied his appearance a bit, definitely not clothing you'd see in Liyue, perhaps someone visiting? Still you stopped walking and waited for him to run up to you. He stood beside you and grinned at you.

"Thanks comrade, the names Childe. What's your name?"

"Childe? An odd name but...my names [Name]"

Childe held out a hand to you, urging you to take it, you looked curiously at him but took it anyways. There was something up with the man next to you, but you couldn’t put your finger on it.

“So [Name], fancy hanging out with me for a bit? I’m new to this Nation of Contracts, and~ having such a cutie like yourself being my tour guild would make my stay more bearable no?”

You looked at him for a bit, slightly surprised at the compliment but shrugged it off. You also shrug off that he seemed to be lying about being new to Liyue. Was this his way of flirting?

He stared back and it was clear he was getting nervous after such a long silence.

“Actuallyyy, if you don’t want to you don’t ha-”

“Sure, I have time. But you better make it worth my while”

Childe looked at you for a second then grinned. He pulled out his Kamera and gestured to you to come closer. You looked at him confused and curious, and it seemed he sensed it as he quickly explained he wanted to take a picture to capture this memory.

You laughed softly at the ginger's antics before agreeing, once he took the photo, he handed a copy of the photo to you before running off. Yelling that he’d meet you here the next day at 8.

.

.

.

“That was a cute meeting?”

Zakhar asked judgmentally, looking at you with an almost deadpan expression. He clearly did not find anything about the meeting cute.

“Him failing at flirting and you find that cute?”

You nod matter of factly with a grin, before waving him off. He wasn’t there so how would he know how cute Childes' expression was when he attempted to flirt with you? He wouldn't know how cute it was when his face lit up when you agreed to be his ‘tour guide’.

Zakhar rolled his eyes, his eyes scanned the assortment of photos still around your desk. Ignoring the paper scraps, scissors and stickers also on it. He studied the photos that had yet to be added.

“What’s that one?”

He pointed at a picture of you and Childe. You eyes glanced over at the one he was pointing at and your eyes softened. It was a picture of you and Childe outside a restaurant in Snezhnaya. His arm wrapped around your waist as he grinned at the Kamera, you were covered in his scarf, a bright smile also on your face.

“Our first date, he took me to Snezhnaya and asked me on a date, confessed to me after dinner as well”

“Shouldn’t confessions be before the dinner date?...Wait, wasn't this also after you found out about his actual job?”

“Well…yes actually, it was…but I’ve known Ajax for awhile now that I suppose I didn’t care…and also he confessed before and after the date”

You state a dreamy look in your eyes, ignoring the look on the electro user's face as he pinched the bridge of his nose. Clearly confused at how you were so willing to ignore your boyfriend's occupation. You don’t even notice however, as you recall how the date went.

.

.

.

“[Name]!!”

You turn and see Childe running up to you, you shiver a bit due to the cold and wrap your coat around you more. Smiling at him as he walks over.

He took notice of your shivering and was quick to wrap his scarf around you.

“I’m used to the cold, don’t worry”

He reassured you, before taking your hand and walking with you to a fancy restaurant. You two chatted a bit, and deep down you could tell Childe, or at this point, you knew him as Tartaglia now. He was glad you didn’t seem to care about his status as a Fatui Harbinger.

Though in all honesty, you also wondered how you didn’t figure it out quicker. Especially after finding out what he did in Liyue. Then again you were in Fontaine when it all happened and no one was talking about it when you came back.

Eventually you arrive at the restaurant, and Tartaglia, like the gentleman he is, opened the door for you and even pulled out a chair for you to sit on when you both entered.

The dinner was amazing, and Tartaglia was more than happy to pay, as you two walked out. He walked you home, or atleast to the hotel you were staying at. And as you arrived, he was about to turn and leave. “Wait, Tartaglia”

He turned and hummed in response, you took out your own Kamera and held it up.

“Can we…take a picture?”

He chuckled a bit and walked over, wrapping his arm around your waist and grabbing your Kamera.

“A picture to remember our first date? You’re rather cute aren’t you love?”

He speaks, placing a kiss on your forehead before snapping a picture of the two of you, however you don’t miss the soft voice of his as he mutters.

“I love you”

.

.

.

“Oi…Oi!”

Came a voice that snapped you out of your thoughts. Fingers snapping in front of you also brought your attention back to your friend who’s been trying to gain your attention after you started daydreaming.

Your cheeks flushed embarrassed as you scratched the back of your head with a small smile.

“Sorry-”

“Whatever, are you nearly done now? Childes meeting with the other harbingers should be finished soon, then you can give him your gift”

Zakhar states, crossing his arms, eyeing the remaining pictures. Your eyes widened in surprise and glanced at the clock. He was right, you better finish soon if you wanna meet with Ajax after his meeting. He was bound to be tired.

After a bit of begging you managed to convince Zakhar to help you finish the scrapbook. Once it was completed you hugged the book to yourself and happily walked alongside Zakhar to the Fatui headquarters.

“Did I tell you the day I met Ajax's family?”

“Please stop getting all nostalgic-”

“Well!”

You completely ignored his wishes as you started telling him about the day. How his siblings instantly loved you, his parents took a bit to warm up to you, helping with dinner and the proud face Ajaxs had when he watched you get along with his family.

This was the day you learnt of his real name. He allowed you to call him by Ajax, which should’ve been probably something that’s to be expected when you’re dating someone. Yet you felt so honoured he trusted you enough with said name.

You continued talking about what happened when you stayed with Ajax's family for a week. The crafts you made with his younger siblings, the talks you had with his older siblings and the uneasy tension you had with his parents before they warmed up to you. How you two shared a bed. It was clear you were very in love with Ajax. And it was also clear Zakhar was growing tired of it.

“And then-”

“Shhh”

He put his hand over your mouth to stop you from speaking any more. Using a free hand he rubs his temples and looks at you before gesturing that you’ve arrived. You were so caught up with your retelling of memories you didn’t realise you talked about it all the way to the front door of the Harbingers meeting room.

You patiently waited outside, the scrapbook still hugged to your body as you waited for everyone to file out of the room. As the Harbingers left, some ignored you while others gave you a nod of acknowledgement. Ajax was the last to walk out, wearing his large coat.

“Ajax!”

Your eyes didn’t fail to see how he winced as you called out to him. You weren’t being too loud were you? You shake your head, he was probably tired from the meeting.

You walked up to him and were about to hand over the scrapbook when Ajax glared at you.

“What are you doing here [Name]?”

He asked, his tone differed from his usual carefree ones. And it definitely didn’t escape yours or Zakhars attention.

“I…wanted to see you…it’s our anniversary?”

“Right…our anniversary…”

Ajax speaks, nodding. He seems lost in thought, you were about to speak up when he raised a hand to stop you.

“[Name], I think we should break up”

“...Sorry?”

Ajax looked at you, it was clear to you that he wasn’t joking. Did you do anything to make him want to break up with you? Now that you recall, he was starting to get distant since a week ago.

“I…have no use for you anymore…look, I’m not going to continue dragging this relationship on when I never had any feelings for you…you were simply…”

“A pawn in chess?”

Zakhar asks, raising an eyebrow as he walks over to the two of you, having listened in. Ajax pauses before slowly nodding, going to explain more.

“[Name] was…a key to get information on someone that made enemies with us…”

“And you thought the best way to do that was to pretend you liked them? To act as if you two were a happy couple. I don’t mean to judge Lord Tartaglia but that doesn’t seem like a good reason”

You stood there for a bit, clutching the scrapbook in your hands still as Ajax and Zakhar argued. Your mind was trying to process.

So Ajax just came up to you so he could get information on an enemy of the Fatui?

So Tartaglia only took you on a date to act like he truly loved you, so that you trusted him?

So Childe only brought you to meet with his family to act like he trusted you.

Your lips thinned as you dropped the scrapbook and ran off, gaining the attention of the 2 Fatui members.

“[Na-”

“You have no right to try and call after them now”

Zakhar glared, before running after you. Due to being in the Fatui for a while, he easily caught up to you, finding you crying. And although he wasn’t all too good at comforting someone, he still took you back home and tried his best to calm you down. Taking care of you until you fell asleep.

Meanwhile with Childe, his eyes glanced at the book you dropped, picking it up he flicked through it and felt his heart clench. You made a book filled with the memories you had with him, a book meant to show all the happy times you had with him.

Yet it was only a book of lies now.

[that-foul-legacy-lover]

I don't think I've ever seen this particular meet up around, and if you've written something like this please kindly point me to it, but...

I'm dying to know. How would Legacy react to the other Harbingers?

We kinda know Ajax's opinion on them from voice lines, but I really wanna know what Moth TM thinks

And, if you wanna go the sagau route too, how would he feel being in a Harbinger only team? (Aka Childe, Scara/Wanderer and Arlecchino, in the present moment, but let's pretend we have a fourth one of them already)

hoohoohoo i got you, this is going to be a long one so bear with me mothlings!!

Director: Pierro is suspicious to Foul Legacy, he smells like the Abyss, yet not. the stars in his eyes match the ones in Legacy's glittering wings, but their light is from Teyvat, not the otherworldly glow from beneath this land. Legacy doesn't like it, the feel of being so close to home but with something obviously wrong that he simply can't put his claw on

First: Capitano is a pillar of strength, someone both Childe and Foul Legacy admire wholeheartedly- but Legacy also sees his nobility, the way he treats even his lowest level agents with respect. he aspires to be like that one day, someone people can look up to and expect kindness in return, so even Foul Legacy will give the First Harbinger a small, polite bow

Second: Legacy detests Dottore with all of his heart. not only does Childe have younger siblings, but Dottore has also attempted to rope him into experiments on his Abyssal half. Foul Legacy hates being treated like a thing, like just a feral animal, and that's not even mentioning what he fears the Doctor could do to you. Childe has to hold him back from growling viciously whenever he passes Dottore in the hall

Third: Columbina is strange, but Legacy is also strange! she's unsettling, yes, but she never tries to harm him or Childe- unless the latter riles her up enough to fight. sometimes when Foul Legacy is particularly homesick for you, nations away from Snezhnaya, he'll listen to her eerie singing as she sits nearby, not paying him any mind at all

Fourth: Legacy regards Arlecchino with both fear and respect. she's cordial enough, keeping her operations quiet and training her children to be the next set of Fatui soldiers, much like how Ajax became Tartaglia. the Knave terrifies Foul Legacy with her calm ruthlessness, but as long as she doesn't raise a finger towards you, he won't do anything

Fifth: Pulcinella is a curious case, treating Childe like a grandson and regarding his Abyssal half with kindness as well. it's a welcome change, and yet... Legacy can't help but feel like he isn't completely sincere. there's the barest undertone of a lie when he tells Childe about the other Harbingers, and Legacy watches the information with a care, suspicious eye

Sixth: ERROR. DATA NOT FOUND.

Seventh: Childe doesn't get the chance to interact with Sandrone that often, so neither does Foul Legacy. but he's very curious about what she does, always tinkering away in her lab- it's less foreboding than Dottore's set of rooms, at least. once she begrudgingly allowed him to watch her work, and needless to say her robots consider Foul Legacy their friend now

Eighth: Signora wasn't Childe or Legacy's favorite coworker when she was alive- they're not happy that she's dead, but it is somewhat of a relief to not have Childe bite his tongue with a vengeance whenever some snide comment slipped from her mouth. still, Legacy almost wishes he knew a bit more, having seen her stare longingly out the window at the silent snow all too often- he knows that longing. it's the type he feels when he misses you

Ninth: Legacy doesn't know much about Pantalone, apart from his love of wealth. he's an elegant man, to be sure, someone who can simultaneously keep his composure while also being entirely condescending. but Childe has a habit of buying you trinkets and gifts during his travels, so he's still grateful for the funds the Regrator provides

Tenth: ???

Foul Legacy wouldn't mind being in a team with other Harbingers- he knows they can't hurt him, at least not directly, and it seems to make the Creator so happy. he basks in your warm words, your loving attention, purring happily whenever he hears your sweet voice praise him- but only when his teammates aren't watching. he just knows that the Wanderer, mysterious as he is, will mock him for it, and Arlecchino always seems to know what's going on even when she's not present. his fourth teammate always seems to switch; he likes it best when it's Sandrone or Capitano. Legacy knows how the rest of them feel, though, how the Wanderer lowers his hat or how Arlecchino's lips quirk when they hear your compliments- the Creator has the adoration of them all

[meditating-cat]

Act 1, Scene 1

[INSIDE A WOODEN HORSE, AS THE SCENE OPENS, SOFT LIGHT ILLUMINATES THE ATTACK ON TROY,  AS ODYSSEUS RALLIES HIS TROOPS, AND PLANS TO INVADE TROY.]

The Horse and the Infant 

[ODYSSEUS, SOLDIERS]

Alright my brothers listen closely

Tonight we make the Trojans pay

Ten years of war they killed us slowly

But now we'll be the ones who slay

Think of your wives and your children

Your families wonder where you've been

They're growing old and yet you're still here

Do what I say and you'll see them again

Yes sir!

Diomedes will lead the charge!

Agamemnon will flank the guards!

Menelaus will let our mates through the gates to takе the whole city at large!

Tеucer will shoot any ambush attack,

And Little Ajax will stay back.

Nestor, secure Helen and protect her.

Neo, avenge your father, kill the brothers of Hector!

Yes sir!

Find that inner strength now!

Use that well of pride!

Fight through every pain now!

Ask yourself inside!

What do you live for?

What do you try for?

What do you wish for?

What do you fight for?

[SOLDIERS]

What do you live for?

What do you try for?

What do you wish for?

What do you fight for?

[ODYSSEUS, SOLDIERS]

Penelope...

Penelope...

And Telemachus,

I fight for us, I fight for us!

What do you live for? Penelope,

What do you try for? Telemachus,

What do you wish for? I'm on my way!

What do you fight for? Attack!

[INSTRUMENTALS AS ODYSSEUS FIGHTS HIS WAY UP TO THE WALLS OF TROY. A MYSTERIOUS FIGURE APPROACHES HIM. THE MYSTERIOUS FIGURE STABS ODYSSEUS.]

[ODYSSEUS]

AGH!!

[ODYSSEUS REALIZES THERE IS NO STAB WOUND]

[ODYSSEUS]

Who was that?

[ZEUS APPEARS]

[ZEUS]

A vision of what is to come,

Cannot be outrun.

Can only be dealt with right here and now.

[ODYSSEUS]

Tell me how.

[ZEUS]

I don't think you're ready….

A mission to kill someone's son,

A foe who won't run,

Unlike anyone you have faced before…

[ODYSSEUS]

Say no more, I know that I'm ready!

[ZEUS]

I don't think you're ready.

[A LIGHT SHINES DOWN ON ODYSSEUS. A FLOATING SLEEPING INFANT FLOATS INTO ODYSSEUS’S HANDS.]

[ODYSSEUS]

It's just an infant...

It's just a boy...

What sort of imminent threat does he pose that I can not avoid?

[ZEUS, GODS/ENSEMBLE]

This is the son of none other than Troy's very own prince Hector.

Know that he will grow from a boy to an avenger,

One fueled with rage as you're consumed by age.

If you don't end him now you'll have no one left to save.

You can say goodbye to

(Penelope), you can say goodbye to….

(Penelope)

[ODYSSEUS, ZEUS]

I could raise him as my own (He will burn your house and throne)

Or send him far away from home (He'll find you wherever you go)

Make sure his past is never known (The gods will make it known)

I'd rather bleed for ya, down on my knees for ya (He's bringing you down on your knees for ya)

I'm begging please; Oh, this is the will of the gods!

Please don't make me do this, don't make me do this..

[ZEUS]

The blood on your hands is something you won't lose,

[ALL]

All you can choose is whose….…

Just A Man

[ODYSSEUS, SOLDIERS]

I look into your eyes and I

Think back to the son of mine

You're as old as he was when I left for war

Will these actions haunt my days

Every man I’ve slain?

Is the price I pay endless pain?

Close your eyes and spare yourself the view,

How could I hurt you?

I'm just a man who's trying to go home;

Even after all the years away from what I’ve known,

I'm just a man who's fighting for his life.

Deep down I would trade the world to see my son and wife,

I'm just a man.

But when does a comet become a meteor?

When does a candle become a blaze?

Whеn does a man become a monster?

When does a ripple become a tidal wave?

When does the reason become the blame?

When does a man become a monster?

When does a comet become a meteor?

When does a candle become a blaze? Forgive me

When does a man become a monster? Forgive me

When does a man become a monster? Forgive me

I'm just a man…

[ODYSSEUS THROWS CHILD OFF OF WALL.]

[sardonic-sprite]

Ok new series, now I'll go song by song and describe the images/story in my head so maybe this will satiate my desire and y'all can play the songs and hallucinate with me

The Horse and the Infant

Alright my brothers listen closely

Single light up on JASON TODD, slight smirk but serious eyes

Tonight we make the Trojans pay

He rolls out a battle map on the table

Ten years of war they killed us slowly

Backstory panel, some shadowy enemy holds a kidnapped, 7-8yo DAMIAN WAYNE

But now we'll be the ones who slay!

Victorious grin and clenched fist

Think of your wives and your children/Your fam'lies wonder where you've been/They're growing old and yet you're still here

Jason's expression becomes strained. In his head, we see visions/memories of Talia, Damian, Bruce, Dick, Alfred

Do what I say and you'll see them again

His resolve strengthens. This command is for himself.

(YES SIR!) DIOMEDES will lead the charge, AGAMEMNON will flank the guards, MENALEUS will let our mates through the gates to take the whole city at large! TRUCER will shoot any ambush attack and Little Ajax will stay back! Nestor! Secure Helen and protect her. Neo! Avenge your father, kill the brothers of Hector (YES SIR)

On the "yes sirs" we see a small army of League assassins. As Jason calls names and assigns tasks, we see individuals nod, step from the crowd, grin, etc, and a future panel of the task being completed. Helen is little Damian and the "brothers of Hector" are his kidnappers, still shadowy

Find that inner strength now! Use that well of pride! Fight through every pain now! Ask yourself inside--

The fight against the shadowy enemy begins, we focus on Jason as he cuts through towards some tower or fortress with set determination

What do you live for? What do you try for? What do you wish for? What do you FIGHT for? (What do you live for, what do you try for, what do you wish for, what do you FIGHT for)

Jason is still fighting, but very, VERY subtly we see an imprint of Robin underneath him, allies potentially with an under-layer of Batman, Nightwing, or Batgirl.

Penelope! Penelope! And Telemacus! I fight for us! I fight for us

Penelope is seen as Talia (no not like that, a guy can fight for his mom too ok) and Telemacus as Damian. Jason stands in a freeze-frame of carnage, tilting his head up to the sky where he can see them. His face is weary now, but he tightens his grip on his sword

(What do you live for?) Penelope. (What do you try for) Telemacus. (What do you wish for?) I'm on my way. (What do you FIGHT for?) ATTACK!

The fight slowly returns to motion as the images fade, and Jason throws himself back into a full-speed battle that continues during the instrumental. He gains on the tower, reaching the top, driving his sword for the shadow holding Damian, when--

*shing* AAAHHH! ... Who was that?

A blur whips through, knocking Jason's sword away and making him fall to the ground before disappearing. He addresses the question shakily to the shadowy figure. Damian is no longer visible.

A vision/Of what is to come/Cannot be outrun/Can only be dealt with right here and now

The shadowy figure reveals itself as UBU, right hand of Ra's al Ghul. We realize the whole song to this point has been a training exercise, and Jason has tripped only at the surprise finish line

Tell me how! I don't think you're ready... A mission/to kill someone's son/a foe who won't run/unlike anyone you have faced before. Say no more! I know that I'm ready. I don't think you're ready

Jason's determination is back, but Ubu leads him to another place as he speaks. Finally he tosses a mission file on the table, with a picture of Tim Drake's Robin

*piano melody*

A flash of images of Jason's own Robin days, all of them happy

It's just an infant. It's just a boy. What sort of imminent threat does he pose that I cannot avoid?

Jason is in shock, horrified. He's trying to sound dismissive and dubious, but it's clear he can hardly get the words out

This is the son of none other than Troy's very own protector, know that he will grow from a boy to an avenger, one fueled with rage as you're consumed by age. If you don't end him now, you'll have no one left to save

Robin is joined by Batman, and then Robin shifts to Red Robin, one who destroys the League, and an adult Jason is clearly unable to stop him

You can say goodbye to (Penelope) You can say goodbye to (Penelope)

Talia lies in a pool of blood, but on the musical beats her body glitches to both a smoking, broken Sheila and a pale, sickly Catherine. Jason staggers back, and in the whole next sequence periodically is shown pleading with Ubu

I COULD RAISE HIM AS MY OWN! (He will burn your house and throne)

Jason stands next to Tim, who wears League robes, but then the ranks behind them go up in flames

OR SEND HIM FAR AWAY FROM HOME! (find you wherever you roam)

Tim in a cell, but the Bats arrive and wreak havoc

MAKE SURE HIS PAST IS NEVER KNOWN (the gods will make him know)

The bats dissolve but flicker back to reality

I'd rather bleed for ya! I'm on my knees for ya! I'm begging, please! (This is the will of the gods)

Jason is desperate, kneeling, but Ubu is resolute. Behind him is the silhouette of Ra's al Ghul, towering over them

Please don't make me do this! Don't make me do this!

Tears slide down Jason's face

The blood on your hands is something you won't lose. All you can choose is whose...

Ubu turns and leaves, and the lights go out on Jason alone, staring at Robin's image with hopelessness.

[ablatheringblatherskite]

inspired by @chaoticstupiddm, @therulerofallpotatos, and @beri-allen

Weyler Week is 6 days away, so I shall also try to do my part in hyping it up!

So obviously I decided I'd join very late (I also discovered it late so), so naturally I have finished none of the fics for it. But oh well!! It's still fun to do!! For my hype post I'll share my (possibly temporary) first sentences for each fic! (I don't have titles for them yet LOL forgive me)

Day 1's prompts is a mixture of dancing in the kitchen, college au, and poison!

“Heyyyy Bestie!”

Wednesday let out a sigh, rolling her eyes as she turned her computer chair away from her desk to face her roommate. “What do you want, Enid?”

Enid grinned at her, her eyes glinting mischievously. “So Ajax and I were thinking of sneaking to the kitchen tonight—”

“Perfect,” Wednesday interrupted, turning back around. “I'll finally be able to sleep in peace.”

Enid sighed in fond exasperation, coming to her side. “Actually,” she said, smirking at her. “I was hoping you'd join us.”

Wednesday glared up at her through her bangs. “No.”

ALSO FEATURES: Petroclair, Tyler loving baking, Wednesday being bad at feelings, shy Tyler, and Ajax and Tyler being friends

Day 2's prompts is a mixture of movie night and nightmares!

Wednesday didn't often watch movies, but Tyler enjoyed it, so she often found herself being dragged to movie nights with him, one way or another. But that didn't mean that she always let him pick what they'd watch.

ALSO FEATURES: Tyler being jumpy, someone getting sick, Wednesday's hand being in Tyler's hair, and Donovan being exhausted by them both (but being affectionate about it in his own way)

The prompt I picked for Day 3 is Holiday Decorations!

Wednesday wasn't sure how she got into this situation, but she knew it was Tyler's fault.

ALSO FEATURES: Tyler torturing Wednesday for once, Petroclair, Tyler baking again, and mistletoe

For Day 4, the prompt I decided to do was writer/barista AU! (I don't think I'm doing this exactly right lol but yeah)

Wednesday took her writing very seriously, going as far as to research whatever info she needed in person. She refused to be that type of author who didn't bother making simple things accurate. So when one of her characters had to go undercover as a barista, she knew she'd need to do some research to be sure she got all the details accurate.

ALSO FEATURES: Accidental (?) hand brushing, lots of spilled drinks and burnt fingers, and maybe some little affectionate running the other person's hand under cool water :>>

For Day 5 I got two different fic ideas based on two different prompts, but the one I'm gonna work on first I think will be Possessive Behavior!

Wednesday had finally accepted Tyler as her boyfriend, but apparently being her boyfriend came with very interesting side effects. Particularly, from Hyde.

ALSO FEATURES: Tyler trying desperately to not act like a crazy person while Hyde literally couldn't care less, jealous Hyde, and Wednesday just wanting to finish her homework

For Day 6, the prompt I decided to do was black dahlias!

There was a single black dahlia lying in the corner of the buffet table of the cafeteria.

ALSO FEATURES: Tyler being such a dorky romantic, Wednesday actually liking it, a boat, grenades, and fairy lights

For Day 7, I decided to do a mixture of hurt/comfort, memories and hands! (yes this might be a kind of painful fic)

Tyler's hands were covered in blood again.

ALSO FEATURES: Wednesday patching Tyler up, sad Tyler, and both of them finding comfort in each other (and maybe Donovan coming in to tell them there's food in the fridge)

And for Day 8, I decided to use a fic that I started a few days before I decided to join Weyler Week, currently titled Love Dust!

Tyler looked up from whatever he was preparing the moment Wednesday stepped in, his signature dopey grin plastered on his face as she sat at her usual booth.

“You're early,” Tyler observed, stepping out from behind the counter and leaning against it.

“I have a package that I need to pick up,” Wednesday responded.

Tyler furrowed his eyebrows. “Here? Hate to break it to you, Wednesday, but this isn't the post office.” Wednesday gave him a look. “They wouldn't deliver it to Nevermore directly, and the nearest post office is almost an hour away, so this was my only option.”

Tyler hummed. “Alright. Should I be… concerned about the contents of this package?”

Wednesday looked at him, her eyes glinting darkly enough that Tyler became concerned. Then she sighed. “Unfortunately not.”

ALSO FEATURES: Donovan losing years of his life because of these two, jealous Xavier, shipper Enid, Thing also being a shipper, and a lot of wholesome physical touch

And that is all :DDDD I really doubt I'll be able to post all these in time LOL but hopefully they'll be done before July 31 at the very least!!!! Weyler Week let's go!!!!

[lowlylux]

Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?

Chapter One | Deal with a Devil

Ship: ZhongChiLuc

Rating: M

Word Count: 2.7k

Description:

“You are mine until I determine the contract is complete,” the man says, forcing him to nod in response. “Your name is Tartaglia forevermore.” Tartaglia’s brows furrow at such a statement, but he does not object. How can he? “Do you understand?”

And suddenly, Tartaglia remembers one thing, a simple fact that makes him bow his head and refuse to look the man in the eyes. It does not stop him from talking though, as that is not what the man wants.

“Yes, Lord Pantalone.”

Ao3 link

Ajax always found himself quite inept when it came to magic. Give him anything else and he would become a master after a while, but magic was always something that eluded him. Not that he needed it per say, his mother was the witch of the family. Who needs to learn when your own mother can do it?

It is honestly regrettable that he did not try learning from his mother. She never pushed him, saying that it was a risk that she would not want to put on him unless he made the choice to go that way. But, Ajax wishes she did.

There is little he would give in exchange for the chance to learn from her. There is little he would give in exchange to save her when she was arrested.

Ajax was unable to cry when he saw his mother burn. But, he does remember the feeling of vomit erupting from him from the smell alone. With his mother gone, he was the only thing his younger siblings had…and that only negatively affected him so he never minded.

He loves his siblings, he really does. He hates seeing them hurt, especially when it was preventable. So, when he saw his little Teucer laying in bed, surrounded by doctors in terrifying masks, he could not help but wonder if he could track down whomever coaxed his little brother outside.

Ajax was never good at magic, but his mother certainly was a meticulous note taker. Books upon books lined her untouched room, all in the familiar scrawls of the woman who’s smiles used to fill the very halls he walked in to get there. Ajax knew he didn’t have much time, so he got to reading.

His eyes grew weary after a while, but he continued on. There had to be something that could save his brother. Ajax never saw himself as a massive reader, but here he was, taking in every word as if they would change the reality in which he had been forced to endure. His mother would help them, even from beyond the grave.

Ajax’s eyes landed on the page labeled ‘demon summoning’ fairly late in his search for a cure, the only light in his late mother’s room being that of lamps. But even at the late hours, he knew he found his answer. The only issue was getting everything needed before time ran out.

ˆ••ˆ

”Fourteen pigs?” Alice asks, looking at Ajax as if he had gone insane. Perhaps he had, he cannot even remember what is real anymore, the ever so present ticking of a soundless clock making its presence known in the back of his mind, the string of his brother’s fate being stretched, scissors ready to finally snip. Alice leans forward, worry etched into her very features as she stares at the boy. “Ajax, are you alright?”

“Can you get the pigs or not?” Ajax snaps, glaring at the physician. “Or should I just tell the village what you are.”

Alice’s eyes narrow at the threat as she takes in Ajax’s disheveled appearance. “Summoning a demon to save a life comes with a price, you must know that.”

“I do.”

“Then why-“

“Everyone has told me it is too late,” Ajax stresses, staring up at Alice. “Even you. If there is anything I can do to save him, I will.”

“Even if it results in your siblings living on while you die? What about the others? Tonia? Anthon? What happens to them the moment you cannot take back your decision?” Alice questions coldly. “Sometimes we have to make hard decisions that seem impossible. Teucer is a lovely boy, but is his life more important than your other sibling’s happiness?”

“He’s the last thing mother gave me,” Ajax stresses, picking at a scab on his hand. “I can’t just let him die. I have plans for all of them after this. I have thought of everything. But he cannot die.”

“All humans have their time…”

“He is too young!”

“Is that truly your call to make?” Alice asks, writing on a sketchpad Ajax has seen a handful of times. “If his fate is to die by plague, perhaps-“

“I won’t let my brother suffer.”

Alice sighs before ripping the page from her pad, handing it to Ajax. “Go to them…they’ll have the animals you need for the ritual.”

Ajax nods, quickly folding the paper and stuffing it in his pocket. “Thank you Alice, truly,” he says, sending the older woman a smile. “You were a good friend to my mother.”

She hesitates, clearly thinking about what she should say before doing so. “Was I truly a good one if I am letting you do this?” Ajax’s face hardens as he stares at her, refusing to bless her with a reaction. He knows she is merely worried, but it should not matter. He is doing the honorable thing, so why can she not see that? He turns, ready to leave, but pauses when she speaks again. “Never trust a demon. They may act like they care, but they will always have an agenda that will be unknown to you until it is too late. Do not let them manipulate you, Ajax.”

“If I know of their plots and schemes, does that not mean I am prepared? I am intelligent, that is enough.” Ajax walks away, not even humoring Alice with a continued conversation. Why should he? It is not as if she is useful after receiving what he needed.

Alice sighs as she watches the boy walk away, her brows furrowing in concern as the boy with ginger hair disappears in the distance. She is vaguely aware of her daughter playing behind the stall, a protection charm around the girl to prevent any illness from ailing her. Perhaps she should have done the same for Teucer…

A good friend indeed, sending all of the Caeli children to the grave, one way or another.

“Klee…honey, it is time we leave.”

ˆ••ˆ

Ajax is vaguely aware of the figure following him. They never venture too close, but he sees them just the same. He sees the brown hair whipping in the wind. He notices the small feathers occasionally falling, as if dislodged by fate itself and sending it his way.

He ends up stopping, deciding to confront the stalker fairly early into the venture. He narrows his eyes at the culprit, glowing amber ones staring back at him. The eyes are shocking to him, not the multiple sets of wings that clearly adorn the strange man’s back, but the eyes.

If Ajax was not on a mission to help his brother, he could find it easy to get lost in the man’s eyes, the swirling amber completely captivating. “Who are you?”

“That is not important.”

“You are following me, I would surely say that knowing your identity is important.”

“Summoning a demon is not what you want,” the man says calmly, staring at Ajax as if he were merely a child. “For what you want, any demon will ask for your soul.”

“I know.”

“You will never be able to-“ the man cuts himself off, staring at Ajax in confusion. His brows furrow as he attempts to make sense of what the boy just said, but seemingly unable to do so. “You are willingly throwing away your entire existence?”

“My older siblings know what I want them to…Teucer, Tonia, and Anthon will be taken care of. I have ensured it.”

“I did not ask about your siblings.”

“But they are all that matter.”

“Listen to me,” the man says, stepping forward. “It is admirable that you care so much for your siblings, but you must realize that your life is on the line. You matter just as much as your siblings do, whether you want to admit that or not.”

“For an angel sent to stop me from summoning a demon, you are quite shit at it,” Ajax replies callously, staring at the man boredly. “And do not act shocked that I figured out what you are, you did nothing to hide it.”

“My identity being revealed is not the cause for my amazement I assure you,” the man says calmly. Honestly, Ajax wonders if he has any other tone of voice outside of calm. He would not mind pushing the man to the brink, hearing the moment the man is pushed to the edge and relishing in the fact that he is the cause of that. But alas, it is not the time for such a feat. “It is merely the fact that you lack any surprise yourself.”

“My mother was a witch, of course I knew about angels.”

“Yes, but knowledge and actually seeing them-“

“You’re still shit at convincing me,” Ajax says with narrowed eyes. Every second he has a conversation with this man he regrets it even more. What he would give to be able to banish him, but he still is rather awful at magic to even begin to attempt it. “If there is nothing more, I need to go get my livestock.”

“You are going to regret this decision eventually.”

He pauses, letting the angel speak even if he knows whatever he has to say will not sway his overall decision. The angel takes this as a willingness to listen, a rather idealistic view of the world really. Ajax would genuinely find it endearing in any other type of circumstance.

“When a demon takes your soul, you turn into one of them. All knowledge of your past life is erased. It is admirable that you wish to protect your family, but will you feel the same stubbornness after a century working for a demon who cares not for your well being, with not even the knowledge that your family is safe to keep you sane? Is that truly worth it?”

“Absolutely.”

The angel sighs, shaking his head at the statement as if he had hoped for a different answer. But, Ajax knows the angel expected nothing less than his answer. It is almost laughable how much Ajax is sure that this angel is simply here under obligation, but cares not for the actual outcome. Good for him of course, he is sure the angel will cease his incessant meddling soon enough, but it truly is terrible for the general view of that above.

Are the Divine truly so careless with who they send down here? Just what kind of people run a place such as that?

“I pity you, Ajax.”

“And I you,” Ajax says in a single breath, not even thinking as he speaks to the angel. “If I am truly to lose my memories, you will be the thing I miss the least.”

ˆ••ˆ

Ajax does not like the blood coating his hands as he draws a rune from his mother’s book. His hands shake as he attempts to do it perfectly, fearful that the smallest mistake will mark ruin for everything. Perhaps it will, as the actual outcome of a mistake is not listed in the notes.

His mother never made mistakes, so why would she list the outcome? Well, she made the mistake of helping a child from the village, accidentally revealing herself, but that is something Ajax believes is not her fault.

He feels the magic at his fingertips, crackling to life as the rune he drew glows. Electricity fills the air, causing his hair to rise. The fire from the lamps grows unnaturally brighter until finally, the glass shatters, the fire being snuffed out.

And Ajax is alone, the darkness sealing his fate.

“Fuck!” He yells out, convinced his spell did not work. He hides his face in his hands, wanting nothing more than the darkness to swallow him whole so he does not need to think about the fact that failed Teucer. He failed to do the one thing that would help his brother.

Ajax does not even notice when the lamps glow again, an unnatural black flame somehow illuminating the room. In fact, he is not made aware of the new presence in the room until they laugh at his dismay.

His gaze snaps forward as he takes in the appearance of the new being in front of him. He looks normal enough, if not absolutely regal. Everything about him is perfect, in an uncanny sort of way. He is smiling at Ajax, his lips pointed.

“I did it?”

“Indeed you did.”

Ajax’s eyes water at the realization, relief washing through him. He did it…he really did it. He summoned a demon…he’s going to save Teucer. Ajax takes a deep breath, staring up at the demon.

“What is your name?”

The demon tilts his head in confusion, a brow raised. “My name?”

“Yes,” Ajax says with a nod, his gaze not wavering. “It is only fair that I know your name.”

“Pantalone.”

Ajax nods, taking in the name carefully. Pantalone…that shall be the name that should be jotted down so that his siblings know who saved Teucer. That shall be done later, Ajax decides.

“Are you able to protect my siblings?” He asks carefully, knowing that the demon can twist his words and desires. “I want all of them to die of old age, but with the way the world is…I’m afraid they will be killed by disease before that can happen.”

Pantalone grabs his chin, forcing him to look at him fully. The demon regards him for a moment, humming to himself. “Such a request would mean a valuable trade.”

“I’m willing to trade my soul for their safety.”

Pantalone’s eyes sparkle at such a brazen display of idiocy. “You are aware that you would be under my control, yes?”

“Of course.”

“And that you would no longer be able to return to the life you know?”

“Yes.”

“And that offering a harbinger your soul is a sure fire way of getting yourself killed?” Pantalone asks, kneeling toward Ajax. “The myth that a demon cannot kill his summoner is just that, a myth. I hold your very life in the palm of my hand.”

Ajax swallows hard, nerves threatening to pour out of him. But, he stands his ground. This is what he wanted, right? “Protect my siblings from anything but old age and my soul is yours.”

Pantalone’s grin widens as he extends his hand out. “Shake on it?”

Ajax reaches forward, his hand clasping around Pantalone’s for a mere moment before a choked gasp is released unintentionally from his throat. He lurches forward, the feeling of his very soul being ripped apart before he sees nothing but darkness.

And, with the last sane thought in his mind, he welcomes it as a sign that he was successful.

ˆ••ˆ

He breathes heavily as blood covers every inch of his body. Fire hits his skin, but it does not burn. Instead, he welcomes the feeling. Slowly he makes his way through the now abandoned village, corpses filling his view.

“Tartaglia…”

He continues walking around, eyes peeled for movement. He feels sluggish, as if he is tired. But demons do not get tired. So why is he tired?

“Tartaglia!”

And that voice…it feels grating on his mind, tugging at him in a way he hates. He hates that voice. He hates how he feels like he must listen to it. He just wants that voice to join those at his feet.

He feels a tug at his neck, like an invisible leash is pulled until he is forced to stare at the owner of the voice. The man with black hair and a pointed smile frowns at him. “You didn’t answer me.”

“Sorry?”

“I called your name.”

“My…name?”

But Tartaglia is not his name…it can’t be. No, he has another name. However, when he tries to recall it, he cannot. His brows furrow at such a thing as he desperately tries to recall what happened. But why can’t he remember?

The man tugs at the invisible leash again, this time so he can grab his face. This feels familiar, but he cannot put his finger on why. Just like how he cannot remember his name. Any memory of before has escaped him.

“You are mine until I determine the contract is complete,” the man says, forcing him to nod in response. “Your name is Tartaglia forevermore.” Tartaglia’s brows furrow at such a statement, but he does not object. How can he? “Do you understand?”

And suddenly, Tartaglia remembers one thing, a simple fact that makes him bow his head and refuse to look the man in the eyes. It does not stop him from talking though, as that is not what the man wants.

“Yes, Lord Pantalone.”

>> 2

Masterlist

[voraciousvore]

Giganterra (Chapter 1)

Prologue | Chapter 2

Content Warning: Soft, safe, unwilling vore

Word Count: 2.1k

------ Chapter 1: A Typical Royal Dinner ------

Six years later… 

Crown Prince Ronny, the adult heir to the throne, sat down at his usual spot at the table, on the right-hand side of his father, the king. King Richard claimed his rightful place at the head of the table, and Princess Bianca, the youngest by about two years, sat across from her brother Ronny. The king’s personal guard Ajax, his shadow, stood discreetly off to the side behind his seat, ever watchful. 

Ronny, dour as always, glared at his sister, who stuck her tongue out at him in response. He scoffed superciliously and removed his gloves for dinner, folding them neatly on the table. He was rescued from having to converse with his loathsome family members by the servants, who came in balancing plates loaded with vittles. Ronny sat in a gloomy silence as Chester, the royal food taster, checked each entrée for poison. He curled his lip with mild disgust when he was given his portion: prime rib, sautéed swiss chard, and scalloped potatoes, with a human dressed in a light sauce. 

Bianca had a similar reaction, poking and prodding the tiny woman on her plate with her fork. The woman winced, but stayed silent and didn’t try to run, knowing the consequences of resisting giant royalty would be far more gruesome. “Daddy, when are we going to get more humans? It’s been a while since the last tribute.” 

King Richard wiped his lips daintily with a napkin as he gleefully swallowed the human on his own plate. “Hmmm… it’s been a while, hasn’t it? We are certainly overdue for some fresh meat.” 

The giantess princess perked up. “If so, can you order some little men this time? Pleeeeeease? Ladies are fine and all, but they’re all we ever get, and I want a handsome boy to play with…” She pouted, scraping her fork with an obnoxious screech on her dish. Her human repast covered her ears and grimaced. Ronny rolled his eyes. 

The king gave his daughter a knowing smirk and chuckled lightly. “I’ll see what I can arrange, my darling.” He picked up his knife and cut into his meat, which leaked blood onto his plate. 

Ronny shook his head and dug into his own meal, flicking the human carelessly off his slab of prime rib. He didn’t understand his father’s obsession with tiny maidens, or his sister’s fascination with miniature men. Why couldn’t she be normal for once and content herself with an attractive giant instead? Humans were fine for eating, when he was in the right mood, but otherwise Ronny found them to be gross vermin, clambering around with their wiry legs like bugs. Distracted by his thoughts, he failed to notice his tiny female side dish had crawled off the edge of his plate. He put a bite of meat in his mouth, and his face puckered with detestation.  

“Ugh!” he groaned, spitting the offending meat back onto his dish without concern for decorum. “Nasty!” His face turned purple with rage. “Bring me the royal chef!” he bellowed. The servants scrambled to obey. Soon enough, the obese chef rushed into the dining room, huffing and puffing with the effort. 

“Yes, Your Highness? How may I best serve you?” he asked nervously, wringing his hands and picking at his blond mustache. He was sweating profusely, his skin ruddy with exertion. 

“Bucky!” Ronny roared. “This food isn’t fit to serve to a dog! The meat is cold in the middle and saltier than the sea! Dumping a mountain of salt on such a bland cut doesn’t improve the flavor, you cretin! I’m a prince, and I deserve only the best, not this offensive rubbish!”  

His temper flared as he got worked up into a frenzy. He stood up out of his chair and gesticulated with his hands aggressively. “You’re a sorry excuse for a cook, you worthless piece of shit! Just look at these vegetables! Wilted strings reeking of too much garlic and swimming in watery juices! And these potatoes! Unpalatable texture, lumpy and uneven, tasteless paste! Unacceptable, reprehensible slop!” 

He picked up the plate and hurled it against the wall with all his might, shattering the porcelain and staining the wall and expensive carpeting with juices. The servants hurried forward to clean up the mess in a hush. Nobody was especially surprised by his tantrum: The servants were accustomed to unhinged outbursts from the royal family. Ronny ignored them and continued to verbally berate the chef, who pointedly stared at his feet. Ronny shoved his finger into his fat chest as he ranted in his face, spitting and swearing. After several minutes of screaming at the top of his lungs and frothing at the mouth, Ronny finally cooled down, dismissing the silent chef with a contemptuous wave of his hand. His face changed from pink back to its usual pasty shade. He crossed his arms petulantly and slumped in his chair. 

“Good job, Ronny,” King Richard praised, grinning wide. “Sometimes you need to put the commoners in their place and make them fear you.” He chomped down on a bite of meat, clearly enjoying his meal despite his son’s scathing condemnation of its quality. Ronny shrugged, still scowling. The servants, so inferior to the royals as to be invisible to them, cleaned up his mess in the background. 

Bianca was unperturbed by Ronny venting his spleen, continuing to toy with the human on her plate as she ate the food around her. Eventually, she got bored and lifted the poor woman up by her leg, studying her wriggling with a cold inquisitiveness. She lowered the tiny woman headfirst into her mouth, licking her face and closing her plump lips around her torso before slurping her flailing legs inside with the rest of her body. She sucked on the delicious morsel for a while, shuffling her from one cheek to the other, before sending her off on a trip to her stomach with a hearty gulp. 

She watched as the servants flitted anxiously back to the table, bringing with them a sumptuous feast of roasted partridge and yams for the picky prince. He sulked as the royal food taster sampled each portion and cleared the food for consumption. The servants backed away, sweating nervously as Ronny tasted the partridge. The bratty prince raised an eyebrow and grunted, but didn’t complain. The tension dissipated among the servants and they disappeared into the background again, relieved not to be on the receiving end of another explosive fit. 

“Hey, Ronny, what happened to the human in your food?” Bianca queried.  

Ronny shrugged as he continued to shovel food into his mouth. “Fuck if I know. She probably ended up as a red stain on the wall.” 

King Richard frowned. “What a waste.” He gave Ronny a stern look. The aura in the room subtly changed, as if the air itself chilled. “Don’t squash your humans so carelessly, Ronny. They are valuable, and we can only extract so many without them revolting against us.” 

Ronny stiffened. “Of course, Father,” he mumbled, casting his eyes downward. “I won’t do it again.” The king assumed a milder expression, accepting his words, and the mood lightened again. Ronny repressed a shudder. 

“I never understood why you don’t just conquer the human kingdom, enslave the populace, and farm them,” Bianca remarked, tilting her head. “Wouldn’t that make more sense? Then you can have as many as you want.” 

The king sighed and shook his head. “Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Haven’t you noticed the humans that are here for a long time tend to lose their unique flavor and vitality? That’s because, if they’re not fed and cared for well, and they grow sad, they become frailer, weaker, and less appealing to the palate. That’s why over time we need fresh tributes, and why I usually dispose of them, when they are no longer of any use to us for our personal pleasure.” 

He licked his lips as he finished the last bite of his dinner. “I prefer my humans to be free-range, so to speak, and of high quality. That standard of health isn’t possible if they were all forcibly imprisoned. Happy humans also multiply in greater numbers, which is even better for us. Let them have their silly little kingdom, go about their lives, and exist in blissful ‘freedom.’ As long as they give us our rightful share and don’t complain, I will be content.” 

He inserted his fingers into his pocket and pulled out a small, trembling woman. “Of course, as you know, not all humans go stale! I still have my favorites, like my cute sweet little Millie, now don’t I?” He grinned roguishly and nuzzled her with his nose. 

“Y-yes, of course, Your Majesty! I would never want to disappoint you!” the poor creature squeaked, out of fright rather than affection. Ronny looked away, repulsed by the display. He hated his father’s distasteful perversions and could hardly stand to watch. Bianca stared at him with jealousy, wishing she had a tiny man to kiss and pet and play with. King Richard always exclusively requested maidens as tribute, and she was fed up with his selfishness. She was used to always getting what she wanted, so the fact that she couldn’t have one irritated her to no end. 

The servants cleared the dirty dishes off the table and brought slices of cheesecake for dessert. King Richard removed a small vial from his pocket full of a glowing blue potion and dripped a drop onto Millie’s head. Her face paled with dread as her body absorbed the substance, a magical anti-digestion fluid that would keep her unharmed inside his stomach. He pressed her into the soft dessert with his index finger up to her shoulders. She turned her head away from him, and Ronny spotted quiet tears glistening on her cheeks. The prince switched his attention to his own dessert and ate in silence, ignoring the display.  

King Richard scooped up Millie with his fork and licked the sweet filling off her body, chuckling at her small whines of discomfort. He gently enveloped her in his mouth, humming with delight. After slopping his tongue all over her and sliding her against the inner walls of his teeth, he took another bite of cheesecake and rolled her around with it, sucking it all up with pleasure. He continued in this manner until he finished his entire slice before finally gulping down the small lady. 

Ronny hastened to excuse himself from the table, grabbing up his gloves. As he lifted them, he noticed an abnormal weight inside, caused by a small, shivering lump. He flipped the glove and dumped its mystery contents out on the table, only to discover the food human that he thought he’d thrown across the room was hidden inside. She tumbled out and landed on the hard surface with a splattering of sauce. 

Ronny glared at her, then at his fancy gloves, soiled inside with sauce. “Ugh! Look what you did, you filthy little rat! These gloves are ruined!” He flung the gloves away, his dark eyes flashing as his white-hot wrath returned with a vengeance. The woman’s eyes widened and she cowered before the giant man looming above her like a mountain. She had already narrowly escaped death when he smashed his dinner plate against the wall; she knew what he was capable of with his volatile temper. 

The giant prince slammed his fist on the table next to her, startling her to her feet. Even standing up, she was shorter than his stacked fingers; he could easily crush her in his grasp like an insect. Her legs turned into useless rubber beneath her as she comprehended the futility of resisting and collapsed to the table. Ronny unclenched his fist and grabbed her up, raising her close to his face. 

“Vile, foul worm,” he grumbled as she whimpered helplessly in his hand. “I’ll make you pay for that.” He knew humans hated to be eaten, so he shoved her into his mouth and swallowed her hard, sending her straight to the fleshy prison in his midsection. King Richard grinned with approval as he observed his son. Ronny stormed off in a huff, stomping on his gloves and kicking them to the side on his way out. 

He clomped down one of the many stony corridors of the castle, fuming with irritation. He could feel the human fighting inside his gut as she was jostled about by his rapid steps. That idiotic human deserved her punishment. Those gloves were custom-made, based on the measurements of his hands, and now he’d have to order a new pair from the royal tailor. Such an inconvenience! 

Chapter 2