#another little drabble

[callofdudes]

The Grim Reaper will often take the form of a former loved one when someone dies to help them cross. Johnny dies...

And the Grim Reaper comes to collect him, bending down, tilting Johnny's chin up to look into familiar brown eyes.

Johnny trusts Simon so so much he'd let Simon lead him through death. Johnny's eyes widen and he tries to hug Simon, feeling the cold, dead bones in its body...

"I don't want to go Simon..."

It's arms wrap around him, petting through his hair. "I'll be with you every step. Let's go Johnny, it's cold out here."

Johnny grabs a corner or the Reaper's cloak to hang onto as he's led through the darkness. Simon would lead him home, would show him where he needed to go, just like he always does. Simon would make sure he was safe, every single step.

[batsandbirdbrains]

Inspired by the one anon who asked abt fics where Dick turns out to be younger than people think he is and the recs that were given:

What if it’s like a scenario where Dick’s parents / the circus changed his age in documents so he could perform. And his age changed all the time on paper because different countries had different rules, even different cities/counties might not be the same as the one next to it. And so Dick sort of forgets how old he actually is most of the time, he just sticks with whatever his parents last told him.

And he was told he was eight when they were in Gotham. He was just short for his age because he’s a gymnast, that’s what they told anyone who questioned them.

In reality, Dick was five years old.

And by the time he remembered he should probably tell Bruce that, it’s already been too long. It’s several months after Bruce has taken him in, after he already has been Robin, and it just hits him one day that he’s going to be turning six in March. Bruce thinks he’s turning nine.

And Dick gets this horrible terrible no good idea in his head that if Bruce finds out he lied about his age, that Bruce will get rid of him. Won’t want him anymore. Will call him a dirty liar and kick him to the curb.

And Dick can’t lose his new home. He loves Bruce. He loves Alfred. And he loves being Robin. So he keeps it a secret and tries to forget that he’s three years younger than he’s supposed to be.

It’s a damn good thing Dick’s parents were rigorous in his schooling, and by some miracle he tests into the proper grade for his age when Bruce starts him at Gotham Academy. It’s a bumpy start, but it’s easily explained away by the slight language barrier. Dick actually speaks and reads English just fine, he learned it the same time he learned French and Romani and Arabic, but it’s a good excuse for why his penmanship is clumsy and why he starts out just slightly behind his peers.

He puts so much extra effort into his school work that by the time he’s supposed to be 13, it’s recommended he skip a grade. Bruce is so proud. Dick is somehow managing to get by as a ten year old in high school, and he cannot figure out how he’s pulling this shit off. Talk about being a showman, because it feels like he’s playing the world’s most impossible role.

But then something happens when Robin is on a team mission with the young justice season 1 team. Some magic shit. Maybe Klarion does something, maybe it’s like the episode where the adults get separated from the kids, but instead of it being everyone over 18 is separated from everyone under 18, it’s anyone who’s a teenager and up being separated from the kids who are all 12 and under.

And no one can figure out where Robin is. And also Captain Marvel is missing. What the fuck.

Bruce is fucking freaking out because he cannot figure out why Dick isn’t anywhere, why he can’t get ahold of him. He’s convinced Klarion must be holding him hostage or something.

And then you have Dick and Billy saving the day on their side, and Dick convinced him to try to transform into Captain Marvel. Billy doesn’t want to, because he doesn’t want to leave Robin alone if it makes him disappear to, but Dick assures him he’ll be fine, they’ll both be fine.

And then they come up with a plan yadda yadda the world is saved Dick and Billy save the day, the rest of the episode doesn’t matter.

But Batman pulls Robin aside immediately once they’re all back together and asks him what the hell just happened.

And Dick just starts crying. He’s so stressed out. This whole situation was so scary and he wasn’t actually all that confident the plans he’d made would work he only pretended to be so sure of himself so Billy could do his part and not be scared too. And also it’s really fucking stressful being a ten year old in high school. It’s very hard. Dick’s life is very difficult, and now his dad is finding out that he’s not as old as he’s been pretending to be, and everyone else is there and going to find out to, and he’s so overwhelmed.

“I didn’t mean to,” Dick says through full on sobs, and Bruce is so concerned and he’s hugging Dick and trying to calm him down, but Dick has gotten himself all worked up. “They changed my age all the time so I could perform, I’d be six in one city and eight in the next and seven in another and I just I forgot I wasn’t really any of those and then you adopted me and I forgot I wasn’t really eight until it was almost my birthday but it was too late to tell you and you would’ve been so mad and you wouldn’t have wanted me anymore and I didn’t know what to do!”

“Hey hey hey, slow down, slow down,” Bruce tells him, “take a deep breath. You need to breathe, Robin.”

But Dick just falls against Bruce’s shoulder and cries. He doesn’t want Bruce to think his parents were bad parents. Because they weren’t, they were the best. They just had to fudge some things so Dick could perform with them, so he could have fun up in the air with them, lots of people in the circus lie about their age!

“Oh, chum,” Bruce coos, resting his cheek on top of Dick’s head, rubbing his back. “I could never not want you. I love you, it doesn’t matter how old you are.”

“You do now!”

It makes Bruce’s heart shatter into pieces. Because Dick really thinks there was ever a time he didn’t have Bruce wrapped around his little finger, he doesn’t realize that Bruce has loved him from the first moment he wrapped the tiny little acrobat in his coat and carried him away from the puddle of blood he’d been kneeling in.

“I have always loved you,” he whispers. “And I always will. But chum, this is important. I need to know how old you really are.”

Dick sobs into his shoulder one more time before he lets out in a miserable whisper that everyone manages to hear, “Ten.”

And Batman damn near breaks. He lets out a shaky gasp, and his grip tightens on Robin as his knees buckle and he falls to the floor, now holding Robin tightly in his lap.

“You were five?” he asks. “Oh my God, you were five.”

Batman has a breakdown right then and there, but he keeps it very contained. He refuses to let go of Robin, just continues hugging him close and whispering that he loves him, he’s not mad at him, he would never ever get rid of him.

Idk what would happen after this but I know for certain Dick and Billy become bffs.

[caitlynsrighteye]

Ex!girlfriend caitlyn misses you

She fucks her fleshlight to the thought of you.

Your moans the bounce of your tits while you pinch ur nipples. Riding while she thrusts her hips up.

The thought of ur lips wrapped around her, kitten licking her tip driving her crazy.

The toy squished between 2 pillows while she thinks ab fucking u from behind

Her face pressed into her pillow while she fucks the shit out of her toy, remembering the feeling of your smaller body underneath her, ur pussy at her disposal.

On her back, out of breath, soaked in sweat in her dark room in the middle of the night

Her phone screen lights up

A text from u... and photo.

A pic of u laying on ur bed, naked, fingers teasing ur clit with a text saying "i miss u"

Even when ur no longer together shes still wrapped around ur pretty little fingers.

[fanaticsnail]

Kiss their cheek

Masterlist Here

Word Count: 220-650 for each character

Sanji, Zoro, Luffy, Law, Kid

Synopsis: It was a simple reaction, an impulse you felt organic and out of your control. Their cheek was right there, and the swell in your chest and spike of adrenaline prompted you to lunge forward and capture their cheek beneath your lips. How do they react to such a soft touch? Do they shy away, or do they respond in kind?

Notes: I have hit a follower milestone and I am freaking out about it. I don't normally post about the follower count, but this is simply too incredible to not mark the occasion for. To distract myself from the sheer number of you that found my writing good enough to follow, I have a little drabble for you to enjoy for my favorites. To quote the goodest and bestest boy there ever was: “Thank you for loving me.” I love you all too. Art is not done by me, found on Pinterest

Themes: cheek kisses, feelings, monster trio, supernova trio, crewmate!reader, unrequited love, confessions of love, no prior romantic relationship, gn!reader, pure fluff, A little OOC while I'm still learning about a couple of the blorbos.

Tag List: @sordidmusings @since-im-already-here @feral-artistry @writingmysanity @gingernut1314 @i-am-vita @cinnbar-bun

Blackleg Sanji

“Dinner was beautiful as always, Sanji,” you cooed at him, swooping forward and collecting his smooth cheek beneath your lips in a small kiss, “Well done, Chef.” Holding his cheek in contact with your lips for a few moments longer before pulling away with a broad smile. 

“You’re most welcome, love,” he returned your affectionate demonstration, his lips finding your cheek and grazing your flesh with his lips. 

Both of you reacted as if this touch was not uncommon, not something out of the ordinary in the slightest. This was the first time you had given him this small gesture, demonstrating your appreciation for his hard work with something as simple as a small kiss. 

The fact that this kiss was so freely given to him had Sanji’s heart catch in his throat, his pulse rapidly beating and elevating the flow of his adrenaline through his veins. His family of origin comes from a culture that kisses on the cheeks to greet and farewell friends, acquaintances and even enemies. Why did this kiss feel so perfect against his skin? 

He would do anything to feel your lips on him again, often giving you preferential treatment in the hopes your lips would find his skin once more. Should he gather up the courage to turn his head, claiming your lips within his own, would you turn away? He hoped you wouldn’t. 

Roronoa Zoro

His mind could not comprehend the moment that just befell him. 

It was a simple night of comradery and relaxation. The air felt alight with joyful merriment: Brook playing music, Sanji ensuring each of you had an adequate meal. It felt light: nothing plaguing, hunting, seeking, nor fighting. It was simple, and that is what it felt. 

It being a simple and small kiss against his right cheek.

“You are an excellent first-mate, Zoro,” you laughed up at him, taking his hand and giving it a gentle squeeze, “A noble knight and fearless protector.”

Zoro’s head couldn’t produce a single thought to form a string of a sentence. He had not felt this way, the ignition of a small swell of passion to not involve swordsmanship, ever before. 

In all the realms of intimacy and subtle touches, Zoro was inexperienced in receiving and reciprocating. Zoro was, for lack of a better word, a virgin to such an expression of unbridled affection. 

“Th-Thanks, I guess?” he grunted, his brows arching at you. You giggled, patting him on the shoulder and offering him a warm smile. 

“You’re welcome, soldier,” you cooed up at him before turning on your heel, following the gentle rise in rhythm with your hips, dancing along to Brook’s playing. He followed your movement with a keen eye, more enthusiastic about your gentle sway and soft laughter than he was moments prior. 

Monkey D Luffy

“Oh, Captain!” you smiled at him, hooking your arm over his shoulder and drawing him close to your face, “Your cheeks are so cute. I could just-,” you halted your words, lunging forward and peppering his tanned cheeks with several fluttered kisses, humming throughout each press. 

“Oi, oi, Docinho,” he chuckled, swatting at your hands and writhing within your arms, “Stop that. I am a hardened criminal. I am a captain! You’re not meant to think I’m cute, you’re meant to dote on me and offer me tribute of your loyalty!” You giggled, allowing him to swipe your body away from his. 

His eyes darted away from yours, his lips curved in a soft pout with his brows furrowing in a deep frown. For a moment, you thought you truly offended him by your lips finding his skin. Your eyes widened, your hands shaking defensively to desperately retract your affectionate touch.

“I’m sorry, Captain. I didn’t mean to-,” you were silenced by several inexperienced kisses littering your cheeks, nose and forehead. The cheeky chuckle that followed each of the small pecks only prompted your mind to chase your heart with its rapidity. He placed his hands over your shoulders, laughing whole-heartedly at your frazzlement. 

“If this is the way you’re offering me tribute as a wonderful captain,” he hummed thoughtfully, “Perhaps I’m not so bad at the job after all.” 

Trafalgar D Water-Law

“You work too hard,” you sigh against his cheek, pulling away from his cool flesh and raking your eyes over his face, “You deserve to take a break some time.” You watched the small hue of pink rise to dust over his cheeks, his hair at the nape of his neck standing alert and rigid. 

Unsure what exactly prompted you to seek out your captain’s cheek with your lips, you were regretting the small brush of your lips over his smooth skin the instant you drew yourself away. Watching as Law inhaled a deep breath through his nose, he exhaled a lengthy breath through his lips: following the small gesture with a soft hum. 

“Just know that you’re appreciated, Sir,” you reiterated your stance, ensuring you held your eyes against his to reinforce your seriousness, “I-... We appreciate you, Captain. We love you, and want to help you achieve your goals. Just-... Just know that, okay?” 

Yellow eyes followed your exit, watching every step that you took and hearing the hollow floor ricochet the reverberating tap of your boot heel. His haunted gaze held firm to your retreat, silence growing heavy at the closure of his office door. 

He could not stop thinking about the kiss all day. The way your lips felt against his cheek, the way he felt the small elevation of your smile - the way his heart swelled in his chest, and the way his breath caught in his throat. He wanted to know what it meant. He needed to know if you were being friendly and supportive, or if you wanted more. 

Lips over his cheek, the catching over the words “I appreciate you” with your reassurances that he is loved and worthy of devotion, inhibited him from welcoming slumber for several days. In the hopes of providing him encouragement and loyalty to soothe his rapidly sporadic mind, you aided in him in only finding restlessness. 

Growling at his own racing emotions, he hastily drew up the transponder snail and dialed your personal shell. He awaited the annoying hum, the crackle of the receiver halting as you picked up the call. 

“C-Captain?” your groggy voice called over the snail, “Cap, it’s nearly five in the morning. I clocked off the overnight shift and only just got to sleep-.”

“-Do you love me?” he quickly spurted the words before he could stop them. 

Your mind did not have the capacity to mask your words, given your groggy sleep deprivation. Yawning your answer into the transponder, Law’s heart raced at hearing your words.

“Of course I love you. We all love you,” you confirmed, rolling your neck and taking a moment to collect yourself, “You’re my captain. I pledged my allegiance to follow you, sir. What are you calling me at-?”

“-No,” Law’s voice crackled over the receiver, his tone immediately waking you of your prior tired state, “I need to know what it meant. I need to know what it meant. Why did you kiss me?”

“What?” you began, shaking your head and brows beginning to knit in confusion, “I don’t understand what you’re-.”

“-Why would you kiss me knowing your lips would haunt me? Knowing that that kiss you gave would scorch and mark my heart?” his voice rose as his temper boiled over the edge. “You know I closed myself off to this bullshit. You know what giving me a small amount of your affection would do to me. Why would you-?”

“-Because I love you, Law,” you uttered in a low voice. You flung your legs over the bed, feet finding your sleep shoes beneath your mattress. Your confession hung heavy in the air, your heart and mind fully awake and comprehending your every waking minute. Silence was heavy and swollen with tension, your mind racing over all the possible retorts Law could throw at you. 

Dismissal, execution, exile, abandonment: these were the responses you deduced to be the most appropriate response. In its stead, you were greeted with a small huffed chuckle and a low rumbled retort.

“Come to my office,” he hummed into the receiver, “Show me more. I-I-...” the transponder crackled as Law found his words, “...-I need more.”

Eustass Kid

“In some cultures, it’s seen as a sign of respect,” you nodded your head, bowing your down to him, “It’s an extension of submission and admission to serve beneath a mighty ruler. Hands are the most common to touch, but kissing a cheek is the most intimate expression of-.”

“-Fine, you can kiss me,” the gruff rumble of Eustass Kid’s voice dismissively crackled. He rolled his eyes, turning his cheek away from you to hide the bite of his lip to stifle his rising blush. 

Affectionate touches was not something Kid, nor his crew, were very experienced in receiving. When he offered you the chance of joining his crew to achieve his goals, Eustass Kid did not expect you to dote and coddle each of his crewmen into submission beneath your affectionate touches. As the last member of his crew to be a recipient of your gentle touch, he truly did not comprehend why his heart was beating with anxious rapidity. 

“Only if you’re sure-,” you began, halted by a harsh bark from your captain.

“-I said it was fine, didn’t I?” his gruff voice cut through the air. While his head was still turned from you, he stretched out his right hand to await a small touch from your lips. 

But his cheek was right there. You couldn’t help but spring at the opportunity to rise up to Eustass Kid’s seated position on the wooden bench aboard the deck. He was ripe for doting and peppering a flurry of kisses all over his face, but you held yourself back from such an expression of unbridled affection. You opted to start slow.

Gently touching his shoulders, you stooped down and pressed a sweet and intentional kiss atop the apple of his cheek. You felt his breath catch in his throat, an unintentional whimper halting in his nose at the soft expression of your admiration.

As you pulled away from him, your upper left arm was caught by the wide and firm grasp of the captain of the Victoria-Punk. His face was still turned away from you, but the crimson hue of his pale face gave away the elevation of his heartbeat. 

“I’m sorry, Captain. I should’ve just gone for the hand-,” you began, attempting to tug away from his grip and apologize properly to him. 

“C-Can I-...” he grunted out a gruff cough, continuing to hold his face away from yours, “...Can I have another one?”

[nenlio]

Against All Odds BoyFail Danny Scores a Dilf

> DP x DC #0.2 - Copper Ice <

one again shout out to @chekhovs-slinky for the og prompt

As Danny and Sam entered their shared home the sounds of a action movie reached them signaling the location of their housemate.

"Were home!!!" Sam yelled into the house.

"In the cinema room!!"

They strolled further in until they reached their friend, Tucker was sat on the sofa leaving a gap that Danny flopped himself on to, groaning in embarrassment at his actions from earlier. Patting his back Tucker winced at Dannys behavior "Woah whats up with you dude? Did you mess up or something? I thought you left the shy guy act in your twenties?"

Sams laugh caught Tuckers attention " Oh he did something alright. Get this, I come up to Danny to ask him for my keys and hes totally zoned out! I finally get his attention and he tells me he thinks he has a chance to get a date with the guy hes looking at. Now, who do you think he was talking about?"

"Based on Dannys reaction I'd say Bruce Wayne?" At Tuckers reply Sam makes an X motion over her chest "EH wrong, Danny-boy over here went after Alfred Pennyworth, As in the guy that raised Bruce Wayne, As in the guy Bruces children consider their grandfather, As in the guy who is 35 years older than Danny!!"

"NO WAY WHAT" Tucker looked down at Danny on his lap and started shaking him "DANNY STOP BEING PATHETIC AND TELL ME EVERYTHING"

"Danny cant answer the phone hes dead" came Dannys muffled reply. Tucker rolled his eyes and turned back to Sam, "so what did Alfred say?"

Sitting down Sam started to, dramatically in Dannys humble opinion, regale Tucker with their evening story," im not even joking Tuck he looked like Alfred was the Cinderella to his Prince Charming with the way he ran after him. Me and Brucie looked so lost and we had to have awkward small talk about the charity until Danny came back."

At this point the force of Tuckers laughter was making him a very uncomfortable pillow so Danny rolled over to glare at him. "Danny, dude, you gotta admit its hilarious how desperate you must have looked in front of Wayne. You probably don't even know where your taking Alfred on a date do you." Dannys groan of embarrassment was answer enough for Tucker to lose it once more.

"Don't worry Danny well come up with a plan for you to woo your beau" Sam soothed as she patted his back, Danny simply groaned out of embarrassment. He had the worst friends.

The batcave was a flurry of voices all asking Alfred questions, the man in question simply arching a brow at their unruly behavior.

"Alfred are you really going on a date with that guy?! We don't even know anything about him!!" Dick was seemingly the most distraught at the news, his grandfather?? Dating?

Oracles voice crackled as she spoke through the caves speakers " His name is Danyal Danny Nightingale, 36 years old, he is the co-owner and eventual heir to DalvCo. He has a relatively clean record aside from some speeding and arrests for unruly protests."

Alfred simply sighed in response, "Master Dick, Ms. Barbara, while I understand your worry that is no reason to invade our guests privacy. And yes Master Dick I will be going on a date with Mr. Nightingale, his efforts to pursue me are commendable, and I will be giving him a chance even if it isn't earnest on my behalf."

"So youre just going along with his whims? 'tt' I expected more from you Pennyworth" Damian didn't show it outwardly but he was excited for Alfreds date. He had immediately recognized Nightingale during the gala, not because of his business, but because he was the person to bring back the purple backed gorillas from extinction. Damian had been 6 years old when he first saw a magazine featuring Daniel Nightingale. He had devoured the every word written about Daniel and it sparked the beginning of Damians infatuation with animal conservation beyond that of his families ideas.

Now seeing the opportunity to meet his role model face to face, and possibly even being related to him (if Alfred's account of Nightingale wanting to court with the intent of marriage was correct.) Damian knew what had to be done.

Damian was going to become Gothams cupid and make sure his Grandfather and role model got together.

Laying back on Tuckers legs, Danny tensed as he felt another sneeze attack coming on, halting all conversation.

ACHOO "Bless you" " Bless you" "Thanks, ugh who decided that speaking my name would cause me to sneeze"

Sam rolled her eyes at Dannys whining. "At least you dont get the calling to be summoned like with your royal title" Danny glared at Sam "gee thanks for being so compassionate, Ill be sure to sneeze on you next time"

"I wonder who's talking about me though"

[thatrandomlittlegirl]

When you type Gaster's name into the game, the game shuts down and resets.

What would happen when you type his name elsewhere...?

[ronnykins-needshelp]

Cumplane has me on a litteral choke hold i will NOT stop making AUs ISTG

Where AU where Cumplane Pre-transmigration meets Moshang and Bingqiu post-SVSSS

currently Cumplane has been in a marriage for about 5 years and has been dating for 2 years. they started talking properlyto each other once PIDW had ended and Shen yuan coerced Airplane into making a new book with his exact outline from his orignal plan, offering to pay for it. becuase obviously Shen yuan isnt going to tolerate SQHs living condictions in a very beat down apartment they become roomates. as Shen Yuan is a beta reader and SQH no longer needs to worry about money, they calm down their anomosity. and after back and forth and Shen Yuan finally coming out of his very glass closet they get together.

at first Shen Yuans family doesnt approve becuase they think Shang Qinghua was a golddigger, but after finding out that Shang Qinghua was the author of PIDW, which they have heard their son rant about every single time they meet up, hey turn the tables and accept them as their son in law thinking :

Entire Family: " so thats why shen yuan started dating him! thats so sweer. "

it was kind of embarressing becuase Shen Yuans family had described in detail how passionate their son got whenever talking about that book.

Shen Yuan: " ive always hated it!! "

Mother Shen: " no honey, you didnt you were just in denial, like your sexuality. "

Shen Yuan: " Mom!! "

his family is not discrimitory, they are just happy their hermit crab is doing something with his life

they end up adopting [ bc i NEED a child to be in this ] an orphan one year into their marriage and calling him Shen binghe. no they will never tell their son the origin of his name. who was a baby that was dumped onto the orphanges doorstep. which was conveintly around the time they decided to adopt.

since they were kinda young when they took up the mantle of being parents they took every precuation to keep him safe, to the point that Shang Qinghua took a haitus to take care of his son.

they raised him to be a healthy four year old boy.

thats when Xin mo coughed up Moshang And Bingqiu, closely after the Bingqiu marriage, into their little cottage that used to be the Shen Families beach house. this was during they time they were having ' family time ' by playing simple board games in their living room when they heard crashes in their kitchen. Shen binghe is scared but Shang QInghua fishes out a shotgun that was placed behind their couch for showcase. it didnt work but it can cetaintly frighten someone.

a Frightened Shen binghe hugs his mother father waiting for some news.

Shen Qinghua [ He took up the shen name bc rich people thoughts ig]: " Ummmmm..... Baoibei you might want to see this. "

confused, Shen Yuan, holding Shen binghe protectively in his arms, walks to the kitchen, and to his complete and utter surprise, finds PIDW charaters in his home.

Shen yuan: " What the fuck?! A-Bing dont repeat that. "

his son nods when the cosplayer that looks like Luo binghe says,

Luo Binghe: " who are you to say anything of what i do? "

Shen Qingqiu: " calm down binghe, he wasnt talking to you. "

luo binghe: " ok shizun! "

that one that looks like the scum villianwas looking interestedly towards Shen Yuan, which was making him uncomfitable and he held his child closer.

Shen Yuan: " A-Hua, why are they here, who are these people? "

Shen Qinghua: " Well i think they are.. "

Shang Qinghua: " Im airplane shooting towards the sky! i already told him some emberrising shit so he knows that we are on and the same. "

shen yuan moves closer to his Shen Qinghua and Shang Qinghua frowned.

Shang QInghua: " i didnt think i would marry and have a kid! well in this timeline becuase of PIDW. "

his grouped glanced at him.

Mobei-jun: " What exactly do you mean this timeline? "

Shang Qinghua: " oh i died here than transmigrated - or moving ones soul to anothers body - after not even finishing my book which is our world! "

Shen Qingqiu: " way to lay that one out airplane. "

he scoffed, which was terrifienly familar to someone the mortals know.

Shen yuan, suddenly proccessing the words: " D-died?! "

The shang qinghua nodded, as if this was the most natural thing in the world.

Shang Qinghua: " Anyways, whos that twink i married? im surprised that we pulled a pretty boy like that! im used to my king, "

Shen Qinghua: " I know we are the same person, but dont talk to my husband like that! "

Shang Qinghua, puttinig his hands up mocking surrender: " i didnt think i had balls but ok. "

Shen yuan stopped listening as excitment wiggled in after the fright settled down.

Shen Yuan: " You see this A-bing? this is a Au clash! i never thought that i would be in this type of plot!! "

Shen binghe, giggling: " like one of babas books! "

Shen yuan: " thats right my little demon. "

luo binghe blinked at the nickname.

Shen Yuan: " Anyways my name is- "

Shen QIngqiu, breathlessly: " Shen yuan. "

Shen yuan, looks questionly at the man: " How do you know my name?! "

Shen Qingqiu: " Becuase im you. "

que an EXTENSIVE talk about how transmigration worked for the husbands, and how they died, and how PIDW ended. now onto the their personal lives with SHen Binghe playing with the two demon lords in a friendly game of go fish [ AKA ruthlessly beating them with no hope of survival. Luo binghe Scowls at this child self of him, no mercy!! ] and the cumplane pairs sitting in the couch.

Shang QInghua: " i cannot believe i married the Peerless cucumber, He was the one who basically cuased my death!! "

Shen QIngqiu, whacking the hamster in the back of his head: " and is marrying this master that unsightly? I should be surprised that i married you, you hack author!! "

.. well that explained their relationship.

Shen Yuan: " Not even that surprised, i dont even know how ive been with this hack for 11 years. "

Platonic cumplane: " ELEVEN YEARS?! "

Shen QInghua, pitifully and tying to kiss Shen yuan: " Awwww why does my pretty husbando think that, "

Shen Yuan, shoving Shen Qinghua away by the face: " Becuase i said so. now get off me you big oof. "

After some whining and big puppy eyes [ that Shen Qingqiu frightenly similar to luo binghes ], Shen Qinghua is is laying contently on Shen yuans laps while he brushes his fingers through his hair.

Shan Qinghua: " you know if i werent with my king and seen you how i should have, i would have tapped that ass long ago. "

Shen yuan, yeeting a pillow at top speed while blushing: " My CHILD is right here!! stop being so shameless for once airplane!! "

Shen Qingqiu, having been subjected to Airplanes shamelessness for years ignores him: " speaking of child, if you have PIDW in your world, how do you have a luo binghe here? usually at these types of senerarios in fanfics, they both cant coencide with each other. "

Shen Qinghua: " Oh thats becuase baobei refused to call him anything but Luo binghe. "

he received a slap. Shen yuan was fuming.

Shen Yuan: " yah whatever, i had to admit he looked quite similar to Luo binghe was described - minus the two toned hair - in the book, i could not not name him binghe. "

the two Shens nodded in understanding while the the huas just looked confused at the logical, ut whatever each to their own.

shen Qingqiu: " oh thsts pretty nice. wait please dont tell me you have mpreg in this world, i do and no- "

shen Yuan: " No! no, anyways does he look like us? we adopted him when he was around two weeks old. "

Shang Qinghua: " Now i got to admit thats sweet, i love the little family yall got, its kind of sad that this is what our future wouldve been if we didnt die. well i dont regret transmigrating into pidw, sometimes, though becuase i ended up with Mobei, who i modeled after my tastes-. "

Shen Qinghua: " -which pretty much described A-yuan- "

Shang Qinghua: " -so im pretty happy with my life. "

Shen yuan: " talking about you, howd you end up with the protaginist? "

Shen qingqiu, waving his fan lazily with a huff: " Dont get me started- "

proceeds to describe the entire lore of SVSSS. both Qighuas fell asleep at one point while Shen yuan was enratured by the whole story.

Shen Yuan: " WOw! Luo binghe was that bad at papapa? thats totally OOC! but you are still doing it every three days? "

Shen QIngqiu, Shrugging: " pretty much, hes just too cute to not say no to. what about you? idk if papapa with the author whos so clearly a virigin would be that great either, "

Shen Yuan: " oh hes not a virgin. apperently he slept around alot while in university so my poor Chrysanthemum ddint suffer like yours. thouguh he havent done it in awhile since Shen Binghe takes up more of our time "

Shen Qinghua: " awww if they get to stay, maybe they get to take care of our binghe and we get to go for a bi- "

Shen Yuan: " if you are asleep, keep pretending to sleep! dont just wake up halfway! "

SHang QInghua flinched a the fimiliar words as he had jjust woken up.

meanwhile at the kiddy table

Luo Binghe: " so um, do you have aaa?

Shen Binghe: " Three of hearts? no. go fish. "

Luo binghe mumbled under his breath as he grumpily snatches another card. he has already lost 5 times, and Mobei-jun is a lost cuase.

since Mobei-jun wasnt talking SHen binghe iniciated a convo.

Shen binghe: " your so cool looking! your robes are like the ones that my babas cosplay in!! one time when they arrived they had to give me to my grandma in order for them to go to a convention! apperently my babas book, proud immortal demon way go super popular when it finished! "

Luo binghe, raising an eyebrow: " how does this shen binghe tell the differences between your two parents? "

Shen Binghe: " I sometimes call my first baba, ' mama ' "

Luo binghe: " Fair. i call my shizun wife. "

Shen binghe, pouting: " how can other me marry mama! "

Luo binghe, defensively: " well thats becuase Shizun is not my mo- "

Shen Binghe: " -and why is my baba married to the big scary icicle!! "

Mobei-ju just raised an eyebrow which was scary for a child and Shen binghe started crying. frightening both of the adults.

shen yuan suddenly appeared holding his son and rocking him.

Shen yuan, cooing: " Are you ok my little bingbing? did the big scary men bully you? "

Luo binghe: " he started thi- "

he was silenced by a glare.

Shen Binghe: " I dont like this AU! my babas arent together!! and their weird! "

luo binghe does not want to make this child version of himself cry, becuase if he cries and shizun finds out hes sleeping on the bed tonight.

Luo binghe: " wait wait, this lo- im sorry, here look at this. "

he opened his clawed palm and produced a little demonic energy, from that he minipulated it into turning into a a black mistic bunny. the bunny jumped and when luo binghe moved his hands closer to shen binghe, it started to sniff his noise intensly. Shen binghe started to giggle and wearly pet the bunny. to his surprise it was soft.

the other three moved to the table watching this whole scene.

Shen Qingqiu: " oh thats sweet, who kew Binghe was so great with kids? "

Both Qinghuas looked at him. Luo binghe was static.

Luo Binghe: " Would Shizun like a child? this husband would love to- "

he has hit by a fan. Shen binghe started to luagh aswell as shen yuan.

Shen yuan: " See A-bing? if a man like that annoys you, hit him on the head! "

Mobei-jun: " what a pleasant lesson for a child "

everyone jumped when he spoke, basically forggetting he was here.

Shen Qinghua: " anywayss, how did you get here? "

Shen QIngqiu: " Xin Mo messing up "

Shen Yuan: " any way to get back? "

Shang Qinghua: " our ride should be here any second "

a portal opens and Sha hualing pokes her head out.

Sha hualing: " Get over here losers, you owe me! "

after much goodbyes the group left. leaving the cumplane family to lay down on the couch. SHen binghe fell asleep quickly, eghuasted by the whole debacle.

Shen Binghe, groaning: " I dont think i want to meet another AU again. "

Shen yuan, huffing out: " Agreed, "

and then the little family slept happily on the couch

[johnslittlespoon]

john risks an eye (and then some) winning gale his bike... but gale refuses to ride it anywhere. it confuses john to no end when he catches him walking to the mess hall the day after he gifts him the bike; he slows his own down to keep pace with gale and says, "did you forget i risked my life getting you your own set of wheels?"

gale gives him some excuse about wanting to explore the base at a leisurely pace on his first proper morning there, and john just shrugs, maybe teases a bit more, but ultimately lets it go (though he does keep pace with him the whole way to the mess.)

except this isn't a one–time thing. sometimes it takes gale triple the time walking as it takes john to bike somewhere, but no matter what, he insists quite adamantly that he prefers to walk. it stings a bit, because john loves to show his affection through gift–giving, and seeing gale's bike locked in the same spot day after day feels a little like rejection, but he brushes it off, turning it into a challenge to get gale to ride the damn bike.

a bit of extra pressure via teasing one morning, and, weird– john thinks his ever–stoic friend might actually be blushing when he makes a joke about, "you scared of crashing? can fly a plane but can't ride a bike?" and gale gives him a stiff "course not" in return. that piques john's interest, and he does love flustering gale, especially when it's so rare to get a reaction out of him like that.

so when they make it to the mess hall, john riding his bike at a slow crawl and wondering why he even bothers taking it anymore when he takes just as long as gale in his refusal to leave his side, he presses again as they sit down across from each other.

"if you're not scared, just ride a loop with me around base when we get back, and i'll drop it," he proposes. gale doesn't meet his eyes when he gives him a firm "no thanks, john," but he might as well have just waved a red flag in front of a bull. "why not?" john kicks at his ankle under the table, and gale does look up then, if only to glare.

john waits patiently for whatever increasingly ridiculous excuse gale might give him this time, only to see gale's shoulders slump a bit, studying john's face for a beat longer before he lowers his eyes once again and mumbles, "don't know how to ride." john huffs out a breath of laughter, then stops when he realizes gale isn't laughing too.

"you're serious?" he asks, and gale nods, leaning back in his chair, cheeks a lovely shade of pink. "my dad never taught me to ride, and he never wanted to spend the money to get me a bike growing up, so." john immediately feels terrible for all of his jokes and pressuring, and for being unable to tear his eyes away from his blush.

"well, that's alright," he says easily, not wanting to embarrass gale any more than he already has. "i'll teach you."

that's how they end up in a secluded field after breakfast, and it's john's turn to feel a little flushed as he keeps a firm hand on the small of gale's back to help him stay upright, promising he won't let go until gale tells him to. gale picks up on the skill almost instantly, unsurprisingly, and john beams at the boyish excitement on gale's face when he finally gets going on his own.

mornings are much more exciting when john has someone to race to the mess hall, though he lets gale win sometimes just to see his favourite smile.

'you sound like my dad, john.' well, john hopes he's outdone him now.

[siyelius]

I think it’d be funny with in terms of physical dichotomy across the different planets — penacony having the power of harmony, the xianzhou with mara/differing species such as foxians and borisin— Belobog just has their human native-borns just superhuman in terms of endurance. Like those mfs are DURABLE.

Centuries of being considered a “dead planet” to everyone, isolationist and cut off from the star rail just mutated every single belobogian’s genetics across generations to catch up with the numerous calamities they have every weekend and casually turned them into actual BEASTS in terms of trying to knock them down. The ���weak’ dying off either by the fragmentum or the eternal freeze, whereas the strong have had inherited cold resistance, upped strength and adamantine bones, etc.

For example, when gepard tells the kids in his voicelines that to become a captain (presumably as strong as him) he just says to keep training and eat well, I genuinely believe that’s what he did and he’s just ABLE to smash robots with his bare fist. Like belobogians are just Them.

[ruershrimo]

i. toge x fem!reader | aftermath of a confession

for a while it’s just the deafening silence between the two of you and the clanging noises of chopsticks on glass bowls. of course, he knows that it isn’t going to last forever even if he wonders if it will, but your lack of words definitely fails to prove that wrong. 

see, the problem is this: toge’s sitting right in front of you— his dream girl, his crush of two years and all that. since the moment you first walked in the classroom and he’d caught sight of you, he’d been hopelessly and utterly smitten. perhaps it was the way you smiled at others, shy as you were; the way you laughed at his antics without fail and tried to lift people up no matter how much you struggled with doing so. it was that kindness; the type that didn’t need gestures and touches, the type that didn’t call for empathy or sympathy. just that plain kindness. 

and soon after it came his love for everything else: your hair, your eyes, your skin— the way they shined in the sunlight. he was sure he wasn’t that obvious. yet he supposes that besides maki, panda and yuuta who’d already known him enough to tell, it could have been relatively easy for all the other students of the school (basically, all the first years) to notice his infatuation with you— well, save for you yourself. 

he didn’t think it’d amount to anything, though. as much as it hurt to think that. not with the way his technique held him back; you needed someone who could speak to you, look after you that way. he needed you to not feel lonely. he had insistence from maki and panda that you were every bit down bad for him as he was for you, yet he still couldn’t believe them in full. despite all his jests and cheeky shenanigans, he would never consider himself bold enough to be able to confess it all to you. so why do it, when you wouldn’t be able to reciprocate in the first place? 

which is why he was shocked when you bowed over, scrunched your face up in embarrassment and handed him a letter in a sealed envelope before lunch on a random tuesday, stammering that you’ve liked him for more than a year, can you please consider going out with me?, and running away before coming back just for lunch. 

at least if maki and panda were here, things would be less awkward. but maki is still out training, and panda’s off to do whatever pandas do before lunch on random tuesdays. 

“takana…” he starts, eyes on your crestfallen face. the only thing your eyes are on is the food you’re eating. 

“…I’m sorry…” you mutter. he barely makes it out from you. 

“ikura!” he says. No! 

an idea strikes him then. 

you cock your head to the side in confusion as he whips out his phone and his thumbs fiddle away across its keyboard. 

toge’s confident now. if the two of you like each other, why not start something new? he’d love to take you out. he hands you the phone. 

“‘I… like… you… too?’” you read out, squinting at the tiny font.

toge sees your heart stop, breaths caught in your throat, your cheeks warm— scratch that, you’re crying. 

wait, why were you crying?!

“takana!” 

“I-I’m so glad,” you sniffle,” I always liked you. I didn’t know how to say it. it was painful seeing you every day knowing how I felt, and- and thinking there wouldn’t ever be a chance you’d like me back!” you sob, burying your face in your hands as if it could hide anything, “and then when I gave the letter to you, I was so nervous, I-I should’ve stayed there or given you something you liked, but I panicked!” 

nervously, he inches his hand closer to yours. your watery eyes widen. “shake sushi,” he reaffirms. the circles he rubs over the back of your hand make you feel like he’s smoothing over creased paper on your skin. yes, he likes you too, so don’t worry. don’t cry. you may be crying, but if he were a dog, his tail would be wagging so wildly regardless. 

both of your hands grab one of his with shaky movements and a slew of hiccups. “I’ll try my best.”

“mentaiko.”

thank goodness.

[marimeeko]

Maybe a drabble where Katsuki (and the rest of 1-A) is invited to EraserMic's wedding after the war, because after everything that happened, they don't want to put it off any more.

And Katsuki is introspective about it, because there they are, two adult male heroes, getting married to each other. While the wedding is a private affair, and you know Aizawa hates the press and wouldn't let them anywhere near their big day, it IS public knowledge.

And Katsuki, long suffering a deep devotion to Izuku (and realizing what that actaully means, ie, he's in LOVE with the idiot) and several months into funding and designing that passion project of his, can't help but secretly be heartened by seeing a Queer romantic couple of widely known and loved Heroes be recognized and accepted in the Hero space.

Not that he'd ever be apologetic about his feelings for Izuku, or his own Queerness, but Katsuki finds comfort in seeing Eraser and Mic so happy, smiling at each other in that way, as if they can finally be open.

He looks at Izuku, finding the nerd beaming brightly at their teachers' happiness, and imagines one day, that he could be that happy with Izuku, and they could gather in front of all their loved ones. And the Hero World would welcome them too.

[r0tting-rat]

DCA PROMPTOBER 2024

I KNOW I'M STILL LATE I'M STRUGGLING TO CATCH UP I'M SORRY

Day 2 - Paper Pals

Pairing: Sun x Gender Neutral Reader, romantic Warnings: None Words: 3000+ Summary: While making paper pals with Sun, you begin a game you quickly regret starting.

-Shit, this thing is so ugly,- you grinned, looking down at the paper pal you were working on. You were sitting at one of the colorful plastic tables in the arts & craft area of the daycare, with your fingers sticky with glue and your arms covered in doodles made by the kids. Some of those looked more like scribbles than actual drawings, but when one of the little boys pointed at his masterpiece and said; “-Cow!-” you had no choice but to laugh and say; “-Oh, I love your cow, David, it’s so cute!-”

The only problem was that the “cow” in question was green, it had three… eyes?—you didn’t even know if those were eyes, since you couldn’t understand which was the face and which was the butt—and more legs than you could count. Could it be that the child actually wanted to draw a centipede but didn’t remember its name? Maybe, but unlike the animatronic sitting right beside you, you weren’t an art critic.

-It’s not ugly!- Sun protested, looking at your paper pal, -I think it’s lovely.-

-You also said David’s “cow” was lovely, but that thing looks more like snot,- you laughed, and Sun gave you a dramatic gasp.

-Are you calling me a liar?!- he said, placing a hand over his chest like an old lady clutching her pearls. Grinning even more, you leaned a little closer to the robot. 

-Hell, yes I am.- Your whisper caused Sun’s rays to spin in fake outrage. Luckily for you all the kids were playing in the jungle gyms in the play area, so Sun was allowing you to swear as much as you wanted with no repercussions. Of course, he still twitched and flinched every now and then.

You and Sun had decided to stay there, sitting at the tables, to finish the project of the day which you didn’t have time to work on during the arts & craft hour. Paper Pals! Loyal, cheerful, flat and… horribly ugly little guys which Sun adored with his whole mechanic heart. Well, not all paper pals were ugly, yours surely was, maybe because you couldn’t decide on the theme. You had drawn blue stars on the face, like they were freckles, but changed your mind half-way and tried to fix it by making the entire face blue. The only problem? The blue you were first using had run out, so you had to choose another blue to finish the face, which was of a lighter shade than the previous. 

To add to the list, the silver glitter glue had been spilled the day before and the next batch was not going to come until Monday, so you had no silver glitter glue to make your pal prettier. 

-If you don’t like your paper pal, how about you make another?- asked Sun, looking at you curiously. You shook your head, beginning to draw a brown button-up on your little pal, like those shades of brown and blue didn’t look absolutely hideous together. 

-Nah, he’s ugly, but I like him.- You were so focused on your little guy that you didn’t even look up as you spoke, -He’s like, my ugly son.-

Next to you, Sun wheezed.

-Y-Your ugly son?- he asked, half between a laugh and a question. 

-Yeah! His name is Robert, I love him and I will treasure him forever, even if he’s ugly,- you nodded, -I don’t mind ugly things.-

Something you could pride yourself upon was, in fact, that look didn’t matter to you. Be it animals, people, drawings or paper pals, you didn’t care if they were “ugly”. In fact, you had decided you were going to make your paper pal the ugliest one in the existence of the Mega Pizzaplex, and you were going to love him to death. David’s cow was also coming with you. Was it ugly? Damn right it was. Were you about to do anything you could to let it stay on your skin as long as possible? Fuck yes. 

You grabbed a mouth for your paper pal, one of those with full and soft lips, then colored it so it had bright green lipstick. You glued it on Robert, satisfied, before noticing you had glued it on wrong and that it was slightly tilted to the side. Okay, that… you hadn’t done that on purpose, but oh well. 

-Is that why you like us so much?- Sun asked, and your ears immediately picked on the slight nervousness in his voice. You turned around just to see him working on his own paper pal. 

-What do you mean?- you asked, unsure. 

-You said you don’t mind ugly things,- Sun explained, gluing a leg to his pal, -So I’m wondering if that's why you don’t mind us.-

You stopped working on your project just to turn completely around on the little chair, until you were directly facing the animatronic. Noticing your stance, Sun also stopped working, looking at you with a surprised expression.

-Has something happened?- he asked, like he didn’t just call himself ugly.

-No, just…- you looked at him, like, looked at Sun, up close. You even stood up so you could have a better angle. -Just checking something.-

Wide-eyed, Sun stared at you as you inspected his skin, his features and clothes. He followed your movements as you hummed to yourself, mumbled as you touched the silicone of his hands and clicked your tongue, deep in thought. 

-Mhm, yes, I’m afraid it’s exactly what I suspected,- you spoke out loud after a few seconds. Sun smiled, perplexed. 

-What’s your verdict, doc?- he asked, amused. Satisfied, you sat back down. 

-You’re stunning.- Was your reply. As soon as those words left your mouth, Sun’s eyes widened even more and his fans turned on, working to keep his internals cool. The robot looked at you for a few seconds, mouth wide open, baffled by your response. He had expected so many things, but not… not this one! 

-Y-You don’t mean that…- he whined, but immediately regretted saying those words, because they betrayed how flustered he truly was. Sun suddenly felt the urge to hide his face behind his paper pal. 

-Are you calling me a liar?!- you gasped, echoing the same words he had spoken just a few minutes before. You even copied the way he had clutched his chest.

-Yes!- Sun replied with another whine, -Look at me, I’m…-

-Beautiful? Pretty? Perfectly detailed, amazingly shaped?- you suggested, looking at the jester with a grin and an amused look in your eyes. Sun’s fans whirred louder, reminding you of the sound of your old pc when you tried to run The Sims 4 on it, along with all the mods you had downloaded. Sun was overheating, and if the circumstances had been different you would have suggested he take off his blouse to let his fans do their job, but you were afraid that would have actually caused him to implode before anything could be done. 

Sun’s fingers were twitching and he was keeping his eyes closed, like not seeing your smug expression would have helped with cooling off. 

-I’m… f-full of those craters, and… and my pain is chipping off,- he tried to argue, like you weren’t ready to prove him wrong. 

-Those craters are absolutely adorable,- you pointed at the little dots on his face, which reminded you of freckles, -They make your smile stand out. But you’re right on the last part, we should get you re-painted, so you can glow even more than you do now!-

Your smile widened when Sun grabbed his rays and hid his face on his knees, groaning.

-S-S-Stop!- his voicebox was glitching, adding a static-y layer to his voice which made him sound even more desperate than he actually was. 

-You’re like the actual sun, Sunny,- you leaned closer, grinning viciously.

-Impossible to look at?- he sniffled, still refusing to look up.

-No, a true hottie.-

☆

You immediately had to call maintenance to get them to bring Sun down to Parts & Service. After all, you had to look after the kids at the daycare, so you couldn’t leave, as much as you wished to. Apparently you had gone too far with your teasing, causing Sun to enter a reboot and drop unconscious on the table where you and him had been doing arts & craft. You had worried a lot when it first happened, but as soon as you checked that everything was alright you breathed a sigh of relief and began to laugh. Shit, you didn’t know that could happen. Oh well. 

The security guard on duty explained to you how to open up Sun’s chest cavity from the outside, giving his internal components the opportunity to cool off, then told you what to do in case Sun woke back up without a mechanic nearby. You listened carefully, just in case something like that happened again, but when the guard asked you the reason why Sun had overheated you struggled to stifle a laugh. 

-I, uhm… I complimented his… paper pal.- Yeah, sure, that could do. 

Not gonna lie, guilt was beginning to creep up on you. Maybe you should have been more careful, and not just because overheating could cause problems to Sun’s internal wiring, but also because there was a possibility you were overstepping his boundaries. Just the thought of making your friend uncomfortable was painful to you, so you decided you were going to apologize as soon as you saw him. 

Fortunately, not too much time passed before Sun was brought back up from Parts & Service, maybe just an hour. The mechanic told you that he was in tip-top shape and that there was nothing to worry about, but as soon as he left Sun turned his back to you and began to pout like a child. 

-Sunnyyy,- you called, prolonging the y as much as you could. The kids were playing Simon Says and by your prediction you still had a few minutes before any of them decided to randomly bite someone else or take off their pants, so you were fine. -Sunny boy?-

-Don’t call me that!- replied Sun with a huff, -You don’t want to make me overheat again, do you?!-

You smiled, but then apologized, gently asking your friend to turn around. 

-Sorry for what i said,- you began once he was finally looking your way, -It won’t happen again. I hope I didn’t say anything inappropriate and made you uncomfortable, that was not my intention.-

Sun was still pouting, and his eyes switched constantly between you, the floor and the ceiling, like he didn’t know where to look. 

-You won’t do it again?- he asked, and you nodded. 

-I won’t.-

-Ever, ever, ever again?- Sun repeated, like he wanted to make sure. 

-I promise I will never tease you again,- you swore, holding one of your hands over your heart and the other in the air. 

-...Oh.- 

Your brows furrowed. Sun seemed… disappointed? Wait, did he…? A grin opened on your face.

-...Unless,- you began to say, and the animatronic looked at you with hopeful eyes, -Unless you wanted me to tease you.-

Your smile was as large as your face, opening from ear to ear in an unsettling manner.

-Is this what you’re after? Praises? If that’s so, I don’t mind, I’ll tell you how adorable you are all day long.- Your voice ran smooth, dripping with honey, and it had the desired effect when you noticed Sun shuddering. He stared at you in disbelief, like he just realized that you meant every word you said, and his rays spun around his head. Something told you that, if he could have blushed, his entire face would have been red.

-T-This is a game we both can play, Friend!- Sun replied, sounding like he was reprimanding you. The stern expression on his face made you feel like that, at least.

-Then play with me, Sunny boy.-

You and Sun spent the following days teasing each other, fake-bantering like a couple of idiots, but quickly you realized that your robotic friend didn't lie to you when he claimed to be way better at this new game than you had first predicted.

You spent your free time at home thinking about more ways to get him to fluster, and he did the same after he was done cleaning the daycare after a long day. You whispered praises when there were no kids nearby, you dropped random compliments during normal conversations, but more often than not you and Sun ended up actually flirting with each other, and hard.

-You look absolutely splendid today, Sun. Have you polished your rays?-

-Friend, today you smell absolutely delicious, is it a new shampoo?-

-What a flatterer! You truly have a way with words, Sunny.-

-Oh, shame I can’t eat, you would have made a great snack, Friend.-

That particular last sentence made you choke on your water when you first heard it. Shit, you couldn’t let Sun see how flustered he could get you! It was almost like, the more you complimented him, the bolder he got, and it was beginning to have quite the effect on you. Multiple times during the day you had to slip in the bathrooms just to splash cold water on your face, but each time you did Sun teased you to no end. Your little game had long turned into a war which you had no intention to lose, but unfortunately for you, one day the worst thing happened.

-Friend?- Sun called you after finishing a game of tag with the kids, -We ran out of glitter glue, will you come with me to grab some?- 

His tone was completely innocent, but still you refused to let yourself be fooled. The last time you went with him in the supplies closet he had locked the door with you inside until you agreed with him that you were terribly handsome.

-I don’t know,- you said, looking at him suspiciously, -Can I trust you?-

Sun nodded, eagerly. 

-Of course you can! I’m not in the mood for playing today, I will leave you alone,- he promised, looking like a happy dog with that cheerful expression. You looked at the robot up and down, unsure, but eventually you decided he looked honest enough. You sighed and nodded, following the jester in his cheerful steps across the daycare, but not before asking the security guard on duty to keep an eye on the kids while you were away.

You and him headed for the supplies closet then went past it, much to your surprise. All the while, Sun didn’t stop skipping and humming the daycare tune.

-Wait, shouldn’t we…?- you began to ask, turning to look at the closet door.

-No, no, Friend! The glitter glue is up in my room,- Sun explained, -Follow me.-

Doubtful, you still tagged along, following the animatronic past a secret passage, a set of stairs and eventually the door to his room. You stopped before entering, hesitating. You had never seen Sun’s room, and even if it only made sense for them to have a private space all for themselves you had never really thought about it. You didn’t know what to expect, but even if you did expect something, what met your eyes was completely different from anything you could have come up with. The little space was messy, covered in kids drawings, old plushies and other stuff you were sure the animatronic wasn’t supposed to have up there. Random boxes were stacked around and used as tables or something of the sort, although many of them had a thin layer of dust covering them, like Sun never bothered to move them around or even just tidy the place a little. The robot held a hand on your shoulders and turned you the other way when you tried to look at a mass of metallic arms and… staff bot heads? Did you see that right? When you asked more about it, he avoided the question.

The jester asked you to grab a specific box on the side of the door, then went to grab two more himself. You cracked it open, seeing many packages of glitter glue stacked inside, while your friend began to tell you about something that happened with one of the kids that morning. Apparently Jimmy had tried to eat a red crayon, but after just a few seconds something caught your eye and you stopped listening. Hanging from one of the walls were some paper pals, all grouped together like they were friends holding hands, and between them you recognized some of the pals made by the kids a few days prior. They were messy, the colors had no harmony and many kids had glued eyes and mouths upside down, but they were the loveliest paper pals you had ever seen. What caught your eye however was your paper pal, in all of his blue, brown and green glory, kept on the wall next to something that looked like a makeshift bed made with various pillows and blankets. You were left speechless, unable to form a word, wondering how your paper pal had managed to grow legs and crawl all the way into Sun’s room.

-Ah, you saw Robert,- Sun chimed in. He was exactly behind you, -I hope you don’t mind I took him, I just thought he could… be friends with my paper pal.-

Next to Robert, in fact, was another paper pal. Its blouse was the same color of your uniform, the eyes were the same shade of yours and the expression drawn on it—a mischievous smirk—felt oddly familiar.

-Is that… me?- you asked, pointing at Sun’s paper pal. The animatronic laughed.

-Oh, no, silly. They are my new friend,- he replied, smug, -Aren’t they just lovely?-

You swallowed, then nodded.

-What’s their name?- you asked after a few seconds of silence. As you expected, your own name fell from Sun’s silicone lips. -I see.-

The hands of the two paper pals, yours and Sunny’s, were glued together, and they stood very close to one another, like they were the best of friends. You suddenly felt Sun’s presence a lot more than before, you could hear the little mechanisms moving inside his metallic body, you could hear the soft whirring of his cooling system, you could feel his eyes on the back of your head and his huge frame looming over you. 

-I’m happy to see Robert has made a friend,- you commented with a smile. 

-Agree. They are the best friend one could ask for.- 

As soon as those words left Sun, you immediately covered your reddening face with your hands, and in that exact moment you knew that you had lost the game. Shit, shit, shit. You had lost, and the blush covering your face, ears and neck was so deep you could feel your skin burning under your hands. All because of some paper pals.

[spotaus]

New Age AU (An Order to Things)

Hello hello and welcome back! I... write the first part of this like a month ago and then came back and wrote the rest over the past few days! Ancha and I were talking about getting some perspective on the rest of the Castle while Night is still adjusting to his new body, so here we are! A little mash-up of what the Knights have been doing on a regular day only a little while in to Night being small!

no edits, no rereads, fuck it we ball!

(@ancha-aus @mutzelputz and @papiliovolens hello again! Hope you don't mind the random @ and as always if it gets annoying just lemee know and I'll cease hehe!)

Oh, and a bonus shout-out to Ancha because I would've completely fumbled an entire section here, but she recalled something from one of my many strange rambles and saved my life in the lore continuity department :]

“Is everyone here?” Dust’s voice was steady and cut through the chatter of the room.

Horror watched as heads turned to face Dust, where he stood at the ‘front’ of the room. The room was actually curved, a nice oval that allowed a long, round, bar-like table to curve along the outskirts and sit up to fifty people along its run. Across from where Dust was standing was the door. Where Dust stood now, well, that was usually where the King sat. They had shifted the ornate seat back and away for the time being, since no one thought it’d be right for Dust to sit in it. Even if he was filling in for Nightmare today. 

Those seated, they were Nightmare’s council. Some seats had been barren since before Horror had arrived, a lot had been filled since then, Killer had told them that the population had seen a steep decline after he showed up. From what Horror had heard, it was probably for the best that it had been rebuilt almost from scratch. The council now was made up largely of common people. Monsters and Humans, each a representative from their own cities and townships who had both been chosen by their people and screened by the King himself. They weren’t proper or well-spoken sometimes, but they always seemed to have their people’s best interests at heart, so he figured the king didn’t mind it much. Actually, maybe their informal habits made them all the more appealing to him? Horror could never quite tell. Besides, he usually wasn’t present for these unless the farming representatives were present, and today they seemed woefully absent. Normally it would be Killer or Dust here where he was standing near the King’s seat. But, Killer was helping watch over the King while Ccino caught up on his own work, Cross was scheduled for training right now, and Dust was the one talking, so here he was. 

“Good.” Dust spoke up again, very shortly, as the group quieted. 

Horror noticed Dust had a booklet open on the table before him. Horror recognized the handwriting in the pages, even if he couldn’t read any of the words from such a distance. Those dizzying swirls were the familiar penmanship of their King. King Nightmare must have sent Dust with instructions, or maybe a list of topics to address. 

“Our King will not join us today. I am here on his behalf. Trust me, news will return to him.” Dust explained briefly, and neither of them missed the way a few of the council looked between each other. Nightmare had been out of the public eye for almost a week and a half now. “Any questions?”

Dust’s eyelights traveled to his left, where a hand was raised barely into the air. A human sat there, Horror didn’t recognize them, but it seemed like Dust did. He gestured shortly to him and said, “Damien?” As a prompt to get the man speaking.

As Horror had learned, it was customary to stand when you spoke at these events. Everyone, aside from the King, had a cushioned stool which tended to be easier to raise out of and sit on again. The human, Damien, slipped backward off his stool and rose maybe an inch higher than he had been sitting. 

“Sir Panther,” He addressed Dust with a slightly nervous voice, “We in the council are grateful for your presence and for listening to our pleas, but some of us present feel that the timing of our King’s absence poses a danger to some of our peoples.” 

Damien shoved a strand of dark hair out of his eyes, tucking it behind his ear as he continued with a surprising amount of confidence for someone who seemed to be questioning their king. “While we trust his decisions, we find that our people are growing restless and weary without plans in place to rebuild our shelters. The last flood which passed through was not four days ago, and the letter arrived today more frantic than the last. Is there any hope that we may soon be graced by the King’s presence once again?” He watched Dust’s reaction as he still stood.

Dust, though, had a pokerface of steel. As long as Horror had known him he was always a closed book. Or, maybe more like he had a bottle, but broke the top of the cork off inside the opening, so nothing ever made it out. That was Dust. Horror couldn’t even blame him, with all he was dealing with it was impressive how neutral he could remain. Horror had no doubt this Damien man had no idea what it was Dust was thinking at the moment. Was he happy? Upset? 

Before Dust could answer, another hand shot up, followed by a scrambling sound as this other figure, this one to the right, moved faster. This time, it was a monster Horror recognized vaguely, if only because he believed this was one of the few noble lines who got to stay after the ‘spring cleaning’ as Killer called it once. She was a bee monster, one who lived in the capital, but her family resided over some borderland city. She was younger and a lot quicker to speak.

“Mister Damien is underselling how dangerous the floods have become again, Sir Panther!” She hurriedly said. Across the room, Damien seemed to pale under the loud and shrill voice of this noble girl. Dust nodded to her, prompting a continuation of an explanation. “The floods rolled through my town too, though we had time to prepare thanks to their warnings so the damage was less severe. It sounds like, though, many houses were completely swept away, and among them were Mister Damien’s family home. He has two daughters, you know that? They ended up in my town when the water swept them there. That’s how I know.”

She seemed startled when Damien seemed to slump over his stool a bit, planting his hand on the seat as he looked to her. 

“My little girls? They’re alright?” He asked out of turn, his voice different. A bit weaker. 

The noble girl, was her name Marie? She nearly jumped forward as though she were going to close the gap across the room, her wings buzzing at her back. “Yes! Yes, they’re alright! My mother spotted them in our river and was able to scoop them up.” She replied almost excitedly, entirely blind to the sickly relief on Damien’s face. “Mother said they were very smart girls, they had a hold of a piece of wood and used it to float!” 

The two seemed to silently revel in the news, Marie proud to have shared it, and Damien grateful to have heard it. Neither of them was taking in the looks of worry permeating their fellow councilmen, though those nearest to Damien did extend hands of support to his shoulders. Comfort. 

“Mm. Good your family is safe.” Dust said, once again reminding the council of his presence. It had so quickly been forgotten in the exchange of information and startling news. 

Damien seemed to jolt at that, and he quickly made a bow towards Dust with a quiet, ‘Thank you, my Knight. Sorry, my Knight.’ escaping his chest in quick succession. 

“Glad you brought that up. The King isn’t sure when he’ll be back here.” He paused a second, “Sent me with a list of announcements. One was for your cities, got word same time as you.” Dust raised the little booklet off the table before him then. The leather cover, though Horror couldn’t see it he knew what it looked like, had the kingdom’s crest pressed into its surface. Dust didn’t glance at the pages, though. Just showed it off for a few breaths. “Said he’s sending out a contracting team. Capital’s best. They’ll be headed out and nightfall to Peechrey first. Build some drainage. Then rebuild the buildings. Move onto Pinoc after or split sooner, depending on resources. Time.” He debriefed. 

Damien and Marie were still standing, their discussion was seemingly not over. Questions unanswered. 

“I- I am grateful that our King has already prepared, it was foolish of me to assume, yet…” He took a breath, maybe trying to put together a thought. “Drainage? Should the repairs not occur first? What of those with no home?” 

Valid question. If Horror were in this guy’s shoes, he’d probably be asking the same exact things. Dust seemed unbothered by the extra questioning and simply nodded along.

“Would, but it’s flood season. King said drainage first so repairs’ll stay sturdy. Just one fix instead of twenty.” Dust explained with a little shrug. “Those without houses? Take them in. Neighbors help neighbors, till we fix the big issues. Least we can ask.” The way Dust said it wasn’t forceful, or mean-spirited, yet it seemed to make Damien stand down. 

“I… Understand, my Knight.” He said briefly. 

It seemed he was about to sit when a hand raised from beside Marie. A human woman, one which Horror did fully recognize. Chase. She was one of the people who Crop had introduced him to during the call-outs for farmers willing to experiment with farming methods. That had been Horror’s first big project at the King’s side, and it had been going well so far. Slow, but well. 

“My Knight, if I may offer.” She received a nod of approval from Dust. “My village is small, an’ about an hour’s ride by horse to yours, but my people live on a plateau and would be more than willing to house any of yours who might need a place to stay for a time. We’d just ask for an extra hand with the harvest when time comes around.” She suggested, looking to Damien for an answer.

Damien looked right back at her for a few breaths, a little stunned. Horror had found, unlike many of these people, that the farmers who he and Crop had managed to gather for the experimental farming? They were good people from tight-knit communities. Visiting their small villages and farms reminded him much of home each time. Keeping crops and animals requires a lot of fortitude, wit, and compassion. More than anyone gave them credit for, usually. In moments of crisis, if he couldn’t be here with his family, he would choose a farming village over all else. …It seemed like Chase was living up to the high praise Horror hadn’t even realize he’d assigned to her years ago. 

“A-are you certain that is all you would ask in return? I fear that Miss Marie was correct in stating that the damages are far worse than I first described. We have at least fifty, perhaps more, who would be needing shelter and resources. We cannot push that upon your people for only a favor of labor.” Damien seemed like he was taking the cautious route. 

Horror couldn’t necessarily blame him, he wouldn’t want to be the reason his town was indebted either. Though, he did have half a mind to defend his colleague. She wouldn’t offer something like that if she and her folks couldn’t handle it. 

“ ‘Course that’s all I’d ask! We got plenty of space, as long as a few of your folks wouldn’t mind taking turns in the lofts. Plus the food shouldn’t be an issue. We mostly export the extra we don’t need to other towns for trade, but there should be enough surplus to feed that many extra mouths.” Chase belted those words with a pride that Horror had seen on many of the farmers lately. Her chest puffed a bit as she placed her hands on her hips. “Plus, don’t hurt that we’ve got the Knights here listenin’ to us make the deal. If I tried anything tricky with it I know Sir Lion over there wouldn’t let me weasel my way out of it!” 

Chase nodded her head in Horror’s direction. He didn’t expect for any eyes to turn to him during this meeting beyond the nervous glances every once in a while. He figured it must’ve been shocking to see him here the first time, and it probably hadn’t gotten much easier for them since. He found himself, regrettably, making direct eye-contact with Damien. The man looked frazzled still. Like he was regretting bringing up the topic at all. 

“Mm. She’s right.” He agreed, hoping it sounded half as light-hearted as he’d meant as it echoed from under his mask. “It’s… also a fair trade. Harvest season gets…” He lifted a hand a bit, searching for the words he was looking for. “Busy. Messy, when there are too many fields to harvest and not… not enough skilled hands to pick. Risk losing a lot of crop to…” Again he paused, but for a shorter span. “Over-ripening. Or drying out. Been trying to find a good way to gather it all for a few seasons now, right?” Horror finally broke his stare with Damien to glance over to Chase. 

She seemed to be beaming from over where she stood. She ran a hand through her short-cropped black hair with a slight laugh. 

“Exactly, My Knight! So, not entirely an unselfish offer, but we scratch your back, you scratch ours! It’d do us a big favor seein’ if getting more hands to help would really gather it all or if we’re gonna need to downscale.” She went between the two, though after looking to Horror again, she seemed to realize that the both of them had gone off-topic from the point of the question. The farming meeting was set for about a month from now, this was the civilian-based meeting. They could save shop talk for then. 

In her resounding silence, eyes all turned. Not to Damien, but to Dust. Normally it’d be Nightmare making this choice, of course, but instead? Today it was him. 

He seemed to look at the parties in question. He was calm. At some point he’d opened the little journal, but kept it flat on the desk away from any prying eyes of the council. He seemed to consult it shortly, and the room’s silence spanned on for nearly a minute as he seemed to debate silently with his thoughts. 

Then.

“Since the offer is made, it falls in guidelines for aide. The King trusts all of the council, but Chase still needs to draft a contract.” He finally announced. “Movement can begin if Damien agrees. Sign the paper later. After the King looks it over.” He said with hardly a moment more of hesitation.

Damien’s mouth was agape for a moment, before he nodded. 

“I- Yes. Thank you My Knight, Miss Chase, Miss Marie. I will agree to your offer to aide, and we will discuss the specifics after the meeting adjourns.” He finally decided.

Chase seemed thrilled. The woman was surely happy to have a whole new town’s-worth of new able-bodied souls to help her manage her crops, even if it was just for the harvest for one season. Horror and her both knew that this would put her ahead of schedule from the other farms by a bit. More progress did mean more attention from him and Crop, more notoriety for their village, and more trade incoming and outgoing. Plus, Chase was the kind of woman who insisted a little bit of manual labor was healthy for the soul. She was already getting her hands on that parchment used by all the council members to plead their cases to be reviewed by the King. 

When all was quieted and both Damien and Marie also seemed to have begin writing, though theirs were on regular paper (letters maybe?), Dust allowed a moment of quiet before he reintroduced their topic for the day. And… was immediately interrupted by another raised hand from a new corner of the meeting room.

.

“How… do you do it?” Horror asked quietly, lifting his axe from the sling along his back. 

Dust glanced at him. Horror could tell, the tilt of his chin meant he wasn’t following.

“I mean. Talk in front of all those people. Think of good answers to their questions so quick. You’re so calm.” He clarified. 

“Mm.” Was all Dust said for a second. 

They’d been out of the council meeting for a few hours now. Dust had rushed off post-meeting to see Nightmare. As much as they all knew Dust was the king of paperwork, especially contracts, Nightmare had made him promise to let him at least read over each one so his stamp was proper. (They all knew that meant he’d take the fall if anything went wrong for either party, too.) So, despite their King being so tired and busy with his whole… being a teenager thing? He was still triple-checking legal documents in his study. 

When that was finished Dust had gone off to check the stables and now he was back inside. In the training room, to be more specific. He’d been trying to make sure his magic was under control. His storm. Horror figured he was nervous, with Nightmare being so young now. They all needed to be on their toes. Horror had wanted to come with him, because he needed to sharpen and polish his axe. And ask him that question.

“Black Market boss.” He replied evenly, tugging his hood over his head a bit farther than it usually sat. 

Of course Horror knew about that. It had been very obvious when he’d first showed up. Back then, Dust was still wandering around in his shackles and being used as a walking map to find every black market location. Sure, he figured that the stress of a job like that, plus the paperwork involved, had to have prepared him for something like this, but… Horror was the last one to forget that past of his. He meant something else. 

“Didn’t mean that.” He said with a little huff. “Meant. Like. You think how the King would. I could… make choices that I liked. But. Not the same way Nightmare would. You know? You think of everything.” He elaborated a bit more.

Dust stood beside him as he plopped down onto one of the benches to the side of the training room. Dust would need all the floor space to practice his spells, and sharpening and cleaning his monster of an axe didn’t need much space at all. 

“Same morals?” He replied deadpan with a shrug. 

Dust was already moving out onto the big open floor to begin his summons, but he clearly heard it as Horror let out a laugh, because his steps got a bit lighter.

“You ass! I saw you send me a look about the Cherris rep. You wouldn’t have… said yes to her on your own.” He accused, almost playfully. He liked when his small friend set his shoulders. It meant he was trying not to laugh about something. Dust didn’t turn towards him.

“She asked for… a lot. Already gets a lot of support.” He replied shortly. 

Quickly after his words, Horror was graced with the vision of Dust’s magic igniting across the room. 

It was always in bright flashes. Sometimes manifesting as crooked, broken, brittle bone attacks with an electric taste in the air and a scorch mark left on the floor. Others, it showed up like a streak of lightning arching quickly from Dust’s fingertips or from the sky to strike wildly in any direction. It always had this deadly purple hue to it, and his one eyelight always flashed with vibrant colors just for a spilt second before it would fade back to that pale white/greyish color he sported normally. 

Dust didn’t like to talk when he was fighting or training, unless it was Killer. It seemed that would be his answer for now, which didn’t really help his curiosity in the slightest. It almost made him wonder more, but lucky for the both of them, he wasn’t a very pushy person. If Dust didn’t want to talk about it, there would be no talking. 

So, Horror took this time, with the ambient zapping noises of his fellow Knight’s magic as his soundtrack, to properly care for his axe. It was a nice, calming, repetitive task that helped chase away building headaches and distract him from worrisome thoughts. It was times like these when he could really take a moment to think about things he hasn’t in a while. Like, for instance, his family back home. 

Almost two weeks ago, only days before the King’s reverse-ascension, he’d gotten a letter from his mother. It was written in their foreign tongue, the only writing all the family could recognize and the only language which most of them spoke. It had detailed how his brother was doing well, managing their own experimental patches well and how his studies to learn more of Orchan, the dialect spoken by the people here, had been going by quickly. He was already planning to send a letter to him apparently. Though, his mother had insisted he not mention that when they meet again because it was meant to be a surprise. It also sounded like their old farm dog had finally had her last litter of puppies. They were going to move her into someone’s house and off the fields soon, once this batch of pups grew old enough to protect the livestock on their own. Horror knew how much that old dog deserved a nice retirement treat. Warm bed and shoes to chew on when she’d get bored. 

He ran a cloth along the broadside of the axe blade, away from the sharp bits for now. He liked getting the side shiny enough that he could spot a silhouette, but not enough that he could see his own reflection. 

…Honestly, he wanted to visit his family. He wanted to visit his family with the King in tow, though. The plan had been to ask him about another visit soon, because his entire village adored the King just like he did. His mother once swooned to him about how ‘awkward and kind’ the King was when he sat with everyone at dinner. His dad liked the way Nightmare tried to hold back his joy at the taste of their home-cooked meal they’d served to him. The King’s poker face had hardly broken for a moment, but the curling of those tendrils of his had been hard to miss. 

He just thought it’d be nice to bring Nightmare along. Plus, then, his family would be much less likely to try and baby him. He’d be on the clock as a guard, even if the King wouldn’t say so. 

It would have to happen another time, though. Maybe he’d invite Crop instead. Have him examine ground zero for this entire project of theirs? That’d be nice, it’d keep his family occupied by talking technicalities with Crop… but then Horror wouldn’t get nearly enough time with Crop all to himself… Maybe-

“Worried for him.” 

Dust’s voice snapped Horror out of his thoughts with a jolt. 

Dust stared at him, only a little apologetic at giving his large friend a heart-attack. He was stood right past Horror’s axe. He must’ve stopped polishing a while ago. Dust looked like he’d worked up a sweat, the room felt at least 10 degrees warmer, and the floor and some walls had distinct scorch marks all along the stone in various locations. How long ago had Dust stopped training? He hadn’t even heard the zapping end, so lost in his own head. 

“What?” Horror asked, confused now. 

Dust frowned slightly, though he tugged his mask back over his mouth. 

“Been learning his process for years. Only doing it now because I’m worried.” He said. 

He moved to sit beside Horror on the bench, and Horror twisted to look at him. Waiting for any more insight into Dust’s thought process. 

“He looks tired. Can see the bags under his eyes. Missing words too. Trouble focusing, looks confused sometimes.” He explained. “Don’t think he’s dumb, real genius kid. Just… the whole “13 year old brain” is getting to him. Don’t think he’s sleeping much either. It’s a lot.” 

Dust looked a little pained to be saying it outloud. Horror knew he was just speaking his mind. Trying to find a good way to say that he was rightfully worried for the King’s wellbeing. 

Ever since the incident, Horror hadn’t been around the King much. Not by choice of course, every bone in his body wished he could just wrap his young employer up in his arms and make him go out to the courtyard to play catch, just like he used to do with his older cousins as a kid. It just… it just made sense for him to remain vigilant and focused. Ccino and Killer and Dust seemed to have things covered with the King’s personal interactions. Horror and Cross had just been tasked with keeping face and continuing training best they could. Nightmare hadn’t even been coming to supervise trainings. So, Horror could barely say anything to Dust’s description.

The only thing Horror knew was that Dust wasn’t one to worry unneededly. Like, when he and the King returned with that Mage. Error? He’d seemed worried about the kid, but after a few days he relaxed again, because it was safe and that kid seemed genuinely happy. If Dust thought something was up with the King, Horror would believe him without doubt.

“Mm. Good thing. You learned, I mean.” Horror replied carefully. “Probably a lot like…” Hmm, maybe he didn’t want to say that out loud. Would that be rude?

A beat of silence passed between them.

“Yeah.” Dust just said quietly. 

Of course Dust knew what he was about to say. Comparing the King’s rewind to his own skull injury. Granted, his happened when he was a kid, but even now it made things harder. Harder to think, to remember, to see, to process things. He’s had time to get used to it though. Nightmare was just hit by similar issues so suddenly, and no physical wound to soothe either. Their king was smart and prepared. Horror could bet he didn’t want to lose that feeling. To lose… everything he’d been doing here. Just like that. 

“Don’t want to, though.” Dust’s voice was still quiet and even. 

Horror tilted his head at him curiously. 

“Talk. In front of others.” He clarified with a shrug. “Was nice being a Knight. Quiet before. …But I want to help. King’s too young to act alone.” 

Dust sighed after those words. 

They all could have said the same things about themselves in the past. Horror remembers the first time Dust discussed his early days out on the streets. He was too young to put himself into those situations. Then again, Killer had been too young for any of the shit he was put through. Same with what he heard from Cross. Even he shouldn’t have really been the sole communicator for his entire family in his youth. There had been a few close encounters in those early years thanks to angry customers. 

There was no time to really think back on it, though. In the moment now, Dust was right. The King was having that crisis in real time. They all needed to face the music and help take on some of the weight, especially after all Nightmare had done for them. Was still doing for them. 

“Think there’s… something I can do? To help you with the meetings?” He paused, and Dust didn’t say anything so he continued. “Or help the King?” 

He hadn’t exactly been doing much. Killer and Dust had taken on most of the responsibility, and Ccino… that poor guy, Horror wasn’t sure how he was managing everything he was. Killer gave them a breakdown once of all the shit he technically oversees as the ‘Head of House’ and stars was it way too much. And Cross was still a rookie, so he got why Nightmare hadn’t assigned any big stressors to him. Horror was capable though, and he hoped the King wasn’t-

“Next few weeks. He can’t meet the farms. I dunno how he runs those meetings.” Dust once again sliced through his thoughts with his even tone. “ ‘sides. You stayed, didn’t do your missions. Watching out for Cross. Think Night likes having us close. Already helping a lot.” 

Right. When Dust says it like that, it made his whole lot of nothing sound like everything. Sometimes he forgot Dust was an older brother. Horror chuckled a bit, and he could’ve sworn Dust’s cheekbones rose ever so slightly with the twitch of a hidden grin. He should’ve known better anyhow, Dust always knew just the right information. It was why Night hired him in the first place. 

“You’re doin’ well. Keeping things moving smooth. I’m sure the King appreciates it.” Horror voiced, before he sighed and hoisted himself to his feet. His axe was definitely done. He’d sharpen it another day. “Maybe,” A grin appeared on his face. “When he’s better, we can assign Kills to talk instead.” 

In hardly a moment, a silent moment, Dust was at his side now standing. He raised a doubtful brow at the suggestion. 

.

What is he doing? What is he doing?  

Oh, this felt so, so odd! He wasn’t- he shouldn’t! Well, he was ordered to, but still! He-

“Cross?” 

Cross jolted as he looked up from where he had made a poor attempt at excusing himself from the group outside. He’d insisted he had important business, he was sure he sounded convincing… until he’d walked through the nearest door. Which happened to be one of the weapon storage closets out amidst the training grounds. 

Now, as he turned to face the person who had spoken, he found that there was someone standing in the doorway. A familiar someone. A human with an impressive beard and dark tanned skin and scars tracing across his cheekbones ever so faintly and kind eyes with a few wrinkles under them. From age or stress, Cross wasn’t entirely sure. 

This was Captain Rogers. The King’s first in command who watched over all the royal guard as well as castle security. The man who had personally guided the batch of recruits which Cross had snuck in with during his spying mission hardly two years prior. The man who, he had swiftly learned, had seen through him very quickly and had purposely placed him with Shep as his guide. That damn liar. Captain Rogers was sharp, and skilled, and trustworthy. 

As far as he knew, the Captain had been around longer than Killer. At least, that’s what Killer had told him when he asked. He also had mentioned, and Cross had noticed, he was friends with the Head of House. Cross guessed that made sense. The captain had ensured Ccino be introduced as an important person within the castle very early on in their work here, and he had been proven very very right. 

Maybe it was that reputation Cross had seen true with his own two eyes during his stay that led him to not ask the Captain to leave as he eased his way into the weapons storage and gently closed the door behind him. He wasn’t a threat. Especially if the King trusted him with Ccino. He could know that much. 

“I’m not looking to disturb your business here, but I wanted to see if I could be of any assistance.” The Captain offered loosely. 

He’d been kind since Cross was pardoned by the King and allowed to train. His first few weeks when he fought against the Captain’s own soldiers? He and the King had both been patient with him. Something about being in combat like that again… it had brought out the worst in him. An old wound reopening in his chest like an empty chasm. He was pretty sure the King never explained to the Captain why they would suddenly stop mid-round, but Cross figured he could see the change as well as Nightmare could feel it. They’d only kept that up a few weeks until he was deemed too high of a skill level to continue training with the soldiers. He’d been moved to private training with the Knights not much later than that. Only saw the Captain in passing ever since. 

If nothing else, that time under his guidance had taught Cross that he was a man who knew how to speak with others. With security for himself and what he does, a pride in his work. He didn’t act maliciously. Perhaps only in jest or retribution to those who deserved it. He wouldn’t follow Cross in here if he hadn’t noticed him acting weird. 

That mortified him.

“Thank you. For the- for the offer, Captain Rogers.” Cross replied hurriedly, realizing he’d already been staring for a period of time that felt too long. “Though I’m not sure there’s anything that can be helped.”

The Captain was silent for a few breaths, but he did wander deeper into the shed to join Cross before the stand which he had decided to stop at in his rush to get out from the scrutinous eyes of the soldiers out there. He turned away. He could easily see the reflection of the Captain on the steel surfaces of the longswords he’d stationed himself in front of. Of course he’d stopped near the long swords. He was so predictable. 

“I’m not so sure about that, kid. I’ve seen time again how the helpless can be helped in these recent years.” He said quietly. Part of Cross knew that, with their ranking, in some ways they were meant to be equals. It never seemed that way, though. Maybe that was why Cross’ nerves were on fire. “So if I can help, I’d like to offer it to you.” 

Yeah. From what Cross had seen of the people in this castle in these two years, it made sense to him now more than ever that Nightmare would keep people like the Captain around for so long. 

Wait…

“Have you… spoken with our King recently?” Cross had to know. 

After all, he hardly saw Nightmare interact with his own soldiers. He devoted much time into his Knights, but those in lower rank hardly saw him. He didn’t seem to know their names as well as he did the servants. Did he leave all business up to the Captain for the sake of trust? Was there something he had been missing? 

He saw as the Captain glanced towards the closed door, and his eyes skimmed the rack of weapons. Checking for any signs of life in the reflection. His eyes only landed on Cross, staring right back at him in the shining steel. 

“Not directly, no. Though I have heard word from Ccino as to how he is fairing. Seen him pass by in the night a few times. He seems to be doing well, considering it all.” He voiced, his voice almost dropping to an inaudible whisper. Cross had to stop breathing to be able to hear him. “I know you see him regularly. I’m glad for that.” 

Cross nodded, mostly to himself. Yes, he figured that the Captain would know. Why else would he agree to let Cross back out among his men so easily? The King was in danger if he didn’t train these monsters. 

He took a slight breath from the silence, drinking in the scent of cleaners and musty wood.

“I wish Killer was in charge of this…” He muttered to himself, dragging his hand up to his skull to place pressure to his sockets with the heel of his palms. 

And he nearly jumped when the Captain let a laugh fall from his mouth. It was subdued, but hardy enough Cross practically felt it bounce around in his ribcage alongside his racing soul. 

“You truly believe Sir Killer would have better luck with something like this?” The Captain questioned, a slight smile still present after his raucous laugh had scared Cross to the bone. “No ill will, of course. Just… think on it. Truly.” 

Cross, part of him, felt an indignation on Killer’s behalf. For a moment he wondered if the Captain was being rude towards the Knight. The oldest of them, the most skilled, the one who stood at King Nightmare’s side. Though it only took half a second for him to recall. No, he was actually right. He couldn’t picture Killer out there on the training grounds, trying to teach swaths of people at a time. To dodge, too. Killer was a very aggressive fighter and only fled when he truly needed to. Even then, most of that work belonged to his beloved steed Granite. Killer was not the type to teach fighting lessons to a crowd. 

Though, he wondered how the Captain had come to a conclusion like that. Cross had heard that Nightmare had sparred with the Captain before. Only a few times, not even close to the kind of intense training which the Knights had to go through. That he had been training. Before Night’s change, of course. From what he’d been told. The Captain had only lasted hardly a minute. One, very impressive, minute, but still. There was no way he’d ever sparred against Killer.

“No… You are right, Killer wouldn’t be the best option here.” He admitted. “Though I get the feeling that one of the Knights would be a better fit for this sort of training…”

Of course, it went unsaid in the silence which followed that, well, the other Knights were too busy to do something like this. Dust was leading every meeting Nightmare had scheduled, and planned to continue for as long as he was needed. Killer was busy staying by the King’s side and taking on the King’s usual commoner communications. Figuring out what little issues were good to be dealt with how. As well as ‘cleaning out’ the dungeon. Cross was pretty sure they didn’t keep as many criminals as they had in the past, even when Cross was among the cells those two years ago it hadn’t been very crowded. He had a feeling that the more dangerous and violent of those below the castle had been swiftly dealt with by Killer’s blade. Horror he was pretty sure was preparing. The two of them had spent a lot of time by each other’s sides those first few days, when the King was asleep or waking for only short periods before returning to sleep. After, though, Horror received his orders to cancel his missions and prepare for the upcoming harvests which would need to be guided and recorded over the fall. Cross… Cross had only been asked to continue his training with Horror when their schedules fell in line, and to work with Killer to settle any local matters. 

He didn’t mind it so far, there had been very little to do, though. He worried he’d been sidelined. Sent to do the unimportant tasks because he wasn’t capable enough. Nightmare had smiled at him, but he seemed distressed. Cross was too, then. 

There was no way the King had chosen him to do something like this. Teach others. He couldn’t do that. 

“Well, it is a shame that you think like that. You were recommended to me for this training, you know?” The Captain crossed his arms. “By several someones, actually. Training the soldiers may have been my idea, but you were who many pointed to when I asked for assistance.” 

Cross blinked at those words in confusion. 

Who could have possibly suggested he do something like this? 

“I find that hard to believe.” He said. He’d meant it to sound a bit more joking, but it looked like it’d come out more genuine. The Captain furrowed his brow in response, and Cross attempted to backpedal, raising his hands a little. “I mean! Kidding! Just kidding!” Though his awkward chuckle obviously wasn’t contagious. 

“Look, Cross.” He huffed after those words. “If you really don’t want to do this, I can always ask for a hand from someone else. I bet Horror would do it in your stead if we reached out to him.” He offered. 

Was- was the Captain really just going to let him slip away from this? He was kind. Incredibly so. 

He wondered how it would feel to just accept. Hand off the stressful duty to Horror. Horror knew these people better anyhow, they had trained early on before Nightmare decided to offer him a position as Knight. Horror still spoke with most of them regularly. Cross, on the other hand, evaded eye contact like a kicked puppy. It would be so easy to just let Horror take over before he had to do his meeting things for the harvest season. It would be so convenient. So easy. 

“No. I’ll do it.” He said quickly. 

The Captain raised a brow, but Cross was already moving past him. Towards the door. 

“Sudden change of heart?” The Captain questioned from behind him. 

Cross took a deep inhale. One to center himself as he outstretched his hand and placed it on the knob leading back outside. 

“I don’t think I’m any good at leading or teaching, thinking on it makes me sick to my stomach… but the idea of making the others take on another responsibility is ten times worse.” He practically spat. 

No, he was not happy about this. He shoved open the door to the shed and drew his sword as he walked back towards the warm-up field where the soldiers had occupied themselves by whacking dummies with their weapons. He wanted nothing more than to turn away, out of the beating sun and watchful gazes of these people who he once hid among. He couldn’t though. Not when everyone else had some way to help. If this was Cross’ new duty, he’d do it with all the confidence he could muster. 

… Besides. They were training for fast-reaction magic attacks. He was literally the only choice for this. He’d just have to make his own training regime this time around. He could do this. 

.

Killer had done a lot of odd jobs in his past. Most of them involved stealing. Or threatening. Or killing. He had to get his name from somewhere, after all. Even so, running into town to pick up Ccino’s fabric order hadn’t been something he’d ever expected to be on his resume. 

The King was having one of his rough days. Killer hadn’t often been able to see them first-hand back in the day, but he knew they were very much there. The days he would lock himself away in his study, the Head of House the only one allowed to enter, bringing with him a cup of tea or a platter of small snacks. Staying inside for hours at a time on occasion. Killer had often guarded the door if nothing else, but the walls were thick. He couldn’t often hear the low murmuring voices within. 

Now, that the King was miniscule, Killer had been allowed to spend more time around both the King in his private spaces, as well as around Ccino. He was grateful for both opportunities. Though, today the King had looked exhausted. He’d been up for a few days trying to make that magic spell he found work, to make his eye cyan again. He wasn’t saying anything, but Killer figured it was draining his magic more than he wanted to admit. And earlier, when Dust came to deliver those reports from the meeting, Ccino had asked the two of them to stay for a while so he could collect a delivery. Only… Nightmare nearly flung himself out of his seat when he heard Ccino suggest he was leaving. The King didn’t outright say anything, but all of them knew those wide sockets were pleading. A silent beg to stay. Which was quickly followed by stray tears that he hastily noticed and covered with his sleeves. 

Emotions. He hadn’t thought the King had been such a crybaby before. Maybe he hadn’t been. Killer couldn’t blame him though. If he had to go back to being 13, with the awareness of his 13 year old self? Yeah. No. He’s pretty sure he wouldn’t make it a day. It was just that he was a crying a lot. The slightest little things would make his sockets well with tears, and then he’d try to insist he was okay and didn’t need help. Even when he would still bury into Ccino’s arms the moment they came in contact. 

That was what had happened. Ccino returned to the King’s side, and the King immediately clung to him, muttering apologies. Insisting he go out anyways. What he reacted poorly and should be able to handle himself.

Killer had looked to Dust, and Dust had just nodded at him. 

“I’ll go get the order.” Killer had offered stupidly, a little too eagerly, into the open air. 

Both Nightmare and Ccino had seemed startled, but when he promised he wanted to run into town anyways (he hadn’t) they relented and Ccino gave him the details. Dust offered wordlessly to stay and watch over the King and head of House in Killer’s absense. He knew Killer all too well. He’d have to thank him with a drink sometime.

Those tears. They just made him uncomfortable. He wasn’t good with emotions, especially not sadness. He doesn’t know quite how to fix crying. It’s not his thing. 

It just made sense for Ccino to stay and Dust to watch over them. His big brother senses must’ve been strong today, and his patience plentiful. 

He’s run to the shop, of course. A tailor shop owned by a pretty skeleton just off from the capital square. He hadn’t seemed excited to see Killer, even with that mask. A nervous energy rolling off his shoulders as he reluctantly gathered items from behind the desk and packed them carefully into the bag which Ccino had sent him with to carry the items. He’d asked about Ccino. Whether he was okay. Killer had just told him that Ccino was busy so he was running errands. They hadn’t had much more to say beyond that. 

Now, he was back in the castle, ready to present Ccino with his prize, and see if the King had been able to calm down at all. 

“My lord?” He called out as he opened the door to the study with an easy swing of wood on heavy hinges. Slipping inside was no problem, but he’d be stupid to deny that he was confused when he didn’t spot the little monarch sitting behind his too-big wooden desk piled high with paperwork. 

“Killer,” He sure knew that voice! His head swiveled until his vision fell to Ccino, sitting on one of the couches. Dust was nowhere in sight. “Perfect timing. Dust just left to meet with Horror to train… How was your trip to town?” 

Ccino, polite and reserved as always. It made Killer’s gut twist just a little. At the distance. His soul certainly wriggled in place as he made his approach, bag clutched by one hand at his side. 

“Not bad. Could’ve done with a little more action!” He joked, though as he got closer, he lowered his voice and the laugh trying to come to him simmered back into his cheshire grin. “Your little friend from the shop asked about you.” 

As Killer rounded the largest couch to stand just across the low table from Ccino, he noticed what he hadn’t prior. The King was curled up with his back to killer, arms loosely hugging to Ccino’s middle, his face buried against Ccino’s apron. A blanket normally tossed over the back of the few chairs within the room was covering him, and someone had tucked him in tight, like a bug in a rug. Even more charmingly, one of the cats took up the rest of the space on Ccino’s lap. That little calico, Princess. Her back was pressed to the back of Nightmare’s skull and she seemed perfectly content to roll up into a perfect little bun on her master’s lap. 

And despite the adorable scene, Killer didn’t miss how Ccino seemed to perk up at the mention of his friend. So they were friends, then. 

“What did you tell him?” Ccino asked, his voice quiet. One of his hands was settled gently atop Nightmare’s side, the other was free and tucked by his side. 

Killer chuckled quietly, sitting on the opposite couch as he plopped his delivery silently to the table before Ccino. 

“Nothing bad. Told him you were busy so I was out on a grocery run. Everyone knows you’re a very busy man.” He teased. Was it okay to tease him right now? Was Ccino going to be mad with him?

Well, if he was, he didn’t seem to say anything about it. Instead , he peered at the bag, then smiled a bit. 

“Well, thank you for running out, my Knight.” He returned, eyelights shifting back down to his charge who rested in the comfort and safety of his lap. …Killer had to admit to himself that he was a bit jealous. “When I have the chance, I plan to visit our tailor and ensure that our King has a wider wardrobe, since it seems he truly won’t be returning to his previous form anytime soon.” 

Right. They were still trying to keep everything under wraps, so Ccino couldn’t just send a servant with measurements to see the seamstress halfway across castle grounds. He probably had to go himself. Especially because, as Killer had quickly learned, Nightmare is particular about things. The texture of his meals, the feeling of his clothes, even the temperature of his sheets in the night or the brightness of a candle. Though, he rarely voices his discomfort. Ccino was just a master of noticing the little ways the small King would squirm or tug at his top or squint at a candle just a bit too strong for his newly sensitive eyes. He wanted to learn how to do that so well. 

His only good news on that front was that Nightmare still made a lot of the same gestures as before. His little, silent commands to Killer. At ease, be alert, with me. He was fond of still being familiar with their own little secret code they’d unintentionally invented over the years. 

“It really wasn’t a big deal. Besides, our little Lord said that it’d be better for the city to see the knights are still active, right? With Dust and Horror out of commission for day-trips, I’ve gotta pick up the slack!” he joked, leaning back comfortably into the couch and sighing. “Next time you need a break, we can always try and ask him to supervise a training for us. Maybe it’d make him feel a little better?” he suggested,

Nightmare, small as he was now, still couldn’t deny a duty which called for him. Especially, Killer assumed, from his Knights. A little of that old normality would probably be good for him. Make him feel like not much had changed. Even though… it definitely had. 

Ccino smiled a bit at that idea, his hand gently petting Nightmare’s ar. His chest rose up and down ever so gently. 

“He cherishes training with all of you so dearly. Maybe he would enjoy a small break from all of these worries.” He agreed quietly.

[anniesocsandgeneralstore]

└➤ series masterlist 。✑ ───┐

The train stopped in Chicago. The train that would take him on the rest of his journey was still being loaded with their luggage and coal. The conductor said it would take at least an hour or more, so Robert entered the station in hopes of killing time. The Union Depot was beautiful, newly built. Red brick and high ceilings. It felt good to get off of that stuffy train. It boggled his mind that it would take another two days to get to Colorado - then who knew how long a wagon ride to Colorado Springs.

Pulling out his pocket watch, he tsked, he'd only been wandering around for ten minutes. Maybe he could explore the city? But he didn't want to miss the call for his train. He wanted to save his funds for starting up his practice. Not buying more train tickets.

Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted the telegraph office. Wouldn't hurt to check. Maybe his mother had sent something.

"Any messages for Dr. Robert Floyd?" he asked once he had approached the desk.

The clerk looked at the wall of cubbies behind him then turned around with two slips of paper in his hand. "Yes, sir. Two messages."

"Thank you," Robert replied with a curt smile, taking the slips and placing them neatly in his coat pocket.

Once he found a bench, near a window with plenty of light, he took out the telegraphs again. Adjusting his glasses, he began to read. The first was from his mother. As expected. Telling him of the birth of his brother's daughter. Mary. And the death of his brother's wife. Jane. He frowned. Put the paper back into his pocket carefully. Jane was kind. Her pregnancy had been hard. He wished he could have stayed for the birth but...Colorado Springs wanted him there as soon as possible. Maybe he could have done something, if he had stayed. There was no use to it now. She was gone. At least the child survived.

The second telegraph was from the mayor of Colorado Springs. Robert drank the words carefully but hungrily. The building where his practice would be was complete, but the rooms in the back for his home would not be finished by the time he arrived. The mayor wrote that he was to go to the Seresin Boarding House, where he would be provided a room until the work was done, for cheap. A Ms. Hattie Seresin would meet him there.

This message he also folded neatly, but placed it instead in his breast pocket. He didn't want to lose it. Just in case he forgot.

Boarding house.

Hattie Seresin.

His sister-in-law was dead.

He was an uncle.

Robert removed his glasses with a sigh. Regrets and doubts bubbled up inside him. Was this the right choice - moving out west away from everything he had ever known? He didn't know and maybe he didn't want to.

A whistle blew. A conductor yelled from the platform. He got up, adjusted his coat, and went to board the train.

[roronoacherries]

being unable to stand each other when you’re sober but fucking like rabbits when you’re drunk, so he goes out a little more than he did before, alcohol almost coming to taste sweet to him 'cause his psyche knows the taste of you will come after it.

and you'll make excuses next time you see him. it was the herradura, don't let it get to your head; it's not something you would do if you were in your right mind, you tell yourself.

he'll roll his eyes, call you arrogant and nowhere near pretty enough to be acting so conceited; it's no wonder i need a few rounds in my system to be delusional enough to fuck you.

but he'll ask you if you're going out again tonight. and he'll wear that cologne that gets you to bury your face in the crook of his neck, biting, sucking, licking until he grips your face and kisses you, all tongue and teeth.

and you'll whisper i love you's, forgotten once you leave in the morning. except he doesn't forget them.

he doesn't know how long he can take this cycle, but he's willing to bear it, holding onto the hope that one day he'll wake up and you'll still be there.

[suguwu]

the bathwater has gone lukewarm.

you swish a hand through the fading bubbles and sink lower into the water. it ripples, soft waves lapping at the edge of the opulent tub. you close your eyes.

the door whirs open, a soft mechanical hiss. clothing rustles; someone settles on the edge of the bathtub.

"you've been in here a long time," aventurine says.

you crack an eye open. the bubbles sting. "it's been a long day."

he beckons to you; you slide closer, the water sloshing around you. you hook your arms over the edge of the tub, pillowing your chin on them. your skin glimmers, a few crystalline beads of water rolling across the plane of it.

he runs a gloved hand over your wet hair. then he tugs you closer, until your head is pressed against his thigh. he's warm, like sun-baked stone. you turn into him, ignoring the rasp of his clothing against your skin. he stiffens, then relaxes, the tension melting away like candlewax.

you've never been so close to someone so far away.

aventurine sweeps his thumb over the apple of your cheek, tracing up to your temple. he lingers there for a moment. you wait for him to decide.

he nudges you away from him gently. you go without a fight, settling back down into the water. you gaze up at him.

he's smiling, a smug, pretty curve of his lips. it reminds you of the fabric flowers in the cheap markets, eternally in bloom. an echo of the real thing. it's hard to look at.

you flap a hand at him. "let me finish up my bath. go away."

"what if i don't want to?"

"go away anyway."

"you're always so sweet to me."

you snort. "get out, aventurine."

"alright, alright," he says, standing with a graceful flourish. the door hisses open again. "i know when to call it quits."

your smile drops, but he's already out the door.

you sink back down into the water.

"no," you murmur. "you don't."