#azi's creations

[mentally-a-slut]

Staring Problem (Arthur Morgan x Fem!Reader)

Rating: M (a little spicy, nothing too bad)

Summary: An innocent staring problem evolves into something out of your most romantic fantasies.

Note: Okay, so I just whipped this up to show y'all what my writing would look like, it's really last minute and unedited so don't expect too much, but I hope you like it! It's a little messy because I just kinda started writing with no real idea, but please leave feedback! Also, if enough people want it, I am open to doing a smutty part two :) enjoy!

You hadn't thought you were being obvious with your staring, but were very quickly proved wrong when Mary-Beth slid up next to you, giggling. "Enjoyin' the show?"

You spluttered and blushed at the young woman's implication, lightly shoving her. "I'm not staring!"

She giggled again and gave you a look. "I don't blame you, I do it all the time. Nothing better to do than watch the men chop wood, especially if I'm supposed to be doing chores."

"Mary-Beth! Where is that girl?"

Mary-Beth gasped. "Oops! Gotta go!"

She scuttled off back to her table, frantically fiddling with the needle and thread to make it look like she was sewing. You sighed as you tore your gaze from her, eyes settling back on the man in front of you.

Of course, you were staring. Pretty damn hard, too. But hey, when Arthur Morgan is swinging an axe in the blazing sun, sleeves bunched up around his elbows, you just have to stare.

You knew you should at least be more subtle about it, instead of standing there uselessly leaning on a wagon, but whenever your eyes snagged on him, it was almost impossible to tear them away.

You'd lost all shame anyway, ever since he sort of confronted you about your crush. It had been an awkward conversation, one filled with stuttering and apologies. He hadn't expressed any discomfort, though, and simply acknowledged the fact that you liked to stare. He didn't outright reject you, but you knew better than to read into things. And even if he wasn't interested, who were you to deny yourself a show if he didn't mind giving one?

You only tore your gaze away when you heard Miss Grimshaw turning the corner, and you hurriedly tried to look busy. It usually worked, and you were back to staring as soon as she was out of sight.

You inwardly sighed when he sent the axe splitting through the last log. Show's over.

Even as he leaned the axe against the stump and turned to leave, you couldn't avert your gaze. The light was hitting him just right, golden rays bathing his tanned skin and making him look like an angel. Your face burned when he turned and met your gaze, and he simply tipped his hat with a smile. Sometimes you wished he would straight up say something about it instead of letting you ogle him. The heat that rushed to your face every time you were caught was stifling.

You had to resist the urge to follow him and see what he was getting up to next, instead settling on joining Mary-Beth. She looked up at you with a teasing smirk when you sat down, glancing behind you at the man who held your attention. "Show's over, huh?"

You rolled your eyes, sighing. "...Yeah."

She burst into giggled at your confession, dainty fingers going up to cover her mouth. "What's so funny?"

You started at his voice, the closeness of it surprising you. You turned to look at him, craning your neck to meet his eyes. You could've sworn there was a knowing smirk on his lips, but you chalked it up to the sun in your eyes. Even though you were facing away from the sun.

"Nothing!" you said too quickly.

"We was just talking about how she was staring at you chopping that wood."

You whipped your stare around to Mary-Beth. She just giggled and shrugged, acting innocent. "I- I wasn't-"

"S'alright, I know you were."

His words only made you want to shrink into yourself, never to see the light of day again. Mary-Beth took her leave, teasingly waving goodbye. She had just left you alone, with Arthur, a blushing mess.

"I don't- you-"

You all but yelped when he sat next to you on the log bench, close enough for your legs to brush. "If I didn't like it, I wouldn't let you do it."

"I didn't mean to stare!"

He chuckled, a low noise that traveled through your body and left goosebumps in its wake. "Yeah, you did."

You tried to come up with a valid explanation that wasn't 'I think you're really hot,' but came up short. "I'm sorry, I-"

"No need. I think it's cute, your little staring problem."

You didn't think you could blush anymore, but there he went, making you lightheaded with his words. "You... me, cute?"

His eyes met yours, and you had to stop yourself from swooning. His eyes were so blue, like shining crystals in the sunlight. "Yes, you. I thought it was obvious."

"What was obvious?"

He rolled his eyes affectionately, calloused hand brushing against yours. "That I'm sweet on you."

All coherent thought disappeared from your brain at that moment. "Huh?"

Your skin tingled as his hand grasped yours, rough fingers intertwining with yours. "I like you, sweetheart."

"Is this a joke?"

He chuckled. "No. I know I didn't really go about it right before, but what I meant to say was that I feel the same. It just... didn't come out right."

Your whole body was on fire, overwhelmed at the feeling of him so close to you. "So... you've liked me back, this whole time?"

"Mhm."

"Oh. That's... good."

"Just good?"

Your eyes found his, shining with emotion. "You know what I mean. I just can't believe..."

He stared at you, eyes shining with what must have been admiration. With his hand still holding yours, he stood, tugging you with him. "C'mere."

You stumbled after him, too awestruck to think. He led you to the spot you liked to stare at him from, the wagon obscuring the two of you from the rest of camp. Your back was to the wagon, his frame towering over you and he stood in front of you. He was close, close enough for you to lean forward and be chest to chest.

"When you stand here all clueless, drooling over me like nobody's watching," the hand that wasn't holding yours came up to rest against your cheek, "I have to force myself to keep working and not march over to you and kiss you til you can't breath."

You let out a strangled sound, breath hitching as he leaned closer. You were now trapped against the wagon, his body resting against yours. It was the best trap you'd ever been caught in.

"And when you look at me with those big, lovestruck eyes, I just wanna grab onto you and never let go."

A sigh that sounded more like a whine escaped your lips, knees threatening to give out beneath you. "Keep going."

He chuckled at your words, brushing his lips so, so close to yours.

"When you're concentrating on something, and you make those cute little noises, all I can think about is how I wanna bend you over and see what pretty little sounds I can get out of you."

"Holy shit," you whispered, eyes fluttering as his lips barely brushed against yours.

With a shaky sigh, you grabbed his collar and pulled him toward you, crashing your lips together. He let go of your hand, gripping your waist and holding you close. His lips were warm against yours, gently molding against yours. You brought a hand up to his hair, running your fingers through his short strands. An involuntary whine slipped from your lips, and it was swallowed by his increasingly desperate kiss. His hand slowly moved to your back, pressing you closer.

When his tongue brushed against your lip, you gasped, and he hummed against you as he slipped his tongue into your mouth. You recovered quickly, meeting his tongue with yours with matching desperation. Your fingers closed in his hair, tugging lightly. He groaned softly, and the sound traveled straight to your core.

When he pulled back for air, he kept his face close to yours, blue eyes darkened as he looked down at you. "You're so pretty like this, all whiny and desperate."

His praise elicited another whine from your lips and you pulled him back against your lips. This time he kept pulling away from you in between kisses, chuckling as you chased after him. He mumbled soft words against your lips, each one making you want him more and more.

"Pretty girl."

"So good for me."

"So needy."

You whined in frustration and kissed him roughly, hands running over his body. When his hands ran over your ass and gripped your thighs tightly, you jumped up and he pressed you up against the wagon. The angle was torture, your core level with his, and the heat of your arousal was overwhelming. Your hips struggled to meet his, seeking the friction you craved, but Arthur just chuckled against your lips and held you still. "Not yet, darlin'."

You would have been embarrassed by the whine you let out if you weren't clouded with lust. You continued to wriggle against his grip, whining as he tortured you with slow, passionate kisses.

"Arthur!"

He pulled back with a groan when someone called his name, his forehead resting against yours. "Yeah?"

"Got a job for you!"

He sighed. "Be right there!"

You sighed and let your head fall against his shoulder. "I'm sorry, baby."

You hid your face in his neck, trying to hide the blush his words caused. "S'okay."

He gently set you down, hands settling on your waist. He lifted your face to his, pressing a sweet kiss to your lips. When your eyes fluttered open, you were met with his darkened eyes that held a promise for things to come.

"We'll finish this later."

[cesiscribbles]

I was wondering what other animals can Astra turn into other then a snake?

Only snek~

Astra's supernatural abilities are actually very limited due to the demon and angel powers canceling each other out.

[wilder-fangirl]

"do something or i'm never talking to you again" AND CROWLEY MOTHER FUCKING STOPS TIME FOR HIM

[leapingthroughworlds]

right so i just finished episode 1 and let me tell you this is my favorite thing ever. i love the plot and the characters (they're all adorable and if not lol suuuper charismatic either way) and the budget for this one seems to have gone insane. oh and you can definitely see how much fun the actors themselves are having with it

good omens is a win-win situation for everyone involved when concerning people's enjoyment, it seems

[findher-ogg]

They were created by Amon, and originate from Azys Lla. Azys Lla is basically a fucked up version of Elpis created by Amon from his memories of Hermes and Ixal are probably fucked up Meteia, the more you know!

hey. ffxiv lore question that's very serious and very important

why do chocobos even exist on the first

[pa-nd-em-on-iu-mp-an-da]

My main HC for Morpheus is he lives and just retires from the stress of being Dream.

He gets convinced to just live for himself and choose his own destiny without the expectation of his existence weighing him down.

Hob helps him, both of them moving into a cottage where they learn to coexist and Morpheus learns how to be human without the added stress of a city life.

He reads books, new ones having to be thoroughly digested rather than just instantly available in his head like a goddamn robot.

Maybe he helps Hob plant seeds and realises that it's somewhat close to breathing life into new creations and helping them grow into their desired functions, immediately addicted to the feeling of mud under his nails and stains on his clothes because he's creating a life without needing a purpose for it.

They go down to the beach, and yeah it's not like the Shores of The Dreaming but he still has his spade and bucket and by fucking Christ is he going to make the best sand castle ever, Hob, stop laughing!!

He builds and builds until he's tired and worn out and sweating pints, but there's a version of the castle - his home, even if it's not his anymore, even if it didn't feel like home, not really - standing proudly in the sand. And he stares at it, realising that the dreaded feeling in the pit of his stomach is still there, but it's not as suffocating as it used to be. He's not weighed down by the unconscious minds of everyone, he gets to create for the simple pleasure of creating.

He gets to go back to the cottage, curls his feet under him and drinks hot chocolate as Hob cooks in the kitchen. Music's playing in the background as the fire roars in the hearth.

He feels safe.

He feels content.

He feels loved.

He's happy.

(And maybe a certain Angel and Demon buy a cottage close by, causing an all-out garden war between the Resident Goths on whose plants are better?? Which then creates the Annual Garden Competition. Both Hob and Azi are chilling and having cake whilst the Resident Goths are fighting over the last seedlings).

I just want the dweebs to all be happy.

Is it so much to ask for??

[orth82]

Michael Sheen=the greatest.

Despite how exhausted he was after Thursday's performance (he was on FIRE that night) he still took the time to see all of his adoring fans at the stage door and make loads of people's day.

Friday's stage door was truly magical, and the energy in the crowd was off the charts. Loads of hardcore fans and talented fanartists were there and it became a spontaneous mini Ineffable Sheen Convention of sorts.

Everyone was interacting and supporting each other like the fabulous family we are. One girl was so nervous she almost threw up. Another adorable fan had a full-on breakdown of the most joyous and beautiful kind after meeting their hero. Shy and trembling fans were gently encouraged and helped by the complete strangers next to them (as well as MS himself).

An international delegation of Sheenie fans comprised of some of the loveliest and most talented people on earth, all brought together by our adoration of this beautiful man.

So many hugs, happy tears, stories and wee handmade gifts were exchanged. I am so grateful to have been lucky enough to be a part of it all.

And yes, that's his handwritten bratty Bastille Azi quote on my collarbone, freshly tattooed this morning in Soho (he kindly wrote it on a post-it note for the specific purpose).

Oh, and then this happened. Irene, you are a cinnamon roll and we all think you're just the bee's knees ☺️

Toward the end of my third magical stage door encounter I finally had the wherewithal to ask for a photo. Still not brave enough to request a hug but my hand went straight for his glorious tummy of its own accord. My brain ceased to function at that point and I am now deceased 💀

There are no words to describe how grateful I am to Michael, the phenomenal cast and the best fandom on earth for this unforgettable experience. I genuinely hope MS knows how loved he is and how much we appreciate all he does. This world is a better place because of him 🖤

(btw that adorable Nye kewpie doll is the creation of the talented @buzzinglarrieee and the Nye watercolour was a gift to MS made by @dennissima)

[plounce]

i need to make up my own headcanons about folk dravanian beliefs. i don't think there are a lot of organized beliefs, i think it's a lot of people reacting to ishgardian oppression and struggle by trying to go the complete opposite direction while also unintentionally continuing over their established cultural ideas of what religion entails + trying to imitate the scary stories they were told (which weren't aiming to be accurate, but instead to portray the "other side" in as monstrous a light as possible) (most of the horror we get in game regarding heresy is about the ishgardian punishment + creation of heresy - levequests! witchdrop!). i think ysayle was a great organizer of different factions of heretics and actually got them coordinated with dragons (ty echo!), although she has her own cult of shiva that she led. i don't think every strain of dravo-coerthan folk belief centers around shiva. blood drinking -> transformation. how much information was shared of the true origins of the war pre-ysayle's echo vision by the dragons to the people? were any specific dragons especially keen on using elezen soldiers? how much interaction between dragons and heretics was there anyway? mind-controlled scalekin vs turned elezen. hyurs???? what role did ex-ishgardian hyurs have in the various movements? where do heretics live? what do they eat? how much did the sharlayan colony know of and interact with them? how much do heretics (get to) go up to the churning mists? there are several spots in the CCH where the boundary to the void seems thin - how much do heretics interact with voidsent? allagan voidsent v dragon war. do the eorzean dragons hate voidsent/allagans as much as their eastern/southern siblings/cousins? did they know bahamut was stuck up there? did they know tiamat kept herself stuck in azys lla? gnath onemind & their noxious anti-dragon vapes vs dragon scalekin mind control. are transformed heretics able to be mindcontrolled? what other folk heroes do heretics have? what do they think of the rest of the twelve? ysayle's cult was into hraesvelgr - are any really into nidhogg? eye symbolism? any weird beliefs about au ra coming from the heretic side? lightning as the opposite of ice? nidhogg is lightning-aspected in opposition to shiva's ice. the boy and the dragon gay? the boy and the dragon gay: a literary analysis??????

[annaartnstuff]

He could see his stars, once again, in his eyes ✨

Azi having Stars as pupils is still absolute insanity to me. He mirrors part of Crowley‘s creation

[ineffable-xenanigans]

Fruit Omens: Crowlemon and Azirapear

It is my pride and honor to introduce my silly little produce-based AU:

The idea came to me after answering this ask from @abiiii-ineffable, wherein I talked about how the song Lemon Boy by Cavetown reminds me so much of them. So here we go:

🍋 Crowlemon is such because of the aforementioned song. He's a Meyer lemon specifically because he's secretly sweeter than he looks.

🍐 Azirapear is such because original!Azi canonically loves pears. He's a Bosc pear specifically because he's buttery soft yet firm.

I don't know yet what I'm gonna do with these fruity idiots. Maybe some comics...? Gosh, I haven't done that in years 😅

Bonus content: the sketch that started it all

As you can see below, the initial concept was much less human-like. I might do something with those character designs too, who knows, we shall see!

Materials

Paper: Royal Talens (Art Creation sketchbook)

Pen: Pilot (G-Tec-C4)

Markers: Copic Sketch (Azirapear: YR30, YG91, BG72, E70, B000, E42, BG71*, Y11, Y28, E23, E97; Crowlemon: YR18, Y15, Y11, C1, T4, T6, 110, R29)

* Please note: BG71 is not an actual Copic color, it's a custom blend I made from BG70 and BG72 ink)

[isiaiowin]

GOetry: This is going to be EPIC

Welcome to GOetry! A weekly poetry club.

Every Monday, you'll receive a new poetry prompt and have until the following Monday to submit your poetic creations. Come join the fun! Post your finished work under the #GOetry and don't forget to tag me @isiaiowin so I can see your work.

You can also add your work to the AO3 collection here.

Last week’s prompt was so much fun! I loved reading all your rare pairs! Thank you for joining in and sharing such moving, fun, and beautiful narrative poems. This week, we’ll continue exploring the narrative form.

This week’s prompt:

EPIC

What is an EPIC poem?

An epic poem is a lengthy narrative written in verse, focusing on the heroic deeds of an extraordinary individual, group, or event. It is characterized by elevated language, majestic settings, and an episodic structure.

Ok >> CALM DOWN << I’m not going to make you write a poem as long as the Iliad (15000 lines yikes). Write one episode, doesn’t matter how long it is, in the most over the top, descriptive language you can muster, describing how great your hero is. Make it so majestic it could fill a symphonic metal album. Flaming swords and all. Did your Azi fight Dragons off the eastern gate? Go for it!

Choose your hero:*

The Guardian Of The Eastern Gate

The Original Tempter

Or any of the following

DEATH

War

Famine

Pollution

*Any other magnificent being you want to praise EPICALLY is, of course, welcome.

Example:

Paradise Lost - John Milton

Though chang'd in outward lustre; that fixt mind And high disdain, from sence of injur'd merit, That with the mightiest rais'd me to contend, And to the fierce contention brought along Innumerable force of Spirits arm'd That durst dislike his reign, and me preferring, His utmost power with adverse power oppos'd In dubious Battel on the Plains of Heav'n, And shook his throne.   What though the field be lost? All is not lost; the unconquerable Will, And study of revenge, immortal hate, And courage never to submit or yield: And what is else not to be overcome?

(Did you see a familiar line here?)

Have Fun 💚 Moon

*Wraps herself dramatically in a dark cloak and strides from the room*

@goodomensafterdark

[mentally-a-slut]

Can I request "You deserve to be loved." For Astarion with female reader please? Please make it smut too!

Thanks so much for the request! I have been super ill, but I managed to get one thing done! I hope this is to your standards, this is my first time writing for Astarion so I hope it's not too out of character. I left Tav pretty neutral, so you should be able to imagine her as anyone. Anyway, hope you enjoy!

Remember, please leave feedback! I love to hear your thoughts and it helps motivate me to keep writing.

Rating: E

Warnings: smut, piv sex, oral (f!receiving), face sitting, angst with happy ending, Astarion has a praise kink i don't make the rules, dom!Tav, kinda sub!Astarion, female Tav, likely ooc Astarion, not proofread

It was a calm night, the stillness of the camp blanketing over everyone as the stars glimmered in the darkening sky. Scratch lay idly by Shadowheart, eyes fluttering with the beginnings of sleep as the cleric's hand absentmindedly stroked his head.

Most everyone was already knocked out, the events of the day rendering them useless against the wave of sleep that washed over them. Tav was the only one that couldn't put her mind to rest, thoughts racing behind her eyes as she tried and failed to join her companions in their peaceful oblivion.

At least, she thought she was.

After an hour of fruitless attempts of rest, she abandoned her tent with an aggravated sigh, opting to get some fresh air. When she slipped out of the canvas walls, her eyes fell upon the gleaming silver hair of Astarion, restlessly sitting outside of his tent with his piercing gaze directed at the sky.

She knew that vampire spawn didn't exactly sleep, but Astarion usually went into a trance at night. He said it helped him feel energized in between feedings. A twinge of concern jolted through her, gaze softening as she approached the gloomy spawn.

"Astarion?"

His red eyes quickly cut towards her, his scrutiny heavy on her form.

"Are you alright?"

His gaze flickered with an unreadable emotion for a split second, too quick for her to discern. He hesitated before responding, the familiar too-sweet drawl coating his words. "Quite alright, now that you're here."

Tav's cheeks blazed with a poorly restrained blush at his charming words, and she averted her eyes to the ground between them. She heard his movements before she saw them, the soft brush of his feet brushing the dirt as he rose from his seat.

"I do so love when you blush, so pretty and red."

His cold finger trailed along her jaw, gently prompting her to direct her gaze back to his. She attempted to blink away her flustered state, instead focusing on the handsome elf's face. His sharp features were contorted into his familiar expression of mischief, dark red eyes upholding a look of desire.

Fighting the fog of attraction, she narrowed her eyes at him, searching his practiced expression. He was always a flirt, quick-witted and prone to making her blush, and yet something felt off about him. Something festered beneath his sweetened gaze, almost invisible behind the facade he upheld, but Tav caught a glimpse of it.

One glimpse was all it took for her to step away, brows furrowing as she created distance. His eyes flashed momentarily, a small crinkle of his brows the only sign of his confusion. "What's the matter, darling? Why so shy?"

He attempted to step closer to her, resulting in Tav taking a matching step back. She thought she saw a flicker of hurt before he steadied his expression. "Oh, I see. Don't want to cuddle up to a vampire?"

He turned away from her, already in the motion of retreating to his tent, when Tav shot out her hand and grabbed onto his arm. "That's not it."

He tilted his head to peer at her, teasing smirk already pulling at his lips. His flirtatious remark was cut short when Tav suddenly darted for his tent, hand still firm around his arm. He let her lead him, silver eyebrow raised in curiosity.

The cloth of the tent flaps had barely fallen shut when his cold hands met her waist, pressing her up to him in a way that had Tav's heart beating against her chest. "Eager, are we?"

His breath dusted her cheeks as he held her, seductive gaze steady on her beneath his lashes. Her eyes fought to flutter closed as he leaned in, lips just barely pausing before her lips.

"Why are you doing this?"

Her question was almost quiet enough to miss, but Astarion's grip loosened as he pulled away in shock. "What?"

Tav put a shaky hand to his chest, wanting nothing more than to hold him this close forever. "The flirting. The lingering touches. The stares. Why?"

Silvery brows furrowed, undead hands still idle at her waist. "I didn't take you to be dull. Do you need me to spell it out for you?"

His snark didn't go unnoticed, the same tone he took when someone tried to pry into his business too much. Tav's lips quirked downwards into a frown. "I know what desire looks like. The look you gave me back there was a decent imitation of it, but I saw through it. Why pine after me if you do not truly desire me?"

Tav tried not to let her disappointment show at his loss of touch as he dropped his hands from her waist and stepped back. "I don't know what you mean. I do desire you."

She narrowed her eyes at him, crossing her arms across her chest as she gave him a withering look. "I don't much like being lied to, Astarion. Nor do I like to be led on."

A flash of guilt crossed his eyes, almost quick enough to miss. "You're a clever one. Fine then, I confess. I needed safe passage to the city, and the only way to get it was to seduce you into providing it for me."

Her heart seized in her chest at his words, hurt and betrayal curdling in her stomach. "Do you truly think so little of me?"

His previously avoidant gaze shot towards her when her voice cracked with emotion. Her eyes shone with unshed tears.

She struggled to keep her composure through her next words. "Seduction was not the only way. I would have aided you no matter what, romantic feeling or not. I do not need anything in return. I would have helped you. I would have- I do care for you. There are no strings attached unless you wish there to be."

She recoiled from his hand as it reached out towards her. Tears now steadily falling down her cheeks, she continued with shaky words. "And I will still help you, even though you have hurt me. Even though you have made me think there was something... I thought you liked me. I really thought we could have," she heaved a sob between her words, "Why did you have to make me fall in love with you?"

Her eyes avoided his, tears rushing down her face as she hung her head down. If he had a beating heart, he was sure it would be hammering against him.

"You... Love?"

She hid her face in her hands as she cried, granting him a small nod.

"Tav, I..."

"Don't. Just... I'm sorry for thinking you returned my feelings. I don't expect anything from you, and you're still welcome to stay with us."

She turned to leave, eyes burning with emotion, when his cold hand gripped her shoulder. She froze, holding her breathe in case any movement would scare him away.

"Tav, please don't go."

His voice was timid, a broken sort of tone that she could never dream of him carrying. She chance a movement, turning her head to peek at him. His eyes were watering, sincerity pooling in the blood red of his gaze.

"I... It wasn't fake."

A stuttered breath as Tav turned to face him, tear stained face contorted into an expression of dread, fearing he was playing a cruel joke on her. "What?"

"The feelings, the flirting... I admit, at first it was purely self-preservation, but..." he gently trailed his hand down from her shoulder to her wrist, "you... you enraptured me."

"Astarion, you don't have to-"

"I mean it. This isn't me trying to use you, I'm not just doing this as an apology, I truly mean it. I fell for you, and it terrifies me."

She turned her wrist in his grip, staring down at his hand as she maneuvered hers to fit against his. "You love me?"

She stepped forward, bringing a hesitant hand to his face. His brows furrowed as he nodded slightly, almost like it pained him to admit it. Slowly, she moved closer, giving him time to recoil. When he leaned in, she fluttered her eyes closed and pressed her lips to his in a soft kiss.

His other hand went to her face, delicate fingers stroking her cheekbone as they kissed. There was no desperation, only gentle passion as they melded together, pouring all words unsaid into their embrace. When Tav pulled away, Astarion sighed and chased after her lips, only stopped by her firm hand on his chest.

"You don't need to do anything you don't want to do. I'm alright with not sleeping together. You don't owe me anything."

His pupils swallowed up the red of his eyes as he whined, true desire swirling in his gaze. "You saying that only makes me want you more."

Tav hummed in surprise as he pulled her lips back against his, fingers tangling in her hair as he hungrily devoured her lips. His free hand snaked around her, palm pressing firmly into her lower back and arching her into him. Tav sighed into him, pulling away from his lips to murmur, "are you sure?"

"Never been surer, darling."

She stopped his approach, giving him a sultry look as he pulled her even closer against him. "Alright, but we're doing this my way."

He raised a brow, his teasing smirk sending a jolt of arousal down her spine. "Oh, yeah? And what did you have in mind?"

She pressed a soft kiss against his lips, admiration flooding her eyes. "You let me do the work." She tutted against his lips as he started to protest. "Please, Astarion, let me take care of you. You deserve to be loved."

His resolve completely vanished at that, and he pulled her back for another desperate kiss. Tav's core burned with each sound from his lips, whines and moans vibrating against her lips. She pushed him towards his bedroll without breaking the kiss, giving a pleased hum when he obeyed.

She sank down with him, straddling his lap as he sat. His fingers fought with the hem of her shirt, insistently tugging as he whined against her lips. She smiled and pulled away, chuckling as he tried to chase her lips. "Use your words, love."

"You're a tease," he all but whined, hands still itching to rid her of her top.

She answered him with only a stern look, pulling his hands from her waist. He groaned in frustration, pride a little more than hurt as she coaxed him to obey. "Take it off. Please."

"Good boy," she teased, all too aware of the growing bulge her words caused. His hands wasted no time in exploring the skin of her exposed stomach as she peeled away her shirt, tossing it over her shoulder. He sat up to capture her lips, firm hands desperately trying to gain control.

His fingers dug into her waist as she rolled her hips down against his, eliciting a groan from him. She rolled her hips again, pressing harder against his prominent arousal. His hands frantically trailed across her skin, gripping her ass as she grinded once again.

Her core grew hotter as he moaned against her, and she pressed kissed down his jaw and neck as she began to tug at his shirt. She pulled back to look at him, holding back a moan as he rutted against her. "This okay?"

"Yes, yes, it's okay," he whined, breathless as he pressed himself between her legs. She discarded his shirt, continuing to press hot kisses down his neck and chest. She pressed a hand to his chest, pushing him back to lay down. She held her hip up away from his, grinning at his frustrated groan.

"Be patient," she warned, trailing a finger down his torso and teasing the waistband of his pants.

His hand found the clasp of her bra, fingers restlessly fidgeting against it as he looked up at her for permission. She nodded with a smile, and his swift fingers released the garment within seconds. He groaned as her breasts were exposed, bringing a hand up to one and flicking a thumb across her nipple. She faltered for a moment, hips rutting down on his as his hands teased her chest. "So gorgeous, darling, perfect."

She felt silly for blushing at his words, the simple compliment turning her insides to jelly even as they were half naked. He smirked and pulled her down to him, pressing his tongue against her lips and sighing at the feel of her chest against his. Tav snaked a hand between them, delicate fingers brushing against his length. His responding moan send shivers down her spine, encouraging her to press her fingers against him harder.

He rutted against her hand, grabbing any part of her he could reach. He pulled away enough to whine out a "please," and Tav swiftly unbuttoned his trousers and pushed them off. His hardened length strained against his underwear, a growing damp spot evidence of his desire.

He whined as she pressed her palm against him, and he grabbed her wrist to still her movements. She glanced up at him, concern in her face. He panted, shifting involuntarily to try and gain friction. "As much as I love what your doing," he trailed his other hand up her thigh, coming to a stop at the waistband of her pants, "I want to taste you. Please."

Tav couldn't stop the whine that fell from her lips, his words sending an entire new wave of desire through her. She nodded, moving to help him remove her pants. Once she was fully bare above him, his eyes burned with lust as he stared at her glistening cunt. Tav didn't have any time to be insecure before his hands gripped her waist and tugged her up his body, settling her spread legs just above his lips.

He quirked a brow at her, silently asking permission. His breath tickled her folds, making her groan with her words. "Oh, fuck, yes."

His hands gripped her ass firmly as he pulled her core down against his lips, his tongue immediately flicking against her swollen clit and teasing her entrance. She threw her head back with a moan and tangled her fingers in his hair, involuntarily rutting against his mouth.

His tongue was quick, flitting between her clit and dipping into her core with precision. She half worried that she would suffocate him with her thighs before she remembered that he was undead.

Tav swore as his lips closed around her clit, sucking harshly and sending her eyes into the back of her head. Her muscles tensed as he lapped at her, core tightening as he brought her closer to the edge.

"Fuck, just like that! I'm gonna-"

He hummed against her, sending vibrations through her core and pushing her over the edge. He didn't pull away until came down from her high, tongue coaxing her through it.

With a sigh, Tav adjusted herself back to where she was, leaning down to kiss him and sighing when she tasted herself on his lips. "You taste delightful," he muttered between kisses.

His cock throbbed beneath the restraint of his underwear, and Tav couldn't help but roll her hips against him. "Don't tease me, darling."

She did it again, pulling back to look him in the eyes. "Do you want this?"

"More than anything."

She smiled at him, one of pure admiration, and then hastily rid him of his underwear. He sighed when her core brushed against his painfully hard cock, tightening his hold on her waist. She leaned down to peck him on the lips before lifting her hips, stroking him teasingly as she lined them up.

With one last look of confirmation, she pressed her cunt against his tip, her tight hole swallowing him torturously slow. His gaze was heavy on their joined bodies, fingers digging into her waist as he groaned.

The stretch was pleasant, brushing against her walls as she slowly lowered onto him. She sighed as her clit brushed against her pelvis, his cock now fully sheathed inside of her. She stilled for a moment, leaning down to press a sweet kiss to his lips.

The movement shifted them slightly, making him groan against her lips. She smirked, lifting her hips slowly. With a hand on his chest to steady herself, she sent him a cheeky wink and sank back down. His eyes darted all over her body as she rode him, watching her tits bounce, staring as her cunt swallowed him up. "You feel so good, filling me up," she whined, thrusts getting faster.

His moans grew louder at her praise, hands pressing tighter against her hips and guiding her down against him. "Such a good boy, letting me ride you."

He sat up, pulling her against him and matching her thrusts. He whined, pressing sloppy kisses against her throat as he rutted into her. "Please, feels so good," he whined, fangs brushing the delicate skin of her neck. She tangled her fingers in his hair, pressing him into her neck.

"So, so good for me, such a good boy," she moaned, thrusts becoming rougher, "you wanna cum inside me?"

He groaned, cock twitching inside her as she tightened around him. "Please, please, so close, I'm so close-"

"Bite me," she whispered, "c'mon baby, cum inside me while you sink your teeth into my neck."

His orgasm crashed over him just as he sank his fangs into her, the sweet tang of her blood coaxing forward his release. She soon followed, moaning as he painted her walls and drank his fill.

He pulled away from her neck, pressing his lips against hers and smearing her blood into her mouth. She whined into the kiss, cunt clenching with the aftershocks of her orgasm.

He pulled back, eyes swimming with emotion as he studied her face, their sweating bodies clinging together. "I love you."

She smiled before kissing him softly. "I love you too."

[rovingotter]

Hollow

SPOILER WARNING FOR SCAVENGERS REIGN.

Many people have remarked on the parallels between Levi and Hollow. One is a human creation changed and given sentience by the planet, the other is a native of the planet altered by her experiences with a human. Both have a connection to Fiona: Levi because Fiona programmed them, Hollow because memories/visions of Fiona are the primary way she communicates with Kamen.

From the get-go, Levi is established as a character with agency. One of their first on-screen actions is to troll Azi by burying her wrench, and when Azi asks why, Levi replies, "I don't know. I was curious about how you'd react." Levi is bipedal and verbal, things we associate with humanity, so even setting aside their quirky behavior, we are already primed to see them as human-like, if kinda weird. Throughout the show Levi continues to perform autonomous actions, to be motivated by curiosity and wonder, and eventually to assert their own personhood, establish boundaries, and form a meaningful relationship with Azi. They have goals, they have motives, they have an arch. Before this, Levi was just a machine. They are uplifted by the planet.

Hollow, on the other hand, often comes across less as a character and more like a blank slate onto which the viewer is invited to project metaphors: metaphors about Kamen's psychological dysfunction/moral failings, metaphors about the corrupting influence of humans on the natural world, metaphors about avarice or addiction or any number of things, none of them good. Even the name (never spoken but present in subtitles) implies an empty vessel. In contrast to Levi, Hollow is non-verbal (she uses psychic projections to communicate, but has no voice of her own), small, and quadrupedal. We are primed to see her first and foremost as an animal: an innocent, living in (from our outsider human perspective, at least) harmony with nature. A little creepy, a little cute. But also a being lacking in any real self-awareness or moral agency. This, though, is presented as her ideal state. Her growing power and agency, throughout the narrative, is framed as a downgrade, as borrowed, inauthentic, and destructive...and is ultimately ripped away.

True, Hollow is given a bit of characterization when we first meet her. She is being bullied/intimidated by a larger member of her species, and she appears discouraged by this. But for the most part her motives and choices are either impenetrably alien or presented ambiguously. Maybe she decides to adopt Kamen as her thrall, despite his alien nature, because she feels frustrated and powerless and has decided to take a risk on something new...or perhaps even sees him as a kindred spirit, a fellow outcast. Or maybe she just happens across him and is reacting to her environment in the stimulus-response, amoral kind of way we associate with less complex animals.

All her choices after that feel similarly ambiguous. When Kamen first gives her fresh meat and she eats it, it feels like crossing a boundary. She's obviously an omnivore or she wouldn't be able to digest it, but this moment has an almost Original Sin type of vibe, Hollow the Adam of her planet and Kamen as her Eve offering the forbidden fruit...or is she just eating whatever her human puts in front of her, like a Golden Retriever? Does the blame lie with her "owner"?

From there it's a spiral. More and more meat, then experimenting with cannibalism, then becoming increasingly ruthless with her thrall as a means of pushing him to hunt larger prey. Is that her, or is that Kamen's greed and insecurity leaking into her? Is it both?

When Kamen remembers his wife's death and pleads with Hollow to take away the pain and she straight-up unbirths him and bids him sleep, is she doing this out of empathy for him, or is she (again) simply responding in a stimulus-response way to the alien emotions seeping into her? Her face gives few clues; a slight narrowing of the eyes, an implacable blankness.

And yet there are indications that her species has human or near-human intelligence. The ability to psychically manipulate a codependent thrall, to present him with narratives laden with emotional cues that push him to respond in certain ways, is a skill that feels ethically dubious by its nature and therefore linked with personhood. As humans, we are defined by our narratives, by our capacity to manipulate each other through them. She becomes the model of a person she has never met inside another person's head. Does it feel like writing a character?

And she does not merely pick and choose memories, she speaks through them. When Kamen is about to flee the safety of the cave and blunder out into a storm that will likely kill him, Hollow becomes Fiona and reminds him of the time he took the canoe out and nearly drowned. "Remember? You were so helpless," she says. Did Fiona ever speak those words to him? Is it like replaying a recording? Or is Hollow RPing her?

When Hollow found Fiona's corpse, what did she think? What did she feel?

In the end, Levi rips away Hollow's physical strength and power, reducing her to what she was before any of this happened. We are left to assume she will return to the forest, go back to her vegan diet and her pre-verbal ways: human notions of purity. The nobility of beasts.

But she looks back.

I don't think she's forgotten. I don't think Levi, the uplifted being who was so very afraid of losing the ways in which they had changed, would have made her forget.

[redfluffz]

Are Michael and the others aware of Charlie’s existence in the future? If so, what do they think of her? What does God think of her?

For sure. Luc is always watched. So they know everything.

But knowing stuff doesn't mean, you know stuff. The 6 are aware of Charlie (and her hotel), but they really don't care. Well to the point where Charlies hotel interfer with their duties (and Gods plan).

I see it that way. Sera and Adam are so deeply involved with Charlie because it's about Sinners and Winners. But the 6 have way more higher and important things to do. I read that the higher choires of angels are involved with the universe, elements, all that stuff. So actually there is no connection.

But like I said, when Charlies doings interfer with some of their work, they have to interact with her.

Raph would like the idea of the hotel and he would support her. She is quirky and cheerish and that reminds him of Luc.

Ari would also like her and the hotel. But she won't talk with her, because Charlie is so dominant. She would just scared nodding when having a conversation with her.

Joph is difficult. On one hand she loves Charlie. She is beautiful, she is family, royal, reminds her of Luc ... but on the other hand she would be afraid the scum that could surround her. Cause the hotel wants Sinners become Winners, but in Jophs eyes they will always be Hazbins. (If you know what I mean.)

Azi does not care at all. We don't know Charlies hobbies yet, but I think they would come along just fine while playing games or so.

Gabe is okay with Charlie. She won't judge Sinners or the hotel as long as everything works in order. So maybe Gabe gives Charlie some advice in hotel management and logistic.

Michael is distant. He really loves his brother, but hates Lilith. It's so difficult for him to interact with Charlie, cause she is representing both.

And God. Well he likes her, but just because she is his sons "creation". Tbh God does not care about anything else but his son. (And that's something I'd love to explore in my comic)

I hope this is answer is helpful.

But as always these are just thoughts for my headcanon.

But thanks for asking!

[twinsunstars]

Wherever Your World Is - Chapter 2

Chapter 2 Summary: Omega, a young curious mermaid, explores a sunken ship, while intrigued eyes are kept closely on her.

Notes: Hi everyone! Thank you for patiently waiting for another chapter since the first one! Finally finished up Chapter 2, so you'll all get to meet our little mermaid and a few other important characters! Little bit for your information, AZI has they/them pronouns. Hope you enjoy the chapter! Read either below or on AO3! divider by @stars-n-spice !

Wherever Your World Is Masterlist

Fanfic Summary: A young mermaid filled with hope discovers secrets about her past and seeks to reunite with her family at many costs, getting her chance to be with the land dwellers she had grown so fascinated of. The mermaid strikes a deal with dark magic and begins her mission of becoming a human again. (A Bad Batch + Little Mermaid AU)

The sea glimmered under the bright sun laying still in the atmosphere. Sea creatures roamed around the waters, following their own paths wherever fate led them to go. 

Down in the depths of the ocean, many unique living beings traveled among small fields of coral and multicolored seaweed that grew during the annual harvest seasons. Bright sea flowers blossomed in various areas to add beauty to the oceanic scenery. Many land dwellers would admire the ocean’s creations and sometimes take them for themselves so that they could have the sea’s treasures for themselves.

A flowy tail dressed in ribbons of sea blue and honey gold swam past a couple of coral reefs that had aged brilliantly over the years. The young mermaid examined her surroundings, taking in the beautiful palettes part of the ocean’s life. She continued swimming as the sun’s rays that seeped through the waters grew dimmer to make the ocean appear slightly darker. 

The mermaid, about fourteen, reached a sector of the ocean filled with sunken debris and litter scattered all over the ocean floor. She stopped swimming, her blond curls floating up and down in the water. The curls often brushed against the shoulders of her sleeved uniform that was in the colors of white, blue, and red. The centerpiece of her silver headdress dangled as she kept herself steady with her tail. She held onto a dark gray bag strapped around her back. 

The mermaid gasped and smiled in awe as she spotted a large destroyed mass of metal sunken into the ocean floor. A starship. The mermaid had secretly read about many of these large technologies that land dwellers would build to fly up above the water. She had dreamed about what the surface looked like and how millions of tiny circular objects stood still in the sky, shining bright so others could see them from below and around them while flying in a starship. 

“Omega, I am not sure we should be traveling around these areas.” A silver crab swam forward to the mermaid as fast as its small legs could go. The crab examined its surroundings, feeling uneasy about all of the junk and the dangerous creatures potentially roaming around in these parts of the ocean. But the young mermaid had convinced them to go with her and it was their job to make sure she was safe. 

Omega turned to the little crab. “Oh come on A-zee, we’ll be fine. Can’t just give up now that we found something as amazing as this!” 

She had given the nickname to the crab based on the letters and numbers her mistress had assigned the crab when she used to experiment on them. Ever since she was little, AZI had been by her side and was always a good buddy to talk to. 

AZI settled down on Omega’s shoulder. “But, if you remember correctly, we are supposed to be-”

“Come on!” The little mermaid didn’t pay attention to AZI, gently holding them as she swam toward the destroyed starship. AZI held on to Omega’s hands as she excitedly swam as fast as she could, wishing she would listen. 

Omega slowed down her pace and swam up, observing the ruins from above. The starship had been broken in half and many of its parts had been shattered. Omega wondered what could have done so much damage to something so beautiful. The entire roof of the starship had been torn apart from it, allowing the inside to be completely visible from above. Its wings had been ripped away and laid next to the ship on each side. Whatever its colors were when it was a working ship, they were no longer visible as algae and rust covered the ship. 

“A-zee, have you ever seen something so amazing?”

AZI was shocked at the amount of destruction the ship had taken in its mysterious past. They looked up at Omega, whose eyes sparkled with curiosity. She smiled at AZI and held on to them as she swam down and entered the starship. 

Many of the large control screens in the ship were cracked and broken, and there were so many items Omega didn’t know about littered around the floor. Her hands loosened as AZI broke free of her hold.

“Omega, please. We shouldn’t be here,” AZI pleaded. They couldn’t help but feel continuously worried about where they were. This sector of the ocean was known for being an area where many large and predatory creatures strolled, and merfolk who often went into these types of areas never came back. 

“A-zee, you can’t back out now when we’ve found so many interesting things.” Omega turned to him. “Especially when we can start so many research projects on what we find.”

AZI perked up. “Research?” Omega knew it was his favorite thing to do in the labs. It was the key to getting AZI to explore with her. “Yes, we can research anything we find! Maybe we can research this?” AZI got eager to explore and swam everywhere, asking if they could research certain things AZI found interesting. 

Omega swam around curiously and picked up anything her eyes wanted to see closely. Her small hands reached for a small rectangular item that had a cracked screen in the middle and other smaller squares in red and white. 

“What is this?” Omega tapped her fingers on the item, pressing the buttons to see if they would possibly do anything. It didn’t resemble any of the underwater technology she was familiar with. Omega took off her bag and placed the item in it. There was a chance her friend knew what it was. 

AZI slowly wandered around the ship, looking for things to research about. They watched Omega circle the ship and look at the various trinkets she would discover. She had picked up something that had a very unusual shape, something like a bent V. Her fingers trailed down the metal and reached a circular opening. Omega tilted the artifact and noticed something thin that could be pulled back. Eager, she pulled it back, causing something bright red to shoot out and strike one of the screens, shattering the glass. 

AZI yelped and quickly hid behind a control panel. Omega covered her mouth out of shock. “Whoa.” She moved her fingers away from the trigger and held the artifact carefully. Whatever this was, it was powerful. Omega delicately placed it into her bag as another item to collect. 

AZI swam out and sighed in relief to calm themselves down. They hoped no one had heard the loud shot nearby. “Omega, please be careful.” AZI didn’t know what they would tell the mistress if something happened to her. 

“What was that?” AZI could have sworn they heard something make a rustling noise somewhere. They turned and saw nothing behind them. Their anxiety rose as AZI swam over to Omega, who was picking up something silver and possibly sharp, and it seemed to resemble a trident. Omega tilted her head and examined the object. “I wonder what this is.”

“Omega, maybe we should head back now? Mistress Se could get worried, and I think there’s something out there,” AZI suggested, floating next to her hair. Omega let out a sigh. 

“Relax, A-zee. Everything is fine. You’re not getting soft legs, are you?”

AZI crossed their claws. “No, I am not.”

Omega stashed the silver artifact into her bag and strapped it onto her back. She looked up and saw her and AZI’s reflection on the cracked screen in front of them. Her eyes widened as she saw something else coming towards them. 

“A-zee!” Omega screamed, quickly grabbing AZI and flapping her tail fins, swimming away before a giant red-orange aquabeast launched itself in their direction. AZI yelped as Omega held a grasp on them in her hands. The aquabeast raced towards the young mermaid while ransacking through the destroyed starship, its large and thinly sharp teeth attempting to tear Omega’s tail into half. 

Omega swam away from the monstrous creature as fast as she could, swimming out of the ruins of the starship into the seaweed maze. She zigzagged through the maze as the beast followed her tail. AZI held on, trying not to feel sick with every sharp turn Omega took through the maze. She hoped she would lose the creature in the maze, but it was right on her tail with every swift movement. She panted, finding her way out of the maze with the beast following behind. 

The aquabeast growled and followed Omega. Her heart pounded in fear as she tried to find a way to get rid of the creature. She couldn’t see any other route of escape around all the ship debris lying on the floor. 

Omega instantly thought back to the artifact she had picked up earlier that had shot out a red blast. Maybe she could use it against the sea creature to get it away. She tried hard to swim faster with the beast right behind her. 

“AZI, I need you to reach into my bag and grab the artifact I accidentally used earlier that hit the screen. I’ll distract the creature!” she quickly instructed AZI. 

AZI heard Omega and looked up at her. “Omega, I don’t think that is the wisest course of action!”

“Just give me some time! I can use the artifact from earlier to make it go away! Take my bag!” Omega flapped her tail faster and let AZI go from her grasp. AZI swallowed and grabbed Omega’s bag, two small artifacts falling out from it.

“Hey, over here!” Omega exclaimed and waved her arms and tail to get the aquabeast’s attention all on her. The aquabeast roared at her and fiercely swam in her direction. She kept on swimming away in zig-zags around the ocean debris to give AZI some time to take the artifact out. AZI tried to remember what it looked like and quickly scurried through the things Omega had picked up. They found the artifact and pulled it out with both their claws. 

“Omega!” AZI shouted. They tried to swim towards Omega to throw her the artifact. Trying to catch her breath, Omega swam in AZI’s direction as the aquabeast kept on following Omega inches away from her. She was growing tired, but she was growing near the artifact. Omega reached her hand out towards AZI as AZI was swimming towards her. They let go of the artifact and threw it towards Omega. 

Omega dove down and caught the artifact. Swiftly turning as her instinct took over without warning, she held the artifact with two hands and laid her finger on the trigger just like earlier. She focused her aim on the beast charging towards her and instantly pulled the trigger. 

A bright line of red shot in the direction of the aquabeast, striking the beast’s head and grazing its scales. Omega kept on firing as much as she could at the beast. The beast was hit with two more shots, one nearly hitting its eye. The aquabeast let out a growl and began turning around to flee. It let out a small growl and swam away while Omega continued firing blaster shots at it. 

Omega released her finger from the trigger on the artifact, exhaling. Her right hand shook a bit. She didn’t know how she did that. She had never held or used an artifact like this in her life before. It just felt like something natural to her at that moment, as if it was a skill in her blood. Omega shook it off and kept on swimming.

AZI followed behind Omega with her bag as the duo swam out of the sector away from all the debris. The ocean water turned a brighter shade of blue, disregarding the cloudy weather that made the sector full of debris seem all dark and mysterious. 

Omega slowed down and turned to check on her little crab friend. “You okay, AZI?” She swam over to them to take her bag from them so their small claws weren’t lugging heavy weight. 

“I am doing fine, though I think I will need some time to recover.” 

Omega couldn’t help but let out a small giggle. “You were pretty brave out there.” She took AZI back into her small hands. They looked like their small legs were getting tired from all the fast swimming they had just endured. “Come on, let’s head to the refinery.”

Now why did AZI feel like they were forgetting something important? All that fast swimming made them quite tired. AZI felt like catching a quick power nap in Omega’s hold until the two reached their destination. 

***

Omega and AZI reached an area of the ocean brimming with orange waves of sea smoke forming inside the water from the refinery’s structures. The refinery had worked to mine and gather many sea crystals that were utilized to power a lot of homes and structures that were built by merfolk. There were many refineries like this out there, but this was one of the lesser-known refineries living in the farther sectors of this ocean, which made it vulnerable to taking advantage of young child labor. 

The former owner of the refinery had been discovered by the young workers themselves to be exploiting his workers and hiding the profits all for himself. The owner was overthrown by the workers. Today, it would still gather crystals, but it was also more like a factory that collected much clutter and debris land dwellers had dumped and left in the ocean and worked to turn them into items that could be useful for merfolks’ homes. Land dwellers were considered monsters and poisoners to the ocean, but all the scrap they left behind was taken into advantage.

Many of the mer-workers were young teenagers and some adults who had been winded up in the business because they needed access to a job and a place to stay. After removing their former boss from control, the workers stayed at the refinery and continued to mine sea crystals for other merfolk. It was the only home the teenagers ever knew, and the adults who were around helped to take care of the young mermaids. 

Omega knew one of the young workers after meeting him at a small crystal cave she had been secretly exploring in hopes of finding anything for her collection. The young merboy had noticed all the things she had collected and began to ask her where she had gotten them. Omega was suspicious of him at first in fear that he might steal anything she found, but once the merboy began to name some of the artifacts she had found and tell her what land dwellers used them for, Omega was intrigued by everything that he knew about land dwellers. Omega wanted to know more and had long entrusted him to be her informant on all things related to land dwellers. 

AZI had woken up by the time the two arrived at the refinery, swimming alongside their friend. Omega swam inside, looping around machines and swimming past other merfolk who resided and worked here. She waved and gave a few greetings to the workers as she passed them by.

“Hey, Omega!” A merboy with a hairstyle similar to a mohawk and red markings surrounding his neck waved. “Find more good things today?”

“Yep!” Omega beamed. She hadn’t noticed that her headdress was crooked from all the rapid swimming and her hands were a little stained from the artifacts she had picked up (and used).

“Where did you go this time? Your hairpiece is out of place, by the way,” Drake pointed out. Omega moved a hand to the centerpiece of her headdress and found the centerpiece to be on the right side of her forehead. She quickly took it off and put it back on, hoping it wasn’t messy anymore. It would have been trouble if Mistress Se saw her that way. 

“A sunken starship,” Omega answered him. Drake’s curiosity perked up, which Omega gave a smile to as another reply. “It’s in the outer sectors. I can show you guys another time.”

“You sure you should be wandering around in places like that? Wouldn’t your caretaker get upset?” asked Drake. 

“Hey, as long as I don’t get caught doing it,” Omega shrugged. “Curiosity does make the crab stronger.” Omega had learned that underwater phrase from the boys who lived here. 

Drake chuckled. “Looking forward to it. Benni’s in the back handing out some food,” he told her.

“Thanks.” Omega swam forward past Drake, heading to the eating area of the refinery. This time of the day was the break hour. All workers were getting themselves something to eat before their next shifts, hence Omega often came to the refinery during this time. 

AZI followed Omega and entered the refinery’s break area, where many merfolk were enjoying some food and snacks during their breaks. Their former owner was no longer around to restrict their access to food and necessary supplies for their wellbeing, keeping it all to himself. The merfolk were able to work without going hungry or thirsty for long periods of time. 

“Remember, you developed an allergy to these. You shouldn’t be eating them anymore.” A merboy with a maroon tail advised an older mermaid while giving her some food on a tray. The mermaid thanked the boy and went off to eat with others. 

“Omega!” Benni Baro swam over to Omega and AZI. “How ya doing?” Before Omega could respond, he spotted her bag and continued, “You’ve got quite the finds this time.” He tilted his head, signaling her to follow him to the main control room in the refinery. 

The control room had been the place where their former owner had hidden all of their food away from them. Now it was just a place to keep a record of things and to hang out sometimes. Benni pressed a switch to open the door, leading Omega and AZI inside. 

“I lost some things because of a mishap, but I got what I found.” Omega took out the artifacts she collected one by one onto the desk. 

“Let me guess, a giant beast tried to eat you and A-zee,” Benni guessed. Omega looked at him, surprised his guess was right this time. 

Benni smiled, getting the notion that he was right. “It’s getting quite common in some areas. Think it’s migration season. Oh, I also have something to show you.” He swam over to a shelf and picked up a golden flower. 

“I found it this morning floating on the ocean surface. There was a really large sea ship passing by when I found them. There were a few floating around, but I don’t know why.”

“A sea ship?” Omega got curious. “What did it look like?”

“I couldn’t get a good look at it, but it was red and black. And huge. Might have belonged to the royal family on land.”

Omega had heard about the royal land dwellers that lived on the surface from Benni. He had never seen what they look like, but he would always hear land dwellers talking about them. 

Benni placed the flower in Omega’s hands. “What is this?”

“Not sure,” Benni answered. “Some kind of land flower. I think they’re native to the island near us.”

It was so small and beautiful. Omega had always explored flowers that grow underwater, but this one was special since it grew on land. Its petals were so soft and delicate. Deep inside, she felt connected to this flower. As if it was meant for her. “I wish I could have seen the ship.”

“Still won’t let ya go anywhere near the surface, huh?”

“No,” she sighed, crossing her arms. “Mistress Se says it's forbidden and dangerous to go anywhere near the surface.”

“Mistress Se is right,” AZI jumped in. “Land dwellers are said to act very vicious towards sea creatures like us. Someone could spot you, and they could do the unthinkable.” AZI didn’t want to think about what land dwellers did with crabs. 

“Yeah, they can be true, but I don’t think all of them are like that. Alrighty, let’s see here.” Benni changed the conversation and scattered the artifacts Omega had brought, picking them up and feeling their textures. AZI crawled onto the desk around the artifacts. Benni gave them a gentle pat on the head. 

“Interesting.” Benni picked up the small silver artifact that resembled a trident, holding it between two fingers. 

Omega swam an inch closer, her curiosity focusing on the object. “What is it?” she asked with an intrigued tone.

Benni twirled the trident-like artifact. “Pretty sure it’s called a dinglehopper.”

“A dinglehopper.” Omega took the artifact from his hand, examining it more closely now that she knew its name. “What is it used for?”

“Sometimes in the marketplace, I’d see them using this to eat their food.” Benni was a mer-shifter, meaning that he had the ability to transform from a sea creature into a land dweller. Not many mer-people were born with that ability and some wished they had that capability. It was said that mer-shifters were a high-ranking species in the world of merfolk underwater in ancient times, though as the number of mer-shifters were declining, that all became a thing of the past. Benni was the only mer-shifter Omega had met. She dreamed of having his ability so she could turn into a land dweller and visit the surface like he could to collect items. But like many others, she was born a normal mermaid.

“What about this?” Omega carefully picked up the artifact she had used to fight off the aquabeast. She made sure to distance her fingers away from the trigger. 

Benni eyed the artifact, tilting his head. Omega continued, “I had found this, and I used it when the aquabeast was chasing me and AZI.”

“What do you mean you ‘used’ it?” Benni asked her. 

“A loud shot would come out from the artifact whenever Omega tried to get the beast to leave, and it did work,” AZI elaborated. 

Benni raised an eyebrow. Omega pointed to the trigger. “You pull that back with a finger and it makes something bright red come out of it-”

He pulled the trigger, a red shot striking the door. Omega and AZI jumped in surprise from the blaster shot. Benni didn’t quite expect that to happen. 

“Hmm, I’m not sure. Never seen it before,” he said. “But it could be called a blaster. You know, because it blasted the door.”

“Very funny,” Omega rolled her eyes. “What about this though? It has buttons like the ones in the labs, but it doesn't really look like anything the Kaminoans use.” She picked up the rectangular item from earlier with the buttons on it. 

Benni took it from her hands and looked at it closer, pressing the buttons. “Well, it’s not going to do anything underwater, so nothing like we have. But I think it’s something used for collecting and presenting data.”

Presenting data. Those words made Omega think. “The data….” She slapped a hand to the top of her head. “The presentation! A-zee, Mistress Se’s going to kill me!”

AZI just remembered what they were trying to tell the girl themselves. “I tried to remind you, Omega, but you wouldn’t listen.”

“I wonder if there’s anything stored in here,” said Benni, toying with the artifact. He hadn’t paid attention to what Omega had said as she began to pack up the artifacts back into her bag. 

“Sorry, I have to go. I’ll come by another time!” Omega strapped her bag on and scooped up AZI into one hand, the other holding her golden flower. “Thank you!” 

“Anytime!” Omega waved to Benni as she quickly swam her way out of the refinery. She hoped she wouldn’t get into too much trouble once she reached home. 

***

“Swim home fast, little one.”

Omega swam as fast as she could to get back home. AZI kept themselves in her hand and talked to her as they swam home. She was visible on a circular floating screen that had dark green magic swirling around its borders. A merman watched Omega with curious thoughts running through his mind. 

In an unknown sector of the ocean, multi-colored sea life glowed brightly around a large mass of black coral. Three mer-people lived inside surrounded by all of the unique creatures and plants far away from other merfolk and sea creatures who lived in the ocean. 

A mermaid with an orange top and tail with golden specks sprinkled around her tail like glitter watched Omega. Her dark brown ponytail floated in the water as she leaned forward to look closer at Omega. She yearned to meet her one day. 

With a swift hand movement, the magic screen disappeared into the water. The mermaid watched the merman swim away towards a shelf formed by coral that was filled with different vials of any shape and color. His sharp dark green tail moved back and forth, scales patterned across his collarbone and shoulders that were embroidered on his skin visible under the light. He tilted his head while inspecting a few vials, his black hair swaying to the side in the water. 

“Does Mistress Se really take good care of Omega?” the mermaid asked him. She lightly swung her tail back and forth, almost like a young land dweller who dangles and kicks their feet over water while sitting on a dock near the sea. 

“She is Nala Se’s prized creation,” the merman replied, keeping his eyes on the vials. “The Kaminoan would do anything to make sure that she is kept safe and far away from the truth.”

The mermaid couldn’t help but feel dispirited. She had known Nala Se for half of her childhood, and she only remembered continuous tests and days locked up in a room with some things to keep her mind busy. Never any close care or bother regarding what happened to her. All she was to the Kaminoan was another experiment to be used and thrown away.

The merman slightly itched his left arm, which was covered in multiple scars and a few very pale bruises. He averted his eyes to the mermaid, noticing the way she was getting lost in her thoughts.

“No one can ever be trusted. They threw you away, just like everyone did to me,” he said. 

He was the one who had picked her up after being ousted by the Kaminoan. The mermaid wasn’t needed anymore for any experiments, slated for termination. The merman had saved her life, and she had remained by his side since, treated more like a living being than an experiment. 

“Do you trust me?” the mermaid asked him. The merman raised an eyebrow, not responding to the question. 

“I want to keep a watch on Omega. If you think she could be helpful to what you seek, it’s good to know where she often goes and what else could be useful to take advantage of.”

The real truth was that she just wanted to see more of her little sister. 

“Emerie-”

“Please let me do this,” Emerie pleaded. 

“What exactly is a little girl going to do to help you?”

The voice of another mermaid sitting above them while working with some large vials entered the conversation, grabbing their attention. She turned to face the two who were below her, her silky purple tail swaying in the water. Her dark brown hair was kept in a tight bun to try and avoid messy hair, her front bangs and strands of hair often lifting up in the water. She continued, “Allow me to go with her if she’s going to go outside of this place. She can’t go alone. And I don’t quite like being kept on the sidelines when it comes to your plans.”

“Don’t be too ambitious, Dr. Scalder,” the merman told her. The mermaid simply kept a frown and tried not to roll her eyes, turning back to her work. 

The merman thought for a moment before turning back to Emerie. He was hesitant about it, but it could prove to be beneficial. “You may keep an eye on Omega, and Dr. Scalder will go with you.”

Emerie wasn't thrilled about someone tagging along with her, but she lit up a smile. “Thank you, Dr. Hemlock.”

Scalder swam down to join Emerie, swimming out of their hideout (though it was considered more of a base). Cries for help echoed nearby in the mix of screams and whines. Many mermen, identical in physical appearance, were kept behind prisons built of dark coral. While the mermaids swam past those prisons, the mermen watched them, freely swimming while they were kept confined to their cells. Many of the mermen scowled at the mermaids. 

Emerie looked at the helpless mermen and quickly moved her gaze away in seconds. She was one like them, despite being very different. She couldn’t do anything about them. 

The mermaids made it outside, the mermen’s voices growing lower as they swam away. The mermen began to grow silent in their cells. A small smirk tugged at Hemlock’s lips, having enjoyed the desperation of the mermen in his captivity. He snapped his fingers, the floating screen formed by his magic reappearing. 

Omega was almost home to her mistress. Now that’s a show he wanted to see. 

End Notes: Here's a guessing question, what is the rectangular item with buttons Omega collected? all right answers get a flower 🌼

taglist: @kurlyfrii @orion-tyche @magicandmundane @biancadiangelosghost @sntofbirbs @half-truths-and-hyperbole-louk @fritoley @omegafett99 @bossboudicca @amalthiaph @ahsokashawarma1138 @dragonrider9905 @luzfeather @ladywren7 (let me know if you want to be tagged for future chapters!)

[avocado-writing]

hi avo! would love to see azi, crowley and nightingale building a gingerbread house. 😆 Something so sweet and wholesome turns chaotic and stressful very quickly..

notes: oh absolutely. The universal gingerbread experience.

It started out with a kit, you think, dully. How did it end up like this?

A sweet idea both physically and sentimentally: Aziraphale came home with a gingerbread construction set. He thought it would be lovely, though you suspected he could have just sat down with the individual pieces and happily munched away. But the afternoon was free so the three of you got to work. 

The package indicated it would be made up as a darling little cottage with icing as snow and gumdrop decorations.

You glance up at what you have. 

It did not turn out like that. 

“No my dear, you have to beat the egg whites gently,”

Aziraphale says, voice on the wrong side of snippy, attempting to wrestle the bowl out of Crowley’s arms. 

“I’ll beat something in a minute,” the demon mutters, somehow getting the mixture all over Aziraphale’s waistcoat despite the apron he’s donned. The angel huffs and goes to bite back when you interrupt -

“Oh god help it’s falling—!”

They both rush over to try and steady the foundations of what you already have but it’s no use. The icing crumbles away and the gingerbread tumbles, your already pathetic creation crumbling into nothing but a pile of crumbs. 

Four hours. Somehow, you’ve been at this for four hours. You are losing your grip on your sanity. 

“Oh, sod this,” Crowley mutters, clicks his fingers, and the gingerbread is miracled into completion. It looks lovely: sugar icicles and a peppermint path. The isomalt windows sparkle as if there’s a fire inside. 

“Oh! How gorgeous,” you say, smiling. 

“Really, Crowley. I thought we were doing things the old fashioned way.”

“The old fashioned way can be stuck where the sun doesn’t shine. There, it’s done.”

“It almost seems too nice to eat,” you begin, but then Crowley shoves a rolling pin into your hands. 

“No. None of that. Destroy it, eat it, and let this be over with.”

“Where’s your Christmas spirit, Crowley?”

“Here,” he says, and brandishes a bottle of Baileys at you both. 

You and Aziraphale exchange a glance and agree silently: you can’t argue with that. 

An hour later the remnants of the gingerbread house sparkle in the kitchen while you all get pissed in the front room. It’s decidedly a much better use of your time.