#but i still love that your music powers were so easy to see and understand

[a-dauntless-daffodil]

the indelible mark left on me by that one flute playing foul mouthed girl kid demon puppeteering horned super mode ninja from naruto who got killed by a lady with a giant fan but not before she made a guy hallucinate his arms were melting like wax

get toot toot'ed idiot

unbelievable. trained cursed murder child can't even go full music demon mode without getting attacked by shadows. time to trap someone in hell for a sec

she just wanted to feed your life energy to the horrible worm mouth babies spawning from her demon buddies

re-alive my girl she did all the crimes and you should let her do more

[leighsartworks216]

The Best Medicine

Zayne x gn!Reader

It's almost 1am. I think working on these fics is just gonna keep getting later and later until it circles back around to a reasonable time. Not proofread even a little bit.

Not explicitly mentioned, but this is a fic dealing with chronic pain, based around my own chronic joint pain, which flared up multiple times while working on this. Zayne would be so upset with me lol

Warnings: chronic pain, descriptions of pain, kissing, fluff

Word Count: 1,576

Main Masterlist

Love and Deepspace Masterlist

AO3

You listen silently as the front door opens and closes with a click. The jangle of keys as they’re neatly hung up on the nearby wall hooks. The rustle of fabric as he takes off his coat.

Dress shoes are replaced with slippers that pad softly through the house to the bedroom. You’re already looking at the door when he pokes his head in.

“Have you eaten anything today?” Zayne asks as he comes to your side. He sits down slowly on the edge of the bed, being careful not to touch you. He’s got that familiar frown on his face, the one he gets when he’s concerned about your health. It warms your heart.

“Not much,” you admit. “Just a couple snacks. I couldn’t stand for long today.”

He hums in understanding. To his mind, the worst kind of patient was one that could not be so easily treated. As if your heart didn’t weigh heavily enough on his mind…

You suppress a wince as you slip a hand out of the blanket to touch his cheek. He holds it lightly for a moment, before setting it back to rest on the bed. “You don’t have to have that look on your face, you know. We’re not in the hospital right now.”

“I always worry for your health, regardless of where we are.” With the threshold of touch crossed, he doesn’t hesitate for long before brushing your hair out of your face. His fingers are cool to the touch as they skim your forehead, tucking longer strands behind your ear. “Have you taken anything for the pain yet?”

You look down at his tie, loosened around his neck. He sighs.

“And you don’t want me to worry, even though you have a relentless habit of ignoring your health?”

“I thought…” You sigh. You know it sounds stupid; it always does. There’s no logic behind it. “I thought I could power through it this time. It wasn’t so bad this morning.”

He sighs, but the exasperation drifts on an undercurrent of fondness. “It may not have been as bad right now if you’d taken your medication sooner.”

He gets up from the bed and goes into the bathroom. You can see his reflection in the mirror from this angle, until he opens it in search of medicine for you to take. It reflects your pitiful state for a time. Reduced to rotting away in bed all day, barely able to move without risking pain. On days like these, days when your body betrayed you, dangling your success at becoming a Hunter and fighting Wanderers right before your eyes, just out of reach, it was easy to lose yourself to the cruelty of your mind. It always found its way back to the forefront of your thoughts, whether you listened to music, watched a show or movie, or risked moving to scroll through messages.

The mirror cabinet shut, reflecting once more the calm face of your partner, and it felt easier to remember that one bad day did not undo the progress of a lifelong dream.

He returned with a small pill bottle in hand, none the wiser to your plight. Setting the bottle on the nightstand, he worked with you to slowly, as carefully as possible, help you sit up. You purposefully leaned forward to rest against him, but he didn’t push you away, despite the inconvenience. He did his best not to jostle you, listening for any noise of discomfort, as he retrieved the bottle and poured two pills into his hand. When you open your mouth for them, he chuckles, and deposits them onto your tongue.

The cup on your nightstand had been placed there this morning by your darling doctor. It’s still almost full when he picks it up and brings it to your lips. “You were supposed to drink all of this,” he lightly scolds.

Speaking through the pills in your mouth, you tease, “I was rationing.”

He doesn’t speak while he helps you drink. One hand rests at the back of your neck, supporting your head as it tips back. The other slowly tilts the cup, until you tap his knee to know you have enough water to take the pills. His thumb strokes the base of your skull as you focus on swallowing, prepared to assist if you can’t get them down in one try.

As soon as you’re done, he dryly retorts, “Rationing for how long? At that rate, you could make this one cup last a month.”

Your snicker puts him at ease.

He sets the glass down as he speaks. “You should try to get some rest. I’ll make dinner, and wake you when it’s finished.”

“Wait!” You grab his wrist when he starts laying you back down. The movement sends bolts of electricity up your arm. It feels like someone has tangled wires within the marrow of your bones and hooked each end up to a car battery. You let go immediately, but the aftershocks continue to linger.

“Relax,” he soothes. He rests you back against him. “Just breathe. It’ll pass soon.”

You press your nose to his collar as you do as he says. The first breaths come out as a hiss between clenched teeth, shaky and shallow. Like a struck cymbal, the pain gradually recedes until where once was a stabbing sting, there’s only a dull ache. Your breaths even out just the same, working to become deeper and more stable. You don’t have to look to know Zayne would have that sad, sympathetic look on his face, unable to do more than hold you and wait.

“That,” you manage a strained laugh, lacking mirth, “wasn’t my best move.”

Zayne makes a sound of agreement, but holds back from chastising you for it. You’d certainly learned your lesson already.

“I was going to say, let me stay on the couch while you cook.” You lift your head to look at him, smiling. “I haven’t seen you since this morning. I had all day to rest, I’d rather spend time near you.”

He frowned. “You barely moved a second ago and were in excruciating pain. How do you expect to make it as far as the door, let alone the couch, without exacerbating things?”

“Easy! You carry me to the couch.”

“As if that’s much better.”

“Please.” Your smile falls to a pleading earnestness, eyes wide and brow furrowed. “I just want to spend time with you.”

He stares at you for a moment, contemplating. There’s frustration in his voice now. “Either I carry you and risk your pain flaring up, or I don’t and you stubbornly make the trip yourself while my back is turned. Do you always have to tie my hands when it comes to your health?”

“Do you really want an answer to that?”

“No, I already know what you’d say.” He sighs, but relents. “Slowly. I don’t want to make things worse.”

It takes several minutes and a lot of careful maneuvering until you were in his arms, being carried like rescued royalty and not like a chronically in-pain partner who just pestered their doctor boyfriend to bring them to the couch. There were some twinges here and there, mainly in your knees and arms, from the way he carried you and the way you held on, but it was only a few degrees worse than baseline, nothing like the pain from before.

He moves steadily, focusing intently on where he’s going and not hurting you. Before long, you’re laying on the couch, covered in a soft knitted blanket and beaming up at the man before you. He tries not to appear flustered by the attention.

“I’ll get you some more water. Do you need anything else?”

“Just one more thing.”

“What is it?”

Your whole body seems to light up with mischief. “A kiss.”

He smiles as he leans down, supporting himself against the arm and back of the couch. You instinctively close your eyes. And open them a second later to glare at him when he just kisses your forehead. The disgruntled noise you make makes him laugh.

“On the lips, doctor,” you tease. “It’s much more potent that way.”

“Really?” He chuckles, breath fanning your face from the proximity. “Did you read that on the internet?”

You roll your eyes. “This is basic medical knowledge! Everyone knows the healing properties of a good kiss.”

“Then I suppose I should ensure my patient makes a speedy recovery.”

You’re still grinning like a fool when he presses a kiss to your lips, and delighted when he doesn’t pull away immediately. Instead, he takes his sweet time, slowly working to part your lips with his own. He tilts his head, nose brushing your cheek, to indulge in you like the sweet candy he handed out after your check ups. It could have been minutes or hours, when he eventually pulls away. The breath he takes in makes your heart skip several beats. You lean up, hoping to catch it, but come up woefully empty.

You open your eyes, and he’s grinning down at you, a bit smug at seeing the effect he has on you.

“What would you like for dinner?” he asks at a near whisper, voice soft and ever so slightly raspy, full of love. You have to take a second to remember what food tastes like, when all you can think of is how sweet he is.

[oikawaweon]

fragile ft. fushiguro megumi

pairing: f.megumi x female reader genre: angst/fluff word count: 6,1k synopsis: in a slow, fragile basis of the beginning of your relationship, life with megumi has been nothing but ordinary. and in between drunken confessions, he finds out how you feel destined to be an afterthought, and how much he loves you pains him to see you like that. warnings: college!au, mentions of cheating and self-deprecation, drinking. angst with a tiny bit of comfort. might be ooc idk idc.

if you had to describe your current status with megumi in one word, you'd probably have an internal battle about how to define it.

you wouldn't call it weak because even if you had been officially together for nearly four months now, the way your bond and mutual understanding were getting dangerously stronger every day, you swore you could've trusted your life on megumi the moment you crossed paths with him. it was eager and hot-blooded, and you were unsure about what would be next, but you sure wanted it to be with him and him only.

you also wouldn't exactly call it delicate because the intensity of whatever process you two were crossing now—hands intertwined, still learning about each other—made it a sweet type of harsh and a soft type of powerful, just like the desire to get to know him even more and melt into him.

and if it really had to be one word only, you'd stick with fragile. fragile, because you were still visited by ghosts of past wounds and you knew it was the same for megumi. fragile, because you knew well he had his own trammels and issues, and while you loved that part of him as well, what if love wasn't enough for him to let you in? fragile, because a part of you still found it impossible to believe he could actually fall for you the way he swore he had.

you were at your apartment bathroom, putting on your makeup and finishing the last touches, checking up if anything was missing. suddenly, the little visit that came over a couple of hours ago before you'd go out with your friends knocked briefly on the open door to poke his head inside.

"i was thinking, and maybe... i thought i'd like to accompany you this time". megumi peeped at himself in the bathroom mirror, adjusting a stray of his hair to keep it in place. he was dressed up and hair combed, looking all pretty for you.

you turned your head to look directly at him with undeniable joy and surprise. "there's no way".

"seriously. i'm dead serious". he stared right at you, appreciating your look with amused eyes. you took a step closer to analyze his expression and confirm this was indeed, not a joke.

"who are you and what have you done with my boyfriend"

"but it's me!", he responded with an offended chuckle. "unless you don't want me to go with you, which i'd understand-"

"for god's sake megumi, i'm literally so happy right now you wouldn't understand!", you chanted before jumping into his embrace and smelling his perfume.

he sappily smiled from ear to ear with his eyes shuttled, internally awarding himself for making you happy. oh, how he loved seeing you like that.

now it was a lively evening, filled with laughter, chatter, and the faint buzz of music pulsing through the bar's walls. megumi hadn’t been one to attend many of your mutual friends’ meetings, but tonight, it was almost as if he felt the urge to be part of the crowd, if only for your sake. he knew you'd usually thrive in social situations, smile lighting up the room, and easy laughter filling every empty space with a warmth that seemed to draw people in. and since he, for once in his life, decided to go out with you by his side, tonight you were in your element considering it'd probably wouldn't happen again anytime soon.

by the time the middle of the night was reached, you were starting to get visibly tipsy, your cheeks flushed from the alcohol, and your movements just a little looser and carefree. your partner stayed by your side, engaging in conversation occasionally and offering a sense of security through the place with magnetic energy, keeping you in his orbit. he had poured himself a single drink earlier in the evening—just enough to take the edge off the social setting, but nothing that would leave him out of control. the truth was, tonight he preferred to keep his mind sharp and stay observant, especially at a gathering like this. a part of him knew he had to take care of you, and the other one simply wanted to remember this night out with detail. he held a glass in his hand, nursing it while watching over you, with a drunk itadori blabber-mouthing into his ear. he didn't need more than this.

however, as the night went on, megumi found himself a little on edge. you'd already laughed so hard at some brain-rotted thing toge was talking about, nearly dropping off your glass on the table, only to grab your boyfriend's arm dramatically like he was your lifeline.

“megumiii”, you whispered as loud as you could. “did you hear that one? i think it was the funniest shit ever. i mean, ever.”

“you’re at your limit” he muttered back with a concerned, but amused tone. you scrunched your nose and shook your head with a pout, not paying much attention to what he was saying.

“i’m fine,” you insisted, holding up a finger and pushing it into your chest with such determination that you swore he almost believed it (he clearly didn't). “totally…totally fine”.

he chuckled at your motions, and eventually, sensing you might need a break, your boyfriend gently nudged you and spoke to your ear.

“you know... i'm done with the chill guy jokes now. how about some fresh air?”

you stared at him for a second. "you're seriously so boring", you said with a delighted tone before standing up and grabbing his arm to pull him into you and bring him to the stairs at the corner of the bar.

you waved back at the table with a muttered "we'll be right back", and once you reached the stairs, step by step, he pulled a hand to put a firm hold on your waist to prevent you from falling down, his lips wandering all over your arm giving little pecks wherever he could reach.

once on the second floor of the building, the terrace welcomed both of you with the cool night air, a reprieve from the warmth of the salon downstairs. you clung to megumi's arm, looking up at him with a sparkling, slightly hazy look, one he was starting to recognize as a tipsy declaration of love waiting to happen. you leaned against him, letting out a small, content sigh as he gazed at the streetlights and the stars above.

your eyes wandered for a while before finding a nice spot to spend the time: a balcony, away from the noise and chaos inside. you leaned your elbows on the railing, and while you were gazing out at the city lights, megumi looked at the way the wind tousled your hair, the faint smile on your lips as you swayed a little, and even seemed to notice your distant expression, guessing that you might have started to dissociate and were somewhere far away. he stood beside you, leaning slightly closer and letting the quiet of the night settle around him.

you began talking, idly at first. it didn't matter that much anyway, it wasn't like you would remember any of it tomorrow morning. you rambled about something silly you'd seen earlier that day, making him laugh, and then he would add something he remembered at the moment. both of your words were flowing like a stream with no filter, voices soft and warm.

you stood close together on the balcony, leaning against each other as you looked out at the skyline, your cheeks flushed from the drinks you’d had earlier. the night air was cool, the city below sprawling out like a carpet of lights. you two were alone now, away from the noise, and he found himself drawn into the conversation that had become strangely vulnerable, more layered than he’d expected.

somewhere in the middle of your ramblings, your voice dropped to a softer, almost reflective tone. you laughed, a hint of bitterness coloring the edges, and your gaze drifted down to your hands, fidgeting with a handmade bracelet you paired with megumi during one of your first dates.

"you look like you're thinking too much about something", he uttered while taking off his black leather jacket and gently covering your shoulders, sensing that the temperature was quite lower outside.

you jumped as you fell off of the trance you were in and gave him a tsk. "oh it's nothing".

"if you say it's nothing then it's something that's concerning you. we can talk". he was observing too much and that was making you nervous.

you paused a little before clearing up your throat. was it a good idea to talk about it? was it necessary? really necessary? and then, the drunken eagerness hit you. fuck it.

"do you think that... we're heading into a good pathway?

he took a while to try and formulate a proper answer, wanting as much clarity as possible to avoid triggering a tipsy you. "if you talk about us, about our relationship... i think we are heading into a good pathway. why?"

"sometimes i'm scared this might not work out no matter what"

"what do you mean?", he answered with a concerned look.

“not trying to yapp, but i'm not sure if i've ever told you this, yet…” you began, your voice slurring just slightly as you played again with the charm on your wrist, “sometimes i can't stop thinking about how i got fucking cheated on. it wasn’t a big deal, though,” you shrugged casually as if discussing something as trivial as a forgotten text message. sensing his disquiet look, you kept talking in an attempt to erase the tension. “stuff like that just happens, y'know? at least when you're not much to stick around for.”

your words fell into the silence, each one landing heavily, cutting through the quiet in a way that made megumi realize how his chest was now aching. it was the way you’d spoken so casually, so matter-of-factly, as if it were a universal truth you'd come to accept. although drunk, the way you didn’t even flinch as you spoke, your expression still relaxed, but there was an undercurrent of sadness in your words, something so deeply ingrained that you probably weren’t even aware of it.

“honestly,” you swore you tried to stop yourself from speaking, but there was this odd feeling of needing to spit it out under the excuse of intoxication, your voice low and soft as you now ran your fingers along the metal of the railing. “i should've seen it coming with him. he was… well, he wasn’t perfect, but he was my first boyfriend.” you let out a soft laugh, the kind that didn’t quite match your eyes. “i think i always knew he didn’t really want to be with me, at least not in the way i wanted him to.”

megumi tensed, his grip tightening slightly around the rail of the balcony. he’d never really heard you talk about this, about anyone before him, and he felt a pang of something unfamiliar—a mixture of protectiveness and a strange, almost possessive ache. he kept watching you, trying to read between the lines of the sadness beneath your casual tone, the hints of self-deprecation you tried so hard to hide behind some silly narrative.

you noticed the change in his expression and felt immediately guilty for ruining the vibes of the moment. "i'm sorry for-"

"you don't have to say sorry. you can... keep talking if you... feel safe".

the relaxation slowly filled your body as you freed your thoughts. “he was always looking somewhere else, y'know? it’s funny…” you trailed off before chuckling again after the realization hit, feeling it all absurd now. “i think he only dated me because he couldn’t have the girl he actually wanted.” you shrugged, your expression oddly resigned. “and i was fine with that. i mean, who was i to think i’d be someone’s first choice? so stupidly in love and available”.

megumi felt his heart clench again. he wanted to reach out, to shake you from this idea that you weren't enough, that you somehow deserved less because of who you were. he knew you somehow struggled with self-perception, but he hadn’t realized just how deep it went. and it hurt him to think that, somewhere along the way, you’d convinced yourself that you were unworthy of loyalty, that betrayal was something you simply had to accept.

“y/n…” he began softly, his voice barely audible over the hum of the city below them. he wanted to say something, anything that would shake you out of the spiral, to let his girl see herself the way he did. “you’re not—” he hesitated, unsure if his words could even reach you, especially with the tipsy haze softening the edges of your pain.

however, you didn’t seem to notice the interruption, your voice growing a little distant as you continued, your gaze fixed on some point in the distance. “i always knew, deep down. there was this... odd gut feeling all the time when he’d tell me not to worry, that i was enough… but you know, people can’t help what they feel.” you let out a small sigh, shaking your head as if amused by your own naivety. “i was always the backup plan, and that’s fine. i got used to it. people settle sometimes. but it didn't feel right. and now i feel it so right with you that it scares me to even think of it happening again”.

to hear his precious girlfriend saying those things about herself, so casually and yet so cuttingly, felt like a punch to his gut. megumi could feel his frustration building, not at you, but at the way you dismissed yourself as if you were something disposable, something that could be set aside. his mind raced with memories of your laughter, your intelligence, your cockiness, the way you lit up a room with your energy. how could you not see what he saw? how could you believe you were anything less than fucking exceptional?

he leaned in slightly, his hand reaching out to gently turn your face towards him, his gaze intense, searching his loved one's eyes for something—anything—that might indicate she understood how deeply he cared for her, how much he wished she could see her own worth. “i need you to understand that you weren’t a backup plan to him, and you’re definitely not one to me,” he said, his voice firm but soft, every word laced with sincerity. “i don’t know why he couldn’t see what he had… but i do. i do see you, y/n.”

you looked at him, your gaze softening slightly, and for a moment, he thought he’d gotten through to you. but then, you shrugged with that same dismissive smile tugging at your lips as if you couldn’t quite believe him. “thanks, gumi. but… it’s fine, really. it’s not a big deal. i’m over it, and i'm just drunk. you probably shouldn't take me seriously” you said, your voice light, brushing off his words as if they were just platitudes.

he frowned, feeling a growing frustration—not at you, but at this wall you’d built around yourself, this barrier that kept you from accepting the love he was trying to offer. “you shouldn’t talk about yourself like that,” he said, his voice was firmer now, a touch of impatience slipping through. “you don’t have to dismiss yourself. you don’t have to make yourself small just because someone else didn’t appreciate you.”

you blinked, taken aback by his tone, and for a moment, your guard slipped. but then again, you chuckled, brushing off his words with a playful smile, as if trying to lighten the mood. “megumi, you’re too serious sometimes,” you teased, reaching up to ruffle his dark hair, your expression warm but carrying a hint of something deeper, a sadness you still couldn’t quite shake away.

megumi looked back at you, his hand instinctively tightening around yours, and his voice came out low, steady, holding a softness that he rarely showed up until now. “i… actually thought you were funny the first time i saw you,” he murmured, his words tentative, as if hoping they might somehow shift your perspective, if only by a fraction. “and pretty, too,” he added, his eyes steady on you, willing for you to hear him. "really pretty".

you stood there, your gaze drifting up to meet his, and for a moment, you seemed to register the sincerity in his voice. but your smile wavered as if you couldn’t believe him. “you're tripping,” she laughed, waving it off, your voice light but carrying a trace of disbelief, as if his words were something foreign you couldn’t quite grasp.

“no no, i mean it,” he replied, his tone confident and his blue eyes unwavering. he took a small step closer, his hand reaching up to gently tuck a strand of hair behind your ear, his fingers lingering there, brushing against your cheek. “i thought you were amazing from the start. and i still do.. and i probably ever will. there's so much more i still haven't discovered 'bout you, and it makes me wanna study you for the rest of my life”.

for a brief second, something flickered in your eyes—a vulnerability, maybe? a glimpse of the girl beneath the layers of defense you'd built. you looked at him, really looked at him, searching his face as if trying to find the truth in his words. nonetheless, as quickly as it appeared, the vulnerability faded, and you plastered on a smile, your walls snapping back up.

“thanks, gumi,” you said before leaning in to kiss his cheek, your tone light, almost playful, trying your drunken best to deflect the seriousness of the moment. “but really, it’s fine. i’m over it, i swear” you gave a small shrug, your voice tinged with a forced nonchalance that made his heart ache even more.

he let you laugh and deflect, but his mind was racing since he could understand the baggage you were trying so hard to release. all those scars left by past betrayals and insecurities hurt him more than he could ever put into words, especially because he came too late to prevent you from experiencing it. knowing that you weren't ready to confront those feelings, he didn’t push you any further, less in this state. instead, he simply stayed by your side, letting his presence speak for him, hoping that, over time, you’d begin to believe him. it really frustrated him, the way you downplayed your own worth, the way you brushed off your concerns as if they were something you simply had to endure. he knew you were stronger than you realized and also that you carried so much more beauty and light than you could ever see in yourself.

you stayed on the balcony a while longer, and though your expression remained casual, he could see the faintest hint of something deeper beneath your face, a shadow of the hurt you tried so hard to bury. he didn’t want to pry, didn’t want to push you beyond what you were willing to share, and decided to wait for you, so as you stood there, side by side, he silently vowed to show you, in every way he could, that you were worth more than the broken pieces you’d been led to believe you were.

when you finally made your way back inside, you sobered up, and your head rested on his shoulder as you walked. megumi wrapped an arm around you, holding you close as if to shield you from the doubts you carried. and though you might not remember much of your conversation come morning, he hoped that, on some level, you’d feel the weight of his words, that you would begin to see yourself through his eyes, if only just a little.

at that moment, megumi made a mental note to himself to keep reminding you of your worth and the love he held for you through every small gesture, every silent reassurance until the day he died. because even if he struggled to be expressive, you were worth every effort, every unspoken word, and every moment spent in quiet understanding.

the atmosphere shifted after your quiet conversation on the balcony, but your laughter was quick to fill the silence, your spirits as buoyant as ever as you headed back into the warm hum of the party. inside, the music now thumped louder, people clustered in lively groups, and the smell of smoke and drinks mingled in the air. once you saw the group again, you practically bounced back into the party with them, your arm linked with megumi's as you steered him toward with a radiant smile. you were joyfully unrestrained and had totally forgotten about what had you so petty a while ago, ringing out above the music as if your earlier words had been nothing more than a passing breeze.

megumi, however, found himself seeing you in a different mood, the weight of your confessions lingering at the back of his mind. he watched you as you laughed with your friends, your movements fluid yet slightly unsteady, your smile big and genuine. but he couldn’t shake the feeling in his chest; your words haunted him, your offhanded comments that told him more than you realized. you swayed closer to him now and then, your hand brushing his, and every time you looked up at him with that carefree grin, he felt the urge to lock you in a glass box and shield you from everything that had ever made you feel so small.

you suddenly grabbed his hand, pulling him towards the dance floor with a mischievous glint in your eyes. "come on! just one dance, please!" you pleaded, pouting just enough to make him sigh but follow willingly. it would be just for once, right? and how could he ignore his pretty girlfriend's contagious enthusiasm, her laughter spilling over as she twirled him around, not caring who was watching or how out of sync their movements were? megumi went along with you, a half-smile tugging at his lips as you spun and swayed, your arms stretching out wide like you were trying to embrace the whole world.

but beneath it all, he could see the vulnerability in you—how your laughter was a bit too loud, your smiles a bit too wide. every so often, your gaze would drift, your eyes unfocused for a fleeting second, and he knew you were miles away, lost in thoughts that were far from joyful. then, with a blink, you’d snap back, finding him again in the crowd, lighting up as if he were your anchor.

as the night wore on, both of your energies began to wane, your steps becoming even more unsteady, your phrases turning softer and a little slurred. megumi noticed the faint flush on your cheeks, the way you leaned into him more heavily with each passing moment, your body resting briefly on his as you cackled at something he didn’t quite catch.

“alright, i think we’ve had enough for one night,” he murmured gently, his voice barely audible over the music, though his words were more for himself than for you. after saying your goodbyes with everyone before they took their way home, he guided you towards the exit with one arm around your waist, trying his best to ignore the knowing glances from a few of your friends as they watched him support you. he could almost hear the teasing they’d throw at him the next day, but he didn’t care; all he wanted was to get you somewhere safe and quiet.

outside, the cool night air hit you, and you let out a content sigh, leaning your head against his shoulder with a soft smile. “you’re a good boyfriend, y’know that?” you murmured, your voice sleepy and muffled as you nuzzled closer to him. you giggled, clearly a little too tipsy and tired to remember half the things you’d said tonight, including your own heart-wrenching confessions. but you were blissfully unaware, your smile soft and genuine as you looked up at your boyfriend with half-lidded eyes.

megumi's heart twisted, and he gave a content sigh, gently brushing a loose strand of hair from your face. “yeah? and you’re a good girlfriend”, he replied softly, his voice barely more than a whisper. he wanted to say more, wanted to tell you that he saw everything you tried to hide, but also that you didn’t need to pretend with him. he ended up holding back, not wanting to burden you in this moment.

as you walked, you swayed slightly, humming a tune under your breath, your head lolling from side to side. you rambled on about the night, recounting funny moments and half-remembered jokes, your words slurring just enough that he had to focus to keep up. but he listened to your every word, nodding and laughing with you in all the right places, his arm steady around you as he guided you along the sidewalk.

when you reached his car, you fumbled with the door handle, giggling as you struggled to open it until he gently nudged your hand away and opened it for you. you collapsed into the passenger seat with a satisfied exhale, stretching your arms above your head as you settled in, you eyes already beginning to droop. he watched you for a moment, taking in the soft, peaceful expression on your face, and he felt that same protective instinct rises within him, fierce and unrelenting.

sliding into the driver’s seat, he glanced over at you, his fingers tapping lightly on the steering wheel. you were half-asleep now, your head resting against the window, and he couldn’t help but reach out, giving you a slight peck on the top of your head. you stirred at his touch, blinking up at him with a drowsy smile.

“y'know, gumi,” you murmured, your words barely a whisper, “i’m really happy with you… like, really, really happy.”

his heart clenched, and genuinely smiled, his voice soft as he replied, “i’m happy with you too, y/n.” he wanted to say so much more, to tell you how deeply he cared, how much your words had affected him tonight, but since you wouldn’t remember it in the morning, he stayed shut and appreciated the moment.

as he drove, the city lights blurred past the car, and he glanced over at you now and then, his system relaxing as he saw you taking a little nap on the seat next to him. the way you had such an important conversation, how you two danced right after, and how you were peacefully asleep in his car, letting him drive you home late at night—it made him think. he realized that there was so much you probably kept hidden, so many feelings and thoughts you carried beneath your exterior, and he felt an overwhelming need to protect you from all the bad things in the world.

when they finally reached your apartment, he helped you out of the car, guiding you up the steps as you leaned heavily against him, your little sounds soft and sleepy. you fumbled for your keys, dropping them once before he gently took them from your hand, unlocking the door and leading you inside. you stumbled over to the couch, flopping down with a content sigh, almost falling asleep right again.

megumi knelt beside you, brushing a gentle hand over your cheek. “get some sleep, okay?” he murmured, his voice soft. and after noticing you weren't even considering going to your room, too worn out to move, he picked you up over his shoulder to take you to your bed. he carefully cleaned your makeup from your face, took off your clothes, and put on your pajamas before tucking you under the sheets.

as he watched you drift off, your breathing slow and even, he determined to stay by your side and help you in any way he could. he had no idea of how he would do it but was pretty sure he couldn’t just stand by and watch you suffer in silence. he had to be there, every step of the way, until you realized he was as serious as you to commit, no matter what it took. because you were totally worth it and you made him feel more than anyone had ever done before. he’d show you that you were his first choice, now and always.

megumi wasn’t planning to stay, but as he knelt beside you to give you a last goodnight kiss, your eyes fluttered open, just barely, and you reached out with a sleepy murmur. “stay, please?” you wish was soft, almost pleading, and even though he wasn’t sure at first, he just couldn’t say no to you.

a faint smile tugged at his lips as he nodded, whispering, “alright, i’ll stay for my pretty baby.” you sighed with relief, closing your eyes as you felt him settling into the bed, curling up like it was the most natural thing in the world to have him beside you. after making sure you were comfortable, he lied beside you, leaning back and watching as your breathing slowed again, your face in complete relaxation. a part of him considered moving to the armchair across your bedroom to give you space, but then you shifted, your hand reaching out instinctively to find his, your fingers brushing against his arm as you pulled him to hug you, like seeking the reassurance of his presence even in sleep. you both held a mutual grip that was soft but unmistakable, and it was almost as if you telepathically shared in your dreams how comforted you were by the closeness between each other. you murmured something incoherent in your sleep, a soft smile gracing your lips as you shifted even closer. he felt a wave of tenderness wash over him, sensing you like this, so vulnerable and peaceful. the noise and the lights of the party, the weight of everything—all of it felt like a distant memory in this quiet, cozy moment.

megumi stayed awake a while longer, simply watching over you as you slept. he couldn’t shake the feeling of knowing that you held such a distorted view of yourself. he still couldn't stop thinking about that. your casual words from earlier echoed in his mind. but truly, you were everything to him, and after all, genuine—he hated that someone had made you feel less than worthy.

eventually, the warmth and quiet pulled him under, and he found himself drifting off, his hand still resting near yours, your fingers just barely brushing against each other as he fell asleep cuddling you.

the morning sun filtered softly through the window, casting a gentle glow across the room. you stirred first, blinking groggily as you adjusted to the brightness, your head throbbing slightly from the previous night’s drinks. you closed your eyes for a moment, recalling bits and pieces of the party—the music, the laughter, megumi’s comforting presence… and then something more, a memory at the edge of your mind that felt both familiar and hazy. your face flushed as you remembered small fragments, wondering if you’d said anything embarrassing.

that's when you felt it—an arm resting near yours, warm and solid. you opened her eyes slowly again, your gaze falling on megumi beside you, still fast asleep. his face was relaxed, his usual guarded expression softened by sleep, and you couldn’t help but smile, watching him for a moment in the quiet. it was rare to see him like this, peaceful and ethereal, and a part of you felt grateful that he’d stayed for the night.

but then a pang of anxiety surfaced. did I say something? you wondered, bits of the night coming back in flashes. you remembered his face when you guys talked on the balcony, how he’d looked at you with an intensity you hadn’t quite understood in the moment. had you let something slip? had you told him about… that?

you bit her lip, cheeks warming with embarrassment, but before you could dwell too much, you felt him shift beside you, his eyes fluttering open. he looked at you, a bit groggy but immediately alert, his gaze softening when he saw you were already awake.

“morning,” he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.

“morning,” you replied, your voice a bit softer than usual, still unsure if he remembered everything.

he sat up slowly, rubbing the back of his neck as he adjusted to being awake. “how are you feeling?” he asked, his tone gentle but perceptive as he tapped your forehead with his finger, like he was searching for something that would tell him about your state.

“im… not too bad, actually” you replied, managing a small smile. you looked away, your fingers absentmindedly picking at the fabric of the sheets, still trying to piece together the foggy memories from the night before.

your boyfriend watched you, noticing the way you seemed lost in thought, and he couldn’t help but reach out, his hand resting gently on your shoulder. “baby…” he began, his voice soft but firm, “about last night…”

you tensed slightly, your gaze darting up to meet his. “oh god, did i… did i say something embarrassing, right?” you laughed nervously, brushing it off with a wave, while you couldn't look at him in the eyes from how your heart pounded as you waited for his response.

he paused, studying your face for a moment. “not embarrassing,” he said slowly, choosing his words carefully. “but… you did say something that i don’t think you’d want me to just brush off.”

your smile faltered, and you glanced down, biting her lip. “megumi, i—” your started, but he interrupted you gently, his hand still resting on your shoulder.

“you don’t have to explain anything now,” he said softly. “it's just that… i need you to know that you don’t have to feel like that. whatever happened in the past, it doesn’t change the way i see you now and it's nothing like what we have at this moment”.

your eyes softened, your heart aching as you looked at him, realizing just how much he cared, even if you hadn’t meant for him to know everything. you wanted to laugh it off, to make light of it like you usually did, but something about his gaze told you that he wouldn’t let you deflect this time.

“thank you,” you murmured, your voice barely a whisper as you met his eyes. you felt your throat tighten, the weight of your past bubbling up as you tried to push it back, but his gaze anchored you, reminding you that you weren't alone in this. "thank you for being mine..."

he reached for your hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “thank you for being mine. i’ll be here whenever you’re ready to talk, okay? no pressure.”

you managed a small smile, squeezing his hand back. “i… i appreciate that, gumi,” you responded, wavering slightly. and for this time, you allowed yourself to believe it—believe that maybe, just maybe, you were worth the kindness the world offered. that you deserved the caring and love megumi gave you.

it was all still fragile— the slow building trust between you, the comfort of his presence, the trust you had on yourself as a partner. fragile. but so it was now the fear of being replaced, because as you sat there in silence, your hand still in his, the weight of every bad memory suddenly felt a little lighter, held together by the understanding and sweet amenity between the quiet morning and who you were now sure, was the love of your life.

a/n: okkk this will be long!! first able, i need to apologize for announcing an angstober only for me to didn't even start it 😭😭 i was really excited for that project but a month ago i suddenly became a functional member of society bc i got called for this student federation team at my uni, got into this research project of bioinformatics and even got called to expose for a congress about some drawings i did to communicate science?? with literal professionals?? as a stem girlie i'm like HONORED but as an individual i'm honestly so tired and i'm so sorry for that... however, i still wanna take care of all the 31 drafts i have on this app so i'll be posting them but i assure you this WILL take long lmao. i post this as a little gift and because i reaaaally wanted to show it off soon. hope you let me know your thoughts on the comments. thank you for all the new people here (and the ones who stayed for a whole month), and i hope you enjoy this as much as i do! xx

[neverwalka1one]

I got to see Wicked last night, and whoo boy I have thoughts. Cut for spoilers, you've been warned.

I'm looking forward to seeing the 'Good News' song at the end of the second movie - Glinda already looked conflicted about the Giant Elphie Effigy (good lord those munchkins work fast)

Also, I thought the movie highlighted better that those in Munchkinland knew Elphaba her whole life, and this is still how hard they bought in to the propaganda.

The little hint that Glinda's bubble is all mechanics. Chef's kiss.

Glinda's bubble has a Designated Landing Place. Just. Consider all that implies, with Glinda having been until very recently the Wizard's goodwill ambassador.

'Take it away' will never not be heartbreaking. Also, of course Elphaba is going to grow up a fierce defender of animal rights, she was raised by a talking animal, and that bear was the only one to be kind to her consistently through her childhood. Dafuq.

Baby!Nessa!Rose's little meeps. Just. I died.

'Oh, they're going to miss me.' Galinda I love you you ridiculous gal.

I like this twist on why Elphaba was at Shiz. I loved the way she so desperately wanted to go, but couldn't ask for herself. I loved her trying to defend Nessa Rose's independence... and then still being blamed for stifling her. Excellent.

Also did y'all see the picture of the animals behind the cracked and fallen fresco of the Wizard in that scene? Foreshadowing my beloved.

Galinda writing a little 'it's great' card put on top of the saddest pile of bedding you've ever seen.

'What is this Feeling?' omfg. I loved Elphaba putting her foot down about the roommate situation.

I also liked that they moved Elphaba's talk with Dr. Dillamond off-campus. It makes more sense that this status-quo challenging talk would be done away from the powers that be.

Also it sets up Fiyero running into Elphaba (literally) better, and omfg. I love that horse, he's great, more horse in the second movie please.

Omg Galinda flirting. And Fiyero flirting back, but Galinda (and Elphaba) missing that at that point Fiyero was flirting with pretty much everyone because hey, it's fun, it's easy, and it works.

On that note, Fiyero flirting successfully with the librarian. <3

The whole Ozdust scene. All of it. The outfits, the dancing, the prolonged social anxiety/social embarrassment. The way Elphaba refuses to show she's been hurt. The way Galinda finally understands that. THE DANCE APOLOGY.

I did find it a little weird that one of the only lines cut from the musical was the 'Lemons and melons and pears. Oh my' bit between Boc and Nessa Rose.

Also can we talk about how excellent Jonathan Bailey is as Fiyero?

'Popular' is, as always, fantastic. And highlights just how good Galinda is going to be at the politics of this world.

'That might be your secret, but that doesn't make it the truth' AUGH GALINDA just rip out my heart why don't you.

I liked that when Elphaba rescues the lion cub, she's more restrained/talented than in the beginning of the movie. It makes sense, she's been learning all this time.

THE BIKES. THE LION CUB IN THE BIKE BASKET. THE WIZARD OF OZ CALLBACK. LOVE.

The mushroom things during 'I'm Not That Girl', idk what those were but they were so so pretty lord I love the world-building.

That scene of Nessa Rose, Boc, Galinda, and Fiyero all together, and Elphaba on the outside in the dark. Fiyero looking out over the courtyard as he's being pulled away. Augh, all of it.

The way the students turned on a dime the second Elphaba got that invitation.

That. Train. Steampunk my beloved.

Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth getting singing roles, YES, THANK YOU, that was such a great surprise, I was squeaking like bebe Nessa Rose.

On the flip side... sigh. I called it. Jeff Goldblum was... very Jeff Goldblum. That guy, while a lot of fun, is the exact same character in pretty much everything he's been in for the last few years. I still think that casting was a mistake. Hear me out: The original Wizard was Joel Grey. Joel Grey was also the Emcee in Cabaret. ... so tell me it wouldn't both be great casting and an awesome call back to have casted Alan Cumming as the Wizard. I can't have everything I guess.

Also, and it might be just me/the effects of a late night screening, but when Elphaba and Galinda are walking into the palace, with the doors slamming behind them, and there's a scene with the torchlit hall behind them? Didn't the fire look like how the flames in the original Wizard of Oz movie looked? Just sort of... fuzzier and blurred than how film tends to pick up fire these days? It might have just been me.

Also this movie does have a bit of the Les Mis problem - you've got some cast members with serious vocal chops... and theeeeeen there's the ones that... tried hard. Great actors every single one, but would it have killed the director to find people for those roles that could match vocally as well? This movie doesn't need big names. We're not going for the big names, people.

I liked how the movie explained better why the Wizard not being able to read from the Grimorie was such a big deal.

The monkeys. Oh, the flying monkeys. Also the scene of Madam Morrible framed by flying monkeys. Thanks for breaking my heart.

'Defying Gravity'. All of it. Every bit of it. Holy. Shit. Holyshit. HOLY. SHIT.

So yeah, I'm going to have to see it eleventy-billion more times before it leaves theaters.

[madwomansapologist]

going on vacation with queen maeve would include

Masterlist | Rules | Taglist | Library | More Royalty AU | AO3

synopsis: A few months after getting into The Seven, your mind and body were on the edge. Good for your that your girlfriend™ knows exactly how to make Madelyn shut the fuck up.

warnings: vought. female!reader. this is fluffy!

• It's funny how you thought for so long that Maeve didn't give a damn about you. Because now, seeing clearly what she is doing, you notice how much she really cares. How deeply Maggie cares about you.

• Your relationship now being real don't make everything easy. It makes easier, of course, but it still pretty fucked up to be used as Vought way of making pink money. But as time passes, you noticed all the little things Maeve did so it would be easier for you. The fact that she does that in secret is what really makes your heart skip a beat.

• Like when you discovered that Maeve fought with Madelyn so your birthday would be a private event. Or when your copyright percentage got higher because of her. And there was that day Maeve discussed for over a hour with the marketing guys so you could cut your hair however you wanted. And the time a "journalist" threatened to expose a story about your normal life so she... You still don't know what exactly she did, but the story never saw daylight.

• So when out of sudden, in the middle of the most tiring week of your entire life, Ashley informed you that your vacations was postponed to next week by the HR people; you knew it was her. Of course it was.

• You both talked to her about your plans, and Ashley took care of everything. She usually does. She made sure there was no one on the beach, no paparazzi, not even a leaf out of place. If there was one thing you valued, it was your secret identity, and since Maeve also took the same care, every precaution was necessary.

• After a car trip, Maeve doesn't get on planes under any circumstances, complete with lots of diabetic sweets and loud music, you finally arrived at the cabin. Everything inside was some kind of licensed Vought product, but ignoring that until you looked like just a normal couple. Nothing surprising. No drama, no pr stunts, no forced smiles. It was just you and Maggie, and that was all.

• Maggie spent the whole week running the bar. You've already discussed her being basically a functional alcoholic, but she's always emphasized the functional. She took care of the drinks, you took care of the barbecues, and the two of you tried to understand how to make Starlight Seasoned Rice™.

• Maggie was more the type to pick up a gothic novel, apply sunscreen until she looked like a ghost, and toast on a beach sarong. You were the one challenging the sea to a fight. And cursing the hot sand.

• Caught up in Jane Eyre's poor choice to marry someone she discovered had locked his first wife in the basement, Maggie didn't think she needed to worry. Until the salt water fell on her and her book, and Maggie saw you with your smirk and a yellow toy bucket. You wanted war? Okay.

• Playing fights with your girlfriend is one of the most common things in relationships. Playing fights with your super powerful warrior goddess hot girlfriend is much more interesting. Will Maggie one day realize how much you love being beneath her? She probably already did.

• With hydrating hair masks, tasty meat, strong drinks and practically inedible rice™, you fell asleep on the sofa in the cabin while you tried to prove to Maggie that Emile Brontë was the best sister.

• You both deserved that.

if you enjoyed, please reblog! i promise it makes a difference ♡

@ madwomansapologist.tumblr.

[ravenn-darkholme]

Permanent Price - chapter 5

Alex Summers x Mutant!OC

Summary: Isabella Darkholme, sister of raven Darkholme and Charles Xavier. Also a mutant. Her mutation allows her to blend in with the light rays, turning herself and whatever she's touching invisible.

warnings: none that I know of

series masterlist

It seemed the little show of everyone's powers made the group a lot more relaxed. Drinking, music, and games were what kept them occupied. Isabella put forcefields around some of them whilst they unleashed their powers whilst the others watched. Maybe they were all drunk on adrenaline (and alcohol) but they didn't see anything bad about what they were doing. This day was the most fun Isabella has had in a long time. For once she actually has friends apart from her siblings - as much as she loves them. Isabella of course enjoyed hanging out with the others but she specifically enjoyed her time with Alex. And he thought the same.

They both played against each other on the arcade games situated at the back of the room, whilst the others did whatever they were doing. All of them were drinking minus Isabella. Whenever she drank her powers got out of control plus her anxiety always went through the rood even with the tiniest sip. Although she was still having fun, this day was kind of overload for her as she wasn't used to being this social so she sat on a window seat to recuperate her energy. 

She felt a presence join her and Alex sat down in the seat next to her, holding a bottle of water. She supposed it was for her. "What's the matter star? you were full of it earlier," he said, holding out the water. belle smiled at the gesture also noticing the nickname. She liked it. "It just got a lot for me. I'm not used to so many people." She said smiling sadly. "I understand. It got lonely in solitary, but it was safer for everyone else."  "It's not your fault what happened. You couldn't control your power, don't blame yourself." She said softly grabbing his free hand. They sat in comfortable silence for a good five minutes until Alex broke the silence by saying. "You wanna play a game of table tennis."  "Sure but just know I'm the table tennis champion. You're going down." She said moving toward the table. Table tennis was one of the joys of her childhood. Isabella and Raven's mother taught them all kinds of tricks to win and they worked every single time. "Oh really?" Alex asked with a smirk. "Yeah, my mom taught me how to win every single game." She stated proudly.

"Oh, it's on now, star," Alex said. "Don't worry, I'll go easy on you." ⋆✩⋆

It brought a smile to Isabella's face to see everyone so carefree, but that bubble of enjoyment burst rather soon when Moira, Charles, and Erik came barging in through the broken window in disbelief. "What are you doing!" Moira's loud voice bellowed throughout the room as everyone fell silent. "Who destroyed the statue?" "It was Alex." "Snitch," Bella said defending Alex. "Havok." Raven corrected quickly. "We have to call him Havok. That's his name now." Isabella moved from her spot next to Alex and placed a hand on Raven's shoulder, trying to tell her this was not the time. But Raven shrugged her sister's hand off, approaching the three. "And we were thinking you should be called Professor X." She pointed at Charles before turning to Erik. "And you should be Magneto." "Exceptional." Erik's voice was monotone as he looked at the shapeshifter and her face fell with the lack of excitement from the two. "I expected better from you, girls," Charles stated looking at the sisters before following Erik and Moira. Isabella went to follow after Charles feeling unhappy she disappointed him when she felt a hand on her shoulder stopping her. She turned to see Alex with a small frown shaking his head. She realized she was falling back into old habits, being Charles' shadow, and not making her own decisions. So Belle sat next to Raven, Alex standing behind her on the couch. 

"Raven." Isabella softly placed a hand on her shoulder, making the blonde look up at her with gloomy eyes. "It's not our fault. We were just having fun. Being kids like he claimed he wanted for us." "Well, it seemed that Charles has forgotten that." Raven scoffed, a frown on her face as she turned her head to aimlessly stare out the window "Look." Isabella began carefully, her eyes flickering over all of their faces. "If we all have one thing in common it's that we had to grow up way too soon. We all faced our own struggles, and we all lost a part of our younger selves. But that doesn't replace the fact that we're still young." "We were reckless, and we made a mess. That's true, but we also cleaned it up. Now I want all of you to stop moping around." Bella told them sternly her eyes flashing dangerously.  "Or Charles and Erik are the least of your concerns."  Raven chuckled softly and the others nodded in gratitude, "Thank you." "Don't worry okay? Everything will work out." Belle patted her sister's shoulder comforting her. Bella was proud of herself for handling the situation with maturity. Usually, she would have crumbled under her older brother's stare trailing behind him. If not for Alex she would have.

⋆✩⋆

It was the next day and after last night's events they were all a little worn out and unhappy. Whilst Darwin and Alex were playing a pinball machine, the other sat around staring into space in silence.

“Do you think it will?" Angel asked breaking the silence the girls plus Hank sat in. 

“What?”

"That everything will work out?" She clarified.

"I like to believe it's true," Raven answered a small smile gracing her lips as she thought about her younger (by 2 minutes) sister.

“I hope so."

Their conversation was cut short when laughter emitted from the other side of the window and they all turned toward the source to see two government agents staring at them.

"I didn't know the circus was in town." One of the men mocked.

"Hey come on honey, give us a little..." he fluttered his hands in a mocking manner looking at Angel.

"No? Come one let's see the foot."

Hank rolled his eyes before standing up and shutting the curtain as an imminent quietness fell over the group.

"They're just guys being stupid." Raven tried to comfort the raven-haired girl.

"Guys being stupid I can handle, okay? I've handled that my whole life. But I rather a bunch of guys stare at me with my clothes off than the way these ones stare at me." Angel huffed

"At us," Isabella said. She was glad none of them were alone anymore. Yes, she had raven and Charles but none of the others had anyone like them before.

A sudden loud rumble interrupted the tense silence and everyone sat up straight.

"What was that?" Darwin asked turning away from the game he was playing with Alex to look at the group as the banging noise continued.

"I don't know. Something doesn't feel right." Darwin hurried towards the window to open up the curtains again as they all huddled in front of it and stared outside. Before any of them could investigate further a whooshing noise caught their attention and they all looked up into the sky where two figures appeared.

"What is that!"

Suddenly one of the men disappeared in red smoke while the other came soaring to the ground, landing right in front of them. A sickening crunch echoed over the yard as shrieks escaped Raven and Isabella's mouths. She placed a hand over her mouth in shock, staring with wide eyes at the deformed body of the boss of this facility before she came back to the present as Alex pulled her away grabbing her hand.

They all started to get away from the window when more agents started to fall from the sky, each sickening crunch reminding the group of another dead person lying motionless on the ground.

"Just try and stay calm alright," Alex muttered to Belle trying to comfort her. Bellas's heart hammered in her throat as she tried to keep calm sticking close to Raven and Alex. Suddenly more agents appeared in the courtyard with guns. One hammered on the glass eyes wide.

"Stay back. Do not leave that room. were under attack!"

Chaos transpired moments after when a red figure appeared abruptly in the middle of the courtyard. Gunshots rang through the air while shouts followed soon after.

"Shoot! Shoot!"

They all ducked down behind the couch in fear, terrified screams leaving their lips as they watched the scene unfold in front of their eyes. Bullets hit the glass separating them from the fight and Belle placed her hands in front of her projection a forcefield protecting the group from the shards of glass and bullets.  Behind them through another glass window, the group could see a large - what looked like a hurricane -  appear out of nowhere, leaving destruction in its wake as it tore cerebro apart.

"Stay here my ass! Let's go!" Darwin shouted as he stood up straight rushing towards the door as everyone followed behind him. They were soon stopped by more agents as they tried to get them back but they didn't move.

"We can help!"

"We can help! We can help!" Panic seeped through Bella's veins as they continued to hold them back when a terrifying explosion followed that shook the facility. The group ran down another hallway only to hide behind a couch again, crippling anxiety running through her veins as she stared with wide eyes at the chaos ensuing outside. Suddenly the tornado that previously destroyed Cerebro was coming closer and closer. Isabella got ready to cast a forcefield even though her energy was low. 

A terrified shriek erupted from the back of her throat as a man came barreling towards the window, breaking the glass as another scream left the girl's mouth. All of them huddled together in fear as the last few agents were slaughtered in the courtyard and the red devil-like man came marching forward, climbing into the room through the broken window at the same time as another man crawled through the broken window on the other side neatly buttoning his jacket close. There were a couple of gunshots from the hallway, as more shrieks echoed through the room when suddenly a voice spoke up from out there,

"Wait, wait! you want the mutants? They're right through that door, just let us normal people go! We're no threat–" A loud crack followed and Isabella's hand shot up to cover her mouth in shock.

A shadow formed through the tinted window before a man stepped inside the room with a strange helmet on his head. There was complete silence that loomed over the group, like there was a knife pressed up against their throats, withholding them from making any sound.

belle could feel her heart rapidly beating inside her chest, panic coursing through her veins as her eyes darted between the three people. She could feel her headache. 

"Where's the telepath?"

"Not here."

"Too bad." The unknown man lifted the helmet off his head.

"Well, at least I can take this silly thing off."

They all watched with wide eyes as he brushed his hand through his hair before introducing himself.

"Good evening. My name is Sebastian Shaw." He started to stalk forward, like a lion creeping up on its prey.

"And I'm not here to hurt you."

His speech was interrupted as a man came into view from outside of the room, his gun pointed at Shaw as he naively threatened the man.

"Freeze."

"Azazel," Shaw said before the red devil-man teleported towards the government agent, killing him swiftly before returning to his previous spot.

"My friends, there is a revolution coming." Shaw continued holding his arms out holding his helmet out for the neatly dressed man to take. Isabella narrowed her eyes at the man, holding her head up just a bit higher despite the fear that was close to taking over her body.

"When mankind discovers who we are, what we can do, each of us will face a choice."

Isabella stood in front of the group with Darwin beside her. Her power was probably the best to use right now. Although her energy was low she had to try for the group. 

"Be enslaved." He paused, scanning all their faces. "Or rise up to rule."

Isabella took a deep breath as she watched the man with calculated eyes. He was trying to turn them against each other, he knew they all had a fear of being rejected by society and he was playing into it, using it to his advantage.

"Choose freely, but know if you are not with us, then, by definition, you are against us," Shaw said.

"So, you can stay and fight for the people who hate and fear you, or you can join me and live like kings." He looked at all of them, trying to see their reaction before his eyes landed on Angel. 

"And queens."

Belle focused her attention on the raven-haired girl who stared intensely at Shaw's outstretched hand before finally taking it and letting the man lead her away.

"Angel?" Raven asked shocked.

"Are you kidding me?"

"Come on." Angel nodded towards Shaw like it was the obvious choice.

"We don't belong here. And that's nothing to be ashamed of."

"Please, Angel." Isabella stepped up beside Darwin who held his hand out for Angel.

"Don't do this. If you follow him, everything bad, anyone has said about mutants will just be proven right. We have to show them we are not the bad guys."

"They give me no choice, it's in their nature." Angel countered, eyes flickering to one of the dead facility members who was mocking them earlier. Angel turned around to follow behind Shaw.

"We have to do something," Raven whispered as they watched them climb back outside through the broken window. Belle watched as Darwin whispered something to Alex before they began to shove each other around.

"Stop! I'm coming with you!" Darwin shrugged away from Alex's grip to march towards the other four.

"What? Darwin no!" Isabella stepped forward utterly confused as Shaw stepped forward to approach Darwin.

"Good choice." He nodded. "So tell me about your mutation."

"Well, I adapt to survive." Darwin shrugged as Isabella watched the scene unfold in disbelief.

"So I guess I'm coming with you."

"I like that." Shaw grinned holding his arm out, motioning the dark-skinned man to join them. He nodded coming to stand next to Angel before he shouted suddenly.

"Alex!"

"Get out!"

"Do it!"

And just like that Darwin pushed Angel aside, covering her with his body as it turned to stone. Red pulses formed around Alex before he shot them toward Shaw with a loud shout. But instead of decimating Shaw, the man only absorbed the beams of energy.

"Protecting your fellow mutants?" Shaw taunted maliciously, As Isabella came away from the wall next to Alex ready to throw up a forcefield.

"That's a noble gesture. Feels good."

Suddenly Darwin moved forward to attack Shaw, only for the man to block him taking ahold of his jaw.

"Adapt to this." He whispered, throwing the energy he absorbed towards Darwin, the ball being forced down his throat. They all disappeared in thin air as Darwin started to shake and tremble, his body trying to turn itself into something that could withstand the sheer amount of energy coursing through his body to no avail. He held his hand out towards them, now in some sort of lava-like form before he imploded, a strong white light blinding them all for a moment as the remaining parts of Darwin exploded heading for them, Isabella projecting a forcefield protecting the last five. She dropped it turning to Raven and grabbing her in a hug. None of them had ever experienced anything like this, leaving them traumatized. The last part of Darwin, now a pile of ash.

authors note

Alex's nickname for Belle :')

[merilaurecus]

Companions reaction to Modern!Tav who is a metalhead

I'll just indulge myself I guess.

Karlach:

Loves it the second she hears it

Hypes her up more than soul coins and that ain't even funny

She'll ask about your fav bands (mine is Avatar so hello if there's any fellow fan!)

Also how concerts looks like

"Ha! So there's a bit of barbarian inside of you!" is the line you get when you explain mosh pit to her

When her engine is cooled down you're not escaping two people mosh, trust me

Amused how you faced judgement yourself and been called a devil

You explain it gave you a need to defend the tieflings

You just simply knew how it feels

Besties forever no matter what

You rock out to heavier stuff like Rammstein or anything that can be headbanged to

"Soldier, if you can do it the whole evening then you're tougher thant I gave you credit for"

When you first use your growling scream during the battle that girl is deeply impressed

Even more if you actually managed to rage

Gale

Finds music a bit loud and chaotic at first

You immediately give him power metal and that shit gets him

Like fantasy stories told through the music? Pure bard experience

A bit skeptical about mosh pit, but when he hears how great it feels to you he understands or does his best to try to

Also sees a bit of barbarian in you after that

When he mentions that the best artists started among the sticky floors you're stoked because that's how the venue after the concerts feels like

You tell him about the undergrund concerts right away and promise him you'll take him to one just for the sake of the experience itself

In time he gets to like bands like Twilight Force and Blind Guardian

Also goes "wow" when you yell like an animal (he's getting horny at the post-battle Tav so)

Astarion

"Ugh, what's that noise?"

You do your best to explain but he just doesn't buy that

When you explain the usual activities occuring during the shows he also jumps on the bandwagon that you're secretly a barbarian

Or maybe bardbarian if you happen to have a band

You seek something lighter and EUREKA

Queen

You put on Bohemian Rhapsody the other evening and he's stoked

Other hits from them come to his liking too

He'll occasionally hum these tunes to himself

Gale overheard Queen playing at the camp and now he's obsessed too

Shadowheart

This one's easy

She's already an emo queen so

Buuut

Powerwolf becomes her favorite because of the religious themes of the songs and the fact they sound like battle hymns

You don't tell her Powerwolf mocks the most widely practiced religion so she doesn't send a guilding bolt on you she'd miss anyway

Falls in love with symphonic metal too because of the lyrics and vocals

When Gale mentions the sticky floor her usual comment switches to "Then you and Tav will get along perfectly well in the middle of the mosh pit"

Secretly wishes she could just leave everything and do that for an evening

Lae'zel

"Bah, another unwise custom. Impractical too"

She goes like that unless you tell her what mosh pit and headbanging are

Still thinks it's not the wisest way to spend time but applauds your ability to fuck everything and survive in the horde of people running into each other (usually way bigger than you)

Believes you can use that rage and stamina in battle, satisfied when you actually do that

Won't show you she's vibing to any music you like but she'll stop sharpening her sword when she hears Sabaton

Wyll

Definitely curious about the unusual music he hears

Even if he finds it noisy at first will pay attention to the layers of music and lyrics too

You comfort him by telling stories from the times you were told you're the devil just because of the music you listen to

Tbh he also likes Sabaton, because it honors the heroes as it should happen

Mosh pit? Headbanging? In his eyes you're really tough now

Also thinks you'd make an excellent barbarian

When you actually rage he's both terrified and impressed in your primal growl

Karlach will have to teach him how to mosh and not poke someone's eye out, but you'll manage

Halsin

He prefers calmer music, but at the same time he's curious

You give him folk metal and all is good

Especially if you put on some acoustic album

You tell him stories tied to the songs (like f.x. Eluveitie has songs about the helvets)

For him you're small but when you tell him how you regularly go into mosh pit with guys his size and you are not scared he's concerned he may call you a lunatic again

Since then he sees you as small but fierce and resillent

He's not a barbarian but seeing you unleash your primal nature through growl - he himself has a wild side so for a moment he admires you and then joins you in his bear form

He's an elf so I bet he can play a flute, he'll learn some folk songs in no time. If not, Jaheira does.

[princessasmosprincess]

Charmed, I'm Sure

Chapter 30

Summary: No human has ever avoided Asmodeus's charm. Except for you. Pairing: Asmodeus x GN Reader/MC Genre: Drama, angst, a bit of fluff. Warnings: None in this chapter. *** Author's note: Sorry for the delay in this chapter, I did that thing where I let a chapter sit for too long and I started to hate it. Writing this was a lot of trusting the process and I was failing that at first... ***

“Pardon me.”

You turned, still pulling against Lucifer, as someone put their hand on your shoulder.

It was Solomon.

“Well, looks like a new song has started. I'd love the chance to dance with MC. Might I cut in?” He asked, looking not at you, but directly at Lucifer.

Lucifer’s ruby gaze narrowed at the sorcerer. “Fine.” And then he turned it back to you, that haughty smirk on his lips, “I get the feeling that you've gotten the message and you understand what I'm telling you MC. I'm glad we got to have this little talk.” He handed you off to Solomon and stalked off into the crowd of demons.

Solomon took your hand gently in his and began leading you in the dance. You flexed the fingers of your injured hand, feeling the circulation returning.

“Thanks for coming to my rescue there.” You said.

“No need to thank me. Think nothing of it.” Solomon gave a reassuring smile, “This is the Devildom. When it comes down to it, you're human, and that makes you different. Never forget that. You may have made pacts with demons, but you still lack the power to command them.”

Solomon’s dancing was less refined than Lucifer's, it was also simpler. But he was easy to follow as he led you through the steps, and this was the perfect tempo to hold a conversation.

“How do you command a demon you've made a pact with?” You asked.

“Good question…” Something flashed in Solomon’s eyes, like he was pleased you asked. “Everyone has some amount of magical power by nature. However, there are some people in which it actually manifests itself, and some people in which it doesn't. And even among those in which it does, some have more of it than others. It varies based on the individual.”

He led you in a quick but gentle turn, nothing too showy, before he settled his arms around you once again. “Seeing how it doesn't even manifest itself in you to begin with, even though you've made pacts with demons, you can't take command of their powers.”

You gave a frustrated sigh. The pacts were practically useless if you couldn't wield them at will, beyond those little commands you'd managed once or twice. Protection was one thing, but your true task was still looming in the background (or really, in the attic of the House of Lamentation).

“Would you like me to lend you my power?” Solomon asked suddenly.

His offer gave you pause. Was something like that possible?

“You can do that?” You searched his face for any sign of teasing, “Why would you?”

“Let's just say I'm curious to know what would happen if I did.” He said, “You're a destabilizing element here in this world. I can't say what might happen if I do this, which is exactly what makes it interesting.”

You thought for a moment. You so wanted to know what it felt like to use magic. And maybe, if you wielded his magic well, Solomon would lend it to you again, for when you truly needed it.

“Ok,” you said finally, “Lend me your power, Solomon.”

Solomon nodded. He switched to an open dance position, taking both of your hands and entwining your fingers with his. He leaned in and pressed his forehead to yours in a similar way to how you’d forged your pacts with the demons, reciting an incantation you couldn't quite hear over the music.

Your hands began to glow with silver light, and warmth snaked up your arms into your chest. Electricity pulsed in your veins and your body felt strange. Stronger, but not with physical strength, there was this sense of energy that felt so different to anything you’d ever experienced before. When the incantation was complete, Solomon took a step back, his hands still clasped around yours.

“There. I've put a spell on you.” He pulled you close to him once more, continuing the dance, “As of this moment, you have use of my powers for the next six hours.” He looked you over, gauging your reaction, “You should experience what it's like to control a demon and use his powers.”

Solomon led your dancing to the edge of the dance floor.

“I’m still not sure why you offered this.” You said, breathing around that bubbly, light feeling in your chest from the borrowed magic.

“We are on a retreat after all. Why waste this opportunity?” He smirked, “So, go. Show me what you can do. I'm counting on you to deliver.”

Without warning, Solomon spun you out directly into another’s arms as the ending of the song melted into the beginning of the next.

***

Asmo’s hand found your waist automatically, even he was surprised when he took your hand in his and swept you back onto the dance floor.

You stumbled for a few steps as you fell into the changing rhythm. And once you found your footing, you looked into the face of your new partner.

Asmo looked away as soon as your eyes met his. He kept his gaze trained over your shoulder, sighing, disinterested. As if he would rather be anywhere else.

The awkwardness was unbearable, and after more than a minute of silence, other than the lilting instrumental music and the light buzz of the party crowd. You knew you needed to say something. The very something that had been bothering you all day.

You took a breath, building up the courage to break the silence. And then you spoke, “Asmo, I’m sorry about earlier. I shouldn't have said what I said the way I did.”

He finally looked back at you, eyebrows raised.

“I was frustrated with you and overtired,” You admitted, “But that’s no excuse for… threatening to control you.” Your cheeks burned in shame.

Asmo blinked.

“I really do want to make a pact with you, but not like that.”

Asmo couldn't remember the last time he’d been apologized to that hadn't been part of bedroom role play or the half-hearted apologies Mammon stammered out, at Lucifer’s persuasion, after being caught stealing Asmo’s things.

This was sincere.

“I see.” He said, but Asmo wanted to know more. “And why is it that you want a pact with me so badly, darling? I know I’m the most irresistible demon in all of the Devildom, but surely there’s more to it than that.”

You nodded, “There is.”

And for some reason Asmo was relieved to hear you say that.

“I want to make a pact with you because…” You dropped your gaze to his collar, searching for the right words, “There’s something I need to do and I need your power to do it.” Your brow furrowed, you looked almost desperate.

Need. The word rang inside his head. Needing was different than wanting. Most people wanted him, but you…

“Is that why you made pacts with my brothers?” He asked.

You looked away.

Asmo pressed further, taking your silence for an answer, “And do they know what it is you want to do?”

You remained silent.

Asmo sighed, “Very well, you don’t have to tell me right now.” He was content to leave it be until he decided to make a pact with you.

If he decided to make a pact with you, he emphasized to himself.

Over the music he caught Mammon’s complaining voice, something about it not being fair. That he was your first and he still hadn’t gotten to dance with you. Asmo pulled you in closer.

His fingertips brushed your skin through the cutout at the small of your back.

Asmo found it interesting that Lisette had left the cutouts in the outfit she’d given you, especially since it was something so easily changed with her tailoring magic.

The cutouts were meant to accommodate beings with wings. Otherwise it could be altered to fit beings with tails, and there was even a version for beings with neither. It was very important to Asmo that anyone, regardless of their size or number of appendages, could wear his designs. One of his core philosophies was that everyone deserved to be fabulous.

He’d left Lisette with his preferred method of alteration in the original sketch. Of course, being the owner of Majolish and the one sponsoring his design, she could make the changes she saw fit. But Lisette had always respected Asmo’s design choices, and the rare times she had made a change, she’d informed him of it right away. They’d, admittedly, been mostly small accessories thus far, but Asmo didn’t think Lisette would change her policy when it came to full ensembles. She'd approved his design so readily.

“Where did you get this outfit, dear?” Asmo asked you, breaking the tension that was still heavy in the air around you both.

You smiled, happy with the change of subject. “Lisette lent it to me the last time I went to Majolish.”

Had she given you the prototype? The one he had paid Levi in signed Sucre Frenzy photo cards to sew for him, sworn to secrecy by penalty of death or revealing his waifu list to all of RAD if he told anyone about it, all while Asmo hand embroidered the sleeves so everything would be perfect? The one Asmo had worn during the photo shoot? That one would have been stored in Lisette’s vault until it would be returned to him once the collection debuted. It was precious.

“Really? I don’t believe I’ve seen that design before,” He dipped you, his face inches from yours, his eyes sparkling with his little secret, his bat wings flitting behind him.

“It’s from a new collection that’s supposed to come out next month,” You said, unfazed by the closeness. But then your eyes widened. “I didn’t even think to ask her if it was ok to wear before the debut. I hope it’s alright.”

Asmo righted you and continued dancing.

“You could always ask her now,” He inclined his head to the banquet tables across the room.

Her late husband being a former student council member and demon nobility, Lisette attended most RAD events by invitation directly from the crown. She was there at the dance, looking absolutely stunning in a form fitting gown of deep amethyst as she conversed amiably with Lord Diavolo.

“But I think you’re fine, hon. She wouldn’t have given it to you if she didn’t want you to wear it.”

Asmo released your waist with a gentle push, spinning you out before pulling you back as the music flourished, the fabric of your outfit billowing exquisitely around your figure. Your delicious, human scent wafted toward him as you returned to his arms, totally breathless. He barely registered your cute laugh as he caught something else in the air. It was very faint, something only he could detect due to his proximity to you.

Cupiditas. The very perfume he’d worn the day of the photo shoot.

And Asmo knew there was no way you could coincidentally have a bottle of Cupiditas in your possession. It was a scent only found in the Devildom, discontinued a thousand years ago because it drove some lower level demons wild beyond control. Asmo only had it because he’d charmed the perfumer into giving him one of the last bottles in existence.

He only ever used it on special occasions. Like when he modeled something of his own design for Devil Style magazine.

You were definitely wearing the prototype, the warmth of your body heating the last bit of perfume remaining on the clothing. Lisette had magically tailored it to your size, but there was no mistaking that it was his. How had he not noticed it until now?

Here you were, in his arms, wearing his clothes. Not just clothes he’d designed but clothes he’d worn on his own body. This all felt strangely intimate.

“Well, it looks ravishing on you, dear.” He found himself saying. It was the truth.

You ducked your head shyly. “Thanks, I really like it too. I’ll be sad when I have to return it.”

“Live in the moment, darling. You’ll regret it if you don't take the time to enjoy it while you can.”

“You’re right.” You agreed.

The music swelled in a crescendo. You gave a coy smile and took the chance to twirl him this time.

Asmo felt his heart flutter at your boldness and a giggle escaped his lips as he turned in time with the music.

Just as he was about to return to your grasp, his eyes caught Solomon through the flurry of dancers, watching the two of you intently.

Asmo’s heart clamped firmly shut. Now was not the time to get sentimental.

He met your gaze warily as he slipped his arms around your waist once again.

“You know, Asmo,” You said, “Your eyes really do look like the sunset.”

That was it.

He’d had enough of dancing for the night.

***

Cross-posted on AO3

[thrashkink-coven]

Ritual Report: Wednesday July 26, 2023

My glorious and profound Father Lucifer, I thank you humbly for this marvellous experience as well as your permission to share this experience with my peers. You are infinite in your loving grace and wisdom. I revere you deeply and truly. Thank you, bless you. 🖤

“My Ritual with Lord Lucifer was fucking Amazing

I didn’t truly understand what everyone meant when they say that the Marvellous Light Bringer is beautiful and gracious beyond comprehension before this ritual. It’s been a day and I am still absolutely shaken and awe inspired. Ave the wonderful prince of darkness, Lord Lucifer. 🖤

Ritual with Lucifer (Holy Shit) (1)

Okay guys I’m not trying to be dramatic, seriously. I’m just super ?!??? aaaa ?? after the ritual I just did? But in a really great way. I just need to get this out and write this down because I’m ??? so happy? ? aa

I didn’t consider myself to be a Luciferian, but I’ve been reaching out to Lucifer for a little bit now, nothing super intense but I have definitely felt his presence and done some small offerings for him. Another spirit I work very often with is very close with Lucifer, and through him I came into contact with The Prince. I’ve worked a lot with other angels but I’ve only really started dabbling with Lucifer within the last year. He’s been good to me. Whatever whatever, just context.

I wanted to do something a little deeper, really get a solid good connection. Honestly, I just wanted to get to know him better. I’ve been thinking about him very often, seeing him in dreams. The energy in my room almost called for it. Idk.

A mutual of mine who also works with Lucifer suggested I try meditating with an enn. I’ve been meeting an unusually high number of people who also work with Lucifer within the past few weeks and they’re always sharing awesome resources I’ve never seen. As soon as I start thinking about him long enough I’ll see something that I could use to work with him. I recently went to a trip to Nelson BC and picked up these Hermetic Tarot Cards. Also came to find out that the town has a SUSPICIOUS amount of occult imagery (and a Freemason temple? very cool.)

Life is one funny motherfucker.

I think it’s worth noting that before I started this ritual, when I was writing up invocations for him, I drew a card out of a box of oracle cards that reads “become willing to see the innocence in that which you condemn” which I found very baffling at the time because I was grappling with nerves around the ritual. I’m like a full time witch so I usually don’t get the jitters in rituals. Angels usually never make me nervous, and Lucifer in no way scares me. I don’t at all see him as an evil scary thing, quite the opposite, but I was raised extremely Christian so it’s ingrained in me. I was just having that split second satanic panic thing. I think that’s important to acknowledge. Lovely shadow work exposing my deep prejudices and insecurities :)

I began the ritual by drawing his sigil on the desk in white chalk. I had already prepared a candle carved with the sigil. I like to use this card from the Goetic Tarot whenever I do rituals with Lucifer because the artwork is so stunning. This was also the first time I was using these Hermetic Tarot cards and they were wonderful, probably one of my favourite decks now.

After some meditative exercises and prayers I layer back on the floor and listened to music for a while. I do all my rituals like this naked. I like to listen to classical music when I’m preparing to go into a trance because it tickles my brain and is easy to ride. Gets all the goo out? I don’t know.

After a while of that I switched it to the enns…

So, the Enns…

I started with Lucifer’s Enn by Demonic Enn. It filled my chest. It was powerful and intimidating and my heart was pounding. It was overwhelming for me. What I felt in it was power, but not the Lucifer I’m familiar with I guess. A different aspect of Lucifer that is mighty and strong but unfamiliar. Not my Lucifer.

((Honestly the instrumentals are top tier and I really could feel it’s power but the dude’s voice just threw me off. I’m sorry I don’t know if we’re allowed to leave reviews on enns but it just wasn’t my favourite.))

It scrambled the fuck out of me and it made me nervous again. I started to doubt myself and wondered if I was making a mistake. I know that sounds stupid but I was caught in the adrenaline. What if the Lucifer I’ve felt all this time isn’t what I thought? I know that everyone experiences him differently, but what if I’m reaching out to someone I don’t really understand? I know Lord Lucifer is an extremely powerful entity and I don’t wanna fuck around and do something stupid, yknow?

I sat for a moment and then asked my deck the first question of the ritual. “What advice can you give me to continue this ritual? Am I making a mistake?”

I got this Nine of Swords, Lord of Despair and Cruelty.

“The Nine of Swords suggests that dark thoughts and disturbing feelings are weighing you down. You are worrying excessively about a situation, and your negative thoughts are getting the better of you, leaving you stressed and anxious. The more you associate with your fears, the more they will rule your life. The fear and worry in the Nine of Swords can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. As you obsess over what may go wrong, you are more likely to manifest your worst-case scenario.”

I was freaking myself out, and I needed to calm down. The jitters were holding me back and I needed to regain focus. Stop being a little bitch, basically. And idk… as soon as I read that card, I was calm again, and the energy felt warm. He needed me to preserve. I was safe with him, and he was guiding me through the darkness. If he is the Lucifer I know him to be, he will guide me well.

I tried one more enn which was Lucifer’s Enn by Carl Spartacus. Beautiful.

This is the most vivid trance I have ever been in. Like holy shit. I don’t know how best to describe this without sounding totally crazy. My body completely relaxed as I fell into the music. My face got warm, I felt embrace around my shoulders and chest. As soon as it began I saw a warm light emerge from the darkness behind my eyes. The familiar energy of the Lucifer I’ve come to know emerged. I felt close to him like I always had, it was like he was standing right before me. Like he could just reach out and touch me.

I emerged in shrubbery, I was surrounded by trees and bushes. As I turned to look into the clearing I saw a magnificent illuminating light. The energy was rich, so heavy I could reach out and grab it. I felt warmth blanket my entire body, and I began to drift from the ground and float towards him. If I didn’t know any better Id fucking swear I was levitating in the real world. It felt that real. His energy elevated and touched every part of my body and filled it with absolute bliss. There were others there, naked men and women surrounding him and singing, floating around him with laughter and glee. We were in a large stretch of field now, prancing around like children, the drum of his energy pounding like thunder and lifting us into the air. I didn’t know these people, if they were spirits or humans, but we were all in love with each other. We held hands and swung each other around. We were all so happy to be together.

Lucifer was a tall masculine energy with long black hair and deep, gentle, wise black eyes. Like all the others he was naked and seemed to glow. He took us all up and we drifted among the clouds. He danced with us, his smile was light itself.

This was all so vivid. I could feel the wind and heat on my skin. I got butterflies as we drifted. I actually felt like I was floating. Honestly I was high on it, maybe I still am.

And then, I felt my body sit forward, and I returned to our world. The candle which I had carved Lucifer’s sigil on stood tall and I could feel him within the flame. He whispered for me to come closer. It was then that I heard his voice. His smooth, gentle, careful voice. It was a whisper that washed over me like mist. Had I not been in such a high state of mind it would have scared the shit out of me.

He said in great vividness “Why have you come before me?” (Deal time!!!)

I replied simply that I wanted to know him. I said that I could not worship him, for I must worship myself. I seek him not for religion but because I have great love and reverence for him. Through magick we can connect and come to know each other. I hope only that he can show me how to be more like him. Powerful and dominant, warm and protective. He is beautiful, illuminating knowledge and purity. I want nothing more than to know him as one would know an old friend. Behold his energy, magnificent and splendid. May we dance together like we just did for as long as it serves us. He seemed very satisfied with that answer.

Lucifer commanded me to draw a card from the tarot deck, the question to which was essentially “will you take me as one of you kin, Lord Lucifer?”

I drew the Sun. Lord of the Fire of the World. Success, radiance and abundance. The Sun gives you strength and tells you that no matter where you go or what you do, your positive and radiant energy will follow you and bring you happiness and joy. This beautiful, warm energy is what will get you through the tough times and help you succeed.

We then spoke for a bit about fire and its ability to purify. It is a powerful force with the power to harm, but it is a mighty cleanser of impurity. He asked me to put my hand above the flame to feel it’s heat. I promised to always respect that flame. Allow it to burn away all that does not serve us, to never abuse it, to never try to control it. He kissed me on the forehead.

I was beyond happy. I offered him my smoky quarts and obsidian tower just to give him something, and when I did I saw him bow to me when he reached out to accept. I bowed back, and he bid me farewell for now. When I was finally completely out of the trance, his protective energy was still there. Actually it’s still everywhere, filling my altar. I can’t describe this feeling.

I can’t explain how rich and beautiful that energy was, how marvellous it felt to float in his orbit like that. The physical sensations were realer than reality. I’m still shaken. I feel ridiculously lucky which is a strange feeling I’ve never really had with a deity before. It’s so strong. aaa

I can’t bring myself to clean up the ritual lol.

Thanks for reading this holy fuck, I guess I’m a bit of a Luciferian now “

Ave the wondrous Lord Lucifer! ❤️🖤

[mrs-monaghan]

Hi. I was thinking about something, i don't know if others have already thought about it. It's about the "taekook subunit" a lot tkkers have been pushing since ages (not gonna lie I would like a VJK subunit, or a song). They said their voices are great together, that they are the most powerful duo etc. But why do I have the feeling that if Taennie for example is confirmed they wouldn't care less about it.

Forget about the vermin. Of course if V confirms his rlship they will dip. Some already did after Paris. Whatever. Fuck them.

What i wanna talk about is that one comment. Taekook Most powerful duo? Are they high?? I know they hate Jimin but they're not the only people who sleep on Jimin. There is a difference between most popular duo and most powerful duo. Are Tkk the most popular members? Sure. Most followers, most views on fancams, yeah, sure. But are they the most powerful duo? Umm... no they're fucking not!

(Mind you, people didn't start getting obsessed with fancams until one of Jimin's fancams got millions of views. Then it became a thing in kpop to want your fav to have the most fancam views)

The most powerful duo is Jimin and Jungkook. End of. And this ain't me being biased. The numbers don't fucking lie. I show that here.

It's the fact that FACE has done nothing but show us the power of Park Jimin and people still be here acting like he ain't a motherfucking king. First of all, let's not sit here and pretend that BTS's popularity wasn't boosted by the fact that they have a Jimin. Alright?

People always getting pressed and trying to ot7 this saying PJMs are acting like solos. That all members are the reason BTS are BTS. Yes, all members bring something to the table but guess what? All kpop groups can sing and dance and most can also write their own music. It takes talent and effort but guess what, it's not unique.

You know what's unique? This.

And This.

And definitely This.

You can sit and deny Jimin has the IT factor but even the members will disagree with you. Even they know the value of Jimin and what he has done for the group.

JK during black swan acknowledging just how lucky they were to have Jimin, a member who studied modern dance in their corner. No one is making this shit up. BST Jimin will always be a Legend

People talking about how Jimin isn't popular worldwide when he's known as the Naruto of Kpop. I know nothing about Anime but I know or the name Naruto. That's the Jimin impact.

When BTS debuted Jimin was the most popular member btw. Go watch their early interviews and see how many fans wanna talk to Jimin when they call. He was the most popular member, easy.

Yeah, JK is the most popular BTS member currently but so is Jimin. We need someone to take a new consensus fr fr coz Jimin pulls numbersssssss.

Shit, why you think haters go so hard on him? They see it. They know it. Park Jimin is IT.

Fullstop.

Oh! One more thing if a JK solo sees this. Y'all need to understand something. Jimin doesn't NEED JK. He was doing perfectly fine on his own, way before JK started reacting to Jimin's FACE related shit. He was already breaking records. He was already everywhere with none BTS kpop fans reacting to Set Me Free left right and centre. So no, Jimin does not need Jungkook.

I don’t celebrate JK promoting Jimin because I think he needs the push. I celebrate it because I know they're together and I'm a Jikooker. So I think JK is being a really sweet boyfriend doing this even if he doesn't need to. He knows he doesn't need to. It's not the first time he's done something for Jimin even though he didn't need to.

So don't get it twisted; its well and good that JK is promoting Jimin but Mimi don't need it. This is just what people who love eo do, they're there for eo.

Okay. Now I'm done.

Bonus.

[sunskate]

so many interesting things Jean-Luc has been saying - i wish he'd be hired to do this at every event - comparing Fabbri/Ayer to Hubbell Donahue in their power. giving very high praise to Davis/Smolkin in their FD for the difficulty and their good skating skills

this morning he's saying how going fast makes it easier to balance, that going slower to an extent takes more control, like in a step sequence for cleaner and deeper turns. he said at one of the other practices that difficult turns came originally from figures, which were done practically standing still - and that doing them at speed covering ice is a new thing

he mentions good partnering, clarity and spacing a lot. that if the camera zooms out when a team's doing twizzles, it's usually not a good sign about how far apart they are. that you want to see a team keeping the same space between them rather than push/pull accordioning

he keeps talking about valuing dance in ice dance - love that - said with Tkachenko/Kiliakov that there's a fine line between creativity vs keeping the integrity of the build of the dance, and how it can go either way with judges, whether they value seeing something new

and things like, is a team looking down at their feet like they're focusing on if their turns are clean - how that can make them look unsure. is someone giving face all the way through, or stopping to concentrate on something and going in and out of using their face to express

technical sheets/scores - how sometimes it aligns with how you feel in a skate - like sometimes you feel you did great but get a level 1, and another you're not sure but you get level 3 or 4 - and sometimes not

wants to see every detail be intentional, purposeful, quality - Michelin stars, not just delivering food - effortlessness in the partnering, how you do a change of edge, how you lift your foot off the ice - every detail needs to be taken into account

in a rhythm dance, want to see and feel the rhythm - that the skater doesn't need to know the count to feel it and understand how it makes them want to move

praised N/M's rotational lift in the RD - their strongest element in that program

Mrazeks - went whoa - the power - doesn't know another team besides the Taschlers with that kind of power - he was talking about how they suddenly generated speed out of nowhere with two crossovers coming out of a corner. they know how to push - at times it's exciting. with a team like them, he sees it sometimes too much (vs dancing). their RD has a stiffness that works for clarity and with the music in some sections. assertiveness of edge - very grounded. "power band of this team is unreal"

Lauriault/LeGac - it's musical, but being closer together would create a whoaa factor. when you create a precise image for [the audience/judges] to see, that's when the whoaa happens

Fear/Gibson - he said they've had an issue with the wrong music being played, or a glitch when it started at every single practice so far, and how that potentially can get in your head. (Lewis had a fall in that move where he goes through her legs) they're performers - exquisite at their craft of clarity - every beat is hit, every accent. so clear - makes it easy to watch

he talks a lot about vulnerability when you perform - being able to connect with someone, eye contact, to create and share the experience with your partner, and the way he speaks of Kaitlin says respect and a lot of care - it's nice to hear

[withered-rose-unbreakable-lotus]

So you want to listen to 9GOATS BLACK OUT?

...and you don't know where to start? Well I got you. I like talking about my favorite bands and I love recommending music.

So, I won't go into details about the band, you can look that part up. All you need to know, imo is that it's unfortunately disbanded. Why you need to know that? Cause some people don't like listening to bands that are no longer active. Another thing you might wonder is if the members are still active. Well Ryo (bunch of projects, HOLLOWGRAM, DALLE, etc.) and Uta (Sukekiyo) are. Hati isn't, I've looked it up and...as far as the rest of members, who weren't showing up much in photoshoots are concerned, I unfortunately don't know. The fact they were sometimes in sometimes out discouraged me from looking further into them or following their activities BUT I'm sure you can find something about them on vkgy (if you haven't tried that site, do so, it's an amazing archive of vkei bands). Anyway, let's get to the music.

[side note: Some fans might disagree with my choices or think I should add 1-2 more songs, but this is just an opinion. If you wish to make a list of your own go ahead, every person has different criteria on what feels easier to listen to first, or showcases a band's colors best.]

Sink is the first song that got me into the band and I would hands down recommend it to anyone wanting to give this band a try. It's a common starter for many fans as well, as I learnt years later so yeah. If you like moody stuff with a melody that takes you places, you will like this one.

If my 18-19 year old self saw me suggesting this song, she would goggle her eyes at me. The reason I'm suggesting this is because it was one of their songs I didn't like at all for years, however, whenever I accidentally came across it, the melody stuck to me FOR DAYS. This is one of their catchiest tunes in my eyes. You don't understand, when I don't like a song I almost never come back. I was bewitched to like this song xD. If you are like me, you probably won't like it on the first try, but give it a few listens and you might change your mind. ;)

This is another song I see many 9goats fans enjoy and I think it's easy to listen, too. I love it personally and I also love the pv cause I get to clearly see everyone! Up until their last pv's release, Uta and Hati, even though they showed up in photoshoots, they weren't often visible in pvs for long, if at all. They both have amazing aesthetic, beyond their music artistry, they can give you strong visuals if you ask them to, but they both were more focused on sound and I think, in Uta's case that is obvious even now that he is with Sukekiyo. They wanted their music to be the center of attention it appears and that's ok, but to me it was a bit sad they didn't let us see them in pvs more too.

I say that a lot, if you know me and we've spoken about this band before, but I consider them the closest thing I have ever felt like calling “black magic in music form”, but in a novel way. This song is a good indication why. Also this song showcases everybody's talent. Ryo's haunting voice, Uta's screaming guitar, and Hati's calm bass carrying everything else from the back and making the sound move like waves in the sea, slow at first and then speeding up and back to slow again. The drums are powerful here as well, the melodic piano, creating such a soaring feeling with everything else, it's just ugh.

This is one of those songs that feels like it's from a videogame to me. Or a movie, if you aren't a videogame person. It's mysterious, like following a character around during the night. It's quite haunting too. The way the music trails off at places especially....goodness gracious. The distortions, the melody just...try it try it. Very cinematic.

You might need more time with the band before you try this one, but it's really good. The way the drums enter after the guitar and Ryo's first lyrics grasps my heart. It makes me shiver every single time, chills, chills, chills across the board. If you have a woofer at home, please use it. Let it shake your room, feel it. And if you have earphones or headphones, choose headphones at least once. I don't know how effective this song is on others, but they can't have added so much ahm...how do you call that, underground sound I guess, unless they wanted people to feel the instruments vibrate underneath you (not that way, ye nasties, like an earthquake I mean).

I hope you find sth you like, if not, it's ok, we all like different things, but yeah, this was my attempt to entice more people listen to one of my favorite bands, 9GOATS BLACK OUT.

[lightofraye]

Bonus Song

The Piano Guys - This Is Your Fight Song (Rachel Platten Cover)

There are no lyrics for this, as it's all strictly instrumental. However, I love what the Piano Guys wrote about this.

--

When we first heard Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song” we were inspired by its message. In a world where we too often talk about our differences, we have at least one thing in common. We all struggle. Not in the same way, nor at the same level, but we all want a fighting chance. And we all share in one gift: The will to make the most of our lives. To take what we’ve been given and turn it into something better could be considered the sentient measuring stick of success. But to do so seldom is simple and more often requires we fight. Not against each other. But against the current threatening to drown the ambition in us.

There is tremendous purpose in struggle. It is when the struggle becomes so fierce that we must fight to swim or sink. John Newton, who penned “Amazing Grace,” worked on a slave trader ship and condoned inhuman atrocities. It was when his ship was on the verge of being torn apart in a violent storm when he called out for Grace. When his feet were once again planted on firm soil he determined to change. His covenant was written into these words,

“I once was lost, but now I’m found; was blind, but now I see.”

Grace is the defining moment when we face and fight a monster poised to define us or destroy us.

This song and video for us was a struggle, but a beautifully defining one. We chose the Scottish culture to depict the dichotomy between Grace and struggle. Who else is tough enough and yet delicate enough to don a kilt in battle? And the Scottish pipe and drum are the ultimate conveyors of melody and cadence. One represents Grace, the other the indomitable fight. Our dream was to film one of the most iconic castles on the Earth, Eilean Donan Castle in Dornie, Scotland.

Grace somehow made this video possible. We had to postpone our trip to Scotland several times, and when we could no longer postpone we had to leap in faith because just before we left everything had fallen through. It wasn’t until we were in the moment and had to let go of our pride and anxiety when everything Gracefully came together. We want to give special props to Paul. When the drone capturing our aerial footage took a nose dive into the frigid waters surrounding Eilean Donan, he took one for the team and jumped in after it, heroically saving the scenes you are seeing today!

From our youth we’ve been taught that when faced with insurmountable, unthinkable odds, we cheerfully do all that lies within our power, and then stand still with the utmost assurance to let fate, destiny, karma, or to let God do the rest. It isn’t easy, but every time we have an opportunity to practice it we get a little better. We’ve found, as John Newton discovered, the closer we get to the furnace of the affliction the more our obstinance and pride burns off revealing the best way to win a fight in ourselves is to let Grace fight the battle instead.

We recognize that this video is far less important than a fight for one’s life. We hope this music will serve as an anthem for those that are in the fight of their lives. We have people close to us who inspire us every day with their grace in the face of such a struggle. This video is dedicated to them: The superheroes in our lives that don’t wear capes, but wear a smile under villainous pressure — those that have been through so many defining moments that they are intimately acquainted with Grace and know it be close cousins with hope. They know that when they can’t fully understand the purpose of a struggle, they instead recognize that knowing there is a purpose is enough. We pray that “Grace will bring them safety through.”

Finally, we feel grateful and we’d like to say, with John Newton, “When we’ve been [here] ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we’d first begun.”

[thisworldisablackhole]

Sprawl Trilogy first impressions

God damnit, Gibson really did it this time didn’t he? The man really knows how to string you along and then ghost your ass mid dinner - dipping out of the bathroom window to leave you calculating the tip on your own.

Upon writing this, I have just finished Mona Lisa Overdrive, so I’m full of post-book emotions. Mona Lisa Overdrive took me the longest to read out of the 3 books. Part of that is due to the fact that I was getting distracted and spending full days writing posts on this blog about music and other stuff, and part of it is due to the fact that it is simply the most narratively dense book in the series.

After reading all three I have to say that Neuromancer is still my favourite. It had the most satisfactory ending by far, and perhaps the most cohesive vision. Count Zero is the only entry in the series that was kind of a dud for me. Upon finishing the trilogy, I think there is still some important world building information in that book that is worth revisiting, but the semi-boring characters mixed with all the weird heady spiritual stuff just didn't click for me. Not to mention the finale was much like when you try to pop a bubble on a sheet of bubble wrap and it sort of just softly squeezes out the air without making a sound. Virek going from being on the verge of unlimited power to completely ceasing to exist within the span of a few pages just made me go... "oh.... alright then".

Many people claim that Mona Lisa Overdrive is the best, and I can see where they are coming from, but I must admit I am just not a huge fan of the multi character perspective switching that happens between every chapter. Neuromancer still had it's fair share of innate complications that come from being based in a highly technological word (and written by an author who trusts the intelligence of the reader way too much), but it had a single driving perspective that was easy to stay engaged with. Count Zero caught me off guard with it's perspective shifting right away and it took me almost half the book to really pin down all the who what and where's to a point where I felt connected to each thread. Fortunately Gibson improved on this method of writing A LOT with Mona Lisa Overdrive. Even though he upped the narrative threads from three to four, the characters felt more fleshed out and were easier to connect with.

There is still so much I don't fully understand about the story. The end of Mona Lisa Overdrive wrapped up a lot of loose ends from the previous two books while simultaneously opening a pandora's box full of new questions and theories to explore. I do feel like Gibson added a bit of unnecessary information for the pure sake of complicating the plot and throwing you off balance, but it was nonetheless fascinating. Kumiko's entire involvement in particular was a huge question mark for me. Not to say I didn't enjoy her character. I loved the interactions between Kumiko and Colin. The whole idea of a handheld maas neotek personality construct that acts as a guide/companion that only she can see was really fun, but I kept waiting for her involvement in the whole switcheroo deal to make sense and then it turned out she was never really involved in that aspect of the story in the first place.

On that note, one of the beautiful things I learned to accept about Gibson's writing is that he loves to leave the reader in the dark. There were many times where I felt like an idiot for not fully understanding what was going on, only to have Gibson drop the answers straight into my lap in the last quarter of the book. I found reading this series a lot more enjoyable when I just relaxed and went along for the ride instead of asking questions. The knowledge and context you gain by the end of the books almost beg you to read them again, and that is why I refuse to do a full in depth review until that happens. I just can't do them justice until I fully understand.

[rockitmans]

Blaine Anderson Vs Valentine's Day (5/14)

Summary: Blaine drunk posts on his Instagram asking for a date for Valentine's Day. He gets one.

Notes: Written for the @klaineccfanficlibrary Valentine Challenge. Today's song is You're The Best Thing by The Style Council

This one's for @cerriddwenluna who has not only been a wonderful cheerleader for this fic but also inspired this chapter with our mutual Elliott love

Read on AO3 or below

~~~~~~~

Blaine wakes up with his phone pressed against his cheek. He'd stayed up so late talking to Kurt that he'd fallen asleep in the middle of typing out a sentence. He can barely believe how long they spent chatting. They just clicked so instantly that everything felt easy. The conversation meandered with the joyful flow of close friends, helped along by the huge amount they seem to have in common. 

Blaine is slightly suspicious he really did manage to manifest Kurt into being through pure wish power. He's that perfect. Or maybe he has some glaring flaw that has yet to reveal itself. Maybe he thinks that Katy Perry is overrated. 

Blaine flips open his DMs, not really expecting much, but is delighted to see a new message from Kurt. 

Kurt: Good morning, sunshine ☀️

It's a simple enough message but it tells Blaine two things. That Kurt isn't interested in playing games with him, which is nice after the mental gymnastics he occasionally went through with his exes. And that Kurt woke up thinking about him. Which means Blaine isn't alone.

Blaine: Good morning. I have to go to my real person job today 😔

Kurt: Same here. Catch you later though?

Blaine: Absolutely 

*

Blaine's Real Person Job is at his local record store but he barely considers it work. He just gets to talk to people about music all day. He also gets to hang out with his favourite colleague, Elliott, who always buys him a morning coffee without fail. Angels exist in the form of Elliott Gilbert. 

"Morning, Bee," Elliott greets him, pushing a Starbucks cup into his hand. He peers into Blaine's face. "You okay, skipper? You look tired."

"I was up most of the night," Blaine admits. 

"Lucky you." Elliott waggles his eyebrows and Blaine glares playfully.

"Not for that. Um… Sebastian and I broke up actually."

"Oh." Elliott frowns. "Is it too early to admit I never liked him? Or are we still in the 'mourning and pretending he was wonderful' stage?" 

Blaine laughs weakly. "Insult away. He cheated on me."

Elliott stiffens. "Where does he live, again?"

"No. You're not killing Sebastian."

"Not even like a little spook? Some casual threats of violence?"

"No."

"Fine," Elliott sighs. "But seriously, how are you holding up?"

Blaine thinks about it. Waking up with thoughts of Kurt had kept the grief at bay. And, if he's being really honest with himself, Sebastian was always more fun than Forever. They were never going to be picking out paint samples or arguing over who would pay for the Netflix account. He just wishes Sebastian had told him the expiry was up on their relationship and that they had parted amicably. Not that he had fucked a random from the gym. 

"I'm doing okay," he says honestly. "More pissed off that he cheated than about the relationship being over."

"Understandable."

"And…" Blaine hesitates, wondering if it's too early to start talking about Kurt. 

"And?" Elliott echoes curiously. 

"Well… And don't judge me. I kind of started talking to someone else."

"Blaine Anderson, you slut," Elliott gasps, sounding thrilled. "Tell me everything."

"Not like that. Just. A guy messaged me on Instagram."

"Oh my God."

"I know, I know. But honestly it's all been very wholesome. We talked all night. It was kind of wonderful actually."

"That is… incredibly boring but I'm thrilled for you, truly."

"Sorry you can't vicariously live your sex life through me," Blaine says tartly. "I hate to disappoint."

"That's ok. I'm used to disappointment."

Blaine flips him off and Elliott laughs.

"Just be careful, okay?" Elliott adds more seriously. "Not everyone is who they claim to be on the internet."

"I'm being careful," Blaine lies. "It's not like I'm planning to meet him anytime soon." The dinner reservation at Di Fara set for less than two weeks away  flashes like a beacon in his mind. He could so easily invite Kurt. He ignores the impulse. 

Elliott hums doubtfully. He knows Blaine far too well.

*

Blaine makes it a grand total of four hours before he messages Kurt again. Which is fine and normal and completely chill, actually. 

Blaine: I'm on lunch if you wish to be bothered

It takes Kurt fifteen minutes to respond and Blaine spends the time bouncing his knee anxiously and reminding himself that Kurt actually does have A Life and it's not all about him. Unfortunately.

Kurt: Bother away 

Kurt: How's real life going?

Blaine: Extremely boring

Kurt: Mine too. No cute, half naked guys in my Insta feed today 😔

Blaine: Listen

"What are you smiling about so much?" Elliott interjects, wandering into the break room and stealing a bite of Blaine's sandwich. He looks at the phone in Blaine's hand. "Oh my God. Are you talking to your Instagram man right now? Your Insta-man?"

"Shut up."

"That's not a no."

"I thought this was a safe space," Blaine complains and Elliott cackles. 

"I'm not judging. You're adorable. "

"You say you're not judging but your tone says otherwise."

"Don't leave him on read," Elliott urges, waving him away and grabbing a magazine. "God forbid I get in the way of 'true love.'"

"I can hear the quotation marks," Blaine mutters but he glances back at his phone. 

Kurt: I'm listening intently 

Blaine: Sorry. My friend interrupted my flow to ask me why I was smiling so much

Kurt: Oh? And why ARE you smiling so much

Blaine: I've made a horrible mistake

Kurt: 😂

Blaine: I'm being bullied from all sides today

Kurt: No. I've been smiling all day too. Because of you, to be clear.

Kurt: It's going to be very awkward if you weren't smiling because of me now 

Blaine laughs, ignoring Elliott's pointed cough. 

Blaine: Don't worry.

Blaine: It was definitely because of you

[athetos]

I’ve been very low energy and haven’t been able to play live a live much this week so I’ve only gotten the oersted ending so far but thoughts:

Shifu’s chapter was much better than I anticipated, I actually didn’t know about the twist even though it was implying that ending, well done, though I wished I put all my training into the one character and not relatively even between all three.

Oboromaru’s chapter is the best, loved the influence it seemed to have on Undertale, plus so many secrets! Just had a ton of fun with it, could definitely see myself replaying it. Also, his skill set is fantastic, very versatile and powerful.

Sundown’s chapter was tooooo short i loved it it should have been longer, it was a great change of pace but i also understand why it could only be that long. Never occurred to me i could run and thus spare mad dog which sucks because i really wanted to spare him.

Pogo’s chapter was the most boring… the crafting system was interesting but mostly unnecessary, the not having actual dialogue didn’t entertain me much, relied too much on toilet humor or awooga a woman humor. It was fine but felt too long and the superboss just seems like a “but why??” Situation instead of something that feels more appropriate to the setting + reward.

Cube’s chapter was a mashup of 2001 a space odyssey and alien, 2 of my favorite movies of all time, and while it’s obviously not close to that kind of caliber I still loved it, even if the tropes were pretty standard. I’m just a sucker for scifi horror. Captain square was a cool diversion but I wish there was more combat with cube themself. Characters had me weirdly attached to them even though they’re nothing unique.

Akira’s chapter felt like watching a goofy dark scifi anime and while again it quite obviously didn’t meet the heights of, I don’t know, the actual Akira film, it was still fun, and I liked the characters. Lots of side quests and diversions that were cool they had at all. Had some annoying moments but overall fond of it.

Masaru’s chapter was another nice change of pace, I felt it was one of the easier ones but for an episode that’s all about battles, the battles were entertaining, well, entertaining for fights with your typical fighting game heavily stereotyped fighters.

Oersted’s chapter felt generic at first but kept my attention, characters were great to use in battle so that helped. The demon’s lair was pretty confusing even with the map, but got interesting after that. But then when you’re exiled there’s no marker for where to go and I explored the damn lair in full two more times hoping to stumble upon something until realizing I had to be captured again. Annoying. I feel the ending could have been super cool with oersted becoming odio but the execution was meh, it didn’t make total sense to me and felt a bit out of nowhere, there weren’t really any clues if you ask me, but I’ll give it a pass.

Oersted’s bad ending was very, well, what you would expect for a bad ending, but playing as all the past bosses was a blast. The battles were all very easy which was slightly disappointing but I think the point is you should be overpowered because you’re a giant dinosaur or a dude with a huge ass gun, and you want to feel powerful! Not many games let you play as a boss like that so this was great

In short I think this game was very ahead of its time, fun and creative and I’m so glad it got this remake. As a teen I heard about this game and became very intent to play it, I just felt like it would become one of my favorite games but it always kept falling behind on my backlog so I’m very glad I’m playing the hd version since it adds so many QOL features and the graphics are gorgeous, the music is beautiful, etc. yeah if you like jrpgs and want something that feels fresh and has variety I recommend this game a lot