#but when she realized she could actually make a difference to another creature with it she regained her love for it

[aquanutart]

I enjoyed watching a cetitan chase arven in paldean winds. I thought "wow they are Fast"

[azlrse]

hello, can I request boyfriend gush for Malleus please?

[boyfriend gush/drabble: malleus draconia]

cw: spelling errors (pls do tell so that i'll fix itt) pure fluff & slight book 7 spoilers

a/n: wrote this while in a boring family function lmfaoo (maybe leona is next on the list)

malleus didn't expect that the one creature who would took his heart is none other than (m/c) themselves. if the princess of briar valley is alive along with her own husband, malleus would say that the both of them would be in a state of shock; skeptical even that their own son would chose a magicless human as his lover. his own mother would disapprove of you but for the sake of her son's happiness, she would accept you.

his grandmother on the other hand, is on the same page as her deceased daughter but over the course of time, maleficia saw you as her own and accepted you into the family.

he is also the type of fae who is deeply in love with them so much that he could get mad if someone would bad-mouthed them. malleus also remembered on how he confided into his caretaker, lilia, regarding his feelings for you. a romantic feeling to be percise. upon seeing and realizing on how malleus's eyes enlightened whenever he talks about you for months, lilia is delighted and excited to hear that malleus finally found true love on his own. he even encourages him to court you the way his own kind does.

when he does court you, he is surprised to see that you accepted his gifts but quite oblivious on what he's indicating. for you, these gifts are his way to thanking you for being his friend but for the prince, it's his way of saying that he's in love with you and wants your hand to be his significant other. this excruciating shenanigan went on for months until sebek had to intervene through a letter.

the student even pointed out that malleus is deeply in love with the prefect and couldn't shake off on how solemn his face looks after giving you another trinket but didn't say anything other than "thanks", thinking that you rejected his own feelings for you.

you felt really bad and immediately ran towards the diasomnia dorm just to apologize to the headwarden, mistaking his gifts as simple souvenirs and reminded him that this is the first time a fae courted you without actually knowing it. malleus also apologizes that you didn't know these acts of courtship because of you being a human and are unfamiliar of the said acts.

for your first date (you introduced that concept to your fae boyfriend), malleus invited you to sightseeing gargoyles in different locations within the school. malleus isn't used to explaining gargoyles and dragons to someone due to the latter's lack of interest but to you, you listened tentively and stared into his eyes as he introduced you to different statues. you didn't know a thing about statues but seeing how malleus explained each and every single statue puts you in a trance on how handsome he looks.

if (m/c) is the type of person who loves whole cakes, malleus would be amazed on how you ate lots and lots of cakes and not having heartburns nor a stomach ache. malleus knows that he despised those pastries due to an incident that took place sometime in his life. for him, (m/c) is known to be a sweet tooth and takes notes that he could give you cakes and sweets from his kingdom if you plan on visiting.

over the course of him dating you, this guy would occasionally scare you to bits by surprising you; malleus appearing in front of you out of nowhere, hanging upside down and surprising you (like how lilia does) and even hugging you from behind. he likes it on how skittish you are and the way you hit his arm as he laughs at you. he would apologize to you if he scared you to an extent or making you uncomfortable due to his antics.

he's also the one who gave you your first kiss. during one of your walks, you mentioned that you dated for quite sometime but didn't receive any kisses from him. at first, malleus thinks that giving you cheek kisses are enough but you murmured that you haven't got your first kiss on the lips. unfortunately, he heard the said plea and asked you if you really wanted that kissed.

you nodded and puckered your lips, preparing for his lips of touch yours when all of the sudden, he dips you down and kisses you. you were surprised, yes, but quickly melted into the kiss as you placed both of your hands into his face. malleus really likethe way you hid your face with your hands and the said kiss. he didn't say anything but placed a chaste kiss on your forehead as you recovered from the surprise kiss your boyfriend gave you.

note: want this but with your twst character? send me an ask!! <33

Do not republish, edit, or repost to other websites.

Reblogs and likes are appreciated! 💕

[rue-dixon]

Is Chilchuck's wife blonde? Analysis:

I've noticed a lot of the fandom doubts what Chilchuck's wife looks like and still thinks she's a blonde woman. Which is understandable, since it seems to be something Kui really likes to point out. But my theory is it's intentional, and more important than we think.

As I said, be clearly has a type for blonde woman. And Kui makes a point of this by continuing point it out in the World Guide side book. But why? It hardly seems relevant, after all it's only mentioned once in the manga during chapter 58.

Many fans assumed the first woman that succubus took the form of was his wife. Which is understandable. But that gets quickly thrown out the window when the next serval succubus that attack him all look completely different. But according to Marcille, they're all blonde. And she even asks if that was because of his wife. Which is why many people probably think she's blonde.

But Chilchuck gets upset when she asks. Now at first you assume it's just Chilchuck being embarrassed as always. But at this point he's talked about his family multiple times calmly. Especially after having such a serious talk about his wife just a few chapters earlier, why would he react so strongly again now?

Now let's put that aside for a second. Why does the fandom believe the woman with short black hair is his wife? Well simply because she shares multiple features with his daughters, who we actually do see and confirmed to be his daughters.

His oldest, Meijack, shares her more unique eye shape. And his middle, Flertom, her hair. They even have the same small piece of stray hair on the top of their heads. So it's highly unlikely this is a coincidence.

And according to this official colored sketch, neither of his children are blonde. So it's safe to assume his wife is in fact, not blonde. So then why is it talked about so much?

Well actually I think his "fetish" to say, along with the succubus is what drove his wife to leave him.

So before they encounter the succubus, Chilchuck freaks out when he realizes what attacks them. Which isn't out of character for him, but he's very specific with what he said. It's clear he really, REALLY doesn't like the succubus. Even Marcille comments about how it seems he's seen one before.

Now we do know due to a side comic that a party tried to feed him to a succubi group. Which could explain why he's so scared, but he never actually sees any of them. He runs away before they even find them. (I'd provide evidence but I've reached my limit on photos and I don't feel like making multiple posts lol.)

So why does he know so much about how they work then?

Here's my theory:

He actually DID run into a group of succubus a long time ago with another party. The same party that actually knew and ended up meeting his wife. Blonde woman like we saw attacked him, and the party already knowing about his wife assumed; oh! That must be what if wife looks like of course! Eventually down the road the party meet her. Only to be surprised that she looked absolutely nothing like his fantasy they saw. So of course through drunken fun, the party brings this up. More to make fun of him if anything. I'd assume him and his wife were already having problems up to this point. Maybe she had doubts of him being disloyal since he was always away. Or maybe doubts that he didn't loved her anymore, or even no longer found her attractive or desirable still. So hearing that a creature that supposedly transformed into the thing your heart wants the most, and it's the complete opposite of her confirmed whatever insecurity she had in her mind. That maybe the woman they turned into was even his mistress herself?! Knowing Chilchuck, he probably didn't try to comfort her or at least did it very well. Or maybe not even try to talk about it after at all and instead just tried to blow it off. Which only made things worse. And that pushed her to finally leave. Her final straw possibly.

However this is purely speculation of course. A theory based on the extremely limited knowledge we have of that night and their marriage in general.

[snippychicke]

Poppy Seeds--Part Three

Inspired by TooManyPsuedonyms work, which in turn was inspired by @semisolidmind fanart/cabin!Au for Playtime Poppy. Especially these works today

Master post

Seven: Music

As soon as Kissy found the old radio stuffed away, she was in love. Especially when you found the vinyl records and 8-track tapes stored away. Old records your grandparents had loved like The Mamas and The Papas, Abba, John Denver, and others you weren’t so familiar with.

Soon music was always playing in the house as long as Kissy was awake. To the point that every time you were in town, you had raided the second hand store and old music shops for more.

Because it not only made the pink giant happy, but seemed to lift everyone's spirits, even on the bad days. And if that’s what it took, you would be all too happy to accommodate.

-+-

Some old song played, and something about it had everyone up and dancing. Kissy had Ollie in her arms, and the boy was giggly as the giant spun him around. Poppy was swaying by herself on the kitchen counter, though she seemed quite content by the smile on her face.

Dancing with Dogday was a bit challenging considering your size difference, but he was determined to make it work. And well, you had no complaints as he held you close with an arm around your back while his other hand encompassed yours.

Actually, you were in heaven, you just didn't want to admit it. The feelings in your chest had been slowly growing warmer and fonder for Dogday, but burying your face in his soft chest was making you realize what exactly those emotions were.

Surely this was just another side effect of the horrors you survived, right? Or just having someone so openly affectionate with you after being somewhat socially isolated the last decade as you hid from the truth you accidentally had uncovered at Playtime.

It didn't help with him always calling you angel, or following you around like a shadow. And right now, some of your favorite moments were just laying together in bed, snuggled closely and basking in the moment.

You were starting to fall in love, and you weren't quite sure how to deal with it.

His deep voice started to sing softly along with the chorus, and you knew you were in deep trouble.

Eight: Hunt

Feeding four people was going to strain your meager funds as a small farmer/rancher. Especially when two of those ‘people’ were towering creatures with an appetite of 2 each.

You knew they could ‘survive’ off less, and they both tried to hide the fact the typical portions were leaving them hungry. But after hearing both Kissy and Dogday's growl loudly several meals in a row, you deduced that it wasn't quite enough. And while you had a large garden planted, it was going to be at least a few weeks to a couple of months to benefit from that.

You knew there were plenty of deer and elk in the woods this time of year--along with things like bears and mountain lions. So you had your gramps' old shotgun hanging off your shoulder by the old strap, unable to see either Dogday or Kissy but you knew they were still within shouting distance. Surely between the three of you, you'd be able to bring something in, even if it was something smaller like a rabbit or one of the wild turkeys.

Hunting was not your favorite thing, but it put food on the table. Besides, you knew Ollie needed more nutrition too if he was ever going to get rid of that sallow tint and put meat on his bones.

There was a grumble along with a crack of a branch that gave you half a second warning. You turned, not expecting the giant grizzly bear that somehow got behind you.

You swore as you fumbled with the shotgun-- you had been more familiar with the old Grab Pack than you were the gun. The grizzly huffed again and lumbared towards you far faster than you thought something that size could. You attempted a shot, which fired with a harsh crack, but it went far too wide.

You were dead.

But in a blur of deep violet, the grizzly was knocked to the forest floor. It took you another second to recognize Catnap as he tore into the animal.

There was a brief moment of relief… and then you realized you had just traded one deadly situation for the other.

Catnap eventually released the grizzly bear and looked towards you. You took a step back, even though you knew there was no way you could outrun him. Not here in the open where there were no places to hide. You could try and shoot him, yet that weighed too heavy on your conscience, even if it meant saving your life. Never mind you couldn’t even shoot the grizzly at point-blank range.

Catnap suddenly stood on his back legs, easily switching to be bipedal… then kneeling before you. “Savior,” he breathed with more reverence than Dogday which was… was something.

“Uh,” you answered intelligently, blinking at the giant cat. Savior? You?

With a sense of deja-vu, Catnap was tackled in the same way he had tackled the animal moments earlier. Dogday’s giant paws were clenched into fists as he wailed upon the purple cat, a deep thunderous growl echoing from his chest.

Before he could do too much damage, and before Catnap could start fighting back-- you rushed forward and grabbed Dogday’s fist and held it back. You knew he could easily overpower you, but thankfully he paused, looking at with narrowed eyes.

“Stop it,” you begged, “please. He-he saved my life.”

That seemed to get through to him. Dogday looked towards the lifeless form of the grizzly, then at Catnap beneath him. The other giant Smiling Critter was glaring up at the dog with the same hate Dogday was glaring at him.

You gently pulled at Dogday, and he slowly followed your lead, unpinning Catnap and allowing him to climb to his feet and brush off the dirt and leaves.

"Why are you here?” Dogday snarled, placing himself directly between you at Catnap just as Kissy arrived, her smile dimmed as she bared her needle-point teeth at Catnap.

Yet Catnap seemed unaffected, his eyelights focused on you, peeking out from behind your friend. “They saved us. They are The Savior who defeated the false-god.”

Dogday relaxed somewhat at his word, though just a little. “Ah, just as much of a fanatic as before.”

“You deny their works?” Catnap growled back. “Even after the many works you saw yourself, you are a heretic of the true savior?”

“My angel saved us; I’ll agree with you on that, but I know they’re not going to be happy about that new title, or your worship. Unlike the prototype, angel doesn’t exactly like sacrifices.”

“N-no fighting,” you agreed, holding on to Dogday’s hand as you stepped up to his side. “No killing--other than for food,” you tacked on, seeing Kissy pause. A deer in one hand that she had dragged like a stuffed animal along the forest floor. “Or for protection. And that goes for both of you.”

It was probably seeing you try to boss the two--both of whom were about twice your height.

You squeaked indignantly as Dogday suddenly lifted you up and pulled you close to him. “Only for your sake, angel.” he murmured, nuzzling against the crook of your neck and shoulder the best he could due to both his size and also undoubtedly glaring at Catnap over your shoulder.

You could feel your face burn hot, but still gave an exasperated expression to Kissy, who hid her teeth and instead looked far more amused than she should have been.

Nine: Close

You escaped into the porch, desperate for some fresh air. It had been about a week since the Incident in the woods, and if you thought Dogday had been your shadow, you had been sorely mistaken. Knowing Catnap.was somewhere in the nearby forest left him on high alert and even more protective.

At first, you could understand it. You were more than a little shaken yourself. Especially when you would find random animals dead on your porch, ranging from rabbits to a moose. Dogday was sure Catnap was taunting everyone but…

But you had cats before. And yes, Catnap was not an actual cat, but neither was Dogday yet there were traits that seemed too much of a coincidence.

For example, Dogday loved to be petted. To the point he often rested his head in your lap while you both sat on the floor to watch tv. He had that ‘magic spot’ where his ear and head joined that when scratched would make his leg kick. (You avoided it most of the time, knowing he was self conscious of it… but sometimes temptation was too great to see that blissed look on his face.)

So you had to admit, Catnap acting like a cat… was not so far fetched. Bringing food (because they had all been fresh kills of edible animals) was a sign of affection in most cats--even moreso, you were sure, for a giant cat who had endured a decade of near starvation.

But convincing Dogday that Catnap meant no harm… that would be a challenge.

You rubbed your eyes hard with an aggravated sigh, hard enough you saw stars when you opened your eyes.

…or maybe not. You noticed a pair of eyes reflecting the porch light, far taller than any animal you could think of…

Slowly Catnap stepped out of the shadows, though didn’t pass the treeline. Instead he seemed hesitant to draw too close, his gaze flitting between you and the house behind you.

Probably expecting Dogday or maybe one of the others to come out in a rage. Yet you could hear them talking and laughing as they played one of the board games (that you purposely lost for a chance for some fresh air.)

You didn’t feel comfortable enough to approach Catnap, but… something about the lonely creature tugged at your heartstrings. Without really thinking you scooted to the edge of the porch, dangling your legs off the edge, and offered a hand.

“Psspt ppsspp ppsspp.”

The giant cat blinked at you, and for a long moment you felt like an idiot. Trying to call Catnap like he was just an old farm cat? Really?

Yet it seemed to work as Catnap slowly stalked out of the first, slinking low to the ground with his attention split between you and the cabin.

He really was an overgrown cat.

The thought made you relax some, even ast Catnap eventually loomed over you, head tilted in curiosity as if to say: “Okay, I’m here. Now what do you want?”

“Thank you for the presents?” you offered awkwardly, not sure yourself what had compelled you other than pity. “The turkey especially, even if we had feathers strewn about for a while. They were quite… novel to everyone.”

Catnap appeared to accept the praise pridefully, standing a little taller. Without thinking (which was certainly a common theme tonight) you raised your hand to scratch his chin. He paused for a moment before sinking into your touch, a slow and deep purr resonating from his chest.

Oh. You don’t bother fighting the smile as Catnap slowly slumped to the ground, looking as blissed with the soft scratches as Dogday. Though the purring was quite new, and where Dogday allowed his eyes to close completely as he rested his head in your lap, Cat nap’s were only half closed, though the expression in them was full reverence and tenderness.

It was a rather peaceful moment--until the door slammed open. “Catnap!” Dogday snarled as the other giant Smiling Critter jumped, back arched and a hiss on his lips. “Angel! Are you okay?”

“I’m fine!” you answered as you jumped to your feet, stopping Dogday from going after Catnap as he retreated back into the woods. “He didn’t hurt me, see?”

It took a moment for Dogday to tear his gaze away from the shadows where Catnap disappeared into and look down to you. You reached up with the same hands you had petted Catnap with and cupped his face. As always, it helps him relax, though only somewhat.

“Angel,” he sighed, leaning into your touch, though not as deep as before. “Why do you have to be so kind?”

You're pretty sure his question was rhetorical, but you smiled anyway as you rubbed the pad of your thumb along the curve of his cheek. “Because no one else was.”

That caused the last bit of stress to ease, and he sunk deeper into your touch while wrapping his arms around your waist. “Angel, my sweet angel, you're going to be the death of me.”

---*--

Dogday knew logically that his angel was as kind and merciful as their namesake. They wouldn't be his angel if they weren't.

But they were als very brave and foolhardy.

It drove Dogday up the wall to see them be so kind to Catnap for some reason. They had all done things they weren't proud of, the only innocent one among them being Ollie. But they had done so to survive. There had been no pleasure in it.

But Catnap… he killed because the Prototype told him. He had killed so many in the name of the Prototype.

He may call their angel ‘savior,’ but Dogday didn't trust him. He didn't like how his angel would leave portions of food out, going as far as to yell for Catnap to come and get it before the other wild creatures did. He didn't like it when they'd scratch Catnap behind his ear, laughing as the giant cat rubbed his face against them with a deep purr.

He really didn't like it when his kind hearted angel made a space for Catnap in the barn. Filling the area with blankets and pillows, and even a spare radio and lamp.

“I can't just leave him!” You argued with a huff later that night, dressing yourself for bed. “It's going to get cold at night--winter comes early to these parts. I know that letting him in the house would be a bad idea--if he'd even accept the offer.”

Dogday knew he would--if just to spite him. Everything Catnap did, Dogday swore was for the sole purpose to annoy him.

“He doesn't deserve you, angel. None of us do, but especially not him. Yet your so kind to him, going out of the way to make sure he's okay…”

“I'd do that for anyone, ‘day. You guys didn't deserve the shit you went through, the least I can do is make up for a bit of it.”

Dogday hesitated as you climbed into bed, an uncomfortable feeling welling up in his chest. “Is that why we're here, angel? For you to try and repent as well?”

He could tell he struck a nerve as you flinched, and almost apologized, except the words got caught in his voicebox, twisting themselves into barbs to cut deeper. “Is that the only reason you let me stay with you every night?”

Your eyes were watery when you looked up at him, though there was that steely resolve as well. “You know it's not, Dogday. You're… you're special to me. I wouldn't let anyone else share my bed… except maybe Olie if he had a nightmare.”

Something twisted and knotted in Dogday’s chest relaxed at your reassurance allowing him to sigh. You echoed his sigh before patting the bed beside you. “Come here, big guy. It looks like you could use a hug.”

How were you so perfect?

Instead of crawling in beside you, Dogday decided to take that hug by crawling halfway atop of you, head pressed against your chest as he wrapped his arms around your waist.

He could hear your heart beating, quick but strong, and simply presumed it was from emotions running high like his own. He didn't even realize he had nestled himself between your legs until he felt the soft weight of your thighs press against his hips.

Oh. He may not be human but he did recognize a compromising position when he saw one. Yet before he could pull away, your hands reached up and scratched behind his ears. “Oh ‘day,” you sighed with such a hint of fondness he felt his tail wag in response. “You haven’t been feeling jealous, have you?”

His tail froze as he tensed, and he tried to hide his face in your chest. “No,” he lied.

Your laugh made it clear you didn't believe him, but you didn't call him out on it. Instead you pressed a kiss to the top of his head. “Good, because that would be silly. No one can compare to you, no matter what.”

His face felt like it was on fire, yet his tail was wagging faster than ever. His arms tightened around your waist as he tried to press himself closer to you. You were his angel, his guiding light, and for you to say that he was special to you.

Well, he couldn’t be happier.

[reflections-in-a-critical-eye]

This is complaining day because I realized there's more than one thing that got on my nerves lately and it's not just about the treatment of a kpop idol's mother. Let's begin.

Please, stop refering to Jungkook's mother as mama Jeon. I know the tendency is to ignore so many of the cultural differences that exist, but in SK, people don't change their surname after marriage. It just sounds idiotic and westernized in a ridiculous way.

So, Jungkook's mother loves all BTS members. She LOVES them all. How does army know that? How? I'm genuinely curious and genuinely asking. Because they say it as a certainty. Or, forgive me if my memory is faulty as well, but the only instance that we as outsiders were privy to in which we heard that woman speak for the first time, it was in early 2021 on another phonecall with Jungkook when she said I love you to Jimin.

Of course, the same ot7 narrative came as a buldozer at that time too. Damn, does that mean Jimin = BTS? Sometimes yes, but only when Army wants to diminish Jimin's importance and doesn't allow him to stand out individually too much. Musically or otherwise. But back to this Big Love that Jungkook's mom is supposedly feeling for everyone and which has been invoked once again when that woman mentioned Jimin twice while talking to Jungkook on the phone. Cause she already knew they were in Jeju. I bet she didn't have to find out randomly from a schedule group chat.

So what happens? An assumption is turned into certainty because of small people being extremely insecure. Because they see that one person is once again given more importance on a personal level and we can't have that. No sir! So in a panic, they tweet, they post on tumblr, tiktok, youtube the old age, boring af, sounding like a broken record sentence: "Mama Jeon loves all seven". Fuck me gently with a chainsaw cause that sounds a lot better than the feeling of throwing up I get whenever I read such things.

No, she doesn't love all of them. That is not a fact. It could be true and it's not impossible. But it is not a fact based on the knowledge we have at the moment.

Also, it shows once again that an entire fandom is actively creating a reality of their own which is not even like some sort of simulacrum of the reality they must live through. In Army world, the mother of one member of a k-pop group must love all the members of such group. It doesn't matter than irl, our mothers a lot of the times don't even like all our friends, besties or partners. We might have the most incredible connections and it would mean nothing to our mothers.

In that same vein, another narrative that makes me want to pull my eyes out is the "awww, their bond is to die for, they are (like) siblings after all". Do any of them never had any siblings? Never saw other people and their relationship with their siblings? Or with their family?

I also had to read (which was followed by me blocking it immediately) how Jimin and Jungkook's relationship is the sum of the other relationships they have with other BTS members. I mean, why would I have any sort of expectations from any of these people when they are completely incapable of looking at JM and JK as actual people. As persons with individual minds and an intellect of their own. Let alone the fact that their world does not stop with the presence of 5 other men. In what realistic scenario does this translate in real life? That's not how it works. Yes, we are social creatures and a product of our surroundings, but it is not in the way in which these stans believe it to be. They think that living in a dorm for a few years and working together with other people, it means that those experiences are the only ones that actually shape the personality of a person. They are real people, not fictional characters. I've never heard such ridiculous theories in my entire life, to be used as talking points about someone's behavior or relationship with another person.

Maybe the need to create this elaborate fantasy comes from the lack of love in their life, which then gets projected into this Disney, kumbaya, capitalist heaven narrative in which everyone is a big family and they love each other so much and equally and all the parents of all the children love every single member and thus, harmony is created. Love is always platonic and ever present. The complexity of human relationships must not exist.

[cartoonartistpng]

Mephiles the Mind, Iblis the Heart

Basically a breakdown of how I interpreted 06 but also a foundation I use for all my AUs.

Mephiles is highly intelligent and apathetic while Iblis relies on emotion and is more like a wild animal. Mephiles does not have full access to Solaris' time powers, but Iblis does. However, Iblis does not have the mental capacity to actually use them.

Things that are less “interpretive” and more “theory”:

This is why Iblis needed a powerful emotion to be released

In the original timeline, the one which led to Silver’s future, it was Elise’s death which released Iblis. Because the seal was broken improperly, Mephiles could not recombine with Iblis. Therefore, he would need to look for a different way, but he can’t with Sonic being there and being an obstacle (not while Mephiles is still weak). Hence why he brought in Silver—a powerful hedgehog determined to save his future no matter the cost—who is also a completely new factor to change the timeline. Silver would keep Sonic busy while Mephiles figured out how to properly release Iblis… Since letting her die didn’t work last time. When Silver began figuring out the charade, Mephiles didn’t care enough to try hard with his manipulations, especially if it meant Silver would help keep Elise alive. However, once Mephiles realized the way to release Iblis was via an extreme emotion from Elise well… how convenient that the Princess grew attached to a certain blue hedgehog. Turns out killing Sonic really was the key all along. And if you want something done right… you gotta do it yourself.

Essentially (to explain Mephiles’ weird planning in canon), Mephiles did not know the seal was reliant on Elise’s emotions in the beginning, so he sends Silver to distract Sonic while he figures out how to actually free his other half. How ironic that killing Sonic is indeed what needs to happen. Mephiles basically has a “wait, it’s actually that simple?” moment

The strong emotion can be anything—grief, anger, joy, fear—it just has to be strong. Like a “consuming your mind” kind of strong.

The original explosion which killed Elise was too sudden for any strong emotion to pop up. (Even in her last moments, she had faith Sonic would save her.)

Mephiles is the mind while Iblis is the heart. Only once combined does Mephiles—or Solaris now��actually feel feelings. However, Solaris is still adjusting after the disoriented episode of being literally split in two and so acts completely on his anger toward mortals for taking advantage of him.

At the end of 06, Solaris isn’t destroyed but rather is scattered/subdued, and everyone will already be long gone by the time Solaris’ pieces are reunited. Like “after Dark Gaia and Light Gaia have restarted the planet” kind of long time. They are gods after all. Time is different for them.

The rest of this is sparked from my “Trinity Gods” fanon. Aka, Gaia, the Master Emerald, and Solaris are the three gods who created Earth, as well as any planets prior to Earth. The Master Emerald is also called “Mother Chaos”.

While Gaia slumbers, Mother Chaos and Solaris watch over the planet to protect it. During Earth’s creation, Mother Chaos took on a physical form (ie. The Master Emerald) to live on Earth amongst its creatures. Curious about all Mother Chaos learned whilst living amongst mortals, Solaris decided to also take on a physical form and live amongst them. However, this meant limiting his ability to see the future—or rather which future would come true. Thus, Solaris did not see what the humans planned on doing with him until it was too late.

Gaia and Mother Chaos are A-Okay with Solaris destroying the planet. I mean, it wouldn’t be the first time one of them has, after all. It’d be a bummer for it to end so soon, but they can just make another one. It’s because of this that they don’t interfere with Solaris’ plot… as well as the fact that their creations had hurt their friend.

It’s also this familiarity that means the Chaos Emeralds will so easily obey Mephiles. Doesn’t matter who posses them or if they’re on the other side of the planet, if the gods call, they answer.

[weirdmarioenemies]

Name: Buhu

Debut: Yo-Kai Watch

It is a Fine Fall Funky Friday! Buhu is a creature I feel is impressively autumnal-feeling, despite not quite having any of the conventional seasonal features. Everything about Buhu feels ALMOST Halloweeny, but that bit of distance makes it really unique! Even the name feels like that. You hear "bu" and think "EEK! Did someone say 'boo'? What a fright!", but then you hear "hu" and realize this is not a scary animal. This is a sad animal. Much like the legendary Squonk.

The first thing that comes to mind with Buhu is a gooseneck gourd! These feel like the main influence of the design. Maybe one person had the usual thought of "it looks like a funny bird", and another thought "we could make it like a jack-o'-lantern". Then those two people kissed, and decided to do both! Buhu's bird head is interestingly not goose-like, and you would expect it to be crow-based if anything, but the beak is pretty nondescript to me, possibly chicken-like.

And those eyes! Always seen in a sad crescent shape, which wouldn't be the right shape if her head was held high, but she NEVER holds it high. She's not proud of anything. That's who she is! A miserable and wretched creature who spreads nothing but frustration wherever she goes. Wow. Does she suck? Is she terrible? No! Be nice.

See? She's capable of delight. Love, even! This is her swooning after a wild goose winked at her. Here we can see that her spooky face body's eyes change based on her emotions, so it is indeed an entire functional face, as we were all hoping! A monster design should always make any "false" faces actually real to some extent, because it is always awesome. That's the difference between wearing a T-shirt with a face depicted on it, and being able to see out of your nipples and eat through your belly button. It's just more intriguing creature design!

Nearly three years ago when I posted about fellow beloved Yo-Kai Cadin, I alluded to the first Yo-Kai that confronts you in the game, and I'm sure a whole Zero of you have been waiting excitedly to find out who that Yo-Kai was. I certainly wasn't. I forget I even write a lot of my posts! But indeed, implied in that post all along was Buhu, and it's really so fitting, I think. Such an unlucky creature, not even getting mentioned by name in that post, and, in fact, entirely covered up by UI elements in the screenshot on that post. Without even trying, I ended up reinforcing the very nature of Buhu, at her expense. Sad! Or scary? Maybe Yo-Kai are real after all... and they want revenge for their game series being usurped by non-whimsical nonsense!

Or maybe I simply did not feel the need to go into detail about a creature who was not the focus of the post. But which do YOU really think is more realistic?

[creelkobblelaufeyson69]

A smile for a smile

Warnings: angst

They were currently off duty as a police officer, and couldn’t stop thinking about someone they used to work with a lot. Joel was a charming guy and very caring, but he (at the time) was still very much still stuck on a girl named Rose. No one except them listened to the way he talked about her. But it did sting them that he was so caught up with someone who’s moved on. They always had a fake smile on for him when he would talk about her, because they would eventually fall for him

It got worse when she was in need of help after she kept seeing people smiling at her. They had never envied her, because it wasn’t her fault. Rose at times could even tell that they were off. He couldn’t since they were good at putting on a facade, especially when being a detective. Rose would try to bring it up when the two were alone, but they knew she had so much more on her plate right now to bother telling her

But ever since she died, they were seeing the smiling people now. They were seeing Rose smiling at them, and telling them things Rose had never said. They were fearful and alone, and also no longer a detective since their job let them off once noticing different behaviors from them. They actually hated being in the circumstances they were in, and wanted it to end

They were currently hesitant to call Joel. It had been so long since they’d seen or heard from him. They were extremely worried about him since he lost Rose, but they also wondered if he was seeing the smiling Rose as well. He would be, but the Rose he saw would be on fire like how the house was. He had wanted the curse to go away, but didn’t know who to give it to yet. But he also had wondered about them and if they were also able to see the dead Rose too

He was inside of his car late at night, and looking down at the last message he sent to them ever since not reaching out for six months. He had time to realize how they had been feeling about him still being into Rose when another single person was right there. One who listened and believed everything going on. He felt like a dick for not realizing that at time

This made him wonder what to text them. He had to think about it quickly before he sees someone smiling at him. They were on their couch with a blanket wrapped around their body. They were looking at the call option on Joel’s contact in their phone. They were thinking about what to say to him also. They hated that they still crushed on him even after all this time, but after everything the two had been through together, it was hard not to

At the same time he finally sends a text, they called him. He immediately picks up with wide eyes since he wasn’t expecting that. “Hey Joel…” they started as they felt a bit awkward now. Joel was still in shock since he didn’t think he’d hear their voice again. Not after what he’s done to them. “H-Hey” he stuttered out, which makes him embarrassed. He had so many emotions going through him, but he had to ask a very important question first

“Is this real?” He asked them with a serious tone. That makes them realize that he was also cursed as well. “It is, don’t worry. I would really like to see you after all of this time, since I’m also seeing the smiling people” they say, which makes his heart shatter. But it had felt good to know that not only one person was going through this. The two could team up again, but this time figure out a way to get rid of the creature. They definitely didn’t want this to continue to spread, and he just didn’t want to lose them too

“Okay. I’ll be there in a few minutes, okay?” He says honestly, which makes them shocked and happy at the same time. “Okay… please be quick” they say in a broken voice, which breaks him more. “I will. I promise” he says before hanging up. A sigh left his mouth as he placed his phone into his pocket. He still remembered where they lived after all of this time

They were clinging onto their phone as tears were pouring down their eyes. “Please be careful” they whispered out into the world, hoping the universe would be on their side. But that seemed impossible when their blanket had vanished from their body. “No. Please not right now!” They cried out as they get up and felt weak. “Please” they continued to beg as they felt their heart pounding

Silence surrounded them and their dark house that had lights on originally. They felt so scared, and didn’t want to deal with this anymore, but they knew that they weren’t alone. They had him dealing with this too, but that only makes them believe that this was entirely their fault. Their lamp falls over and breaks now, causing them to jump. They looked at the broken glass and felt their hairs on their skin begin to lift up

“Please go away” they begged again as they closed their eyes. They opened their eyes and saw their lamp being fine and their lights being on. But they were unaware of the presence behind them. They then turned to look behind them, and saw the smiling Rose. They backed up, and she watches them intently. She watches with hidden hunger in her eyes. Their back was now against the wall, making Rose inch closer towards them

Their breath hitches as they were shaking. Rose then lunched herself to be in front of them. They closed their eyes again, and started to take deep breaths. “Get out of my head.” “Get out of my head” they repeated as in real life their door was left opened, since Joel was panicking when he saw their state. “No… stay with me… please. I can’t lose you too… please” his voice breaks as tears were leaving his eyes

Joel brushes a strand of loose hair away from their face. He didn’t fear for his life in this situation when he knew he should. He cared too much about them to be worried about himself at the moment. “Please” he says in a hurt voice, not ready to let them go when he just got back to them. “Please…” he closed his eyes as he hugs them. He felt and looked so distraught. He would’ve never thought in a million years that this would be happening

He never thought he would have to be this worried in his life, but here he stood with them in his arms: afraid of losing the only other person who would listen to him. They wished they could see Joel right now, wishing he would be here hugging them right now. But he wasn’t here- at least not in the state they were in. Their eyes were shut in real life, and he heard the way they were speaking in this state

It broke him more that they couldn’t see nor hear him. They opened their eyes to be back in the real world. They saw him, and returned the hug once realizing he was here. He looks at them with a teary face since he really thought he was gonna lose them. He places his hands onto their face as if to make sure they were actually here with him. They placed their hands onto his wrists as they placed their forehead against his. They were starting to tear up now too

“God, I’m so fucking sorry for talking nonstop about her during those times” he starts as he starts to wipe their tears away. “It was so fucking selfish of me, since I didn’t realize that the most amazing person was right there with me this whole time” he added, which makes them shocked. “I’m so sorry…” he repeated before sobbing. Now it was their turn to wipe his tears away. It broke them to see him in such a state, like how it did with him too

They hold him like he did for them. “Joel, I forgive you” they say honestly, which makes him continue to sob. “I forgave you months ago. It’s only because I accepted the fact that you would never like me back” they say in a broken voice. This hurts him more, since he did like them. He didn’t know how to verbally say it because of all of the emotions he was feeling

In the heat of the moment, he kissed them. They were shocked as they felt their tears leaving quicker now. They returned the kiss with passion and desperation. The moment they’ve waited for was finally here, and they find themselves feeling happy again. He pulls away for air, and continues to hold them close. He knew he would help them end this curse once and for all, and he was more than happy to do it by their side

Just like old times

Note: hi! So I’ve never seen the first one all the way through, but I hope this is accurate enough to the character

The song I was listening to while working on this: I know The End by Phoebe Bridgers

[cryptidghostgirl]

Oooo part 2 of Aka Till Death Do Us Part (Alastor x Mad Scientist!Reader) was interesting

Loved it a lot 😭

Just imagining how reader would meet Lucifer (yes I'mma add some short king love) for the first time, whether this the ep where everyone meets him for the first time or he's just visiting is undecided.

Anyways she's a smart gal, she creates viruses, diseases, etc.. in order to destroy the human race (now demon and angel race), so she tries to befriend Lucifer

He's powerful, he could be her ticket out of the deal she was tricked into. Plus Alastor hates him so even better.

Whether the wife collector is befriending her from his hatred for Alastor (aka trying to steal his ex wife) or because he actually likes her or not is also undecided

But they become buddies, keeping her little secret while playing Alastor as this horrid creature that coerced her into a deal

She might not understand how deals function, but just like Alastor she'll find a way out of it. She won't let him interrupt her work for years again.

Another bonus of befriending Lucifer is she can try and coerce him into giving her some samples (blood, hair, skin, etc..) It'll help with the virus she's creating, along with seeing if there's any cell differences between fallen angels and normal ones.

A/N I literally love this idea. It is so on brand for her if she was tuned in with the world around her enough to realize her hanging with Lucifer even made Alastor mad. Also, not you calling Lucifer 'the wife collector,' that made me cackle.

Till Death Do Us Part pt. 3 (Alastor x Mad Scientist!Reader)

Pairing: Alastor x Reader x maybe also Lucifer a little bit if you squint

Previous Parts:

Till Death Do Us Part (Alastor x Mad Scientist!Reader)

Till Death Do Us Part pt. 2

Warnings: I am not a woman nor am I in stem (but an enby in history) so pls be kind about the fact that I don't understand science. Angst, abusive/unhealthy relationship, possessive Alastor. It's not love but its certainly something.

Word Count: 2,176

Master Lists:

Master Lists 

Hazbin Hotel Master List 

Alastor Master List 

Click here and leave a comment if you want to be added to any taglists or send me an ask about it.

Idle hands are the devil's playthings, wasn't that how the expression went?

It had been a month since that fateful day Y/n had struck a deal with Alastor, tying her to his side once again. She railed against it, fought valiantly, but there was no escaping the constraints of the contract. Never allowed a moment to herself, Y/n's life became a series of involvement in group activities she hated and chastisements from Alastor. She sat at his feet, the collar hanging heavy around her neck as a sort of twisted crown in his eyes. The Radio Demon and his wife, his queen, his prisoner.

She was never allowed out of his sight, Alastor even forcing her to stay in the same room as him, to sleep in the same bed. It was nothing Y/n had any sort of frame of reference for. He had never been like this in life, she had never experienced this sort of metaphorical suffocation. Y/n was adrift, the world a confusing blur around her. Every time she tried to make sense of it, thought she had figured out some small aspect, he changed it all again and left her in a lurch that sent her mind spiraling into unformed chaos.

Even when she managed somehow to stole a spare moment, was able to sneak away to her lab of a room, Alastor found her and dragged her out again. Y/n's continual protests and pleas to be allowed to continue her work, for him to hold up his end of the bargain and deliver her an angel, fell on deaf ears or were merely met with a solitary, fragile 'soon.' For all this time, Y/n had thought Hell to be misrepresented. She had found a true Heaven in Pentagram City, a safe haven, a salve. Now, she knew the true meaning of suffering.

It was different than she had expected. To suffer had always been something physical in her eyes. It had been her victims writhing in pain, it had been the sharp oppression of a world filled with human life. Never had she thought being trapped in her own mind like this could be a curse, rather than a blessed moment of reprieve.

Idle hands are the devil's playthings, wasn't that how the expression went? Y/n's hands were most certainly idle, all she needed was the devil to play with them.

It was just her luck when Lucifer showed up at the hotel, intent on visiting his daughter. Y/n was never the most observant but, since being tricked into selling her soul to Alastor, had become quite wary and watchful of him. It did not escape her notice the way his stance tightened and his eye twitched the minute the King of Hell threw himself through the hotel's double doors and into Charlie's arms.

Y/n watched the interaction carefully from where she sat lazily on the table beside Angel Dust and Sir Pentious. There were exactly three thoughts in her mind. The first was that it was useful to know Alastor hated the man. The second was that Lucifer was standing right before her eyes. He was powerful, maybe powerful enough to get her out of the sticky situation she currently found herself to be in. Not only that, but he was once an angel. This was the most important of the three thoughts, completely eclipsing the other two as soon as they reared their heads. Not quite the real deal but, potentially useful none the less. Getting close to him could mean getting one step closer to her goals. Silently, she slipped down from the table and began to approach the grouping of demons.

With a carful step, she sidled up behind them. Softly, she raised a hand to the back of Lucifer's head, to where his hair peaked out from beneath the edges of his hat. The excitement that rose in her chest was quickly stifled as Lucifer spun around.

"Charlie!" he exclaimed, "Why don't you introduce me to some of your other fr- oh!"

Y/n froze, her hand still raised. She opened her mouth to speak but the words caught in her throat once she caught the glare Alastor was sending her way. Letting out a nervous chuckle, Y/n's hands fell to her sides, clasping behind her back.

"Uh..." Lucifer turned to his daughter, his eyebrows raised.

"Oh, don't mind Y/n," Charlie awkwardly tittered, stepping forward, "she is always a bit... odd but, she is actually our newest guest!"

"Uh-huh." Lucifer nodded, his eyes moving back to Y/n and examining her features carefully, "Well, it is nice to be meeting you."

Lucifer stuck out his hand for Y/n to shake but the demon just eyed it warily. The furtive glance she shot Alastor behind his back, and the subtle nod he gave in return, did not escape Lucifer's notice. With another distasteful glance towards his hand, Y/n raised part of her hair up and took it, shaking it firmly.

Lucifer's confusion only seemed to grow as he looked down towards the point of connection.

"Um... okay, then." he hummed in thought as she released his hand.

It was when Alastor went out to solve the problem Mimzy had caused that Lucifer took his chance. All the while, as Mimzy had blathered on to Y/n about the 'good old days' and the shared aspects of their pasts, as soon as the tour of the hotel had ended, she had watched him. Observance was not, however, in her nature. It completely had escaped her notice that, all the while, Lucifer had been watching her as well.

The demon herself was nothing of import. She was strange and unrefined and, to be honest, deeply disconcerting to him in a number of ways. It was the thing lurking beneath it all that caught his attention. There was something going on between that girl and the Radio Demon and Lucifer didn't trust either of them. He may have thought Charlie's dreams to be in vain, known from his own experience how fruitless her project would turn out to be, but that didn't stop him from doing what it took to keep his little girl safe.

Lucifer sidled up beside the girl where she stood, watching the carnage Alastor wreaked with a vague sense of disinterest.

"So, you have a deal with the Radio Demon."

It was a statement, not a question. It was an accusation. Y/n shot into the air in surprise, not having noticed his presence beside her. With wide, analytical eyes, she turned to face him.

"With Alastor?"

"Yep."

"How could you tell?" she asked, leaning forward in curiosity.

"What are you two planning."

Another subtle command that went right over Y/n's head. She sighed, crossing her arms.

"I'm planning world destruction. He wants me to be his wife again and tricked me into this whole..." she waved her hands wildly through the air, "situation."

Lucifer didn't know whether to laugh or to take her out right there. Instead, he shook his head, opting to state in mild shock:

"Married? Again?"

"Yeah. I forced him to when we were alive so people would leave me alone and I'd have some human test subjects for my work. Let me tell you: not my favorite experiment I have ever conducted."

"I..." Lucifer was flabbergasted, struck into silence.

"So he tricked me into a deal. I was hiding from him for decades down here. One little slip up was all it took." she playfully used her hair to hit the side of her head, "Stupid Y/n."

"Where does the again part fit in?"

Y/n raised her eyebrows.

"Really? Why is that the part I have to explain to everyone. I mean, logically, it just doesn't make sense. That should be the question on the bottom of someones list. It shouldn't even be a question."

"Did you get a divorce?"

"In 1930? No. Even I knew that wasn't really an option. I married him to stop people talking, not start it. Besides, he wasn't this much of a bother when we were alive."

"So..." Lucifer prompted after a moment.

"Till death do us part?"

"Ah."

He really did laugh now. Just a light chuckle. Y/n smiled in appreciation.

"There you go. Now, how did you know? About the deal, I mean. Also, why do you guys hate each other so much? I thought you had never met before? And oh! Ohohoh! Also, can I have some of your hair."

Lucifer scoffed, his arms falling loosely from where he had crossed them over his chest to his sides. Charlie had been right, Y/n certainly was odd.

"My hair?"

Y/n nodded her head eagerly. When he gave no response, a concentrated and slightly confused expression flitted across her face. As if struck by a sudden inspiration, she regained her composure once again.

"Oh, yeah. I'm supposed to say 'please' when I ask for stuff. Al always said it was proper manners but I think its just a waste of time to be perfectly honest. It's still the same request, the same outcome. Doesn't really change anything. Why would one word make someone give a totally different answer? I mean, it's just foolish really. Anyway," she cleared her throat, "can I please have some of your hair?"

"I..." Lucifer raised a hand to his forehead, rubbing his temples, "why?"

"Because you're a fallen angel?" Y/n replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, "And I want to see what that means?"

Before Lucifer could reply, Alastor stepped back into the lobby, straightening his jacket.

"What a show!" Angel exclaimed, applauding dramatically.

Alastor tipped his head to the side in recognition, his eyes surveying the room. When they fell on Lucifer and Y/n in the corner, his gaze hardened. Y/n payed the commotion no mind. Lucifer, on the other hand, grinned.

"I have a proposal." he hummed, turning back to Y/n.

She narrowed her eyes in sudden doubt.

"You don't like Alastor very much, do you?"

"No...? Of course I don't!" Y/n replied in exasperation, "All he does is keep me from doing my work and drag me around by that stupid chain like a dog. It hurts my neck and..." her voice grew softer and she looked away, fixing her eyes on her interlaced fingers, "and I feel like he's trying to force me into the shape of something I'm not. It's... it's like wearing shoes that are four sizes two small on a twenty mile hike."

Lucifer laughed.

"Well, that certainly is... descriptive. How about we make a deal?"

Her head shot up, her narrowed eyes meeting his once again.

"You're not going to just take my soul like he did, are you?"

"No, of course not my dear. Only lesser demons like him need to do that in order to feel strong, to maintain some sort of power, to get what they want." Lucfier enunciated the last four words sharply, the syllables like needles, "I'm simply offering an exchange."

"That's what he said too."

Lucifer raised his hands to show he meant no harm.

"Look, we don't even have to shake on it. I will give you some of... some of my hair or... whatever... and you will help me get on his nerves, take him down a notch. Who the Hell knows, that might even help you too."

Y/n was silent in thought for a moment. She did want the hair and messing with Alastor seemed all too appealing. Still, there was something eating away at her.

"Would you..." she lifted herself up to Lucifer's eye level with her hair.

Y/n wasn't that much shorter than the king of Hell, just a couple inches. Those couple inches certainly made a difference. Lucifer could have sworn there was a literally electrical spark in the darkness of her eyes.

"You're powerful, yes? King of Hell and all?"

Lucifer nodded.

"Would you be able to help me figure out a way out of this mess?"

It was Lucifer's turn to think now as he mulled the idea over in his mind. Sure, theoretically he probably could but, he had never tried to break another demon's deal and even past that, he didn't know if he wanted to. Y/n was disarming, strange, had mentioned wanting to destroy the world. Lucifer didn't know her well enough to gage if there was any real risk and Alastor seemed to have her on more than a metaphorical leash.

"Maybe." he admitted, deciding on the path of least resistance, the one where he could try and succeed or pretend it was an unknown impossibility all along, "I don't know."

In some strange way, there was something stable about the man before her. Alastor was unpredictable, had sent her life spinning. Lucifer felt safe.

"Good enough for me!" Y/n smiled brightly, "I look forward to working with you."

---

Writing this made me really want to do a Lucifer fic with the idle hands thing.

TAGS:

@willowshadenox @i-love-jafar @elfyeet @reader3 @lazygirlfanfic0-0@kahlan170@wendyphan01203-blog @fairyv-ice @clarakainda @lunaramune @mcueveryday @luxky-aish @peterpankat @corvid007 @marukun @nanami1chu @i-like-potatoes12533 @boogiemansbitch @apenasandorinha @almond-t0fu @mygoldtears @ahellborn @winterisholding @misty-melody @themetalbabygirl @trash-shoot @clarakainda @ladyscorpion19 @dasimp777 @juskonutoh @simpingsohard @sethianaa @gabile18 @slytherin4ever

[libby-for-life]

A Dragon's Tale part 2. Read part 1 for this to make sense. Adamsapple endgame

@inubaki

Adam woke up feeling content and warm. It had been quite a while since he felt this comfortable. That's when he heard a deep rumble and realized that he wasn't alone. Adam's instinct kicked in and bucked the thing off his back. The red and white dragon flew into another tree. Adam didn't look back this time and made a portal to his apartment in Heaven before closing it once he was safely inside.

He forced his true angelic form back until he resembled a more welcomed form of Heaven before sighing. "Jesus, I let that thing sleep on me?!" Adam growled. He didn't care that this was the first time in a long time he actually slept well. He didn't care that the dragon was more playful then anything. Dragons were evil. Everyone knew that. Sera said that.

Adam reassured himself that everything would be fine as he sank into the plush cushions of his couch. "I'll just take some time, maybe a month or two, and search for a new Ring in Hell where I can let loose." It seemed like a reliable plan to him - finding a different Ring with no unexpected surprises. And no dragons.

The next few months were hell for him and wasn't that ironic considering Adam lived in Heaven, a paradise made for souls like him. Every use of golden wings was a reminder that they weren't truly his. Every time he looked in the mirror, his fake face stared back, desperate for him to let loose and be in his true form.

"Stop it," he told himself as he shoved a donut into his mouth while he walked with Lute. "Just a few more days."

"A few more days of what?" Lute asked, her sharp bronze eyes looking at him in curiosity. Adam shook his head. As much as he trusted Lute, he would not put the burden of his secret on her shoulders. She was as loyal as they come. Having her lie to her home and friends was something he could never ask of her.

"It's nothing, Lute," Adam said calmly, trying to reassure his loyal lieutenant. Lute's skeptical expression indicated that she wasn't entirely convinced by his response, but she chose to trust him nonetheless. "If you insist, Sir."

Finally, the day arrived. Adam chose a secluded forest in Envy with a lake nearby. It wasn't as nice as the Ring of Wrath, but it would do. If Adam didn't let loose his true form, he might spontaneously combust from the strain of trying to hide it.

He breathed in and closed the portal. He let the disguise melt away until he was back to his true dragon form and he let out a laugh. Finally! He could let loose and run wild. Adam bounded through the forest, his scales gleaming in the low light of Envy.

He flew and hunted down small creatures before letting them go, not truly hurting any of them though Adam probably did scar a few animals. He was so busy playing around by himself that he didn't notice the red eyes watching him. He also didn't notice the creature creeping closer.

Adam yelped, letting loose a string of fire into the air as he was tackled. He snarled and hissed but choked it back once he realized he was looking at the same dragon from Wrath. "Oh, hell no!" Adam growled. "How the fuck did you find me?!"

The dragon simply looked down at him...in amusement? No. This was an animal. As smart as some animals were, they weren't that smart. Adam was just being paranoid because he was in Hell with the same dragon from a different Ring.

"Get off of me! I'm not playing with you!" Adam screamed and tried to bite at the dragon's jugular. The dragon simply rolled them to dislodge Adam's grip and get a firmer hold to pin down.

"No! Get off! GET OFF!" Adam yelled. The dragon obliged and immediately, Adam flew off. He should have known that wouldn't be the end. That damn dragon followed him and tackled him out of the sky. They hit the ground hard.

And the thing had the audacity to look smug about it. Adam was beginning to think this wasn't a normal dragon. Or at least more intelligent than Adam gave it credit for. "Look...just....I need this. I don't get to do this a lot. You have no idea how strict Heaven is. If I...play with you...will you stop being so aggressive?"

The dragon got off him and Adam sighed in relief. Right. Play. What would they even do? "Ever hunt before?" The dragon snorted and Adam realized how dumb that sounded. He just asked a predator if it ever hunted prey before. Adam would've snorted too.

"Fine. Help me hunt or whatever. We aren't killing them though. We catch and release." Adam instructed, wondering why he was bothering to explain this to an animal. As smart as this animal probably was, would it understand the meaning of hunting without killing? Even Adam, who wasn't an animal, found it hard to control his instincts like that in the throws of hunting.

For the next two hours, Adam and Lucifer hunted prey and let them go after successfully catching them. Lucifer seemed to be having fun, and he was no longer tackling him, so that was good.

But Adam was getting tired and the big-toothed yawn he produced wasn't subtle at all. He settled down on the surprisingly soft grass and grunted when he felt that wonderful all-encompassing warmth envelope him.

"Get off you dumb dragon," Adam hissed, his voice carrying a hint of annoyance but lacking any real heat. The adrenaline from hunting with the dragon coursed through his veins, leaving him simultaneously exhilarated and exhausted. All he really wanted at that moment was to lie down and take a nap.

Soon, he was asleep again. The red and white dragon simply smirked. "Look how cute you are." He whispered, gently licking the golden ear before sucking on it. Adam grumbled and Lucifer let go.

"Hmmm...perhaps next time."

[baldursgaysart]

Long lost!!!!

So, I finally got around to painting my Tav and Durge romancing Minthara. This took longer than expected but it’s been a long time in the making. I had my wife help write out my vision and backstory for them since I’m not very good with words. I hope you enjoy this! I was told it’s like an A24 poster 🤣

Tav and Durge Backstory:

Names:

Vierna: Light colored Tav character

Brimaia: Dark colored Evil Durge

Vierna and Brimaia are both reincarnations of one of the only truly loving and romantic relationships Minthara ever experienced after Ketheric Thorm’s trickery forced her into consuming an Illithid tadpole and altering the course of the rest of her life.

The events of Baldur’s Gate 3 are actually Minthara’s eternal Purgatory.

Vierna grew up as a noblewoman in Menzobarranzan, who was aware of the Baenre family, but had no real ties to it. She met Minthara in the goblin camp and was completely transfixed by the skill, prowess, and cruelty of the night warden. She fought alongside her as they both eradicated the once peaceful druid grove; proud of their accomplishments in the name of the Absolute.

When Vierna again found Minthara at Moonrise Towers, and beheld the terror and desperation in her eyes as she turned to meet Vierna’s gaze, she knew their bond was already so strong that they did not require an Illithid tadpole to read one another’s thoughts. It was written plainly on their faces. They needed one another.

For months the pair fought and slept together, ending the tyranny of Thorm, and allowing Minthara vindication after all she had been through. They gleefully stole away the lives of countless vile creatures, cultists, and would-be dictators, until they at last reached the Netherbrain.

Their companions were losing their life force and strength as they did their best to hold the Netherbrain back, and Vierna and Minthara realized it would be up to them to finish the job.

Just as hope seemed to be within their grasp, Minthara was hit with a near lethal blow from a Mindflayer. Vierna knew she could not allow her lover to die this way. Not to the very creatures who cursed her life in the first place. Boldly, she watched as the Mindflayer reached its tentacle out to finish Minthara off, but at the last moment she dove in front of her and took a fatal hit. Minthara had to carry on with the fight as the portal opened to her, with the knowledge that although the Absolute could never harm another again, she would be alone in the world once more.

What Minthara and the other companions were not aware of was the fact that all of this, everything they had suffered, had been a form of Purgatory. Every year they would lose consciousness as the Netherbrain careened into the Chionthar, but when they woke they would be right back on the Nautoloid, or in Minthara’s case, back in the goblin camp. Only something different occurred after the loss of Vierna. When a beautiful; dark skinned drow entered her sanctum, Minthara realized there was something different about her, but she could not quite place what it was.

Bhaal had played a cruel joke on Minthara by resurrecting her fallen lover as a monster known as the Dark Urge. It was not enough for Minthara to watch the love of her life die before her very eyes. No. Now she would have to brave Thorm and the Absolute all over again, while wondering every night whether her own beloved would take her life in a murderous blackout. Vierna, now going by the name Brimaia, however, would never lay a harmful finger upon her darling drow. She would much rather take control of the Netherbrain with Minthara at her side, and force all in Faerun to be subservient to their new queens!

[vickyvicarious]

Hello! I was wondering what you make of Seward's phrase "is it possible that love is all subjective or all objective?" I've seen people allude to different meanings on the phrase but I can't quite figure out what it means

I wanted to wait until after 11 October to answer this ask, just so I didn't have to spoiler for the context of my reply. Which is that... my instinct is to oppose Jonathan and Seward's loves for this one. Specifically, in their reactions to the women they love becoming vampires. (I'm choosing Jack specifically to talk about because we get in his head more than we do for the other suitors, though by actions one could argue they fall more on the same side as he does.)

Firstly, let's take a brief moment to talk about the specific words used. Subjective generally means dictated by personal taste, and objective would be based on fact or truth. So, a love that is all one or the other could be very different depending on what the person you love is like. For example, an objective love would appreciate someone's virtues, while a subjective one might find things to love even in their flaws. Or on a larger scale, and much more relevant to how the phrase is used in the book... what would happen when the person you love is becoming a vampire, a creature that is factually and objectively evil and wrong? How would you react, how would you feel?

It depends on your type of love.

Jonathan's love is all subjective. Even though he absolutely hates and despises vampires, once he knows Mina is at risk of becoming one he resolves to join her if need be. He sees her rejected by God when the communion wafer burns her forehead, and he says 'actually no, I think the holiest kind of love is the one that would lead me to join her in her unholy state'. Even when Mina outright appeals to him to kill her if she is too far gone - an appeal to his objective understanding, for him to express his love in a way that confronts the truth of what she would become - Jonathan remains silent and in doing so refuses to make that promise. It's implied that he would be willing to fight the other men in order to protect her, even though they are his allies and friends. His beliefs warp around the shape of his love. He will destroy himself and others for the sake of his love, even if he knows through painful experience how objectively evil vampires are.

Jack's love meanwhile is all objective. Even though he didn't fully understand what a vampire was, he began to lose his love for Lucy as soon as he saw her acting in that way. In fact every time she was acting out of character to be more vampiric before her death, he seemed to notice and be a little put off by it, even though he didn't really seem to realize so much at the time. He outright says this quote when he is watching vampire!Lucy and realizing that he doesn't feel as horrible about mutilating the body of the woman he loved as he would have expected. When he learns Lucy has become a monster, he begins to feel repulsed by her - a process completed when he sees her up close and outright says his love for her is gone: "At that moment the remnant of my love passed into hate and loathing; had she then to be killed, I could have done it with savage delight." His determination to destroy the Thing she now is completely separates her in his mind from her living self. His love gives way to the objective facts. He will help to kill her, and gladly, because what she has become disgusts him... because what she has become is objectively evil.

Obviously, their experiences are different, and perhaps it's not quite such a true binary. Mina's gradual transformation, combined with Jonathan's pre-existing knowledge, is quite different from Jack's abrupt introduction to Lucy's vastly changed self and to the idea of the supernatural at all. But for the purposes of examining this quote, I think it works quite well to set them up at opposite ends of that scale.

.

It's also kind of curious because it calls back to another great line of Seward's: "(Mem., under what circumstances would I not avoid the pit of hell?)" The context of that line is Seward struggling to resist his dark impulses with regards to his treatment of Renfield. And he says this after having noticed himself actively doing something he says he'd normally avoid like the pit of hell, so that means he was approaching it until he caught himself. This is a struggle he repeatedly faces with Renfield, finding himself longing for a cause that he would consider it worthwhile abandoning his morals for, so that he could just give in to these urges.

But while Jack Seward is the person most drawn to the darkness, as we get introduced to the vampires are representatives of the ultimate darkness he backs firmly away. It's only in isolation that he feels so attracted to amoral experimentation; when together with his friends he pulls himself back to be more firmly opposed. His treatment of Renfield is a mess the entire time, don't get me wrong. He never really does right by him. But he doesn't seem to feel that same urge to push him in such a cruel way merely for his own interest/satisfaction. It becomes in the service of a greater goal, the objectively good idea of fighting Dracula. (Again, not saying his methods are good, but his motivation shifts.) He's always been conscious of an idea of what is right to do and he actively tries to follow that, with much greater success when not left to his own devices.

Meanwhile Jonathan has never felt such an intense draw to the darkness. He survived months alone surrounded by evil influences, and it only increased his determination to remain himself/human. He hates the vampires and he feels no true allure to the idea of being like them (outside the allure everyone feels when being hypnotized by them, etc.). He wanted nothing more than a normal happy life, he never longed for a cause that would be worth throwing his morals away. And yet, when Mina begins to turn we see Jonathan decide that this is the circumstance under which he will not avoid the pit of hell. This is the cause he can dedicate himself to as fully as any madman. Jonathan never felt the need to philosophize about trying to avoid such things before he was exposed to them by others, because he has no inherent urge to seek them out. But he also lacks that restrictive hold when a reason does come along.

(To visualize: if there's a pit, then Jack is the person who keeps wandering closer, desperately wanting to lean over the edge and see what's inside. Knowing this about himself, he's tied a rope around his waist to ensure he doesn't slip too far. Jonathan never even went near until he abruptly decides to sprint up and swan-dive straight into it when he thinks Mina's fallen in.)

[yunarim]

Can I please request Leona and Malleus finding out that the fem!reader is a princess back in her world and she never told them?

★﹒﹒TELL ME PRINCESS now when did you last let your heart decide

「 ☆ synopsis 」 — leona and malleus finding out that reader is a princess back in her world 「 ☆ tags 」 — female reader (she/her), book 2 spoilers, mentions of book 5 (very slight mention of VDC), implied strict education that reader received in her world

— ✧ LEONA KINGSCHOLAR

He suspected it from the start, right from the day you ended up transmigrating into Twisted Wonderland. Your posture and the look your eyes possess told him you’re not just as unremarkable as someone could say. 

Leona doesn’t have time to observe you but when you two cross your paths, he notices something in the way you tilt your head in a greeting way. 

The more he talks to you, the more he notices how different you are compared to other students whose roots have nothing to do with royal blood. He figured it out himself while you two were having a chat regarding the political system in Afterglow Savannah and he noticed how knowledgeable you were. 

He wondered if you received proper education at first since the way you talked about how women are treated in your world wasn’t familiar to him. What do you mean princesses in your world are usually used as a political instrument and get married against their will? That is also the first time he wonders how you would perform if you would become part of the Kingscholar family and you teasingly ask him what made him grin so proudly.

Final round of realizing and making a conclusion came when you mentioned VDC and told him you’re assisting Vil with teaching first years how to dance. Leona just smirked and said that it’s obvious you’re the one who helps him. You asked him what he meant by that and he said it’s quite obvious by now that you belong to a royal family. 

You became more open about what concerns you in the princess training system, education, correcting your attitude all the time… Leona let you speak out, accepting all your struggles. You can be free around him, he doesn’t mind you being you. 

He doesn’t want to put any pressure on you but one day just mentions you would be a perfect match with how he comes from a family where women are respected and you possess royal status, coming from another dimension. 

You being a princess doesn’t change his opinion about you or doesn’t correct his behavior around you, actually there’s nothing that could stop him from sleeping on your lap. And you finally can catch a break and be yourself, not caring about your status.

— ✧ MALLEUS DRACONIA

It takes a while for Malleus to realize. He doesn’t communicate with human royalty, let alone humans in general. Your first encounter seems normal to him and he thinks of you as someone extremely polite. 

You can tell he belongs to royalty the very first second you see him outside of Ramshackle, but decide to fool around just a little, guessing how long it would take for him to realize. 

Malleus asks you if all the humans in your world are this polite and knowledgeable or is it just you. You grin mysteriously, letting him decide, enjoying the tea you brew. Malleus often mentions how frightened you would be if you find out who he is, but you don’t really seem to care about his status, which is surprising to him. Child of man, you seem to possess no fear. 

During late night strolls you often take with Malleus, he talks about gargoyles and you seem to eagerly ask him more questions about them. One day he asked how royal families work in your world, and he was puzzled at first. Humans are strange creatures, indeed… 

The first time he questioned your lineage was when he asked what children of man do in their free time. A quick bewildered glance you throw at him was enough to say you’re just as confused as he is. You chuckled softly, answering with something vague and common. 

It’s Lilia who tells him that you most definitely belong to royalty in your world. Malleus's eyes widens and he’s eager to know why he came to such a conclusion and Lilia casually drops that people don’t usually salute each other with a curtsy or at least a bow. 

Next day Malleus asks you if you’re not opposed to the idea of dancing with him since the weather is quite nice, and the starry sky is absolutely magnificent. You accept without any objections, and he notices how naturally you waltz. 

By the time the waltz ends, he doesn’t want to let you go and asks you if you belong to a royal family, meeting with your soft giggle. “Took you long to realize” you say, nodding to him politely. 

It’s not like he’s being friends with many humans, so there’s no actual difference between how you communicated before he realized and now. The only thing that changed is that now he invites you to Briar Valley with more confidence than before. Don’t get him wrong, he’s absolutely in love with you (even if he hasn’t realized it yet), but he wonders if you would be okay with encountering Briar Valley’s customs and, of course, his grandmother. 

He’s not pressuring (it’s more likely Lilia who wants to see you two finally ending up dating), but he finds himself thinking about what a great queen you would become, ruling Briar Valley with him before he falls asleep, awaiting your next meeting.

© yunarim 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝. 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭, 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲, 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐲, 𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧.

[fangirlwriting-stories]

This Wasn't The Plan (But I'll Make it Work)

Summary: Twenty years after Mabel Pines accidentally shoved her brother into another dimension, she learns that there's a new set of twins in the Pines family. She's ecstatic when she goes down to meet them, only to discover that the parents of said twins are less so. Things get heated, bad fights ensue, and somehow, Mabel leaves with a baby in the back of her car.

Or, a combination Relativity and Reunion Falls where Stanley Pines grows up in Gravity Falls with his Great Aunt Mabel.

Author's Note: Yes I am aware of how niche the audience for this fic will be, but I just think combining Reunion Falls and Relativity Falls has a lot of opportunity for baby Stan and Ford angst. Plus it gives me an opportunity to write Stan growing up with an adult who actually loves him and appreciates him and wants him around and I can’t just not write that

There isn’t really going to be much of a cohesive storyline for this, it’s just going to be a bunch of scene ideas I have because I can do what I want. After I post the second one, I'll make a masterlist, and link that here. Just rest assured that whatever comes next it will give you plenty of reasons to hate Filbrick Pines.

Masterlist

...

It only takes Mabel one night to realize she’s going to need two cribs.

Working on the portal is many things— frustrating, confusing, dread-inducing, hopeless— but quiet is not one of them.  Mabel becomes acutely aware of this when she finally heads upstairs to go to bed, and hears Stanley wailing.  And he clearly hadn’t just started either, considering how bright red his face is when Mabel makes it up to her room and finds him crying in his crib.

Stanley is many things too— a complete shift to Mabel’s mental image of what her life would look like, a huge drain on her financial resources, the first creature since Waddles that she’d loved the second she saw him— but louder than two stories of basement and an interdimensional portal isn’t one of them.  But she can’t very well move the crib into the basement, Maria will ask questions about where it’s gone.

So, the next day, Mabel goes into town and buys a second crib, and writes off the questions by saying the first one broke.  Then she takes it down to the basement, and that night, after all of the customers leave the craft store, she carries Stanley down with her.

No, she doesn’t know what she’s going to do in a couple years when he’s old enough to remember this and she can’t just bring him downstairs with her, she’ll figure it out.

For now, it’s fine.  Stanley’s sleeping in the crib next to the control panel in the first room, as far away from the portal as she can put him, and when he cries, Mabel can stop what she’s doing and hold him until he falls back asleep.

He does bring a different problem, though.  Because Stanley may not be as loud as the portal and two floors of the house, but he is still loud.  And Mabel is not exactly at her least stressed when she’s working on the portal.

“You said you wanted this,” she mutters to herself as Stanley cries in the crib.  “You said you could handle it.  And you are not giving that man the satisfaction of being proven right.”

She hears Stanley take a deep breath in, and Mabel drops her head onto Journal 1 and covers her ears just before he lets out an ear-splitting scream.

She can’t remember the last time she’s slept through the night.  It’s either the portal, or it’s Stanley, or it’s the portal and Stanley.

God, she’s too old to be raising a kid.

Stanley keeps wailing, and Mabel forces herself out of the desk chair and over to the crib.

“Kid,” she says to Stanley, in a voice that she means to sound sweet but just ends up coming out exhausted.  “I don’t understand what the problem is.  I already checked your diaper, and I fed you before we came down here.  It hasn’t been long enough for you to be hungry yet.”

Stanley just continues to wail and squirm back and forth in the crib, until Mabel is finally forced to bend down and pick him up.

Almost as soon as he’s tucked inside her arms, Stanley quiets down and looks up at her.  He makes a happy babble noise.

Mabel gives a slightly hysterical laugh.  “Kiddo, that’s really sweet, but I kind of need both hands right now,” she says, gesturing to the notebook she’d been writing in and the journal next to it, as if Stanley has any clue what they mean.

Predictably, as a two month old baby, Stanley does not respond to this.

Mabel sighs and walks back over to the desk, propping the journal up against the back of it as best she can while holding Stanley, and then sitting them both down and picking up the pencil.  Her handwriting looks more than a little sloppy while focusing most of her attention on holding Stanley properly, but she writes as much as she can, until she feels her head starting to droop.

She really can’t afford to fall asleep while holding Stanley, so she pushes the chair back from the desk and stands.  Time to call it a night, she supposes.

Stanley tugs on her hair during the elevator ride up, but Mabel’s tired enough that she lets him, all the better to keep her awake.

Waddles must be alerted to the sound of her closing the vending machine door, because he comes running into the room and slams his head against Mabel’s legs, oinking happily.  Stanley babbles again in response, and then the two of them start talking back and forth.

Mabel smiles, exhausted but fond, and lets Waddles follow them both back up to her bedroom.

Waddles curls up happily in his bed, which is on the floor right next to Mabel’s, as soon as they get there.  Stanley is calm enough that when Mabel sets him down in his crib, he doesn’t start screaming again, and Mabel manages to sing to him long enough that his eyes slip shut.  Hopefully he’ll stay down for a few hours this time.

“God,” Mabel mutters to herself, looking from Stanley to Waddles.  “Dipper is going to kill me when he gets back and finds out there’s a kid and a pig living in his house.”

She forces a laugh, because the other option is to sob, and she’s too tired to cry tonight.

She barely manages to make it back to her bed before she falls asleep, clothes and all.  She does feel it when Waddles crawls up into the bed next to her, however.  Give it a couple years and Stanley will probably be doing that too.

She’s going to have to buy a bigger bed.

Ah, well.  It’s worth it for her pig and her boy.

[toomanyideasandfandoms]

More actual writing for Death Seeking Creator

Warnings for the typical death this au has, and how their mentality first breaks into what this creator is named for.

It wasn't supposed to be like this. This wasn't apart of her plan.

Nahida only wanted the one who gave teyvat life to be safe, to not live in fear over being accused of being a fake hunted down. She never intended for this.

"Please! If you'll just listen to me, we can help you!" She pleaded, her hair sticking to her face as the rain pelted down. She could only watch as the creator took a further step back, almost slipping off the cliff they clinged onto for dear life. Wanderer was supposed to help, but every step he took only caused the divine to screech and yell in fear, demanding him to stay away.

She knew they would be afraid, the very heart of teyvat had warned her. But she didn't understand it had come to this, to the point the creator was risking their own safety and life to stay away from who they thought were hunters. They yelled louder, their voice barely drowned out from the rain. Wanderer had taken another step forward, clearly growing impatient at the situation.

Then, almost like a realization had taken place, the creator let go. Nahida could only watch in horror as she witness the divine plummet hundreds of thousands of feet below, with Wanderer racing to try and save them. She stood frozen in place, her entire form suddenly overtaken with fear. This wasn't a feeling she was used to, the sudden spike in her heartbeat, the way her knuckles turn white as she gripped the fabric covering her heart.

The rain suddenly stopped as the large sound of a crack was heard. Her eyes welled with tears as she hears Wanderer call out to her, begging for help. She fell to her knees as the world around became fuzzy and dark, her breathing rapid as her heart shattered.

The creator had chosen death.

~

A scream could be heard as the divine suddenly sits up, clutching their head as the vivid memory of pain began to overtake their vision. Their breathing was rapid before it slowly calmed as the memory subsided.

They look around, viewing the ice crystals fall around them softly. They immediately knew where they ended up, Dragonspine. Home to temperatures no mere mortal could withstand, yet at this moment they felt fine. They turned their head, noticing a seele that kept them warm, making small noises in cheer as it watched them.

Usually they would be confused, if this hadn't been the fifteenth time they ended up at this mountain after dying. At this point they grew too used to the creatures that found them being happy and content around them.

Standing up, they dusted the snow off of their clothes. The same ones they wore when they first arrived into this magical world, or magical hell as they would describe it. Inhaling the crisp cool air, they slowly made their way, not truly caring what path they took.

But then they stopped, the seele bumping into their back as it followed, realizing something. They had chosen to die last time, they weren't killed by anyone. It was different.

This caused them to ponder for a bit, wondering what their purpose is if every result ended up in death. Truly there was some higher being that gave them some role? There had to be some reason as to why they were here. But before they xould question more, the piercing sound of an arrow rushed past their ear. They flinched and turned around, fear overtaking their senses as they met eyes with familiar ones.

"Don't move! You are hereby being taken into custody by the Knights of Favonius!" The brunette yelled, nocking another arrow in place to shoot.

They stood frozen, the sounds around them becoming fuzzy. Before suddenly without realizing, they took off in a hurry. The brunette yelled, releasing arrow after arrow, each one barely hitting their mark. She chases after them, gritting her teeth as the cold winds blew in her face.

They ran and ran, taking every turn they remembered to try and reach any safety they could hope to have. But soon they fell to the ground, pain exploding through their back as they screamed from the claymore slicing into their flesh. They begged and pleaded to not be killed, babbling incoherently as the pain overided their cognitive thinking. A foot harshly presses into their wound, causing them to scream in pain as more pleads fell from their lips.

But the women refused to hear their pleas, instead only receiving her heels digging deeper. They cried as she positions her blade against their neck, her words harsh as she speaks.

"The only purpose you have for defiling the creator's visage is to die."

They pause at her words, their thoughts swirling as they recounted each death they've been through. All because they look like this? Is that their purpose? They barely had time to think it over before the flesh of their neck was sliced open, tearing their head off in one clean slice.

~

Gasping for air, the soul sits up. They barely paid attention to the underwater environment around them as they screamed into the open waters. Once their throat no longer allowed them to use their voice they slumped into the sand below, pondering once more over the woman's words.

Was their purpose...really to die? It almost made then laugh, what cruel creator gave them such a role? Someone who must be sick in the head, or bored and wishing for entertainment by seeking it from their demise. Why else would they be resurrected every time? Perhaps...their deaths weren't entertaining enough. Maybe...if they die in the most entertaining way, they'll finally go home.

It was a stupid idea, but it was the only thing to cling onto as they stood up and looked out into the oceans of Fontaine. A crazed look glossed over their eyes.

If they want an entertaining death, the creator is much to oblige.

[sapphic-coded]

I Swear That I Don't Have A Gun

You grew up in Ohio with your father, brother, and sister. Your family was small and strange. Because of that, you were picked on relentlessly at school. Until another weird kid showed up. Her family moved in across the street from you. It wasn't long until the two of you became friends. Your friendship became the light in your life. Until it ended suddenly. Rumors followed your friend's disappearance. Russian spies. You didn't see her again until you crossed paths at work.

Series Masterlist

Natasha Romanoff x fem Reader

Warnings: Violence. Reader is a messed up assassin and did not choose her codename. Childhood trauma hanging out in the background. Minors DNI.

Word Count: 5.3k

Author's Note: When writer ADHD hits, it hits. Sorry for the wait friends. Been working on this for a comically long time. Thank you for all the love and support for this series. I love that you love this. Enjoy!

Taglist: @natsxwife @iliketozoneout @newawakening9 @natasha-1million @ilovemcuff @taliiiaasteria @alowint @yerisdumbass @natashasilverfox

Chapter Seven: You Don't Know Me

Mount Vernon, Ohio – 1993

You counted the small rocks in your black gloved hand. Neither one looked the same. All were varying shades of gray. A few were smooth and round while others were rough with sharper edges. It was the best of what you could find around the neighborhood. You looked up when you heard the sound of footsteps crunching in the snow. 

The ends of Nat’s blue hair spilled out of her dark gray knitted hat. Her black puffy jacket swallowed up most of her body. In her white gloved hands was a single stick. It wasn’t very long. Hardly more than four inches. Some pine needles still hung off of it. You watched as she approached while the chill that hung in the air after the first snowfall stabbed at your cheeks. 

“Aren’t we supposed to use a carrot?” you asked as she came to stand next to you. You were also pretty sure that you were supposed to use coal instead of rocks. 

“My mom already cut up the one we have,” Nat replied. 

You certainly didn’t have any carrots lying around at home. Your refrigerator and Nat’s were so different that it was jarring the first time you saw it. You hadn’t realized how much food one refrigerator could hold when you didn’t have to make room for your father’s weekly experiments. 

You looked at the headless snowman in front of you. You had spent the better part of the last two hours alongside Nat and her younger sister building the snowman in front of their house. The snowman’s base was large, round, and a bit lopsided. But it supported the slightly smaller packed ball of snow on top of it. You and Nat had done your best to brush off any dirt or blades of grass that stuck to the snow. Now you waited for Yelena to return with the snowman’s head. 

You heard Nat shift next to you while you stared at the empty spot where the snowman’s head will go. You wondered what kind of person this snowman would be. It was a shame when your brother told you years ago that snowmen don’t actually come to life after they are built. There’s no singing or dancing. It was as your father put it when he overheard your conversation:

“It is a byproduct of man’s lust for godhood.”

But maybe they did come to life. In secret. Perhaps at night. You read about all kinds of supposedly fake creatures coming to life in secret in your sister’s books. If it was possible, would this snowman end up being a good person or a bad one? Would the lack of a carrot make a difference? 

“Are you going somewhere?” Nat asked. 

You looked at her and found her looking across the street. You followed her gaze. Outside on your driveway was your father. The trunk of his station wagon hung open while he shoved a couple large bags into it. His back remained toward you and you hoped it would stay that way. The freshly plowed street put enough distance between him and you that you felt like you could breathe normally without him noticing. 

Your gaze landed back on Nat. “My father is attending a convention. It’s a tradition.” 

“What kind of convention?” she asked. 

You shrugged. “One for people like him.” 

He would come back giddy from talking with his fellow scholars. You knew that when he returned you and your siblings would be forced to spend at least three hours trapped at the kitchen table with nothing to eat but plenty to listen to. If something particularly interesting happened, you would definitely be trapped at the table for five hours. 

“You’re not going with him?” she asked. 

You heard the trunk of your father’s station wagon slam shut. You looked over your shoulder and watched as your father started back up the driveway. You looked at Nat and shook your head. “Kids aren’t allowed.” 

Yelena hurried around the house from the backyard carrying a mostly round snowman sized head. It was pretty impressive when she reached you guys. Since you both were taller, you and Nat carefully took the soon to be snowman head and set it on top of its cold, round body. You pushed one smooth light gray rock into the snowman’s left eye socket and then pushed a square black rock into its right. You let Yelena help you set the rest of the rocks into a wide smile. Nat pushed the stick into the middle of the snowman’s face. Then, all three of you stepped back to admire your work. 

“We should give him a name,” Yelena said. 

You tried to imagine the snowman’s rock eyes blinking. You imagined puffs of white mists slipping from between his rocky lips. You tried to imagine him with a carrot for a nose. “He looks like an Ian.” 

You heard Yelena giggle and when you looked at Nat you saw the beginnings of a smile curling her lips. 

Triskelion, Washington D.C.  – 2012

Being part of a team sucks. There are rules you have to follow. Sure, there were rules back when you were working for your father. But those rules were different. You could bend and shape them into whatever you needed. As long as the job was done, your father was content. Maybe he’d nitpick if the job got messy. But you had the freedom of choice. There were so many ways to kill people. Some days your imagination would run wild with new possibilities. You had yet to surprise a target in their bathroom and drop a toaster into their bathtub while they were bathing. Then there was the old classic you had yet to try. This idea demanded the perfect costume, but tying a target to train tracks and watching a high speed train obliterate their body into nothing more but tiny bloody chunks would be great fun. 

You loved that part of the job almost as much as you loved watching your target’s life drain from their eyes. But now that freedom is gone. You don’t get to decide how you are going to do your job. You are told. Ordered. The worst is when you’re not even allowed to kill your target. You remember the first time you were given that bizarre job. You remember how punchable your target’s face was. You remember how easy it would have been to just push the ridiculous man over the edge. No one would have known. But you couldn’t. You watched that opportunity pass you by and you wanted to scream. 

You did scream. At Rumlow. You cornered him and demanded to know why. Why did they keep fucking with your head? 

He reminded you of your role. The chains that kept you bound to these nonsensical rules. You work for SHIELD. You don’t kill targets unless SHIELD wants you to kill them. You keep to your role and you don’t raise suspicions. You live out the story Rumlow crafted for you. He found you on one of his missions. He saw your potential and peeled you up off the ground like some frozen, sick, dying, abandoned mutt. He molded you into the weapon you are now. A weapon he happily handed to SHIELD. 

You hate that story. You hate it more than the stupid suit he forces you to wear. The black tactical suit covers every inch of your body from your neck down to your feet. It had taken a while to get used to the added weight of the black body armor attached to the suit. You still don’t like it. It makes you feel as if you are a child running around with pillows tied to your chest and a foam sword in your hand. But it’s the mask that feels the most suffocating. Despite being able to hear clearly from within the black helmet, you feel cut off from the world. The black tinted visor that conceals your face is full of fancy technology that often gets in the way when you are just trying to watch your target die. You hate the stupid suit. You hate that you can’t do anything without having to wear it. The only time you can strip the stupid costume off and breathe in lungfuls of air conditioned air is in your bunk buried beneath all the levels of SHIELD and fake SHIELD and real HYDRA. 

But if you could choose, you’d stick with the stupid suit if you could craft a different story. Preferably one that didn’t include anyone molding you into anything. But that freedom is gone, and all you have is a boatload of memories to distract you from how angry you are. That anger burns deep inside you. It fuels your every step as you walk alongside Rumlow down a bright, busy hallway. You ignore all the data that blinks across the inside of your visor screen with every SHIELD agent that hurries by. In the beginning you had been curious, but now all the data was familiar and boring. Mostly low level clearance agents with spotless records because they never did anything but sit at their desks or hurry around places looking busy. 

You walk out into a large hangar and board one of the waiting Quinjets. You spy two empty seats in the cockpit and a black duffel bag resting on one of the seats in the cargo bay. Rumlow hands you a small, black flash drive. You roll your eyes despite knowing that he can’t see your face. If he let you take off the damn helmet you could read the mission briefings perfectly fine. You didn’t need to clog up your visor’s hub with all the unnecessary tidbits of information on your targets. You hate this role. 

“This one is routine,” Rumlow begins as you insert the flash drive into the slot along the backside of your helmet. Almost instantly, information clogs up your interior visor screen. “Your target is Tomek Sikora. He’s an arms dealer that SHIELD has kept an eye on.” The picture of your target fills up your visor. Tall, muscular build. Short, dirty blonde hair. Blue eyes. Mid thirties. “We have good intel that he’s operating out of an abandoned storefront in Bardstown, Kentucky. His main clientele is HYDRA.” 

Your visor floods with images of your target standing with or shaking hands with other important looking men and women. A few of the faces look familiar, but the images scroll too quickly across your visor for you to be certain. 

“Your objective is to shut down Sikora’s operation,” Rumlow says. “SHIELD would prefer Sikora alive, but if you have no choice, do what is necessary.” 

The coded orders hidden behind his words brings a small hint of relief. A nice simple kill. You know that if you read more into the file scrolling across your visor that you could piece together why real HYDRA wants Sikora dead. But you don’t care. All you care about is watching your target die. All you care about at this moment is that you won’t be forced to watch your target walk away breathing. A straightforward mission is exactly what you need. Something easy. Sikora will probably put up some kind of fight. You’ll engage and end it when it feels right. 

You pull the flash drive from the slot at the back of your helmet. Your visor clears. 

“Rollins will accompany you on this mission,” Rumlow says. 

Eh. It could be wors–

“Slight change of plan.”

Both you and Rumlow turn towards the open cargo bay door. You see her clearly through your visor screen. You feel the chains of your boredom lift. That familiar energy that buzzes right beneath your skin awakens. You haven’t seen her since you put a bullet through Erik’s head. Even then, you can’t count that as your official last parting. You were buried beneath your costume. She didn’t know you were there. Because if she did, she wouldn’t have let you go like that. 

The weight of the costume you wear now feels heavier as you watch her ascend up the Quinjet’s ramp. She’s dressed in civilian clothes. You love the black, leather jacket that she wears over her red shirt. Dark denim jeans cover the length of her legs, and a gun sits in a black holster strapped to her right thigh. You’re envious of her clothes. You want to look into her wardrobe. You want to strip out of this stupid suit and wear anything else. 

“Agent Romanoff,” Rumlow greets. 

Nat. Your teeth bite into your lower lip. You know you can’t say anything. The rules of your role have been drilled into your head. You don’t speak. You only act. If anyone asks questions, Rumlow has your pathetic sob story ready to share. You know all this. You know you must comply. But you really want to say something. 

Her olive green eyes settle on you as she steps into the cargo bay. You instantly miss the recognition as she looks at you. Her eyes travel up and down the length of your body, taking in your forced getup. You want her to see right through it. You want her to say your name and rip the damn mask from your face so the chase can resume. 

“What’s the update?” Rumlow asks. 

Her attention shifts to him. “Rollins can’t make it. He’s in medical. I’m filling in.” 

Now you really really want to say something. You watch as she walks over to where the black duffel bag sits. A smile stretches across your face. You had wanted to start slow. A coffee date scheduled on a day that neither one of you needed to even think about work. But if you can’t have that, then you will happily take this. 

“That’s not necessary,” Rumlow replies. 

Your smile drops away, and you turn your head to give Rumlow the most threatening glare he will never see. He ignores you as Nat zips up her duffel bag and looks over at him. 

“I’ll get one of the other guys to fill in for Rollins,” Rumlow continues. “It’s a routine operation, and you’re needed for more Avenger missions.” 

You wonder what would happen if you punched Rumlow in the face. If you swing hard enough, there is a good chance you could knock him out. That would give you a couple seconds to say something to Nat before all hell breaks loose. You’d definitely apologize for the stupid thing you said before. And if Rumlow didn’t go down in one punch, you could always follow it up with a solid kick. 

“Fury disagrees,” Nat replies. 

The name sparks two recent memories of the Director of SHIELD. Both memories consisted of you standing in this stupid suit and staring at the bald man with an eyepatch while he interrogated Rumlow about you. You played the part of a lost puppy well enough despite wanting to smash your head into the closest wall. 

“Besides,” Nat looks first at you and then back to Rumlow, “I’ve been dying to meet your new sidekick.” 

Oh god. That one hurt. 

“They’re not much of a talker,” Rumlow says. 

You have so much to say. 

“We’ll figure it out,” Nat replies. 

Rumlow shakes his head, but finally relents. He looks at you. “Stay focused. I expect results.” 

You watch as he steps out of the cargo bay and descends down the jet’s ramp. For a moment, you can’t believe your luck. You thought that Rumlow would have done just about anything to rip you away from Nat. He had made sure to keep you as far away from her as possible. But the reality of your amazing luck settles when Nat comes to stand next to you. 

“Has he taught you how to fly one of these?” she asks. 

You shake your head. 

“Okay,” she says. “I’ll fly. You fill me in on the mission.” 

This is the greatest day of your life. 

The Quinjet, Kentucky Sky – A Short Time Later

You pull the flash drive free from the tablet’s port. The tablet’s screen goes blank while the hub screen built into your interior helmet visor lights up with a selection of unnecessary data about the tablet. Battery at 68%. No security update needed. Software version 3.8.27. You don’t understand why you are forced to tolerate the random extra tech. Rumlow told you it was to make your story more realistic. You still didn’t understand how something only you see makes others believe you more. 

You look up from the tablet, and the extra data clears. Bright sunlight floods the cockpit. The sky outside is so blue that it is almost painful to look at. You are sitting in the co-pilot seat. The various buttons and screens stretched across the dashboard mean nothing to you. Nat has been doing all the flying. All you’ve done is find a SHIELD issued tablet and plugged in the flash drive so Nat could review the details of your mission. So far she’s asked you easy questions about the mission. Your answers are simple nods or a shake of your head. You want to say more. You need to say more. But you stay quiet. You comply with your role. 

But there is sweet happiness in your forced silence. You look over to the empty pilot seat next to you. Nat left a few minutes ago to change after switching on the autopilot. You are tempted to lift up your helmet and sniff the pilot seat. You want to know what she smells like. You want to peel your black gloves off and touch the cushions of the seat. Feel the warmth left behind by her touch. A couple different scenarios float through your head and each one is far more entertaining than sitting in silence. But at least you get to be near her. You don’t have to hurry off and leave her. Despite all these stupid rules, you’ve discovered a piece of freedom that kept eluding you before. 

You turn your gaze forward when you hear Nat emerge from the tiny bathroom directly behind the cockpit. She settles back into the pilot’s seat. Her casual clothes are gone. You miss the leather jacket, but the black catsuit is a warm familiar memory. You tuck the flash drive into one of your suit’s many pockets. 

“Shouldn’t be long now,” she comments as her green eyes dart across the various screens and lit buttons. “About fifteen minutes out.” 

There’s a moment when you taste that bitterness of disappointment. You don’t want this to end. The two of you up in the sky without anyone else to distract you. But that moment ends when you remember what’s to come. For the first time you won’t be on opposing sides. Sort of. Not exactly. But it sends a thrill through you. 

“So,” she looks over at you, “Silent Type.” 

You frown at the stupid codename. You know she can’t see your face, but she sees something because she starts to smile. The tablet’s screen comes back to life as you navigate to the application you need. A virtual keyboard pops up along the lower half of the tablet. Your gloved fingers are quick as you type your message. You turn the tablet around so she can read it. 

Rumlow’s idea. Not mine. 

Your answer seems to amuse her more as she nods. 

“That does sound like a name he would come up with,” she says. 

You turn the tablet to face you again and delete what you wrote. Your fingers are quick to tap out another message. 

Did you choose your codename? 

Her smile falls a bit as she reads your question. “What did Rumlow tell you about me?” 

It doesn’t take you long to delete your question and type out your reply. 

Avenger. 

“That’s it?” she asks. 

You lower the tablet and nod. It’s not entirely a lie. Rumlow had spent most of his time preparing you for this stupid role. That meant filling your head with a bunch of random bullshit about fake SHIELD and real HYDRA. He trained you to remember your story. He did his best to polish off the grime of freelance and make you seem more refined. He rarely brought up Nat. And when he did, he never let you think about her for long. 

“I guess we’ll need to get to know each other better after this mission,” she says. 

More time with Nat? This day just gets better and better. Your fingers tap against the tablet’s digital keyboard again. When you lift up the tablet, you are very interested in her answer. 

What did Rumlow say about me?

“You’re his pet project,” she says as her smile returns. 

You frown. You want to somehow clarify that you are nobody’s pet project, but one of the buttons on the dash lights up and steals Nat’s attention. You watch as she turns off the autopilot and takes control of the Quinjet. 

“We’re approaching our target,” she reaches up and flips a switch. “I’ll set us down somewhere close. With our stealth systems engaged, they shouldn’t be able to spot us.” 

You turn your head and look out at the bright blue sky. While you love the quality time with Nat, you also need to come up with a plan for this mission. Rumlow’s coded orders had been clear. Kill Sikora. If Rollins had joined you on this mission, you wouldn’t have needed to do much thinking beyond when to kill your target. But Nat’s fantastic presence complicated things. You doubt that she’s part of fake SHIELD. Which meant putting a bullet in Sikora’s head outright wouldn’t go over well. Especially if your target decides to surrender. 

Your plan starts to take shape within your mind as Nat guides the concealed Quinjet towards the ground. It’s a simple plan. Draw your target away from Nat and kill him where it is just you and him. It would ruin the foreplay. You probably wouldn’t have much time and would need to kill Sikora quickly. But you’d get to talk to Nat later which seemed like a generous trade. 

The bright onslaught on sunlight fades as Nat sets the Quinjet down in a clearing surrounded by eastern white pine trees. Based on the data you had skimmed earlier, the abandoned storefront your target is operating out of is just north of your location. When the Quinjet’s engines fall quiet, you stand. You leave the tablet on your seat as you head for the cargo bay. You approach a metallic box bolted onto one of the walls. Your gloved fingers type in a code on the keypad fixed to the front of the box. The front panel unlocks and opens to reveal a small armory. 

Smaller than usual. No fancy explosives. Your usual selection of guns has been paired down to one: a single black Glock. You suspect your limited selection is thanks to Rumlow. You figure this has something to do with your training, but you don’t really care. You’re more disappointed in how the gun feels in your hand. You miss your Beretta. You don’t feel the same without it. 

You slide the Glock into the empty holster at your right hip and turn when you hear Nat enter the cargo bay. She holds the tablet you left behind. Her finger slides across the tablet’s screen, and you watch the way her head tilts slightly as she reviews the mission data. You imagine that she looked exactly like that whenever information on you ended up in her hands. Your smile starts to return as you grab the tactical knife left in the armory and slide it into place on your belt. 

She turns off the tablet and sets it down next to her black duffel bag. She lifts her hand and speaks into her wrist. “Comms check.”

You hear her voice flood your helmet and you don’t want it to stop. When she looks over at you, you nod. Her smile threatens to break you. You want so desperately to say something. You want her to look at you like she knows you. Like she did before whenever she appeared on one of your jobs. But your mouth stays shut. You comply. 

It’s quiet when you both exit the Quinjet. As you make your way through the cluster of trees, you can’t help but think back to your last freelance job in the middle of nowhere. The sound of gunshots ripping apart tree bark. The smell of sweat and blood on your target’s body. The feeling of her hand around your wrist. 

You stop when you reach the treeline. Roughly fifty yards ahead of you is the bland backside of the abandoned storefront. The back door is unguarded. You don’t see any cameras either. It’s no wonder why HYDRA wants Sikora gone. The lack of security is almost offensive. It’s as if your target is inviting you inside. 

“We’ll split up and sweep the area,” her voice is low and when you look at her, you nod. 

Perfect. As long as you find Sikora first, this mission should be easy. 

“I’ll take the upper floor while you secure the lower,” she says. 

As you nod, you hope that you’ll find Sikora in the storefront’s basement. If you don’t, you don’t know exactly how you’ll get your target far enough away from Nat. 

You both step out of the treeline and make your way towards the storefront’s back entrance. By the time you reach the back door and press your back against the wall, you notice that both you and Nat have drawn your guns. You bite your tongue to hold back a laugh at the thought that instantly springs to life within your mind. This must be the first time you both have a gun in your hand and you’re not pointing them at each other. Now would be a great time to take your helmet off. 

Nat reaches for the door handle, and it’s unlocked. You decide that it’s your target’s inflated ego that left the door unlocked and not stupidity. Or a trap. You try not to let that last thought get you too excited as you follow Nat through the backdoor. 

You enter a narrow hallway. Directly ahead of you is a wide open doorway that reveals a large empty room. Remains of what was clearly a counter mark the worn looking floorboards. Dark colored wallpaper peels from the walls. The room itself is lit only by the light that spills out from the hallway. Large, thin boards are nailed across the windows. Littered about the floorboards is trash, random dark wet spots, and the occasional clothing hanger. 

To your right is a set of stairs leading to the upper floor. To your left is the remains of another door. You see the hinges, but the door that clearly once occupied the space is gone. Beyond it is another set of stairs leading down towards the basement. You turn to your left and start to descend the stairs. You hear Nat ascending the stairs behind you. You force yourself not to look back as you lift your gun and keep going. 

Your footsteps are quiet on the stairs. When you reach the bottom, you find yourself alone in an empty room. The lights are on. Boxes and crates are stacked against one of the walls. On the other side of the room is another doorway, but this one still has a door attached to it. As you walk further into the room, you hear a loud thud shake the low ceiling. You feel a tiny spike of jealousy that Nat found her targets while you are alone in a basement. Another loud thud shakes the ceiling again. That lingering spike of jealousy flees when the door on the other side of the room opens. 

You pull the trigger the second you see someone fill up the space in the doorway. You see the person drop and no one else comes out. You move towards the open door. One quick look down at the man dying on the basement floor at your feet confirms that they are not your target. You step over the dying man and into the room. It’s a small break room with a fold out plastic table that eats up most of the space. Sitting on the table, directly in the middle, is a small, square television. It’s on and playing an old western. 

When you return to the dying man laying in the doorway, you find him dead. The man’s lifeless eyes stare up at you. His mouth is slightly parted. His hair looks greasy. He looks about as old as any average college student. The sounds of the western playing on the television fills up the quiet as you stare down at the dead man. The sounds of shouting pulls you out of your odd stupor. 

You step over the dead man and hurry back towards the stairs. You quickly climb back up into the narrow hallway and start towards the stairs that would take you up to the upper floor when you see it. You are standing at the base of the stairs when you see a body falling. You see their arms first as they come up, and you see how their legs trip over each other. You notice a mop of dirty blonde hair right before it smashes into the first uppermost step. The body falls hard down the stairs with a series of sickening crunches. You take a few steps back when you notice the body picking up some speed. When the body finally reaches the bottom of the stairs, it rolls over once and stops. 

Sikora lays at your feet. His neck is bent at a terrible angle. His blue eyes are wide open. You see a piece of bone poking out from his forearm. Your gun lowers at the sight of your target’s still body. You feel numb at the sight of it. No satisfaction. No sense of pride. Not even relief. You don’t know how to feel when you step over your target’s body and ascend the stairs. That strange feeling persists as you find Nat standing near a table. Littered across the floor are six bodies. You can’t tell if some are alive or not, but you feel the corners of your lips curl into a smile. Nat doesn’t have a scratch on her. None of the bodies scattered across the room were a challenge for her and you just want to run up to her and kiss her and hug her tight because it makes sense. One piece of your life hasn’t changed. She’s still your friend even if you can’t act like hers. 

As you walk further into the room, carefully stepping over fallen bodies, Nat closes up a black laptop that is sitting on the table. Her smile melts away any lingering numbness hanging on from seeing your target’s body. 

“Good work,” she says. “SHIELD will be here in ten to clean up.” 

You savor her praise before looking at the laptop again. 

“Just a little side project,” she says after following your gaze. She picks up the black laptop and moves towards you. “You ever have bourbon from here?”   

You shake your head. 

“Then we’re making a quick pit stop before we head back,” she says. 

You follow her, and you can’t help feeling like you are back in Ohio. It’s as if school is finally letting out and you two have the rest of the day ahead of you. You want this day to last forever. You’d rather her know it’s you, but if this is all you can have, then you’ll take it.