#but you know who cares about *that* i guess when you have children to guilt trip into telling you why they so selfishly cut you off

[nonuggetshere]

So they didn't become void, they were "born" that way

In FaaF there are different species and kinds of higher beings (still a MASSIVE work in progress tbh, trying to figure out how these cunts work, but for now I'm thinking they're extremely rare species with far greater abilities and lifespans than a normal bug's that have a chance to ascend to true godhood (but even if they don't ascend that doesn't stop mortals from worshipping them as they're already very god-like from a normal bug's perspective)), "pale beings" being one of these kinds/mutations.

Well, there was also a different kind once, "void beings", but they all went extinct a very long time ago by the beginning of the story. Shade Lord was one, and last, of them and it lost its life in a fight with Radiance - the same fight that drove her to make her permanent residence in the dream realm out of her new-found fear of death (which backfired spectacularly ngl). Its body was buried in the Abyss, where it broke apart and decayed, or decayed as much as a non-living thing can, before it was unearthed many ages later by the pale wyrm.

Not much is known about them since they've been gone for so long, and the vessels are the only void beings remaining, but since they're not "pure" void beings it'd be foolish of anyone to assume that the ancient extinct species behaved the same way as these ones do. But they were generally greatly feared thanks to the void's freaky, dangerous properties, which partly lead to their extinction as some of the other higher beings purposefully attacked and killed them whenever they stumbled across one out of fear. Now the only thing remaining of them are the rare void sources, where their former bodies still refuse to fully die.

Shade Lord does get accidentally resurrected in the story bc of all the tomfoolery happening with its body before almost immediately getting killed again by Ghost who inherits its title and reign. Don't ask me how that works, haven't figured that out yet. Magic god shit or something idk LMAO

[dredshirtroberts]

pardon me while i emotionally process all over everything

Monday's just decided to kick off really hard - it's only the one thing, and it's just stewing in the back of my mind really hard and has been for *checks time stamps* 2.5 hours.

the important thing for me to remember is my dad (and my mom too) is not owed nor does he deserve an explanation for why i cut him and mom off. They truly honestly probably do not understand why I made that choice and frankly i think the fact that that hasn't changed over the past year is telling about how little they truly look at their own actions.

I want to explain but as soon as I put it into words, I can immediately strike myself down with the things that I know they will say. Any attempt at giving any explanation will be met with denial and that's just not a battle I feel like participating in.

I spent my whole life doing the emotional heavy lifting for my family of origin and I got tired of it. I'm struggling with the way my brain is wired because of it on a daily basis. This effects my whole life and my loved ones. And it didn't even do what it was supposed to when i developed the coping mechanisms.

I am really really cognizant of it because we've added a 4th person to our home and I'm scrambling to learn them and their tells and their moods quickly so I can be The Best At Helping in any situation. And I'm running into the wall of "that's not my job and is generally unwelcome unless asked for specifically" and so I am sat here taking in footsteps and movement styles and tones of voice trying to catalog them for future reference and not being able to do anything with that and knowing it's a flawed coping skill to deal with an unstable and volatile home life in my early childhood and I just want more than ANYTHING to be able to backsass and confront my parents about the way they've fucked me up and I can't.

i will type it all out and immediately change my mind - the words aren't correct, they can never be correct because the words don't matter. I could say everything perfectly and it wouldn't make any difference because my parents are dead set on invalidating any stance I make for myself and myself alone.

And also guilt tripping at the end of truly bad news (but like, neutral truly bad news) is not the way to get an explanation. It's a way to make me angry that I cannot begin the proper grieving process ahead of time because you're making a last ditch attempt to dig into me and not let me get away without an answer to the question you do not deserve to have answered. There was no indication they have looked at themselves and seen the way that they treated me was bad enough to cause my brain to splinter into multiple different people just in order to get by. They do not understand how much i wanted to die when I was trying to be a good kid for them. And they can't understand because they didn't pay attention then so me telling them about it now will look like i'm making things up.

They also have in the past given me large sums of money that I didn't have to work for dad to get, but it always came with other - more fraught - strings to deal with. and knowing that they bailed me out makes me feel super guilty for not giving them an explanation but it also really hammers home how much I just cannot say "you treated me badly" because they will throw that money in my face and say "we did everything for you, we deserve your love for the bare minimum of affection!" and money, btw, is not affection but they don't know that and now I have to figure that shit out.

and also we never repaired our relationship after I stopped working for him. I'm pretty sure he took my leaving the company personally - and he should, it was because of him I couldn't work for him anymore - but i know it's been worked around in their minds as my choice for completely unfathomable reasons that they clearly just cannot wrap their heads around because it doesn't make sense. why would i just cut them off, they've been good parents! why would I just leave the company, he was a great boss!

but they weren't, and he wasn't, and I suffered for it and I hid my suffering and because i hid my pain (as i was taught to do from VERY early on because i have been in pain MY WHOLE LIFE) they will never believe i was in it in the first place. because they don't believe me about my physical pains either and never have. why would they care about the mental and emotional pains?

they'd probably also come back with "Everyone's messed up by their parents, you need to just get over it" if I did bring up that their behavior towards me fucked me over. Because that's what they've said in the past - maybe not directly to me but in general.

a lot of my assumptions of their responses are based on what they used to just say. or continue to say. or how they'd say it. or how they'd talk about specific other people who i didn't think were bad people but boy did the way they talk about them make me go "well i guess i can't like that person now" and it isolated me from everyone. I had no way out, I had no escape i had no one but myself.

well and my internet friends but for a very long time I had a hard time remembering those were real fucking people on the other end of the internet connection, because i didn't have anyone else but the computer and those who i had a connection to through said computer.

oh and the reason this all came up?

my grandpa's going into hospice - he was in the hospital all weekend. he's the one with cancer that he stopped treating because the treatments were taking too much of a toll on his body. They had to cut their vacation short to take my grandparents back home and that same day my grandpa went into the hospital - dad made sure to mention the vacation to me, because i guess that's important. Didn't tell me any details on how the hospice thing is going to work (maybe he didn't know, maybe he didn't think that's important for me coordinating how to contact my grandparents to check in but whatever), but it was imperative that i know that their vacation ended early so they could take him home. And it was important to guilt trip me at the end to try and reopen communication with me on the email i deliberately did not give out to them, and they had to circumvent my blocks elsewhere in order to acquire because they didn't ask me for it.

I don't know how many people in my family know I'm not talking to my parents. I don't know how far that information has spread I don't know who leaked my email to them (that's a strong way of phrasing it but it feels about as violating, since i rock up into my inbox today and get jumpscared by my fucking dad's name and his absolutely abysmal choice in subject lines. literally could have said "grandpa update" or something similar. no he just said "Stuff" and then opens with "Hope you're doing well. Grandpa's in the hospital" and like????

he got lucky i opened it because i can see the message preview and knew it had important information. I might have seen it and gone "y'know, I don't care what he has to say about "stuff"" and hit delete and not known.

but like WTF dad. wtf.

go to hell, my dude. go to the absolute eebiest of deebies you cuntwaffle.

and take mom with you.

[misswynters]

Lil Daredevils with big hearts

featuring. ekko x wife!reader

note. i need more aunt! jinx (this is horrible i don’t like it but i’ve spent way too much time on this)

requested. by anon

Your birthday had been a quiet affair so far, just you, Ekko, and the twins at the Firelight hideout. You hadn’t expected much; after all, it was difficult to celebrate properly in a city like this. But your daughters, ever the spirited pair, had whispered and giggled all morning, plotting something secret. You knew they wanted to surprise you, but you couldn’t have guessed how far they’d go.

The more mischievous of the two, had decided that a proper birthday gift was non-negotiable. Her twin, more cautious but equally devoted, followed her lead. Together, they hatched a plan: She would swipe something special from a merchant in the Piltover market while her sister kept watch. It was innocent enough in their young minds, a way to show how much they loved their mama. But even at five years old, the twins underestimated the risk.

The plan unraveled quickly. The more excited twin had barely snatched a sparkling trinket from a vendor’s table when the merchant shouted, drawing the attention of none other than Caitlyn Kiramman. The Enforcer’s sharp eyes caught sight of the tiny thief darting between stalls, her twin calmer sister trailing behind, trying to call her back. Caitlyn’s voice rang out, calm yet commanding. “Stop right there!”

But the twins didn’t stop. Fear propelled them forward, their small feet pattering against the cobblestones. Caitlyn sighed, reaching for her rifle, intending only to fire a warning shot to make them halt. The sight of the weapon, however, filled you with cold dread as you turned the corner and saw the scene unfolding. Your maternal instincts overrode all reason, and without hesitation, you threw yourself between Caitlyn and the girls just as her finger accidentally squeezed the trigger.

The shot echoed through the narrow street, sharp and unforgiving. Pain exploded in your side as the bullet tore through flesh, and you stumbled, clutching the wound as blood seeped between your fingers. The twins froze in horror, their eyes wide and filled with tears. Caitlyn lowered her rifle instantly, her face stricken with regret. “Oh my gods… I didn’t mean—”

The chaos only deepened as Ekko and Vi arrived, drawn by the sound of gunfire. Ekko’s eyes went wide as he took in the sight of you on the ground, bleeding, with Caitlyn standing nearby, rifle still in hand. Rage replaced the shock in an instant. “What the hell did you do?�� he snarled, rushing to your side.

Vi, confused and alarmed, held up her hands. “Cait, what’s going on? Who are they?”

Caitlyn stammered, clearly shaken. “I didn’t know they were children—she just—she jumped in the way!”

Before Ekko could unleash the full force of his anger, a familiar chaotic energy entered the scene. Jinx appeared out of nowhere, her wild grin softening when she saw the twins huddled together, crying. “Hey, hey, what’s all this fuss about?” she said, kneeling to their level. “Don’t worry, Auntie Jinx is here.”

You managed a weak smile through the pain. “Jinx… take them. Please.”

Ekko didn’t even need to look to know you trusted her implicitly. Jinx gently scooped up the twins, her tone uncharacteristically soothing. “Come on, munchkins. Let’s go somewhere fun, yeah? Don’t worry about your mama. She’s tougher than she looks.”

The twins clung to her, still sniffling, but they didn’t protest. With one last glance at you, Jinx disappeared as swiftly as she had arrived, the twins safe in her care.

Ekko turned his attention back to Caitlyn and Vi, his protective instincts blazing. “You pointed a gun at my daughters?” he hissed, his voice dangerously low.

Caitlyn stepped forward, guilt etched into every line of her face. “I didn’t know they were yours, Ekko. They were running, and I—”

“That’s no excuse,” Ekko snapped, cutting her off. “They’re kids. My kids. You don’t aim a gun at children, ever.”

Vi, still piecing everything together, held up her hands. “Wait, wait. You’re married? And you have kids?”

“Uh. Yeah, Vi,” Ekko shot back, his tone sharp. “Surprise. Maybe if you and your Enforcer girlfriend weren’t so trigger-happy, you’d probably know that by now.”

“Ekko,” you murmured weakly, placing a hand on his arm. “It was an accident. Please let it go.”

He knelt beside you, his anger softening as he saw the pain in your eyes. “Let it go? She shot you.”

“It was my choice,” you said, your voice firm despite the pain. “I saw the gun, and I jumped. She didn’t mean to.”

Caitlyn crouched down, meeting your gaze with a sincerity that was hard to ignore. “I swear to you, I would never intentionally harm anyone, especially not a child. I’m so sorry.”

Ekko didn’t respond immediately, his jaw tight as he tried to rein in his emotions. Vi stepped closer, her expression more serious now. “Look, I get why you’re pissed. If someone hurt my family, I’d lose it too. But Caitlyn made a mistake. Let us help. We’ll get her patched up.”

You reached for Ekko’s hand, squeezing it gently. “Please, my love.”

He let out a long breath, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. “Fine. But we’re not done talking about this.”

Vi nodded, offering her hand to help you up. “Fair enough. Let’s get you somewhere safe first.”

Later, back at the Firelight hideout, Ekko hovered over you as you rested on your shared bed, the wound bandaged but still tender. The twins were with Jinx in another part of the hideout, their giggles faintly audible through the walls.

Vi and Caitlyn stood nearby, both uncharacteristically quiet. Ekko finally broke the silence, his voice low but firm. “You’re lucky she’s okay. If she wasn’t…”

“I know,” Caitlyn said softly, her usual confidence replaced by remorse. “I’ll do whatever it takes to make this right.”

Vi crossed her arms, glancing at you. “For what it’s worth, you’ve got guts. Jumping in like that? Not many people would do that.”

You managed a small smile. “Not many people have kids like mine.”

Ekko sat beside you, his hand resting over yours. “They’re lucky to have you as their mom.”

Despite the lingering tension, the room felt a little lighter. Jinx’s voice suddenly called out from the other room. “Hey! The mischievous one is trying to climb the wall again! Who taught these kids to be such little daredevils?”

Ekko sighed, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “I wonder where they get it from.”

You laughed softly, wincing as the movement tugged at your side. “Maybe their dad?”

taglist. @diffusebread @xxblairslairxx @annybah @niredsw @stqrlxght @kriss-w @marilovz @blkmystery @multiverse-fandoms-2001 @turquoizxe @mishellii @kor-0suu @feelya @theamazingmilli @multim00n @m00nd0v3 @sodavrr @maialublmere @radtragedyarcade @spiderhook @night-fall-moon @ekkosh @hoonobono @bandletale @thesecondhandwoman @alientee @duchessmoooon @lilbunny1sworld @lil-kpopstan @mbekgsv @lulumallow @ametheslime @sunshiines-stuff @lolana101 @jadeash434 @hobieeeloverrr @misonesaturou @serene6728 @hellokittyfeenie

banner. @anitalenia art. not mine

[z4rph1m]

Platonic Yan!Batfam X dazai! GNreader X Yandere DC

Forgotten child

Pro. Ch.1 (you are here) Ch.2

No longer human….

The name of your ability to nullify any type of meta power or other ability within your radius.

Something that your mother made you aware of before she went along with the clouds.

Mori did once told you that she also had an ability, the Setting Sun

An ability that allow the user to give out the sense of despair and hopelessness to their target….

Upon hearing about it you started to wonder if your mother once use it against you

Months had gone by yet the manor felt emptier than ever.

A lingering presence of a child who was life greatest failure or was it life that failed the child?

The presence wasn’t a blissful innocence and joy but instead a lingering sense of sadness and self-destruction of the child.

The place where the presence is almost as if the child is there has to be their bedroom.

A place where the child find solace and comfort,

A place where Alfred mostly goes to whenever he has the chance.

As much as he wants to denies it

Your path of darkness had already started the moment you were born.

Born not out of love but instead a result of a stringless and loveless action during intimacy.

Alfred knew that there was no hope in saving you from the dark pit of despair and sadness but maybe, just maybe if you were surrounded by care and love instead of indifference and neglect, you would’ve turn out differently.

Alfred raised you with all the care and love he could give yet it still doesn’t stop you from being self-destructive and suicidal.

He knows about your struggles with fitting in with your peers.

Your struggles to overcome your self-destructive tendencies.

Especially with how often he helped with bandaging yourself again and again.

He secretly keep pictures of you throughout the years you’ve stayed in the mansion.

Especially when he took you to a fun fair, away from Gotham.

But that still doesn’t give you the light of hope.

He prayed that one day you’re surrounded by the love that you needed and want.

But he hopes you won’t hate him for what he’s about to do

Bruce know whenever his children comes in and out of the manor, yet he couldn’t help but felt as if someone is missing.

He thought that one of them is probably playing some type of prank on him until Alfred came knocking on the door before entering.

“Master Bruce? I’ve come with your tea prepared and old news to bring”

“Old news? Then do tell” putting down all of his paperwork’s, tapping the pen down on the table

“You’re second child had move out a few months back, it’s a sudden but they didn’t bring anything with them.”

Bruce stare at Alfred in confusion. Jason move out, since when did he move in in the first place?

Alfred gave Bruce a knowing look, as if he can read his mind before opening his mouth to speak.

“It is not master Jason, he is your third child. I suggest to take another guess”

Bruce kept a confused look and thinking on who exactly move out from the manor.

It’s definitely not Dick or Jason, nor is it Tim since he’s currently in his room, or is Damian who’s too young to even move out.

Or coul- no, it couldn’t be….

The bitter truth struck to him like a pile of sadness and despair came hugging his very body.

His first biological child.

The one who join after Dick.

His precious child.

[N] Wayne

Does he even remember how you look like? Actually scratch that, did he even have time or actually look at you throughout your life in the manor?

To add the salt to the wound, Alfred once again speak up.

“I had inform you of their departure but you were quick to dismissed it. I decided that it be best for you to be inform of it the second time”

A sense of dread continue to hug Bruce’s body like a blanket, as if a sadness and the guilt of a child had been passed on to another.

Did he ever had a proper conversation to you, or even attend any events at school with you?

God he hopes not.

He doesn’t even remember how your voice sounds like or even what’s you’re likings to simple things like food or even hobby.

“Alfred, how old are they now exactly?”

It’s embarrassing for a parent to even ask that simple question about their child.

“They’ve just turn 22 a month ago, from what I know, they’re currently living in a apartment”

God how many birthdays did he missed.

He didn’t even gave you a simple card and a cake, actually have you ever even had a birthday cake?

Or even any celebrations?

“Alfred, if you may, lead me to their room”

He wants to know what type of person you are, or at least an idea of it.

What a pitiful excuse of a father isn’t it?

You blankly stare at the dead bodies of the people who tried to kidnap you to threaten the port mafia boss.

Having no emotions In your eyes, bandages being redder and dirtier than ever, and 4 subordinates behind you.

“Bring their body to the slaughterhouse, at least their body would be useful in the market”

They were quick to obey to your command, like little rabbits afraid to get killed by the wolf.

The blood on the floors were left alone, and the deafening silence was your company.

Keyword : Was.

You’re not stupid to not know you’re being watch.

By Bruce’s other child no less, the one who was presumed dead by the members.

“You can come out now Jason. Or should I call you by your vigilante name, Red Hood?”

You watch as he slowly show himself to you, putting his gun down, hands holding nothing.

You just blankly stare at him before putting on a small smirk.

“Try to put me in jail? Or did you change your mind when you saw it was me?”

You change your expression to a blank one, the one that shows the darkness in your eyes and the feeling of the grim reaper surrounding you.

In Jason eyes, there’s something wrong with your silhouette.

Is it the way you’re staring at him? Or the feeling of despair, death and sorrows that clings to you.

It was as if you’re not even a human being.

You turn back and walk away from him, having enough of one of the famous vigilante of Gotham.

“You can take the leftover bullets if you want, must be frustrating to use the rubber ones”

Inspired by @-acid-ixx again & again series and @-marcyvamp1re-blog silly little bat

[hoeforalbedo]

Dolly (Pt 2)

Human Alastor x Housewife!Reader

Pt 1, Finale

Tw: Murder, Forced Cannibalism, reader is described as a woman, dumbifying reader, mention of pregnancy, pregnancy.

Note: I guess I’m making this a series? I really want them to meet in hell. Also I really haven’t made it obvious bc I don’t want to erase Alastor being aroace. The way I see it, he’s kinda just toying with reader and grew obsessed once reader became a murderer.

———————————————————————

The morning after your delightful meal, you found yourself puking your guts out. The food did not agree with you at all. You wonder how Alastor’s body did not reject your food. Maybe it was all guilty’s conscience, but you’re not guilty for what you did.

Alastor holds your hair back, rubbing small circles on your back. “Oh my, what a way to start the morning. It makes me wonder if you’re perhaps pregnant.”

You shoot him a look, “Please do not say that, I beg of you.” No, you’re not pregnant, and Alastor knows you’re not pregnant. But if you are. . . That means you’re all to himself. You will have no choice but to depend on him even more. Even if you decided one day to leave him, you can’t. Nobody other man wants a tainted woman with children. Maybe one day he should get you pregnant.

Oh he absolutely knows that his dear wife has committed something awful and he’s proud of you, although he won’t admit it, yet. For now, he’s here to support you through the aftermath of your actions.

He could even recall his first kill, it was messy and uncoordinated, and the gore did not sit right with his stomach. But he hopes that his wife does not meddle in the business no longer. All you must do is sit pretty and be the doll you are. The sweet wife who cleans the house and cooks for him and cares for him dearly while being oblivious to the fact that your husband is out and about, killing many people.

But he’s curious. You might be just like him and the thought of that makes him want to grasp you in his hands tightly. To keep you all to himself and keep you away from anything that could take you away from him. At the same time, he wants to test you, push you further into insanity until there’s no more turning back and you’re addicted to the feeling of blood on your hands.

You’ve made a decision, you’re going to confess to Alastor. You can’t just keep him the dark about what you’ve done. “Alastor dear, so about Linda. . . I’ve. . .”

“No need to say more, ma cheri. I know.” He says, acting sympathetic towards you. He pulls you into a hug and you can’t help but burst into tears. He pats

“My dear, you’ve had such a bad morning so I believe you should go out and treat your pretty self with something,” He hums, combing your hair back.

“But-“

“I insist dear. Allow me to tend to the home and when you get back, you’ll be treated to a nice meal. How does that sound?”

Your lips pursed in thought. “Fine, but only because you insist.”

The phone rings.

“I’ll take that, mon cheri. Now I’ll allow you to get yourself all pretty and I’ll get you some money for you to spend.” He kisses your head and leaves you be.

———————————————————————

An outing is just what you needed, although it was not to relieve your nerves. You only felt guilt for having stained your hands with red. That matters not, anymore. Alastor says to relax and enjoy your outing and that is what you’d do.

Now that you’re out, Alastor prepares to go out. He puts his gloves, “I should prepare a freshly cooked meal for my dear wife. It’s about time I went hunting.” He hums to himself and leaves the house.

———————————————————————

The sound of chopping is heard through the kitchen. Chopped vegetables are put aside and Alastor is seen kneading a sort of meat. After he’s satisfied, he chops the meat and sets it aside.

“Let us see,” He says, squatting down to the body by the kitchen island. He reaches inside the abdomen, a squelch being heard as his hands move deeper. “Ah, there it is!” He says cheerfully as he cuts out the intestines.

After squeezing the contents out of the intestines, he looks up at the clock. “Oh dear me! It’s about time my dear Y/N comes home!”

It’s already 5 and he expects you to be home in about an hour.

He continues to grind away the other organs and meat before stuffing the intestines, making the sausages for the jambalaya.

After an hour has passed, you are back home. As you were about to reach for the handle, the door opened, revealing Alastor. “Welcome home ma cheri!” He greets you with a smile, pulling you in for a hug. You reciprocate and kisses his cheek. “What have you got there?” He asks, motioning to the bags.”

“Oh I’ve only bought a few dresses. Nothing out of the ordinary,” You shrug, putting the bags down.

“Then I should expect a show from you then, is that correct? Give me a little twirl in each dress?” His voice deepens as he tilts your head up to look at him.

“If that’s what my dear husband wants,” You say, almost as if you’re purring.

Alastor hums in approval and pulls your lips into a kiss. His arm around your waist, pulls you in, pressing your body against his. “Oh my pretty doll, you’ve got me all distracted.”

“And it is my fault?” She chuckles.

“Yes dear, it’s your fault for being so gorgeous, however I cannot complain about that. Come now, I’ve made jambalaya. Let us eat before it gets cold.”

You follow him immediately to the dining room. “How I love jambalaya. I’m grateful you’ve introduced me to one of your favorites.” You smile as you sat down. “You didn’t put shrimp?” You ask.

“I’ve decided to add some meat instead,” Alastor says, placing some food on your plate.

“Well anything you cook is delicious. I’ll enjoy every bite!” You beam.

The two of you continue to eat and chat. While doing the dishes, the door bell rings. “I wonder who that might be?” You say confused, not expecting any visitors.

Alastor goes to the front door and opens it with a smile. “Hello, how can I help you fine gentlemen?”

“We’re with the police, I’d just like to ask about your neighbors.” One of the officers say.

“Well of course!” Alastor remains to smile, however he is irritated, not that anyone notices.

“Who is it Alastor, dear?” You say, walking behind him. “Oh! Well hello officer!” You immediately put a bright smile. Alastor wraps an arm around your waist.

“Yes, you must be this fine gentleman’s wife. We’d just like to ask if you folks know anything about Mrs. Linda and perhaps Mr. Connor?” The officer asks.

“Connor? Well what could have possibly gone wrong?” Alastor says in confusion.

“Well officer, last night we got a call from dear Connor and just earlier before that, I believe during the afternoon, Linda paid me a small visit,” You answer.

“Is that so? Well ma’am, did she enter the home?”

“Yes she did. Just for a couple minutes though.”

“Anything in particular happened? Arguments, anything?” The officer pushes on.

“Oh of course not! Linda and I may only be acquaintances but I do not harbor such ill feelings for her.”

Alastor squeezes your waist, “You see, my dear wife is far too good for her own good. Far too oblivious to the world, but who can blame her. She’s a doll after all.”

You smile at the officers, looking very innocent.

“Why, I see why you married such a beautiful lady,” The officers chuckles. “Well did she say anything before she left?

“No sir. . . Well she did complain about how she suspects her husband of have a mistress,” You answer.

Alastor adds, “The couple do tend to have a tendency for infidelity. There’s neighborhood rumors of one of the kids not even being Connors’! It’s no surprise though. They say Linda sleeps with other men.”

You gasp, “You mean that man she was with that one day-!”

“Oh no need to worry your pretty little head about it. That is not our problem,” Alastor says.

“And the call you received from Mr. Connor?” The officer asks.

“Oh he just called to thank my dear wife for her generosity. She was kind enough to bake the family a pie. She’s a rather good cook,” Alastor answers with a smile.

“Well you see, both of the couples are missing and have left their kids unattended.”

“Oh that’s awful! Are they okay?” You ask with worry.

“They sure are. If you happen to hear anything about them, please do give a call, thanks for your time,” The officer nods and leaves.

After Alastor closes the door, you immediately broke into a sob. “They’re out to get me Alastor! They’ll get me!” You cling to him.

“My dear you won’t, I promise you they won’t. I’d do anything,” Alastor says in a hushed voice.

“I-I’m the last to have seen Linda and Connor! Now Connor is gone too! What if they think I am the one who killed him!” You cry hysterically.

“My dear, have you not seen yourself? No one would believe that a small thing like you could have possibly killed someone,” he reasons.

“Are you sure?”

“Of course dear.”

———————————————————————

“Must you really go, Alastor?” You plead, grabbing his hand.

“I’m afraid I cannot skip out on work today, mon cheri. But what if they get me? What if I can’t see you again?” You say with worry.

Alastor chuckles. Your clinginess used to be something that annoyed him but not finds adorable. “Remember what I said last night?”

You nod.

“So you’ll let me go right?”

You nod and let go of his hand.

“Good. Now I’ll be back later, my dear.” He kisses your forehead and walks out the door.

He in fact did not come home that night. He was found dead, a bullet to his head. You never landed on the suspect list, as Alastor was found to be the serial killer of New Orleans.

[giuliettagaltieri]

Cup of Warm Tea

Pairing: Husband!Gojō x Wife!Reader

Chapter Synopsis: Gojō Satoru is a manchild.

Warning: arranged marriage, implied jujutsu society stigma

Word Count: 924

5 of 9

Gojō Satoru never woke up with anybody next to him in all his life.  Even in his escapades at his age of curiosity, he never stayed long.  He was never fond of bedding anybody too often in the first place.  The guilt ate him up despite him never agreeing to your betrothal.

Yet now, he wakes up to you every single morning.

Your back always turned to him, never crossing the boundaries set between you.  Your hair against your pristine white pillows.  The soft rise and fall of your shoulders.  Even whimpering from time to time, making him cover your goosebump covered arm with the warm blanket.

The first time he woke up to such a sight, he did not know what to do, so he stared at your form until you woke up.  He was fascinated in watching you go about your morning, until you wake him up with tea and fresh clothing for the day.

His morning continues with him listening to your plans for the day as you head to the dining area where you will share your breakfast.

And you will kiss his cheek goodbye as he heads out for work.

The same routine goes on for weeks.

Day by day, he notices how your appearance changes too.

More and more, your clothing starts to have more of the fabric that is blue in color.

And the layers kept adding up.

He was wrapping the bandage over his eyes one morning as he observed how you put your hair up with pins embedded with sapphires and paraiba tourmaline.

“I’m surprised that you can still move, dragging an entire fabric store.”

You give him a small smile.

“It is customary.”  You replied.

He chooses not to say anything after that.  But not even an hour after he left for work, you received a gift from your husband.  It was a wooden fan.

You never go without it from then on.

The women in the Gojō estate made it their mission to hone you to perfection.  Not that they had more to teach you.  You were already well taught.

You spend your day reading.  Or embroidering, to make the elders happy.

The estate house was big.  Much ground for you to explore.  Your new and old handmaidens gladly accompany you in your walks. 

In one of your afternoon teas, you are surprised to see a familiar mop of unruly hair.

It was one of the children your husband had adopted in his youth.

“Megumi.”  You call sweetly.  The young teen boy stops in his tracks, his muttering coming to a halt and his deep frown clearing away to make way for confusion.

“Gojō-san.”  He says unsurely.

Your smile widens as you beckon him close.  “‘Y/N-san’ is still fine.  What brings you here?”

He looks at the small parcel in his hand.  “Uhm…running errands for Gojō-sensei.”

You pat the seat next to you.  “Do you mind if I take up a bit of your time today?”

He shakes his head and sits next to you, his hand sneakily slips the parcel in his pockets.

“Tea and cookies?”  You pour him a cup anyway.

“Thanks.”  He says curtly and sips on his cup.  “Congratulations on your marriage.”

You smile brightly at him.  No matter how big he got, you still see him as the same little boy that Gojō took in.

It was not often that you saw the boy and his older sister, but given that you were the fiancée of the man who took care of them, you kind of bribed them with treats to get them to like you.  You were only a teenager then, you did not know any better.

Megumi, ever so perceptive that he was, saw through your tricks but appreciated your efforts nonetheless, knowing that you meant well.  Also, because you got him out of trouble when he needed a guardian to see the guidance counselor.

Gojō would have picked a fight with the school staff, you were the safer option.

“Enjoying school?”  You ask as you spread marmalade on a piece of pastry and add it on a stack on his plate.

He shrugs. “I guess so.  Met a bunch of weirdos but otherwise okay.”

“Is Gojō-sensei behaving himself?  He’s not giving you much trouble?”

Megumi does not know how to answer that.  He thinks you got the question the other way around.

He quietly sips on his tea and puts the cup on the saucer with a soft clink.

You wait for his response patiently.

“Are you certain he did not threaten you so you’d marry him, Y/N-san?  You are too good for that man.  I swear I’d try to talk to the council to-”

An arm finds itself on Megumi’s shoulder.

“What sort of nonsense are you spouting to my wife, Megumi.”  Gojō clicks his tongue in feigned disappointment.

Megumi leans on his chair and sips on his tea like nothing happened.  “Thank you for the tea, Y/N-san.”  He fishes the parcel from his pocket and slams it to Gojō’s chest.  “That thing you requested.”  He says through gritted teeth.

Gojō smiles childishly at him.  “Thanks, Megumi.  I know I can count on you.”  He slips it to his own pocket and Megumi says his farewell.

Knowing that it is not your business to ask, you turn to your own cup of tea.

Your husband sits on the chair that Megumi vacated, only he drags the chair closer to you until your elbows bumped and then proceeds to gobble up the pastry that you prepared for Megumi.  You hid the slight annoyance you felt and instead just poured him tea into a new cup.

Gojō chokes on a scone and he slams a fist to his chest as you slap at his back but a second later, he was shoving a Danish puff on his mouth.

You shake your head at him, smiling at his display of behavior.  Despite knowing the man all your life, he never ceases to appall…er, astound you.

“So, we had this new kid in Jujutsu High.”  He says in between chews and you nod at him to continue, wiping at the marmalade that smeared on his lips.

Your entire afternoon was spent listening to Gojō’s rambles and gossip in the jujutsu society and you would not spend your time any other way.

Where the Blue Roses Grow

[melzula]

Someone Else

pairings: Zuko x Princess!reader, Zuko x Mai

notes: i was writing smoke and shadow when i realized i should probably give more insight to zuko and mai’s relationship in the fire lilies universe before i delved into the story. also someone requested i cover their conversation on boiling rock so here it is :)

summary: Zuko is forced to confront his past

~ part of the fire lilies series ~

As Zuko struggled against the hold of the calloused prison guards who were dragging him away to whatever punishment awaited him, he couldn’t help but think of y/n.

He remembered the way she’d struggled against the crystals that held her and his uncle captive in the catacombs and how she’d urged him to go on without her to help the Avatar. Her eyes had sparkled beautifully in the light, and it had been the last time she had looked upon him with love and care. Now when she looked at him, her eyes were cold and void of any love for him. They looked upon him with anger and resentment, and he knew he deserved it. He deserved every last bit of her animosity.

Growing closer to the open cell, Zuko began to contemplate the possibility of Sokka’s plan failing. He feared he may never get to see y/n again and make things right, apologize to her for the hurt and anguish he’d caused, and she’d spend the rest of her life hating him for what he’d done. The chance of never returning to his Princess seemed a far worse fate than anything the warden had planned for him on Boiling Rock.

The guards finally toss the Prince into the cell, his body colliding harshly with the floor.

“I didn’t do anything wrong!” Zuko protests with a groan before pulling himself up onto the sole chair in the room.

“Come on, Zuko,” a voice chides harshly, its owner carefully emerging from the shadows, “we all know that’s a lie.”

“Mai?” Zuko utters in surprise, his stomach immediately twisting itself into knots. Guilt creeps in his gut at the sight of her, and he dreads the conversation he knows is coming. He’d hoped he’d never have to face her again, but it seemed fate had other plans.

“How did you know I was here?”

“Because I know you so well,” she replies sarcastically, her cold glare never leaving his slumped figure on the chair.

“But how-“

“The warden’s my uncle, you idiot,” Mai chides. Her features soften for a moment as she reaches into her robes, the heartbreak and betrayal overpowering her anger for a moment. However, her wrath returns as she presents Zuko with his own letter. “The truth is, I guess I don’t know you.”

Zuko is silent, his eyes guiltily scanning over the scroll. Perhaps it had been wrong of him to end their relationship in such a way, but she probably wouldn’t have let him live to see another day if he’d looked her in the face and told her there was someone else. How can you look the girl you’ve known since you were children in the eyes and tell her you’d only used her to get over your previous girlfriend?

“All I get is a letter?” She scoffs indignantly. “You couldn’t even look me in the eyes to tell me you were leaving me for someone else?! You couldn’t even leave me my dignity and rip my heart out in person?”

“I didn’t mean to-“ Zuko begins to say, but this only seems to anger her further.

“You didn’t mean to?!” Mai retorts before unfurling the scroll to read the letter aloud. “‘Dear Mai, I’m sorry that you have to find out this way, but I’m leaving.’”

“Stop!” He interjects, subtle irritation clear in his tone and his features. “This isn’t about you.”

“Right,” Mai drawls dully. “It was never about me. It was always about her.”

“Mai-“

“You told me she never meant anything to you, but that was a lie, wasn’t it?” She insists, and Zuko’s silence only infuriates her more. “Wasn’t it?”

“…It was,” he relents quietly, his guilty eyes finally meeting her stern gaze. “But this isn’t about her or you. This is about the Fire Nation.”

“Thanks Zuko, that makes feel all better,” Mai replies dryly before harshly tossing the scroll at his head.

Rubbing the spot where the paper had made contact, the Prince rises from his seat and looks at his ex with an empathetic gaze. “I never wanted to hurt you.”

“Then why did you do it? Were you just dating me to get over her? Was any of it real, or did you just pretend I was her while we were together to make yourself feel better?”

“You have to understand I didn’t mean for things to turn out this way,” Zuko pleads earnestly, guilt clear upon his face. “It was never my intention to break your heart. I thought being with you would help me feel at home again, and in a way it did. You were familiar, someone I cared about. I thought maybe with time…”

“Did you ever even love me?!” She cries angrily. The truth was ugly, and the tightness in her chest was suffocating. How was she supposed to react to the news that she’d been used by the boy she’d been in love with since she was a young girl? She thought she’d finally won his heart only to learn none of it had been real.

Zuko remains silent, and that’s enough of an answer for her.

“You know, you two deserve each other,” she spits harshly, her words like venom. “A selfish Prince and a selfish Princess. I guess I know what you see in her now.”

“Don’t speak about her that way,” Zuko snaps. Mai laughs bitterly in return.

“I hope she’s not stupid enough to take you back. I hope she breaks your heart the way you broke mine,” she utters quietly. “You deserve it.”

“It’s not like that,” he argues, “I didn’t leave just for her. I have to do this to save my country.”

“Save it?” She repeats incredulously. “You’re betraying your country. Joining the Avatar and going after the South’s water bending Princess? You’re a traitor.”

“That’s not how I see it,” Zuko rebuts firmly. A tense silence fills the room as Mai indignantly crosses her arms over her chest and turns her body away from him. “And I hope you’ll see it that way too.”

“I won’t let you fool me again,” she replies coldly. Though her exterior is hard and angry, her heart is crumbling inside. Mai desperately wanted to know why she hadn’t been enough for Zuko. Why couldn’t he love her the way he’d loved the Princess? What did y/n have that she didn’t? Why her? Why not me?

Their conversation is cut short by the prison guard sent to protect Mai from the ongoing riot, and Zuko uses the opportunity to escape the cell and lock it from the outside. Though he’s free from captivity, he finds himself frozen in place by the girl’s gaze. Her eyes are full of wrath, but they shine with tears that refuse to fall. Locking into her intense stare, the guilt begins to creep up on him again. He’ll never be able to undo the hurt he’s caused her, but he hopes that maybe one day she’ll be able to forgive him.

Breaking away from her gaze, Zuko rushes towards the courtyard to join Sokka and Suki in their escape plan. Mai’s heartbroken eyes still haunt him, but the image is soon replaced with that of y/n’s. Unlike Mai, her eyes had been full of sadness when she’d been met with his betrayal in Ba Sing Se. She hadn’t been angry, she’d been disappointed, and that had felt worse.

His legs urged him to run faster now, his motivation to return home to his Princess stronger than ever.

Zuko was going to make things right, he had to. And he hoped she’d give him the chance.

~~~~~

| atla tags: @sirkekselord @chronic-daydreamer @niktwazny303

| zuko tags: @thebluelcdy @royahllty @the-firebender-girl @ilovespideyyy @yiyibetch @eridanuswave @lammello @a-monsters-love @knaite-solo @taeeemin

| fire lilies tags: @titaniafire @emberislandplayers @kikaninchen-2 @music-geek19 @thia-aep @thyunnamed @haylaansmi @nataliahaslosthershit @idkdude776 @aangsupremacy @thirstyforsometea @ihaveaproblem98 @brown-eyed-thang @xapham @misnmatchedsox @chewymoustachio @that-bucket-hat-gal @chilifrylizard2 @kyomihann @kaylove12 @kiwihoee @freggietale @moon-spirit-yue @bubblegum-bee-otch

[bimb0fy]

04; put me in a movie

pairings; luke castellan x hephaestus!reader

warnings; dark!luke, manipulation,

summary; lukes plan is only beginning, and you find yourself sucked into the middle of it.

word count; 1k words.

a/n; sorry this is late exam season is a bitch

masterlist!! | navigation!!

i. Mind games, don't leave me. come so far, don't lose me, it matters were you are. — when the sun hits; slowdive.

You sat down in your cabin, staring at the scrap book on your desk. You hadn't gone to work in ages now, your brother Alex was growing concerned. He knew something had happened but when he went to ask Luke, all that the other man returned was silence.

You didn't understand why it hurt you so much, not the choking but the words that he said to you.

Maybe it was the fact that when you were vulnerable, you told him the one thing you never wanted to remember.

You told him about your mom, how she died. How in her death bed she wanted everyone with her.

Everyone but you.

Your aunt told you it was because your mom didn't want you to see her at her weakest. That if you entered the room, it would become too real and no one wanted to stress out the dying woman.

But deep down you knew why.

You knew that deep down, she hated the monster you were.

No one wanted anything to do with your father, especially his ex wife, your mother.

Your father did love your mother, and she loved, for a while, she hated you because she believed that you were the reason he had left, but the moment you burned your favorite sweets, he appeared in your room, and he showed you what parental love was.

Luke hated that, he hated how easily it was for your father to reply to your cries, but when your mother found out, it infuriated her.

So when your mother heard about camp half-blood, she sent you away instantly.

That was were you met Luke. He was the one who greeted you to camp, who helped you get the hang of everything. That was when you fell for him.

He didn't remember these interactions and you couldn't blame him, he had yo take care of thousands of children, you were one of those who were a bother to him.

You heard a knock on the door, looking up to find Luke waiting for you. Your breathe hitched as he entered, he sat down, a comfortable distance between the two of you. He pushed a plate towards you, a smile on his face.

"I didn't see you at breakfast, since uhm." Luke mumbled as you took a bite from the mac and cheese. "How's the bruises?"

"They're healed. So I guess I'm fine." You muttered as Luke sighed, he sat up slowly, moving towards you before sitting down beside you.

You turned around to face him, it was Luke. Your Luke. He placed his hand onto your thigh, giving you a sympathetic expression before he sighed.

"I'm. I'm really sorry, about what happened." He stuttered out. You could see by the way his eyes were pleading that he truly was filled with remorse and guilt. The bright Luke castellan had changed, and you didn't understand why. "I. I didn't mean anything I said. I was just stressed and irritated and I took it out on you."

"I know." You hummed as you continued to eat your food, looking at the ground, a few tears leaving your eyes as he tusked, wiping them away.

"Don't cry mender, please. I. I really am sorry. Will you ever forgive me?" Luke pleaded, his eyes begging for forgiveness.

You wanted to forgive him, really you did, but you know that your father would never let you live that down.

Everyone at camp all wanted one thing, approval, and you had it so you couldn't mess up your chances at having a loving father for some boy.

But he wasn't any boy. He was yours. He was Luke, the man you thought you'd be with forever.

Maybe you were naive, maybe you just didn't understand what lobe actually was, but the way Luke held you, the way he always seemed to care about you, that was all you needed for now.

"I." You let out a breath as you turned to face him. You could see how Luke was waiting for your response. How he almost seemed. Anxious. "I forgive you Luke."

Your hand hesitantly found his, your rough hand intertwining his softer one. You would be lying if you said it didn't make you insecure, but Luke changed that, he changed so many things for you.

Maybe he did love you. That's what you thought, that's what you wish was the case, but he just needed you by his side during the war, he needed the most powerful woman he knew to win.

ii. she said, do you think you'll kill for me one day, yes, of course I will my darling.

You sat down, waiting at the docks for Luke. Little did you know, he was watching, waiting.

Kronos needed a blacksmith, and obviously, your name was the first he thought of.

To Kronos, you were Hephsaestus' most skilled daughter, to him, you were the love of his life. He was given a second chance, and his plans ruined him.

He knew he had to change you, you loved your father, he was one of the few he tried, but Luke knew he only tried because you were the one blessed with powers.

No one knew your strength, only you did. Luke would be lying if he said he wasn't curious. So, here started his plan.

He watched as Chris walked towards you, sitting next to you. He watched as your face shifted to disappointment as he told you how Luke couldn't make it.

"You know we've never really talked." Chris stated as you nodded, looking around. "So tell me about yourself."

"I don't know I guess. I've always been used to be what my father wanted I never like. Thought about it." You answered. You knew there was no point in lying, Chris was Luke's best friend and God be damned, you were tired of lying.

"That's harsh." Chris sighed as you chuckled. "Luke's sick by the way. He wanted me to give you this."

Chris took out a charm bracelet, one clearly bought from out of camp half-blood. You smiled as you put it on, staring at the charm bracelet.

Luke smirked from afar, the tracker was now planted. Curtesy of Kronos who gave him the spell after all. He felt dirty, feeding of you but he had to do it, it was his destiny, he was made for this.

He watched as Chris walked away and you turned to the ocean, the waves louder and harsher than usual.

You couldn't help but feel like it was a sort of warning from posiden, especially since you always loved the ocean, you often spared your chunks of food to posiden to let you be free.

You always wanted to live by the ocean, hell, you wouldn't complain if you lived on a boat, especially a yacht. You wanted to ignore the feeling, but it grew more and more everyone you looked away.

Maybe you should check up on Luke.

[weena-mercator]

Inbetween reblogging all the fun “unnecessary feelings day” stuff, I’d like to touch on the bigger part of what’s happening here.

I think that for the most part all the giddiness about it which produces all the fanart and other “gay gay homosexual gay” posts probably originates from the same way I see it… which is that it’s fun and silly to point at Miles “Gay Disaster” Edgeworth but also understanding that this line is really more like 70% about questioning his morals and place in the legal system and 30% about Phoenix (along with some deeply buried feelings he’s not ready to admit at all yet)

(admittedly I only got in Ace Attorney in 2019 and then didn’t get really into it until this year, so… apologies if this is all very obvious. But I guess new people are joining the fandom every day, so if you’ve been around a long time this is nothing new to you I’m sure - for others maybe they’re just now exploring this stuff)

Edgeworth is struggling with the fact that he’s now questioning everything he’s been taught to believe when it comes to the law and prosecuting. And why? Because of Phoenix.

Phoenix has opened his eyes to the fact that not all those who are deemed guilty by the police are actually guilty, that not everyone lies because they’re guilty and committed the crime, but perhaps they didn’t commit the crime and they lie for some other reason (they’re not guilty but worried the truth about something will make it look like they are, they want to protect someone, etc.).

“Unease… and uncertainty.”

Edgeworth is uncomfortable with acknowledging that his whole belief system is fracturing after Phoenix comes back into his life. He is absolutely not okay with feeling anything but certain. And sure, a lot of that belief system was probably born out of a) survival under MvK’s roof and b) some self-inflicted punishment because even though supposedly Yanni Yogi murdered his father - they still managed to be found not guilty, so he can’t help but wonder if that verdict was right, maybe Yogi really is not guilty because he himself might be the guilty one… He can’t know for sure, but the last thing he remembers is throwing the gun, the gunshot, a scream - it haunts him nightly. But the nightmares are reminder enough of his possible guilt, so he tries not to dwell on it during his conscious hours if possible, he’s got a job to do: get guilty verdicts for others. But he’s not going to say either of these reasons out loud for sure (at least not for a bit), so it’s easier to try to convince himself and others that he is following in MvK’s footsteps under the guise of the man who murdered my father was declared not guilty because of a flaw in the legal system so I will do whatever is in my power to ensure all those charged with a crime do not escape the punish of the law.

And as a cherry on top, who is the one bringing all of these feelings of unease and uncertainty to the surface? Phoenix Wright. A childhood friend he hasn’t seen since he lost his father. Someone he must have really cared about as a child, surely - there’s too much indication that they were very close for a while before Miles disappeared because MVK took him away, making their reunion all the more complicated for Edgeworth. Phoenix still sees him the way he did as children, and Edgeworth knows he’s anything but the same as the boy he was back then (or really, parts of him are still buried deep down but it will take a while before he’s ready to examine things further).

Whether you want to believe Phoenix and Miles had inklings of feelings stronger than friendship as children is up to your personal headcanon (I lean on the side of yes, because I’m a sucker for kid fluff and the story just gives this whole vibe of childhood best friends who got very close very fast and felt really strongly about each other, even if they were too young to understand/seek out romantic love - but they knew they really cared about each other a lot).

Phoenix seems as idealistic as ever to Edgeworth, and it’s too much to handle that Phoenix could still be trying to see Edgeworth as someone he doesn’t believe he is capable of being anymore - someone he hasn’t been for quite a long time.

I think Miles probably tried to hang on tightly to his memories of Phoenix (and to an extent, Larry) after his father died, because Phoenix was still out there somewhere. But eventually he had to push them down… bury his feelings because he couldn’t survive that way in the von Karma household. Feelings and relationships were only distractions.

Well… now Phoenix is back and largely responsible for this crisis of conscience that Edgeworth finds himself in. That’s the largest meaning behind the line.

But I don’t think it’s a stretch to still say, yes, the gay reading of it is not inaccurate either - just a smaller piece. Those feelings of nostalgia and caring about Phoenix are being stirred back up - he thought he had been able to successfully bury them, apparently not.

On top of everything else, his thoughts are going to be that he cannot handle dealing with feelings for Phoenix. He has not allowed himself to develop relationships with others beyond what is necessary for his job, and even his relationships with MVK and Franziska are not healthy by any standards. So yeah, some of that unease and uncertainty is about Phoenix specifically, not just what Phoenix has showed him, but also what Phoenix represents to him - a past that’s not only painful to remember, but also a time where he cared about and was close to Phoenix. But he’s not at all in the right headspace to try to deal with that, so he’s going to continue to try to pretend he’s not having these feelings.

I like to think the moment when Edgeworth really goes “oh shit I have feelings for him” comes later, at a point during Turnabout Goodbyes (I have my specific moment in mind - I actually did not even ship them hard by the “unnecessary feelings” line, it was more like haha silly gay lawyers that’s fun and later it became I depend emotionally on this homosexual ship)

Um anyways is that how most people also view this? Lol

Okay back to the fun reblogging for the celebrations.

[samgirl98]

Forgotten Demon Twin 4/?

Prev | Next

Damian crossed his arms. A part of him wanted to be angry at Danyal. How dare he lie to them? They wanted to ensure he was fine, and here he was, not telling them the whole truth.

Then, the guilt set in.

Damian wouldn’t have to have asked if he had checked up on his brother if he had remembered he had a brother. Why was he so angry? They were strangers to Danyal. Of course, he would keep his secrets close to his chest. He had lied to the League, knowing that it could result in his death. Lying to the famous ‘no killing allowed’ Batman must’ve been easier.

Danyal sat in midair, his legs crossed.

It was difficult to see Danyal as, was he a ghost? Was his brother dead?

“How did you gain powers,” Richard asked, “Neither Talia nor Bruce have the metagene.”

Danyal shrugged but didn’t answer.

“Listen, I appreciate that you guys care enough to come and visit me, even if it is years later,” he mumbled the last part. It still made the family flinch, “But I don’t owe you guys anything. I don’t have to explain the ifs, whys, and buts. Just because you guys feel guilty, you can’t just uproot my whole life and claim to care and want to take me away from the only loving family I have ever known.”

“I’m not in any danger here—”

“You’re a child hero without adult supervision,” Bruce said.

“—And I have everything under control.”

“You shouldn’t have to have everything under control, Danny. I understand the need to help, but you’re young. You deserve to have some help.”

“What makes you think I don’t have help?”

“Really, do your parents know you’re Phantom?”

Danyal said nothing.

“We want to help, Danyal,” Damian said.

A look of anger marred Danyal’s face.

“Help? Like when you said you would help me train, shoved a sword through my shoulder, and then pushed me from a tower?”

Damian flinched and ignored Tim’s judgmental look.

“That was wrong of me. I apologize for everything I’ve done to you.”

Danny was about to say something before stopping. He still wasn’t one hundred percent sure this wasn’t a trap and didn’t want to give Damian a reason to take him back. So far, it looked like the League was no longer involved, but Batman and his…children were an unknown factor. If he could convince them to leave…

“Daniel James Fenton, you are in big trouble, young man!”

Uh-oh. Irate older sister alert.

Every member of the Batfamily was surprised that an angry teenage red-haired girl had snuck up on them.

She was carrying a green and white baseball bat, and her eyes seemed to glow.

Duke noticed she had a weird aura around her, too. It wasn’t as strong as Danny’s, but still there.

“Who are you people? Why is a group of mostly adults meeting my younger brother in the middle of the night in a desolate park?”

The girl looked at everyone at them and gave a double take when she spotted Damian. She turned to Danny.

“Why are they here,” she asked loudly.

“Jazz, this is Bruce and Damian Wayne. They are my biological father and twin brother. Oh, and everyone else is Bruce’s adopted kids, I guess.”

Wow, he had Damian’s introduction skills.

She turned around and crossed her arms. The bat was still in her hands.

“I’ll ask again: why are you here?”

“I just found out about Danny and wanted to meet him?”

Jazz walked up to Bruce and, without hesitation, poked Bruce’s chest with the baseball bat.

“Oh, and you couldn’t have waited until morning and talked to our parents first? You just had to lure my baby brother away from the safety of his home and basically ambush him?”

“Jazz,” Danny whined, embarrassed.

“I’m just saying it how I see it, little brother.”

“There were some outside circumstances that would’ve made meeting,” Jazz interrupted Bruce by banging the end of the baseball bat on the floor. It left a crater.

“I don’t care about you’re ‘outside circumstances.’ Most of you are adults, and you have a minor with you at night without his legal guardian’s knowledge. If you want to talk to Danny, meet our parents first and set up a meeting like a normal person.”

“Jazz, you don’t understand who they are—”

“I don’t care if they’re the president. Rules exist for a reason. Now come, Danny, we’re going home. Tucker and Sam are worried.”

Danny detransformed and followed Jazz. The last thing he heard was the butler say, “I like her.”

He sighed. It was going to be a long ride back home.

____

Tim had yet to learn what happened.

One minute, he was introduced to the Demon Brat’s twin brother (who seemed more mellow than Damian). The next, they had been attacked by some creature that Danny beat in under ten seconds.

He knew Danny had been lying when he opened his mouth, and Cass had confirmed it. He hadn’t had time to interrogate the kid, though, before an angry red-hair, who reminded him a bit of Barbara, showed up and chewed Bruce out while holding nothing more than a baseball bat.

“Well, that was…interesting,” Duke said.

“I like her,” Jason said, “She stood up to Bruce.”

Bruce glared at Jason. It wasn’t often he got chewed out, and it had never been from a teenage girl. He didn’t like it.

“So, next course of action,” Tim asked.

“Tt, obviously we get Danyal out of this…situation. He shouldn’t have to deal with all of this alone.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, baby bat.”

“Why not?”

“Danny seems to be attached to his adoptive family. He’s suffered a lot in the League. Don’t you think we should consider his feelings?”

The brat thought about it before deflating a little but said nothing.

“So, I repeat: what now?”

Bruce said nothing, not sure what to do.

Suddenly, the smell of earl grey tea was heavy in the air, and he felt the phantom hand of his late surrogate father.

He took a deep breath and said, “It’s time to meet the Fenton.”

[reticent-writer]

3yo reader is unconscious on the ground, about to be devoured by a demon when the trio and hashiras show up… only after they kill the demon, does reader start to wake up. and reader has been turned into a demon… would the trio and hashiras kill 3yo demon reader (after being too late to save reader’s family) who just acts like a regular human 3yo? or would they keep them alive out of their guilt? 3yo reader doesn’t even seem to be aware that they are a demon…and look up at the trio and hashiras with happy, trusting eyes and grabby hands for ‘uppies.’

demon slayer masterlist It's Obanai's time to shine

✿✼:*ﾟ:.｡..｡.:*･ﾟﾟ･**･ﾟﾟ･*:.｡..｡.:*ﾟ:*:✼✿　　

The Kamaboko squad and Obanai were in on a mission in a small village, a family had gone missing. Two kids and the parents with a demon also appear around the same time. (Obanai was forced to go)

"There's a demon nearby be careful." Tanjiro warned Zenitsu and Inosuke.

Inosuke scoffs and says, "You don't have to tell me that I'm always more careful than you."

"That's great Inosuke." Tanjiro beamed. Inosuke didn't know how to feel about it and he didn't have time to figure it out before a raging demon came at him.

He dodged and cut the head off just in time. If he weren't the great boar king, he might've died.

"I found something!" Zenitsu called out. Inosuke and Tanjiro were quick to follow were the voice came from.

They found Zenitsu sitting with his back turned to them. He was cradling something in his arms.

"Is everything alright, Zenitsu?" Tanjiro asked cautiously approaching the lightning slayer.

"I don't know." He turned around slowly with you in his arms. Your eyes we're open and bloodshot and tears were pouring.

You had a cut on the side of your head that was healing in humanly fast.

"Everything feels weird" You croaked out.

You definitely weren't human anymore.

"Give them to me." Obanai finally broke his silence. Zenitsu didn't dare to disobey and handed you over to him.

"What happened?" he asked you.

"Momma and Papa were acting weird... Are they okay?"

None one answered.

Obanai took you to Shinobu thinking that she could help you. She couldn't and told Lord Ubuyashiki about your existence.

The corps leader summoned all the hashira to decide what to do with you.

"I'd say kill him. He hasn't killed anyone but who's to say he won't." Sanemi said without even seeing you.

You were hiding behind Ubuyashiki and his children.

"Don't be so harsh obanai, you haven't even seen them yet. Would they like to come out." Shinobu cooed. Afterall you were just a child.

You gripped the back of Kagaya's kimono.

Kagaya's son, Kiriya, patted your head, "It's okay, your safe here." He whispered and gently pulled you from your hiding spot until you were seated in front of him.

You looked at the new faces spotting Obanai, the only familiar face, and darted off towards him, not caring about the sun.

You immediately started to burn, Obanai acted fast and quickly took off his haori and shielded you away from the sun.

"Idiot." He sighed and cradled you in his arms. You were happy so I guess he was okay with it.

✿✼:*ﾟ:.｡..｡.:*･ﾟﾟ･**･ﾟﾟ･*:.｡..｡.:*ﾟ:*:✼✿　　

I'm always come back - William afton

[ssvnormandysr-1]

Something I've seen talked about a lot is some people calling Gale abusive, manipulative, or toxic for being occasionally passive aggressive or saying things that seem like guilt tripping. And you know what? Yes, he does get passive aggressive. Yes, he does have some unhealthy communication style. AND these do not necessarily mean he is abusive.

There's a difference between abusive (continued and consistent harmful behaviors to exert control over the other person) and unhealthy (sometimes being passive aggressive, communication not being completely open and free). In fact, if I had to guess, he may not even realize that his behaviors are not healthy. His passive aggressiveness or "guilt tripping", I feel, are reactions to his precious relationship with Mystra. When your attachment figure is high and mighty and do not acknowledge or respond to your needs or is very withdrawn or withhold love/praise unless you do something, people are gonna start to develop strategies to get their needs met - pouting, begging, acquiescing, etc etc - this can manifest as such unhealthy behaviors. Similar to how when children have withdrawn parents, they do all sorts of things ranging from making themselves very endearing or acting out to make them pay attention.

Do I think that this is 100% mystra's fault? Not necessarily. After all, she is a god and probably had lots of other things to care for and one mortal man among many other chosens (and who knows, potentially other lovers) likely wasn't on the highest of her priority list. But that doesn't mean the damage wasn't done. And I still believe that as a god Mystra should've known better than to be involved with a mortal romantically with such huge power differential.

Going back to the original point - such unhealthy strategies can absolutely get better and be changed when you do have a partner who responds to your needs, who is engaged, who doesn't withhold love, because that means you no longer have to survive the way you did before. You no longer have to elicit or win love from your partner because that love is already there. Such corrective emotional experiences can lower the defenses and build up healthy communication and relationship. With Tav, and hopefully other supports in his life, I think Gale can do so, too.

idk lots of people really seem to take just one part of certain characters and make them super evil or absolutely innocent - and they're not. None of the characters are. And that's the whole point especially in Gale's romance - he is a flawed human being, he made and still makes mistakes. And those are what it means to be a mortal, actually, and all parts of him still deserve love and compassion. He can be accepted as he is and still move towards positive changes.

[30somethingautisticteacher]

Take Good Care of My Baby

Day 3 of Bucktommy Positivity Week ❤️

@bucktommypositivityweek

****

When it came to Tommy's family, he was a bit of a closed book. Buck knew very little beyond a few passing comments. He was aware that Tommy's dad was reminiscent of Captain Gerrard and that Tommy had a younger brother still living in Oregon. That's why Buck was completely thrown off guard when, three months into their relationship, Tommy casually mentioned, "My mom wants to meet you."

Buck started coughing, nearly choking on his beer. "Your mom?" he sputtered, eyes wide with surprise. "Wow, you've never mentioned her. I honestly thought she had passed away."

Tommy shook his head, a mix of guilt and sadness crossing his features. "No, she's alive. I guess I don't talk about her much. It's a way to protect her, I suppose?"

He took a deep breath before continuing, "People in our hometown were really cruel about her situation. My dad was horribly abusive, and she stayed for a long time. They called her weak and a bad mom for not leaving with us kids."

Tommy's voice grew quieter, tinged with old pain. "When my brother was born - I was seven at the time - they couldn't believe she would have another baby with him. And when she finally left, after he broke her jaw, they had the audacity to call her a monster for 'abandoning' her kids."

Buck reached out, placing a comforting hand on Tommy's arm. "That's awful, Tommy. I'm so sorry your family went through that."

Tommy nodded, leaning into Buck's touch. "It was rough. That's why I don't talk about it much. But my mom... she's incredibly strong. She's rebuilt her life, and now she wants to meet the man who's making me happy."

As Tommy shared his family's painful history, Buck felt a deep, visceral reaction. His mind immediately went to Maddie and the horrors she had endured with Doug. While the situations weren't identical, the core of abuse and the struggle to leave were painfully familiar.

Buck squeezed Tommy's hand, his voice thick with emotion. "Tommy, I... God, it's so similar to what Maddie went through. How could anyone call someone experiencing that kind of trauma weak?"

Tommy nodded, his eyes reflecting shared understanding. "I know. When you told me about Maddie, I couldn't help but think of my mom. The strength it takes to survive that, to eventually leave... it's incredible. And for my mom, having to consider us kids in her decisions, it must have been even more complicated."

"Your mom isn't weak," Buck affirmed, his eyes filled with compassion. "She's a survivor, just like Maddie. And those people in your hometown? They have no idea what it's like to live through something like that, let alone with children involved."

Tommy's grip on Buck's hand tightened, gratitude evident in his expression. "It means a lot to hear you say that, Evan. I think that's why my mom wants to meet you. She knows about Maddie, and I think she feels like you might understand her in a way that not many others can."

Buck nodded, a mix of emotions playing across his face. "I'd be honored to meet her, Tommy. She sounds like an amazing woman." He paused, then asked gently, "How old were you when she left?"

Tommy's eyes clouded with old memories. "I was 16," he said, his voice steady but tinged with pain. "And way bigger than Dad already. He never laid a finger on me or Brad, although the homophobic slurs flew freely."

Buck squeezed Tommy's hand, silently encouraging him to continue.

"I left at 17 to join the army," Tommy went on. "Brad went to live with my Aunt and cousins."

Buck took a moment to process this information. "That must have been so hard, Tommy. Being old enough to understand what was happening, but still so young."

Tommy nodded. "It was tough. I felt guilty leaving Brad, even though I knew he was safer with our Aunt. And Mom... I worried about her constantly."

"But you all survived," Buck said softly. "You, your mom, Brad. You all found your way out."

"We did," Tommy agreed, a small, sad smile on his face. "It wasn't easy, and it took time, but we did."

Buck leaned in, resting his forehead against Tommy's. "Thank you for sharing this with me. I know it can't be easy to talk about."

Tommy's hand came up to cup Buck's cheek. "With you, Evan, it feels okay. You understand in a way not many people do."

Buck smiled, leaning into Tommy's touch. His eyes, full of warmth and support, met Tommy's. "So where is she living now? When can we meet up?"

Tommy's expression shifted, a mix of nervousness and excitement crossing his features. "Well, she just moved to San Diego," he said, his voice carrying a hint of anticipation. "So I was thinking I could fly us out there on our next days off that sync up. I think that's a week from tomorrow." He paused, searching Buck's face. "Is that OK?"

Buck's smile widened, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Can't wait," he said without hesitation.

The tension in Tommy's shoulders visibly eased at Buck's response. He pulled Buck closer, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. "Thank you, Evan. This means a lot to me."

Buck wrapped his arms around Tommy, holding him tight.

****

The Uber pulled up in front of a small, unassuming tan house. As Buck and Tommy stepped out of the car, the front door flew open, and a woman ran outside. She was tiny, barely 5 feet tall, with salt and pepper hair and kind eyes that crinkled as she smiled. The contrast between her petite frame and Tommy's towering height was almost comical as she went in for a hug.

"Tommy, my sweet boy. I'm so happy to see you," she said, her voice warm with affection. Then, turning to Buck with a mischievous grin, she continued, "And you must be 'my boyfriend Evan, but only I can call him Evan, so you call him Buck.'" Tommy groaned, a blush creeping up his neck. "Mama!" he protested, but there was no real annoyance in his voice, just fond embarrassment.

Buck couldn't help but chuckle, instantly charmed by Tommy's mother's warmth and humor. He extended his hand, but she bypassed it entirely, pulling him into a hug as well. "It's wonderful to meet you, Mrs. Kinard," Buck said, his voice slightly muffled against her shoulder.

She pulled back, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I haven't been a Kinard in over 20 years, sweetheart. You can call me Rachel," she said warmly.

"Rachel it is," Buck replied with a smile, feeling immediately at ease.

"I'm so happy you boys are here," Rachel said as they walked into the house. Her eyes twinkled as she turned to Buck. "You must be pretty special, Buck. You're the first boyfriend Tommy's ever introduced me to."

Buck's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh... Wow... that's... really?" he stammered, looking at Tommy for confirmation.

Tommy nodded, a soft smile playing on his lips.

Buck felt a warmth spread through his chest as he replied, "Well, I don't know if I'm special, but I can say that Tommy makes me happier than I've ever been."

"Wonderful!" Rachel exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "Are you boys hungry?"

"That depends, Mama," Tommy said, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Did you cook? Because if so, we politely decline."

Rachel smacked him playfully on the shoulder. "My son, the comedian," she said, rolling her eyes good-naturedly. "I'll have you know that I ordered in brunch from a little deli. Hope you like bagels, Buck."

The easy banter between Tommy and his mother, and the way they both effortlessly included Buck in their interactions, made him feel instantly at home. As they made their way to the dining area, Buck couldn't help but smile. This visit was already exceeding his expectations, filled with warmth, humor, and a sense of family that he was grateful to be a part of.

As they dug into the spread of bagels and various toppings, Rachel turned her attention to Buck, her eyes bright with curiosity. "So, darlin', tell me about yourself," she said warmly. "Tommy can't stop talking about you, but I want to hear straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak."

Buck glanced at Tommy, a mix of surprise and pleasure at hearing he was a frequent topic of conversation. He cleared his throat before responding, "Oh well, uh, I grew up in Pennsylvania but moved away when I was 19, and then moved to LA when I was 25."

Rachel leaned in, genuinely interested. "Where were you between Pennsylvania and Los Angeles?" she asked.

Buck chuckled, a hint of his adventurous past shining through his eyes. "Everywhere," he said with a grin. "Georgia, Virginia, Montana, Arizona, Peru. I just sort of floated on the wind."

Tommy watched the interaction with a soft smile, clearly pleased to see Buck opening up to his mother.

Rachel's eyebrows shot up in admiration. "My, my, quite the adventurer! Peru, you say? That must have been exciting."

As Buck launched into a story about his time in South America, the atmosphere in the room grew even warmer. Rachel listened attentively, asking questions and laughing at Buck's animated descriptions. Tommy, for his part, seemed content to watch the two most important people in his life bonding over brunch.

The conversation flowed easily, and Buck found himself relaxing more and more. He'd been nervous about this meeting, but Rachel's genuine interest and warmth made him feel accepted and valued. As he shared stories from his past, he realized he was also sharing parts of himself that he rarely talked about, and it felt good to be so open.

As Buck finished recounting a particularly amusing anecdote from his time in Peru, Rachel shook her head in amazement. "Your parents must have been so nervous having you flit all over like that," she said, her voice tinged with maternal concern. "I know when Tommy was in the Army and when Bradley taught in India, I was so worried all the time."

Buck tensed slightly, his previously relaxed demeanor shifting. He glanced down at his plate, his voice quieter as he responded, "Uh, not so much. I've always been something of an inconvenience to them."

The warmth in the room seemed to cool for a moment as Rachel processed Buck's words. Her eyes, so like her son's, grew sad. "Oh honey," she said softly, reaching out to place a comforting hand on Buck's arm.

Tommy, sensing Buck's discomfort, moved closer to him. He put his arm around Buck's shoulders, pulling him close. With tender care, Tommy gently pressed his lips to Buck's birthmark, a gesture that spoke volumes of his affection and support.

Buck leaned into Tommy's embrace, drawing strength from his partner's presence. The simple act of care seemed to ground him, reminding him that he wasn't alone in this moment of vulnerability.

Rachel's gaze flicked between Buck and Tommy, understanding dawning in her eyes. This wasn't just a casual revelation; it was a glimpse into a pain that Buck carried with him. But it was also a testament to the deep connection between her son and Buck.

"Well," Rachel said after a moment, her voice warm and firm, "their loss is our gain. I, for one, am thrilled to have you here, Buck. And I can see how happy you make my Tommy."

Buck looked up, surprise and gratitude evident in his expression. He hadn't meant to bring down the mood, but Rachel's immediate acceptance and support, coupled with Tommy's unwavering presence, touched him deeply.

As the conversation gently shifted to lighter topics, Buck felt a wave of belonging wash over him. He might not have had the most supportive family growing up, but here, in this small tan house in San Diego, with Tommy's arm around him and Rachel's kind eyes on him, he felt truly welcomed and valued.

As the day drew to a close and they prepared to leave, Rachel pulled Buck aside, her eyes serious and full of emotion.

"Sweetheart," she began, her voice soft but intense, "my Tommy, he's been through so much in this life. He has been beat down over and over again, and he has gotten up stronger each time." She paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "I don't know if he told you about his father, but he's an awful human. I can't believe such good boys, my babies, came from such vermin."

Buck listened intently, his heart aching for the pain in Rachel's voice and for what Tommy had endured.

"Tommy protected me as much as he could from the time he was a tiny little boy," Rachel continued, her voice wavering slightly. "And Stuart, he did everything in his power to break Tommy down. He somehow knew Tommy was gay even before Tommy did and would call him terrible names."

She reached out, grasping Buck's hand in both of hers. "Tommy is selfless, and he deserves the world. So I'm asking you, Buck, will you give it to him, please? Will you love my baby like he deserves?"

Buck felt a lump form in his throat, overwhelmed by the trust and hope Rachel was placing in him. He squeezed her hands gently, his voice thick with emotion as he replied, "Rachel, I promise you, I will do everything in my power to make Tommy happy. He deserves the world, and I'll spend every day trying to give it to him."

Buck paused for a moment, realizing the weight of what he was about to say. Although he hadn't yet said these words to Tommy himself, he felt a surprising comfort in confiding them to Rachel. "I love him," Buck said softly, the words feeling right as they left his lips. "I love him more than I ever thought possible."

Rachel's eyes welled with tears as she pulled Buck into a tight hug. "Thank you," she whispered. "Thank you for loving my boy."

As they embraced, Buck felt a mix of emotions wash over him. There was the weight of Rachel's words and the responsibility they carried, but also a sense of liberation in finally voicing his feelings for Tommy, even if it was to his mother first. It wasn't a burden - it was a privilege. He silently renewed his commitment to Tommy, vowing to be the partner that this amazing man deserved, and promised himself that he would find the right moment to share these words with Tommy soon.

[maochira]

Until the mirror breaks. [Part 1]

[Part 2], [Part 3], [Part 4]

Tags: gn!youngest Itoshi!reader, angsty, overprotective!Rin, Rin is slightly possessive

Sypnosis: Sae and Rin have another sibling who was born shortly before Sae left to go to Spain. Now, a few years later, Sae is visiting home. Before he left, there was no time to bond with his youngest sibling. And by now, Rin has gotten obsessed with the thought of the little one being the next prodigy, causing conflict between the brothers.

Requests open! Itoshi sibling masterlist - current writing event

Sae doesn't dislike you. But he doesn't like you, either. He simply doesn't care about you.

Because he left so shortly after you were born, Sae never got the chance to bond with you. The occasional photos your parents would send didn't do much to him either.

He knows he's your big brother, but he doesn't feel like it.

But you don't know about Sae's opinion of you. You actually feel quite the opposite about him. When your parents announced Sae would visit soon, you got really excited. And so did Rin. Although Rin's opinion quickly changed after talking to Sae for the first time after his arrival.

But now, your parents instructed Sae to spend some time with you. They really want you and your oldest brother to properly bond now.

But Sae just feels cold about it. In no way is he excited or happy about it. He doesn't even know what to do with you, the only thing that jumps into his mind is to play soccer in the backyard. And because that's better than doing nothing, it's what he chooses to do with you.

But he didn't expect it to be so frustrating. Who could have guessed a young child doesn't like sticking to rules and runs around wildly instead?

"How does Rin have the patience for this?" Sae said to himself. He's irritated, kicking the ball around carelessly to get rid of some of the frustration that built up inside of him.

This would have been no problem if you weren't running around so energetically. Before Sae realized he shouldn't have kicked the ball in that direction, it hit you right in the face. The shock and pain make tears stream out of your face immediately.

Sae doesn't know how to react at all. He knows comforting you is the next right move to do, but how is he supposed to do that when he has no knowledge about little children?

"Are you okay?" He asks, but feels a little dumb for asking a question that has an answer so obvious, so only a few seconds later he adds: "I didn't mean to hit you, sorry."

You look up towards him, still crying. The tears on your face cause a bit of guilt in Sae.

Your big brother kneels down in front of you and wipes a tear away with his sleeve. "Let's take you inside." He announces before gently picking you up.

Sure, Sae didn't really care about you. But he's certainly not heartless towards you. He doesn't like being the cause of your pain and tears, but he has no idea how to make you feel better, either. His only idea is to bring you to Rin.

Sae knows how close you and Rin are. The amount of photos of the two of you Sae has been sent by your parents told enough about that.

"Rin?" Sae asked after knocking at the door to the other brother's room. He still held you in his arms.

"What?" Rin's tone sounds annoyed. "What do you wa-" He opens the door and is shocked to see you crying. He immediately takes you out of Sae's arms to hold you close to himself. "What happened?" There is a mix of annoyance towards Sae and worry about you in Rin's voice.

"I accidentally hit them with a ball." Sae responds.

The cold tone of Sae's voice makes Rin angry. How could he be so emotionless after hurting you? How could he be so cold after making you cry?

Rin only looked back at Sae with anger in his eyes. First, he gave up on their dream, and now he hurt you. Rin starts hating the fact that Sae is visiting home for a bit.

"I hope they're not scared of playing soccer because of you now." Rin hisses at Sae.

"You're overexaggerating." Sae responds, sounding as cold as before

"I'm not overexaggerating. I'm worried. I-" Rin doesn't get to finish his sentence, Sae is interrupting him without a care.

"No, you are overexaggerating. A hit in the face won't make them scared."

Rin takes a deep breath before responding once more. "I am reasonably worried."

Sae really doesn't feel like continuing this conversation, so he simply answers a dry "Alright." before heading off to his own room.

Rin looks down at you, running his hand through your hair. "Does it still hurt?" He asks in a voice much softer than the way he spoke to Sae only a few moments ago. Before you respond, Rin spots some dirt on your face and hands, so he takes you to the bathroom and sits you down next to the sink. "Let's get you cleaned up." He forces a soft smile on his lips.

Rin really does not feel like smiling right now. His head is full of angry thoughts about Sae, but he doesn't want to show this anger to you. He knows you need to be comforted right now.

As Rin cleans your face with a wet towel, he tries to comfort you with words. While a part of his words really is comforting, the other part is Rin letting out his frustration about Sae by repeating over and over how much of a bad big brother Sae is for hurting you.

"Sae's just a big meanie, isn't he?" Rin removes the last bit of dirt in your face. "Don't worry, I won't let him hurt you again." Rin's smile has turned into a genuine, comforting one by now. "Let's beat him in soccer one day, okay?"

Rin knows Sae's room is next to the bathroom. The entire time, he's well aware of the fact that your oldest brother can hear him. The choice to leave the bathroom door wide open was actually a conscious choice by Rin, he wanted Sae to hear him. He wanted to provoke Sae.

And that's exactly what happened. Clearly having enough of Rin talking so badly about him to you, Sae leaves his room and stands in the doorframe. "Why are you even saying these kinds of things about me? I didn't even hurt them on purpose." Sae's tone is still cold, but there's a hint of anger in it now. "How am I supposed to bond with (Y/N) how mom and dad want me to, if you tell her I'm a mean, bad brother? And besides, what's up with the talk about beating me?"

Rin doesn't even look at Sae as he answers. "Well, you see, (Y/N) is the next prodigy, I just know it." Rin gently ruffles your hair before he turns his head around to face Sae. "And we're going to beat you."

"Prodigy?" Sae can't help but laugh at that. "How would you even know? They can't even play soccer properly. If they could, the accident earlier wouldn't have happened."

"(Y/N) is great at soccer." Rin's tone turns deffensive. "And I'm making sure to turn help them to get the most out of their potential."

"It's not right to push your dream onto them."

"I'm not doing that? (Y/N) wants to be great at soccer. Right?" Rin changes the direction of his gaze to look back at you. You're a bit confused and overwhelmed with the current situation, but if there's something you know, then it's how you want to be at your big brother's side in everything.

After you nod, Rin looks back at Sae. "You see?" Rin didn't wait for Sae to answer, he just continued speaking. "At least (Y/N) won't leave behind our dream like you did."

"You can count their age on one hand. They have no idea what any of this is about. You're being selfish."

Sae's response angers Rin so much more. Maybe because he knows what Sae says is right, or maybe because he hates the thought of you leaving his dream as well. Or maybe it's both.

Rin opens his mouth to continue the argument, but before a word leaves his mouth, Sae leaves without a word. Rin is about to follow him but decides not to. Instead, he gently picks you up and returns to his room, where he sits down on his bed with you on his lap.

Sae's words keep running through Rin's head, but he simply pushes these thoughts away. He returns his focus to comforting you.

This entire situation confuses you so much. You barely understand what just happened.

What's going on between your brothers?

Is Sae not a big brother to love?

[hollowed-theory-hall]

"gave Snape a stable job....despite being abusive to children (though he probably didn't perceive himself as such)"

I am a tad confused about this. How could Severus not possibly understand that he was being abusive to the kids under his care- especially Harry? Did he feel threatened by the children under his care to the point of viewing them as equals and thus justifying his behaviour to himself (why didn't the other teachers call him out on his shit)

Anonymous: am curious. You mentioned Snape likely doesn't realise that he is abusing the children under his care and mimicking his father. Does he actually feel powerless enough to justify his behaviours to himself? When he sees James in Harry and blames Neville does he see the boys as his equals/ someone above him in power that needs to be put down- thus allowing himself to continue acting the way he does? It's ironic all things considered. For all that Harry looks like James, he takes more after Lily.

Okay, so, I just wrote a post about Snape, but I'll cover here what I'm thinking about this specifically in more detail.

I'm not sure where the quote you mentioned is from, but I can say what I think about the way Snape treats Harry and his students and how he sees it.

So, Severus was abused by his father. From his behavior, what I guess is that a lot of his treatment of his students is him mimicking what he saw from his father.

Like, Severus became a professor at 21. It means his older students knew him as a student. Not to mention he was a terrorist, known Death Eater, who was saved by Dumbledore from being sent to Azkaban. And his students knew this.

So Severus felt like he needed a way to make sure his students would take him seriously. The main example he decided to draw from — his father, Tobias.

We don't know what exactly Tobias Snape did, he was a poor, working-class man who abused his wife and son. And I think when Tobias wanted to be taken seriously, he used fear, insults, and force. So this is what Severus knows.

Severus sees what he does as the only way students would treat him seriously, he doesn't really see it as abuse, as I believe he doesn't really see his father's mistreatment of him as abuse.

Severus always struck me as a character who doesn't want to get better.

I think Severus is one of the abused kids who rationalized his own abuse as something he deserved. He clearly wants to beat himself up about his mistakes. He wants to feel the guilt over pushing Lily away and then over killing her (in his mind). So, to him, in his mind, it's not abuse, it's what they deserve.

Is it good that's what he thinks? No, not at all, it actually sucks. Snape needed therapy.

Now, with Harry specifically, his treatment is different. With Harry, he really does see him as an equal and he needs Harry to treat him seriously. Like, Snape projects James on Harry way more than Sirius does. And Snape can't show anything resembling weakness to Mini-James Potter, so he goes back to his father's methods to be taken seriously. It's about Harry not seeing him as weak like James did.

And revenge, a little bit. Snape is very petty.

He still doesn't see his vengeance as abuse, because, as much as Severus wants to believe he's the one in power, he's scared of Harry more than he's willing to confess. He doesn't see a power imbalance between him and Harry, he doesn't actually see himself in a position of power, because he sees James in Harry. Harry doesn't treat Severus with the respect usually given to professors, which strengthens the way Severus doesn't really see him as a student.

Like, the fact Severus felt the need to remove memories he didn't want Harry to see when teaching him Occlumancy shows how much he fears Harry. Fears the possibility of Harry getting this information and using it against him.

Harry sat there staring at Snape as the lesson began, picturing horrific things happening to him. . . . If only he knew how to do the Cruciatus Curse . . . he’d have Snape flat on his back like that spider, jerking and twitching. . . . “Antidotes!” said Snape, looking around at them all, his cold black eyes glittering unpleasantly. “You should all have prepared your recipes now. I want you to brew them carefully, and then, we will be selecting someone on whom to test one. . . .” Snape’s eyes met Harry’s, and Harry knew what was coming. Snape was going to poison him. Harry imagined picking up his cauldron, and sprinting to the front of the class, and bringing it down on Snape’s greasy head —

(GoF, 300-301)

In the above quote, Harry has these thoughts while Snape is reading his mind — there's eye contact. So Severus sees these thoughts from Harry and doesn't separate this from James, he sees it and thinks that Harry very much might actually spill his entire cauldron on him — like James might've done. So, Severus is taking every instance like this to justify his fear of Harry and his need to keep him down.

With Neville it's different. He doesn't fear Neville the way he fears Harry, I think he does see Neville as someone weaker. In the case of Neville, Severus is, I think, doing what a lot of bullies do, picking on a weaker link to feel better about himself. More in control, more capable. Neville being next to Harry is kinda part of it, I don't think Snape would've been as harsh with Neville if he wasn't near Harry, who makes Snape kinda lose it and feel unbalanced and insecure in his position because he sees him as James more than as Harry.

And I agree with you second Anon, personality-wise, I think Harry isn't very similar to James at all. And he definitely has some of Lily's traits in him, but he's not her either, he's his own person. Something Snape willfully chooses not to see. It's easier for him not to see it, so he chooses not to, so he can keep up with his petty vengeance towards a dead man.

As for why other teachers didn't call him out, well, I think the Wizarding World has a very different approach to child care than the modern western world does.

We know corporal punishment was allowed at Hogwarts and the Wizarding World at large. One of the good things Dumbledore did as a headmaster was stop the use of it at the castle, but it was socially acceptable in the WW even in the 1990s. Actually, even in the muggle UK in the 1990s caning was still allowed in private schools, and Harry is clearly aware of this fact:

“Excuse me, Professor Flitwick, could I borrow Wood for a moment?” Wood? thought Harry, bewildered; was Wood a cane she was going to use on him? But Wood turned out to be a person, a burly fifth-year boy who came out of Flitwick’s class looking confused.

(PS, 109)

Because this is something that was still practiced in the UK. Harry actually had to lie to Aunt Marge that he was getting canned at St. Brutus school since that's something that happened there.

And it also happened in the Wizarding World until very recently, Molly says Arthur still has marks from what was most likely a caning when he was at Hogwarts:

Mrs. Weasley grinned, her eyes twinkling. “Your father and I had been for a nighttime stroll,” she said. “He got caught by Apollyon Pringle — he was the caretaker in those days — your father’s still got the marks.”

(GoF, 616)

Umbridge (and the Carrows) later returns corporeal punishment to Hogwarts, and it's quite clear there is no law against it in the WW:

“Approval for Whipping . . . Approval for Whipping . . . I can do it at last. . . . They’ve had it coming to them for years. . . .” He [Filch] pulled out a piece of parchment, kissed it, then shuffled rapidly back out of the door, clutching it to his chest.

(OotP, 673)

Molly actually beat Fred with a broom (or at least attempted to) and it's considered fine and legal and not abuse:

“Seen the Fizzing Whizbees, Harry?” said Ron, grabbing him and leading him over to their barrel. “And the Jelly Slugs? And the Acid Pops? Fred gave me one of those when I was seven — it burnt a hole right through my tongue. I remember Mum walloping him with her broomstick.” Ron stared broodingly into the Acid Pop box.

(PoA, 200)

Because the Wizarding World (and the UK) in the 1990s had a very different view on abuse and domestic violence. So, yeah, I don't think Severus considered what he did abuse, he considered it harsh discipline, like he himself received as a child. The way everyone ignores Harry's (and Snape's as a child) very clear signs of being abused is also telling. A rough hand and insults with disobedient children is just considered what you do, and not horrifyingly gross behavior like we see it today.

And the other teachers don't step in, because they consider it just as legal and acceptable as Snape. Because it is in the Wizarding World.

[starogeorgina]

Violent delights

Warnings: None (sunshine before the storm)

Pairings: Jacaerys Velaryon x oc

1.05

You sit in your large bed, waiting for your husband to join you, with your daughter Rhaenys tucked in beside you as she clutches a book to her chest with one hand while the other holds onto a thinned-out blanket that Lucerys gave her the day she was born in the other as her eyes slowly start to close over.

When Jacaerys finally steps into your shared bedchamber after bathing in a separate room, you smile and say, “Guess who’s fallen asleep without a bedtime story?”

Jace gives you a shocked look. “Really?”

You nod before carefully removing the book from her grasp and placing it on the ground beside the bed. Already dressed in his sleepwear, Jace removes his shoes and sits on the edge of the bed in front of you, his cold fingers heating up against your warm skin as he begins to massage your swollen feet. It was the first night in a long time that your daughter had fallen asleep with Jace reading her a story first, and it saddened you slightly. “Our little girl is growing up; soon she’ll be sleeping in her own bed.”

Giving your foot a squeeze, he says, “I doubt that; she’s insisting on being here to care for the new baby during the night.”

The next few moments pass in a comfortable silence until you feel the baby moving. You grab Jace’s hand and place it on your stomach, where the baby is kicking. The look of pride on his face fills your heart with warmth. All of your children meant the world to him. Over the years, Jace had been pushing himself to become the best swordsman and dragon rider possible, along with trying to learn the world of politics so he could protect his family the best he could.

“This baby is going to be wild,” you say quietly. “A fine knight, I suspect; all they do is wriggle about.”

“How long do you think it will be before they are here?”

“In a couple of weeks maybe, I just hope that everything that is happening doesn’t stress the baby out.”

Jace leans forward and presses a kiss on your bump, feeling the silky material of your nightgown press against his lips. “After tomorrow, all of this will be behind us, and we won’t need to return to King’s Landing again until our mother is crowned.”

—

“Lucerys will understand if you stay here; you don’t need to force yourself to travel given the circumstances,” your mother says softly.

The plans to travel to the Red keep didn’t go as hoped; the morning you intended to leave, your water broke, and two long days of labor began. Despite the fear of being alone, the feeling of guilt for giving the greens another thing to hold over your family was greater. You insisted continuously that they leave and go to King's Landing without you, but the mere suggestion of being apart for the first time since your wedding had sent Jacaerys head spinning, and he point blank refused to leave your side, as did your mother, Daemon, and Luke. All of them refused to leave until they knew you and the baby were safe.

“I will not stay here while Luke is subjected to the same treatment we have been. Jace and Aemma are going to fly on Vermax with Viserion beside them,” you clear your throat. “Do you think I could have a separate carriage? I don’t want the baby disturbing the children during the journey.”

Your mother sits in the chair placed beside your bed. Brushing hair out of your face, she smiles, “Of course, my girl, anything you need.”

“Thank you,” you glance at the door, hearing the knight knocking at it, “come in.”

The knight opens the door for one of your handmaidens to enter, carrying a delicious-smelling tray of food. After losing more blood than your previous labors, you were taking longer to recover and felt exhausted and weak. You hadn’t attempted to feed your newborn yourself yet, knowing you needed to rebuild your strength first. Luckily, Drangstone had amazing cooks who knew how important nutrition was to both mother and child.

Your mother moves the chair back as the handmaiden places the tray over you and says, “Thank you.”

“He looks just like Jace.”

You look up at your mother between mouthfuls of food and say, “I’m glad. All my children are beautiful, but I wanted at least one to have his features.”

“Have you thought of a name yet?”

“Jacaerys and I have decided on one, but we want to wait until we are with our grandsire before revealing it,” you smile, thinking about how the idea came around. “It was actually Joffrey’s idea that we keep it secret; he thought it would be a nice surprise after... everything.”

Your mother looks touched, “my kindhearted boy.”

—

Laughter fills the air as Jace twirls you in his arms before lowering you enough that your feet dip into the icy-cold water below.

“Jacaerys!” You giggle, trying to wrap your arms around his shoulder to hold yourself up. “Hold me up, it’s freezing!”

“Dragons are always warm,” he says before crashing his lips against your own.

He places his hands under your bum, pulling you up so you can wrap your legs around his waist. You deepen the kiss before playfully nipping his bottom lip with your teeth. Luckily, it was nighttime, and nobody would be able to see you acting like horny teenagers.

Pulling back from the kiss, you place your head against his shoulder and say, “Well, maybe I’m using up all my warmth growing another dragon.”

Jace is quiet as he slowly lowers you down, his hand resting against your stomach. “Are you with child again?”

“The maester confirmed it yesterday; I was going to tell you earlier, but this is the first time I’ve had you alone.”

Kissing your forehead, Jace pulls you in for a hug. When you were first married, he was genuinely content with only ever having one child, Aemma. Jace never wanted you to go through the pain you felt during your marriage to Aegon, but it now seemed as if the gods had blessed your relationships because you were pregnant for the third time with his child. He pulls you in closer, saying, “I love you.”

Panic surges through you as your eyes flutter open. Where was your baby? You had requested to be in a separate carriage so that your newborn's cries wouldn’t wake the other children while they slept through the trip, but then you remembered you weren’t alone. Daemon insisted on riding with you, as did your youngest daughter. Your blurry eyes finally adjust, and your panic ends when your eyes land on Daemon, who is sitting across from you, holding your son in his arms. You smile at Rhaenys, who clung to Daemon’s side as she sucked her thumb.

You look out the window as King's Landing comes into view, and the realization of what you’re returning to sinks in as the pleasant memory of your dream fades away. You couldn’t decide if it was good or bad that you were dreaming about events that had already taken place. You can't bring yourself to look at Rhaenys or your new baby; how could you bring them to such a place? You mentally try to psych yourself up.

No, you wouldn’t let the greens have this power over you.

Looking up, you face Daemon, who offers you a sympathetic smile on his face and says, “You don't have to go into the sham of a place if you don’t want to. I’ll have it that you can stay anywhere else in King's Landing that you wish.”

“Thank you for the offer, but I’m not parting from Luke once we arrive. I want to keep my eye on him and make sure he’s safe.”

A proud smile spreads across your stepfather's face. You watch as he places a kiss on the top of your baby's head, whom he was cradling ever so gently, before looking back to you and saying, “Alicent is scared of you; I suspect all the greens are.”

Chuckling, you shake your head and say, “I doubt that very much. They have no reason to fear me.”

“They have many reasons,” he says seriously. “Alicent cannot control you, not anymore. She has nothing to hold over you, and if either of her sons look at you the wrong way, I will personally feed them to Caraxes.”

Smiling softly, you sigh at his words. “Then that would start a war.”

“Oh little one, war has been brooding since my brother declared Rhaenyra his heir. This is just the beginning.” He strokes Rhaenys hair with his free hand as she repositions herself so her head is in his lap. “It was wise of you to bring your dragon,” he says quietly. “Never be afraid to show strength for your family; it may be the only thing that stands between them and the enemy.”

A sense of dread swirled around you as Daemon’s words sunk in. You had no idea what the future held, but you had an inkling things were about to get much worse before any kind of resolution.