#coming back just to ask for ideas very uncouth I know-

[dailyperkele]

(Feeling inspired to start the year off by finally doodling for this ask but I unfortunately have no ideas for a Per’kele pin-up as of now (I do have a few that could be considered risqué but not really pin-up material) so..

Anyone with ideas or something they’d like to see for one? )

[obeymeluv]

Enchanting a Fae - Malleus x Reader

A random Malleus x Reader

Malleus isn't sure why he comes to your dorm so often. His booted feet take him there automatically, he supposes. If Lilia were to ask him, he's just making the rounds on his usual haunts and looking for pieces of forgotten grotesques and gargoyles in need of cleaning. Ramshackle was a prime destination for all things forgotten and dusty, after all.

Perhaps it can also be a home to things muddy and sopping.

A small smile twists the edges of Malleus' lips as he blinks rain from his emerald eyes. It's ironic that he, future King of Briar Valley and fifth most powerful mage in the world, was caught unaware by the weather.

How very human. It's a beautiful experience, to drown in the quiet hush of rain.

He steps lightly but with purpose, long shadow breezing up the walkway to your door. It swells as lightning tap-dances behind him. Thunder rumbles, much like the sound he tries to swallow down as you crack the door open hesitantly, face melting into one of welcome.

Oh, child of man...Malleus feels the warm swirl in his chest tighten as you take his hand and pull him inside. He ducks his head, finally remembering to pull his horns down enough so they don't scrape the frame like they have in the past.. "Fae are supposed to be invited in," he reminds you. "And I told you, you always have a standing invitation." you say with a gentle dismissiveness that both humbles and endears him. You continue to show him that you care not for his title or his princely demands. You treat him like all the others. He does his best to stand on the welcome mat you thrifted, afraid the water will rot the ancient floor and leave you with something else to fix. You scurry back with towels and some spare clothes that smell like human. Not you, but human. Malleus can't stop the angry rumble in his throat as he realizes that smell is probably from your human friends at Heartslabyul. Clothes for other men? Disgusting. You always forget he has another set of vocal chords and he excuses the noise as 'clearing his throat'. "It's all I have," you murmur, unsure now if you should take the offer back. He can tell you're still debating that uncouth noise, the slip of the tongue.

"I accept your generosity." Malleus knows it won't be a perfect fit, but it would do better than your clothes. Not that he didn't like the idea of adorning himself in your scent. Turning away from you a little, Malleus removes the purple striped belt at his waist and undoes the many gold buttons on his curious coat. You can't tell what the black shirt is underneath but it sticks to him and you find yourself trying to tear your eyes away and commit him to memory all at once.

Not in the creepy way! Just in the 'I've never seen Malleus in just gloves, a shirt, pants, and boots before' kind of way. He's none the wiser, realizing he has a real problem on his hands. The gloves he chose are water resistant but they've somehow gone flush against his slick skin and feel more like a seal than a savior. His draconian nails cannot save him, blunted and useless in the leather. Should he use his teeth? What if he hooked them on the edge of a horn and just shimmied it off? You can practically read his mind and grab his hand before he can raise it near his head. "Don't do that! You'll ruin them!" you give a huffy laugh at his simple, boyish logic and it takes every ounce of control from all his decades of walking upright to keep his tail from smashing a hole in your floor.

He watches you drape the loaner clothes around your neck like some sort of scarf as you motion for his hand.

Your hands are almost cartoonishly small in his as they trace the stitching and try to feel for any buttons or ridges. Small, but so considerate and so warm. Dragons run warm from the fire and magic in their blood but he cannot explain why your touch is absolutely radiating and searing him in the most comforting way through the leather. He almost hopes you never figure out how to take them off so you can just fiddle with his hands forever. Malleus relaxes into your touch, basking in the care and attention.

His hopes are dashed when the glove separates slightly from his lax wrist and you free his hand. You pull off the other one. If he had no shame, he'd make a cool request for you to hold them and warm them. "Boots off, then change." you give him a small rag for his hands and point to his feet. Delighted and somewhat surprised to be your willing subject, Malleus obeys and starts to take off his boots.

He braces himself against your wall with one hand, mindful not to put himself through it like he almost did the mine tunnel at Beanfest. One boot off, he wrestles blindly with the other. Malleus is much more interested in how you tend to the pitiful fire in your fireplace. Your back is to him and whatever you're wearing leaves you shapeless but cozy. The embers crackle in the hearth, the light dancing across your face in a way that makes something baser claw at the pit of his stomach.

Shiny thing. Dragons like shiny things. You would be a most gorgeous shiny thing. Always ethereal, no matter what you're wearing or doing. If you would permit him, you would be his most valued treasure.

His heart sings at the thought, almost tying itself in a knot. That low, tingling feeling comes back to him and Malleus wants to croon his Dragon Song. It would fall on deaf ears, so to speak, as you have no dragon blood to appeal to. "Your eyes are doing that thing again." Malleus flinched a little, green fire sparking in his mouth as a warning puff of smoke dissipated between you. He didn't realize you'd come upon him again. The dragon relaxed, turning his head away as he exhaled the building smoke through his nose before it could send him into an undignified coughing fit.

Lilia had been consulting his grandmother on some behaviors as of late and both arrived to the same conclusion: he's experiencing draconian puberty. 'The thing' his eyes do are a sign of said puberty. It is the unfurling of all his emotions, the dilation of his eyes signaling his interest and trying to draw you ever deeper to him. In a way, it is a thrall, but it leaves him at your mercy as much as it should leave you in his.

Somehow, you don't take it as hard. If his world wasn't a sudden explosion of the scent of your skin and soap, the heat of your body, and the curious fondness with which you look at him, he would ponder this injustice further.

But he does not. Right now he can't even find the words for a simple lie, a diversion, as he breathes in the smell of you and tries not to melt. To have you touch him right now would be the worst thing but he's never wanted it more. He wants so badly to sink his fangs into your wrist, your neck, and let you wear the affectionate bruises like a family crest. His family crest.

"You're supposed to be getting changed," you admonish him.

"Mmm, but I can't," Malleus refrains from snuggling into the small towel you're blotting against his face. He closes his eyes and tries to sense the heat of your hand through the fabric as you move carefully around his lashes. "I'm being tended to and it would be rude to interrupt," he teases.

"No point in giving you dry clothes if you're going to get them wet putting them on." you laugh. He swallows thickly as you brush his throat dry. "Now go change," you swat him with the rag. Body towel and clothes in one hand, damp footprints follow Malleus to a spare room.

As he suspected, the clothes were ill-fit for his frame. Spade and Trappola were smaller than he was, being human and all. It was another thing entirely to get the shirt over his head without shredding it on his horns. He's afraid to move his arms too much and hopes he's not offending you by pulling the pants low enough to give his tail room. You've just finished laying his clothes out on dry towels before the fire and he's grateful.

It is a dying fire. You have a small supply of kindling and old papers to feed it but he doesn't think it will be enough. "I would like to repay your generosity with a gift. May I?" "You know you don't have to get me anything," you wave him off. He's not sure if it's a human trait or a you trait but you don't take easily to gifts.

"But it is practical and will serve us both," he knows he's caught your attention. He can see you trying to figure out what kind of gift that would be. Malleus approaches the fire, kneels down, and breathes it in. Dragons who can breathe fire, like himself, can convert outside sources of heat to their fire on rare occasions. You jump when he spits out a green flame and it roars to life, casting the walls in jeweled light and emitting a heat you didn't know you missed.

"Cozy!" you chirp. It was a gentle kind of heat that would be perfect for snuggling under a blanket. He sits on the other end of the sofa, a respectful cushion between you, and rests his head on a hand as he looks at you.

"And it will last much longer! You needn't fret about it getting out of control, either. It is my fire, and I can control it." he sees the beginning of sleep on you. Malleus grew up with Silver and was all too familiar with the slow descent into a nap. You make a valiant effort, he will give you that. You're in the middle of a soft argument about being rude to company and Malleus laughs despite himself.

He dropped in uninvited. Certainly that's more rude, yes?

The two of you lapse into a comfortable silence, the fae more amused than he has been in a long time as your eyes get heavier. You look stunning in the green glow and he can't help but think you'd look just as ravishing in black.

In a crown. On a throne. In his bed. All of these things have the Dragon Song welling up in him again. The buzzing in his chest closes off his ears; Malleus jumps to alertness as you tug gently on the ends of his dark hair. "You let your hair down. It'll get weird if it dries in a ponytail holder."

It takes some effort, but he untangles it from his hair. "What shall I do about you, Child of Man?" he muses. "I will be forever indebted to your attentiveness."

"Did you find anything cool on your walk? You always show me." your eyes twinkle with the vestiges of consciousness. This is your one final push before succumbing to sleep, he can tell. He did, in fact, find things to show you and had forgotten them until now. When you're drenched, everything just feels heavy and soaked through. Malleus fishes the random items from his coat pocket and settles back down on the couch.

You've seen all manner of things at this point--feathers, polished rocks, twisted roots that looked interesting, pieces of statues, actual gems--and it never gets old. He presents you with a rock carved into the shape of a bear, a chunk of what might have been an old cup, and a ring.

The ring doesn't catch your eye right away. You're too busy playing with the bear. He wiggles his hand so the firelight catches it and you still. Malleus takes the bear from you, flipping your hand over to slide it on your finger. "A gift, my dearest."

"Malleus, I--" you start to protest.

"We fae are no strangers to offerings, both giving and receiving. It would be a disservice to present you with anything less." he speaks over you, his words gentle but commanding. He kisses your hand.

You'd be lying if you said you hadn't thought of dating him. It just seemed a little silly--a random no-name person and the fae prince? What kind of cliche was this?

A handsome one that was staring you right in the face.

"If you'd like more, the best I can offer you is a kingdom." he teases, lounging back against the sofa. He said it so casually that it caught you off guard. You're face is almost unbearably hot and Malleus chuckles.

"A whole kingdom?" you finally recover. "I'll take it."

Oh, there it went. Malleus felt the trap snap shut on his heart. This was the lethal moment Lilia warned him. He was helplessly smitten and enchanted. Irreversibly so.

"Truly?" he's before you in a second, one hand around your waist and the other holding the one with the ring. "Now is not the time to jest, Child of Man. I offer you my heart in earnest and the reply must be just as true!" he's staring up at you through his bangs and you swear you see more scales on his forehead.

"W-Well, yeah," you stutter. "I wouldn't mind. Just kind of thought we would do more dates and stuff first," your face was heating up again.

"We shall, as many as you like!" he's scooped you up in one arm, cradling you to his chest. You threw your legs around him so you didn't fall backwards but he doesn't notice, pulling your other hand over his shoulder. "Every day, even! As soon as the weather clears, in fact!" "But it'll be dark out!" you protest. Malleus probably could change the weather if he wanted but that wouldn't stop the ground from squelching and things being nasty. He stopped excitedly rambling about walks and things to do.

"We've walked in the dark before?" he doesn't understand why you don't want to go out this particular time. "And I have seen you to your door, safe and sound every time."

"But we're already here. Together. Inside." you explain slowly. "Maybe we could...cuddle...a little."

Oh yes. Splendid idea! Malleus all but dives for the couch at the suggestion. It is a paltry nest but it's yours. You're still recovering from the recoil, glad he fell back first and didn't squish you.

Did you just hear something rip? You hope he didn't break the couch. You don't get much time to think about it as he pulls you close and tucks you under his chin like he's been rehearsing it with a pillow. He's just the right combination of soft and muscle, of guard and gentle as he figures out where to put his hands. He settles for one supporting his head and the other cradling yours.

It's very awkward because he's mostly off the couch but he can't be bothered. You're slowly drifting to sleep in his arms and he's never felt more joy. He watches with deep interested, practically holding his breath as you sleep. Faes don't need as much sleep as humans but he doesn't think he could sleep if he tried because you've been courted by him!

Malleus is roused by his phone sometime later. The couch is small and cumbersome to him but it's held up. He begrudgingly untangled himself from you to answer it, long arm just reaching it on the table.

"Yes?"

It's Lilia. "Where are you, young man? We've been trying to reach you!"

He had fifteen missed calls from Sebek, eight from Lilia, and some text messages from Silver.

"Ensnared, I fear." Malleus smiles into the crown of your head. "I'm doomed to languish in absolute bliss. It's a very powerful enchantment, you see."

"Taken the leap, have you, Malleus?" he could hear the smile in Lilia's voice.

"I have, and I've landed in something quite wonderful."

"We fae are supposed to trick and trap, not the other way around! But...at least you're safe. Make it known that I will not tolerate--"

"Any eggs before marriage." Malleus rolled his eyes. He'd only heard that a million times recently.

"If you're not back at Diasomnia in two hours, I'll break that enchantment myself. Understood?"

"And if I object?" Malleus challenged, patting your head as you began to move.

There was a moment of silence. "I shall tell your grandmother."

Malleus hung up.

That might do the trick, he thought, brows raised. His grandmother was from an older generation of fae who were still entrenched in anti-human beliefs. Would she love you because he did? Could you enchant her, too? One look at your sleeping face, so at peace and pressed up against him, had him convinced.

Yes, he was pretty sure you could enchant any fae. It certainly worked on him.

[yuriisclumsy]

Greetings. I'm happy to see Cale x reader's request.. 💯

Can I request Cale x reader.. Where the reader is kidnapped, so Cale and the others try to help search her but Alberu, the reader's best friend already knows.. He be like : Yup, they didn't kidnap her but she kidnapped them.. Fluff and chaos .🤣🤣🤣

Thanks for reading.🫂🫂❤️❤️❤️

The Kidnapped Wife

[Authors Note]: Look! I updated again! Not my main muse, but I finally got a good idea for this one. Hope you all like this one! This request in back from June. PS. As you can see I don't have my iconic title. that's because of the limit in characters you can have per post. I hate it :D.

𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝙲𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝: 1084

»»►Getting kidnapped is something that would definitely happen to us, because, you know…we’re the wife of the most powerful man in existence.

»»►How did we get kidnapped? Oh, I don’t know…maybe it was because of the temptation of FOOD?

»»►Seriously, out of all the things they could have bribed you with, it had to be food? So uncouth.

…

“What do you mean [Name]’s been kidnapped?”

That was the first question Cale asked when he was informed his wife had been kidnapped.

Yes, you read correctly. You have been kidnapped.

And no, you did not take a nap. You’re no kid. I mean that bad people abducted you to an unknown place, far away from any village–hell, far away from any living soul.

“I received a letter from the letter’s boy under your name, Master Cale. When I grabbed it, I smelled the faint traces of poison coming from within it,” Ron explained.

There’s poison in this…?! Cale yelled in his mind, and let go of the paper instantly.

The butler smiled sinisterly, amused at Cale's actions of dropping the letter at the mention of poison. “So, to secure your wellbeing, I decided to open it and see if it was life threatening. But you needn’t worry, Master Cale. The letter only had a small amount of poison in it. It would only take effect if you were to hold it for a longer period of time.”

Bullsh-t. You knew it had poison, and didn’t bother warning me about it, you creepy old man.

“Right… Well, thank you for taking my health and well-being into consideration, Ron.”

“You are very welcomed, young master.” Bastard.

Cale turned his body to look outside the window. “Anything else regarding her?”

“Unfortunately, these foxes were more cunning than this old fool could have anticipated. They left no trace of their presence behind for us to possibly find.”

“...” Cale looked out where the children were playing, unaware of their ‘mother’s’ disappearance. “Call for Rosalyn and Raon. We need their magic for this, also…” he looked back at Ron, “get the crystal.” Ron’s smile widened. “We’re calling the imperial family. This could very well be an attack on the kingdom.”

…

Grunts and pants are the only sounds heard in a room turned upside-down from battling.

“You B-tch!” a man yelled.

“You’re calling me unpleasant?” The man went flying to the wall behind him at full speed. “Me?”

“Ah!” Another goon charged at you from the opposite side. You blocked it by grabbing his hand, going underneath, you punched him in the stomach. “Agh..!”

“Screaming your attack is very ineffective. Weren't you lot professionals?” You saw a small glimpse of the shining of a gun's metal. With quick reflexes, you throw one of the limited pieces of furniture from the palace you had been held hostage and threw it at him, rendering him immobile. “Cute try, but not good enough.”

You stood in the middle of the room full of bodies of men laying there in the ground either whining or crying out of pain. All this would have been avoided if they just decided to negotiate with you.

“Poor souls…”

��

“HAHAHAHAHA!” static cackling came from a ball on a table. It belongs to none other than the crown prince.

Cale looked at the prince like he had lost his mind. “...Why are you laughing?” Alberu looked up and stared at him through the crystal ball. Cale did not like that.

“Isn't it obvious?” He smirked, “clearly I think all of this is hilarious.”

Well no sh-t. Cale’s expression began to sour.

“Now, now, master Cale. Don’t look so distraught, [Name] is completely fine. In fact, I think she’s doing better than even I could have imagined,” he picture you beating the crap out of the kidnappers, much to his pleasure.

“Is that so…” Cale wanted to punch Alberu in the face. He just wanted to wipe that smirk off his mouth, even if it is a crime to do so. 

“Master Cale, if you would allow me?” Ron approached his master from the other side of the table.

“What is it, Ron?” Cale was as irked as he could be.

“I agree with the crowned prince,” Cale looked betrayed at Ron’s agreement on the situation. “Master Cale, [Name] is a talented individual. Surely, you should put some trust in her abilities.

“I’m also in support of this, [Name]’s prowess is no joke. She’ll make it home safe on her own,” Rosalyn commented.

“What the humans are saying is true,” Raon landed on Cale’s lap. “You can trust the Great Raon Miru’s judgment!”

“...” Cale closed his eyes. With all of this faith in you, he can’t ignore it.

“Fine.” He glared at Alberu. “But if she isn’t here by sunset, I'm sending Choi Han and Raon to get her.”

“That’s fine by me!”

With that, the call ended, and Alberu couldn’t stop from giggling at Cale’s worriedness for you.

“Ah… [Name], you’ve gotten yourself a worrywart as a husband.”

…

The sun had gone down a while ago, the birds went to rest, and the children had all gone to sleep on your shared bed. Yet, there was still no sign of you anywhere in sight.

Cale paced back and forth in the balcony, he did not enjoy worrying about someone's safety, much less yours.

“Master Cale.”

“Huh? Oh...Choi Han. Has there been any news?” He looked down and shook his head slowly. “I see… It’s getting late, you should head to sleep.”

“But, master Cale, who will–”

“I will.”

“...” Choi Han wanted to protest, yet he remained silent. He knew better than to argue with a stubborn man. “Yes, sir…” He left Cale with himself. 

Hearing a click from the door, Cale let out a frustrated sigh and scratched his head, annoyed at the situation at hand.

“...Where are you [Name]?” he whispered.

“I was gone for a day, and you missed me that much?”

“!” Cale twisted his body and faced the person that had spoken to him.

And it was none other than his lovely wife.

“Hi, Bo,” You smiled sweetly. “How are you?”

Cale sighted for what seemed like the 100th time this day. Only this time, it was out of relief. “I’m fine…” he said with a small smile.

“I’m glad…” You leaned and gave him a kiss on the check.

“Only there..?”

“Well, yes. I’m extremely hungry right now, and I want to eat,” with perfect timing, your stomach growled loudly.

“...” Cale’s eyebrow twitched at your response. He motioned his hand to look like a knife, and karate-chopped you in the head.

“OW–”

“I’ll go get Beacrox to prepare something for you. Wait here,” opening the door, he pointed at you. “And don’t. Move.” You giggled.

“Eye, eye, captain.”

With an approving nod he left in search of your meal.

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Master-List

[wreckedandpolemic]

because you will not leave my inbox alone about it... knifeplay <3

i take my #1 barista matty knifeplay advocate title very seriously tyvm 😌

it’s a hard limit for white and gold matty i fear. he’d be too scared of accidentally properly hurting you, plus he thinks scarring you would be uncouth (as if the two of you aren’t long past uncouth loool)

regret me matty, however, doesn’t know the meaning of the word hard limit. (he does i promise it’s all safe sane and consensual and all that he’s just a FREAK and you’ve yet to do anything to him that he didn’t enjoy.) so yeah he’s a proper slut for it, practically came in his pants when you ask if he wants to try it, let alone the sight of you actually holding a knife. pressing the flat of it to his throat while you kiss, lightly tracing the point of it over his tattoos… yummy. pops one when he realises you actually carry around a switchblade, begs you to threaten him with it, tell him you’ll cut him if he doesn’t get you off fast enough… god.

oh oh oh and later on when you’ve been on and off for years and matty’s dating someone so he doesn’t have to acknowledge that he wants you for more than sex… he comes to you in the middle of the night (neither of you have any problem being the other’s sidepiece unfortunately. chronic cheaters). you don’t want to examine why you were nauseated watching him pretend to be in love with a girl who clearly adores him, but something bitter and cruel overtakes you and you make him cry, biting and slapping and denying him for hours. all that to say, he leaves your place with your initials carved into his ass and no idea it’s anything more than an explainable scratch. the girl is crying in the tabloids that he cheated a week later, and you don’t speak for months. but you know he’ll be back. you two can’t stay away from each other for too long…

AHEM anyway. you and actress!au matty have dabbled. the look of pure, dazed lust on his face as he carved a little heart into your ass (with his cum still dripping out of your hole who said that)… unmatched. again, a production nightmare when you had to do a nude shot, like your manager had to have a stern conversation about not letting him maul you lmfao. he’s banned from visiting you on set now <3

[whole-bunch-of-hcs]

Teddy Lobo Arranged Marriage

HCs plus a blurb/shortfic at the end, there is nsft content so be warned. Request by @ghnaim24

Teddy doesn't like being told what to do

At all

And he doesn't like feeling cornered or controlled. This is not a man who handles responsibility well or even willingly tbh

But he agreed to this bc it's not like he can refuse if he wants to inherit (which he does) and it's not like this will have all the rules a 'real' marriage does so who cares. Just another way to stay on top

Plus you're an only child and a woman so this gives him a leg up over Mandy- this is something he can do for the Lobos that she can't (yeah he's exactly that petty)

So he doesn't really have any set idea of what you'll be like in his head and doesn't care cause at this point you are a concept to him- a means to an end.

Then he actually meets you. The shy act is kinda cute but come on you're a mafia boss' kid, you've gotta be holding out on him

Except you're not. What he sees is what he gets with you. For a while he's not sure what to make of it bc no one in his world is like you.

Eventually he decides he's on board and wants to make this arrangement actually work bc it's one thing to be married but it's another to enjoy it and he doesn't want a miserable wife right?

(Kinda in denial sure but he's got the right idea)

He takes you out with him and tries to keep you away from all the nitty-gritty. He gets it in his head that you're all sheltered and shit and the reality of this life (that you have also been leading since way before he knew you) would damage you.

Gets on his guys' asses for doing uncouth shit when you're around and everything it's sweet but dude. Come on.

Absolutely FLINGS money your way. You don't even need it but you're never paying for anything ever again. He'll actively encourage, no demand, that you get more and more expensive taste.

His mother likes this less than he does but he's used to her being mad at him

Speaking of which, your gentle and shy nature taps into a more vulnerable side of him so you're about to hear shit he has told NO ONE before

Your wedding is going to be more extravagant than certain royal weddings have been. It's practically a multi-day affair. It is the epitome of ostentatious and why shouldn't it be? Two mafia families are marrying and more importantly he is marrying you. That's worth some serious celebration.

Nsft-wise... boy does he have a lot going on

Furthest thing from a virgin like. Ever. Man was a SLUT all the way up until he met you and he has the experiences to prove it

Good thing: means he knows what he's doing. Bad thing: he has a skewed idea of what normal is

He'll be willing to try anything and everything you like and he is EAGER to show you stuff you might not have even known about

You will be discovering at least one new kink cause of him

He's a switch too so he can really adapt to whatever you want from him

Prefers filling a specific role though, when in a relationship. Likes the stability of knowing his place cause he's dorky like that

Has nipple piercings idk why I'm so sure of this but he does

If he's a dom he is NOT very gentle and if you need him to slow down or ease up you gotta tell him that.

He likes it when you're demanding, when you tell him what you need, when you make him almost wonder who's really in charge (but he is HAPPY to remind you)

If he's a sub you better not be gentle with him. He's a hardcore masochist and he promises he can take it (he has no pain tolerance he just likes pain a lot for some reason bc he's a freak)

He will tell you exactly what he needs too so don't ever worry that you're not fulfilling his needs.

"What're you eyeing, babe? What's good?" Teddy asked. He needed to know so he could tell the waitress, and he'd probably bribe her with absolutely no subtlety to make sure a few other tables were put on the back burner so you could get it sooner.

"I dunno," you answered. "The seafood boil looks really good but it's fifty dollars, Teddy, that's insane. I'm not paying fifty dollars for bugs that live in the ocean."

"Well you're not paying for anything so it doesn't matter," Teddy said. Immediately he wondered if that sounded like he was taking a dig at you. You didn't seem to think so though so maybe he did good? If you did that cute little nose-exhale and reached up to play with the necklace he got you he'd know he won.

You did. I'm an actual good boyfriend now, holy shit, he thought.

"Fine," you said. "Fifty dollars for a lobster and some crab legs."

"What, that's it?" Teddy asked. "Get the upgrade that's got like oysters and sh-all that."

"Teddy that's fifty-seven dollars, that's insane."

"So am I, babe!" He laughed. He had a nice laugh, you thought, when he wasn't playing it up for some reason.

"Yo, Teddy, your mom's calling," one of Teddy's "boys" said, running over, phone in hand. "Wants to talk about the patrols in the French Quarter. 'Pparently one of the beat cops 'round that joint forgot he likes money so she wants you to get a guy out there and-"

Teddy waved his hands frantically. "Hey, hey- not in front of her, man, are you fuckin' stupid?" He grabbed for the phone. "Hey, Mom, I'm out with y/n right now-"

He got up, leaned over to plant a kiss on your cheek and slap some money down on the table. "Go ahead and get a little tequila, the top shelf stuff that doesn't give you a hangover, while you're at it, and- hey, Scraps, if I'm not back when the waitress comes you tell her my girl wants the deluxe seafood boil and we don't care how much it costs, yeah?"

He was adorable, as far as crime-boss nepo-babies went.

[strawberrystepmom]

tfw you accidentally unfollow and instantly have to refollow because you thought that button was the ask box button, ignore me being a failure this early in the morning dfjngdfjgn but i crave an in-depth description of your relation and interactions with charlotte in the yamiken universe

listen...it happens to the best of us. frankly, tumblr shouldn't put the buttons that close together but what do i know i'm just some bitch ajflasjdfasjdf but thank you for asking and tbh thank you so much for being so supportive and your tags and everything that u are just as a whole. highkey obsessed.

so...charlotte and i are not friends but we come to some kind of mutual understanding. she's actually part of a social club that i am the head of where basically women in the kingdom gather at a tea parlor one friday evening a month to play cards or dice or whatever but it's basically just a networking event. gossiping event. whatever you wanna call it. i inherited the duties as leader from their previous holder and the club is thriving.

when she starts hearing about yami and i she doesn't believe it. when i finally admit that he and i are together she doesn't WANT to believe it but knows that if i'm saying it, it has to be true. i'm not totally uncouth and i'm semi-aware of her feelings considering herself and a couple members of her squad are part of the social group so i decided to ask her to stay after with me one evening so that we can talk.

i basically tell her that while i respect her and her feelings, i'm not going to hide my own to make her feel comfortable and i understand if she wants to leave the group because of it. she asks me if i'm certain i love yami and i tell her that yes, i'm very certain and that he's the only man i could ever see myself loving and she tells me she feels the same. this kind of agitates me though and i ask her why she hasn't shown her affections for him up until this point because she feels threatened and she agrees with me that she shouldn't have waited.

i also ask her if she's certain she loves him and not simply the idea of him as a savior because we are all aware of him saving her from the curse. this catches her off guard and i tell her she doesn't have to answer me now but i'd like her to think about it. we end the conversation there that night because i have to meet with yami anyway.

she continues to come to the monthly even after this conversation and any supplemental ones if we have them, she is polite but cold which i expected but it's fine. at some point she decides she's going to continue to try and win him which is also fine, she's allowed to do that.

she tells me that she still isn't sure how to answer my question and i tell her i understand but i'm sticking by what i said - my feelings are real, i love him. she admits her feelings to him, he lets her down gently after the final battle and tells her that he feels maybe she sees him for something he can't be all the time.

she comes back to me and asks me how i see him. i tell her the truth - i see him as the most wonderful man i've ever met and i'm prepared to defend him from society if i must. she accepts tells me that she's happy he's found someone who can do that for him. i apologize to her and she tells me no hard feelings.

we don't hate each other or anything but we keep our distance lol

[short-honey-badger]

Game Night

So. This is the full version of the little sneak peak that I posted the other day. I just want to say thank you again to all the people who've followed me the past couple of months. You guys are amazing and the reason i love getting on this app. I hope y'all enjoy!

I wouldn't have been able to do any of this without @goth-mami-writer with me. She did almost all of this little fic, and I just couldn't be happier with it. I love ya, wifey.

Summary: You invite over some men from a couple of different fandoms for a game of Cards Against Humanity.

Fandoms: One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Attack on Titan

~Tokyo 2016

You stood up from the table after telling those who were here first that it was probably the Jujutsu folk arriving now. You dusted off your dress and opened the door to find Gojo raising his blindfold for a peek as his smile grew to greet you on your doorstep,

“I finally got them all here, no worries.”

You turned your head to see them all as they stood in a huddle. Behind Gojo stood Yuuji Itadori, Nanami Kento, Geto Suguru as well as Toji Fushiguro, who most likely was coached into coming but you were glad he was here nonetheless.

“He made us late.” Nanami clarified from behind him, and Yuuji waved with his warm boyish smile,

“Is everyone else here?”

“Well-” You mentioned, looking back to the Paradian’s seated at your playing table with a wince,

“The islanders are here. I have no idea about the pirates. They should be here soon though, come on in.”

Everyone began to walk inside, leaving Toji to toss his windbreaker at you without a second glance, other than the smirk on his face watching you grimace in frustration. They strolled in slowly to get a first glance at the two already present at your little get-together. Captain Levi and Commander Erwin stood as you began your introductions for everyone very carefully, knowing that everyone who stood now was so vastly different from each other.

Commander Erwin outstretched his hand to the leader of the herd of Jujutsu huddle, and Gojo took his hand cordially with a shake. The blindfold over his eyes perplexed both of them from Paradis as they became closer. Erwin didn't want to be uncouth, but he asked discreetly as they shook to be as courteous as he could,

“I'm sorry, but are you blind?”

Gojo rose his brows, looking to you now in wonder to why you didn't warn anyone of his abilities and Geto began to laugh under his breath until Satoru remarked in a challenging tone in case these two men were trying to pity him for appearing blind,

“No, I'm not. Are you stupid?”

Erwin stuttered in, saying no, making Levi narrow his eyes to the man's cockiness with a sneer. Gojo nodded, patting the tall man's shoulder as he repeated before sitting down,

“Good, good- i'm glad”

You felt your first bit of tension in wondering if this was really a good idea. You prepared the three pirates a seat since they were still late to appear, and you watched as everyone became somewhat silently comfortable with questioning glances at each other. Levi found himself looking over at Toji Fushiguro, who sat beside him somewhat forebodingly with their height difference appearing immense now that they noticed each other.

Toji’s scarred smile perked up before asking you in a mocking fashion to try and poke fun at the man he found to be pint-sized.

“Didn't know you brought snacks? Look at ‘em. He's fun sized.”

Levi's tongue grazed the inside of his cheek to mute his rage, and you came closer to their side of the table to try and defuse whatever was about to erupt. Levi turned his head and said montonely to assure the taller man that he was no comedian,

“Yanno if I was as big and as stupid as you, I really wouldn't draw attention to myself.”

Toji stood from his chair, making you dive in the middle of them before everyone began to stand to try and divert the situation until there was a tapping at your balcony door. You turned with wide eyes, trying to see what was making that sound across your kitchen when suddenly a rope was seen being hung from your outside railing.

“You gotta be kidding me!” You shouted, coming over after making sure no one at the table was willing to kill each other during your brief absence.

You slung open the sliding glass door and shouted down the side of the apartment building where you saw the three pirates beginning to scale your wall like some kind of abandoned ship and you called down seeing a redhead maneuvering the rope,

“Shanks!”

Shanks turned his head up with a smile to see you again, but his embarrassment peered through,

“Sorry were a bit late, love.”

You looked closer to see Mihawke tipping his wide brimmed hat to peer up at you with a smile that spoke of Shanks' ridiculous plan to get them inside and you asked not seeing the third warlord you invited tonight.

“Where's Croc?!”

Crocodile appeared from the bottom of the overhang, needing to be out of the wind for a moment to light his cigar, and he mentioned after a wink to greet you,

“Darlin you're gonna have to give us some better directions next time.”

“I gave them to SHANKS.” You said with an irritated emphasis as the Emperor still grappled his way up the slender rope to your balcony. You were more impressed that he was doing it one armed than anything.

“And I forgot them!” He argued doing his labor, and Mihawk rolled his eyes hearing the man bellyache,

“I had to captain these two pansies around God's green earth trying to find this place. So cut me a fuckin’ break!”

Crocodile snagged the rope with his golden hook and glared up at the man above him,

“Who are you calling ‘pansy’, fire crotch?! Yeah, I'll cut something alright.”

He moved forward, slicing the rope in half to bring the man down from his upwards ascent, and you both gasped, watching him fall the two stories down before Croc asked in a grunt through his cigar,

“Now where's this damn door?”

Once the three lost men had finally found the correct way inside, you could properly introduce everyone. Once you stood back, letting everyone take a gander at the fellow guests, you tried not to let your face turn pink, knowing that all of them had seen you intimately at least once. Hospitably, you then if they wanted any kind of refreshments or snacks.

Toji and Shanks jumped on the chance immediately, and you rolled your eyes fondly but hopped to the kitchen to retrieve what they wanted. Mihawk and Shanks sat between Gojo and Fushiguro while Crocodile sat in the back, preferring to read the room for now.

Nanami met Erwin’s eyes, an apologetic look gracing his face when he remembered the comments being made from his side of the gathering towards the islanders that were mostly unprovoked, “I apologize for my coworkers behavior. They can be… a lot. Don't take it personally.”

The blond sorcerer figured he would be saying that quite a bit this evening.

The commander waved off the apology with an understanding nod, although he knew Levi would never be as accepting,

“No harm. I have someone back on Paradis who could be described as a lot, too.”

You had come back by now and brought the snacks and bottle of saki that had been bought just for this occasion. Any hope of the tension being gone was diminished when you caught Toji and Levi still glaring at one another once again. So you clap your hands together to grab everyone's attention away from the previous turmoil in the room.

“How about a game? I've got the perfect one.”

“What do we win?” Toji says with a grin that held an innuendo beneath it, and Levi rolls his eyes with sneer upon his lips.

“Maybe let her talk first, dipshit,” the Captain huffed, and Toji’s face screwed up in anger, dark eyes narrowing.

“Yeah, boy whore? How's about-”

“Alright, We all just got here. How about we simmer down, eh?” Shanks broke into the brewing argument. He looked back over at you, who smiled gratefully back at the pirate captain, “Go ahead, Doll.”

You clear your throat, sending a lingering glare at Levi and Toji, “Anyway. It's called Cards against Humanity.”

The way Yuuji giggles makes you think the young man is the only one who knows what you're talking about. You disappear for half a second to grab the card game and then waltz back into the packed living room to place the box on the table. You sit in between Nanami and Geto and open it up, reading the instructions out loud for everyone to hear.

Afterward, you divy out the cards, though you, Crocodile, and Geto abstain from playing. They are only two rounds in before Saturo gets annoyed with his card choices and begins to rifle through the deck for one that he preferred even though Yuuji advised him that it was against the rules technically.

Gojo then began reading from the response cards with his nose crinkled. Levi sat across the table in deep thought to how one would ever be able to see anything beyond a dark blindfold once again but he put that aside while the sorcerer judged a good card that answered the white cards question that stated: “Choose a weapon.”

“Sensei, you're supposed to read off the black cards for everyone to hear.” Yuuji added over Gojo's shoulder as everyone sat in suspense except for Toji, who was half asleep in wait for the game to continue.

“I'm picking my own. Some of these are garbage. Though, ‘Ben Affleck's fragile masculinity’ is funny.” Satoru said, shuffling through the responses still, putting the disliked cards to the back of his hand.

When he began laughing under his breath finally coming to the last card in his hand, he placed it down on the table top for everyone to see and he asked trying to stifle a laugh when he read it aloud,

“Alright- Which of you put ‘Your mom's dildo’. That's…fucking hilarious.”

“That's disrespectful.” Nanami chimed in from the other side of the table while Shanks and Mihawke began to quietly laugh from their seats. Levi's confusion grew more prominent, and he turned to Erwin, who sat contemplating the card as well and why it was rousing so much laughter.

“The hell’s a dildo?” Levi asked, looking for a response from Gojo the card Czar, but Shanks chimed in, hunching over the table to help clear his inquiry,

“Well…they're about yea high..kinda like you.”

If looks could kill, then Shanks would be nothing but a pile of ash from the one Levi sends the redhead. Gojo howls and even Tojii snorts from the joke, causing Kento to send him a side long glare from across the table. The blond looks back at Levi, an almost defeated look crossing his face.

“Ignore them. Satoru has always been childish.”

Levi scoffs and sits back, annoyed at being made fun of once again for his height.

“Who played this card? Come on?!” Gojo demanded, trying to gauge the room for a taker, but suddenly Erwin rose his hand somewhat sheepishly.

“I will say…. I didn't know the meaning of the card. And I just played it to remove it from my hand.”

“Well, then it's yours, one arm.” Sato said, concluding.

They shuffle the cards again, and this time, it's Mihawk's turn to read from the black card he picks up from the top of the stack. A resigned sigh makes its way past his lips.

“_, kid tested. Mother approved.”

A round of snickers went through the group, you can imagine who, and the sound of cards being shuffled was heard before cards were placed on the table. Once everyone had chosen, Mihawk started with Shanks, who sat next to him, and then made his way around.

“An extra strong margarita.”

“child abuse.” - Toji

Gojo choked on the sip of soda at that one, making Levi smirk.

“drowning the kids in the bathtub.” - Levi

“the Erie art museum.” - Erwin

“Overthrowing the government.” - Nanami

“Becoming a blueberry.” - Yuuji

“Teenage Pregnancy.” - Gojo

Mihawk glanced over them one last time and then sighed as he handed the black card over to Levi, “I can appreciate your sense of humor.”

“That's quite dark of you.” Erwin said discreetly to his younger captain and Levi shrugged away his concern, telling him that if they wanted to win, they'd need to be a little dark as it seemed to get them farther in terms of acquiring cards.

You clapped your hands after Levi received his black card, making Toji deliver a face of annoyance through a heavy chug of Saki, and next in line to be card Tsar was Yuuji He presented a black card that read only,

“Whats a girls best friend?”

Everyone became silent as they debated a card to draw, and Mihawk looked at Shanks hand as Croc did the same, muttering a suggestion as all of the pirates still plotted to win at least one round. Yuuji watched his pile of white cards be smacked down to the center of the table, where he then reached forward to begin reading away the responses.

Though suddenly, the scar beneath his eye began to take a peculiar shape and Gojo’s head turned with a quickness feeling the energy of the room change when Sukuna's cursed mouth took form on the boy's cheek to begin lecturing on a card he should choose.

The people of Paradis lurched back in horror but you stood quickly to assure everyone who was frightened that Yuuji just had a silly little quirk that consisted of being somewhat inhabited by an ancient curse and everything was fine.

“Itadori, what's the old man want?” Gojo asked, raising his hand to pretend to smoothen his blindfold for a moment, but his guard was silently raised at the sound of Sukuna's haunting voice.

Geto became closer, looking over Nanami and Gojo's shoulder to peer at the sight, as well as Sukuna overheard their voices.

“Satoru Gojo…why don't you mind what's in front of you.”

Gojo removed his blindfold, letting his piercing blue eyes appear from beneath, and he stared over to the haunting mouth and eye painted on Yuuji's cheek. You stood up in horror, hoping that Gojo wouldn't try to cast a veil right in your apartment to try and somehow fight Sukuna, but you were hushed by Nanami that everything would be fine.

The islanders across the table were still planted to the backs of their chairs at the sight of a face appearing on such a bright young man and Levi asked in a disgusted scoff that made Toji turn his head,

“Who the hell is that anyway?!”

“Nobody important. Keep your panties on.” He sneered at Levi until he barked across the table to make Sukuna pipe down for the sake of their game,

“Hey nobody else here is inside of a teenager. Fuckin’ pedo.”

Sukuna grumbled a swear to Itadori before disappearing off of his cheek and bringing relief back to the table as it seemed quieter already. Itadori looked down, making sure his curse had quieted completely before continuing on with his turn.

“Alright… hehe..let's see. World Domination - that's kinda lame. Pornhub…who did Pornhub?” Yuuji asked with a shade of pink over his face and Toji raised his hand quietly, mentioning it was the only card that sounded funny but Yuuji went on until being stopped by a card he'd never heard of.

You sipped a bottle of water at Mihawke's side, half interested as you were still on guard of everyone's behavior, but you were halted of movement with a chill when Yuuji asked,

“What's Archive?”

You spat out your sip of water with a choke, and you quickly raise your head, wondering if you just heard him correctly. He showed the card to Gojo, asking if he'd heard of this to which his sensei shook his head.

“You're the only girl-” Yuuji said, looking to you, presenting the card that had been played,

“What's Archive of Our Own?”

Your face turned a hot, telling shade of red, and quickly, you became noticeably flustered, having to describe a fanfiction site that was plastered with all of them. You stuttered to speak, but you tried your darnedest to give them a semblance of an idea without giving the obvious away,

“Well…it's ugh. It's a website-”

“Like Pornhub?” Gojo asked, seeing your face so red, and you faltered even further, almost trembling to answer with a nervous shriek of a laugh,

“Nooot exactlyyy…”

The Paradians both turned their head’s further noticing your struggle to give a clear answer, and Levi spoke out with a narrowed gaze,

“You seem pretty damn guilty over there.”

“She's always up to something.” Toji mentioned, making both of the men nod in agreement for the first time that night, and you brushed off their questioning stares, hoping to move on with the game.

“Well, who put this one cause obviously it's a good one.” Yuuji asked the room, and Shanks rose his hand.

“That'd be me. One for the pirates on the board.”

Several more rounds went by until it was determined that the Jujutsu folk were, in fact, tied with the pirates for the winning card. After a determined finish by none other than Nanami, the sorcerer's took the win only for the game to end in a large discussion over who, in fact, at the table was the strongest.

“Not to brag, but I'm obviously the strongest,” Gojo preened with a winning smile, “I can bet not a single one of you could touch me.”

“Fuckkk youuuu.” Toji remarked, sitting forward after finishing his last Saki.

You were planted in between the Paradian’s who wanted to steer clear of the conversation of strength with people who were clearly magically inclined with sorcery beyond their understanding but you were surprised when Toji turned to Levi, propping his elbow on the playing table in preparation to arm wrestle.

“Come on, boy snack, you and me.” The man remarked with a sneer to get under Levi's skin.

“How about you get fucked, shit bag?” Levi said before Erwin urged him not to engage in petty banter only meant to egg him towards a fight. The pirates on the other side of the table tuned into the new commotion and listened as Toji went on clearly not taking ‘no’ for an answer.

“Aw, ‘fraid you'll lose?” Toji smirked until Shanks rose from his seat, kicking over a chair to sit directly in front of Fushiguro, who turned his eyes up with an entertained glance when the man began to speak,

“Big fucking deal, you can beat a fella half your size-” Shanks said before resting down, his one sleeve hanging from his coat as he moved to become seated.

“What about a pitiful, one armed son a bitch. Like me? Should be easy, right?”

Fushiguro giggled with a rumble from his throat, looking to the sorcerers to make sure they were watching and all went wide-eyed to the sound of a challenge. The two men slanted down into position, joining hands, and then you stood beginning to count down to the test of strength.

On the count of three, they both began using their sheer arm strength to try and plant the others' palm down to the table. Toji was straight faced, finding this far too easy though he had to admit, this red-haired pirate was stronger than he looked. But Shanks stayed unphased in the face as well, keeping a smirk as together they fought to weigh the other down, though Shanks kept his strategy hidden on how to overpower his opponent.

“I'm surprised it's taken this long.” Erwin added as he rested back into his chair in view of the scene, and Levi nodded, but it was clear to him Shanks strategy. Although he didn't like a second of Fushiguro’s presence, there was no way he thought it was fair for him to be defeated by a long-hair with one fucking arm.

Levi stood as the sorcerer's, mostly Gojo and Itadori cheered for Fushiguro to hurry up and finish him and he hunched down to watch closely over Toji's shoulder to see exactly what was happening and he was correct.

Shanks had a good strategy.

Toji became annoyed by Levi standing so close, and he remarked laborously through a chugged breath,

“Fuck off, Thumbelina.”

“If he was strong enough to beat you, he would've done it already. But he's not.”

Toji huffed air, trying to focus his breathing while Shanks stared over with a chuckle, noticing he was receiving a bit of coaching on a good opposing technique.

“-He's trying to make you tired enough to give out. You're drunk, and he knew that. You gonna let a one armed ginger beat you, Beefcake?”

“Fuck no?!” Toji spat while the sorcerer's began in a loud uproar when the scales began to tip in Shanks's favor as Fushiguro’s hand began dipping towards the table.

Croc and Mihawke shouted behind Shanks, telling him to hurry up and end this, and the red-haired man smiled, telling them with a twinge of confidence over his shoulder as he strained,

“I've got ‘em, I've got ‘em.”

Levi watched as clearly Toji was becoming winded, and he said with a shrug, knowing this would go one of two ways anyhow,

“It's now or never, protein. You're about to get bent.”

Toji tucked his chin down, saying through a huff air as his palm was tightened around Shanks as they both fought for a winning pin to the table,

“I ain't losing to some soggy fuckin’ pirate. If you're stronger then let’s see it.”

“Strength ain't everything-” Shanks grunted across the table as Toji's arm went down slowly,

“It's called endurance.”

When the sorcerer's arm met the table with a smack, the room broke out in cheers either for Shanks being the victor or for seeing Fushiguro be defeated by someone for once to match his towering, untouchable ego. Nanami checked his watch suddenly and mentioned amid the roar of the room,

“Itadori, it's getting late. You don't need to be out this late. You have school tomorrow.”

“Sensei-” Itadori whined, looking at Gojo, who noticed the late hour as well,

“Can I be late?”

“No-” Gojo said quickly after feigning a moment of thought and the boy stood, grabbing his backpack and defeat but you promised that nonetheless, it was a joy to have everyone over for a good time.

As everyone began to gravitate towards the door, you hugged their necks to wish them goodbye, promising that you'd stop by soon for a visit, at least. All of the sorcerers squeezed you tightly in a hug as they made their exit, though Gojo nonchalantly let his hand wander to grab ahold of your ass before he left and you smack his arm before you blushed too hard.

Toji watched as Levi shrugged on his cloak, and he stopped him with a small push, only to hold out his hand for a parting shake. The Captain rose his brow distrustingly, wanting to think for another moment if he really thought he'd regret not shaking his hand.

“Shake it or don't, short shit. But you're alright, I guess.”

Erwin raised a surprised brow to hear a compliment leave the man's mouth for the first time tonight, and Levi scoffed before shaking his hand somewhat reluctantly. You smiled, seeing them even halfway trying to form a truce and felt a jitter of joy as you told them both to be safe on their way home.

The pirates made their way to the door in surprise to you that Shanks didn't want them to rappel down the balcony. Mihawk kissed your cheek as you hugged him, making you promise you'd be on the way towards Gloom when you could for a visit.

You congratulated Shanks on his win, who winked in telling you warmly that he'd be expecting you and you waved goodbye to the pirates, finally closing the door to your now quiet apartment. After an exhausted sigh that heaved away from your mouth in realizing how many times you'd avoided death in one single evening, you said to yourself after trudging to your bedroom,

“I am never doing that shit again.”

[noodyl-blasstal]

Piano Man

Big thanks to @ceilingfan5 who sang "pretty lizard" to the tune of "pretty woman" this morning, it got stuck in my head, morphed into "pretty wizard" and now we're here. Enjoy below or on Ao3.

-

Kravitz is tired. Kravitz is tireder than tired. Not in body, his hands would keep skimming the keys forever and always if he doesn’t occasionally put them away, and he can’t ever resist singing along to something whether he knows the words or not. No, what Kravitz is tired of is fancy people parties and all the fancy people nonsense that comes along with it.

The pay is good enough, that’s how he knows he won’t walk out, no matter how bad it gets - someone has to keep his apartment paid for - but these parties are always full of the most obnoxious people. His mouth is dry and his back is sore and Lydia, sorry, Ms Adventurezone, because ‘we don’t use first names, darling, it’s uncouth’ has been promising him a break for the last 23 minutes, but every time he winds down she suddenly appears to ask him for just one more song. It looks like she’s on her way to derail his break for the seventh time when someone, a glorious, perfect, wonderful man in a huge elaborate hat steps into her path, blocking her from Kravitz’s view which definitely means she also can’t see him!

Kravitz mentally beams gratitude at his saviour and respectfully doesn’t notice exactly how fantastic the guy’s arse looks in those silky trousers as he finishes up the song. The man is probably just intervening by accident, Kravitz needs to reign in his impulse to romanticise. There’s no deeper plot to rescue him from Lydia’s clutches, but he definitely needs to take advantage and escape while he still can - in fact, it looks like Edward, sorry, Mr Adventurezone, is headed his way. Kravitz will commando roll under this piano to escape if it comes to it. It doesn’t. He cuts the song a few bars early, pretends not to see Edward (ha, take that!) and beelines for the bar.

“Hey Krav, you sound great!” Ren waves in greeting.

“Thanks.” He croaks slightly.

“Say no more.” She laughs as she hands over a glass of water. “I’ll be back with your tea in a tick. Have this in the meantime.” She nudges a plate his way too.

Kravitz smiles his thanks and is already shoving the lemon-y mousse topped biscuit into his mouth. He needs to start eating before he comes to these things. They always say they’ll feed him and it’s rare they bother. Praise the lady for Ren, her fancy cocktail bar for hire tends to mean they coincide at a lot of these events. They very quickly worked out that they had allies in each other and used it to their advantage whenever possible.

“Anyone sat here, handsome?” Asks a voice over his shoulder.

Kravitz prepares to turn away whichever entitled prick is trying to ruin his break, but clamps his mouth shut when he realises it’s his saviour.

“No, no one is, that’s good, that’s fine, it’s free.” Kravitz intends to pat the seat invitingly, panics, withdraws his hand, and ends up caressing it instead. Perfect. An incredibly normal gesture. Maybe the guy will just turn and leave, spare Kravitz from any other awful attempts to flirt.

The man sits down instead.

“Thank you.” Kravitz says, realising slightly too late that the guy probably doesn’t have any idea what he’s thanking him for.

“No problem, I figured you were due a break. I used to work these things before, well, you know.” He waves a hand as if whatever incomprehensible thing he’s alluding to is obvious. “She hates that she has to invite me instead of hiring me. The handle’s Taako, by the way, what’s yours?” He crosses one knee over the other and his trouser leg parts to show a length of dark skin. Kravitz wants desperately to find out exactly how high the split in the thigh goes.

“Kravitz.” Says Kravitz. Focusing on doing anything that isn’t staring intently at Taako’s thigh. Not that Taako seemed to mind, he definitely grinned when he noticed Kravitz go slack jawed. But still, he could have misinterpreted, easier to stick to small talk. “What did you use to do at these things?”

“Steal, mostly, you know, light pick pocketing here, grand theft auto there… the usual stuff.”

Kravitz’s eyes widen. Fuck. He couldn’t tell Sloane about this one, she was already keeping the list of ‘reasons Kravitz isn’t allowed to pick his own men’ and ‘being immediately attracted to possibly a mob boss’ was likely to make it into the top 3.

“I’m joking, Krav.” Taako takes a sip of his drink, swallows slowly, eyeing Kravitz as he does.

Kravitz’s stomach clenches, he likes this, he likes this a lot. Taako’s welcome to observe him as much as he wants, preferably when he’s wearing less.

“Of course. Yes. You got me!” Kravitz manages a short laugh, it’s breathier than he intended it to be.

“Good to see you, Taako!” Ren greets Taako, plonks a cup down in front of Kravitz, winks, and leaves to attend to the disorderly queue because none of these people knew how to wait their turn.

“Do you like these things?” He asks Taako, then sips gently at the tea. It’s sweet, honeyed and fiery with ginger. Ren’s good to him.

“Nope.” Taako says passionately, looks like he means it. “They’re boring as all hell, my guy. No one is any fun.”

“You seem fun, the hat’s definitely fun.” Kravitz points at the spangled monstrosity atop Taako’s head.

“I’m a wizard and a genius, obviously I’m a delight. I meant the rest of them.”

“No one else is worth it?”

“You think Lydia’s fun?”

“I thought she might be if she respects you.”

Taako snorts. “I’ll let you know if that ever happens, but I wouldn’t hold out hope… fuck, speak of the devil.”

Kravitz turns to see Lydia stomping over. By the time he turns back, Taako’s gone.

“Kravitz! There you are.” The vulgarity of first names didn’t extend to talking to ‘the help’ clearly. “You need to be very careful about overdoing your breaks, you were supposed to take 15 at 9 and it’s already half past. You wouldn’t want me to review you badly would you?” She smiles her awful poisonous smile and eyes him with undisguised glee.

Thankfully he knows this dance. There’s no point in arguing. He’s only had 5 minutes and the reason he didn’t go at 9 was because of her, but she’ll just use any rebellion against him. He just nods demurely, finishes his tea in a long gulp, and says. “Of course.”

She looks disappointed about the lack of fight in him, which is exactly what he was hoping for. He leaves without another word.

–

The first few times he thinks he might have imagined it, but Taako is definitely gravitating closer to the piano. Kravitz didn’t notice him at all before, but he’s danced by, walked past, or stopped to look on appreciatively. Kravitz smiles every time he catches his eye and Taako’s even winked back at him a few times, but he needs to do something to show he can be the fun person Taako’s nights are lacking.

Lydia doesn’t seem to notice the Thong Song instrumental he works into the rotation, Taako spits champagne through his nose and claps so hard Kravitz can hear it over the general smattering of applause when he finishes a piece. It emboldens him enough to try something, he just needs to wait for the perfect moment.

Taako finally does a walk by, flicking his gaze to Kravitz as he finishes a song and transitions into Roy Orbison.

“Pretty wizard, walkin’ right past me”

Taako pauses.

“Pretty wizard, the kind I liked to meet Pretty wizard, I don't believe you You're not the truth No one could look as good as you Mercy!”

Taako turns, wide eyed. Points to himself, innocently.

“Pretty wizard, won't you pardon me? Pretty wizard, I couldn't help but see Pretty wizard, that you look lovely as can be Are you lonely just like me? Rwar-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r”

Kravitz gives it beans with the roar, if there’s a bit, he will commit to it. Taako laughs delightedly, it’s worth it.

“Pretty wizard, stop a while Pretty wizard, talk a while Pretty wizard, give your smile to me..eeeeee Pretty wizard, hey hey hey Pretty wizard, saw you look my way Pretty wizard, say you'll stay with me 'Cause I need you, I'll treat you right Will you maybe, dance with me tonight?”

Kravitz wiggles his eyebrows alluringly. Taako laughs, not unkindly, eyes soft, the corners crinkled with mirth. Lydia’s aggressively trying to catch Kravitz’s eye but he resolutely refuses to look away from Taako.

“Pretty wizard, can we go for coffee? Pretty wizard, just you and me? Pretty wizard, I’ll even spring for the whipped cre-eeeaaam”

Taako’s laughing so hard that he’s dabbing his eyes with a handkerchief, trying desperately not to smudge his eye make up.

“Okay I see you’re dairy free, okay I guess I’ll get the coconut cream, but wait I could get you some lactaaaaaaaaaid A scone, or two, or three? I can do that for you, you’ll see! If you’ll just go out with me, Oh, oh, pretty wizard”

Kravitz plunks out the last notes and laughs at Taako lounging dramatically on the front of the piano.

“Here’s Taako’s number, handsome, cha’boy can do dairy and he’s absolutely going to need those three scones tomorrow.”

“Kravitz!” Lydia yells.

He starts playing a jazzy version of Ace of Spades.

“Kravitz! I know you can hear me. We didn’t discuss any deviations from the playlist or the lyrics.” Kravitz nods as if he’s listening to everything she’s saying, and not staring at Taako.

“If you like to eat scones, I tell you I’m your man. Plain, fruit, cherry, they’re not all the same to me. The pleasure is to spread, jam, butter, or cream instead, If a scone is what you need, the only place you should be’s, Paloma’s Bakes, (Paloma’s Bakes)”

[littlelesbinonny]

The Devil's Den

Chapter 33: In Which A Silent Harbinger Approaches

You can read this also on Ao3 at: https://archiveofourown.org/works/46831621/chapters/117962293

Alcina all but barreled through the double doors to Karl's shop, damn near knocking them down as she slammed them shut behind her with a loud bang.

"HEISENBEEERRRG!"

Karl was nestled way at the back when the roar came echoing through, "ah fuck." He blurted.

He'd been nose deep in desperation trying to not only work on furthering their advance in this mutant malarky with any equipment or weapons he had, but to also distract himself from his guilt of spilling the beans about that fucking cave to his nieces. There was no doubt in his mind Alcina would be paying him a taxing visit when she got back, but he wasn't really prepared for this, he didn't want to be. And as her hasty stride full of purpose stomped closer he considered hiding, although uncouth and completely cowardly.

When she burst through the entryway to his area, nostrils flared, lips pursed, and a scowl that would put Medusa to shame, he backed away from his work bench with his hands raised in retreat.

"Now look -" was as far as he got before she slammed her palm on the edge of the counter, rattling everything in proximity.

"What were you thinking!?" she scolded, "you of all people know how headstrong my daughters are - "

"Well yeah, I mean, look at their mother -"

"DON'T INTERUPT ME!"

Karl shrunk into his shoulders, holding his hands a little higher, "I'm sorry!"

"You're so infuriating!"

He could tell she was doing everything in her power to control her rage and not haul off and very likely break something, possibly his face, so he had to think fast.

"Just gimme a sec to explain, don't snap and combust, ok?" he rattled off, "I know you're upset -"

"I am FURIOUS!"

"Yes, yes, I can tell and you have every right to have a super-sized bitch fit about it and want to break my neck and kill me, you do, I am not denying any of that, but you really gotta understand that my intention was never to get those girls into trouble or put them in harms way; they had questions and I just answered them without thinking, it's a weakness of mine" he huffed, watching the fire in her eyes swirl and threaten to blow, "I promise you on everything that I am, I love those girls, I love them like they are my own, and if I had any idea they were thinking of executing this idiotic fucking idea I would have squashed it faster than you would Salvatore's ugly ass head if you had the chance... ok? So don't kill me."

Alcina's jaw was clenched so tightly she thought she might shatter her teeth, her fists were balled hard enough she wondered if the heat she was feeling was the utter strength of her muscles burning or she'd drawn blood on herself. Either way, Karl's deflection of her wrath had annoyingly kept her from exploding which is exactly what he had intended. And, as much as she hated to admit, she did know how much he cared for her daughters.

Shoving her held breath through her nose like an aggravated bull, Alcina swallowed and softened her shoulders for relief of her own sake.

"In truth I didn't actually come here to kill you, although the thought has crossed my mind several times today... I would fully love to rip you to shreds, but it is, of course, unseemly and I will let you live another day," she acquiesced, "but for fuck sake Heisenberg," Alcina grumbled, "use the brain inside your fucking skull for more than bullheaded nonsense!"

Karl, surprisingly, accepted her insult without retort and slowly lowered his arms, "got it. Got it. Use the grey matter inside my skull."

With another exasperated huff, she leaned her hip on the countertop and folded her arms, "we have a more pressing matter unfortunately, and that's damage control for this whole situation... can I rely on your efforts?"

He kept his smug grin tamed, "absolutely. You say who, what, when, and where and I won't even ask the why boss lady."

Alcina rolled her eyes.

~

The girls had been shut up in their home for a full 24 hours by the time Alcina returned. 

Many hours had been spent glowering down at the courtyard full of Mateo's men. At least by Daniela.

Whether or not any of them were truly sorry about their actions, not a one of them could decide. They, along with Angie, had discovered the nook that lead them into the undiscovered tunnels. The brigades had no issue believing their lie that their mother had sent them to aid in the endeavor, and had it not been for them they would likely still be at square one. No where. Still, the outcome was unfavorable.

Bela and Cassandra were in the library guzzling blood-wine when Daniella decided to join them with a glass of her own.

Cassandra was staring blankly into space, nursing the chip on her shoulder with a scowl settled deeply in her visage.

Bela was unable to concentrate on her book and had finally given up.

Daniella was chewing on her bottom lip between sips and sat down in a huff on the plush cream colored chez lounge aside Bela.

"Think Angie's in trouble too?" she asked mildly.

"When Aunt Donna finds out, which she will, absolutely," Cassandra stated sharply, "I'm sure mother has already made that phone call."

Bela shot her sister a look at the bitterness in her tone, "every single one of us knew this was a bad idea and we still did it. We got caught. Quit being a bitch about mothers reaction."

Cassandra returned the icy biting gaze and tongued her teeth.

"Oh my god, now I remember why I've been avoiding the both of you," Daniella said getting ready to rise and leave.

"Sit."

Came a voice that shot ice cycles through their veins.

"M-mom," Bela stuttered, shifting to watch her as she entered.

Alcina looked strikingly ominous in the low light, her new pitch-black suit, and the sharpness of her features. It was clear she hadn't had any sustenance since she'd been gone.

She peered at her daughters with a facade similar to before but not as rough around the edges.

"I need you to be silent and let me speak," she began softly but sternly, standing tall and unmoved before them, "I also need the three of you to comprehend what I'm about to say..." the slate hue of her eyes showed the slightest hint of the hurt she felt, "when we are outside of our home, I am first and foremost your Matriarch, secondly your mother. Do I make myself clear?"

The question captured their full attention and left them on edge.

"My position as the leader of this underworld does not wane because you are my daughters. If anything my position becomes harsher and more complicated because of that fact alone. The three of you have put me in a situation I don't ever want to be in again. I now have to convince myself and others of your lie. I have to mend the cracks in your lie to now be the truth. You could have severely undermined and put my power in jeopardy with this, do you understand? When you go behind my back, it shows weakness. In me. In my reign. Do you have any idea what that opens me, and us, up to?" she asked sharply.

"Do you?" she asked again, even sharper, "Mutiny. Uprising. Death. If those who wish to see me overthrown find any kind of weakness in the chain that is our family, it gives them leverage to break us. If you're as smart and observant as you claim to be, then you are well aware of the mass of those who wish to harm us. You compromise not only me but yourselves, and Donna, Angie, Karl, Dmitri - any who are loyal to us. We have more foe than friends, that is the truth of it."

Alcina took a deep, heavy breath and stared each of her daughters in the eye.

"I keep things from you not with the intent of malice. I keep things from you to keep you safe. I keep things from you because juggling the Matriarchy and being a mother to my daughters can sometimes be too much, for even me - because at the end of the day I want you, my daughters, my girls, to be free of the cares and worries I must bare because it is my duty - because I want you to have a life that is freer than mine - I want you to bare as little worry and stress as you need because I want nothing more than to protect you!"

Vampires cry very little, if ever at all. In fact only once in a great while can a vampire shed a tear, and Alcina, in this moment, with the weight of facing the fact her girls could have been killed and she could not have been there to save or protect them, crashed down upon her harder than the boulders a day ago, and tears of her regret and sorrow began to pool in the bottom of her eyelids.

"I -" her voice quivered, "want only to protect you from the terrors of this world, from the very monsters you live amongst and whatever the fuck happens to be out there now. If that is selfish, the love I hold for you, then I will happily own it."

After the silence became too much, having no response or reaction, Alcina lifted her chin, straightened her spine and turned to leave.

A body collided with hers and halted her movement, holding her captive from behind.

"Believe it or not, no one should have to suffer alone," came the voice she was least expecting, "we just want to help you, mother, we want to help you and protect you as much as you do us. Being a family means love and support in all things. You have that in us. We just wished you would trust us."

Alcina placed her arm over the ones around her torso and sighed, "Cass, it has nothing to do with trust... I love and trust you. My burdens should not be your burdens."

Cassandra untangled herself from behind her mother and came to face her, "no. That's just it. Your burdens are our burdens," she stated firmly, grasping Alcina's slender hands in her own, "you raised us to be hellions in a fight. You raised us to be feral warriors. To be smart and cunning and to live with our eyes open. Why have your most powerful weapons sitting on a shelf gathering dust?"

The glitter in Cassandra's smirking face and eyes made Alcina laugh, "I don't think I raised you to be this cocky."

"Oh, oh you definitely did; stubborn and cocky as you."

The tension had broken with Alcina's brilliant smile and Cassandra pulled her in for a strong embrace, the other two joined not moments later and everything almost felt right in the word again.

"Dani's still fired though, it was her idea," Cassandra whispered, winking at her sister.

"Are you fucking shitting me?!" Daniella screeched.

Before Alcina had any grasp on what was happening, those two became an entangled mess of shrieks and punches and kicks on the floor. Bela stood off to the side with her mother looking disgusted.

"It was Cassandra's idea." she relayed unamused.

"I know," Alcina responded smoothly, folding her arms as the madness ensued.

When the sisters realized no one was actually stopping the fight, they halted mid punch and pull of hair to look at Alcina and Bela.

Their mother tilted her head, "when you're quite finished I have questions for the three of you about Angie."

The girls stilled even harder.

"Uhm..."

~

The tension in house Beneviento was palpable, all of it radiating from Donna. 

"Did you know Angie was part of this?"

Donna vigorously re-pinned the bun of her long brown hair upon her head, "I've only just been made violently aware."

Alcina watched her friend in amusement as she was clearly beside herself at the new knowledge.

She finally plopped down across the table from Alcina and placed her head in her palms, "If I would have had any clue, Alcina, I swear - "

"You don't need to apologize or back-pedal for her, I'm well aware you never would have kept this from me."

"Angie is the literal likeness of keeping track of a rabid raccoon - I am not in control, I can't even pretend to be in control."

"And you've not seen her yet?" Alcina asked taking a sip of her wine.

Donna dropped her arms and looked up, "briefly; before you returned she came tearing through the house, grabbed some things, said she'd be back, and that was it. Poof. Gone."

"Perhaps a leash?" Alcina teased.

"She'll just chew through it."

They sat by the candlelight for several hours musing over the situation at hand and making sure their stories added up with one another when it came to her daughters being sent on this faux mission. Alcina was still displeased beyond belief but she had to work with what she had.

With another sigh, Alcina lit a cigarette and took a very, very long drag. 

"I can't be certain," Donna broke the silence, "but Angie's onto something."

"How do you mean?"

"A hunch, and her actions. I did send her on a mission after all, and she dislikes coming up empty handed more than I do. There must be something she's onto."

Alcina's eyes narrowed as she took another puff, "let's hope she finds it soon. I would like to put many things to bed."

"As would I."

~

After his lovely visit with Alcina earlier today, Karl went back to busying himself with anything that involved explosives. Somehow it gave him pending satisfaction. He did his best work when he was left alone to his own devices and had been spurred on by some form of outside pressure, whatever it may be. Now, usually pleased and content to be left the fuck out of anything that didn't directly involve him had always been Karl's M.O. for as long as he could remember. But when he became involved with the vampires, suddenly things became more interesting and he preferred being part of whatever was going on. It rarely involved him or his men directly so it was more of an amusement factor, though he would never admit it out loud. But as of late, the continual tension and overwhelming feeling of something being 'off' was starting to eat at him worse than before, especially since his nieces had gotten into trouble. His team was currently not helping the matter.

"The rumbling is getting less and less, but they've isolated some of the hot spots."

Mitch was hunkered down on the map board with Karl, Diego, Bernadine and Lars.

"This here, this structure lead Blake and Serena's team on for two nights and the sounds stop here," he pointed, "but it's gone cold now for over the last 6 hours."

Karl grumbled uneasily, "that's cunt faces' stronghold."

"Cunt faces'?"

"MoThEr mIrAnDA."

"Oh," Mitch replied shortly, "THAT cunt face. If you could be a little more specific from time to time - "

"Fuck off. Keep going."

He cleared his throat with a snicker, "ok so, sounds stop at cunt faces lair and do not branch off like the other locations... But here's the really shitty part," he continued and pulled out another map, laying it flat, "this... this is where Dmitri sent some men. They have access to vampire strongholds with more underground access on this side of the Connecticut border. The tremoring has gotten strong here, but we lose the trail over here - at about this area - and it all goes completely silent, or too deep for us to track. The biggest problem with that is - "

Karl's blood ran cold as he stared at the map, "that is the direct line of access into the underground city."

-

Two days later and you were still tripping over the very audible and unexplainable "yes" you'd heard when you named the crows.

They'd been completely silent since the interaction and nothing else seemed to change. Although you could almost swear you all had an understanding of each other now. What that meant still wasn't entirely clear. They were all much more keen to get closer to you now; their distance was becoming less and less and you half expected one of them to jump in your lap one of these days.

It was now Wednesday night and it was cooking time with Malka. You'd agreed after all and actually you were kind of excited. 

Malka's little abode was cozy and neat. You'd visited a couple times over the years but not too often. It was right above her corner store and it had so much personality it made you quite jealous. Granted, she did live in one of the much older buildings in Manhattan, which was a large part of its charm.

It hadn't started to snow yet but damn it was getting colder. The winters here sucked when that humidity seeped its way in. You rushed your way down the blocks, your scarf bundled around your neck, coat wrapped tightly and soon you found yourself, freezing face and all, in front of the stairway up to Malka's place.

You pressed your gloved finger to the buzzer and it sounded high above, not a second after the click of the door sounded and you forced your way in.

Malka greeting you with open arms, "ahhh shayna punim!" she grinned, pinching your cold cheeks softy, "look at that red nose, blistering cold out there - come, come - let me have your coat."

The spacious living room was already flooded with the most divine smells; she'd already been at it it seemed.

The crown molding on the windows and ceiling were stained from all the years of living, but still, the cream color of the long lost artwork had lost none of its beauty. 

Malka's tastes were simple yet lovely. The throw rugs on the worn out wood floors were deep green, chestnut brown, and ocean blue. Handspun from Turkey, delivered by her older brother who had long since passed away. The furniture was as one might suspect; antique wood chairs that were hand carved that had hand sewn pillows. The couches were younger but well worn, comfortable, and forest green to match the rug. An old and very unused piano sat in the far corner with stacks upon stacks of piano books. Plants, crystals, mementos, and knickknacks were on any free flat surface that could be seen, and her walls housed family portraits and photographs, and a few antique opera posters from way back in the day.

Malka loved music, played the piano beautifully, and was an avid opera connoisseur. She'd threatened to drag you to one several times but you never actually went. Though, it was something you did want to do at one point in your life. One day you'd make the old woman happy and go.

As she shoved you towards the kitchen, you sighed happily and shrugged off the cold.

"So happy you came, ketzeleh," she said as she patted your back, "I've just put some tea on. Honey in yours?"

You hummed happily, "yes please!"

"Sit sit. We'll warm you up first, zen we cook."

Taking a seat at one of the old rickety kitchen chairs, you nestled into the warmth of her home and admired the old plates, tea cups, and vases that lined the kitchen walls. The kitchen was a pale light blue but everything else was a completely different color. Unlike the living room, the kitchen was splashed with every color under the sun. No two plates, cups, mugs, or towels matched and it was perfect in your opinion. If you didn't know any better you'd think the woman was a witch by her eclectic taste and mere look of her home. So many odds and ends acquired throughout her long life just made you love this little darling even more. Something about being here always made you feel more at home than your own apartment. 

Leo, a very large and bushy tabby cat came sauntering into the kitchen from the hallway and made his way to your lap, hopping up with sheer grace for his size. He settled down and began to purr, you smiled and immediately started weaving your fingers through his silky soft fur.

"Oh, Leo, you big oaf," Malka teased, "not a moment for her to get settled before your butt of fluff demands attention, tsk!"

When the kettle began to hiss and sing, Malka pulled it off the old but well kept stove and poured it into your favorite, hand sculpted mug she'd gotten in Ireland on one of her many trips around the world.

You took a sip and held the warmth in your cold hands, humming with pure satisfaction, "this hits the spot, thank you."

Her little wink and smirk met you over her own cup.

Malka had two dishes to teach you tonight: Shakshuka and Challah. The two of you started with the Challah bread, and though you didn't mind most of it, the braiding of the dough tested all of your patience since perfection plagued your very existence. But, after some mindful coaching and reassurance from Malka, you were finally able to get it to your liking. She grinned the whole time as she slipped both breads into the oven.

"Now!" she clapped her hands gleefully, "shakshuka is so easy only a mashugana can mess it up..." she winked, "grab that cast iron skillet on the wall, will you? Then come to the stove."

You did as instructed and joined her at the stove as she pulled out a carton of eggs, tomato paste, canned tomatoes, and flung open her cupboard of spices, plucking several and bringing them over.

"It's healthy, filling, and scrumptious. My grandmother made this every weekend when we visited. Call it a comfort food from my heart. Now, hand me the oil, eh?"

Watching her bustle about and drop the oil in the pan, Malka then guided you through the sauce and how to flavor it. The smell settled in your nose and lungs and before long your mouth was watering. Once the sauce had been set to simmer, you were instructed to poach 4 eggs and drop them into the sauce one by one, garnishing them with some salt, pepper, and chives.

"Eyy, look at that!" Malka beamed, "you can be taught! Grab two plates, let's eat."

This was easily now one of your favorite dishes. Granted, Alcina's pasta still held the gem of your heart, but this was second in line. Oh, how you wished you could cook this for her to enjoy.

Without saying a word, Malka could see you were very clearly reminiscent of something as you sat quietly eating, a knowing glint in her eye watching you unknowingly.

"How are things in your life, dear?" she asked softly, "you have seemed to be very happy lately, it warms me to see it."

Your brows raised and you looked at her mid-bite, caught off guard by her question of course. She was never one to pry and you knew you could trust her with anything, why you knew that you weren't sure, but this; Alcina; your vampire lover? You wouldn't even know how to say it without sounding like a total lunatic.

"Oh," you smiled gently, "nothing really, just feeling good I guess? Life's been good."

Malka hrmphed with a chuckle, "fine then," she giggled, "but you introduce them to me at least someday, mm?"

Oh for hell sake. Was the woman a mind-reader? 

Unable to hide your blush, you simply nodded your guilt away with silent agreement as you took another big bite in hopes she wouldn't ask anything ese.

The two of you bantered for a while after dinner; she always had the best stories and wisdom that she inadvertently spread at every moment. But soon you were bundled up and ready to face the frigid night air to get back home.

You said your goodbye to the aloof and stretched out Leo on the couch, scratching his chin lovingly before heading to the foyer.

Malka helped tighten your scarf around your neck and she eyed you fondly.

"You are special my girl. You know this, hmm?"

Shrugging gently, you smiled, "I suppose."

"No, no, ketzeleh, you are," she said with a knowing smile, her finger poking you softly in the chest, "a good heart, a wise old soul. You have many gifts waiting for you... You, my dear, have so much to master."

Her words made you stop and ponder but not for very long as she was pushing you now out the door, hurrying you to not be in the dark cold night for too long. With a chaste kiss to each cheek she sent you on your way after a warm embrace and you were off.

Cryptic, precious, odd old woman, you thought with a smile as you went on your way.

Malka had donned a large fluffy coat and stepped out into the balcony off the living room to watch you leave and make sure you were safe. To her left on the balcony ledge sat a crow which she regarded with a humble nod.

"Keep your eyes on her, Ebony. She will come into her own by force. It is already beginning and she'll need our guidance."

With that, the crow took flight, following your path from high above.

[vyvienne]

The Ore and the Raven

I am reclining on a velvet chaise lounge in my room, again impressed by the luxuriousness in which the Sin’dorei live. I have a small wooden lap desk settled carefully on my knees with quill in hand, scribbling furiously. A cup of tea sits within reach on a small table and beside it is the beautiful raven Skormosh made for me. Tonight he requested one ton of Elementium and would prefer it within two days. I have no idea if my contact Liadrea is able to obtain this amount within the given time frame but if it’s possible, she will find it.

I joined my new group in the local pub in Orgrimmar called the Wyvern’s Tail. I have to admit it isn’t what I am used to. It’s much more...what’s the word? Gritty. That suffices. Fights, people yelling, it was certainly an eye opener. I thought the Pig and Whistle, my former haunt in Stormwind, was uncouth. Compared to the Wyvern’s Tail it was positively mannerly. And it had no chairs. What would Ham think, having no chairs to thieve?

However, it was pleasant to be out in the city around others. I spend too much time alone, I know I do. But that wasn’t exactly true. As if reading my mind, I feel something behind me. A slight ripple in the air, nothing more. I don’t bother to turn, because I know that feeling very well. My raven Amity is now standing tall as a beautiful and lethal Kaldorei.

“I do not approve of this new group you are becoming involved in, Vyvienne” the Kaldorei says. Her voice is soft and hard to hear. She disliked speaking common, saying it was hard on her sensitive ears. After years, I knew a bit of Darnassian but not enough to converse fluently with her. “You approve of very little I do these days Thorne. You’ve known me for over a decade. Why does this surprise you, of all things?”

The Kaldorei is shorter than her kin but her presence fills the room. She moves just like the cat she spends a good deal of her time shifted into, outside of playing my raven. “To watch over you” she would always say. She slinks across the room, choosing to sit on the floor as if the décor of the inn annoys her. Her robes are colored like earth and sky and she wears no shoes. Her scent is of jasmine and earth. “Why do you feel the need?” Thorne asks directly.

I put the pen down, turning to look at her. I knew this conversation had been brewing for weeks and I wanted to speak directly so there would be no misunderstandings. “You know what I want. I want my daughter back. Alive, Undead, it doesn’t matter to me how she comes back as long as she does.” I wait because I know how Thorne feels about the Undead and how she feels about using magic for “forbidden” reasons. She wasn’t alive when the Well of Eternity blew up but her parents told stories that had been told by their parents. Many Kaldorei looked upon magic suspiciously to this day and even though Thorne was a druid who focused on manipulating not just earth, but also the heavens, she still had that deep, genetic feeling.

“You cannot do that, Vyvienne” she says. “It is unnatural. Allow your child to join her father beyond the veil. Or do you plan to bring him back as well?”

“No. He took her from me. I have no desire to see him again” I say simply. It was the truth. My love had withered to rage, even with my thoughts that my father had somehow manipulated Drex into leaving. It was my nature to be untrusting and suspicious. I was tired of fighting my nature. “I hear her, Thorne. I hear Angelinne and I hear Emily. Or I think I do. I won’t ignore her again.”

With the words finally said aloud to another living soul, I turn back to my note finishing it quickly. I melt the golden wax and affix my seal. I hold it out to Thorne. “Please deliver this to Liadrea. She will meet you in Northrend outside of Ham’s spa. I have asked her to keep an eye on it in case he faces any kind of trouble.”

Thorne eyes the letter, then me, then back to the letter. “I dislike Northrend. I despise Death Knights. You know why.” I continue to hold it out. “I know, but this is important.” She sighs. “It is not “important”, Vyvienne. Mourning your child is important. This is only important to you and that giant you’ve decided to befriend.” I narrow my eyes. “When, or how, I mourn is my own business” I tell her. Also, you have told me I need more friends. You cannot now tell me you don’t like the ones I’ve chosen.” While the word “friend” may not be exact concerning the Sanctum as of yet, it was at least in the vicinity.

My hand reaches up to touch the locket around my neck. Skormosh had asked about it tonight. I was not ready to reveal that it holds a small portrait of my daughter and an even smaller vial of her blood. A few drops at most, but I have noticed that since wearing it my magic was more potent. I wasn’t exactly sure why. Perhaps because it was infused with Angelinne’s power? I shake my head slightly, unwilling to hypothesize about it now, while having a somewhat major disagreement with my friend.

“Thorne, please. I do not wish to ask Elineda to do this. It’s enough that she’s out trying to gather information for me.” Thorne rolls her eyes, which looks completely wrong on her normally calm face. Her face shows calm even when she’s angry. “Trying, and failing, I may add. The young one is not nearly as trained as your former mentor would lead you to believe.” I snicker. “I think you may just be jealous you’re not out doing the same thing. I’ve told you it’s unnecessary to follow me everywhere and it is completely ridiculous that I need constant babysitting. I haven’t had a babysitter since I was in the cloister.” Once again, the Kaldorei rolled her eyes but she reached out and took the letter.

“Yes, and that turned out so very well did it not?” Thorne sighed, her voice nearing a level of sarcasm completely out of character for her. “When I lost Laeorn I wanted him back” she spoke, so low that I had to strain to hear her. “We did not have a child, but he was my lover, my mentor. He was my world. Then he was gone. You remember. The grief nearly drove me insane.” She paused, voice raising slightly. “You are insane right now, Vyvienne. Drexdan was wrong before, but I am not wrong now.”

With that, she shifted back into my faithful raven. The letter was now in her beak and she flew out the open window. I paused, watching her go. Thorne was my oldest friend, since I had rescued her years ago from an attack by a Death Knight in Ashenvale. It was completely by accident that I ran into the scene and didn’t even think. I attacked, giving her enough time to recover herself and help. It turned out this was her former betrothed who fell in the Third War. She would not have him in his “unnatural” state and it proved too much. He attacked her and probably would have killed her.

Since then, Thorne had been at my side, almost to the exclusion of all else. Even when she married, she spent a good deal of her time with me. I knew (and introduced) her husband, so it was no issue. He was often busy as well, being a loyal Kaldorei solider sent on many missions. I did not like asking her to do something she was uncomfortable with and she did not like that I had turned back to how I was when she met me. She preferred that I was still serving the Cathedral and baking cookies for orphans.

Those days are gone for me now. Even if my daughter wants nothing to do with me, it is better she is alive than not. And I will pursue this with vigor because I can do nothing else. That is me. That is who I have always been.

[mjmdragons]

SO….for probably the past 18 years ever since I was a freshman in high school who discovered fanfiction, I’ve been writing various (incomplete) pieces for a multitude of fandoms that I was convinced would never see the light of day. Until now. I always end up discovering things late to the party. Most recently Tumblr is one thing. And Jujutsu Kaisen is the other.

As in, I only discovered the series in September. And in my perusal of Tumblr I have read a myriad of insanely talented stories and ideas for Jujutsu Kaisen. But one thing that has stuck out to me is that I have never seen any fic that has Toji having a sister. I’ve seen stories of Suguru and Satoru having a sister, heck even Yuji. But never Toji.

And it got me thinking, what if he had a sister? Specifically a younger one, how would that impact the storyline of Jujutsu Kaisen. And so I present to you the first Chapter of a story I have spent six months creating (there are a lot of gaping holes). There’s going to be alot of questionable canon accuracy as I’m new to the series. I welcome any corrections and suggestions for improvement. Please bear with me.

I want to give a shoutout to Authorautumnbanks (Happy Brithday🥳) who has been instrumental in giving me feedback from the beginning about every idea of this story I have barraged to her.

She has also for months now been insisting that I finally just jump into the deep waters and post something. And so here I am posting what feels like the insides of my very soul for the internet to see for all of time. I am petrified, tentative and excited. I also honestly don’t really expect anyone to actually read this. But if you do, I appreciate you even taking the time, and I welcome any and all feedback. So without further ado here is Chapter 1.

Also: this is an 18+ Story. Minors do NOT interact.

When There Were Three

Chapter 1

Like a game of chess
I predict your move
I think I know you better
Better than you do

——The Downtown Fiction

For years Toji had longed to leave the Zenin clan, although the steps he had been surreptitiously taking to do so hadn’t really kicked into high gear until this past year.

He could’ve probably left years ago, no sweat off his back really. Probably.

It was making sure he had the funds to provide for his sister Maaya too (while raising her) that made leaving easier said than done.

It wasn’t uncommon for the Zenins or other lesser clans to send their girls off like herds of dumb innocent cattle to be shipped off to “schools” where they were taught (amongst other things)on how to seduce powerful men to ensure political power, continued lineage, and financial wealth to their clans.

They were transformed from uncouth animals into lifeless, unquestioning pretty porcelain dolls; easily breakable with nothing but emptiness inside once they shattered.

Easily replaceable too. At almost ten Maaya was on the cusp of being separated from him for that explicit purpose. They would rob her of her laughter, her smile, then her joy, her imagination, her sassiness, her determination, and finally what was left of her will.

“What would you think about leaving here?” Toji Zenin asked her while she brushed her teeth, finally voicing aloud his plan to her.

Maaya spat in the sink. She had never left the Zenin estate for more than a day before.

“On vacation?” She asked, puzzled, wondering how and if they could afford to even go anywhere.

The corners of her older brother’s mouth twitched as a chuckle escaped him.

“No, for good. Forever. We never come back here again.” Toji clarified, ruffling her hair.

“Where would we go?” Maaya asked, furrowing her brows.

Toji noted that her eyes were wide with genuine curiosity, not apprehension.

“We’d stay with that pretty lady you found under my bed.”

“The naked one?”

There was a loud clearing of a throat, and an averted gaze and red tint to Toji’s cheeks. “Yeah….”

“But, would she be able to afford us? I’ve been thinking alot about why she had no clothes on, and I can’t believe I didn’t realize it sooner. She’s poor! That’s why she was naked. She mustn’t be able to afford any clothes.”

Toji raised a puzzled eyebrow before a laugh emerged from him, a kind that Maaya had never heard before. Normally he would let out a husky chuckle from within his throat.

But this laugh came from somewhere deep within his gut, filling up every space of the room and quickly dissolved into a fit of giggles.

Those giggles made Maaya giggle, even if she wasn’t sure what exactly was so funny. Grownups were weird.

“T-that’s not quite, never mind.” Toji shook his head as a few more genuine chuckles escaped him and wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.

Toji’s jade green eyes always crinkled when he found something amusing. He pressed Maaya to his side so that her face was squished against the solid wall of muscle hidden beneath coarse fabrics of his hakama.

“Don’t ever change Twerp.” He rumpled her hair even more and let out a loud exhale.

“I won’t..” Maaya flailed, her voice muffled as he squished her even more. “You’re heavy!”

“If we leave here, we can be just like everyone else out there, like that lady.”

“You mean, we won’t get thrown in the curse pits anymore?” Maaya’s voice held a mixture of apprehension and a tinge of hope.

“No more curse pits ever.”

“And they really won’t hate us because we don’t have cursed energy? They’ll be nice?”

“Most of them, yes. They’re good people. Like the pretty lady.”

“Are you going to marry her? Is that why we’re staying with her?”

“Would you like me to marry her?”

“Does she make you happy?” Maaya tilted her head inquisitively.

“The happiest.” A rugged smile curled, and his sharp gaze softened considerably.

“Okay, then I would.” Maaya nodded, satisfied with that explanation and then paused. “But….only if you always make her happy too. It’s not fair if she’s never happy.”

“Well, I’m gonna do my best to kiddo.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Maaya held on tightly to Toji’s hand as they walked through the streets of Tokyo.

Even though the almost ten-year old had wandered these streets many times when sneaking out with Satoru Gojo to play ever since they were six, she felt an odd mixture of apprehension and anticipation now.

Maybe it was because there was no going back to the Zenin compound now, and their lives were now uprooted. When she and Gojo would chase each other, there was no set destination for where they wanted to go, but there didn’t need to be. They were just two little kids having fun.

Maaya never realized how much of a minimalist she was until they were packing the night before and everything she owned fit in her backpack. There was no need to take any kimonos.

Toji had said that the woman they’d be staying with (Midori Fushiguro was apparently her name) would have clothes for her to wear when they got there. So Maaya really just ended up taking a few books Toji would read to her, an extra sweatshirt, and that was basically it.

The little blue eyed white cat plushie keychain that Gojo had won for her while playing festival games was securely hooked onto the belt loop of Maaya’s pants.

She kept reaching down to check to make sure it was still there every few minutes. It was probably silly, but Maaya was too nervous about setting down her backpack and accidentally leaving it behind to hook the keychain to its zipper.

Since it was still fairly early in the morning, mixtures of salarymen and kids in schools uniforms flooded past them. Maaya’s gaze lingered on the uniforms of kids that looked close to her age, wondering if she would get to go to a school like theirs and wear one too.

She sure hoped so.

A group of girls in particular seemed to be giggling and laughing. It looked like they were having fun. It was something Maaya had never experienced with anyone her age outside of Gojo before.

It was an odd fact of her life that seemed impossible, ridiculous even, being part of a clan as huge and old as the Zenins.

But, when you had absolutely no cursed energy like her and Toji, your very existence was a sin, a shameful stain to your clan. From birth they were pariahs to the Zenins. Even the servants had more standing than them because they possessed cursed energy. Playing with her cousins, or any of the servant children was an unacceptable social taboo.

Satoru Gojo had broken that iron clad unspoken rule; he had always abhorred rules and traditions, and their friendship was a closely guarded secret.

When Maaya’s presence was required it was to learn archaic traditions like ceremonial dances and the art of tea serving and flower arranging in scant hopes she might attract a husband. As far as primary education, Toji had homeschooled her how to read and write, and basic arithmetic.

If she did go to a public school, she wondered what kind of subjects she’d learn; maybe she’d get to eat out of a lunchbox like all the other kids.

She snapped out of her thoughts as Toji ruffled her hair, having followed her curious gaze to the group of girls her age.

“Don’t worry, you’ll make plenty of friends in no time kiddo.” He promised her, his voice gruff, but his piercing jade green eyes were gentle.

Because of Toji’s imposing height and powerful build, they actually didn’t seem to have to do much weaving through the crowds. Rather, people seemed to quickly get out of Toji’s way, which made it easy for them to make their way to a local restaurant across the next street.

Before Maaya could ask why they were stopping here, a familiar woman with warm brown eyes, short spiky locks of hair, and a bright smile approached them. She was dressed casually in jeans and a hoodie, and embraced Toji with long kiss.

Maaya wrinkled her nose and averted her gaze; grownups were so gross. Seeming to sense her discomfort, the woman broke away from Toji and knelt down so that she was eye level with Maaya.

Suddenly caught off guard by the attention that was on her, Maaya squeezed Toji’s hand even harder, this time with both hands, and pressed her face into Toji’s arm, suddenly overcome with shyness.

The woman beamed, “Hi Pretty Girl. My name’s Midori Fushiguro. It’s nice to meet you again.”

Maaya blinked, her cheeks growing rosie at the unexpected compliment. Pretty?

“Hi!” She squeaked, and with a surge of bravery bowed respectfully to Midori (though she was still clinging onto Toji).

“I-I like your name. It’s pretty just like you,” Maaya blurted out, making Toji laugh and Midori melt.

“What’s your name Twerp?” Toji gently prompted her, his eyes crinkling with amusement. He reached over and poked her side with his free hand.

Maaya glared up at him before turning her attention back to Midori. She swallowed quickly.

“I-I’m Maaya Zenin. Oh, wait, just Maaya because we’re not Zenins anymore.” She felt Toji ruffle her hair in quiet approval.

“I think your name’s actually closer to ‘Octopus’ with how you’re gripping onto me.” Toji teased, which earned him a united glare from both Maaya and Midori.

“Aw, be nice Toji; she’s just a little shy. And such a cutie! Are you hungry for some breakfast Maaya?” Midori smiled sweetly.

Maaya nodded eagerly as her tummy rumbled.

“Great! This place has a lot of sweet breads and donuts you can eat. And then after we eat breakfast and get you guys settled in, there’s a playground nearby that we could go to.” Midori suggested hopefully.

“Really, we can play there?” Maaya glanced at Toji hesitantly, who nodded.

“Sure we can.” Toji shrugged, a lot more relaxed than he’d been an hour ago.

That confirmation seemed to break any lingering trepidation or shyness Maaya had because she let out an excited cheer.

Midori didn’t even get a chance to blink before Maaya began eagerly inquiring about how big the slide was, and launching into a tale about how she tried sliding off the rooftop of the Zenin bath house a week ago, but accidentally landed on some Chrysanthemums in the process.

Midori took one look at Toji’s astonished face and burst out laughing. “Oh I like you, you keep Toji on his toes, don’t you?”

Maaya seemed to puff up with pride like the fresh breakfast pastry she eagerly bit into. “Of course I do; he runs really funny when he tells me not to do something. That’s why I do it anyways.”

“I do what now?” Toji raised a disbelieving eyebrow as he took a skeptical bite of his breakfast.

Maaya stared incredulously at her big brother: “You. Run. Really. Funny.” She repeated slowly annunciating every word as if Toji had suddenly gone nearly deaf AND dumb.

“You know how chickens are too fat to fly but they still try to flap their wings anyways while they run around?” Maaya painted a generous picture.

“Yeah….” Toji eyed his little sister suspiciously. Was she calling him fat now?

“Well, you look even MORE ridiculous than that when you run.” Maaya nodded affirmatively with a shrug of her shoulders before turning back to her breakfast; completely oblivious to the ego damage she had inflicted.

Midori choked on her juice as she failed to hold back her laughter. Heck, she didn’t even try to not laugh.

Toji sighed heavily, and rolled his eyes at Midori. “Whose side are you on again?”

“Oh, hers for sure.” Midori snorted, “Like that’s even a question.”

The bravery of this kid (who was entirely dependent on him for survival) to roast him so easily never ceases to amaze him. Toji swore in terms of discipline, he was gentle parenting his baby sister, but Maaya had clearly missed the memo that she was supposed to be gentle childing back.

“It’s such a relief you’re as smart as you are pretty. All Toji has to offer is his pretty hair. But I think you’ll be just fine.” Maaya told Midori who looked positively gleeful at the compliment.

“I like the way you think.” She held up her hand to high five Maaya, who happily accepted.

“I like it too!” Maaya agreed with a confident nod.

Well, she sure got over that shyness fast, Toji internally scoffed as he took a sip of his coffee. But as he watched Midori and Maaya chatting away as if they’d known each other their whole lives, he felt his mouth curving up into a small smile, and there was a pleasant stirring in his chest.

He turned his attention to the window, and noticed the leaves just starting to turn color outside.

It was nice Toji decided, to be able to look forward to things changing, and this time it felt like it was for the better.

~~~~~~~

Bonus scene:

“Toji, have you seen my shoes? I looked everywhere.” Maaya was bouncing on the heels of her feet with way too much pep this early in the morning.

He made a mental note to check how much sugar was in her cereal later. She was unnaturally alert; and Toji was not a morning person.

He poured what was left in his flask into his coffee cup, and rubbed his temples.

“Are you sure you checked everywhere?” He muttered, forgetting that Midori hadn’t snuck out the window, once their latest romp in the sheets had finished.

Maaya tilted her head in thought. “Pretty sure….oh…well maybe….” She paused, biting her lip in thought, clearly backtracking.

“Go check again everywhere.” Toji all but pushed her out of the kitchen of their living quarters.

“Okay.”

“I should start sedating her cereal.” Toji rolled his eyes, letting his head hit the table with a weary thud.

Midori heard whispers, and footsteps. Odd since she lived alone——ohhh!

Her eyes snapped open and a simultaneous feeling of dread and panic seized her brain as she took in her surroundings with groggy eyes.

Oh shit shit shit…she could kill Toji. She knew that lying next to him wasn’t going to be for “just a few more minutes.”

He probably really was married. The jerk! Clan rules her ass. How had she never put it together before??? Why else would he be sneaking her in?

In times of panic, one’s mind works dumbly as the body attempts to seek crude ways of survival.

In Midori’s case, she rolled off the bed, still completely naked and crawled under the narrow space between the bed and the floor when she heard footsteps coming close.

Oddly light footsteps.

It took everything in her not to scream as the sheets hanging off the bed were lifted up, and pair of green eyes that were not Toji’s stared back at her.

“Hi?” She wheezed inhaling a dust bunny. Idiot! She should’ve played dead.

The sheets fell down a moment later, and then the door opened and the footsteps started to retreat.

The walls were thin. And despite the thunderous boom of her stupid heart thudding nonstop, she could hear the conversation going on in the next room:

“Did you find your shoes?”

“Nope. But, um…. I did find a lady under your bed.”

There was a sound of intense choking.

“A what?”

“A lady….she had no clothes on. But I don’t think she was a curse. She didn’t attack me; she said hi. Actually, I know she’s not a curse, she’s way too pretty.”

Toji’s voice sounded strangled.

“Is that right?”

“Yep! She’s way prettier than all the other girls you keep sneaking in. No wonder you were kissing her near the moat last night. You never do that with all the others. You’re not very good at being sneaky are you?”

Midori felt her blood boil and her right eye twitch.

Toji was going to be a goddamn eunuch once she got out of here.

She missed what Toji said next.

“Well, it’s your bed Toji. What you keep under there is what you can fit I guess. Just not my shoes. I’m gonna go play——oh is it fun?”

“Is what fun?” Toji sounded like he was getting stabbed.

“Kissing. That’s all you ever do with girls. Is it fun?”

“I guess….”

“Well it must be for them; because talking to you is a real bore.”

“Listen Twerp——“

“But if kissing‘s all there is to have fun when I’m grown; I’d rather just climb trees forever instead.”

Toji’s laughter reverberated throughout the room and gave Midori goosebumps.

“I’m gonna hold you to that. Now….get lost Twerp.”

“Just not under a bed?” Came the cheeky reply.

“OUT!”

I just wanna run, hide it away
Run because they're chasing me down
I just wanna run, throw it away
Run before they're finding me out
I just wanna run
I just wanna run




[nfumbewalk]

Hmm.

Here is a nice altar picture, though I blocked the sigils drawn on the candles. No one's business but my client.

Don't know what to think...lost a follower. Oh well! I move on. Gen X'er types like me don't really give a shit. 😂 One candle is white, one is yellow

Things are so great on the magic & muerto fronts! My magic with Rodolfo is spot on with our client. She asked for longer work because she loves the energy she's getting! Nice. I'm using 7 candles & 6 glasses of water and the power is so strong. When alone, I generally use 3 glasses of water & 4 candles, but more if using a circle spread.

The ones pictured here are in a semi-triangular form, though it's hard to see from the photo. When triangles are used, it signifies "putting the muertos to work." I learned this from a book on espiritismo. A good one! One that I read recently, "Mesa Blanca" Is a recent shit book!! Anyhoo! Good thing it was Kindle Unlimited! This has saved me tons of money!!

Some may wonder why water and so much of it, and the same with the candles? The water quenches the spiritual thirst of the muertos, it helps their desires become clear, and also gives them enough emotional fortitude to stay and visit. The flames give them life energy and sustenance for as long as they can visit. No one knows about this, because I've received this from the muertos from channeling as I write.

I'm going to drop some info to my therapist. He's very, very interested. I was thinking the other day - ppl seem into necromancy these days, but in the occult field, NO one is REALLY doing the REAL thing! Yeah - talk to the muertos & it *may* work - your planchette on your Ouija may move. But does a solid muerto walk behind you and whisper "Howdy," in your ear, while feeling his hot breath? Or scratch at the bathroom door trying to rouse you for attention? My muerto is well behaved. Some may not be.

I'm getting more ideas for my book and I'm jotting things down. It's going to be an almost massive feat to get my book going but...my husband just started updating his freaking *sweet* laptop for me!! Woot! 😁 It's not brand new but it was only lightly used & it's a ThinkPad! 💖 Love those since I had a 286 or 386 version back in the 90's! Now I'll have a legit word processor. Cool!

So, ppl probably wonder why ppl like me love muertos. Hard to explain, really. It can get spooky at times, but not for me. I'm not scared of any muerto. I've encountered Rodolfo's muerto friends.

And a ton of other muertos! When you're as psychic as me, you get used to this stuff eventually. Ppl get super interested when I mention my close touches with death & Santa Muerte. Just two life changing events, but very serious and REAL af! Both experiences changed me.

And my traumatic jail experience as well. 2 weeks is enough! One reason for my therapy visits. I lost a very thick head of hair - now I have very thin, long hair. It didn't grow back like it did after the 2 week coma. Yes, it's 2 weeks with me for some strange fucking reason. 🤷 A hair dresser told me that with trauma, the hair takes a rest. Then when things are no longer a threat, the hair resumes growth. Then you shed hair. It's supposed to come back. After jail, it fell out & never resumed. Sooo...very rarely, I wear my hair down. It's embarrassing.

Welp, that's exposing myself! Oh, I don't care! Might as well be honest because I expect honesty back from others. I despise liars. Like one of my favorite musicians, Johnny Rotten (John Lydon). He had a song about liars. I agree with him. He's an ex-pat Republican. Love him. 💖 Some hate him. Don't care! Music? I'll say: The longest is:

The Rolling Stones, don't even touch their ancient asses! I was raised, fed, and indoctrinated with The Stones since I was born. I know just about everything about the band history. Stones geek. My favorite Stone is Keith Richards (or Richard, in the early 60's). Fuck the Beatles. My mom said the Stones were "dirty and uncouth" and ppl didn't agree with their image & sex appeal. She loved them because of this and her pen pal in England sent her lots of clippings from the papers and magazines about the Stones.

I love: Sisters of Mercy, Joy Division, The Damned, Siouxsie & the Banshees, PiL (Public Image Limited), Southern Death Cult/Death Cult/The Cult, Bauhaus, Peter Murphy, Tones on Tail, Love & Rockets & lots of 90's gothic & industrial like Switchblade Symphony, London After Midnight, Corpus Delicti, Sunshine Blind, Voodoo Church, NIN, Frontline Assembly, Crystal Method & Chemical Brothers. :wumpscut: too, but they're a bit later.

How the fuck did I get on this topic? Hell knows!

Need to talk more necro!

So it goes! 💖💀💖

[forebodingprophet]

Manners and Decorum

               “When?”

               Anastasios looked up from the paperwork on his desk and eyed the intruder warily before heaving a sigh. 

               “‘When’ what?”

               The intruder, resembling a teenager even younger than himself, stormed over and slammed his hands on the desk.

               “You said the portrait lady comes to visit sometimes.  I want to know when.”  Anastasios had to shield his documents from the rain of angry spittle the teen produced. 

               “I don’t know,” Anastasios replied.  “Why do you care so much?”

               “I just do!  Why’s it matter to you?” 

               The teen was actually a rather ancient Zoroark.  If someone told Anastasios that he was the same age as Lady Aria, he’d believe it, but that didn’t even begin to answer the question of why he wanted to meet her so badly.

               “Look, considering the first time we met you tried to turn me into a pile of fleshy chunks, not to mention the fact that even after a year here you can’t be bothered to learn the most basic of civilities like knocking or saying ‘hello’ before demanding things from the young master of the mansion, indicates to me that you are not fit to meet her.  Regardless of my own personal opinion on the matter, other members of the house would throw a fit if I let someone so uncouth anywhere near Her Holiness again.  Frankly speaking, you standing here trying to intimidate me into acquiescing and summoning her for a visit is far less intimidating than the idea of having to deal with the entirety of my family breathing down my neck again.”  The Zoroark balked, his hands clenching into fists as he began to pace angrily back and forth.  He stopped his pacing after a moment, turning as if to bark at Anastasios again, but then returned to pacing.  Anastasios returned the majority of his attention back to the document pile in front of him.  “Look, I get that you have some circumstances.  You aren’t required to tell us about those circumstances so long as you don’t bear your fangs at any members of my family.  But you cannot simply expect the future leader of the house to bend to your every whim just because we worked together.  Especially when the request you’re making is being made not only without decorum, but is also a request to meet one of the most powerful individuals in the world.  Understand, I have to keep her safety in mind.”  Even though the last thing Balia needed was Anastasios looking after her safety.  That seemed to make the fox relent though.  Now, rather than looking desperate, he just looked frustrated, and more with himself than Anastasios.  The young patriarch returned his attention to his intruder.  “You’ve lived for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.  I can promise you that a visit will come, especially while I and Hikaze are alive.  Until then, you need only make yourself presentable- or at the very least learn to control your impulsiveness.  That’s your current major flaw.”

               “I don’t want to hear that from the person who lets that run amok as he pleases.”

               Anastasios’ expression dropped.  “That is a lost cause.  Consider it a blessing that you have more intelligence than him, and simply leave it at that.  At least you’re capable of learning.  He could barely even learn the most basic of noble pleasantries in three months.  I’m sure you will find more success.  Consider it a compliment that I even have expectations.”

“… So… where am I supposed to learn these… manners?” the fox grumbled out.

               “You can ask Théo.  His manners are overly impeccable.”  The man wouldn’t even use Anastasios’ name in an informal setting.  “I’ll tell him to teach you if you can manage to approach him with the basic manner of saying ‘please’.”  The Zoroark grumbled, and Anastasios could almost see his tail swishing back and forth in frustration.  Was it because he had memories of Erebus doing the exact same sort of thing?  That was probably why he was willing to even give the fox a chance at all.  “Regardless, we’re going to have a while before I can even attempt to invite her anyways,” Anastasios ground out as his eyes shifted to the mountains of paperwork on his desk.  Seriously, was his papous trying to bury him?  It certainly felt like it.  “Can’t do a damned thing until I finish all the work papous foisted back off on me the second we resolved that issue.  I can’t tell if its supposed to be training or a punishment.”

               The fox snickered.

               “Just remember,” Anastasios said with a nasty grin, “I can’t send even so much as a letter to Lady Aria until this is all complete.”  That wiped the smile of the other’s face pretty quickly, and the fox was back to frowning at the mere idea of Anastasios’ general existence.  “Ah ah ah,” Anastasios scolded.  “Remember, manners.”

               “I didn’t even-!”  The fox grunted loudly before storming out, likely not wanting to deal with Anastasios any more than he absolutely had to today. 

               “You do so love to get people to leave you alone by making them as upset with you as you can, don’t you,” Celia remarked from her spot on the chair nearby where she had heard every bit of the conversation.

               “If only it worked half as well on that idiot, I could finally get some of this work done.”

               “Shoulda thought of that before you went off to do everything on your own.”

               “I’d say ‘I won’t do it again’, but this house won’t give me much of a choice.”  Anastasios returned to his work, muttering discontentedly under his breath about the ridiculousness of bureaucracy and politics in a house.

[honorhearted]

“You have also caused me the greatest pleasure I’ve ever known.”

Unable to help it, Ben flushed, a sheepish smile touching his lips as he looked in between the floor and her face. "Would it be uncouth of me to reciprocate?" he asked, gently brushing a lock of hair from her eyes.

The idea of togetherness could be so fleeting, and they both knew this firsthand. It made their coupling all the more frantic, devoted, and a knot formed in his throat at the sight of Isabelle's tears. "I know," he assured her, his voice hushed. "I very much feel the same."

“Are you saying you had dreams of us ‘together’?”

With a startled laugh, he shifted against the floor and shrugged. "I needed something to get me through those bleak, miserable nights. What better way than the thought of being in your arms?"

Almost like an actress awaiting her cue, Isabelle enveloped Ben in her embrace and pulled him downward, her mouth melding into his and sending a whipcord of heat throughout his limbs. He would never tire of her -- of her love, her lips, her heart -- and before he could even think to deepen their kiss, the sudden staccato of a knock sounded across the room.

Alarmed, Ben lifted his head and held his breath, his lungs suddenly feeling too tight for his own chest. He could hear Isabelle's queries, but found himself unable to speak. Who could it be? Michel knew of their affections, naturally, but so did the entire town thanks to their public argument.

Pink-cheeked, Ben slowly rose and squeezed Isabelle's hand. "I have to," he decided. "Perhaps your father saw reason and has called off the duel..."

Though it was unlikely. A man as proud and arrogant as Michel Allard would never concede, and yet for Isabelle's sake, Ben vainly wished for otherwise.

"Just stay here," he entreated. "I'll go see who it is."

Leaving his room, he headed into the corridor and approached the door, his heart in his throat as his mind raced with the possibilities of just who had decided to visit. With his pulse drumming erratically in his ears, he took a deep breath -- in for three, out for three -- before finally ripping open the door in a rush.

"Josiah," he choked.

"Tallmadge," the man greeted, offering a curt nod. "May we speak?"

"Uh..." Flustered, he glanced over his shoulder, discovered that Isabelle was still hidden out of sight, and then ultimately stepped back to allow him entry. "Yes, of course. Come in."

"Thank you." Crossing the threshold, Josiah waited for the door to be shut before he said, "I know about Isabelle. She's held a candle for you long before we ever married. I'm no fool." He exhaled. "I want her to be happy, but a man also has to protect his reputation."

Ben furrowed his brow. "What are you saying?"

Josiah straightened, his chin tensing. "If you survive the duel against Michel, then I challenge you for the same."

I'm glad you felt no pain, but I hate the thought of causing you any discomfort.

She tilted his chin upwards, hoping it would cause him to return his gaze to her. “I’m fine,” she said, softly yet earnestly. “You have also caused me the greatest pleasure I’ve ever known,” Isabelle gave a sheepish smile, unable to refrain from doing so, “and I don’t just mean because we… but because I finally have you back, safe and unharmed, in my arms.” She swallowed back tears, forcing herself not to think about the event which was taking place tomorrow. Today had enough trouble of its own. 

Her brow quirked at his response. “Are you saying you had dreams of us ‘together’?” she teased, releasing a soft giggle. The thought made her blush, though, and unless he asked her directly, she would never admit to the dream she once had of them being intimate with one another. A smile bright as the sun curved her lips as she enjoyed the warm sensation of his lips trailing along her flesh. She would never tire of his kisses or his tender touches. 

I'm just sorry I didn't have the foresight to know that your love reflected my own.

With softness invading her features, Isabelle could only shake her head in response, knowing if she dared to utter a single word on the matter which had been the source of their great heartache, she’d no sooner be reduced to a sputtering, sniveling mess once more. And hadn’t they already spent more than enough time coddling their grief? Instead, she reached out for Ben, unable to bear the physical distance between them, albeit it was small, and they’d already been wrapped up in one another’s arms. 

She kissed Ben, matching his fervor as she felt her heart began to palpitate, warmth spreading throughout her entire body. With every passing moment, Isabelle weakened under his touch -- a welcome sensation -- the heat and passion of their kiss rendering her breathless and dizzy. She had no desire to retreat, wouldn’t have, but then, she heard what sounded like a faint knocking. 

As though there was the possibility they could be heard, she drew back from him slightly and whispered, “Did you hear that?” She pulled back even more, straining her ears for any sound. There came more knocking, still faint but a bit louder than before. Now Isabelle was fairly certain what she had heard was somebody knocking on the front door. Filled with dread, she turned back towards Ben. “Are- Are you going to answer the door?” Surely no one knew Isabelle was here, unless she’d been seen, and someone had told her father. 

[increasinglygeeky]

Special Delivery | Alma

fandom: gokurakugai

pairing: alma x gn!reader

genre: fluff / tooth-rooting fluff / a hint of angst but not too much so don't worry

notes: ooc I guess (there's not a lot of chapters), lesbian!tao cause I know that woman has sex with other women, I refer to tao and alma as brother and sister cause that's what they are to me, a lot of this are my own headcanons so I can connect some dots, spoilers for the series so far

summary: uh-oh! looks like our favorite troubleshooter has a crush on the person who delivers his food.

(08/05/2023: Good news! As of this note, we're getting serialized Gokurakugai in Shonen Jump! I'm so happy!)

"It's almost time. Do you think they got stuck in traffic? Do you think they forgot our address?" Alma mutters nervously as he paces near the front door of their office/apartment.

Tao sighs in annoyance. Her cigarette leaves her mouth and smoke billows out from her lips. Once again, her little brother is getting worked up for such an uncouth reason. So once again, she has to make sure he doesn't exhaust himself.

"Alma."

"Oh crap! What if a Maga got to them cause it smelled our food!? Aaahhh!" Alma shrieks as he grips the red strands of his hair tightly.

"Alma!" Tao stands and slams a book on her desk, making her partner in crime jump and turn towards her.

"Y-Yes, Tao?" He asks, now a bit more anxious thanks to the noise.

"It's only been thirty minutes since you ordered. So if you don't calm down, I'm sticking you with cleaning up the bathroom until I'm finished eating." Tao reminds him as the taller one nonchalantly sits back down and opens up the book that rocked the room.

Alma stares in a deadpan as his sister then takes a hit from her cigarette. The redhead was very aware that he shouldn't be acting this way. He fights monsters that crawl up from the pits of hell on a daily basis so what's getting him so worked up? Over a food delivery no less?

You see, ever since that new diner a few blocks away from the Troubleshooters opened up, where you could just about order anything from cheeseburgers to an entire salmon entree, Alma found himself infatuated. 

Not just with the varieties of food on display, but with the pretty delivery person he saw in the window getting ready to head out.

The delivery person in question? That was you.

On that day, time seemed to stop as Alma watched you pack the edible items into your insulated bag. Or was it some type of cooler?

The point was, the second his baby blue eyes landed on you, the half Maga boy was frozen. His palms felt clammy, a knot churned in his gut, he could see his breath fog on the glass, and his face flushed red.

Behind him, Tao stopped her brisk walk and saw that her brother seemed to be stuck in place. Being the inquisitive person she was she headed back over to the display window, took in Alma's awestruck expression, and followed his line of sight. To where you just about finished packing signaled by the swipe of your brow.

The gunslinger grinned.

As you hefted your bag and left the back way, Tao shook Alma by the shoulder, "Wake up, Al".

The redhead rapidly shakes his head and meets his sister's glassy gaze, "Tao? What just happened?"

"I should be asking you the same thing. You okay? Your whole face is red."

"It is?" Alma placed a hand over his chest. He could feel his heart thump wildly and his Solution thrum in time with it. "My chest is beating like crazy. Oh no! I'm not coming down with something am I?!"

Tao just chuckled softly. God, the kid's innocence was downright adorable. But that didn't mean she could let him in on it right now. Not before she got the answers herself.

"You're probably just hungry again. Why don't we order something from here?" She thumbed to the diner and he seemed to like that idea.

"Yeah! You're right! I'm gonna get myself a triple cheeseburger with curly fries!" Alma happily dashed into the building with his sister following behind.

Once the overhead bell jingled, Tao had to stop herself from breaking into laughter once she noticed how her brother at the booth was swinging his legs back and forth like a five year old at an ice cream bar. "Over here, Tao!" He boomed merrily despite being a millimeter away.

It was crazy, she thought. How seeing you made the redhead's day much brighter. After all, they were almost killed during a mission earlier for the umpteenth time. It's amazing to know how resilient one person can be. Even if they needed an extra pick me up.

"In a second, Al." The silver haired woman turned to the hostess next to her, "Excuse me..." She gave your description and asked for your name. Once she got the information, she took out at least a thousand in cash and her business card.

"From now on, we'll only accept deliveries from them."

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"What do you think they'll be wearing?" Alma asks in a dreamy voice while looking through the peephole.

"If I had to guess, the same things from the last time they were here." Tao replied, just thankful her brother wasn't roaming in a panic anymore.

"Right, the uniform." Alma leaves the door and sprawls his body over the couch. Clutching a pillow to his chest, he let his thoughts wander to something else. He calls for his sister.

"Yeah?"

"Do you think it's weird we somehow get them every single time we order?"

Tao breathes in her cigarette and exhales, "I think I remember hearing them say they're always understaffed or something."

Alma doesn't respond. He turns his body away, palm covering his ear.

Tao can't help but believe that he might figure it out. Finally. After like, weeks of this. "Do you wanna talk about anything?

"Like what?"

"I dunno. Whatever you want. Just to pass the time, I know you're getting antsy."

Alma's gulp echoes through the office. He reverses his sides so his sister can see the light dusting of pink on his cheeks. Slowly, he gets up and goes over to the chair in front of Tao's desk and sits. With his head lowered, Tao waits to see what he does next.

"I don't want them to come here!" Alma blurts out and lifts his head, tears of frustration pricking his eyes.

Tao stares in bewilderment, "Who are you talking about? You don't mean..." They both say your name at the same time.

When finally questioned, Alma breaks down and explains that he feels like he has a heart attack and straight up dies every time he opens the door for the exchange. Where he has to make eye contact with you and those few seconds feel like an humiliating eternity. He knows at that moment he has to speak, but he feels his lips are glued shut. He dances a stupid jiggly dance as the money leaves his hands and are replaced with his curly fries. Then, he can't recognize his handwriting on the receipt.

What's incredulous is that by now, you aren't scared away from his behavior. How you couldn't care less if it's Tao who answers instead of him.

He also doesn't know why the spell seems to always break when he shuts the door on your retreating form. The only things he could think of for the rest of the day is either your bright smile, your bell like voice, the way your uniform shows off your figure, or how his hands still buzz after they connect with yours.

Tao sighs deeply once he finishes the rant.

She understands completely. Now she knows why Alma seemed a bit too distracted when working jobs sometimes these past few days. Each time, they would've said goodbye to you again just before.

But hey, at least her gut feeling was right on the money earning her another win.

Speaking of distractions, The redhead looks to be off in another world.

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"Ah! Somebody help me!" You scream as you attempt to escape the Maga that was chasing you.

When the creature's claws come down, you manage to duck and weave into a nearby alleyway. Only to stop when you realize you've reached a dreaded dead end.

You look up at the monster, it's mouth opening up; primed and ready to swallow you as their next meal. You whimper and attempt to shield yourself when... you hear your name being called from the heavens.

"Get away from them!" Alma rages from on top of a building in his Maga form.

You catch a glimpse of him despite the creature in your way, "Alma, please save me!" You cry out.

He jumps and flies down. He's able to slice the monstrosity in half with his sword. You're in shock as the Maga dissipates to reveal the Troubleshooter, looking as dashing and unbothered as ever.

"Sorry I'm late, babe." He cheekily replies as he moves his sword to his shoulder and flips his short hair.

"My hero!" You praise and rush into his awaiting arms. Once the two of you embrace, you pepper his face with grateful kisses.

"Heh, what do you say we get out of here and grab a bite?" He suggests pridefully.

You nod your head with great enthusiasm and with his hand on your waist, the two of you leave the dingy place only to come face to face with... Tao.

She is certainly not happy.

"Oh. Hey-"

"ALMA!" She roars.

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The redhead yelps and falls back in his seat onto the wood floor. He winces in pain a little as Tao looks on in exasperation.

"You okay?" She asks.

"Yeah." Alma lifts up his chair and returns to a sitting position. "Sorry about that. I know you hate it when I drift off in the middle of something."

"You bet your ass I do." Tao grumbles through her cigarette.

"Tao, do you think I'm allergic to them? Is that even possible?" Alma wonders.

The smoker blinks a few times, before she lets out a hearty laugh. Making Alma fume in embarrassment.

"What's so freaking funny?" He demands.

Tao wipes a few tears, "No, you're not allergic, dumbass! You have a crush on them!" She reveals.

Oh.

"Oh."

A puzzle piece clicked in place in that big brain of his.

HOLY SHIT! SHE'S RIGHT I TOTALLY LOVE THEM! Alma yelled in his head as he felt coughs of surprise escape his throat.

"Jesus, dude. Here." Tao hands him a water bottle which he opened and downed eagerly.

Once he finished, he gave his sister a pissed off look. "Dammit! You knew about it this whole time, didn't you!?" He exclaimed.

Tao responded by giving a sly grin and tapping the end of her cigarette butt on her ashtray, "I may have. Sorry, but I just have to see where some things lead to." She remarks. The mischievous glint on her glasses tells Alma all he needed to know.

"Oh, you freaking-!"

Alma was cut off by the sound of their doorbell ringing.

"MOTHER FUDGE! THEY'RE HERE!" He cried and raced to his bedroom. Tao couldn't even finish calling his name when his door slammed shut.

The doorbell rang again as Tao leaned back in her seat and felt a headache forming.

You in the meantime, were waiting ever so patiently when the door to the Troubleshooter's finally opened. Which gave way to Tao's tall stature. You flashed your brightest smile at her.

"Hello again, Sister T-"

"He'll be out in a sec." She interrupts before she shuts the door with a bang.

Another one opened, behind it was Alma hiding under his bed covers. Tao just let her eyes roam over in slight concern. For him or was it the fact that when she agreed to take him in all those years ago she never once thought she had to deal with hormones? And she thought Alma in his Maga form was bad enough when he went berserk. In hindsight, this is actually much more complicated.

So what else could she do but light up again and take a seat next to him.

"Why didn't you bring in the food?" He mumbles.

"Because you're going to have to face them at some point. Might as well be now." She suggests.

Alma moved the blankets enough for his sister to see his eyes. "Could you put that out? I don't want the smell to get on my stuff." He says.

"Sorry." Tao drops it and snuffs it out with her shoe. "I don't get it. I've never seen you act this way before. Do you really feel like it's the end of the world if you... confess to them or something?"

Confess. 

That word made Alma's head spin, "No. But now that I know what this is, I'm scared that they may not like me back. Not to mention I'm gonna have to let them in on my little secret. What if they... think I'm a monster?"

Tao isn't exactly an expert when it comes to romance either. Every woman she's dated either broke it off with her or the relationship fell apart on it's own. Okay, maybe she's the one who dumped them as well. Hell, it means she has learned a few things from all that.

She lays a hand on Alma's covered stomach, "It's the hardest thing to do. Airing it all out for someone you want to take a chance with."

"Yeah. Man, I forgot you would know how it feels." Alma reminds the both of them.

Tao solemnly nods.

Then, slowly, the blue eyed boy sits up, leaning against a higher pillow.

"If you ask me, those ladies missed out on someone as awesometacular as you."

His sister felt light headed all of a sudden. She turned away to cover her face as she saw the corners of her glass covered eyes become blurry with the smallest of tears.

"You good?" Her brother asks.

Immediately, Tao turns back to him, a nice smile as a greeting.

"Yeah." She takes off her glasses.

Alma concentrated hard on her next words. Tao may be 'hard at work saving the world' kind of serious most of the time, but it's only when the glasses come off that she's about to get vulnerable.

"Listen, the last thing I want to happen is for you is to grow cold and bitter from heartbreak like me. But I'd be damned if I'm gonna let you ruin a friendship just because you end up repressing shit you can't afford to keep in already. You're young and you may not think so, but you fucking deserve to be happy Alma. Even if it doesn't last." She proclaims.

Her partner in crime seemed to take this to heart. With the way his face keeps contorting, it looks like he has found his answer.

"What would I do without your kick in the pants?" He smiles gratefully.

"Probably be in some government lab."

"Oh, ha-ha."

The twosome leans over and hug each other with a warmth only they were familiar with.

Once they pulled back, Alma speaks, "But there's still a problem with me not being able to look them in the eye."

Tao thinks for a minute then leaves the bedroom. She returns with a pair of darkened sunglasses which she puts on her brother.

"You're kidding me." Alma is stupefied.

"Not really. Now get your ass moving; they've been waiting this whole time." Tao glares and shoves him a bit.

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"Dang it!" You mutter as you miss a critical moment on this particular level of Candy Crush.

You hear the door open. Locking your phone, you look up and see your cru - I mean - your good friend, Alma. Wait, why is he wearing those sunglasses?

"Hi, Alma! Finally, I thought you were never going to show up! Then I was going to have to eat all of this by myself!" You chuckle sheepishly. Stupid, this is his house. You turn away and shove your fist in your mouth.

"Sup?"

"What?"

"I said sup?"

"Oh... I'm good. Why are you wearing those glasses? We're indoors, silly." You ask, a matter of factually.

The redhead leaned against the doorframe, an obvious attempt at a 'chill, cool guy' pose. "Oh, me and Tao were trying on new accessories, no big whoop. Wanted to look nice before I came to see you."

You made a motion indicating you believed him but on the inside, the half Maga boy was freaking the heck out. Somehow, the glasses worked but that didn't stop him from feeling unworthy to once again, be blessed by your angelic beauty and presence. Especially to a lowly monster like him.

You on the other hand wore rose colored glasses, not Alma's sunglasses, mind you. But the way he presented himself made your stomach's butterflies flutter. Why were you here again? Oh, yeah. To give them their dinner... and a special surprise.

You sneaked a glance at the pink box hidden under the Troubleshooter's meals. You wondered if Alma would like it, cause that would have to mean he liked you, right?

When you first saw him staring at you from your work's window, you thought he was the cutest boy in the world. It sucked you had to be away from the diner most of the time when he and his sister came to stay for a bite. When you weren't peering over at their booth every couple of seconds, you managed to get a few words over to him. You didn't catch a lot of what he said mostly because you were entranced by the sound of his voice.

Then when you heard about his and Tao's exploits, you were stunned. It really made you admire him more... the way he put his life on the line and looked good doing it. Until the admiration turned into something much deeper. Oh god, you liked liked him. A crush as regular people called it.

He was a superhero basically. Why would he ever give you the time of day when all the action you got was taking in how people decorated their hallways or living rooms?

But you were not so easily swayed. Despite your worries, you had to shoot your shot before someone else swept him off his feet.

What's that old saying? The best way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

Luckily, you were in position to deliver just that. That's why the pink box holds the key to unlocking the next chapter of your love life.

Now let's hope Alma isn't as oblivious as he seems.

"Here, you guys must be starving." You held up the hot bag and presented their boxes with their desired dishes.

"Sweet! Come to Papa!" Alma took the box that always had his name on it.

Which you wrote... and never once forgot to bust out your fanciest cursive.

"I can always count on you. Making sure my burger and curly fries are safe from dumb goons who might want to steal them."

You giggled at his remark.

He saw your cheeks twinge pink.

His did too.

It was cute. You are so freaking cute. He thought.

Then, pressure fell over you two. It wasn't comfortable, far from it. It was so tense because there was one reason why.

You both were contemplating on making the first move.

With a few quick gulps here, eyes darting this way and that, lips pursed with elation,  and sweat pouring down from your foreheads there...

"Well, I'll see you later! Enjoy!" You squeak out and started dashing down the hallway.

What was I thinking?! I can't do this! Guess your nerves got the better of you. Better luck next time.

Alma called your name and the next time you blinked, he was in front of you. Oh right, he has superpowers.

"What is it!?" You questioned, a bit more nervous now that the sunglasses were gone and you were looking him dead in his beautiful baby blues.

The redhead merely presented the payment.

"You forgot the money." His smile showed off his sharp canines. Making him look more adorable to the point where your heart went pitter patter.

You could've collapsed to your knees right then and there as you stared at the dollars and coins. "Sorry, I don't know where my head is today."

"I know that feeling."

Once the receipt was signed and the change was given out, Alma blocked you once you attempted to walk around him.

"Is something wrong?" You asked.

"Yeah..." He replied.

In the short time you've known him, you never saw him looking so damn serious.

Dear lord, was it hot the way he stared you down.

That stopped your jitters in its tracks cause it was replaced with... longing.

Then, he puffed up straight as a board and swiftly bowed down to you.

"Huh?" Needless to say, you were confused by this.

"I'velikedyousincethemomentwemet! Wouldyoudomethehonorofgoingonandate withme!?" The way he was saying this is like his keyboard was smashed in.

You processed what he said...

HOLY CRAP!

DID HE JUST ASK YOU OUT FIRST!?

You let out a gasp, a sigh, and a relived chuckle.

Alma lifted his head up to you laughing at him.

Oh no, laughing at him?

He left his bowing position and frowned.

"I guess this means no?"

You quickly stopped and took in his saddest expression.

You knew how to remedy this. Your crush just did you a huge favor.

"Alma, I have something I want to give you. Here." You reached in the bag and took out the pink box.

Thankfully, he accepted it. He took out the note from the envelope attached to the box. In the same cursive he recognized from his dinner boxes, it said:

"Dear Alma,

I want to get to know you better because I think you're really cool. I'm so lucky for our visits at work and at your home. I appreciate what you do to protect our town and I can see us being more than friends.

I can't deny it anymore. The truth is, I like you a lot.

I hope you accept what I have in the box. So I can take it as a sign that you feel the same way about me.

Would you maybe like to see a movie together one day?"

He read the "Love" ending out loud and opened the box right after.

Inside it, was cookies in the shape and decorated of you and himself. They may be a bit crude but the little figures were holding hands.

He took out his and met your gaze. You were twiddling your fingers with a face as red as his hair.

"Go on, you can say it. I'm so corny. I wasn't planning on being here when you opened it." You giggled again.

His stern focus on you never wavered as he placed the cookie back in the box and set them both down.

He didn't want to know what would happen if he looked away for even a second.

"Alma?" You were a little worried since he wasn't talking.

He stands back up, closes the gap between the two of you, gently grabs you by the shoulders... and kisses you.

It's soft and tender as hoped by you both.

Small and meager you were since he overshadows in height. He smells like everything the sun would be if it weren't lethal. Alma thinks you smell like the embodiment of everything that's sugary and pure.

The only sound was both of your heartbeats drumming in your ears.

It feels like an eternity passed in the empty hallway when you finally broke apart.

Trembling breaths were exhaled.

Now you were locked onto each other for real, minds slowly coming in for a landing from being on cloud nine.

"You free tomorrow? Seven?" Alma asked, panting a bit.

"Yeah, I am." You responded, trying to catch up as your body was still shaking from this giddy feeling.

Alma is gleefully laughing before he picked you up with those strong arms of his and twirled you around. He let you go safely and grabbed the cookie box.

"Great! I'll pick you up!" He waved goodbye and went back into his apartment.

When you heard the door shut, that's when you dropped to you knees.

You touched your lips which were still tingling from the kiss.

Guess there was nothing to worry about after all.

You silently squealed to yourself. You felt like anything was possible.

Now that your friendly neighborhood Troubleshooter has agreed to go out with you.

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"HELL YEAH!"

The second he got back, Alma went straight to the couch in order to have a one man jumping party on it.

He was ecstatic! You liked him! You really liked him enough to make sweets with his face on it! He was never going to forget this moment. He didn't know what came over him when decided to go for it and outright kiss you, but he sure as hell enjoyed it! All his troubles seem to go up in the flames of first love now that he was going on his first date with you.

What about the part where he'll have to tell you his Maga secret? Well, that's a problem for future him. Right now he needs to bask in this high for as long as possible.

"Pinch me! I must be dreaming-- OW!" he stopped jumping to rub his side in which Tao earned a glare from him.

"My bad, thought you were serious."

She sat at her desk and started working on her bowl of tomato basil soup.

"Aren't you going to ask me how it went?" The redhead tapped his foot impatiently.

The silver haired woman lets out a sigh, "I take it went well?"

"More than well! We kissed! They made me cookies and we're going to the movies tomorrow!" The happy boy resumed his jumping and cheering.

"Congrats, you picking them up?"

"Yeah!"

"So you know where they live?"

That's when Alma remembered he didn't. Plus, he didn't have your phone number nor that you had a shift tomorrow either. Did you even agree on a movie? Verbally?

"Aw, crap..."

As she watched her brother sink into the couch cushions, Tao groaned and opened her phone to call the diner for your number.

Ah, young love.

Really does make fools of us, doesn't it?

[luveline]

summer shower [Fred Weasley x reader]

Summary: Fred makes your asthma play up.

Tags: reader-insert, fluff, friends-to-lovers, pining, mutual pining

word count: 1.3k

When you were just turning 21 years old, you met a boy. He was in his third year to your second of university, funny as could be, and beautiful.

Fred Weasley was a man of many secrets, which you'd come to accept the longer you'd known him. You had no idea where he was from, where his parents lived, or even if he had any family. You didn't know where he'd gone to school before this. You certainly didn't know why he liked pumpkin pie so much!

There were many things you did know.

His eyes turned from brown to almost black in the sun, superheated and lovely. He squinted one eye against the sun when you lounged in the courtyards in an endearing attempt to always keep an eye on your face. He never crushed flowers when he walked and he always trapped spiders in a cup with a piece of card instead of killing them, seeming endlessly bemused at the small creatures.

It was a warm summers day. You were trying your hardest not to smile as he lay in the grass. Your friends had all departed, claiming headaches and essays that needed to be submitted, though you thought these were all just white lies to allow you some alone time.

It didn't matter. No amount of free time would finish the game between the two of you. Well, you hoped it was a game: Fred pretended he didn't fancy you and you pretended you didn't fancy him.

You shared a tenderness with him that was unlike any relationship in your life.

He was smirking up at you.

"What?" You asked, pouting playfully.

"You look like you're trying to solve world hunger," he said through a grin.

You shook your head, fixing your gaze back down on the book in your lap.

"Maybe one day," you said without looking up.

Fred laughed. It was a perfect laugh, infectious and happy. You smiled despite your best efforts not to.

The pages were thin between your fingers, almost a thousand condensed into a 3 inch textbook for your course. The tip of your pencil rested against the page, though sometimes it felt appropriate to bring it to your mouth, contemplative. Fred watched silently as you underlined and questioned the subject, only quirkiness an eyebrow as your frustration became obvious.

"I don't understand," you admitted finally, "how that is relevant to anything. Look at this!"

You poked your pencil angrily at the figure in question. Fred's eyebrows creased as he tried to make sense of what he was seeing.

"Doll, you know I don't understand a lick of it."

You sighed, closing the textbook mournfully. It didn't surprise you that Fred couldn't understand, you couldn't understand and you were actually taking the course for the last two and a half years. He was doing a completely different subject.

You threw yourself down flat, much too close to where Fred himself lay on the grass, knocking the air out of your lungs. You tried not to get too wound up, worried any agitation would cause a flare up.

You'd had a very bad asthma attack only a few days ago and had spent a day or two feeling very fragile and sorry for yourself. You didn't want a repeat.

The grass was cold and a little damp from the early morning dew.

You nibbled at your lip, searching the sky for something it couldn't give.

Fred was watching you.

"Oh my god! What do you want, you hooligan?"

Fred rolled his eyes. "You looked at me."

"You were looking at me!"

"Doesn't sound true. Falsehoods of such a nature are unkindly and uncouth."

"You're uncouth!"

"Yeah?" Fred asked, eyes hot.

Your mouth dried up. He was especially tempting like this, looking all homegrown and hand spun. His hair was lightened by the sun cover, strawberry blonde against his tanned and freckled face. Tanned now only after months of suffering sun burn miserably.

"I know what you're thinking." He said. You paid close attention to his mouth.

"Which is?"

"How did I get to be so devilishly handsome? Honestly, it's a question I ask myself often."

You withheld the urge to turn your face into the earth and scream.

He wasn't entirely wrong. You had been thinking about his good looks.

"How did you know?" You asked. You'd tried for bravado, for sarcasm, but it came out wrong. A little too sincere. You cleared your throat.

Fred pushed up onto an elbow so that he was looking down into your face. He studied the slope of your nose and the laugh lines you'd slowly gathered since meeting him. He reached forward, too slowly, to place the pads of his fingers gently on your cheek. You could pinpoint the exact moment he rested his palm on your skin.

He smiled gently. You beamed.

"Can I ask you something?"

You tried to read his face, preemptively guess the question.

"When do you ask my permission?"

"It's the kind of thing that requires two consenting parties."

Your mouth quirked into a waiting grin. Fred's ears grew red.

"Not that."

"Fred Weasley, embarassed. Somebody call the news."

He didn't answer, pushing the hair out of your face in a repetitive motion that sent tingles down your spine and a hot flush to your tummy.

You tried not to read into it, closing your eyes against the waves of excitement and happiness roiling through you. You didn't permit yourself to think of what it meant, because what else could it mean? Friends don't do the things you both did. Friends didn't gaze down into your face with unspoken feelings.

You lay there for some time, the excitement slowly turning to bone deep contentment, feeling yourself drift into an almost sleep. The breeze was soft and sweet, the ground beneath you cushioned by grass, and the handsome man hovering above you only sweetened the deal.

"Y/N?"

"Hmm," you said, tilting your chin to prompt him to continue.

"Will you look at me a second?

You opened your eyes obligingly.

"I wanted to ask you, do you -"

He cut himself off, peering up into the sky. You frowned, only to feel the unwelcome spatter of heavy sudden rain drops on your face.

You gasped, rushing to collect all of your things into your bag. Your textbook was already dampening by the time you'd fit it all. Fred pulled you up and began to run. You followed, laughing and struggling to be heard over the summer shower.

By the time you reached his dorm building, both of you were breathing hard. Fred said something through a laugh. You struggled to answer, hands on your knees.

"Y/N?"

Despite having asthma all your life and suffering many attacks, each time felt just as urgent and scary as the first.

Your eyes filled with tears.

"You're okay! You're okay. Where's your pump, huh? In your bag?"

He didn't wait for an answer, reaching into your bag as you gasped, though insistent on leaving one arm on your arm. The pressure was reassuring.

You tried to manage your breathing as you always did, gasping and gasping and gasping.

"Here, princess. Open up," Fred said.

You covered the hand he held your inhaler with your own, clamping down on his hand so hard you could feel the fine bones under his skin.

It took a while for you to settle down, thought this attack wasn't anywhere as bad as the one you'd had days ago.

"My hero," you coughed out, lungs aching.

Fred grimaced. "I'll always rescue you, my femme fatale."

"Misogynist."

"You have paper lungs, my love."

"That I do, Freddie. That I do."

Fred rubbed your back, insisting on carrying you up the steps to his dorm room. If you acted much more frail than you felt, it was nobodies business but yours and Fred's.