#dandelion come home the kids miss you

[wishing4letters]

Little drawing I did of book dandelion 😼

[dreamsteddie]

Steve H.

Part One, Part Two

I think it would be incredibly funny to write a No-Upsidedown Au where Steve and Dustin still become unofficial brothers. Like, the kids are still getting into a ton of dangerous mischief and one way or another Dustin adopts Steve as his older brother figure and in short order Claudia takes him in as a second son.

Like maybe Steve gets his first concussion actually helping Dustin find his missing cat after Steve has been in his mentorship/brother role for a few months. How I don't know, I like to imagine it playing out like the book version of Dandelion and Geralt's meeting in The Witcher where Dustin is being chased by some bullies and just latches on to the first strong man he sees to hide behind and then BAM, bonded for life.

Anyway, Steve has been around for a little while and Claudia has met him a few times (she's not just going to let a strange older boy she's never met hang around her middle school-aged son without meeting him first) but they don't know each other too well and Steve seems very...plastic for lack of a better word when she's around. Like he doesn't want to upset her so he's always got a perfect smile and polite words ready to offer her, but he's a nice kid and way more goofy and authentic when he's hanging out with Dustin and she peeks her head into the living room.

So when he gets hurt while helping, and subsequently protecting Dustin and a couple of his friends she makes sure to stop by with cookies and a profound thank you. She asks where his parents are and who's going to make sure he wakes up every hour for the next 24 hours when he gets discharged and he says he was planning to call a cab and set some alarms because his parents aren't in town and there's no one else at the house. So Claudia pretty much just tells him he's coming home with them for the rest of the week, which turns into a full week when his parents still aren't home, and by the time he's actually ready to leave they've all grown accustomed to this new family unit.

Steve does go home at first, but he makes a lot more excuses to come over and Claudia and Dustin work overtime coming up with lame excuses as to why he should just spend the night.

"Oh Steve, it's already midnight and you're taking Dusty to school tomorrow morning anyway, why don't you just take the spare bed."

"Steve! Steve! We have to watch the next one! You said we could watch the whole series so we're not stopping until we pass out on this couch!"

"Oh, honey the snow is really coming down out there. I know you have snow tires but you really shouldn't risk it. You stay here tonight."

And Steve doesn't want to leave, not at all. He's never felt more at home than he does sitting with the Hendersons after dinner watching sitcoms or playing board games, but sometimes he doesn't have a good excuse or his parents are planning to come home for a couple of weeks so he leaves and hates every moment spent in his own house.

Until one day when he's staying the night at his parent's house while they're home for a long weekend and they have an absolute blowout of a fight. He doesn't even know why it started, just knows that everyone was already in a foul mood and none of them are the type to back down from a fight and the result is hours of screaming hurtful things at each other and his mom throwing a few slaps his way that hurt his soul more than his face and ends with his dad going upstairs and smashing his walkman and his favorite cassettes with the kitchen kettle. At which point silence descends on the Harrington house and Steve turns around and walks out the door.

It's a 20 minute walk to the Henderson home and by the time he gets there, he's numb in the heart and the hands. Dustin is already in bed and Claudia pulls him inside to warm him up and talk it out, at which point Steve curls up into her arms and cries and rages.

After that night Steve doesn't go home aside from the single trip he made to fill a bag, grab his car, and tell his parents he won't be coming back. They put up a bit of a fight but ultimately let him go with the promise that no legal action will be taken, meaning that they'll sign whatever documents he needs for school or the doctor or whatever if he faxes them to the office but he won't try for emancipation and bring all that legal drama to the forefront. Steve knows that any lawyer he could get for the case would be trounced by whoever his parents brought in, so he agrees.

And from that day on he lives with the Hendersons and becomes Claudia's second son and continues being Dustin's older brother.

(We didn't actually get to the funny part but I was on a role so if you're interested I'll be posting part two soon!)

[heliads]

Ink Stains

Moving from Amity to Dauntless was quite the lifestyle change. Still, nothing rocks your boat more than meeting Eric Coulter for the first time, especially when he seems to like you more than he should.

masterlist

Creativity does not flourish much in Dauntless, nor art for that matter. It is strange, then, that you, so fully borne of both, would choose this bloody faction as opposed to any other. Your birth faction, Amity, is better suited to your temperament and interests, but you had hardly realized that when you underwent the Choosing Ceremony. All of us must leave our homes when we grow up, and only very few can return.

Dauntless seemed like the furthest place you could run, so of course that was the one you chose. You missed it later, only after loathing it, blaming it for your troubles, and finally admitting that it might have been a good home to you, but only after far too long.

Sometimes, you think that’s why the city decided to force its inhabitants to choose their home faction when they’re so young. At that age, all you want to do is escape, so you pick something strange and foreign, a faction that your family would hate so you could fight back against them. When the dust clears and you realize that the past was not so terrible after all, you are in the middle of a strange place with no way of returning, so you have no choice but to fight to stay there.

It would instill a truly fascinating sense of dedication in its transfers, to say the least. Or perhaps no one is like that at all, and it is just that you have made a mistake with no way to fix it. Maybe you should have stayed in Amity after all, been content with familiar nothingness and learned to fake your smiles at least as well as your mother, or save your anger for when no one can see it, like your father.

You don’t think you were meant for Amity, though, not really. It vexed you to no end, the simplicity of it all. You did enjoy the painting, the artists that sprung up in every corner, common as dandelions, but that wasn’t the end of it. The rules were chafing yet vague, the expectations ever-changing. It should have come as no surprise that you would leave.

Besides, you did well in Dauntless initiation, to the great surprise of just about everyone there. They saw your brightly colored clothes when you leapt from the roof, but soon enough you blended in with the lot of them and people would double take when you told them you hadn’t been born in Dauntless proper. The thought that you could be from Amity of all places was insane, and had it not been for the fact that you still remember the waving gold of the fields, the high flying birds that soared above your head, you would have believed it as little as your new friends.

Despite your best attempts to immediately separate yourself from your former faction, you couldn’t shake the memories completely. That’s why you didn’t shoot for one of the top jobs or security positions. Those were snapped up by the really good kids, the ones who aren’t just not carefree but genuinely heartless.

You ended up taking a position among the ranks of tattoo artists and quickly soared to the top. Amity had taught you clarity and control in your art, and soon you were known for your original designs. More often than not, Dauntless looking for a new pattern would ask you to draw something directly as opposed to just using one of the countless templates already printed out.

It gives them a sense of originality, for one thing. No one tattoo is ever the same when it comes to your works. It saves members of the faction from the embarrassing experience of showing off a new tattoo just to see the guy across from you roll up his sleeve to reveal the exact same thing.

Soon enough, your name has spread far and wide across Dauntless, and you get more and more customers by the day. That’s how you know that you ended up choosing the right faction and way of life after all, and it’s also how you meet Eric Coulter for the first time.

Eric is somewhat of a mixed bag. He only graduated from initiation a year or so before you, so he didn’t lead your training when you first joined the faction. You’ve heard he’s a total killer, both in the fighting ring and at every other moment of the day, so you were more than a little uneasy when he first darkened the door of your shop.

You’re not really sure what you expected when he showed up in the beginning. That he’d yell at you, maybe, like you’d heard in whispers. Apparently he’d go off on anyone if he felt the need– someone taking the wrong water glass in the mess hall, or an idiot trainee who didn’t get ready in time– or he could have just been there to complain about some failed regulation you didn’t know about.

Instead, he was nice, actually, which was somehow even more unsettling than if he’d just been the harsh training leader he is to everyone else. He’d spent a lot of time admiring your works, even offering up a rare compliment here and there. At last, he’d decided on an initial design, and taken a seat on your chair.

Most clients talk at least a little while you’re tattooing them. New initiates usually rattle off their difficulties, grateful for an ear that won’t judge them or try to use their weaknesses to gain a position or two in the rankings. Experienced Dauntless sometimes swap gossip or discuss various pieces of information they’ve heard from contacts in other factions. Others just stay silent the whole time, thinking through ideas they’ll barely even hint at to you.

One of your friends has tattooed Eric before, and they told you he’d been absolutely icy the whole appointment, hardly even saying a word except to point out which tattoo he wanted. Maybe he’d just had a bad day then, because you and Eric actually end up talking the entire time. 

He complains about the initiates being unable to so much as tie their shoes without needing his directions, and laughs when you counter his stories with what you’ve seen outside of the scheduled training hours. Eric asks you about how you started tattooing and seems genuinely stunned that you grew up in Amity.

“It doesn’t seem possible,” he tells you over the hum of the tattoo needle, “you’re, like, normal.”

You laugh at that. “The Amity are normal, Coulter.”

He narrows his eyes. “They’re weird. Happy-go-lucky strangers. Not you, though,” he adds quickly, “you’re tough. A real Dauntless.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t take offense if you insult the Amity,” you grin, “I left for a reason, believe me on that.”

Eric frowns. “What was the reason, if you don’t mind me asking?”

You sigh, staring at the design you’re working through for a moment before getting up the strength to continue. “I clashed with the higher-ups a lot. If you weren’t totally happy and living life all the time, you felt like you were disappointing them. Everyone there claims that they’re only ever nice to them, but the faction leaders told me I was a screwup more times than I could count. Even my own parents.”

When you risk a glance up, you notice that Eric’s expression has twisted down into something colder, something almost like rage. “They were wrong. They shouldn’t have said that.”

“I know,” you laugh to yourself, “I did well in initiation, obviously they should have guessed that.”

After a while, Eric is convinced to laugh a little alongside you, but the anger doesn’t erase itself from his features for some time. “Yes,” he mumbles almost to himself, “they should have.”

The rest of the session passes without incident. The next day, you find yourself waiting at your empty station. He was supposed to come back to finish the piece, but he’s a few minutes late, and you can’t help but wonder if it’s on purpose, that you said or did something to chase him off. It could be nothing, of course, but you never know.

He ends up hurrying in soon enough, the slightly quickened beat of his walk the only sign that something is on his mind. You look up when he arrives, allowing yourself a small smile. He did come back, then. You were not too much.

“Glad to see you,” you say, “I was worried I scared you off with my inherent Amity-ness. I’ve heard it’s bad for Dauntless. Ruins the whole stoic demeanor if we smile too much.”

His lips twitch upwards briefly, but whatever had been bothering him before tamps that forbidden emotion down soon enough. “No, not your fault in the slightest. Some initiate was using the wrong kind of gun during today’s drills, nearly put another kid’s eye out. I don’t even know where he got the thing, but it happened anyway.”

“Ah,” you say with a knowing look, “Initiates.”

“Always initiates,” Eric grumbles, but he allows his smile to stick this time, and you think that maybe he isn’t as bad as the rumors allow.

The rest of the session is just as good, if not better. Eric is kind to you, says things that grow increasingly apparent to be jokes. It’s funny, you’d always heard that he was this terribly cold guy, but everyone else must have gotten him at a bad time. Either that, or that’s the Amity in you seeing the best of everyone. Still, you’re certain that his good attitude whenever you’re around isn’t faked. It can’t be.

There’s silence from him for a while. You don’t take it personally, or you shouldn’t, anyway– Eric’s a busy guy, you know that from his words alone if not from always seeing him rush around the compound. He’s a Dauntless leader, he’s not going to be hanging around a tattoo shop unless he’s actively getting new ink.

Then, about a week or so later, he comes back in. Busies himself with looking at the patterns for a while even though you both know he’s not going to get something anyone else could have. This time, he talks to you, asks what you wish you got to draw more often. When you answer, he has you put that in his latest design. It makes your stomach tie itself in tight knots, more intense than even when you’d thrown yourself off the roof on your first day on Dauntless earth.

Confusingly, Eric stops you when you’re about halfway through, says that’s all the time he’s got and that he’d like to continue tomorrow, if that’s alright with you. You ask him if he minds having an incomplete tattoo on his arm and he just laughs, tells you he’ll pull his sleeves down or something. It’s a terrible excuse, but it’s what he wants and so that must be what you want, too. It’s good business. You can tell yourself that when you’re lying awake at night, wondering just what you’ve gotten yourself into.

Eric comes in almost every day, demanding increasing progress on his tattoos. You don’t know why he insists on doing them piecewise– it’s not pain tolerance, he’s got more of that than anyone around and it’s not like Dauntless Leader Eric Coulter would ever admit to something pathetic like pain. It must be something else, then. It must be.

The tattoos spiral and change as they spread across his skin. They’re a mess, to be honest, no cohesive pattern, like he’s picking the templates with his eyes closed and only the goal of covering as much flesh as possible. 

You tell him his tattoo sleeves aren’t as coherent as they could be; he laughs, asks you to use your Amity artistry to make some sense of them. He seems unruffled by your accusations of poor taste. Later that same day, Eric punches someone’s nose in because some drunk fellow stumbling out of a party made the mistake of questioning the inked patterns. The idiot said the same things you did, more or less. One of you received a rare smile, the other, a broken bone. It makes no sense.

At some point, he’s going to run out of skin to tattoo. You warn him of this and he grins, flashing dagger-sharp teeth at you. Says that’s why he’s asking you to go so slowly with it. Inch by inch, he cedes control to you. You want to question what that means, but some part of you is scared to ask, scared that he’ll change his mind and leave, or worse, ask someone else to do it.

The last day comes, and this time you know it’ll be the end with certainty. Eric asks you to ink his throat in thick stripes, almost like you can see the angles of his spine through the skin. You sit there, trying to focus on your needle, finishing the design, instead of anything foolish like his head in your hands, his eyes resting quietly on you. He can’t talk while you’re working on his neck like this, but the weight of his gaze says enough anyway.

You finish the last stroke and allow yourself to sit there for one final moment, waiting for it all to be over. Your fingers rest on the smooth expanse of his cheekbone, and Eric raises his hand to cover yours.

“Well,” you say at last, trying to keep your voice light, “it’s been an honor to tattoo you, Eric.”

He smiles. The brief, unwelcome thought that this might be the last time you see him do that flashes through your head, and you banish it just as quickly. That’s not something you want to think about right now, if ever.

“I’d say I’m the one who’s been honored,” he returns, “you’ve got the best work in the faction and everyone knows it.”

You feel some small surge of pride in your chest when he says it, hot and bright like the Dauntless flames. “Thank you.”

“You can thank me in a different way,” he offers, “Drinks tomorrow night, maybe? On me?”

You smile back at him. “I think I’d like that.”

“Good,” he grins, standing so he can look down at you. “I’ll pick you up then. It’ll be fun. Maybe you can teach me some of that Amity optimism.”

You can’t help but laugh at that. It would suit him, you think, smiling more, trusting you so he can let down his guard. Looking at him, at how his eyes brighten when he laughs, you think it already does.

divergent tag list: @dindjarinneedsahug, @poisonmenegan, @ozyynka, @rogueanschel, @with-inked-solace, @gods-fools-heroes, @23victoria, @manyfandomsfanvergent, @imwaysthelastchoice, @drinking-tea-and-be-obsessed, @crazyhearttragedy, @alex-1967s-blog

[skwhluvr]

sung hanbin as a dad / husband | headcanons

❀ paring: sung hanbin x fem!reader 

❀ warnings : pregnancy, kissing, marriage, morning sickness, talks about insecurity due to pregnancy, pregnancy cravings, just very cute generally, fluff, small angst (?), zb1 members makes camo, hanbin (yes he needs his own warning) let me know if i missed any :D

❀ a/n: starting off by saying I apologize for any grammatical errors 😓 i watched that ep of zb1 taking care of the babies and i needed to write something + that picture influenced me sm. sticking to headcanons because im not confident at all with my story writing skills and i haven't really written one in ages. anyhow hope you guys enjoy this !!! thank you sm for the likes and reblogs on last one :(( <3 🥺

❀ was listening to all of me by john legend, dandelions by ruth b and love me like you do by ellie goulding while writing this.

- y’all should watch the ep because he’s so :((( I want to cry I love him so much <3

- during the pregnancy he would buy all those mother’s book or any pregnancy related books he could find. he would probably act like a mom who would tell you to eat certain things since it’s good for your pregnancy. He would come home each day with some random fact.

- he loves talking to the baby !!! he would lay down next to you and start talking to your tummy <3 “hi baby !! your dad is so ready to meet you ! omg did you what your mom tried today ??” he goes on telling the baby bout his day and leave kisses ALOT OF THEM.

- every night before bed he would give you a kiss and your tummy one because apparently he needs to be equal sharing his love (he’s playful)

- he’s willing to buy any type of food regardless of the time, to make sure your cravings are satisfied. on top of that he would actually join you and “try” have some of your cravings.

- one night he will find you curled up crying. it was one of those nights where you let insecurities get the best of you. immediately he would drop everything and bring you to a hug. “what happened love ?” “i just. i just feel like you wouldn’t love anymore for how i look after i give birth, and these marks it’s such-” “love don’t say such a thing. I’ll always love you and right now you’re looking most beautiful i have seen my life, carrying my child”

- he would spend the night cuddling with you and giving reassurance that you’re beautiful, amazing and best thing that ever happened to him.

- he is such a girls dad and you cannot disagree with me. I speak the truth /j

- he would be biggest supporter during your pregnancy. honestly you couldn’t have done it without his help <3

- “no hanbin no more sweets.” “but look at them ☹️ how could you say no to those eyes 🥺☹️”

- probably would say it’s time for bed and spent an hour playing with the child. hey at least you get to relax.

- randomly would surprise you and the baby with flowers or just something random

- Lego or puzzle games = family bonding

- teaches the kid how to dance. it could be random chores of their song or just any song he has in mind.

- love mothers or fathers or children’s day ! you guys have a tradition of some kind. whether it being going out to eat together or stay home and have home cooked meal. just cute little tradition for your little family ♥️

- hanbin would love to spoil his kid. whether it be toys or clothes. if he ever goes shopping he won’t forget to bring something for his child.

- he loves to bring matching clothes for three of you guys. it just warms his heart sm.

- one night you see him cry and worried you asked him what happened. he would explain how you and the baby is the best thing that happened to him. how’s he’s so thankful for it all the time 🥺 you would give him the biggest hug ever (i love him sm)

- his members came to visit the baby. boy WAS THE BABY SPOILED. all 8 off them just couldn’t stop themselves !!!

- all of them are so absorbed by how the baby is !! they would honestly fight on who’s the better uncle. hanbin will make joke how yujin has a younger sibling.

-hao is the official babysitter 😍

[egrets-not-regrets]

Dandelions and Yarrow (3)

Their deep root systems that allows them to withstand drought and poor soil conditions.

Amelia is finally home and gets to meet the newest space marine to settle in Gannet Point. Hurricane Alcyon storms the medical wing of the base. Erriox only wants to go home to his bonded.

**Dialogue in Gothic language is bolded and italicized. **

Author’s Notes:

TW angst

Thanks @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan for letting me use Jophiel! Poor Erriox deciding to go through the medical wing on his way out was a poor decision.

Just a few points:

This takes place before Ben/Malaran “Orca” Blackspike storyline.

Amelia is bonded to Alcyon, a chaos Iron Warrior. These two share an intense bond that teeters on the point of becoming a mate bond.

Alcyon has a pretty good grasp of the english language. He usually communicates with Amelia in english and other Astartes in Gothic.

Thanks to @squishyowl for the divider image!

OCs: Alcyon (chaos Iron Warrior), Amelia Plover

“Mom!” Amelia walks swiftly towards the older woman waiting in the airport and pulls her into a tight hug, “I missed you so much.”

Mara chuckled, hugging her daughter back lovingly, “I missed you too, fledgling. It wouldn’t have killed you to call a little more often, though.”

Amelia smiled sheepishly, “Yeah… sorry.”

Her adoptive mother patted her back before pulling away, smiling back at her, “I’m glad you’re here safe and sound. Ready to go?” She asked.

It was as if an invisible weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Amelia straightened as she walked alongside her mom to the car, “Let’s go home.”

They pulled up to Mara’s house where a very tall, rather handsome looking, armoured angel with large white wings waited at her aunt’s door. He looked at Amelia, then at Mara, and then at the luggage in the opened trunk, “I help.” He said, easily grabbing the luggage. Mara unlocked the door and the angel followed them inside the house, gently setting Amelia’s luggage down by the stairs.

Mara greeted him warmly, “Hello Jophi!”

“Thank you for your help.” Amelia said. She couldn’t help but smile. Recognizing that he was a space marine, she wondered if there were also other winged marines like him. He looked so young though, much much younger than Alcyon. Kind of adorable, really.

The winged Astartes smiled back, “You’re welcome.” He replied in stilted English. He then turned to her aunt, “Hello Auntie Mara! I am here for cookies?”

“Cookies? Ah… you mean these?” The older woman pointed at the cooled danishes and butterfly curls on the cookie racks. Jophiel nodded. Mira explained, “These are pastries. Cookies are the ones you ate in class.”

Amelia smiled, watching the space marine’s wings twitch and fluff excitedly, “Yes! I am here for the pastries.”

She helped her aunt pack a box full of the pastries then passed it to the marine.

“Your English is improving, Jophi!” Mara smiled, complimenting him. She then gasped, “I forgot introductions! Amelia, this is Jophiel, he’s been coming to my classes to learn english. He helps with heavy lifting around the house and baking sometimes. Jophi, this is Amelia, my niece and adopted daughter.”

“Daughter? Niece?… Cousin?” Jophiel asked.

Amelia laughed and said in Gothic, catching the winged marine in surprise, “You can call me “Cousin” if you wish. Did Mara adopt you too?”

“Yes.” He replied happily, switching to Gothic as well. Mara’s eyes crinkled with amusement and waved at the two, “You kids have a nice chat, I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.” before leaving to package more pastry orders.

The two waved back before continuing their conversation. Jophiel gently touched her shoulder, pointing to the matching side on his neck, his voice serious, “You are hurt. An Iron traitor hurt you?”

She forgot how keen space marine senses were. Amelia wasn’t quite sure how to respond without the possibility of causing Jophiel to seek out Alcyon for revenge, “He is my bonded. We were rough with each other when we were mating.” She cringed inwardly at her own explanation, it’s like trying to explain sex to a younger sibling. A very big augmented younger sibling.

Thankfully, Jophiel wasn’t ignorant about what sex was nor did he ask for more details. He only looked rather confused and a little more than slightly concerned, “You wanted that?” He asked incredulously.

Amelia covered Alcyon’s bite mark hidden on her neck with her hand, ignoring the slight touch of pain from the tender spot, “Yes. I wanted it. Can we stop talking about this? This is embarrassing.” No, she didn’t want it, at least not at the time, but to preserve her own sanity, she was not about to have another Astartes thrown into protective overdrive on her ass about it.

Jophiel sighed, reluctantly dropping the subject. There wasn’t much he could do about his cousin being bonded to a chaos Astartes, especially when the chaos marine wasn’t present; it doesn’t mean he wouldn’t say nothing about it though. He thumped his chestplate and said, “If that chaos heretic hurts you and you need help, you let me know.”

While Jophiel’s attitude towards chaos space marines was very similar to her ex’s Black Templar, he was a lot more kind about it. Amelia smiled up at him, “I will. Thank you, Jophiel.”

“You are Mara’s daughter so therefore my cousin, it is only right that I protect you too.” He gently grasped her hand with his own.

She gave his fingers a reassuring squeeze, “Thank you.”

The angel-like marine poked his head into the kitchen to say goodbye to Mara before taking his leave. Then waved at her before leaving through the front door. She waved back, going to join her aunt.

“He’s a very sweet young man. A little skittish and shy, but a very nice boy.” Her aunt smiled warmly, “When he first arrived, people around thought he was actually an angel until Nemoth corrected them.” She chuckled.

“I can see that.” Amelia answered.

“Nemoth is still around?” She asked curiously.

Nemoth, or rather Nemoth Bassanar, was a Primaris space marine of the Dark Kraken chapter, who appeared, injured and confused, near Gannet Point many years ago. The townspeople at the time barely knew what a space marine was, but nevertheless took him in and healed his injuries. He then integrated himself with the village and soon became a beloved member of their little community.

Nemoth held a great love for natural history and wildlife, and was fascinated by the creatures that could be seen in and around Gannet Point. He could sometimes be seen assisting the fishermen and biologists or leading guided tours to see the seabird colonies and the northern gannet colonies from where the town got its namesake; if not teaching forging and metalwork at the local community centre. To say the least, Nemoth had been an integral part of almost all the children who grew up in Gannet Point in the last two decades or so.

“Yes! He’s running the decorative metalwork class at the community center around seven tonight. You should go join. I’m sure he won’t mind. He’d be happy to see you. And you might as well help me deliver that box of pastries over there to him as well.” Mara smiled.

Amelia hugged Mara warmly, relaxing as her mother hugged her back, “Thanks Mom, I’ll go do that.”

**************

Alcyon stormed into the medical ward heading straight towards Eric, a fellow medical technician who Amelia worked with.

“Where is she?! Where is Amelia!” He demanded, looming over the reception desk. Eric jumped back in shock.

“She’s on days off. She’s not here.” The tech replied, confused and frightened, quickly reaching for the panic button.

“Don’t think I don’t see what you’re doing!” Alcyon growled, grabbing Eric by his front lapel and roughly lifted him up to eye level, ignoring the panicked reactions of the human staff and patients, “Amelia tells you everything! Where did she say she was going?”

Eric wheezed, trying to grab onto the chaos marine’s gauntlet to relieve the tension of his clothes strangling him, “I don’t know. She never said anything about that!”

The chaos Iron Warrior shook the poor medical technician, “Then where would Amelia disappear to?!”

“Disappear? Amelia’s gone?” The young man looked concerned and perplexed. He clearly had no idea that Amelia had left.

“LET ERIC GO RIGHT NOW!” Osteron's voice boomed.

Alcyon snarled irritably, releasing Eric from his grasp. The medical aide fell to the floor, rubbing his throat.

The chaos Iron Warrior bared his teeth, closing his eye briefly to stay the pounding in his head and ignore the ache in his chest. He knew it was from that tattered bond of his. He needed to find Amelia; her presence could fix this, somehow, or at least soothe this pain, this constant aching.

Where was Amelia? Why did she leave? The thrumming of his frayed bond called out to him to find her. Find his bonded. Fix what was broken.

How dare she leave and not tell him where she went! Didn’t she know how this bond affected him? Did she want to kill him? Did their bond and everything they had meant nothing to her? Where did Amelia go?! He needed her. He needed her to stay with him, to mend this bond. He can’t let this break. He’ll have to go home and restart his search. Once he finds her, he will never let her out of his sight. Keep her under lock and key if he had to.

Osteron knew something was very wrong with the chaos Iron Warrior, “Brother Alcyon, stay where you are!” He barked at him.

Alcyon ignored him and turned his heel to leave the medical wing.

“You two! Help me restrain him!” Osteron ordered.

Kalium quickly passed his bonded youngling to one of the nurses before going to capture the wayward chaos marine. Seeing that he was the one of the two Astartes that the apothecary was referring to, Erriox sighed and went to aid his brothers, his hope of going home to Lenora early quickly dashed.

Recognizing Kalium as the one who he’s seen being friendly flirty with Amelia and lingered around her unnecessarily (in his opinion) when she worked, Alcyon roared, “You! You’re the one who tried to steal my MATE!” and launched himself at the offending battle-brother, knocking them both down.

The other Iron Warrior tried to roll him off to no avail, “Don’t blame me! You’re the one who hurt her! That’s why Amelia left and didn’t tell anyone where she went! Wasn’t it?!” Kalium accused the older chaos marine.

Alcyon saw red.

“Everyone! Get into a room!” Osteron ordered. Doctors, nurses, patients, and techs scrambled to move to safety as a brawl erupted in the medical wing.

The chaos marine kicked Erriox off before turning his full attention to trading punches with Kalium. Metal screeched as Alcyon’s claw grazed his helm. Kalium managing to dodge the blow in the bare milliseconds the chaos marine stabbed down towards his face. His eyes widened in alarm when Alcyon used his claw with more dexterity than he ever thought possible, deftly releasing his helm and flip it off his head, the helmet skidding down the hallway before coming to a stop. Erriox quickly took advantage of their position and pinned the chaos marine, grabbing his metal claw to keep his battle-brother from stabbing Kalium with it. Osteron pinned his legs.

Alcyon switched to punching Kalium in the face with his other fist instead. A sharp sensation made him hiss as Osteron plunged a needle deep into his neck, injecting a strong tranquilizer into his system. Despite that, he managed to free one of his legs and back-kicked hard against Osteron, sending the apothecary to his knees.

“Say her name again and I will rip your tongue from your mouth!” Alcyon raged as he struggled harder.

Kalium grappled Alcyon’s one arm and leg from underneath him, keeping his other elbow under his brother’s chin to prevent the chaos Iron Warrior from biting him, snarling back, “You don’t deserve to be Amelia’s bonded!”

Erriox was nearly bucked off the chaos marine at that statement.

“Damn it, Kalium! Stop egging him on! Calm down Alcyon!” Erriox yelled irritably from Alcyon’s other side, struggling to take off his prosthetic metal claw, “How long Osteron?!” He called out.

“Twenty seconds!”

Nowhere had there been someone calming down when being yelled at to calm down if his chaos battle brother, nearly throwing him off again, armour and all, was anything to go by. Erriox smacked Alcyon in the back of his head hard in retaliation though it seemed to do little to dissuade his struggling. Osteron scolded him, “Stop that! We don’t need to add a head injury on top of what is going on!”

His skull is hard enough to take it, Erriox thought crankily. Grumbling, the Iron Warrior threw away the metal claw he removed then forced all of his body weight on top of the thrashing chaos marine. It was so tempting to repeatedly punch him in the head to knock him out faster… but Osteron wouldn’t approve. Kalium, being very glad that he wore his armour today, finally managed to slip out from under Alcyon, and pin down his other side. Eventually the chaos marine struggled less and less until he went fully unconscious.

“Strap him into a bed and put him in Room Five. This tranquilizer only lasts thirty minutes at best.” Osteron urged as they hauled the unconscious Iron Warrior onto a bed and wheeled him into the room.

*************

Amelia took a deep breath as she opened the door to Nemoth’s classroom. The Dark Kraken dark eyes brightened as he welcomed her warmly, “Amelia! It has been a long time!”

“It’s good to see you again, Nemoth.” She smiled as she put down her mother’s box of pastries and hugged the Primaris marine.

He hugged her back, saying, “Welcome back.”

“Thanks. I brought the box of the pastries that you ordered.” Amelia gestured to the box on his desk.

“Yes, thank you. Your mother’s baked goods are delicious. Would you like to stay for this class? It’s decorative metalwork for beginners so I can’t see why you couldn’t join us.” The tall space marine asked her.

Amelia considered that for a moment and agreed, “I would like that.” She paused, “Would you be free to talk after class? I would like your advice on something.”

“Of course.”

That decision was well worth the experience. Amelia had taken a few metalwork classes from Nemoth when she was young, so his class was a wonderful refresher. After the class ended, the roomed cleaned up, and the students have left, Amelia stayed behind to chat with the Dark Kraken.

“Something troubling you?” Nemoth asked her. He could detect the scent of an Iron Traitor on Amelia and his sharp eyes could make out the dark bruising and light scarring on her neck that she hid under her makeup. The Dark Kraken frowned slightly, “Did a chaos Astartes hurt you?”

Her eyes widened and she stuttered in embarrassment, “Uh… no, not like that. My bonded is a chaos Iron Warrior and… we were rough with each other during sex.” She quickly ended, her face going red. It wasn’t the entire truth, but it wasn’t exactly a lie. And it was horribly embarrassing to explain it to the space marine who watched you grow up.

Like Jophiel, he asked with a worried expression, “And you are ok with this?”

“Yes. I agreed to it.” Amelia replied, blushing heavily, looking away from the space marine.

Nemoth sighed, his pale hand patted the seat beside him, “Sit beside me. I know it is not for me to judge what you do with your bonded Astartes, but I would caution to not let your Astartes be too rough, worse injuries can occur accidentally if he doesn’t mind his strength.”

“I will be careful.” Amelia said as she sat down in her seat.

“What do you want advice on?” The Primaris space marine asked, getting straight to the point.

Amelia told him the story about how her ex-husband’s Black Templar Astartes started to cut off access to her son once they had divorced, and how she had tried to remain in contact with her son, resulting in Alcyon’s eventual fight with the Black Templar which caused them to be banned from her son’s school, ending at the big argument that she had with her own Astartes.

The furrow in his brows deepened the longer he listened, “This is troublesome indeed.” Nemoth hummed, “I have two questions: One, did you contact your ex-husband to discuss this issue? It seems like the Iron Tr- Warrior acted on his own, so it is not entirely your fault. Two, your bonded Astartes, did he harm you too?”

“I’ve been in contact with him and while he understands my issue, he and his family still went ahead to file a restraining order against me. Safety reasons, they said.” Amelia spat bitterly. Her voice cracked, “They threatened to take Ben away! And that I’ll never see him again!” Tears ran down her cheeks as she started to bawl.

“I don’t know what to do! Where do I even start?”

A large warm hand rubbed circles on her back as she shuddered from the intensity of her crying, finally releasing so much stress and frustration held within her.

“It’s ok, let out your sorrows.” Nemoth said, handing Amelia a kleenex box, “It is a lot to keep inside. I gave your mother contacts for a few lawyers who specialize in Astartes and human law when she asked for help regarding your matter. Apologies, that is all I could do to help you.”

She wiped her face and smiled wanly at the Dark Kraken, “Thanks Nemoth. It’s somewhere I can start with. And to answer your second question, no, he did not.”

Nemoth raised a brow but did not push the issue, “If you ever feel that your Astartes is a danger to you. You can contact me. Alright?”

“I will. Thanks Nemoth.” Amelia affirmed.

He put his hand on her shoulder, worry seeping into his voice, “Be careful that you don’t fall into the same corruption that led your Astartes into chaos. The humans that have been corrupted in my time do not meet good endings. I don’t wish to see any of the children I’ve watched growing up become beyond saving.”

Amelia patted his hand, “I won’t, I promise.”

****************

Lenora quickly picked up her phone, hearing the familiar ringtone from her Astartes’ call, “Erriox?”

“Lenora. I will be staying at the base for several more days to keep watch over my battle brother.”

Her brows furrowed with concern, “Are you both alright?”

She heard a huff at the other end of the line, “I’m fine, my brother… is not well.”

“Alright, take care of yourselves. I love you.”

“Same to you.” Came Erriox’s warm reply, “I will come home as soon as this is over. See you then.”

[rainbowtransform]

I fear nobody on tiktok reads my captions so I’m just going to start posting them on here for fun

***

“I don’t know why you’re going back there,” Kenjaku says. His nose is in the air and his back is turned, arms crossing like that’s going to stop Suguru from packing.

“You’re not my husband,” Suguru snaps, patience thin after seven years of being trapped with someone who twists and turns his words. Someone who gave him children, just to pull them away, to try and tighten their hold on him so he wouldn’t keep building the raft that took him years.

“Oh I’m sorry, oh great King of Ithaca,” Kenjaku hisses right back. His form shifts rapidly, switching between their real face, Satoru, and Suguru’s own. “I just thought after seven years you’d fucking take the hint.”

Suguru closes his eyes, and counts back from ten. Kenjaku used to love waking Suguru up in Satoru’s form, smile blossoming along his face and crooning a “good morning.”

He used to love watching the joy Suguru drain when he realized that he wasn’t home, and Kenjaku wasn’t his husband.

“I’m taking the kids,” he says. His girls are packing now, their little faces absolutely glowing when Suguru told them that they were coming with him.

Kenjaku laughs bitterly. “Sure,” he says. “Take them away so I can never see them or you again. Oh and don’t forget to tell Satoru how you got them exactly. Don’t leave out any details.”

Suguru clenched his teeth. Nanako and Mimiko will be an amazing addition to their family, at home, he reasons with himself. Satoru and him have no children, nobody to lay claim to the throne. Since his girls are his blood, they have two heirs.

And Suguru doesn’t want to leave them in a place where their parent would be too angry to focus. He doesn’t want to leave them at all, in fact. He taught them to walk in the five years they have been alive, taught them words and where their home is and knows that Satoru would love them.

Suguru sucks another deep breath in, and then bids goodbye to the god that kept him stranded. He packs his boat tight with supplies and packs the girls’ things in while they say goodbye to the beach, and the waves, and the sun and the moon and the trees and the chickens and the orchard.

And then they set sail. Nanako and Mimiko sre are curious children, and they watch Suguru with bated breath and laughs at the water that sprays into their mouths and giggles at the way that Suguru messed with their hair.

It’s so perfect, Suguru doesn’t believe it when Mimiko screams in horror, one of her hands disappearing into dust. He thinks she just got a power from her other parent and laughs before Nanako suddenly misses a leg.

“Daddy?” They cry in unison and Suguru rushes over, almost tips the boat in his hurry. He reaches his arms out for his girls, waits for the warmth of their body to hit him so he can make everything better before—

There is nothing but dandelion tuffs floating in the wind. Winding their way back to Kenjaku’s island. Suguru watches in horror as the dandelions twist and turn to settle on the green grass at someone’s feet.

He raises his eyes to look at Kenjaku, who is smiling smugly at him. One of his hands are raised, one finger crooked as if to call for someone. Or someones.

Suguru holds strong until the God’s island is out of his sight. And then he breaks into sobs, huge wretched things that take his entire lung span.

He wonders if this is what Poseidon felt when he came from the water to view his son blinded.

(In Ithaca, a husband unweaves a shroud and tells a story about a king’s adventure to a black-haired little boy, and a brown-haired little girl. The girl says she’d rather stay home. But there’s a shine in the black-haired boy’s eyes, a hunger for travel and adventure. There is the same look in the husband’s eyes, eyes roaming the sea every day for a glimpse of ships on the horizon.)

[solar-sunnyside-up]

Hey, I’m sorry to dump this on ya but your blog gives me a lotta hope and I just wondered if you had anything to say to my current ails- I am but a very anxious teen and I am so scared. I see so many people talking of how the world “Will end in 2040” or how “damn the past was so much better because it was simpler” and I am lowkey starting to believe that. I’ve got a problem with romanticizing a past I wasn’t even a part of and I really don’t want to live in some awful dystopian future and I fear I’ve missed out on so much because of when I was born :( and how come no one can afford basic shit anymore? I don’t wanna have no money at all! I really would like to be happy in the future but with all the bullshit caused by social media and the lack of money it seems bleak. I’m sorry that this is such a negative ask but I am not doing so hot and was hoping you’d have an insight ? Don’t respond if you don’t wanna

Hey ya there sprout 🌱 it can be really tough out there!

Your feelings are valid, so valid in fact that those exact feelings are why Solarpunk as it currently exists is around! We've all been there!

Between the wages of the top 10% of ppl vs everyone else being greater then during the French revolution, the average citizen globally being worse off then when the great depression was happening, climate crisis after crisis, all while consuming endless bits of info both horrifying (ex Politics) and hopeful (ex Social Media activism) it's waaaay too much for anyone to bare alone! Much less constantly! That burden shouldn't be on any of us!! But since it is, I'm here to help at least lighten the load even if temporary.

The best thing to do when we feel like this is to stop. Find 5 minutes to be still. We are fight/flight/fawn creatures and we will only loop in our solutions without actual clear choices if we don't Chill Out. We're mammals our natural state is Chilling Out and Play.

Next, think about how cool the planet is and particularly how cool humans are?

How there's finger flutes on ceilings thousands of years old, smaller then average indicating that parents held their children up to draw on the ceilings.

Think about the invention of looms and spinning fibers! What other creature could do that? Think about the kids that could build Snowmans without aching fingers because of lovingly knit mittens.

We sing like whales do, like birds do, like wolves do, and we do it to share stories and ideas over food! It is the first things babies mimic! We have songs so old we no longer know their origin just that they came from love! We even have songs to herd cattle meaning music transcends just us but bleeds into our relationships with the planet!

That we have play behavior! Just like wolves and foxes and whales and octopus it is so built into our DNA to play its generally how we learn things! This ranges from agriculture (children tossing seeds around, blowing on dandelions!) To chores (parachute games > folding laundry, playing pretend > usually chores/job based) to hunting (tag! Hide and seek!)

Think about our interconnectiveness with the planet too, how we are guided by Honey guides to find abandoned hives to share in the spoils of bread and honey. How Sweetgrass needs us to flourish, how berries and nuts need us to spread across the land, how we fix other animals broken bones and beaks and help them return home when otherwise they wouldn't ever get home.

Now that you can remember we deserve to be here, that you deserve to be here. We can look at the current situation and bare it.

And we do that by doing small things. Jam out and listen to music while picking up litter on your block, go to a library and just hang out or research something you love, make seed Bombs and toss them I to abandoned lots, make silly cartoons. Whatever it is, it will be enough.

The weight of the world isn't ment for the individual no matter how much Capitalism and Elites will try and guilt you over their failures. That weight is ment for collective groups, but your job as a Person is to be happy where you can and to be kind so others can be happy. The last thing that I always keep in my heart is a quote from my fave author Ursula Le Guin:

Hang in there, a brighter tomorrow is gunna happen. I promise 🌻

[withacapitalp]

I won’t wish to be yours (or for you to be mine)

Read it on ao3

Second Part

Eddie was never going to be able to stay. 

Logically, Steve understood that. He understood it, and he agreed. No matter what the government tried to spin, no matter what Hopper told them, the people of Hawkins thought Eddie was a murderer. A boy like Eddie had been guilty since the first day he arrived, and this was the inevitable conclusion. 

Still, there was knowing he was eventually going to leave, and then there was watching Eddie put the last boxes in his van and cling on tight to his uncle.

July 14th. Eddie had stayed ten days past 4th of July. Just long enough to make sure they were all going to be okay on the first anniversary. It was kind. It was thoughtful. 

It made Steve wish he knew how to hate him. 

“Okay, so as long as you stick to your timetable, you should get to Chicago by tonight. You have a reservation at this hotel already, so try to get there around check in time, okay? They even have parking in the back,” Nancy rattled off, handing Eddie a thick folder of papers. 

When Eddie had told the five of them he was leaving, she had launched into research mode. It was the way she coped, and it was productive. In just one month she had managed to put together a full dossier of the exact route Eddie had to take to get to New York, even found him a few garages outside of the city in towns where no one would have ever heard his name. 

“Thanks, Drew,” Eddie said with a grin, patting Wayne twice on the shoulder and dragging Nancy into a hug, “Actually, thanks to all of you. You guys have been super helpful.” 

They had been. Nancy planned, Jonathan had started putting together an album of all the pictures he had taken, Argyle began cultivating the perfect stash for Eddie to bring with him, and Robin made about a dozen mixtapes of ‘real music’ for him to listen to. 

Steve had grieved. 

He hadn’t done a damn thing to help or make this process easier. Robin had done her best to try and make things better, she always did, but it didn't help that she was also leaving in less than a month. All of them were. Off to colleges all across the country, while Steve stayed here all by himself. 

He was supposed to at least be able to keep Eddie. But Steve never really got to keep good things, so he should have expected this. 

He turned away from the rest so they wouldn’t see the scowl on his face, kicking at some of the weeds stubbornly poking out from the gravel outside of Wayne’s trailer. The kids had already come by to say their goodbyes, leaving before they had to watch Eddie go. They had offered for Steve to come with them, and he should have taken it. It had felt wrong at the moment to be the only teen to not be there to wish Eddie farewell, but now Steve felt like his world was collapsing, and he just wanted to go home. 

Never mind that his home was standing about 20 feet away from him, laughing with the rest of his friends. Never mind that his home was leaving for good, never to return, and Steve was probably never going to see him again. 

“Hey, easy on the flowers,” Eddie said with a laugh, pulling away from the rest. He squatted low, picking the dandelion and examining it, “Still looks good,” 

Steve hummed, unable to make words come. 

“Make a wish,” Eddie whispered, holding the fuzzy flower up to Steve’s lips. He took a sharp breath in, hating the way his chest felt like it was about to cave in. 

I wish the people in this town would fuck off so you didn’t have to go. 

I wish everything would just stay exactly as it is. 

I wish you would stay. 

I wish I wasn’t so selfish. 

I wish I knew how to tell you I love you. 

Because he did. Steve loved Eddie in a way he thought he was never going to be able to love again. He loved Eddie so much it hurt, and he had started to think that Eddie might even love him right back, but then it had all broken down. 

Now Eddie was going, and Steve had missed his chance. 

Steve banished all of those stupid greedy thoughts, pulling away just enough to blow out a heavy short gust, watching the seeds dance away, merrily floating across the trailer park, unaware they carried no wishes with them. 

“What’d you wish for?” Eddie asked. 

Steve let himself look at Eddie. Really, honestly, look. He memorized the wave of Eddie’s curls, and the long slow slope of his nose. Steve mentally sketched out the sharp jawline, and the way his eyes sparkled. He committed it all to a place in his brain where Eddie could stay young and beautiful forever. 

That was the Eddie Steve could love forever, that was the Eddie that would stay. 

He could let this one go. 

“That you’d be happy, wherever you’re going,” He whispered, pulling Eddie into a far too tight hug. He rested his chin on Eddie’s shoulder and closed his eyes, dragging in a long breath and savoring the smell of Eddie’s cheap, terrible, 2-in-1 shampoo conditioner. 

Eddie held him back just as tight, his forehead nestled in Steve’s neck. 

“I’m gonna call. Every day,” He promised, and Steve forced down the scoff that wanted to come up. 

That’s what everyone always said. I’ll call, I’ll write, we won’t lose touch. It never happened. His own parents hadn’t even managed to keep calling, why would Eddie be any different? 

No, Steve knew the truth. They would call every day for a while, maybe even multiple times a day. Then they would slowly go to every other day, then once a week, once a month, just on birthdays and special occasions. And, eventually, Eddie would forget his name, or Steve would only be fond memories that lived in high school yearbooks and yellowed old photo albums. 

Eddie would forget that he had maybe started to love Steve. 

It was going to happen with Eddie, then Robin, then Jonathan, then Argyle, and finally Nancy. It would happen with the kids when they finally went off on their own, and Joyce and Hopper when there were no more people tying them down to Hawkins. Everyone would leave, because that’s what people did. 

They would leave, and Steve would stay, and he needed to learn how to be okay with that. He needed to figure out how to get over losing people. 

And he needed to be alone to learn how to do that. 

“Does that sound good, Stevie?” 

Oh. Right. Eddie was expecting a response. 

“Yeah. You better. I’ll be waiting by the phone,” Steve said, hating how much that was going to be true. Eddie laughed like it was a joke, but it was the god honest truth. Steve would wait by the phone every single day, and one day the phone wouldn’t ring again. 

He swallowed down the bitterness that was rising, untangling himself from Eddie’s arms and interlocking their fingers. This was the last time he was going to hold this hand, the last time he was going to feel those rings. He needed to savor it. 

They walked back to the others as one single unit. There was another round of hugs, a few well hidden tears, and then Eddie was getting into his van. For the first time there was an air of nervousness, and he glanced around the group, his eyes landing on Steve and staying there. 

Eddie wanted reassurance. He needed a patented Steve Pep Talk, a few words to tell him that he was making the right decision. 

Well, he was making the right decision for him, but Steve couldn’t do it. He couldn’t tell Eddie it was okay to go. His heart was already breaking in two as it was, giving Eddie the last push he needed would shatter it completely. 

Then Robin’s hand was sneaking into his, and she was giving him a look, and Steve couldn’t be selfish anymore. 

“Don’t forget us when you get big and famous,” Steve said with a wave, all of them pretending his voice hadn’t cracked even a bit. Eddie gave him a beaming smile and a two fingered salute, starting up the van with the usual roar. He carefully backed out of the drive, leaving the trailer park with an obnoxiously long beep of his horn and a waving hand. 

And he was gone. 

He was actually gone. 

Steve didn’t bother to stick around and chat with the rest. He had given the last bit of his care away to Eddie, and now he just wanted to curl up in his bed. Steve had to learn to live with this pain, and the sooner he started, the better. 

Robin followed him without words, and he loved her for it. They had already discussed their plans. They were going to get rip roaring drunk, and Steve was going to have a good long cry, and then they would eat ice cream. It wasn’t enough, but it was better than being by himself before he had to be. 

“I’m sorry,” Robin said softly as they got into his Beemer. 

“Don’t be. He’ll be okay.” Steve replied automatically, starting the car and pulling out, going the same way as Eddie. A wild crazy part of him almost wanted to speed to catch up, cut Eddie off, tell him not to go. 

Steve kept the car below 30, barely crawling on a street he normally flew down. 

“He will be,” Robin said carefully. The unspoken ‘I’m worried you won’t be’ sat between them, heavy and oh so painful. 

“I will be,” Steve said stubbornly, ignoring the look Robin gave him. He put the radio on so they didn’t have to talk anymore, hating himself for wishing that he had wished for Eddie to stay. 

[bluesylveon2]

The Way to Ruggie's Heart is With Donuts

Summary: While at Prince Leona's engagement party, Ruggie meets an angel sent from above.

Note: royal au, fem reader, fluff, changing POV's, nicknames (Angel = Yuu, Dandelion = Ruggie), food mentioned, and Leona/his Yuu cameo. Reggie’s outfit is his Glorious Masquerade one

Warning: not beta read and possible ooc characters

Word Count: 2.9k

Masterlist: here, Series Masterlist: here

"Ruggie, come here really quick."

"Yeah, Grammy?" A hyena beastman said as he set a box of food down. The boy wiped the sweat off his brow and eyed his grandmother's blue-gray eyes. 

"You always work hard to keep this house afloat. I have a surprise for you." The woman grabbed an envelope from her pocket and slid it to Ruggie.

"Some donuts?" Ruggie joked, and Grammy Bucchi shook her head. 

"There could be. This envelope contains an invitation to Prince Leona's engagement party. It's also a masquerade."

Ruggie raised a brow in disbelief. "Prince Leona wants a masquerade party?" He had seen the Prince a few times in his life, and Leona looked like the last person to have a party like that. 

"His fiance requested it. Who is he to say no to her?"

Ruggie hummed in agreement. "Why am I getting this invite?"

"Because you are going."

Ruggie's eyes widened so much that it almost looked like they were popping out of his skull. "But isn't that in soon in Noctis Corvus? That's far away! How would I get there?"

"Which is why I was able to pull some strings for you. Let's say I have a friend in the palace who has set up everything for you." Grammy Bucchi pushed the envelope closer. "Now, you can stay home or go. Your choice, but don't take too long, or you will miss it."

Ruggie eyed the envelope and carefully removed the contents inside. The color and font of the invitation screamed expensive. The gold lettering of his name, or what he thought was his name, was very different from what the hyena could write. 

Then there was the party itself. Based on Grammy's words, his transportation there and outfit were covered. But then what? He did not have to mingle with the rich snobs. He could stay near the food and sneak some home for the kids. Ruggie's mouth watered at the variety of food that could be there. He turned to his grandmother with a smile. 

"Alright. I'll do it."

Grammy smiled. "Good. Now, when you get to the Noctus Corvus, look for someone named Kifazi. He will help you with everything."

A few days later

The party was lively based on the many guests dancing to the music or mingling with Leona and his fiance. Everyone was having a grand time except for one. 

Yuu were bored and hungry. She was sure her silver mask did not even hide it, too. 

She loved dancing and meeting new people but did not want to dance with a man who boasts about himself and nothing else (aka her current dance partner). Yuu questioned how a low-ranking noble like herself got pulled into this situation while her stomach was growling. Yuu could not stop thinking about food and remained composed as her silver dress flowed around her. After what felt like hours, the song finally ended, and Yuu took a bow with her dance partner. 

"I am going to step out and take a break. I feel parched." Yuu said with a (fake) tired smile. She picked up her silver dress and began to walk off.

"I can go with you." The man tried to follow. 

"No!" Yuu exclaimed and cleared her throat. "I mean, no, thank you." Her eyes noticed a couple heading her way. "I will be on my way." She quickly slipped with the unaware couple to get as far away from the man as possible. Her eyes quickly noticed a table with a large assortment of sweets. The variety ranged from Harveston in the Shaftlands to the Queendom of Roses. The sweet aroma filled her nose and called to her in temptation. Yuu let her feet guide her until she stood in front of them. 

It seemed like she was not the only one who gave in to the temptation. Standing a few feet away from her was a young man wearing a golden ensemble, a mask covering one eye, and a round hat with feathers. It complemented Yuu's silver dress and mask. Yuu noticed his sandy blonde hair and hyena ears sticking out from the hat. Yuu could see his eyes sparkle, and his tail wagged excitedly as he eyed the delicious treats. 

Cute. Yuu smiled and stepped closer to the male.

"I recommend trying the apfelstrudel, flan, and lava cake. All three are different in their own way, and they taste delicious."

The male looked at Yuu in shock, but it quickly went away. "Which one do you like the most?" He asked, his eyes briefly glancing at the girl's diamond-covered bracelet.

Yuu hummed in thought. "It's not on my list." She pointed to a round treat covered in sugar with a cream-colored dot sticking out of the side. "That's a bomboloni. It is like a donut, also known as a big bomb, because of the filling inside. It is my favorite, and I was surprised to see it at this party. If only they were fresh out the stove."

The male laughed a strange but lovely laugh in Yuu's ears. "Thank you for the recommendations, miss." He proceeded to grab one of everything and many of the bombolonis. Yuu watched the male stack each dessert on his tiny plate. 

"I don't think that will all fit." Yuu chuckled, her eyes filled with amusement. 

"Don't underestimate me, miss. I can do it." The male replied as he proceeded to stuff his mouth with bombolonis. 

"I believe you. Anyways, what is your name? I don't think I've ever seen you around here before." Yuu asked, unaware of her companion's momentarily freezing.

"That's a secret since this is a masquerade. Besides, I'm usually at the back of these parties. I don't show my face often, and the Prince does not mind."

Yuu hummed in response. "I see. Okay, so what should I call you?"

The male shrugged. "Anything you want, I guess."

Yuu hummed. She unconsciously rubbed her thumb against her bracelet in thought as her eyes scanned the male's outfit. "How about Dandelion? It goes with your outfit."

"Shye hee hee, that's an odd name. Alright, If we are going by nicknames, then you can be Angel," He pointed at her bracelet. "Because that looks like a small halo."

"Alright, Dandelion." Yuu let out a small giggle as Dandelion's pile grew higher and higher. "Hey, I have an idea, Dandelion." The hyena raised his visible eyebrow and continued adding more food to his plate. "How about we go to a different room to eat all the food?" 

Dandelion froze as Yuu started piling her plate with desserts. "You want to help me? We literally just met."

Yuu glanced at Dandelion while she added more food; her pile started to rival his. "Yeah, but would you want to eat your dessert mountain before these snobby people? Why not eat it in a different place and savor it? Plus, we can talk more about them after."

"Shyeheehee, you are a weird girl. I thought you would rather stick to dancing with the party like a goody-two-shoes." 

"I don't like dancing that much." Yuu shrugged, and Dandelion grinned. 

"Lucky you, I'm not much of a dancer anyway."

Yuu grabbed one of Dandelion's free hands. "Then let's ditch this party and enjoy the food." She said with a mischievous grin. 

"Lead the way."

Meanwhile

"Those two are cute, right, Leona? The princess asked as she watched the two lovebirds leave the ballroom with loving smiles on their faces. 

Leona scoffed. "That hyena has been making heart eyes towards the girl since he ran into her at the dessert table. I'm getting tired of watching it."

The princess smirked and looped an arm around her fiance's arm. "It reminds me of a certain someone, huh?"

Leona looked at her with wide eyes. "Why you-"

"You know you weren't exactly stealthy about hiding it either. Vil complained about it to me a lot."

Leona looked away with a blush on his face. "Shut it."

The princess playfully rolled her eyes before grabbing Leona's cheek to turn his head to her and peck his lips. "And you love me for it." She laughed as she let herself be embraced in Leona's arms. The two watched the crowd below them until she spoke again. "That hyena…Is he the one Kifazi mentioned?"

Leona nodded. "He is."

"So when are you going to tell him?"

"I'll let him spend time with the girl. I don't feel like interrupting them when I can corner him in the morning." Leona said. He did not have to look down to know that his fiance was smiling, satisfied with his answer. 

"Weren't you tired of watching the hyena make heart eyes to the girl?" The princess quipped, amusement in her voice. 

Leona kissed the princess' temple. "I'm a nice guy, Princess."

"Wait, so you can actually make these yourself?" Ruggie asked as he licked the jelly out of his fingers. Angel was unfazed by it and giggled instead. 

"Yeah, my friend, a baker who works in Briar Valley, taught me. I can make those and different varieties of donuts."

Ruggie questioned if the sun was up because he saw sparkles and a glow from the moonlight behind Angel. The light highlighted her features and made her silver jewelry shine like gemstones. To him, the girl look like an angel sent from above. 

"What else can you make?"

"Lots of things. Main dishes, sides, desserts, you name it! I can most likely make it." Ruggie's eyes lit up, and he felt his mouth water, thinking about the mountain of food. 

Angel shifted in her seat and leaned a little bit toward Ruggie. "So, that's enough about me. What do you do? It seems like you know the Prince."

"Well, I've seen him a few times. I mostly work in the slums and help the children."

"Really! That is really sweet of you."

Ruggie chuckled nervously at his half-lie, and he turned to Angel. "I would still do it even if I was not obligated to. You know, your talent would really help. Those kids would eat anything."

Angel grinned, her eyes brightening like the Sunset Savanna sun. "I would love to! I could even open a restaurant for them."

"Well, you do need some help running it."

"Are you implying that you help?" Angel said as she looked into Ruggie's mischievous eyes. The thought of her and Ruggie helping the kids did not seem bad in her mind. 

"Of course."

Angel held her hand out and shook Ruggie's hand. "It's settled, partner."

"Partner," Ruggie replied but did not let go of Angel's hand. The two stared at each other until a knock interrupted their thoughts. 

"Hey? Is someone in there?" Ruggie's companion froze, and a moment of fear flashed in her eyes. 

"Shit, he's after me?" Angel hissed while standing up, her hands fiddled with her bracelet. Her eyes wandered between her friend's worried look and the door. 

"What do you mean? Who's after you?" Ruggie placed his hands on Yuu's shoulders to comfort her. 

"Listen, you stay here while I leave. Leave once you hear I'm gone. I don't want to cause a scene if someone sees us alone." She removed her bracelet from her arm, grabbed Ruggie's hand, and placed it in his palm. 

"Take this and sell it. I think it goes for ten thousand thaumarks."

Ruggie's eyes widened as he eyed the sparkly accessory. "Ten thousand?! Are you sure you want to give me this?" Usually, Ruggie never refused a money opportunity, but this was from a woman! He was not reckless enough to run off to sell it without permission. 

"Yes, I trust that you will use it well." Angel reluctantly let go of Ruggie and made her way to the door. "I hope to see you soon, Dandelion."

Ruggie gently gripped the bracelet and smiled sadly. His heart felt heavy thinking about how the literal angel sent to him was going away so soon. "See you later, Angel. You should also teach me all of the donut recipes you know."

She only laughed; her smile made her glow even more. "I promise"

And with that, his angel was gone. 

Ruggie was back in the ballroom, dancing to the music with his angel. He gazed at her lovingly as the two twirled around the dancefloor.

"I wish this would never end." His angel said. There was a glow around her body, and her eyes sparkled like jewels. 

Ruggie's hand slid down her back to support her while he dipped her. "I don't want it to either." He admitted and pulled her close.

His angel smiled sadly and stopped dancing. "But you still have to wake up."

"What?"

"Oi, Ruggie, wake up." a new voice called out, breaking Ruggie out of his slumber. Ruggie's eyes opened; his eyes did not see the ballroom but focused on the furniture of the guest room assigned to him. 

"Finally, you're awake."

The blonde turned his head to see the Prince Leona of Sunset Savanna (and eventual Prince consort of Nocte Corvus) staring back at him with bored emerald eyes. 

"What the heck? What are you doing here in my room?"

Leona rolled his eyes. "Good morning to you, too. Let me get straight to the point. I am offering you a job."

Ruggie eyed Leona suspiciously. "What's the catch?"

"There is no catch. I've heard about your reputation, Ruggie. Your knowledge about the slums of Sunset Savanna would benefit me in hopes of improving it with my influence here. You know your way in and out of it and potentially similar places in this kingdom. With that, I want you to work for me."

Ruggie relaxed a little bit, but he was still suspicious of Leona. "Is that why I'm here? You decided to corner me now to be an advisor?"

"Including you in the party was my fiance's idea. She insisted on it." Leona stood up and stretched, his body popping every now and then. 

Ruggie thought he must have been sitting here for a while as Leona looked down at him. 

"You have a minute to decide either yes or no. I don't care which you choose, but I think you are the best for the job. Besides, it gives you plenty of opportunities to see that girl you were with yesterday." Ruggie's shocked look at the revelation only caused Leona to laugh as he went to a nearby dresser. "You were very obvious." Leona picked up the object sitting on it and threw it in Ruggie's direction. 

The blonde caught the object and inspected it. When she smiled, the diamonds in his angel's bracelet glimmered like her eyes. He thought of his grandma at home, the kids trying to survive to see the next day, and his angel, who he wished he got the name of. 

Yes, I trust that you will use it well. His angel's voice rang, causing Ruggie to smile and rub the cool metal with his fingers. This was noticed by Leona.

"So you have your answer?"

Ruggie looked up at Leona with determined eyes. "I'll do it."

A few months later

Yuu watched as the buildings passed her view. She was heading to the castle to have tea with the newly crowned Queen of Nocte Corvus and a few other noble ladies. Others consider themselves lucky to be a part of the Queen's social event, but Yuu thought otherwise. The girl sighed as she watched the carriage pass by a group of children playing nearby. The children's smile reminded her of Dandelion's smile when he saw the dessert table at the party. The girl had never heard from Dandelion (how could she since she did not know his real name) since she had to leave that night. Although she had gone through the next few months like normal, Yuu secretly hoped to one day run into Dandelion just for once. 

"We are here, Miss." her coach's voice brought Yuu out of her thoughts, unaware that the carriage stopped before the grand castle of Nocte Corvus. 

Her goes nothing, Yuu thought as she stepped out. The bright sun blinded her until her eyes adjusted to it. Yuu thought she was hallucinating but saw a familiar mop of blonde hair and hyena ears grinning at her. He wore much fancier clothes than before, and his face was now uncovered. Yuu could now see the speckles of gray in his blue eyes and a light dust of freckles on his cheeks. The sound of a very unique laugh brought her to reality. 

"Dandelion?" Yuu only managed to say. 

The beastman smirked with glee in his eyes. "Hello, Angel, it has been a while."

Yuu immediately ran to him and pulled him in for a hug. "You're here!" She laughed as Ruggie picked her up by the waist and spun her. 

"Oi, Ruggie. Hurry up so Yuu can finally stretch. She traveled far to be here, ya know?" A bored voice called out, breaking the atmosphere around them. The couple turned to find Prince Leona staring at them while his wife giggled at his side. 

"Oh, so your name is Ruggie. That is a fitting name." Yuu smiled, ignoring the couple watching them. 

Ruggie grinned and maintained his hold on Yuu. "Same to you, Yuu." He stared into Yuu's eyes again before grabbing her hand and leading her into the castle. "C'mon, Yuu. I requested the chefs make some donuts, and catching up while they're hot is better."

Yuu nodded and followed the blonde. She passed by the Queen, who had a knowing smile on her face. She did not need to attend the tea party after all. 

As the couple ran, Yuu noticed the silver bracelet dangling on Ruggie's wrist and smiled. It seemed like everything would be well after all.  

©: These stories belongs to bluesylveon2 2020-23. DO NOT modify, republish, or plagiarize my work.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twisted Wonderland and its characters. Those belong to Aniplex, Walt Disney Japan, and Yana Toboso.

[elenavr13]

Darkiplier/Damien Playlist (Updated)

172 songs

Evermore- Dan Stevens

Everybody Wants To Tule the World- Lorde

Control- Halsey

Gasoline- Halsey

Dynasty- MIIA

Judas- Lady Gaga

Take Me To Church- Hozier

Castle- Halsey

Sing To Me- MISSIO

Kamikazee- MISSIO

Panic Room- Au/Ra

Isolate- Sub Urban

Elastic Heart (Rock Cover)- Written by Wolves

Crossfire- Stephen

Dead!- My Chemical Romance

Stressed Out- Twenty One Pilots

Look What You Made Me Do- Taylor Swift

Smooth Criminal- Michael Jackson

The Voice of Darkiplier- Markiplier

I’ll Be Good- Jaymes Young

I Wanna Be Yours- Arctic Monkeys

Do I Wanna Know- Arctic Monkeys

In His Eyes- Jekyll & Hyde (musical)

Can You Feel My Heart- Bring Me to the Horizon

Feeling Good- Michael Buble

Can You Feel My Heart x Favorite Dress (slowed)- Miro remix

My Demons- Starset

Achilles Come Down- Gang of Youth

Monster- Skillet

What’s the Use of Feeling Blue- Caleb Hyles

Where I Want to Be- Chess in Concert

Can’t Help Falling In Love- Ice Nine Kills

The American Nightmare- Ice Nine Kills

A Grave Mistake- Ice Nine Kills

Left Behind- DAGames

Farewell II Flesh- Ice Nine Kills

Below the Surface- Griffinilla

The Wrecked and the Worried- NateWantsToBattle

You Can’t Take Me Anywhere- NateWantsToBattle

Goner- Twenty One Pilots

You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid- The Offspring

Fake You Out- Twenty One Pilots

Miss You- Corpse

Epoch- The Living Tombstone

In the End- Linkin Park

Me, Myself & Hyde- Ice Nine Kills

The World In My Hands- Ice Nine Kills

Popular Monster- Falling In Reverse

Monster- Imagine Dragons

What I Could Have Been- Sting

Hushh- AViVA

Phantom of the Opera

Darkside- NEONI

Broken- DNMO & Sub Urban

Killer In the Mirror- Set It Off

Doubt- Twenty One Pilots

I’m Not Okay- My Chemical Romance

Friends on the Other Side- Princess and the Frog

Poison- WE ARE THE FURY

Apologize- One Republic

My Lullaby (metal cover)- Jonathan Young

I See Red (slowed)- Everybody Loves an Outlaw

Tear In My Heart- Twenty One Pilots

I Hate Everything About You- Three Days Grace

F.L.Y- Ice Nine Kills

Migraine- Twenty One Pilots

Car Radio- Twenty One Pilots

Demons- MISSIO

Snakes- PVRIS & MIYAVI

Villain- KDA

Royalty- Egzod & Maestro Chives ft. Neoni

The Red Means I Love You- Madds Buckley

Loser- Neoni

Not Ready To Die- Avenged Sevenfold

I Want You- Mitski

Poltergeist- Corpse

Life Waster- Corpse

All Of Me (slowed)- John Legend

Young And Beautiful- Lana Del Rey

Dark Paradise (slowed)- Lana Del Rey

How Villains Are Made- Madalen Duke

Love and War- Fluerie

Dark Things- Adona

Wicked Game- Ursine Vulpine

Neptune- Sleeping At Last

Enemy- Tommee Profitt

Far From Home (The Raven)- Sam Tinnesz

City Of The Dead- Eurielle

Throne- Saint Mesa

Paint it, Black- Ciara cover

Man Or A Monster- Sam Tinnesz

Dark On Me- Starset

Hell’s Comin’ With Me- Poor Mans Poison

Wires- The Neighbourhood

Liquid Smooth- Mitski

Little Dark Age- MGMT

Devil In Disguise- Elvis (LLusion)

Toxic- 2WEI

Dark Room- Foreign Figures & EJ Michels

Heathens- Twenty One Pilots

Dance With The Devil- Breaking Benjamin

Black Out Days- Phantogram

Somewhere Only We Know- Keane

Monsters- Ruelle

Whispers In The Dark- Skillet

Salvaged- NateWantsToBattle

Saint Bernard- Lincoln

F*ck You- Silent Child

I Know Those Eyes/This Man Is Dead- Thomas Borchert, Brandi Burkhardt

Broken Inside- Broken Iris

Sweet Dreams- Besomorph

EVIL- AViVA

Saints- Echos

Screaming Bloody Murder- Sum 41

Dandelions (slowed)- Ruth B

Master Mirror- Ashley Serena

Everyday A Little Death- The Count of Monte Cristo

FREAK- Jordan Friction

Broken (slowed)- lovelytheband

Michelle- Sir Chloe

Like A Villain- BAD OMENS

If It’s Vengeance You Want- Unlike Pluto

Monster- Fight The Fade

Listen Before I Go- Billie Eilish

Mary On a Cross (slowed)- Ghost

R.I.F.P.- MOTHICA

Nervous- Lola Blanc

Unravel- Johnathan Young

Lost In Paradise- Evanescence

Lies- Evanescence

Haunted- Laura Les

Dread- Unlike Pluto

Monsters- Shinedown

Black Soul- Shinedown

Sorrow- Sleeping At Last

Seeing Red- Saint Chaos

Villain- Bella Poarch

Lithium- Nirvana

Smells Like Teen Spirit- Nirvana

Down With The Sickness- Disturbed

Animal I Have Become- Three Day Grace

Greed- Godsmack

One of Us is the Killer- The Dillinger Escape Plan

All The King’s Horses- Karmina

Gilded Lily- Cults

Haunted & Unwanted- NateWantsToBattle

Symbol of My Regret- NateWantsToBattle

In My Head- NateWantsToBattle

Vendetta- Unsecret & Krigare

Nothing To Me- NateWantsToBattle

Chasing Cars- Sleeping At Last

Villain- MISSIO

Used to the Darkness- Des Rocs

Unforgiven- Ghost Nation

Monster- Starset

Eight- Sleeping At Last

Already Gone- Sleeping At Last

Devilish- The Phantoms

Motherland- Reach

Falling Away From Me- Korn

Just a Man- Jorge Rivera-Herrans & EPIC Ensemble

Something Wicked- Starset

Darkness in Me- Fight The Fade

I Would Die for You- In This Moment

Eye For An Eye- Rina Sawayama

Psycho in my Head- Skillet

Done With Everything- Line So Thin

Monster- Besomorph

Twisted Games- Night Panda, Krigarè

Killer Inside of Me- Willyecho

King For A Day- Pierce The Veil ft. Kellin Quinn

someone i’m not- Layto

[sunflower1experiment]

She’s a mom!

“She’s a bit distant..why?”

“Maybe we love bombed her!? I hope not.” Suma gave a teary eyed expression while Tengen walked in with Hina but |Name| only gave a pained smile.

“I’m sorry- I’ve been forever grateful but…I feel like I’ve been lying. So I wish to speak with you all. This may come as a surprise but I’m a woman of virtue so hearing the news, I hope it doesn’t deteriorate your feelings for me.”

“Of course not Angel! What makes you believe that!?” The now retired geisha could only give a knowing stare before looking saddened, “I have two little boys. A mischievous one and one who well…he’s always smiling but he’s so sweet natured. And so serious when it comes to his shop.” She looks down. “I had to send them away to a good school for the sake of their safety.”

“I’ve grown to miss them.” The woman looks outside, I’m not sad but I just wonder how their beautiful faces would look when they realize I’m blessed once more.” Tengen had a look of awe, Makio was shocked to say the least while Suma cried tears of joy.

“That’s so sweet |Name|! You’re such a good mother.”

A giggle leaves her lips, “I’m so happy you think so! I just want them to meet their new parents-“ |Name| stops when Tengen and the girls all had teary eyes resting on them.

“I’m a dad? That’s so…flashy…|Name| we would be honored to welcome them in our flamboyant home!” The girls cheer, “Lord Tengen thank you!”

Laughter fills the room: oh how lucky she felt. When will she meet them, she’ll never know. But one thing is for sure. |Name| knew she’d meet her mischievous one soon.

A boy playing the flute hops amongst the fences, twirling around while giggling mischievously before he came to a stop. “Oh! Heheh!” He jumps down then follows an unsuspecting victim, it was none other than Tanjiro: the male had felt a presence but. It was so quiet, so nimble he took a quick glance but none avail.

As he heads to demon slayer Corp he felt legs hop on his back then a loud “ALLYYOOP!!” A boy ran ahead. He was probably no age higher than him but he still wore scruffy clothes and odd shoes, “He-HEY! Come back!”

“Nah uh! I’m here to see mom. Know where she’s at.” The male stares at him. He wore an odd looking straw hat but his eyes, pure beautiful brown. So innocent yet mischief would lie deep within, “Um I’m Tanjiro.. you are?”

“Mmm Mom calls me her little Trickster so call me Trick! Hehe trick or treat little Tanjiro.”

“Ah! Who’s mom?”

“My mom!”

The boy had to think through this, “Your mom?” He stood there then he flinches when Zenitsu screams loudly and Inosuke kicks him.

“QUIET DOWN DANDELION HAIR!”

“Guys! There’s this boy-“ Tanjiro looks over and the boy had left. “Ah- AHH???”

“Mommaaaaa!!” His raspy voice caught a few ears but when he cleared his throat a playful childish voice soon erupts after.

“Um. Little one what are you doing here?” This time Shinobu had found him, “Woah, you’re not momma but I like your spirit.”

The boy walks over and takes a good look at Kocho. “Hmm but you’re super scary. Momma always has a pleasant energy. She was a geisha after all.”

“Oh! You’re looking for |Name|? One of Tengen’s, wives?”

“Mommas Married!? WOWIE!” He ran ahead but soon ran back. “Where’s mom?” She points to the north then explains where to go after.

Continuing forward Trick heads towards the house, calling his mother to which she perks at the sound of his voice. “Is that my little one?”

“Hm? Angel?” Tengen gets up, hearing his voice too. “Is that one of your kids?” She immediately ran down the road. “Ah! My precious one!”

“MOMMA!”

“My sweet precious Niko!” He rams into her, giggling loudly while she lifts his hat and places mini kisses amongst his face. “Mommaaaa! Noooo I need to impress my new moms and dad!”

“Oh you already impress them already my sweet face.” They both head to the house. She shows him to the man and women.

Hina gasps, “He’s.”

Makio’s eyes go wide. “So.”

“FLASHY!!!” Tengen laughs.

“And cute.” Suma immediately hugs Niko who just blushes before giggling sweetly. “Hehe. Flashy! That’s so cool! I wish to be flashy just like my family!”

“You’ll always be flashy sweetface. Now…why do I see you here and not at school?”

“Well- I graduated! And I decided to travel, with brother..he sells some weird masks to avoid them demons. I carry wisteria and plant them amongst people’s houses. Though they’re super rare so…I’m not sure how I got them.” Indeed they are, it even shocked |Name| while Tengen wore a prideful grin. “This kid gets it! Save lives before they even need savin!”

“He always was the trickster. I’m so proud. Where’s he at?”

“Mm…” Niko was a bit hesitant but he shrugged. “We split up. The masks he had were more wanted in areas where these scary demons roamed. I’m pretty sure he could handle himself because of the wisteria flowers but I hope he’s okay.” |Name| sighs.

“He’s definitely alright…wait till he comes home..”

“Why do you say that?”

“Before I adopted his brother he came from a family that kept demon remains as a trophy. That’s what the masks are made of and he also uses them and their powers to fend them off. Sadly I’m more worried about him getting caught up in something correlated to Muzan.”

“Hm, smart, flashy but also very dangerous. I’m guessing his old family got carried away.” |Name| nods while Niko starts playing with Makio a bit.

Later that evening

|Name| awaited for her eldest to come home, it was shocking but to see her eldest, grown and still wearing that same smile. To match his beautiful hazel eyes, it brought tears to her eyes. The man sets his bag down then he walks over.

“Hm?” She caresses his face, “Hello dear.” The man hugs her close. “Everyone meet my eldest. Though he’s more independent than Niko he goes by a name.”

“Call me Merchant. I’m quite pleased that you took my mother from the district, she needs to see the beautiful world for what it is.” |Name| and merchant shared the same giggle which made everyone watch them in pure adoration.

“And you say they’re adopted, you sure?”

“One hundred percent. My precious merchant here happily lived and went to college with his brother. Whom he does not like.”

Merchant backs away when Niko started crab dancing near him, then the two suddenly move away and back before he attacks Niko with a stick. “Back Niko! Back I say!”

|Name| sighs, “I’m just happy you all get to meet them before they must venture off again.”

Though they didn’t want to, Niko and Merchant eventually did leave. Not after spending time with their new family and merchant showed the demon parts as promised, even trying to bargain with Tengen which |Name| shut down instantly.

The look of pure side eye was actually making the merchant feel nervous. Never let a black woman side eye you as he wishes to say, “Niko what do you do besides travel.”

“Make friends, most of them all depend as to how they handle my music…but I’m to much of a trickster. That’s how mom adopted me. She loves my tricks!” The male then hugs |Name| one last time. “I’ll miss ya.” Merchant leans into the hug as well before everyone joined in.

A family group hug, that’s something they plan to cherish during their journey. |Name| waves as they walk ahead, hand in hand before the distance finally took over their forms. “My precious little ones.”

Things went back to as they were but |Name| was jubilant, eager to cook, dance for them. She even found a new style, “Guess she just needed to see her kiddos. Wonder why they left rather than stay.”

“Based on what I researched. Merchant’s people in terms of masks and demon parts take their jobs very seriously. Stopping means no money, and they’re mainly merchants who wish to sell and spread their riches to help others. Now Niko….from what I recall he’s based off a culture within the forest? They’re very sweet, he’s just like any teen and child. Mischievous but very pure and smart.”

“Thank you Hina, they’re both as flashy as they are amazing. |Name| is a lucky lady.”

“That’s why ya married her Lord Tengen!” He nods pridefully, “She’s to good for us.” They all start to hug |Name| while she was busy searching for warmth so, win win.

But she did fall asleep not to long after. “Well how can we move? She’s asleep!”

“Darn it..welp I ain’t movin.” Tengen and the girls waited until she woke up, to which failed and they all laid together.

Sound asleep.

[cinberella]

My Dandelion

“This fic was created for the Shadowhunters Reverse Bang 2024: Presented by the @malecdiscordserver.”

Credit for the art: @demy85

You can find the art here: Tumblr

Fic: Link to AO3

Prologue - 2nd September 2010 - somewhere on the Italian side of the Alps

                  Praying to God that one day you'll be mine, wishing on dandelions all of the time, all of the the time                                                                                     (Ruth B. - Dandelions)

This isn't the first time Alec has lain down in the middle of a sunny clearing; well, it is not anything he has done all his life either. It is just one of the many new pastimes he has started to appreciate. Alec discovered this secluded meadow a couple of weeks back and now he likes to come here almost every day. Alone. He rests, in complete relaxation, sitting directly on the grass so that he can feel the power running deep underground, trying to connect with it. He has learned to perceive the ley lines streaming beneath his feet, wherever he is. His blood senses them. Even the amulets he wears around his neck - and both his wrists- react softly but soothingly to the lines. Alec comes here to seek a perfect communion with nature and the magic that permeates it. He does so in solitude - which is a rare condition for him nowadays since he is always surrounded by noisy, lively - bordering on wild - kids. So, even if he adores spending his time with the kids, Alec treasures his daily me-time, as brief as it can be. In fact, when he is alone in this peaceful place, he can think of the man who is and will always be in his heart. Inexplicably, thinking of Magnus is as much a solace as a torment. In any case, being outdoors, in the woods, and walking on little-traveled paths, is another simple pleasure he has started indulging himself with in recent times. A bitter-sweet pleasure. Sweet as the memories of the time he spent with Magnus, bitter as the awareness that that time is over now. He regrets nothing. Alec was so lucky to have found Magnus in the first place, right? Blessed, even. He wouldn’t be here if that day he had not gone to him, to his private residence seeking help. He was brave, wasn’t he? Well, somehow he knew Magnus would have helped him.

The Warlock is now thousands of miles away, at that same place in New York that Alec had called home for a while. God, Alec misses him so much. Magnus was his savior. And a wonderful mentor. 

A friend, and a lover. Magnus showed him a new way, gave him a new life entirely. Alec learned over the days they spent together how resourceful, multi-talented, and eclectic the man was. Despite Alec being very different from the Warlock in every aspect of his personality they worked together in a perfect way, becoming joined at the hip in no time. In fact, Alec used to think of himself as a boring and bland guy - even if Magnus never agreed with that, always telling him how amazing and fun ( seriously ? fun ?) he was. The Warlock, instead, was one of a kind, wasn’t he? 

It was impossible to get bored with him around. Magnus would take Alec on a shopping spree on 5th Avenue, proclaiming that he was in absolute need of new clothes - come on, darling, let’s get something a bit more colorful and soft, something to complement your pretty eyes and caress your skin of porcelain -  and a couple of days later, he would surprise him with an impromptu visit to a Buddhist temple in Nepal - you see, Angel, I think some meditation could do you good, you need to center yourself, don’t you? They could even spend a whole night in a casino in Las Vegas gambling like crazy billionaires and uncaring of the other patrons glaring at them for Magnus’ impudent luck . Okay, it was obvious that the Warlock cheated, of course, he would do that, just pointless to deny it, but then he would end up giving all the winnings to charity so Alec never put too much effort into complaining about that. The morning after, after no more than three hours of sleeping in the fanciest hotel in the city, and a night of tender, slow sex, he would portal them to Italy for a fancy Chianti wine tasting at a small winery in Tuscany and a romantic dinner to follow.

What a wonderful, exciting life, right? So carefree and fun, unpredictable and a bit crazy. Alec had had more experiences and lived more intensely in the six months he spent with Magnus than in the twenty years he lived at the Institute before being kicked out of it for good. 

Perks of living with and working for one of the most powerful Warlocks in the World. And of being friends with him. 

Friends.

That is what they are still supposed to be. Alec wants to believe they are. Alec wants them to be friends so badly. Sure, they had been more than friends, but that phase was just that… a phase. It wasn’t meant to last forever. Alec needed to move on, to give a new meaning to his life, to do something good with it. Before he settled to resort to the High Warlock’s help, he had almost resigned himself to losing that same life he treasures so much today. He had come so close to finding comfort in the idea of dying.

Magnus changed Alec’s mind. He saved him, not with big words or vain promises, but by showing him every day what life could still have in store for him. That was the most fantastic gift Alec could have been given in his darkest hour. 

Hope.

Alec smiles at himself. It is just incredible how deeply and drastically his life has changed! He went from slaying Demons for a living to working full time for an eccentric and unconventional Warlock - falling madly and desperately in love with him in the meantime - to eventually moving to Italy for a fresh start. Alec isn’t Magnus’ personal assistant anymore. Now he has another job here, a job he adores, truly, a job that brought him to settle in the mountains, in a setting so similar to Idris, and yet so different. 

Here, he is helping the local High Warlock and her husband to run a small shelter for young Warlocks they opened in a little village on the border between Italy and Austria. Here, where the air is fresh and clean and the people are hard-working and reserved, Alec has the chance to be happy. 

Admittedly, he gets along well with Carlotta and her husband Vito, a passionate and very loud man from Sicily, and loves taking care of the kids. Alec is already smitten with all the five of them. They are funny, smart, at times vulnerable and tender, in need of someone to tell them that they are beautiful and loved for who they are. They have been rejected, abandoned, and Alec feels somehow akin to them. He looks up at the clouds, and at the shapes they form in the sky. He keeps seeing Magnus’ beautiful face everywhere. His kind and warm eyes, his soft smile, and his delicate but so masculine features are always on his mind. Who knows if he will see him again any time soon... He already misses him like air, but this was the plan from the start, after all. Moving here, working with Carlotta, maybe falling in love, and starting a family with a local guy? If only he weren’t already in love with Magnus, that would be a nice plan.

Of course... His love will remain unrequited but that's okay. Alec has come to terms with his feelings. He will never fall out of love with the Warlock. He may not be a Shadowhunter anymore, but he is a Nephilim nonetheless, and Nephilim love once, fiercely. Maybe Magnus will come visit him one day, or he'll call him to see how he's doing. Maybe he'll surprise him for his birthday in a few days. Shit… It has already been a month since they went their separate ways! 

26 days , to be precise. Yes, Alec is counting. No one will judge him for it, right?

On the other hand, nobody knows about his feelings. Not even Magnus, despite everything they shared. Hot (in more than one way) nights and bustling days. A small sigh escapes his mouth, but no, Alec won’t give in to this melancholic emotion, he won’t wallow in misery. Magnus wouldn’t want that. Therefore he will keep his promise to the Warlock. He will try and be happy, he will strive to ensure that this life Magnus gave him could be fulfilling, carried on to the best of his abilities.

Alec squints his eyes looking up at the sun, but the light is too intense, so he lowers his gaze again and looks around himself. This place is truly amazing. There are several dandelions around him. The intense yellow of their tiny petals makes him think of the Warlock of course. It was he who explained how that little flower is an incredibly resilient, energetic, and adaptable flower. 

You see, Alexander? This flower entrusts its seeds to the wind, with confidence and survives even on the roughest terrain, in the most adverse conditions. You are like a little, brave dandelion, dear. You are my dandelion. 

And then he kissed him and Alec felt a love like he had never felt before explode in his chest. That day, Alec also learned how to blow on the fluffy cloud of minuscule feathered fruits to make a wish. He wished to be able to stay with Magnus forever.

Later on, he did that again countless times, and each time he made the same wish. But enough is enough. That wish can’t come true. Absent mindedly, he picks one fat, soft pappus that was standing proud next to him , and looks at it with calm resignation. He won't blow it this time, wishing in vain. It would be meaningless. Magnus is unreachable. Alec left New York for a reason and Magnus… let him go. Today Alec can linger here a bit longer, he has the afternoon free and nowhere else he needs to be. He lies down and crosses his fingers behind her head, the pappus left to rest on his chest for the wind to take it. The thick grass pinches his back through the cotton of his T-shirt, the sun is warm and pleasant on his face, and Alec lets the sounds of nature envelop him. Effortlessly, once again, his mind goes back to the events of that fateful day at the beginning of March. The day that changed his life for good.

READ THE FIC ON AO3

[zhongrin]

Dear Zhongli and Meirin,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and prosperity! While I was originally going to send a simple text, Venti insisted on "a medium that Zhongli would better understand," as written letters were "a staple of his time." Venti's words, not mine, though don't tell him I'm throwing him under the bus like that, haha.

I'm writing to let you know that we've returned safely, and our visit was very lovely. Your teashop in particular was beautiful, and I'm glad we were able to stop by. It was especially nice to see you again, Mr. Zhongli, and I apologize for whatever psychological damage Venti's... "advice" has caused Mrs. Rin. I can't say I'm sure what exactly a "skibidi gyatt" is, but judging by the way Venti was laughing so hard he had to lean on me the entire way home, I'd have to assume it's at least mildly inappropriate, if not entirely so.

Despite that, and despite how adamantly Venti may deny it, I know he was very pleased to have been able to see you, Mr. Zhongli. He missed you plenty while in Mondstadt.

Attached are two bottles of the Dawn Winery's finest Dandelion wine, pilfered with Venti's own two hands. (Kidding!) Come visit us soon, our door is always open for you.

(Venti told me to add that if not, he will hire someone to constantly be mowing grass while you sleep. I have no idea what to say to that, so do what you will with said information. I think that means he misses you both. Not quite sure.)

Yours truly,

Sachie

Dear Sachie,

I hope this letter finds you both in good health. Both Meirin and I are glad to hear that you've both returned safely to Mondstadt.

I truly appreciated your company the other day. It heartens me to know that Venti has a capable partner to lean on (no pun intended) in these times. I have known for far too long how vexatious he could be sometimes, but I am glad to see that you are able to view him as a good significant other nonetheless.

As for the 'incident', let bygones be bygones. It is partly my fault for trusting Venti not conducting a proper research beforehand. Meirin has assured me she would rather me peruse the old traditional nicknames, so that is what I shall do.

You both have my thanks for the good quality wine. We'll try our best to clear up our schedule so we can visit you next time in Mondstadt.

postscriptum. Venti ー if you are reading this, please don't make too much trouble for Miss Sachie. Also, I'd rather you not drag my wife into this meaningless childish squabble.

Hoping to see you both soon, Zhongli and Meirin

[geraskierficrecs]

End of the Year Updates (2022)

Thank you all for hanging around and continuing to be amazing friends, writers, artists, and readers for the Witcher fandom!  You have all been incredibly supportive and make me so glad that I am a part of this too.  To that end, I’ve collected all the fics I’ve completed or are in progress this year.

Links and descriptions under the cut.

In-Progress:

The Sin Eater

“He doesn’t have much time now,” the demon observed, “Even Witchers need oxygen. This is your only hope of saving him.”

Jaskier’s face went firm and determined, turning back to the creature with no sign of his earlier hesitation.

The demon looked amused. “Are you sure he’d worth giving up so much?”

“All that and more,” Jaskier whispered.

Then he stepped into the circle. ————————— To save Geralt, Jaskier lets himself be possessed by the demon he was hunting. Will there be anything left of the bard for Geralt to save?

The Fixer

In the world of the wealthiest members of society, there is only one man who you call when there is a problem that needs to disappear. Whether it's killing off your competition or ensuring you have the blackmail you need to keep your enemies at bay, Jaskier--better known as Dandelion--has made a living getting his hands dirty.

So, when the offer comes to track down the missing child of a billionaire CEO, Geralt of Rivia, Jaskier is more than happy to go undercover and get the information they need to ensure Geralt doesn't become a problem.

But what happens when he starts to have feelings for the kind, smartass barista and his strange family?

Completed Multi-Chapter Works:

Lark of My Heart

“What do I smell like to you?”

Geralt looked up from where he was sharpening a blade to frown at the bard. “What?”

“You’re always sniffing around me,” Jaskier explained with a smile that covered the sheepish blush on his cheeks, “And I've read that Witchers have a keen sense of smell so tell me, what do I smell like to you?”

Home. ___________________________

After the mountain, Geralt faces the reality of what his temper has destroyed and tries to pretend like he's fine with that. (He isn't.)

Call Me Sunshine (Jaskier/Eskel)

It becomes a habit to keep an eye on the front door every Wednesday. Jaskier told him after the second week that he tries to grab the flowers on his lunch break. It’s how he found the shop in the first place.

“I tutor a kid near here,” he tells Eskel as he watches the florist trim the thorns off some David Austen roses. “He’s a menace, but his mom wants him to learn piano and is willing to pay for all the grey hairs I’m getting.”

“You play piano?”

“And a few other instruments. My favorite is the lute.”

Eskel grins a little. “A lute? Do you moonlight as a bard too?” ___________________________

Or, a florist AU with enough misunderstandings and pining to fill an entire season of a CW show.

Dying for You (Again and Again)

By his understandably shoddy memory, Jaskier had died over 1300 times since he first drew breath several hundred years ago.

Somehow, none of those deaths ever seemed to hurt as much as the dreams of Geralt. ___________________________________

Or, the Old Guard AU no one asked for, but I wrote.

With My Last Breath

Jaskier is tortured by Nilfgaard--angst, whump, and fluff follow.  In that order.

Wolves and Men

There was a challenge in his expression. A dare for Geralt to cast him aside once more.

Like he had on the mountain.

If life could give me one blessing—Geralt shook his head to banish the memory of those vicious words. Words he’d had plenty of time to regret in the years since Jaskier had walked away. Since Gerat had sent him away.

“Jaskier,” he whispered, voice thick. ________________________ Jaskier thought he'd found the perfect alpha to follow for the rest of his life only to be cast aside. He should have known better--the White Wolf always hunts alone.

If Wishing Made It So

Geralt stared down into the ravine and the glittering rocks below and wished the rumors of the Witcher’s missing emotions were true. He wished for a lot of things, then, staring down at the smear of blue silk stained red.

None of them came true. ———-

On a hunt that goes bad, Geralt is forced to imagine a world where his bard will no longer walk at his side.

Series:

Villainous Universe

Series featuring a supervillain Jaskier falling for the superhero Witcher, Geralt of Rivia.  Contains explicit content as well as all my favorite angsty tropes.

The Sentinel/Guide Verse

Jaskier was half way through a lackluster rendition of one of his least popular songs when his world went static.

In his ears, a foreign heartbeat thundered, ragged and wounded. It felt as though his lungs had gone sideways with the sensation. Even the air itself tasted like it was charged with lightning, bright and bitter as ozone. Deep in his gut, he felt something urging himself forward, pulling him like some invisible string towards an unknown destination.

Something brushed across his senses, rough as tree bark, and sinking into his skin to crawl like ants beneath. He froze, eyes darting around the room like he could spot whoever it was that had sent his senses scrambling against the hard earned shields he was always careful to maintain. In his hands, his fingers faltered, melody disappearing beneath the wave of wrong that felt like it was choking him.

The answer was simple--and impossible.

There was a Sentinel here.

The Full Cops and Robbers Verse

An enemies to lovers story revolving around a charming, mysterious thief and the cop that is absolutely done with his shit.

The Witcher Soldier Verse

Geralt barely managed to slam the pommel of his sword up in a glancing blow that shattered the metal latch holding the Soldier’s mask in place. The Soldier rolled into the movement with a dancer’s grace and came to his full height just as easily. For a moment, his hands reached up to run over the exposed skin, before he slowly turned to face Geralt once more.

The Witcher froze in a mixture of horror and near-frantic hope.

He stared into the eyes of a dead man and whispered, “Jaskier?”

The Soldi--the bard frowned at him in confusion and spoke with a voice rough with disuse,

“Who the hell is Jaskier?” ___________________________

Or, the Winter Soldier AU.

A Light in the Dark Series

One will rise And one will fail, But none can escape destiny’s call. ____________

Jaskier is a bard with a secret. For all the world knows, he strolled onto a stage ten years ago and made a name for himself as the sidekick of the White Wolf. But what came before? And will he be able to escape destiny's call?

A Three Part Series Exploring My Take on a Feral Version of Jaskier

One Shots:

Star Crossed

“It’s not true.”  The man’s voice is rough as a knife over gravel and is short enough to make the bard falter at his tone.  It takes him a moment to realize he’s referring to the story he’d told as part of the festival.

“You don’t believe in the lost lovers?” he asks, offended to the very core of his romantic heart.  He stands a little straighter to glare up at the larger man.  “I’ll have you know that my story comes from the works of Master Essi herself--she knew the lovers herself.  It's the foundation story of our whole town and this festival!  How can you say the story isn’t true?”

A shadow crosses over the stranger’s face and eyes that flash gold flick away from the bard to stare at the trees and the lonely hill.  Despite himself, the bard feels his heart ache at the grief in his expression.

“He didn’t come back.”

Burn For You

Jaskier twitched helplessly as the women filed out of the mill and left him where he was bound on the floor.  He arched his back slightly, trying to see to where the fire was slowly creeping from the bed to drip onto the floor.  It hit the edge of the floor and he closed his eyes, going limp with exhausted pain.

His body ached as he lay on the ground, bleeding.  The floor was cold at his back and noise came through staticky and broken like a voice through a waterfall.  He could just vaguely hear footsteps thudding toward him accompanied by shouting.  Still, his vision refused to focus, and the only thing he could identify around him was the flickering red of the flames reflected in the cloud heavy with rain that would never be enough to stop the fire spreading through the mill.

All he could hope was that the smoke killed him before he began to burn.

Gilded With Blood (Aiden/Lambert)

Aiden watched the slowly growing pool of his life’s blood dripping onto the red rock below him. His chest rose and fell in ragged little gasps made awkward by the sword still pinning him to the earth. Pain was far away now and he knew only the cold chill of death would replace it.

As his eyes closed, he couldn’t help but think:

This was going to destroy Lambert.

A Gentleman’s Guide to Seducing Your Fiancé

It is a truth universally known that Geralt fucking hated Viscount Julien de Lettenhove.

Their rivalry was the stuff of legends, the sort that drew the eye and the idle gossip of members of court. It ensured that each time they came within five feet of the other, the entire room would go still, watchful. Eager. For what could be more delicious, more exciting than a fight between the Crown Prince and his new betrothed?

I’ll Sleep Forever Next to You

“Geralt?” Eskel’s voice distracts him from his spiraling thoughts. “What’s wrong? Where’s the lark?”

Geralt seizes on his brother in arms, near desperate for someone who might know what to do. “He’s sick. He’s, he’s coughing, feverish--”

“How long?” The older Witcher looks like he does before battle, steady and fierce.

“I, I’m not sure.” Abruptly, Jaskier’s early night has all manner of new meanings. Had he been feeling poorly that long? His brow furrows. “He sounded like he was having trouble breathing last night.” _____________________________________

Or, three Witchers freak out over a bard with a cold.

Don’t Leave Me

Jaskier’s hands tighten around Geralt before slowly losing their grip, spasming where they fall limp. “Ger--geralt--”

“Don’t you dare,” he snarls back, “Don’t you dare try to give me your fucking goodbyes. You are not dying.”

“S--silly man.” Jaskier’s smile is full of painful fondness. “Would you fight death for me?”

Geralt swings him up into his arms and nearly weeps at the sound of familiar hooves running in his direction. “Every. Fucking. Time.”

Between One Heartbeat and the Next

Please. Please, not this.

Don’t make him listen to Jaskier’s voice beginning to strain in a way it never did on stage even as he continued to reassure Geralt.

“It’s okay… Geralt, you’ll be okay.”

Not without you.

“You’re...gonna be fine in...just a little while.”

You won’t.

“ ‘s...not...so bad...like going to sleep.”

Nononononopleaseno

Waiting for the Sun

Jaskier was dying.

The confirmation came with each cramping, shallow breath and spots of grey drowning out the mottled stone walls that would become his tomb. After all the years he’d spent terrified of this moment, it was almost anticlimactic to realize he was too tired now to fight back any longer. He was dying. The world would continue without him.

Blood dripped from his fingertips and formed erratic patterns against his own skin. Over the sound of his racing heart he could hear footsteps and murmured voices that made him want to vomit or rage in fury.

They were watching him. He didn’t need to look up into the window to see the strange faces twisted into cruel smiles, pleased at his suffering. He hated them.

Not a Damsel, Not in Distress

The one closest to him raised his trembling sword with a panicked expression at the unexpected violence. “Wh--what the fuck? You’re just a bard.”

Jaskier’s smile was more a baring of his teeth, made more alarming with the blood sprayed across his skin and clothing. “Your first mistake was believing that.” _____________________________

Geralt and Jaskier are ambushed by a pack of mercenaries. It was really their fault for believing the yellow eyed Witcher was the only threat.

Frantic

Geralt was hanging limply against the rough bark. Two daggers kept him pinioned like a bug in place and left dark streaks of drying blood down his arms and exposed chest. Silver hair was matted close to his forehead from a sluggishly bleeding would that left golden eyes hazy and unfocused. Worst still were the bruises littering every inch of exposed skin like a collage of torment.

His Witcher had been tortured.

———

There was a name for the emotion burning like fire in his blood, eating away at the dandelion bard that had made his living seeking the pleasure of others. A simple phrase that barely encompasses the new tension in his bones and made his mind focus with singular, violent intent.

Wrath.

A Blade in the Back

There was a flicker of movement at his side and he felt something slam into his unprotected flank.  Magic blew past him, ruffling his hair but leaving him unharmed. Surprised by the sudden attack, Geralt stumbled and whirled to face whoever had hit him.  

Only instead of a beast, he saw a bard.

Jaskier clutched at his chest where a dark stain seemed to spread over his heart.  His bright eyes stared at Geralt helplessly, mouth opening and closing without sound.  Geralt stared back at him in shock until Jaskier dropped heavily to his knees, collapsing like a puppet with his strings cut. ___________

In the midst of a battle, Jaskier is hit with an unknown curse. All at once Geralt finds himself locked in battle with the only man he wants to protect.

The Sweetest Poison

“And what do you want in return?  Your freedom? Your safety?”

Jaskier didn’t flinch from her scorn and Geralt could see his knuckles go white with the force of his grip around the small vial.  “Save him.”

The mage stared at him for a beat before letting out a burst of laughter that echoed off the wall like the flutter of vultures wings.  “All this trouble for the Witcher?” she asked incredulously, “Tell me, boy, do you really think he would do the same for you? That he cares at all what happens to the bard who follows after him like a lost puppy?”  She stepped forward, confident as a soldier preparing his death blow. “Oh, I know who you are, bard. I watched you trailing after the Witcher, eager for every scrap of affection or interest he’ll toss your way. I’ve seen the way you look at him.”

Jaskier was breathing heavily now, jaw clenched tight enough that Geralt could see the muscles fluttering with effort.

“Were you hoping this ill-conceived rescue mission would be enough to make him finally notice you?” she murmured with a mocking smile, “Poor little bard--always singing of love but never truly experiencing it.”

Into the Jaskierverse Additions:

Interlude: The Thief

Jaskier opened his mouth to cry out, to scream, anything, but it was ripped away by the jagged shards of reality tearing through him.  It was the djinn all over again.  The agony of watching Geralt disappearing beneath the rubble of the house.  The first chill that always signaled Geralt returning to Kaer Morhen.  The pull of power and magic that he now recognized as the moment before a spell hit and he was left with no option but to wait for the pain to hit--helpless in the whims of an unnatural force.  

Only this time there was nothing to stop the raw power that seemed determined to unravel him down to his very soul.  

He

     was

                remade.

Not Without You

“Geralt?” he finally whispered, a fragile hope in the familiar word.

“I’m here,” Geralt said as he crossed the room to stand next to the table.  “I’ve got you.”

Kicking aside the corpse of the mage, he fumbled with the restraints until he was able to release Jaskier’s arms and legs.  They twitched weakly against him and Geralt ran his hands over the rough shirt and pants Jaskier had been dressed in, searching for any other injuries.

“Geralt?”

“It’s me,” Geralt soothed. “They won’t hurt you again, I promise.”

Jaskier’s hands found an anchor against the front of Geralt’s shirt and he shuddered violently.  “I thought...I was beginning to think you weren’t coming.”

[riverspatrick]

OUR HOUSE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET

I’m a good neighbour, most of the time. I give a hoot, rarely a boot, as such, some respond in kind, and gradually we swap larger words, larger sentences, and the next thing you know, we call each other by name! With the fences down, soon, you become privy to people’s highs and lows, stories that too easily die in silence.

Our home/family includes a dog we named Bowie. We live at a spitting distance from a bustling park, the reason we bought the Victorian, terraced home a year and a half ago. The park is Bowie’s second home. I know most local dog walkers, certainly I know all the people from our street who enjoy the park with their furry companions, but to my surprise, few know each other.

Bella, on the last corner before the park’s gates, knows no one below her number. After a long illness, her paraplegic husband passed away from sepsis recently. She knows Barda who lives on the other side of the street. Barda’s husband is deteriorating slowly with alzheimer. I see him most days sitting on the wall like Humpty Dumpty, smoking a fag, looking vacant. He’s stopped washing. He's stopped talking. Until he crashed the car, he wouldn’t stop driving. The cracks are showing. He’s one fumble away from a bad fall.

Neither Bella or Barda knows that the man who lives two doors down above Mr Cyclop, looks out for me when I walk Bowie at 2am. Noah will sometimes catch up with us and talk about his sexual fantasies. Of course he knows I’m gay — I wear Apple’s hi-vis 2020 pride watch band around my wrist every day. He’s into the golden shower stuff, but unfortunately, our house is carpeted wall to wall, and unless we turn the bathroom into a wet room, I wouldn’t even entertain the idea. Noah is bipolar and only comes out on a high, so he doesn’t bother me too often.

Mr Cyclops lives on the ground floor with his wife, and Boss, the terrier / shih tzu cross. It’s hard not to stare at the left socket of his eye. Some days, it looks like chilli udon noodles. The air is thick with pollen these days, fluffy dandelion seeds get all jammed up in there. I’d certainly wear a patch, pretend I'm DC’s Cyborg – LED light and all – would be useful for when I pick up Bowie’s poo in the high grass at night.

On the next block, at the house with the psychedelic sixties wallpaper, the mother of an eight-year-old boy died of a broken heart after her husband passed away a few months ago. At least that’s what we gathered. The child was seen running in the street crying, “She’s dead!” It was the first time either Bella or Barda had seen the boy let alone heard his voice. He was homeschooled like I was at his age. They kept to themselves, and for a recluse family, they were never shy exposing the nightmare-inducing wallpaper to all who walked past their window. That’s all we’ll remember of them: death, the orphan, and the geometric, rainbow-coloured wallpaper. I almost miss seeing the atrocity now that the blinds are permanently shut.

Nearer to us, there’s Tony’s portfolio of properties which will be divided between his two daughters and two nieces. Tony died last week, he would have been 99 had he lived two more days. The rent is cheap but the tradeoff isn’t worth the economy as the properties are in a devolving state of disrepair. A couple of junkies live under a dealer at the corner house. At the end of our block, Tony’s house has been emptied, so the large family next door are taking more liberties with noise pollution. They keep mallards in their kids’ paddling pool. They must have captured the wild birds at the park. I suppose mallards are easier to capture than the more colourful parakeets who keep to the high branches, and more entertaining than a terrapin. The jail-birds are let out in the courtyard for a quack more often since Tony died.

Next to ours, top floor, there’s Patricia, an alcoholic who loves playing Patsy Cline loud and throwing empty Frosty Jack's bottles at the ducks, cursing. The ground floor has been vacant since Guillaume disappeared after never paying the rent once since moving-in a year ago. He was also a dealer and went by different names depending on who called upon him. His alias had bills in arrears and apparently lived at our address. The debt collectors should finally stop knocking at our door soon.

On the other side of the street, Gertrude’s son has returned from prison and is begging to be let in. It seems it was only last week the cops raided her house and left with the lad in handcuffs. Can’t have been too serious. She swore she wouldn’t let him in again, but there he goes through the door. She’s a mother. That’s all she's ever done. “Soon I’ll run out of things for him to steal, and then he' won’t have a reason to come back,” she'll tell me again tomorrow.

Oh, I skipped Mario, a seventy-something lonely man who once sent me a link to his Chaturbate account so we could chat in private. He's been giving me the cold shoulder for not having taken the offer. Too bad. His dog Lobo and Bowie loved frolicking in the park together.

I can see Mick at work, cleaning the neighbours' windows. He's the first to have welcomed us on the street. Could be that he's a good businessman, or perhaps that it is compulsory, being a proud and jolly JW. He broke his back falling off a ladder and since has been using long hoses instead. That he got away with three fused vertebrae certainly proves that a life praying wasn't for naught.

I'm getting to what prompted me to share my street with you, therefore I stop at the halfway point where Lee used to live with his partner of twenty years. I hadn't realised that he had been kicked out of his house last month until I ran into him this morning. His partner's daughters had wired the house with hidden cameras and are accusing him of assault against their mother who suffers from dementia. The daughters kicked Lee out, placed their mother in a care home and re-homed all four dogs. He's naturally broken. That's also how Mario the lonely septuagenarian said hello for the first time in months. They are good friends and were setting out in Lee's van when I dared ask the poor man how he was doing. Other than Mario and I, no one knew Mike, no one else knows what befallen him.

That's but half of my street, one street amongst thousands in my town which is smaller than the average town in this country, yet the street is the quietest street I've ever lived on. How's your street doing these days?

All names have been changed to preserve anonymity, otherwise all stories are real, I kid you not.

[twstwonderlandstuff]

And finally- may i request general relationship hcs for jack, deuce and ace?

🐀 anon

🐁-anon, hi!!!

thank the gods for the many, many relationship hcs on tumblr that I can use as templates

Jack Howl

🍒 Jack is there for you all the time- physically and emotionally. He might not be the best at comfort, but he’ll try his damnest. 

🍒 Tired from a long day? Here, he’ll let you cozy up on his chest as you sniffle into him, whining about your day. Emotionally spent? He’ll invite you to spend an hour or two with him in the glasshouse quietly, so you can relieve your thoughts and focus on something else. Physically exhausted? He tried this on his siblings- let him give you a massage. It’s a little clumsy, but he’s definitely trying.

🍒 He’s very romantic! If there’s a day that’s tied to romance that is not Valentine’s day (Cuddle Day, Kiss Day, so on), he’s on it. For example, for Cuddle Day, he’ll wrap his arms around you and cuddle, tail happily wagging (or do the other way around, where YOU spoon HIM instead. I’m sure he’d love that)

🍒 If you’re cold, he’ll wrap his jacket around you, but if you insist on something warmer, he’ll (with a sigh) lend you his tail and smile softly when you play with it. You’re too cute for your own good, you know that?

🍒 If you guys, god forbid, fight, he’ll be the first to apologize, unless there’s 100% proof that its on you. He hates it when you two fight, which is why it rarely (if ever) happens.

🍒 Jack doesn’t get jealous easily, but occasionally when he misses a little too much, expect his toil to coil around you more than usual.

🍒 He finds love in your actions. Your laugh, your decisions, your talks with him- it’s all so beautiful and he’s so glad he’s with you for the long run.

Deuce Spade

🍒 He likes sleeping on your lap. It soothes him because its what Mama Spade used to do with him as a kid, so it’s been ingrained in his head. Top that with an ear cleaning and he’s in heaven. You’re just everywhere on him and it makes him happy.

🍒 He loves it when you wear his clothes. It’s such an honor when he sees you walking around, messing about with Ace and Grim in HIS clothes that when you guys eventually fuck up, he’s not even mad/ disappointed because of this silly grin on his face. 

🍒 Deuce admires you for your courage. To change and to grow… he totally gets how hard it is and finds you incredible.

🍒 He likes your hands! They’re different from his, all beaten and cut up from his middle school days, so seeing yours pleases him in ways he can’t word.

🍒 Deuce likes the stereotypical kisses in movies (another romantic from the first years). Kisses on the cheek on goodbye, ‘welcome home’ kisses, neck kisses, all that stuff. He’s a sucker for them and does not give a shit if the other first years tease him for it.

🍒 Again, a romantic, so he’ll give you flowers- all sorts. He doesn’t remember their meanings, so he comes up with them that are specific to you. For example, sunflowers for your resilience, dandelions for your breeziness, so on and so forth.

Ace Trappola

🍒 He says ‘I love you’ without actually saying it by ruffling your hair (P.S.: he does this all the time). It’s an effective way of messing with you, but there hidden affection behind his actions that’s difficult to see (except with friends).

🍒 Going along with the ‘I love you’, it’s rare for you to get an actual ‘I love you’ from him, since he normally hides it behind jokes, so when you hear it, he’s being raw with his emotions.

🍒 He brought you this room for your first date. I know, I know, you’re like ‘WHAT?’ but listen. I think Ace is pretty entertaining without an agenda, so your first date would be just the two of chatting in his room, occasionally touching and bumping hands as you explore each other (relationship-wise).

🍒 He LOVES PDA. Not only does he get to show YOU off and tell the world you’re a pair, he also gets to annoy other single people (read: the other first years). A true jackass, your honor, but he’s your jackass.

🍒 He’s feisty, so there’s a lot of joking/teasing banter between you two. If a stranger catches you two, they’ll definitely think you’re fighting but no, that’s just your love language.

🍒 He’ll drag you into his pranks to play on his friends and get in trouble together, making you a ‘partner-in-crime’ sort of deal. It brings this rush of adrenaline to him knowing that you don’t mind getting into trouble with him and for him.