#determination til we die!

[orangeleftyart]

15 Days of Determination…

Day 14 - Last Goodbye…

Artist’s Note: The True Pacifist Ending is so heart-wrenching! I CAN’T!!! I’M GONNA CRY!!!! <3 Anyways, I tried to make a quick lil drawing of the gang staring into the sunrise/sunset because, like I said, it’s a sweet lil scene that I thought would be fun to recreate ^.^

Sorry I didn’t have enough time to make more arts 😅 with school and everything, life gets kinda busy…

Art Prompts by @15daysofdetermination / @hachikojesus

Determination Til We Die!

[temiizpalace]

hiiii!! omg this is exciting ^^ can I request prompt 4 for Azul and Jamil?? Jamil normally offers Yuu their hoodies, then for some reason Azul started to let Yuu borrow the coat he wears from his Octavinelle Uniform. But in the end, Yuu ends up with Jamil, he told Yuu that now they're in a relationship, they're probably going to own almost all his hoodies now doenksnwksnwksjekd head empty, just this request.

Have a great day!!!

☆┊TAKE MY JACKET, I INSIST. (🐍 vs. 🐙)

SUMMARY: COLD CHILLS RAN DOWN YOUR SPINE AS YOUR TEMPERATURE BEGINS TO DROP. HE OFFERS HIS JACKET LIKE A GENTLEMEN, BUT A CERTAIN SOMEONE HAD THE SAME IDEA.

CHARACTERS: jamil viper vs. azul ashengrotto

EVENT MASTERLIST

WARNINGS: determined end couple, jealousy, small azul angst near end?

NOTES: i knew id see this duo at least once!! tysm for your request!

reader is g/n, reader is yuu

˚∘☆∘˚

jamil felt sick.

not literally, thankfully, but horrible enough to feel like he had just gotten a disease. is this happening? seriously? you, in an octavinelle coat. more specifically, azul’s coat. disgusting. he can’t believe his very eyes. why?! and just as he was about to ask if you needed to wear his sweater.

as a very very platonic exchange between two very good friends, you have been wearing jamil’s sweaters during the colder seasons. not like he cares or anything. (he does, he’s literally the one to offer it) however, seeing you in someone else’s clothes? and azul’s nonetheless? do you hate him??? as much as he wanted to run over to you, toss the coat off the window and immediately give you his own sweater to wear instead, jamil would rather die than make such a scene.

he can think of a few.. others.. that would do something so rash, but not him. no, no. he’s seen countless things he never liked to see before! surely this is the same, right?

“jamil! good morning!” you smile, rushing over to him with an enthusiastic wave. “[MC], morning.” he politely greets you in return, eyeing the coat for a second before looking at your eyes. “like my coat? pretty nice, don’tcha think? azul’s letting me borrow it.” you model the coat for him, allowing him to look at every single little detail.

“it’s..” absolutely atrocious. jamil hesitates, biting back any and all comments or remarks he could come up with on the top of his head. he doesn’t wish to insult you! never. the coat itself on the other hand, well.. “..something.” he narrows his eyes, knuckles forming in his hands til they turned pale. “thank you for your sincere input.” you reply sarcastically, already being able to sift through his lie.

“why’re you wearing it?” he asks, crossing his arms and raising a brow. answers. he wants answers. there’s no reason you should be going to azul for anything, so how come? “funny story actually! you see—” “jamil? [MC]?” you both turn your heads to see the refined businessman already on his way towards your direction, jamil unable to hide his obvious annoyance.

“oh, azul! morning.” you wave, unaware to your poor friends furrowed brow. “why, good morning prefect! i see you’re satisfied with the coat?” azul smiles, picking off the lint that was left on your collar. he looks to jamil, taking note of his peeved expression.

“hello, jamil. hanging out with the prefect again, i take it? you know, how about borrowing an octavinelle coat to match with our dear [MC] here? im positive it will look just as good on you as it does on them! our coats are accustomed to keep their subjects nice and warm for the winter seasons.” azul chimes, pulling out a neatly kept contract from his pockets.

“not on your life.” jamil states bluntly, crossing his arms with a pout. “they really do keep you warm though!” you add, much to azul’s delight. “see? i have no ill intentions in the slightest.” the octomer grins, his smile obviously not reaching his eyes. “prefect, i will see you at lunch. we can meet by our usual spot.” jamil sighs, looking at you and now just ignoring his classmate. “oh, okay! see you later then, jamil.”

classes droned on like they usually did. jamil wrote his notes with a focused expression, the thoughts in his head being a complete contrast. small doodles were drawn on the corners of the page, the pencil lead growing duller and duller with each passing minute. stupid octopus bastard.. he sighs, turning to azul wearing a more-than-pleased smile. oh how he wanted to rip that smug grin on his face off and ship him away to a place far, far away from here.

passing period was also no better. azul beat him to the punch, walking you to class like a gentlemen. jamil didn’t fail to notice the boys ears turning red as you laughed, his body language shifting from refined to embarrassed. he fought the urge to bite his nails in anger, leaving that old habit behind him many years ago. a spine chilling aura startles students around him as he walked, his face screaming neutral but his mood nothing but foul.

it’s that damn coat. that damn coat is what’s slowly drifting you away from him, and he cannot allow that. he’ll settle this. once and for all.

jamil awaited your arrival patiently by the tree. his foot tapping aggressively on the concrete as your presence seemed to delay. “sorry im late!” you shout, rushing over with a huff. no. no. no. no. no. no. this was a nightmare. not only were you wearing the coat, but the fedora, scarf, and just the entire octavinelle dorm uniform. “wh-what are you wearing..?” jamil stammers, observing your outfit with pure horror in his eyes.

“agh, azul made me wear it.” you sigh, obviously growing a little too warm in these clothes. it didn’t even snow yet! “this is too much..” he mumbles, removing your hat. slowly, he pulled off each overbearing accessory. he unwrapped the scarf, carefully removed your gloves, and eventually, the coat. “ah, i can take the coat—”

jamil removes his blazer, followed by his sweater. you’d be a liar if you told yourself you weren’t a little bit. seeing jamil in the normal nrc uniform was truly a privilege to say the least. he pulls the sweater over your head and smiles contently. “there. much better.” you hesitate for a moment, feeling your cheeks warm up at his gesture. typically you would put the sweater on yourself, but having someone do it for you? it was different somehow.

“if you’re ever feeling cold, just ask me.” he mumbles, putting his blazer back on while folding the octavinelle clothes neatly. “wow.. sounds like such a romantic gesture.” you joke, nudging his elbow. “could be.” he replies, his tone not holding any of the joking yours previously had. “what..?”

seize every opportunity. “i.. i wouldnt mind if it was.” he mutters, unable to meet your eyes. “is this a confession?” you ask, stepping closer to jamil. he swallows harshly, feeling like his heart was about to jump out of his chest. “i suppose.” suddenly he misses his hoodie. the blush on his cheeks couldn’t help but form, sweat dripping from his brow at the fear of rejection.

“jamil..” you grab his hand, placing it over your heart with a small smile. “if this is a confession, then i like you too.” you wrap him into an embrace, feeling his heart against your own. it beat rapidly, his palms sweaty before he hesitantly reciprocated your hug.

silence fell between you two for a brief moment, but one of comfort rather than awkwardness. “so.. why were you wearing an octavinelle uniform?” jamil asks, feeling the need to soothe the nagging thought in his head. “oh yeah.. that. azul asked me to wear it to promote the lounge. in return, he said id get a few food vouchers and i get to keep the coat.” you shrug, pulling out the small tickets from the octavinelle coat.

“i see..” jamil nods, still not understanding the rest of the accessories. “well, my hoodies are now your hoodies. look no further than yours truly for warmth in the winter.” he smiles, fixing the collar of the sweater. you laugh at his comment, pushing his bangs out of his face.

azul watched your exchange from afar, feeling his smile falter slightly. “oya? azul, is something the matter?” jade asked calmly, staring at his frowning companion. “..it’s nothing. what were you saying about that seasonal dish?” azul smiles, walking and talking with his vice housewarden for the future of mostro lounge.

in reality, his heart ached. even after all his efforts, he came in last. he couldn’t win your love in time. azul can’t help but want to climb into his octopot and weep. he sounds childish, but how else would you deal with a broken heart? maybe someday, you’ll find your love for him. someday, you’ll be part of his world. someday, he won’t feel so poor and unfortunate. but not today.

A/N: im sorry this was a little late something came up 😭

date published: 8/28/24

© temiizpalace — do not copy, steal, or put my work into ai. thank you!

[residentdeviant]

𝑺𝑶𝑭𝑻𝑾𝑨𝑹𝑬 𝑰𝑵𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑩𝑰𝑳𝑰𝑻𝒀

── .✦ summary

⟢ you‘ve devised a plan to help solve the case and catch the unsub, but what if you don’t live ‘til the end of it?

── .✦ story notes !

⟢ written with re2r/re4r leon in mind ! also, i did my best to have this be a gender neutral reader, but if there’s anything that suggests otherwise, please let me know.

── .✦ word count

⟢ 3.4k !

── .✦ tags ! (warnings included)

⟢ d:bh au, android!leon, second-person, no use of y/n, nickname “lee��� is used for leon bc it’s cute and i will die on that hill, angst, minor mention of brian irons, gore, mentions of chris redfield and jill valentine as well as rebecca chambers, fluff kinda???, you get a cat btw, happy ending!

── .✦ a/n !

⟢ this part has definitely been on the longer side of construction lol but i was determined to finish it. it’s unbelievably hard for me to finish projects but i powered through this for me and you! even though it did take me like six months… whoopsies.

⟢ part one!

⟢ part two!

6:57am.

“Good morning, detective,” Leon greeted with a smile as he saw you walk in, seemingly in a better mood this morning. Regardless, it was good to see him feeling better after everything you two had encountered last night.

You smiled at him in return, keeping things light for now. “Morning, Leon,” you reply, waving slightly with one hand and holding your cup of coffee in the other. You made your way to the west office once more, opening the door and walking towards your desk. Getting a shower and some rest last night was definitely needed as well as deserved, and you were more than grateful for both of those.

You pulled out your chair and sat at your desk, ready to get the day started and prepare to catch the guy behind all of this mess. RC was lost in darkness and chaos, repeating the same old loop continuously without stopping for breath, and you wanted to be one of the ones to save this forsaken city. If not you, then who else?

Simple chatter and the click-clacking of keyboard keys were all that could be heard within the west office, the morning starting off rather quiet and slow. You just wanted to get your morning load of work done before doing further investigation on the unsub you had spent the past few days chasing. His attacks were on a regular basis, seemingly everyday, so you suspected that it wasn't long until he would strike again.

As you worked through the practically endless stack of paperwork and android cases popping up every millisecond, you could feel the presence of someone behind you. As you turn, you could see that familiar blond android waiting for you, with the utmost patience. He hadn’t even said anything to disturb you, or even make any noise for that matter, but it was easy to sense another person within your vicinity.

Once you looked at him, his baby blue eyes flickered over to you and he gave you a polite smile before speaking. “We should figure out a plan soon. The sooner we catch the unsub and free the others, the better,” Leon suggested, carefully moving a bit closer to you.

“No worries, Lee. I’ve got it figured out already,” you began. He didn’t seem to expect that, but he welcomed it. “I just need to finish this paperwork, go through a few case details and study our guy a little more before we make any moves. He’s dangerous. We have no room for error.” The android nodded softly, silently agreeing with you.

You had predicted the unsub’s schedule, putting everything together and praying that this was going to work. You were undoubtedly putting your life on the line, yes, but it would be worth it in the end… if you lived long enough to make it to the end of the mission.

The plan you had devised was simple: pose as an android, wander in the unsub’s frequented grounds, get captured by him and then wait for the right time to take him into custody. It didn’t seem easy, and it sure wouldn’t be either, but you had to try. Androids weren’t just robots, designed to do humanity’s bidding — they had minds and hearts. They deserved better than what they got, and you were determined to help them by solving this case and locking this guy up for good.

—

6:37pm.

Night had fallen and your plan had begun. When you had told Leon about it, he seemed nervous? His behavior was slightly off and his LED had been spinning yellow for quite some time. You could tell he was probably worried about the outcome, but you knew what you had to do.

You wandered around the streets in your android uniform and an LED on your temple, acting as if you were working through a task assigned to you before you were suddenly approached by a man who looked like he didn’t know what a shower was. He had green eyes, greasy brown hair and he absolutely reeked. (Like anime convention type of reeked.) Not only that, but he had some odd stains on his clothes. Oil and thirium? That’s gotta be it.

“Excuse me, I need help…” he said, although not coming off as very convincing. “My wife… she’s in trouble. I think she’s having a heart attack. Please! You need to help me!”

This guy needs acting classes. Stat.

“Of course,” you replied, mimicking the rather direct behavior of most androids before following the man — who appeared to be your unsub — into his house. This is him. You knew this place. Now you just had to be cautious and continue with your plan so you could catch him in the act.

You and the man had entered the house, and as soon as he shut the door behind you, he kicked you down, murmuring expletives. It’s like meeting a younger version of Irons. You tried to get up, but he kicked you down once more and made sure you were weak before he dragged you downstairs.

—

“Are you sure that we should wait for their signal? I mean… What if they’re in trouble?” Leon questioned, his LED flashing to yellow for a split second as he looked towards Lieutenant Branagh, the pair camping out within a nearby black sedan. The android knew he should follow the plan, he knew he needed to keep the end goal in mind, but he struggled to do so knowing that there was a slight possibility that you wouldn’t make it out. This job was dangerous, he knew that, but he couldn’t help but… worry?

No.

SOFTWARE INSTABILITY ^

He shouldn’t worry, he… he can’t worry. That’s a sign of deviancy. Androids don’t do that.

Stick to your code, get the job done.

“Are you doubting your partner, rookie?” Branagh questioned in return, turning the tables on the poor android. “They’re strong. They can handle themselves. Just trust us on this.”

The blond couldn’t really do anything but nod lightly and anxiously watch the establishment, worrying about you — even if you weren’t aware of it. A future without you was a future he didn’t want to be a part of. It’d kill him inside.

And that scared him.

He hadn’t even known you for that long, but you made him feel a type of way that he couldn’t understand. It was beyond his programming. He wasn’t supposed to feel this way. He wasn’t supposed to feel anything, point blank. As much as he wanted to deny it and pretend that it certainly wasn’t true, Leon may have been deviating, and the only person he could ever tell was you.

—

You could feel the fear all of those androids felt as you were dragged down the stairs by your legs, and any fighting you did was practically useless. This guy was freakishly strong, which would’ve been good to know before you threw yourself in harm’s way. The moment he looked in another direction, you sent the signal and waited for backup. Meanwhile, you begged for your life, as you assumed any android would, as he lifted you and strapped you down on a chair, keeping you in place. The caged androids from before watched in horror, keeping silent but feeling a strong sense of remorse for you. He couldn’t remove vital parts from you and keep you alive like he had done with them, so this felt like your funeral.

“I’ll help you get out of here very soon, I promise.”

They just hoped your promise to them wouldn’t be broken and you’d continue to live on. You showed them kindness, and they would never forgive themselves if they couldn’t do the same for you.

The man who was confirmed to be your unsub was at a workbench, stained with thirium, oil and human blood. It was disgusting. One part of you knew your team was mere moments from busting in and taking this guy in for good, but the other part of you was still petrified. You could so easily be killed if they weren’t fast enough, and you hoped and prayed that they were.

As the dark-haired man grabbed his tools, a familiar face came sprinting down the stairs — 9mm in hand.

“Drop your weapons and put your hands up where I can see them!” he commanded. Leon, thank God. Lieutenant Branagh as well as a few other officers followed, aiming their guns at the suspect. Knowing he was caught for good, he raised his hands, allowing his loose sleeves to slide down a bit and reveal his left arm that used to belong to an android. He’s harvesting them for parts. God, that’s gross.

As Branagh and the other officers detained the man that was soon to be identified as Brent Phillips, Leon came over and helped you out of your confines before giving you a hug to help calm you down. Not only that, but to reassure him that you were safe, and no harm could be done to you anymore. There wouldn’t be another story like Samuel and Martha’s. You got to live, and he got to see your smile again — which was worth more than gold to him.

—

While your team took Phillips in, Leon stayed at the crime scene, doing further investigation. You freed the poor droids left to rot within the cage, deciding to get them fixed up and sent back to their original families. “You kept your promise,” one said with a soft voice, sounding slightly surprised yet grateful nonetheless.

“Of course I did. I couldn’t leave you guys behind,” you replied with a small smile. Another officer escorted the androids out, leaving just you and your own android friend in the dark, lonely basement.

It was quiet for a bit as you looked through Brent’s personal items, looking for any sort of motive behind the whole thing other than just using androids for spare parts. Oddly enough, you couldn’t find anything. Lots of family photos hidden away, so maybe he wanted to keep his happy and comfortable family life hidden away from his dark and twisted deeds.

“He lost his arm in a car accident,” the blond stated after shuffling through Brent’s journals. “He couldn’t afford a medical bill, so he stole androids and used them instead… but he got addicted. He kept messing with them… tore them apart, left them for dead like it’s nothing… like we’re nothing.”

Your eyes flickered over to Leon, examining his sorrowful expression as his LED shifted to yellow. You walked over to him, gently rubbing his back to try to ease him. “I’m sorry, Lee. But at least now, it can’t happen again. Lives were lost, but there were many more saved. It’s gonna be okay.”

The blond android sniffled a bit, and his LED slowly returned to blue once more. He thanked you before making his way upstairs to step outside for a bit and get some air. You looked around for a few more minutes before returning to him.

And when you did, you definitely weren’t planning on telling him that you found Martha in the mini fridge.

—

A few days had gone by and the case was closed. Brent was detained, Martha’s body had been found and sent into the lab, the other androids were free and everything else fell into place. You and Leon had officially finished your first case together and things were going pretty well. You could tell that he still felt guilty, however, almost as if he could prevent that situation. As if he could prevent death and destruction.

But the poor rookie also knew that it was part of the job. He couldn’t get attached. Attachment was a human emotion, and he was terrified of what could happen if anyone knew of what was happening inside the confines of his android mind. He knew everyone would rat him out, except maybe Branagh, but he knew you certainly wouldn’t.

So he’d cling onto you.

Not just because you’re partners and you’re also his only friend, but because he feels safe with you. He feels safe enough to share all of this with you. You’re the only one who has ever made him feel a sense of humanity and encouraged that. Anyone else would tell him that he had an instability error within his software and he needed to get it fixed immediately, but you were different. You were kind.

SOFTWARE INSTABILITY ^

Leon wasn’t sure what this feeling inside his chest was. It was unfamiliar and certainly not in his programming. He needed to figure it out and fast.

–

Quite some time had flown by and androids have fought for equal rights, earning their freedom and the right to live just as humans do. Even so, Leon continues working for the police department, constantly having that desire to help those in need. Not only this, but he also has an apartment in the same building as you, which you helped him decorate after work for about four days. Although the finished result was quite lovely and you always wanted to help your friends, so there wasn’t a desire to complain.

Those aren’t the only changes, however. After the successes of your first three cases together, you and Leon are officially a team. Probably even one of the best that the RPD has to offer! You had taken on most of the android cases together and solved just about all of them. Branagh was pretty impressed and you two even received the opportunity to join S.T.A.R.S alongside Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine and Rebecca Chambers, but after some thought, the two of you politely declined. It just wasn’t in your interests at this time and you were happy with things as they are.

Except for one thing – you and Leon.

You were partners and now best friends, but now what? You wanted more than that. How could anyone be happy with just that? Maybe your coworkers would tease you about crushing on an android, and goodness knows what your relatives would say, but you knew that it didn’t matter what they thought. As long as you’re happy, then who cares?

But you weren't happy. Not like this. So you decided that you’d just have to tell him.

You just hoped he wouldn’t short circuit or something.

Your shift was coming to a close for the night and you couldn’t have been happier. Although you loved being able to help others through your job, you didn’t love the paperwork that came along with it. You powered through the last few pages and then began to grab your belongings, putting them in their rightful places before pushing your chair back towards your desk.

“Heading out for the night?” your blond partner asked, seemingly popping in out of practically nowhere.

You give him a nod and a small smile, “Yeah, I’m ready to go home and get dinner. Want a ride?”

“That’d be great, thanks.”

Mere moments later, you and Leon were heading back to your apartment building in your car. Gentle rain pitter-pattered along the expanse of the automobile, bringing you two a sense of warmth and comfort during the cold night. Well, the heat was also on, so that probably helped, too.

The car ride was full of chatter at first as you two talked about what you had been up to lately other than work. He had been watching Star Wars movies again and playing videogames, you had been watching your own favorite movies and tending to your hobbies. The conversation died off after a while, and you quickly noticed that Leon seemed a little off, like he was thinking about something rather deeply. You decided to let him come to you when he was ready, but your train of thought was interrupted as he softly spoke your name.

“I need to talk to you about something,” the blond suddenly spoke, his tone and body language giving you the feeling that he was quite anxious.

“Yeah, sure… shoot,” you replied simply, eyes focused on the road.

He thought about his choice of words for a moment, and you swore you could almost hear the whirring of the fans in his android head, like when you haven’t cleaned your PS4 in a while and it sounds like a fighter jet taking off.

“I have this feeling when I’m with you, and I don’t know what it is exactly but I know it’s good. It’s a positive one, but not one I feel when I successfully accomplish a mission with no casualties or when I hang out with my friends or something. It’s different. It’s deeper than that, it’s…”

Love. He loves you.

The entire time, he wouldn’t look at you. He couldn’t look at you, even if he tried. His bionic heart was racing at what felt like a million miles an hour, and he was struggling to even find the words for what he was feeling. But he knew you’d understand; you always did. That was one of the many things he loved about you. You always made him feel understood and safe around you. Even before androids gained equal rights, you treated him as if he was your equal with no questions asked. You gave him the freedom to act and do as he so pleased, and he was immensely grateful for that. You gave him everything he could ever want, and in return, he wanted to give you his heart.

You smoothly pulled up to the apartment complex, parking in your usual spot and then turning to face Leon. He didn’t finish what he was going to say, but he figured that you already knew. He especially thought so when you looked at him a little closer and saw a slight blue tinge on his cheeks (which he made a feeble attempt to hide). He softly cleared his throat, turning to face you, although still shy about the whole ordeal. “So… if you’ll have me…”

“I thought you’d never ask.”

–

In the following months, you and Leon had gone on several successful dates that served to secure the beginning of your future together. The two of you often went stargazing, browsing in record shops and had countless movie marathons when you just wanted to stay home. You eventually moved into a nice house together, which had a mailbox decorated with your names and handprints. Not only that, but you even adopted a cat! (And totally didn’t name them after a Transformer…)

One night in particular, you and Leon were lying on your shared bed, comfortable as ever as he snuggled up behind you with your adorable cat resting in front of you. You were fast asleep, dreaming of goodness knows what, but it must be nice since you were smiling to yourself even in REM. Leon, however, was wide awake, listening to your soft breathing and remaining lost in his thoughts. It had been a long time that he had been living with human rights, and living with human feelings for even longer, but he still wasn’t used to them. He still lived within awe of your kindness and he still felt a sense of curiosity when you showed him any semblance of affection.

He may never know if he’ll ever adjust as easily as other androids do when it comes to stuff like this, but he does know one thing: he will always cherish it. He’ll always feel a sense of relief when either one of you returns home from work. He’ll always be grateful for the meals you share together. He’ll always love it when you sit on the back porch with a glass of lemonade in hand, gazing at him longingly as he happily does yardwork “like normal people do.” But most of all, he’ll always love you in any and every form. There’s nothing he wouldn't do for you.

As he closes his eyes and allows himself to go into a dormant state, he takes in everything about you and recommits it to his memory – hoping to dream about you. And as he sleeps, he knows that anything and everything in the world couldn’t be better than this. No treasure is as precious as a future with you.

I want to thank three of my loved ones for helping me proofread the whole series, but I also want to simultaneously apologize because they waited about four to six months for me to finish part three lol. I also want to thank you for reading this mini series! I appreciate all of the love and support you guys have given me and I couldn’t be more grateful. I haven’t written and uploaded a fic online in a good few years, but all of you have given me the confidence I needed to return to it.

I have another project in progress, but goodness knows when I’ll finish it lol. Until then, I will try to keep you guys updated and fed whenever possible. I love you all.

[sillygoosealert]

How about writing a slow dance between the Lin Kuei brothers x reader?

I only did. Bi-Han and Tomas bc um no offense or like anything but I can’t write for Kuai #1 and I’m also a Bi-Han glazer til I die #2 so no Kuai and i really wanted to like try to make them in character so Bi-han Waltz with you (that is considered a low dancing) and you do the polka with Tomas

You know, like that one EdSheran song

Bi-Han and Tomas fluff

Bi-Han

You’re leaning your head on his shoulder while in his office

A record player is playing some older love songs, something you would see in Your mother and father dance to

‘I like this song, have you heard it before?’

‘No, I haven't’

He doesn't pick up on anything you are putting down, he's a little clueless

‘It's a song you waltz to, do you know how to waltz?’

‘No, do you want to show me?’

‘I would be honored’

After a short summary of how to move your feet, you try to do it with him

He’s a lot better than you, like he’s done this before..

‘You’re good at this, better than me at least’

‘That is not saying much’ 

He spins you around and kisses your head

‘We do well together’

‘I guess it’s meant to be’

‘It seems that way’

You let him continue his work while you listen to music with him

It's peaceful, calming

He hums along to a couple of songs but for the most part, you are just spending time together

He would never tell you but he knew how to waltz, but he wanted you to show him. It felt nice to have someone take the time to try to teach him something. It was domestic

Tomas

Tomas was teaching you how to polka, and you were determined to do it right

It was more complicated than more common dances, but it was a nice

He started slow for you, he wanted you to enjoy his culture

It felt intimate like he was opening up to you, showing you his interest and likes

And you accept it, accepted him

He whispers quiet praises into your ear, smiling while he teaches you

Maybe it was silly to most people but he started to cry

Not a lot, but you looked so pretty and you were trying for him

You were learning a dance you would never use just for him

Just to make him happy

And you kept dancing with him, you let Him cry

It was nice

Quiet and personal

He loved these moments with you- when he could just enjoy them

It was a break from reality. A pause from the cruel world

Soft hands on skin. Murmurs kept between each other. Two lovers together again.

(≧∇≦)b

[caramel-maveeato]

ᴡʜᴇɴ ʜᴇʟʟ ꜰʀᴇᴇᴢᴇꜱ ᴏᴠᴇʀ ♡˚₊。。。

❧❤ SYNOPSIS: sacrifice is inevitable if victory was yearned for… ♡ Pairings/Love interest: So Mun x Fem!reader ♡ Genre: sight fluff, angst, hurt/slight to no comfort ♡ TW: blood, crying, wounds, gore, cursing, death, self-harm, spoilers for ss2 ep12. ♡ word count: 2.1k

Note: All characters originated from “The Uncanny Counter/Amazing Rumor” except for Y/n.

English is not my first language!!! Sorry in advance if I make any grammar and vocabulary mistakes.

A gentle glimpse of sunset snuck through the window, bathing in his entrancing eyes like a pond of honey: “‘Til death do us part. I mean it.” 

“Damnnn, you’re so cheesy today!” You snorted, nudging your shoulder against your boyfriend's, who was quick to retaliate with a playful flick on your forehead.

“Oh shush. But I’m serious. I won’t die, and you won’t die, and everyone on our team won’t die. That’s it, I’ll make sure we all survive no matter what.” 

Despite his lighthearted tone, you could tell So Mun was beyond sincere about keeping his promise, and so were you. No matter how deadly it is waiting on the future path, everyone will make it out alive. 

“Um-hm, am I that dear to you?”

He scoffed, but there was no sign of mockery or ridicule, only playfulness emerged: “Yes, you are. First time knowing?”

“Please, I’m almost sick of how many times you said you unequivocally adored me, like everyday morning alarms, y’know?” You giggled, wiggling your index finger out in front of his face and quickly withdrawing it when he faked biting you: “But I still want to hear you verify it one more time, is that too much of a request?”

“After you had the audacity to say you’re getting sick of it, I’m sorry to announce your request has been declined.”

“Noooo.”

“Yeeees.”

“I take back what I said, I could never get sick of how many times you express your cheesy little lovey-dovey words for me. Like everyday morning alarms, but that means I can’t wake up and function normally without them.”

“Switched up smoother than I expected.” His effort at holding back a laugh evaporated: “That’s it? You just gotta be all sweet again after the “damage” you’ve caused? Your attitude is getting out of hand.”

You snickered, swiftly stealing a peck on his cheek to demonstrate an “apology” you knew he’d happily accept: “Verify it one more time and I’ll shut my attitude up.”

“I’ll do what you asked, but don’t shut it up.” A honeyed kiss pressed down on the top of your head. His arms closed around your waist a little tighter, enfolding the intimacy of your afternoon cuddle session to its fullest: “When hell freezes over, that’s when I’ll let go of you, satisfied now?”

You grinned, not acknowledging a dusting of pink already saturated across your cheeks. No matter what your level of lactose tolerance was, his “cheese” was always perfect for you in terms of ingestion: “Satisfied.”

The group portrait tranquilly sat on your desk, smiling at you two through its frame with the same encouragement. You and So Mun were the only ones in the room, yet the sense of security it conveyed still made you feel complete. 

“Everyone in this picture will make it until the end.” 

“I already did my part, what about you? Still determined to be stubborn and not say it back?”

Confronted by a tilt of his head, which was one of his ridiculously adorable tactics to persuade you. You eventually let out a frisky sigh and laid your head on his shoulder, eyes closed under the serenity of being with your beloved other half:

“Alright, ‘til death do us part. I mean it too.”

‘Til death do us…

‘Til death…

‘Til…

Too many things happened in just a short span of time, but all enervation departed as the unrelenting battles now came to an end. Knowing he had brought such miracles summoning Hwang Pilgwang, the overwhelming pressure intruding on his heart finally rested. 

For the first time in months, So Mun could finally escape the hushed corridors of his own mind. 

Finally.

As much as his teammates adored him, they weren’t dramatic people. Yes, it was a near-death experience for all, but the entire team knew they had succeeded, so there was absolutely no reason for them to give him such pained looks. His random thought contorted into an affirmation that they weren’t crying because he remained passed out longer than supposed.

The revolting metallic smell in the room sickened him to the core, yet it stood no chance against how atrociously nauseous So Mun felt being greeted by teary faces as the first thing after he woke up. 

For years he was never this afraid of his own voice, afraid of asking a question that might assemble answers he didn’t want to hear: “What’s wrong…?”

Only suppressed sniffles responded to him. 

The ambiguity only added more confusion to his already fuzzy sight. As much as he tried to deny it, something within him had already enclasped the possible truth he’d choose death over knowing.

Why was everyone crying? And why were you lying there on Hana’s lap, eyes closed, unmoved? 

“Noona, she, Y/n…” Fright clogged up inside his throat, making words stumble. The more he tried to stay calm, the more his composure shattered like a sand castle under ruthless waves: “What’s… what’s wrong with Y/n, why is she…?” 

He could feel Jeokbong’s hand supporting his back as he lunged over to your side. The sudden outbreak of panic was dizzying, yet he paid no attention to it. 

Reddened eyes of his teammates all ran away from him, obscuring themselves from a cry threatening to burst. So Mun inhaled shallowly, his own lungs betraying him with how torturously aching it was with each breath taken upon seeing your body now completely motionless. 

The welcoming warmth of your fingers was replaced with a vague, yet disturbing coldness, benumbing his skin when he grabbed your hand. The shock he felt appeared no different from receiving a thousand strikes at once, inside his ear rang a quiet shriek of nothingness: “Ms. Chu, please tell me…” 

At her name being mentioned, all the anguish she bit back for long unleashed in a choked snivel—a realization to So Mun that this wasn’t just some cruel, twisted nightmare he thought he was having. 

Time seemed suspended, sealed within the shadow of horror. 

This is not a dream. 

“No, there must be…” He stammered, squeezing your hand as an expectation that you’d return the gesture like you’ve always done: “Ms. Chu, there must be a way to save her. You can heal her, right? Y/n is strong, with your help, she’ll wake up in no time.” 

His voice died down when the woman closed her eyes, letting hopeless tears pour down her bruised face. He looked at Motak, then Jangmul, then Hana, then Jeokbong, one by one, desperately searching for a gleam of the dullest light he could at least clutch onto. 

Nothing worked. What happened had already happened.  

He took a closer look at your face, only to be pierced by a blade of emptiness. He had always loved to admire your sleeping face—so relaxing, so gentle, so peaceful. But not like this. No matter how loudly he called your name or how hard he shook your shoulders, you still lay there like a soulless doll, so close to him yet horrendously out of reach: “Y/n, wake up…. We won, we finally won…”

Calloused fingers stroked along your cheeks, looking for the slightest hint of miraculous movement. He was known to be good at performing miracles, but at the moment, even his miracles were impotent to save you.

So Mun had never felt so fucking useless.   

“No, she will be okay…” The facade of incredulity crumbled and he found himself seizing you into his arms, clinging onto the thin thread of fictional faith despite already noticing your body lacked the familiar warmth he fell in love with: “Y/n will be okay. She—she promised me she’ll be fine, she’s just taking a nap.”

Hands patting on his back like a call to the truth and cries eventually broke out, yet So Mun was too senseless to care about any of them. His mind was too busy hunting for your heartbeat, but all he received was the echo of silence. 

He pressed his hand on the side of your neck, eyes sore and fingers trembling lamentably at the absence of life. But the growling heartbeat of his own gave him hope—he could feel its rhythm through his digits. That could be your pulse, right, that must be your pulse, he can feel it.  

“She will be okay, we’re okay. I promised all of us would—”

The mutters of your name sank in the weight of disbelief, of false reassurance. His own tears wracked his body, dropping and dampening a piece of your soiled tracksuit like rain that slowly blasted into thunderstorms. 

He stared blankly into the lifelessness you were holding, dirt stains and blood-dried cuts of yours dyed his fingers with monstrous pain. Suddenly, his own existence felt alien, as if he were an outsider peeking into a world he didn’t belong in.

So much for “everyone will make it until the end,” now what?

He is a liar. 

He is a fucking liar.

For one of the rarest times in his life, he regretted trying. So Mun knew exactly what it felt like to regret. Each time, there was an explosive outrage at the injustice that had befallen him. But this one was the most destructive. 

Maybe Ma Juseok was right—what was the point in risking his life to save others? He tried so hard and worked so hard just for fate to repay all of these fucking efforts by destroying everything he had.

A lie. Maybe it really was a lie. 

Maybe this goddamn self of his was a lie. 

His distorted reflection spun and spun and spun like an annoying bug that kept buzzing despite numerous attempts to kill it. He had no idea where he was or how much time had passed, but it felt like an eternity knowing you hadn’t reached Yung. Just where are you? You didn’t vanish from the final battle’s impact, did you?

So Mun needed to see you again, or he’d go fucking crazy. 

The palpable heaviness in the air suffocated him. So Mun never hated his own reflection before, not until right now.

Colors deformed into the entrance of an abyss he wished to just jump into—black of darkness, white of Yung, muted grey of guilt.

And red, too. 

“So Mun! That’s enough!!”

Frightened yellings and sounds of falling glasses slashed on his ears. Yet So Mun couldn’t quite hear or feel anything, not even the hideous pain he just put himself through. 

Footsteps congested the bathroom he was in, tears that once dried up erupted again. Hana grasped his wrist tightly, almost fearfully, and god, the warmth exuded nearly drove him mad with how much he missed yours. 

“Stop hurting yourself, you know it doesn’t change anything! She’s gone!” The crack in Hana’s voice flooded his eyes. They couldn’t even pronounce your name around him, afraid of how much it might trigger him. 

Jeokbong’s cries in the distance and Ms. Chu’s pleas were helpless to distract the profound grief, more like a bargain for fate to rewrite itself: “Let it out, but please, you know it also hurts me to see you like this!”

The woman emanated a green radiance to envelope his hand, trying to console the blood-soaked skin he created himself from a brutal contact made against the mirror, tiny fragments of sharpness punctured on each of his knuckles. Shards warped together with flesh in a grotesque mess, crimson swathed the once-tidied floor and the paleness of his skin. It hurt his eyes. It hurt everyone's eyes. 

You used to say he looked good in red. Red tracksuits, red hoodies, red blazers. But you hated it when he was covered in the redness of blood. Does this mean he just failed you again?

“I’m sorry…” 

Was he saying this to his teammates or to you? He had no fucking clue. But the only thing he could recognize was how much effort it took to breathe, he didn’t feel like himself inside his own skin anymore when everything around him seemed fulminated. 

Strong arms whooshed him into an embrace, cramming So Mun’s hot tears and muffled sobs into a reliable shoulder. No words were spoken, but Motak’s bellowing heartbeat was already a silent bawl. 

Losing a loved one was like having life’s chapters torn out, leaving an unfinished tale with ragged ends that never fully fit in tandem. It can recover, and he can heal. Just not at the moment.

Shattered pieces of blood-drenched mirror reflected a history that repeated itself. Again, again, and again.

Winter was just gone by, hell didn’t freeze over. But the reality So Mun cherished still collapsed on that day.

[Tag List]✿⌦ @slytherinshua (feel free to notify me if you want to be on the tag list)

Thanksgiving is near so here’s angst I guess 🫶🏻 FLUFF AFTER THIS I PROMISE

[missmarveledsblog]

Not just a flower child huh ? (Logan Howlett x reader ) part 10

summary : logan was never a religious man but he was praying more for the life he wanted most ... hers

warning: character death , feelings of guilt , angst , some good parts though

previous part

Religion , The whole God thing , it was never a thing with him  and if was to believe he would class himself as one of the damned souls just living til the day the devil would come collect .  But now in this moment he was hoping there was a god and for once the big guy in the sky wasn’t ignoring him , wasn’t ignoring his pleading soul for just one thing  , just one thing was all he asks for and will never ask for again . that was not to take her away , not to take the woman he love , the one that made his live some meaning .  she lay soaked and limp  the color drained from her body and her lips turning blue as he kept pumping . she should be like him what did they do to her to make this is impossible and god help the bastard if she didn’t come back , god help them all if he was taken . he didn’t hear them come , didn’t hear the  footstep of his friend or their gasp  , “ please” for rogues mouth  and tears falling down their cheek . what he did hear was “ the collar , take the collar off logan “ how did he miss it , a growl from his lips , this time they really did make her like an animal  as he snapped the metal from her neck and the hands replacing his own on her chest .  that look on jeans face the determination to get her friend back to give a chance to someone who dealt with the wrong side of the deck in life .  the room was silent all waiting on baited breathe . stryker went to move went to fly when he thought they were distracted only for a red beam mere inches from his head it singed the hairs there . 

“ you wanna hope she wakes up “ scott jaw clench and he spat the word with such venom. 

Then  it was like someone finally heard him , someone finally was giving him what he wanted as the coughs and splutters came from her mouth and the panting and gasps for oxygen hit the air. Eyes beginning to open and groans and whimpers of pain  and the collect breathes being realized around the room . it was all fuzzy and blurry , her throat burned and  took a bit for her eyes to focus on the blurry blobs but it was the scent that had her hand reaching for him . maybe she did die and this was her heaven in some way .  til he pulled her off the ground and crashing to his chest holding her close as he possible could  her hands gripping his shirt , skin anything it could to feel him under her touch .  

“ come on lets get you out of here” he whispered lifting her up and she clung to him afraid of him letting go as if it would be some trick of her subconscious . finding it hard to decipher if it was reality or not til she was looking in  the eyes of the monster how nervous and scared he looked . what happens when you corner a rat .. well they will attack to  get free  she saw it the gun pointing directly them…. No it was pointed at him before anyone could take what was happening she shot her palm up  it felt different  not the same way it usually did when they would come this time it hurt as she screamed and the silver metal glint shot from her hand and towards the man only it did it pierced him instead of wrapping around him hitting his  chest as  she instantly recoil back into  her skin sending him to the ground as his blood wiped across his skin . the gun falling with a clatter .  they didn’t need to check him to know that stryker was dead the gaping hole where his heart was.

putting an end to a man who tormented the mutants of the world , the man who tormented the man she love and the man whole stole her childhood .

“ i was trying .. i was - i was trying to  stop him not hurt him” her lip trembled as her body shook .

“ we know sweetheart come on we get you out of this hell hole” he whispered as she cried into his chest . they all followed out silent as the only sound that could be heard was her muffled sobs  . she felt a hand softly rubbing her back as she pulled back turned to see her brother sad expression on his face she turned hugging him tightly still in the comfort of logan hold til he let go letting the sibling reunite once again as much as he wanted to keep her in his arms . she cried harder in her brothers hands the woman following in makeshift cuffs guilt all and slight relief on her face . 

The air , the feeling of finally being free as  they exit the building , her eyes once more being able to see the beauty of the world , once more seeing the stars that littered the sky .  she was finally let down taking unsure steps on shaky legs as she walked to the  jet the sad smile on charles face as she looked to the opening door rushing to another she feared she would never see again hugging him tightly . 

“ my dear we got you , let get you home ” was all he said as the rest stepped aboard. 

Maybe he was being selfish but the whole time he was stuck to her side afraid to be mere inch away incase she was somehow gone again , he was never so scared to lose a person before as logan held her the hole time rubbing her head or back as the rest of the team hugged and kissed her thankful to have her back with them .  when they got back to the school the kids stood at the door the moment she came off that jet the sprinted towards her nearly  tripping each other and themselves to get to the one they love the most , the one who kept them safe for so long .  they could see it her hesitant touch almost scared incase she hurt them  til she couldn’t hold back , wrapping her arms around them all kissing there heads , teary smile on her face as the woman watched she barely even realized her mothers presences  or she choose not to  she may of not wanted to see the woman hurt but it didn’t mean it changed anything , she would never forgive her or her now late father .   logan once more scooped her up in his arms carrying her into the mansion , into the school and once more home . she changed and shower the smell of food made her stomach grumble and growl as she seen the big pot knowing the comfort food was made once more. 

Weeks of freedom and yet it didn’t feel it she began withdrawing , keeping herself in the confines of her room not wanting to  see or talk anyone . another life taken by her hands whether in defense or protection of another it still was a life . even if it was the monster that taunted and tortured her nearly all the years she lived on this earth it was still a life . in her mind she was no better , she was the monster that hurt anything she touched . it seemed the adamantium stuck to her vines as it attached to her skeleton  and it pierced through her skin each time , each time it hurt as they came out maybe she would get used to it in time and yet she couldn’t bare thinking of using them again knowing the last time ended so badly. She ignored the knocks and calls of her friends, even the kids she couldn’t bear to hurt them after everything they've been through already and she couldn’t live with herself if she did hurt them .  she heard the door unlocking not once moving from her spot on the bed  that now permanently had the grove of her body imprinted in the springs . 

“ it’s locked for a reason” she croaked. 

“  you thoughts are too loud my dear and i cannot standby and watch you blame yourself any more “ charles came closer to the bed . 

“ you can’t stand either way “she mumbled. 

“ attacking me isn’t going to make me go away plus i’ve heard worse” he chuckled . “ you didn’t mean to do what you did and yes it was something that is not easy but you need to stop blaming yourself , we all love and care for you so much my dear and it pains us all to see you in such a way “.

“ what if i hurt someone here , you , the kids , i didn’t even want to hurt stryker” she sniffled finally looking at him, he could see the dark circle under her eyes , shallowness of her skin and  knowing she barely ate . 

“ we can help with that , we have something , it’s like that collar but it’s painless but will help keep the powers under control til you can control it yourself would you like to come and see “ he asked softly watching and hearing her think it over before she finally nodded . she stood  walking almost baring not to see anyone well til she saw logan standing there his hand outstretched as she shook her head scared of what she could do they walked done side by side almost touching and yet so far . he never left her  she knew that his scent coming through the door or the hushed voices .  jean and hank smiling as she entered the lab  , in jeans hand was like a bracelet . 

“ it’s nicer looking than that collar too but works in more humane way “ she stood forward as y/n stood back , flinching when the red heads hands came near her gentle touch as the bracelet secure on her hand . 

“ there you go and then when your ready we can help work on your control yourself but let be real you’ll pick it up easily” jean winked. 

“ i feel like i’m missing something here” logan asked confused. 

“ well before… everything  when missy here was bored we decided to give her some tests .. academic ones  and seems as our own little form of mother nature here is a brainbox” hank smiled proudly . 

“ can we get out of here please” she asked holding his hand once knowing it was safe to do so .  “ labs still not my favorite place more so now” she added . 

“ come on sweetheart” he  wrapped his arm around her shoulder holding her close now he could now she wasn’t  moving from his touch . it kill him when she locked herself away , how she blamed herself for something that wasn’t her fault and he could still see that blame it would take awhile and patience but for her  he had it. 

Over days slowly she was coming out of her room more  , sitting in the living room or with the kids . more confident of the bracelet ensuring the safety of everyone around her . she missed it so much , missed everyone so much . her brother told her their mother was brought to a high secure prison for what she did and handed her a letter  she put in her pocket for a time when she was ready . she notice henry still not a word from the boys mouth even since she was home and more guilt hit her  the closing herself must of had them wondering what they did . his little hand was always in hers , she often had to bring him to bed and promise to get him the next morning . his face when she did too  like he was relieved to see she was still there . the nightmares never stopped  as she found herself walking to the kitchen only this time it wasn’t just logan  turning as it was four little heads joining him  well five with bub and his bowl .

“ you should be a sleep all of you” she arched her brow yet the smile on her face made them giggle. 

“ hey they wanted to see what fuss was “ he shrugged drinking the amber liquid and they drank their milk .   

“I suppose it ok this one time but drink that milk and go to bed “ she shook her head as they all groaned . 

“ night “ she called as they pouted walking past. 

“ night mama “ henry called as she froze . 

“ n-n-night “ she called back looking back at logan before walking over and talking the glass and downing it. 

“ you ok?” he chuckled  filling the glass only for her to down it again .  “ i mean is it really that surprising they think of you that way “ he asked more softly moving the bottle  as her hand was reaching it .

“ but a mother they see me as mother not sister ….   I have no experience with parent my own are well you know “ she gasped . 

“ and yet you done it in captivity like a natural  .. you know what i mean look you can talk to them and tell them you aren’t there mother but anyone with eyes could see it  even here you quick to check on them all the kid but mostly them four and they were completely lost when you were gone well not the only ones “ . 

“ my brother if he calls me mother i will laugh” she snorted . 

“ no smart ass me  i was lost hell i was ready to turn the world upside down to get you back home , i don’t know  well i do know .. shit this is hard to explain because well i never felt this way which is odd because i’ve been alive so long.. Yeah let not dive into that “ he laughed nervously . the big bad wolverine stumbling and rambling like a nervous idiot before her making her bit her lower lip to suppress the amusement fighting through .  “ even that drives me crazy cause all i wanna do is kiss you  and i’m trying to be patient not rush you but shit you drive me crazy  like i can’t  be away from you  and even when i do sleep your  last thing on my mind and first when i open my eyes , the moment i saw you  you had this pull and hold on me “ he sliding up hold her face at she leaned into the touch .  “even this rambling like a hallmark idiot is something i never thought i would be doing but i guess as cheesy as this is gonna sound what you do when you completely and utterly in love “ his voice hushed almost a whisper as she was staring up into his eyes ,into his soul . 

“ please dont be patient  not now “ she smiled leaning up inches from his lips that he could feel the heat of her breathe and who was he to deny the one he loved her request, moving so slightly as it was soft , gentle something he never found himself capable of doing  and yet he kissed her like she was made of glass his hand on her cheek as the other found it home in her hair pulling her closer if he could . the soft touches as he was guiding her with his lips tongue swiping  wanting, needing to gain the entrance she so easily submitted . it was slow , sensual and filled with love til the clearing of a throat made her squeak and move back both turning to see a smug scott standing arms crossed . 

“ about time jesus … also not on the counter we eat here” he added getting the glass of water he originally came for not expecting a show even though he was teasing he was happy for his friends . 

“ he’s got a point” was all logan said before scooping her up in his arms as she yelp and giggled down the hall . 

“ kids “ scott smiled as he headed back to his room 

 The moment the door  of her room close as bub little head lifted up before  back down again . both lips finding each other , exploring the new found shift in the dynamic between , savoring the taste and touch of the other . it it was a dream neither of them wanted to wake up. It was like she was addicted to the feeling of him already  hands feeling the expanse of the white vest feeling the muscle tense and flex under her touch as a sound she never knew came out of her mouth making her wide eyes and pull back before two laughed . 

“ i ‘m crazy in love with you too if it wasn’t clear before “ she smiled words breathless whispers as she felt her hands wrapping around his shoulders . 

“ well guess mean you’ll be my girl right?” he asked peppering her face with kisses . 

“ logan i think i was always your girl since the moment we met  “ she kissed his lips .

“ i know i just wanted to say it out loud “ he winked as she slapped his chest . “ my girl … see so good to say “ he smiled kissing her lips. 

“ not just a flower chid huh?”

taglist : @oscarissac2099 @ayamenimthiriel @mega-kittyglitter-1 @britttzy267

A.N : Sadly it is the end of the series and a big thank you to all that enjoy it writing this was so fun and loved bringing the og xmen back to life in a way , now if anyone wants one shots or drabbles from these two feel free to ask in the request box but as for the series i think it best to leave on such a sweet note again thank you all ❤️❤️❤️

[veilkeeper]

Act 3 Emmrichmance: Lich Edition

alt title: if you're really determined, "'til death do us part" is only a suggestion

okay so, after the point of no return some pretty major stuff happens in the romances. @/crossdressingdeath and i talked in DMs about how, as far as we can tell, all the romances have some sort of unfinished business going into the endgame. in the lucanismance, it's him cutting rook off from saying they love him, in the davrinmance it's a discussion about davrin's fear that one of them is going to die just as he's starting to imagine a future with them, and with emmrich it's The Argument™—which as i've discussed before, is emmrich and rook having an argument about his insecurities. in the lich path, which is what i'm specifically talking about here, the argument is about his concern that rook is going to die at some point, and his fear that he's going to mourn them forever. the argument is left unresolved after some pretty intense back and forth, where rook calls him out on pushing his insecurities and fears onto them, and they have to shelve it to head to tearstone island.

to their credit, they do try to apologize to each other. in banter on tearstone island, emmrich very clearly regrets starting an argument, but he and rook both agree that now isn't really a good time and that they'll talk when they get home.

and then rook almost dies in front of him and gets thrown into fade jail by solas.

uh oh!!!!

if this isn't the manifestation of all his fears, i don't know what is. for all intents and purposes, he has lost rook. he's sure they're alive—trapped in a prison meant to hold gods, but alive—and since he's a lich i have every confidence that there was not a moment of rest in the weeks it took to rescue rook. he's their fade expert, he's the best equipped to find them, and he has to, because otherwise the last real conversation they had was an argument he never got to apologize for, and he will have to live with that guilt for an eternity.

i really have to wonder if he ever would have been able to bring himself to stop looking for them.

and while i suspect their LI is always the first person to grab a hold of rook to pull them out of the fade, there's a special flavour to it when you're romancing emmrich. knowing that he's probably been obsessively trying to find them. the sheer relief he must have felt when he reached through the veil and was able to get his hands on them, to pull them through and back into the safety of his arms.

he fusses after them, too. urgently takes them to the necropolis so he can be extra certain that solas' hold on them is gone. he was afraid he'd lost them forever, he wasn't going to waste any time making sure they'd be as safe as they can be. and then he says,

"I will let nothing part us again, my love. Not in this nor any other world."

he says it in that level, sort of indulgent tone that he says all his romance lines in, so it's easy to mistake this as him being poetically hyperbolic. but let us never forget that this is the man with such a profound fear of death that he became a lich just to avoid it. he's not half as well-adjusted as he likes to appear.

when he says he would not let anything separate him and rook again, he is dead fucking serious.

he wakes them up at dawn despite knowing they need rest—i think, perhaps, because it isn't enough to have them breathing in front of him. that he needs to hear their voice and have the reassurance that they're here and real and alive and safe, at least right now. "I would move the world before I lost you again," he says later. before the final fight against elgar'nan, he says he has plans he wants to make with rook, that he wants to be safe and at home with them. if i had to guess, i'd say rook i going to have a hard time shaking him for anything after this. i don't think he's ever going to feel like they're safe if he can't see them. hope you like a clingy boyfriend.

it's kind of the inevitable conclusion to what i was talking about in my sacrifice of souls meta—none of his actual fears around death and dying and grieving have been addressed, and he's hitched his wagon to immortality. and now that he's almost lost rook, he's realized that there is no universe where he's ever going to survive losing them for real.

and we all know the lengths he's willing to go to stay alive.

[one-loud-mind]

Stucky Deserved Better

Stucky truly is the biggest missed opportunity in the MCU and I will take no criticisms on this.

Steve's motivations in every Captain America movie always revolve around Bucky one way or another. CA:TFA? Steve goes against his commander's orders and risks his spot in the military to save Bucky. When Bucky "dies", Steve becomes even more determined to avenge his death by defeating the bad guys. CA:TWS? Steve sees Bucky and is determined to get him back. Once it becomes clear this Bucky might not entirely be the one he knows, he still chooses to risk death by Bucky's own hand before actually fighting against him. CA:CW? My man goes against his found family and causes a seemingly irreparable rift between the team because Bucky is in danger. Steve goes into hiding and becomes a fugitive

Now Steve is not the only goner here. CA:TFA? Bucky literally falls off the train because he was protecting Steve's 6. CA:TWS? My boy broke over half a century of brainwashing because he knew the man on the bridge. Not only that, but he literally left HYDRA soon after because this man who he just had a feeling he knew was willing to die before actually fighting him. CA:CW? We get to see how Bucky recovered his memories and how even after everything, he was still going to protect and fight alongside his best friend, even if that means losing his arm all over again.

They do all of this because they're there for each other... 'til the end of the line. Stucky has all the elements of a love story, Marvel was just too safe to actually let it play out (and Seb's contract was longer than Chris's but that's besides the point).

(this is from the pov of someone who stopped keeping up with the MCU after the Infinity Saga was over btw)

[orangeleftyart]

15 Days of Determination…

Day 4 - Snowdin Town…

Artist’s Note: Snowdin is honestly so pretty! ^.^ Where I live, it rarely snows, but at least I can go to Snowdin and hang out with the skelebros! >:3

From @15daysofdetermination ‘s art prompt list!

Determination til we Die!

[jcjenson-official]

Welcome to space, what were you expecting? It's a dangerous place, thank you for investing Go there for your rota, there for your orders Fill up these quotas, we'll bill for your quarters Report to your foreman but watch for marauders 'Cause if you get eaten, there's fees for your mourners Prosperity's there in the care of magnates In Halcyon, heaven awaits

Did you think it was supposed to look like the poster? It mostly does, oh, if you'd only read closer Just ten short years to a new frontier Snooze as you cruise and you'll wake up here You've been trapped in that ship for an awful long time So perhaps you have simply forgot what you signed Oh, honestly, did you not read the colony policy That defines you as company property?

That waivers your say in autonomy? The conglomerate's got you in lock and key We put the "dollar" back into "idolatry" If you're upset, you can rent an apology We are a family forged in bureaucracy No "I" in "team" but there's "con" in "economy" Were you expecting adventure? Were you hoping for fun? My friend, you're indentured

And pleasure's exempt from your tenure So venture back down to your slum That's provided at generous prices Your worth is determined by your sacrifices A small term of service when down on the surface Internment's a freebie that comes with the purchase

We work to earn the right to work To earn the right to work To earn the right to work To earn the right to work To earn the right to give Ourselves the right to buy Ourselves the right to live To earn the right to die

Welcome to our little town, why don't you settle down? Here, just fill out the paperwork and you can look around We're happy as can be inside the valley cannery We live to pack the cans of meat And not to question where it's found Until we end up in the ground, around the corner in the yard You know, we thought we liked the sound of finding glory in the stars The board has taught us to be proud of never reaching very far So we earn what we're allowed and give it right back at the bar

The ale to cure what ails ya Zero Gee Brew, your favourite flavour So work 'til you bleed, ennobled by labour Then purchase relief from your local retailer If you'd rather drop dead, that's fine But you know that dropping down dead bears a fine So you do your job and I'll do mine I gotta meet a six-foot deep bottom line

We make a fortune for the board by selling boredom door to door Because it's all that we deserve, and it is all we can afford The secrets of the universe and all the worlds to be explored But our dreams are back on Earth and now the work is our reward And you'll be grateful for seats at the table Though it dips at one end and the bench is unstable You may waste your days, but at least you were able To pay off your grave since we leased you your cradle

Be faithful and pray, we'll repay what you invest Behave as you slave for humanity's interest On account that you're all on account And we're quickly amounting humanity's interest You'd think that we'd sink to the brink of rebellion With markets dependent on peddling weapons The architect tells them the secret to heaven Is simply consuming whatever we sell them

We work to earn the right to work To earn the right to work To earn the right to work To earn the right to work To earn the right to give ourselves the right to buy Ourselves the right to live to earn the right to die

You should have read the fine print, my friend Should have read the fine print You should have read the fine print, my friend Should have read the fine print Welcome to our little town, why don't you settle down? Here, just fill out the paperwork and you can look around We work and then we work And then we work and then we work And then we work and then we work And then we end up in the ground

Work, work, hurry, hurry Work, work, worry, worry Work, work, hurry, hurry Worry, hurry, work, work You should have read the fine print, my friend Should have read the fine print

Here and here, and initial here Welcome to the family

what

[intheholler]

i’m not from appalachia but i am from the south and the accent is definitely dieing (i am fucking determined to bring back this spelling) … rarely ever hear a young person with a heavy twang anymore, a light one sometimes yea. so sad its perceived as negative … nearly every time you see someone portray a dumb person in a joke they take on this stereotypical accent and its quite harmful really and they don’t even know … anyway sorry for coming in yer inbox and rambling but i’m interested in hearing what ya have to say about it

1) 2024 will officially be the year we bring back 'dieing' for good. god willing and the creek don't rise

2) 'what i have to say about it?' hahah *gestures broadly toward this ramblin blog*

no but in all seriousness, i believe the reason you don't hear that molasses-thick twang anymore is because young people in appalachia have better access to the outside world from an incredibly young age in a way we didn't even a few decades ago. used to be it required heading down the mountain to see what's what, and most can't afford that til they're older, if even then.

so now, we are taught younger and younger as impressionable babies to be ashamed of ourselves and by extension our accents, either from embarrassment of the stereotypes of where we're from, or because we're afraid people are gonna think we're "stupid" and not take us seriously.

without ever having to leave home, kids now can peer over the mountain sooner and see how people mock them and their accents. it doesn't cost any money to get online and see everyone calling you an inbred toothless hillbilly, to start feeling shame for something you didn't even know was being ridiculed--you--and work from them on to suppress your accent.

i was eight or nine the first time it was made known to me that people outside of home thought the way i talked made me "sound stupid" and i found out in person by a well-meaning family member. literally that same day i started trying to "talk normal" from then on out. i'm a young millennial, so internet was available to me but not in the way it is now. i can't imagine how it is for kids today.

i had a THICK accent as a kid. now, you can barely hear it even though i'm actively and consciously trying to relax the code switching muscle now that i am loving these parts of me again.

to your second point, i once saw someone say something (much more eloquently, and it's been years, so) along the lines of "tell a joke about someone you think is 'stupid'. do it aloud. what accent did you default to when you mocked them? now ask yourself why you did that."

only, no one wants to ask themselves that question. and so here we are.

i believe that that shame and mockery we have been wrongly saddled with from childhood is likely one of the biggest contributing factors as to why you hear a good strong accent less and less. and it fucking sucks.

3) come 'ramble' anytime!! love talking to yall and hearing your thoughts

[cemeteryspider]

Only Human

Lucifer Morningstar x Archangel! Reader

Summary: Lucifer and an Archangel meet every century to discuss certain issues, through song... "Only Human" in the Deathnote Musical to be specific

@mygoldtears - this was their idea and I do not want to take credit for it (If you see this I hope you enjoy!)

Trigger Warnings: ANGST, grief, violence, angels (as their own warning)

Words Count: 1020

Under the comforting canopy of the Tree of Knowledge, you patiently awaited Lucifer, reveling in the dappling shadows cast by its ancient branches. Still, you waited for Lucifer in your usual spot. This is where every century you would meet to discuss angelic and demonic issues that were important to bring up to the higher angelic counsel.

Over centuries, you had become the sole attendee of Lucifer's pleas. You quite missed him and his crazy ideas, even if that's what made him fall.

His footsteps echoed a melancholic rhythm as Lucifer approached, a shadow of sorrow etched across his features. Every time the meeting was held the day after an extermination. Somehow, with each meeting, Lucifer lost more of his hope and enthusiasm. A pang of sorrow tugged at your celestial essence, but duty held you steadfast.

How else would Lucifer's ideas get to the all mighty of Heaven?

Perched on the edge of Heaven, his solemn gaze surveyed Earth, where the vibrant tapestry of life unfolded amidst bustling cities, factories casting shadows upon once pristine landscapes. If you focused hard enough you could see all the little people, running around with their unearned, free will.

"Look at how they crawl around upon the ground like little ants" Your mischievous grin earned a dismissive eye-roll from Lucifer.

"Yes, but how they fascinate confusing fate with what is merely chance" he mused, guiding you down to the land of the living, his gaze distant as if searching for answers in the bustling city below.

"Isn’t it a laugh?" As you pointed to all the people going into churches as if it made a difference where they ended up. Praying to a God that couldn't give a shit about them.

"Isn’t it a shame?" Lucifer however, was staring at the funeral for a little girl across the street.

"Thinking there is someone in Heaven to blame" With another heavy sigh, you spread your wings and ascended, leaving without a soul below realizing your departure.

He swiftly joined you in the celestial expanse, his voice carrying in the cosmic winds, "Yes, but even while blaming fate for the lives that they lead. They hope for the lives that they need"

"Living every day ‘til the day they die. Never getting answers" You tried his beliefs as much as you could bear, knowing these were the questions Heaven's "finest" would ask.

"Yet still asking why. Going through the motions as if there will be a reward"

~~~

As you recalled the song you and Lucifer sang, its resonance echoed through the celestial courtroom. However, it fell on deaf ears. Sera, stern and resolute, banged the gavel, her authority echoed by the amused laughter of Adam and the sly grin of Lute.

"And we stay eternally bored" Adam cackled and Lute joined in without a second thought.

~~~

Together, you and Lucifer recounted the determination made by the angelic counsel, your bond evident in shared history and purpose. Lucifer could only harmonize with your sweet sorrow.

"They’re only human. They don’t see. Who they are is who they’ll always be. Only human, after all"

"So they push and they shove", You shout.

Lucifer's hand sought yours, intertwining fingers as he whispered, "With this thing they call love"

"‘Til they fall!"

~~~

"Isn’t it a farce?" You looked down at the same itty bitty people doing the same itty bitty things.

"Isn’t it a waste?" Lucifer sits next to you hoping that maybe this time will be different.

"Struggling to face what can never be faced" A silent hand fell on his shoulder.

"Yes, but maybe death can release something more than we share", he gave you a small smile which you returned even though your eye betrayed you. You continued to watch the humans on Earth, not knowing the celestial struggle going on above them.

~~~

"I really don’t know and don’t care" Laughter echoed mercilessly through the courtroom, an unsettling chorus of celestial mockery.

~~~

As another unsuccessful pitch echoed in the background, you turned to Lucifer to share the details. 'They’re only human,' you sighed

"Standing still. Doomed to live pushing boulders uphill. Only human, after all. So they give and they take" You recounted Sera saying.

"Hoping someone will help break their fall" Lucifer sings portaling himself down to rethink his pitch next century.

~~~

"They will pray, curse, live, die. Never knowing their truth is another man’s lie" Anger seethed within you, a tempest fueled by humans wielding Lucifer's gift for malevolence. Angry at your fellow angels for choosing hate and violence over peace. Angry at yourself for not following Lucifer many millennia ago. Your wings quivered with the weight of disappointment.

"Eat, sleep, love, hate. Like a leaf blowing in the wind" He tucked a stray wisp of hair behind your ear, and grasped your hand with the other.

~~~

"Watch them all vacillate!"

Tears fell from your eyes as you tried to reason with them.

"They’re only human. They can’t see", You tried to get them to see from a different perspective, but Adam and Lute held the power.

"All the years they could give you and me" They chuckled together.

~~~

"Only human, after all" You sadly revisited the same melancholic tale with Lucifer. Tears still falling from the meeting.

"So they give and we take" You cry.

"‘Til our silly hearts break" He squeezes your shoulders in sympathy, and looks deeply into your eyes. "Looking down from above. I’m intrigued by their love"

"So I'll fall," you smiled, the weight of understanding settling upon you like stardust. Finally comprehending the sacrifice he made, the chance to make choices and experience love, you embraced the poignant truth of his rebellion.

~~~

Exhausted from the relentless debate with the counsel for the second time that day, you felt the inevitable pull of descent. Air rushed around you as you crashed through Earth's atmosphere, and through Earth's crust. Your feathers charred around you, and in the midst of the fiery descent, a silent hope lingered - the hope that they'd grow back.

You continued falling through a crimson sky, but Lucifer was waiting to catch you. To break your fall.

[dismissivedestroyer]

deadline genuinely seems so cool may i please know more :3

OKAY SO

DeadLine started off as part of the fanzine "Catacumbus", a Uni school project where we as a class had to make up the worldbuilding of an original universe, and then create three characters and write a couple short stories (via comics) taking place in this universe. Some of us got really attached to the characters we made, and we decided to make them into full blown original stories, like with @dvmbfrxgg (she made these characters called Red, Lily and Pierrot, and is now working on a comic about them called The Journey Of Little Red. It SLAPS/pos).

DeadLine started off as part of this fanzine, and then became part of the Elysiumverse, which is a collection of three original comics of mine ("DeadLine", "How to kill an Outer God" and "12 Months Til the end of the world"), probably more to come, all taking place in the same town, Elysium Creek, which is said to be cursed, as children there end up meeting very grim fates. The story follows 13-year-old Nora (Eleonora James), resident of Elysium Creek. One day she ends up in an accident, and while her body ends up in a coma, her soul ends up trapped in the Catacombs, where souls reside as they die. Determined to go back to the world of the living, she makes friends and enemies as she explores the weird place she's stuck in, and uncovers a dangerous conspiracy that threatens to destroy the balance between life and death.

It's also vaguely based on a tragedy that happened in my town, about which I won't elaborate cause it's pretty private.

THIS IS PRETTY MUCH ALL OF THE DEADLINE BACKSTORY I'M ALLOWED TO SAY???

This is the first sketch of the final designs of the three main characters tho

[fuck-you-upmusicbracket]

Welcome to the Black Parade (My Chemical Romance)

When I was a young boy/My father took me into the city/To see a marching band/He said, "Son, when you grow up/Would you be the savior of the broken/The beaten and the damned?"/He said, "Will you defeat them?

A war that sends you reeling from decimated dreams/Your misery and hate will kill us all/So paint it black and take it back/We'll shout it loud and clear/Defiant till the end we hear the call/To carry on!

"Respect your roots."

"It's got a vibe entirely meditating on death and life and to be determined in the face of unrelenting hopelessness. it's got this really cool marching band vibe for half of it and a speaking part that dares the whole world to try and break the singer but the singer still stands proud against the unrelenting assault, it was the anthem for emo kids in the late 00's and 10's. And just imagine being thirteen and just starting to understand how unfair and cruel the world can be and hearing Gerard Way belt out 'Do or Die you'll never make me because this world will never take my heart'"

For Forever (Dear Evan Hansen)

I climb 'til the entire sun shines on my face/And I suddenly feel the branch give way/I'm on the ground/My arm goes numb/I look around/And I see him come to get me/He's come to get me/And everything's okay

"I am 90% full of angst and insecurity and i had such a crush in high school on my now-estranged best friend and god did i project much on this song when i heard it. The fact the the things in the song are all made up and can never happen but also are so viscerally beautiful filled me with so much angst and y e a r n i n g. Also i cried. A lot. That may have been because of the dead guy too tbh but also bc of my endless projecting."

Poll Runner: This is the most evil matchup in the entire tournament for me personally. I can't even pretend to take a side

[asliverofsun]

🚨ATTENTION ALL ARTISTS, WRITERS, & CREATIVES🚨 You have ‘til 10/30, 9PM PST TO LET THE COPYRIGHT OFFICE KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT AI 🤖

They want answers on all kinds of questions, like training datasets ingesting creatives' works or the copyrightability of outputs. Here’s a guide I transcribed from my Twitter on how to get started:

On the comment submission page, there is the “Notice of Inquiry” document where the Office literally gives you what questions they want answers to (p12-21) - and there’s a LOT of them. Like, 50 at least. (It’s honestly so prohibitive to the average creative, which is why I made this guide). You DON’T have to answer every single question - just pick the ones that speak to you the most or ones you understand the best! To make it easier, here’s an edited list of questions that are most relevant for creatives

You DON’T have to be based in the US to submit a comment. In fact, the Office asks for examples of how other countries approach copyright & AI (Q#4), so if you live in places like Britain, Japan, etc. that have made major moves in those areas (for better or worse), leave a comment!

Below are some important questions for actors and VAs in particular. Though voice and likeness aren’t generally protected by copyright law, the Office is interested in hearing how AI may be impacted by state laws involving right of publicity or unfair competition (Q#30, Q#31).

📝WRITING TIPS📝

The Copyright Office’s goal is to create the best policy. Be clear, be constructive, and explain the reasoning behind your position. Wherever possible, counter the other side’s arguments. One well supported comment is more influential than 1000 copy paste ones!

Provide evidence - facts, expert opinions, your personal experience. How is AI already impacting you? Your industry? How will it impact you in the future? What are some stories you've seen in the news or social media about AI?

The Office is also VERY interested in any papers or studies relevant to AI and copyright (Q #3), so feel free to include a link to this incredibly informative paper on AI’s impact on artists

Be sure to mention any relevant personal or professional experience and credentials to lend more weight to your arguments, i.e. # of years drawing, years in the industry, major projects, awards won, union membership, etc

Here are some solid comments submitted by artist Kelly McKernan and screenwriter Bill Wolkoff if you want to see some examples

OTHER TIPS (courtesy of my ADHD brain): Schedule a block of time to write your thoughts out! Coordinate a little sesh with your friends! Keep a copy of your work in a separate doc! It’s so important that we get our concerns and ideas out there 💪

YOUR COMMENTS will not only inform the Office’s own work in determining what protections creatives may receive in the face of AI, but also inform their advice to Congress on potential generative AI legislation - so make your voices heard and SPREAD THE WORD! 📢📢📢

If you want to stay informed on this issue, particularly as it concerns visual artists, I highly recommend you follow @kortizart @ZakugaMignon @stealcase @chiefluddite @JonLamArt @ravenben @human_artistry on twitter and AI ML Advocacy on Insta (I don’t know of any tumblr blogs that actively follow this issue, so please reblog/comment below if you do!)

You also may know about the Concept Artist Association’s GoFundMe to represent artist voices in government - they made some big moves in the regulatory and congressional space, and are now fundraising for year two! 🙌🙌🙌

tagging some very cool creatives I follow that I believe care about how AI impacts their craft so this post doesn't die in the tumblr void 🫡

@neil-gaiman @geneslovee @anarchistfrogposting @pimientosdulces @sabertoothwalrus @simkjrs @loish @waneella @tunabuna @writing-prompt-s @logicalbookthief @bedupolker

[tabitha42]

The Wizard's Apprentice - Chapter 23

Saffron is just a lowly apprentice with barely a successful firebolt to her name. So what chance does she have with the arch mage she's slowly falling in love with?

Gale x Tav, slow burn, eventual smut

Chapter 1 Previous chapter Next chapter

Malitas took Saff aside, out of earshot of the others. She was clearly distracted, her mind running through all sorts of questions, til he stood in front of her and made sure to catch her eye to get her attention. 

“Saffron, don’t do this. Even aside from the tadpole, the road to the mountain pass is dangerous. Hyenas, gnolls, goblins… I just travelled that road myself and it wasn’t easy. You don’t need to put yourself in this danger. Come home, Saffron. Everyone’s worried about you. Ada nearly went looking for you herself til I convinced her not to, and Dottie said she would personally see to my death if I didn’t bring you back safe.” 

She chuckled softly as a smile came to her lips in appreciation of her friends’ concern.

“Tell them I’m fine and I’ll be back soon. Is everyone ok? The Nautiloid didn’t take anyone else, did it?”

“No one else we know. Now, please, Saffron. We must get going.” 

“No! I’m not leaving. And it’s not just about the tadpoles - there’s a whole thing, cultists and True Souls and this dream visitor… we’ve got to get to the bottom of it. I’m staying.” 

“Oh, Saffron…” he sighed deeply, looking at her like a disappointed father might look at his daughter. “You’ve let those stories of adventures go to your head. You’ve survived for a few days and you think you can handle this. And maybe you can, for a few days more. But Saffron, this is dangerous. It’s not a fun adventure with your friends. It’s life-threatening, it’s painful, it’s scary-”

“I know!” she snapped, much to his surprise. She’d never interrupted him like that before. “I’ve been living this. I’ve nearly died. I’ve seen my friends nearly die. I appreciate your concern, but I am not leaving them.” 

She folded her arms and stared him down, absolutely determined. Even though she’d only known them all a few days, she would never abandon them. And who knows how many other people this cult of the Absolute were threatening, it would be wrong for her to run away from fighting that. And, of course, Gale… despite everything, she didn’t want to leave him. She had to hear him out. He’d said he wanted to talk to her, maybe this was what he wanted to talk to her about.

Malitas watched her for a long moment, contemplating. 

“You don’t want to leave them… or you don’t want to leave him?” he questioned, folding his arms. The flash of surprise across her face told him all he needed to know. “Oh, Saffron… not this again…” 

“I… I…” she stuttered, flustered that he’d been able to tell how she felt. He’d always been able to see right through her. 

“Saffron, remember what happened last time? Do you want that to happen agai-”

“This is different! He’s not like that!” she snapped, balling her fists. 

“Isn’t he? You’ve known him a matter of days, and it seems you don’t know the most important things about him,” he countered. She looked away in annoyance, though maybe she was more annoyed at herself for not being able to come up with a counter argument. “Besides. Isn’t he a bit… old for you?” 

That was not an argument she’d been expecting and threw her even more off guard. 

“He-… age… doesn’t matter…” she stuttered. 

“You won’t be so sure about that when you’re in your prime and he’s using a walking stick. How old is he?” 

There was a long pause. 

“Oh gods, you don’t even know how old he is…” Malitas lamented, rolling his eyes. “You’re really willing to risk your life for someone you know so little about?” 

“I’m risking my life for all of them. It’s not just about Gale,” she insisted. “Also, can we talk about you looking into their minds?? That’s not ok!” 

“Of course I did! I needed to check the people you’re travelling with are safe,” he said firmly. “I’m not going to leave you with people that are going to hurt you. Luckily for you I could detect no ill will towards you from any of them, but of course it’s the one with the biggest, most dangerous secrets that kept me out, and that just happens to be the one you’re most attached to.” 

“He wouldn’t hurt me,” she said confidently. 

“So you say,” he murmured, then sighed deeply. “And yet he’s been lying to you this whole time.” 

“He hasn’t been lying. He just… hasn’t told me everything. And he doesn't have to! You don’t have to tell someone your whole life story when you first meet them! Plus… there’s things he doesn’t know about me…” she said quietly, looking away slightly as she held her arms and lifted a hand to her face, her fingers gently brushing against her fringe. 

“That is a world away from what he’s been keeping from you,” Malitas said firmly. “And if he judges you for that he’s not worth your time anyway. His secrets, however, involve the gods. Plus, there’s the mystery of how he got taken by the Nautiloid.”

She looked at him with a frown. 

“What do you mean? He got kidnapped, same as the rest of us,” she said, but Malitas shook his head. 

“I’ve been researching and tracking that Nautiloid in my attempts to find you. He didn’t deny earlier when I suggested that it was the Nautiloid that took him from his tower, and certainly everything I’ve read about him said that he’d locked himself in his tower, never to emerge. But let me tell you…”

He made sure to catch her eye. 

“The Nautiloid didn’t go to Waterdeep.” 

He left the rest unsaid. She didn’t need him to spell it out to her - Gale hadn’t been in his tower when he’d been taken. So where had he been? 

“Do you still want to stay?” he asked. The revelations certainly had shaken her, but didn’t change her mind. 

“Yes. I’m sure. Like I said, this isn’t just about Gale. And… I need to talk to him about all this. Whatever he says though, I’m not leaving the others.” 

Malitas sighed slightly.

“I’m not going to be able to convince you to come home, am I?” 

She shook her head firmly. 

“In that case… I bow to your wishes and will leave you with some advice.” He took her shoulders again, looking her in the eyes. “Be careful, Saffron. Be careful on the road, be careful with your companions, and be careful with him. Always ask yourself why. Why has he hidden all this from you? Why is he interested in you? He’s spent his years socialising with the greatest wizards in Faerûn and living in the domain of the goddess of magic herself. He’s seen things and lived things you couldn’t even imagine. Is he interested in you because you somehow offer something better than all of that? Do you think a mere apprentice would capture his heart after it had belonged to a goddess for so long? Do you think you can compare to that? Or do you think he’s interested in you because you’re a beautiful, naive young girl who gets quickly swept away by a few romantic words and gestures, and he can so easily get what he wants out of you until he finds something better?” 

The words cut deep. At first she was horrified by the mere suggestion and she desperately wanted to argue against it, but… there was a deep insecurity in her that feared he was right. 

“I’m sorry, Saffron. I don’t wish to be cruel. You have a loving and trusting heart, it is one of the beautiful things about you. But, as you know, be too trusting and you will get hurt… and I will not watch that happen again,” he said softly, looking at her in concern. “If I have to tell you some harsh truths to avoid that happening, I will.” 

He let go of her and stepped back, leaving a moment for his words to sink in. Eventually, he pulled a small stone out of his pocket. 

“Take this. It’s a sending stone. If you change your mind or need help, send for me and I will be there.” 

He took her hand and placed the stone in it, his hands lingering on hers for a just moment before he let go. She looked at the stone - small and smooth, with intricate lines engraved across it. 

“That is, if you’re sure you don’t want to come back now?” he asked one last time. 

She hesitated. His words had hit her hard, but still she wanted to stay. Nodding, she put the stone in her pocket. 

“I’m sure,” she confirmed, looking up at him. He sighed sadly, but accepted her decision.

“Then I will resume my research, see if I can find a way to heal you and your friends. I believe the Nautiloid crashed near here, yes? I will head there, I’m sure the crash site will yield some useful information. Send me a message once you’ve reached this creche, let me know if the githyanki are successful or not. Until then… good luck, Saffron.” 

He put his hand on her shoulder, holding it there for a moment, before finally turning and heading off, leaving her alone. 

Questions and doubts raced through her mind. Was she doing the right thing? She’d always trusted Malitas’s judgement before, she could hardly believe she’d gone against him like this. But this wasn’t just about Gale. Even if Malitas was right about him, she meant what she’d said - she wouldn’t leave the others. Still, the thought of Malitas’s concerns about Gale being proven true filled her with a deep dread. It didn’t help that she found Malitas’s warnings coming back to her in another familiar voice… be careful with him, darling. Astarion had warned her about him, too. Was the universe truly trying to tell her to stay away from him? 

She took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself to return to the others and talk to Gale about this, then turned and headed back.

When she reached them she found them all questioning Gale. 

“A goddess, though! What was it like?” Astarion asked eagerly. 

“I’m not talking about this with you,” Gale insisted, shaking his head. 

“Oh come on! Just a hint? Please?” he pressed, but Gale remained resolute. 

“I’m more interested in what he did to anger her,” Shadowheart mused. 

“Ah, well we might finally get to hear that story now,” Astarion said as he saw Saff heading back towards them. All eyes fell on her. Evidently, Gale had been putting off talking about it until she returned. She stood in front of them all for a moment, trying to find what to say. 

“...Malitas left. He said he might find us again in the mountain pass,” she said quietly. She knew she had to ask Gale about everything that had been said, but couldn’t quite bring herself to do it. Luckily for her, Gale himself brought up the subject. 

“Then it’s about time I give you answers. All of you,” he said, addressing only Saff at first before turning to the rest of the group. 

He began to go through it all - how he’d been a prodigy, visited by Mystra herself, taught and trained by her until eventually they became lovers. He explained the history of Karsus and what he’d tried to do, how it had left parts of the Weave scattered and lost to Mystra, until he reached the crux of the tale.

“I thought, what if I could find that book and return it to her? Reunite her with this missing part of herself. Surely that would prove me worthy in her eyes…”

He sighed and looked away. “I was mistaken. What I found in that book… was no creation of Mystra’s.” 

There was a moment of quiet, until Saff finally found her voice. 

“What was it?” she asked quietly, almost a whisper. Gale looked at her, remorse in his eyes, then knelt down. 

“Let me show you,” he said, holding his hand out to her, beckoning her to take it. She wasn’t entirely sure where he was going with this, but curiosity made her oblige him. 

He gently placed her hand over his chest. As he did the marking began to glow, then it suddenly started. They all felt it, that buzz as the tadpoles connected. This wasn’t like last time though where he let them in easily - this time it was doused in dread and fear as the memory opened up to them. They saw through his eyes as he stood in his study, surrounded by books, but there was only one book that held his attention now. The tome on the table was ancient, locked shut, brimming with magic. He reached out to it, his fingers tingling as they touched the cover. A whispered incantation and latches unlocked, but before he could even pick it up the book flew open. Inside there were no pages, just a swirling mass of blackest Weave. For a moment they saw all it in front of them, hovering, reaching, growing… until it pounced. They felt it dig itself into Gale, tearing at him with ethereal teeth and claws, unstoppable, draining him of his strength and magic, feeling like it was going to completely consume him as it buried itself into his chest, becoming part of him. The last thing they felt was its hunger, ever-present and insatiable, devouring everything he was until there was nothing left…

Saff gasped and stumbled back, feeling the pain in her chest fade away as the connection dropped and she found herself back in reality. 

“That’s what’s in your chest??” she gasped, looking at the marking as its glow simmered down. Gale nodded and stood back up. 

“Yes. This Netherese blight… this orb, for lack of a better word, is balled up inside my chest. And it needs to be fed. That’s why I need the artefacts. To keep it quiet. If I don’t…” 

“...It’ll kill you?” Saff whispered fearfully. 

“It’ll do rather worse than that, I fear,” he said, to Saff’s surprise. What could be worse than that? “It’ll erupt. I don’t know the exact magnitude of the explosion, but given my studies into Netherese magic, I’d say even a strand as small as the one I carry… could level a city the size of Waterdeep.” 

A wave of surprise washed over the group as they realised just how dangerous this was. Not only to Gale, but to all of them. 

“So you could have blown us all up at any moment?” Astarion asked, his usually playful tone replaced by one of anger. 

“I assure you, if it ever gets to that point, I will make sure I am nowhere near any of you when it happens. For now the artefacts keep it stable. But if that changes, I will be long gone before the orb poses such a threat. I will not let any of you, or anyone else, pay for my mistakes,” he said firmly. 

“Kaincha! You’ve been the greatest threat to our lives this entire time!” Lae’zel spat, glaring at him angrily. 

“I swear to you I wasn’t!” he said quickly, putting his hands up defensively. “I made sure of it. I never would have stayed if I thought for even a moment it posed a threat.” 

Lae’zel seemed to calm down slightly, but still narrowed her eyes at him. He felt the others’ eyes on him too and hung his head.

“I’m sorry. Truly. I should have told you all earlier. Please know that I would never willingly endanger any of you. But I understand that all of this… it must all feel like a betrayal. Say the word… and we’ll part ways,” he said quietly. He was terrified of that outcome, but should it come to that, he would keep his word. 

“No!” Saff said quickly. “Don’t even suggest that. We’d never make you leave.” 

“I agree,” Wyll said, stepping forward. “Gale’s one of us, and we should stand by his side.”

“Absolutely,” Karlach agreed. “We’re all risky in our own ways. We stick together anyway, right?” 

“Some riskier than others,” Astarion argued. “None of the rest of us are at risk of spontaneously blowing up at any point. That Netherese jack-in-the-box should be a blip on the horizon!” 

“Are you serious?!” Saff gasped, looking at Astarion in disbelief. “You tried to drink my blood and we let you stay!” 

“That wouldn’t have killed you!�� 

“If Gale hadn’t been there you wouldn’t have stopped!” 

“Why are we still arguing?” Lae’zel interrupted. “He’s a threat to us all! We should be rid of this menace!”

“You can’t just send him to his death!” Karlach shouted back, and the group descended into an argument, all of them shouting over the others. Lae’zel and Astarion said Gale should leave, Saff, Wyll and Karlach argued he should stay, Shadowheart didn’t seem to care either way and was mostly amused by the drama. It was only when she finally spoke did it break the argument.

“You’re absolutely sure it poses no threat?” she asked Gale, who looked at her in surprise.

“Yes. Absolutely. And I meant what I said - if that changes, I will leave. My highest priority since this happened has been to ensure not a single person suffers as a result of all this.” 

Shadowheart watched him for a long moment, as if sizing him up. Eventually she spoke again. 

“Then I think he should be allowed to stay. His magic is useful in battle, after all. And his cooking’s not too bad.” 

Gale breathed a deep sigh of relief and looked to the others. Astarion folded his arms and looked away, very aware how outnumbered he and Lae’zel were now. 

“Fine… he can stay,” he said, then looked to Gale. “But I say that for Saff’s sake, not yours.” 

Finally the group turned to Lae’zel, who still didn’t seem convinced by any of this, but she knew better than to argue with the whole group. 

“Ch’k, fine. But on your heads be it if he takes us all out with him.” 

Gale could hardly believe it. 

“Thank you, thank you, all of you. I swear, you will not regret it,” he said, though the tension still hung in the air around them. 

Lae’zel went back to where they’d been about to eat lunch - which was stone cold by now - grabbed a plate, sat down and began angrily eating. 

The others made their way back to the campfire as well, deciding that they’d prefer to heat the food back up again rather than eating it cold. All except for Saff, who stayed stood where she was. 

Gale looked over at her. The others didn’t seem to notice the way she looked away from them, trying to hide the tears in her eyes, or the way her hands trembled as she tried to steady them… but he did. It broke his heart seeing how upset she was, especially after how close they’d been last night. Slowly he walked over to her and put his hand on her shoulder.

“Saff…” he said, but she pulled away from him and made sure not to catch his eye. 

“I…” she started, her voice catching in her throat. “I’m not hungry. I’ll be back soon.” 

She quickly walked off, her footsteps almost turning to a run as she turned the corner of one of the buildings. Gale could swear he heard a sob amongst the sounds of stone crunching underfoot as she disappeared into the village.