#geppetto never says a WORD about her.

[gothamcityneedsme]

also. i just love how. if u pay attention to literally. 3 tiny tiny tiny things. you can figure out that gepptto's wife was an engineer who died and that ALSO she became the first puppet who awakened an ego

[sylusjinwoon]

{ 104 }

the price of a lie.

lies of p.

pinocchio x reader

warnings: unedited and a self indulgent mess.

{ how many lies would you tell to be human? }

truth be told, pinocchio never understood what it truly meant to be human.

his journey throughout krat was no easy task, for surrounding him were enemies who wanted nothing more than to witness his demise; automatons who held such deep contempt for him and his goals, being just as deadly as the plague that wracked through the city.

with each challenge that he faced, he was forced to play the role of a real boy, acting as though he desired nothing more than for his lies to become a reality someday. even though he knew that being human was seen as a good thing, he didn't really understand it. when asked about it, his father often told pinocchio that he was the key to saving humanity; that it was due to pinocchio being geppetto's creation that he held him in such high regard- that this was something only he could do.

but it was difficult for pinocchio. he felt as though the weight of the world had been placed on his shoulder, and he was forced to navigate through such a dark world entirely on his own while given little to no motivation. despite how he wasn't quite human yet, there seemed to be a looming weight within his chest, one that filled him with an inexplicable emotion.

the feeling was so great that he couldn't help but dwell on it, the curiosity of it all spilling over that he had to ask sophia about it.

"that emotion you are describing sounds a great deal like dread." he recalls sophia telling him one late evening when he was last seeking refuge at hotel krat. her graceful figure seemed to float along the marble floors, voice ever so gentle as her slender fingertips ran along the oakwood shelves, exploring the spines of the various books settled within it.

she hums, not quite facing him, yet pinocchio knew that she was simply deep in thought. "it is not strange for you to feel this way, after all, we are asking a lot of you at this very moment."

"however," her gentle laughter makes pinocchio finally meet her gaze, seeing her smile as she reassures him, "how you decide to move forward and continue your journey is entirely up to you. and truly, i have faith in you- we all do."

sophia stops herself from speaking further then, her gaze becoming a bit more solemn as she clasps her hands together. she steps closer to him, the skirt of her blue gown swaying back and forth with her movements when she settles herself before him. her gaze was unwavering, placing her hand on pinocchio's shoulder as she tells him:

"but it won't be easy... you must have a strong conviction in order to become what you truly desire. so, tell me..."

just how far would you go to truly be human?

pinocchio hears sophia's words echoing within him, the cogs in his mind whirring as he fought to find the right words to say. could he really tell her of how numb he felt? would she understand if he spoke to her, finally telling her that single phrase i don't know?

instead of being truthful with her, pinocchio found that he could not get the words out; the silence was deafening, and despite how no words had been spoken or exchanged, the pain in sophia's gaze said it all.

as if taking pinocchio's unspoken words as his answer, she simply nods at him before letting him go, leaving him feeling numb.

if pinocchio were to be honest with himself, the puppet simply felt... empty at the thought of being human. he felt no innate desire to become one, and only felt such desires simply because he was told to.

the lies he tells were only made to put up a façade; one that he was meant to uphold if he were to ever survive the dangers that were seen all across krat. he never had a reason, nor felt the true desire to become real-

but that all seemed to change one fateful moment, when he came into contact with a human-

when he came into contact with you.

it was raining that day, the downpour causing the cobblestone streets to become slick. puddles surrounded the city as pinocchio could feel his own clothes becoming wet from the rain. his shoes made splashes all across the roads when gemini's voice became panicked.

"whoa, b-bad news, buddy! i sense a group of rogue automatons just a few blocks away. maybe we should retreat for now? you seem unprepared, and you were only meant to be out here to do recon."

pinocchio ignores gemini's advice, simply sharpening his rapier with his legion arm as he stepped forward, eyes narrowing when he sees a figure coming towards him, seeing you running to him. he stops walking, watching as your footsteps pound against the streets as gasps escapes from your parted lips. you were dressed in a tattered shirt with torn pants, and your shoes were so worn and torn that they nearly made you slip and fall into the slick streets.

when you finally see him, you let out a sigh of relief all while reaching out to him with your hands, "p-please, you've got to help me!"

he takes note of the way your heart raced from within your chest and how wisps of smoke seemed to escape from your parted lips due to how cold it was. the constant thumpthumpthump heard from the confines of your chest intrigued pinocchio a great deal, and he was uncertain why his curiosity was so piqued by you.

"pino, this is bad, the enemies are right in front of you!"

without saying a word to you, pinocchio places you directly behind him, shielding you from the automatons. he watches the rogue puppets with thick oil escaping from their porcelain lips, staining at their skin as heavy grunts and groans were heard from them. their movements were slow, dragging their feet along the slick streets. pinocchio held no concern when it came to defeating them and shielding you from the dangers that they pose.

using the speed and grace he had developed from his past battles, he manages to take down the rogue group of automatons with ease. his rapier slices through them as he dodges their attacks with great succession. within what seemed like seconds, they all collapse in a pile of broken limbs, the rain already beginning to turn their bodies into rust.

he faces you once more, seeing you wrap your arms around your chest, your eyes wide with wonder. "t-that was amazing! and goodness, y-you are also an automaton? i truly thought you were real! simply a young man taking a stroll across krat! well, actually, that would be quite crazy, since humans like me would definitely struggle surviving here!"

pinocchio listens to you and the way you excitedly spoke to him. it was here that he learns of your name, how you were not originally from krat and had simply traveled here to learn about the city's accomplishments with automatons. you spoke highly about your dreams and how you wished to be a master engineer like geppetto.

"that is my father." pinocchio wasn't sure why he felt the need to tell you of this simple fact. something about you seemed...bright. so achingly bright that it made his chest feel this strange tightness. the fact that you were all alone in this dangerous world made pinocchio wish to help you- to shield and protect you from it.

he watches as your eyes widen in response. "you're kidding, that's amazing!"

"yup, it sure is! master geppetto is a genius, and i along with everyone else agree that pinocchio is his greatest creation!" gemini chimes in, further adding to your excitement.

"then that means-"

"you may come with me." pinocchio softly tells you without a hint of hesitation, simply holding his hand out for you to take. your features appear surprised once more before turning a bit sheepish a mere moments later. "i-i don't know. i don't wish to intrude, but...krat has become a living nightmare since the plague hit. i was a bit foolish in coming here so...so unprepared. "

"hey listen, your only hope of survival is to follow pinocchio here. if you stay out here, you're gonna be made into mincemeat for sure." gemini continues to urge you to follow pinocchio, "he can take you to geppetto. and who knows? maybe you can work as his assistant along with eugénie."

throughout it all, pinocchio never stops keeping his hand outreached for you to take. as gemini's voice slowly softens before becoming silent, he could see your eyes shining with excitement and happiness once more. with a sigh, pinocchio watches you as you step forward and call out his name for the first time. "pinocchio, right?"

he feels himself shiver a bit upon hearing the way you call out to him. giving you a simple nod, he extends his hand out even more to you, to which you finally take. the warmth that came from the palm of your hand was what pinocchio initially feels, his fingertips lightly grazing against your wrist as he felt the pulse along with the warmth that radiated off of it.

there was a sudden surge felt within his chest, one that pushes him forward as he ends up interlocking the fingertips of his non-legion hand with yours, pulling you along as he safely lead you out of the city and towards his sanctuary found within hotel krat.

and it didn't take long for you to find a new home within his found family. as predicted by gemini, his father welcomed you with open arms, along with eugénie. you were a fast learner, and offered many insights to both of them when it came to optimizing pinocchio's legion arm.

pinocchio wasn't sure why your presence instilled something so profound within him. he has had his fair share of communicating with humans. he was close to his father, and he enjoyed listening to eugénie prattle on about the modifications she has made to his legion arm.

but interacting with you sparked something deep from within him. each day he returned to hotel krat, he found himself basking in your smiles and the sound of your voice as you told him about your day all while asking pinocchio about his own adventures.

he never tired of hearing your voice, and how your warmth seemed to permeate at the air before seeping into him. and it was while he was in your presence that he found himself regretting that he could not feel your warmth nor share it with you. pinocchio's body was cold, being carved by the richest wood and sewn together with metal. his glass eyes were incapable of reflecting the same emotions that you showed each time you met his curious gaze, and that part bothered him greatly.

that was the first time pinocchio felt a great sense of regret at not being truly human.

he wanted to bask in the rain and feel the cold droplets against his skin and dance in it with you;

he wanted to share cups of hot chocolate with you and be able to lick away the cream that decorates your lips;

but more so than that, he wanted these feelings he was beginning to feel to come into fruition and have a true, beating heart.

it was a yearning that pinocchio felt growing inside him, getting stronger and deeper with each passing day. each time you walk by him, his gaze would ultimately follow you. the longing that he felt was certainly becoming more evident, and an almost knowing smile would grace sophia's features each time she witnesses your interactions with pinocchio.

with a newfound passion, pinocchio continues his journey, now believing his lies of being human each time he uttered them while exploring the city of krat- allowing the thoughts of you to push him forward.

and it was with these thoughts of you plaguing his mind that he returns back home from his exploration around krat. the night was at its peak, with hotel krat remaining silent as evident of its inactivity. pinocchio was the only one still awake at this time, and he found himself wandering aimlessly around the library, unable to rest.

his fingers run across the spines of the books, yet he felt no desire to read any of them. as his eyes scan the various titles, he was aware of the familiar sound that never fails to bring him comfort.

thumpthumpthump...

his ears pick up the gentle pitter patter of your heart, its slow beats alerting him of your sleeping state. yet despite how he knew that you were resting, pinocchio couldn't stop his footsteps from moving forward. he allows the sounds of your heartbeat to lead him away from the library, his steps echoing throughout the marble flooring of the hallways.

as if running on instinct alone, he does not stop his movements until he reaches the front of your room. like a moth being drawn to a flame, pinocchio lifts his hand, pressing it against the door as he pushes it aside and steps within your bedroom.

his eyes adjust to the dim lighting of the room within seconds as he moves forward. he follows the sounds of your breathing and ends up standing before your bed. it is here that he sees you curled up against the sheets, your hair splayed across your pillow as you cling to your blankets. pinocchio allows his eyes to trail over to your chest, becoming mesmerized by the gentle rise and fall of it.

unconsciously, he reaches out to you, allowing his hand to brush back the strands of your hair. upon feeling his cold hand against your skin, you wince in your sleep before letting out a soft groan. pinocchio simply stiffens in response, not even attempting to move his hand away from you even when you slowly began to awaken.

"huh? pinocchio?" you sat up in bed, forcing pinocchio to remove his hand away from your cheek. "what are you doing here?"

pinocchio knew that the right thing to do in this situation was to simply apologize for waking you up, yet no words seemed to come out properly from his parted lips. "i...i..."

yet miraculously, you seemed to inherently understand him. "it's alright, you can't sleep, right?" wordlessly, you scoot over on your bed, making room for pinocchio to settle beside you. "come on, it's alright, you can stay here, with me."

his hands began to itch with a sudden urge, a pinprick of desire that seemed to grow as your smile was all he could see. following along with this strange emotion, pinocchio lets out a tiny thank you in response to your kindness before laying in bed with you.

not wanting you to fall off the bed, he wraps his arms around your form, bringing you closer to him as you let out a gasp. he says your name in yet another soft whisper, adjusting himself so that his ear was pressed against your chest.

"p-pinocchio?" your voice had risen a few octaves, and he could hear the way your heart began to beat faster in response to his touch.

"ssh...just let me...let me listen to your heart beat- listen to what makes you human." pinocchio's voice began to take on a richer tone, being filled with wonder as he closed his eyes and listened to the steady beat of your heart.

thumpthumpthump...

how far would you go to be human?

how many lies would you tell?

in this moment, with you by his side, pinocchio knew that he would tell an infinite amount of lies-

for if he could become human and share his heartbeat with yours, than what greater bliss could possibly exist for him?

a.n. - so a new lies of p trailer just dropped, and i find myself falling for pinocchio all over again 🥹

all stories are written by rei; reposts, translations, and plagiarism are not allowed.

[artmunstudios]

Lies of P Character Analysis: P and Carlo

Spoilers for the ending of the game lie ahead under the cut!

I have been seeing a lot of people refer to P as Carlo, specifically in the Rise of P ending, and I think it is very important to think about this fact, because it kind of goes hand in hand with the themes of the game overall. And on top of that, it's important for when making theories too!

P isn’t Carlo—he never was, and won’t ever be no matter what ending you get. Not even the Nameless Puppet is really Carlo. (His corpse maybe which is,,,,, so fucked)

I'm kinda driving this home, because I think it is really important to understand the difference between P and Carlo, because despite Geppetto claiming that P inherited his personality instead of the memories, they clearly are very different people, and that is solely because of their environments.

He’s much more like a reflection of Carlo, if he was raised in a more loving/nurturing environment. P is a Carlo that isn’t solely filled with nothing but spite and anger towards his father that literally abandoned and clearly even resented him. Compare this to the people around P at the home he knew, Hotel Krat.

Sofia— Never once really says a bad word to P. Not even in the bad ending. She is that gentle guide that, despite claiming to have awakened P for selfish reasons, acts entirely selfless and is willing for her freedom to be put on hold to help P in aiding in lessening the damage in Krat. She compliments him, gives encouraging words, and I would even dare to say she teaches P the value of life.

Antonia— Grandma. Of. The Year. Can we please give this classy lady of all sass and glory more than a peaceful death? Like???? I dunno, sneak her a bottle of that good wine, Tipple Lady seemed to really dig it. If she wasn't so sick I am more than certain that she would have been doting on P more than just verbally. I'm talking that kind of grandma, and you know exactly what I mean. This lady would somehow find a way for there to be ingredients for cookies because goddammit, she may be classy but I bet you any money she makes the best goddamn peanut butter cookies and YOU CANNOT TELL ME OTHERWISE. Every time P would come back all dirty, he would get the scolding of a lifetime because how many times does she have to tell him to leave that dirty coat and boots at the entry and let Polendina get them for a wash— And finally, if she were well enough you know damn well P would have been even more classy than he already was with those outfits. She would spend an entire day going through wardrobes and having P try each outfit on to see what looks good, because no grandson of hers is going out in drabs she will not have it— Ahem. Er. ANywayyy...that grandma. she would be that grandma. And still kind of is, she just couldn't do much being so ill. And, kind of on the flipside, I think Antonia in a way taught P the importance of death, and how it can be drawing near, but you can still be full of hope like she was.

Polendina and Pulcinella — These two taught P a very important lesson, and even taught it to him fairly early on! Puppets are not inherently evil; in fact, they can be just as alive as any human. They both love the ones they take care of, and provide that sense of kinship that P really needed. In a way, P is biracial (racial....or...????bispecies???? I????? I don't know what to call it?????) so seeing both sides of each half in him is such a great influence, and helps him realize that he may be different to both, he can belong in both worlds.

Eugenie— Sweetie. Babygirl. Bestie. She was thrown into the position of big sister so fast she didn't even realize it until like. The end of the game, I think. That conversation about her big brother seemed to make her realize that she was a big sister to P in a way, I think. Which is why the realization about her own older sibling made things much harder, I think.

Lorenzini— An eccentric, but genuinely kind hearted man. A human, that despite everything, still treats the puppets as family. Hell, he doesn't even convinced that they are the villains, and he is the one to actually initiate the whole path to when the group discovers that Geppetto is the one behind the frenzy. 1000/10, coolest uncle; he probably will buy P so many ridiculous things the moment things have calmed down in Krat. What's that? Oh, yes you need a place to stay--HAVE A HOUSE. DO YOU WANT THE BLOCK I CAN BUY YOU A BLOCK-- (Pulcinella has to withhold finances because Lorenzini will NOT stop buying P shit, and the poor lad doesn't really have a concept of money so of course he's gonna accept it all and just say yes!) .... (The realization of P not really having a concept of currency suddenly startles me. WHAT IS HE GONNA DO WHEN KRAT IS RESTORED??? POLENDINA WHY DID YOU RESET HE NEEDS FUCKIN HELP— )

Geppetto— Ah. Yes. Rat bastard (derogatory). Deadbeat dad. Control freak. YOU. I will. Give him this, and I do genuinely mean this; despite everything he has done, and how manipulative he is, he, ironically, gave P exactly what he needed from a father in some ways. Specifically, Geppetto always reminded P that he was precious and important to him, and that he genuinely did not like sending him out into dangerous situations. Even though, it was for different reasons, and the majority of us were suspicious from the start, we have to think about it from P's perspective. Think about all the things he said to him, until the end at least. P had legitimately no reason to suspect Geppetto. In many ways, as far as P could tell, he was perfect. Encouraging, gentle, he made sure P was always in tip-top shape, and he told him that he was proud to see him fight the King of Puppets (yes it's fucked up knowing it was Romeo, Carlo's possible only friend, but again, P doesn't know that until the very end). In a way, he taught P his own worth, to the point that he valued his own individuality, and refused to give up his sense of self. And in the very end, I think Geppetto realized that P was not Carlo, but he loved him like a father, despite everything.

Gemini (I FORGOT GEMINI AND HAD TO EDIT TO ADD HIM IN CAST ME INTO THE FUCKIN FIRE I AM A FAKE PINOCCHIO LORE FANATIC) - Gemini, in my opinion, in this iteration is less of a conscious and more of a??? He's kinda like Romeo's replacement, in a way; he's P's best friend. He kinda also teaches P humor as well, which is honestly a take on the talking Cricket that is so unique. He's like that awkward teacher that is young but still a little out of touch with the generation he's teaching that it's like the equivalent of hearing your 30 something professor tell a fucking dad pun. Speaking of teaching, he teaches P a lot! Especially history, and cultural stuff for Krat; and I think that's also really important for development! And it is really sweet how he still, despite Krat being in disarray, tries to kinda give the city that sense of wonder and joy for P that maybe other tourists would have.

Now, contrast that with Carlo's life:

His father drops him off randomly at a place he doesn't know (a fucking orphanage dude, you couldn't even be fucked to ship him to a proper private school at least Geppetto?) at we can assume age 10-12, without even bothering to tell him when or if he would come back, based on that first memory we see. How many more sleeps until daddy comes back? Geppetto couldn't even be bothered to see his graduation, and he claims that he would not care if he just dropped over dead. And, I'm gonna be real, just based on the line delivery, as well as some personal experiences (get into that a little later with some dissection) I fully believe he means it. I'm gonna be real, the people who say stuff like that, specifically older kids edging adulthood, most of the time they really mean that shit. And, to make matters worse, it's not even just Geppetto that brushes him off, even people that you could argue are supposed to be mentor figures, brush him off. But we don't know enough yet about the Stalker Woman, so I won't go too deep into that. Right to his death (which we have to assume was homicide) it seemed like the entire world, but Romeo, rejected him.

In a way, it makes sense that the Nameless Puppet is just a rage-filled, calculating, killing machine when it gets P's heart. It doesn't inherit the personality, just the memories. And that, with the kind of life Carlo lived, makes for a very dangerous being.

Let's also think about what Giangio said, too. He calls P a new kind of human. P doesn't just magically get human guts and whatnot. He's not human, he's a cyborg, I suppose, but even that doesn't seem entirely right. It's just kinda as Giangio calls him; a new kind of human. I guess, if we want to get cheeky, P is a Legion Human. Carlo was human, and that's just how it was. Carlo never comes back, but the memory of him does seem to live on in P. He's like??? He starts off as a reflection, and ends up becoming a legacy to Carlo, in a way.

But there is one huge indicator yet that shows that P and Carlo are separate people.

I'm gonna be honest, and say potentially a bold take, but I genuinely don't think Carlo would have cried if he were there when Geppetto dies, I really don't. Just speaking from personal experience (yet again), I have an absentee parent that, the older I get, I kind of realized was never really in my life. Similar to Geppetto in a way, too, in the concept of wanting more of a concept rather than actually being a parent. So, just speaking from that perspective, if my absentee father who never bothered to get to know me or even cared about who I was as a person died in such a way (lowkey from his own hubris) I can't say it's realistic to think that someone with that kind of relationship would cry for that parent. Feel sad? Absolutely, it's not like you are heartless and just lose all sense of apathy for that person. But it's hard to really mourn for a stranger at worst, and a associate at best.

However, P does cry. More than that, when you see him curl over Geppetto's body in the true end, that right there, is fucking despair. Again, just kind of speaking from experience, your body does some weird shit to cope when you are upset over a death. You kinda revert back to that state of being a kid, wanting to coddle your precious thing because when you were at that age, you believed that things could be fixed with stuff like a hug, or cradling, etc. It's not a conscious thought, but that is part of the reflex. P holds Geppetto, the man that he genuinely sees as his father, close; because it's the only thing he knows what to do in that moment. If we think about Carlo and Geppetto's relationship, can we really see Carlo holding his father close like that?

TLDR: P and Carlo are two entirely different people; and it is almost solely because of the environments they were in.

[lopposting]

Some more thoughts + notes on the datamine document!!

(Long!!)

[second part of this post ?]

thanks again to user @ ividyon for the document.

Judging by these lines, again, I think it's a cut story thread that P has to ask Venigni to repair him, thus revealing himself as a puppet to Venigni, but it also suggests that Venigni knew about Carlo

rough alt translation:

제페토 씨에겐 들었어. 팔을 다치신 탓에 내게 네 P기관 정비를 요청하시더군. 사실 네가 인형인 줄은 알고 있었어. 제페토 씨의 친구라면 그 사건에 대해 알 수 밖에 없거든… 슬픈 일이지만 내일의 희망에 집중해야지. I heard from Mr. Geppetto. Because of the arm injury, [he] requested to repair your P-Organ. The truth is, I already knew you were a puppet. If you're a friend of Geppetto's, one couldn't help but hear about what happened... It was a sad thing but I[one must] had to focus on the hope of tomorrow.

It implies Venigni is saying he knew we were a puppet because as a friend of Geppetto, he would've known about the death of Carlo. In the released game, he seems to be an older colleague and doesn't mention it at all, and I wonder if he even knew Geppetto had a son

About what we think happened to Carlo, and Venigni using the phrase "the case"("Any friend of Mr. Geppetto's has no choice but to know about the case"): the word he uses here 사건, which can mean something like a situation, a case, or an incident. It's also the word used by korean law enforcement to refer to a criminal "case". In this case though, I think it's closer to Venigni just referring to "what happened", as in Carlo's death.

Yet another version of this:

Honestly, I knew you were a puppet, but I didn't expect you to lie. It's creepy that Mr. Geppetto lifted his great promise

On Geppetto actually talking about Carlo to P:

It's my impression that in the released game, Geppetto never expected P to find out about Carlo because that would probably tip him off to what he was planning (P would probably refuse to hand over the heart?)

Also, Geppetto saying that Carlo was "intelligent" - I wonder if Carlo being a smart kid had something to do with Sophia calling us "Clever one" when we wake up?

REALLY interesting exchange with Geppetto

the exchange:

【그나저나... 내 예상보다 빠르게 깨어났더구나. 누군가 도와준 사람이 있니?】 【누군가 도와준 사람이 있니?】 소피아가 나를 깨웠다 혼자 열차 안에서 깨어났다

eng:

【By the way.. You woke up faster than I expected. 】 【Was there anyone that helped you? 】 Sophia woke me up I woke up on the train by myself

(note: If you tell Geppetto that someone named Sophia woke you up) 소피아라… 그렇구나. 그녀에겐 나중에 감사해야겠구나. Sophia... I should thank her later.

That sounds rather ominous to me. (it also doesn't have an english correspondent from what I see?)

and then what I think is IF you answer that you woke up by yourself- (emphasis mine)

널 깨워준 덕에 신시가지의 학살을 멈출 수 있었단다. 네가 자랑스럽구나. 말해줘서 고맙구나. 난 네가 자칫 잘못되었을까봐 두려웠단다 나에게만큼은 언제나 진실된 아이로 있어다오, 아들아. 널 되살리기 위해 수많은 희생을 치러야 했건만… 다시 어려운 부탁을 하게 되어 미안하구나.

eng:

Because of you waking up you were able to stop the massacre. I'm proud [of you]. I'm grateful you told me. I was worried that you might have gone wrong. To me, you'll always be my true child, son. I made so many sacrifices to revive you... I'm sorry to ask such difficult requests again.

It's occurring to me now that I think (나에게만큼은 언제나 진실된 아이로 있어다오, 아들아) can either be read as "Always be true to me, son" OR "To me you'll always be my true son" [as in, he's assuring the new puppet "Carlo" that he's still his son !?]

Again, I wonder if this dialogue is conditional, though. As in, he says "Sophia? I should thank her later..." if we tell the truth about Sophia, And if P tells him he "woke up by myself" we get the latter dialogue (Geppetto immediately accepts him as his son).

[i-hug-exploder-shanks]

A Cautionary Tale: Saint-14's Blunder

"Some still speak of the day, in hushed tones in the shadows corners of the tower, that Saint-14 fucked up.

The guardians know better than to speak the words too loudly for the great warlock Osiris is able to be anywhere and everywhere at once, but they have to warn the new lights of this cautionary tale.

You see Saint-14 and Osiris have faced unspeakable odds and still come back to each other with their bond stronger than ever. Their story is one of love conquering even time itself. So what could break such a perfect couple? What could bring the greatest love of the ages to a shaky edge?

It was not the hive, fallen, nor even the terrible vex. No my sweet blueberries, It was a bird.

Don't laugh, it's not a joke. Look to your elders and see their expressions little lights. Birds are no laughing matter in the tower. You have seen Saint's flock of pigeons, haven't you? Heard the tender way he calls Osiris his phoenix?

But this bird was neither of these. No, this bird was a Crow. A scrappy little Crow with a broken wing that Osiris found lost and abandoned by its flock. He was very protective of his little Crow. So protective that when Saint upset the little bird, even by accident, Osiris fell into a fit of rage even at his most trusted partner.

He yelled so loud you could hear it on the other side of the city. He snarled and hissed like a mother cat protecting her kits- honestly if you were there it was kinda sweet but you didn't hear that from me- anyway! The point was, Saint-14 was brought to his knees, pleading for forgiveness and repenting his mistake.

What? What did he do? I told you, he made Crow sad. Oh, how? Well Crow had this frankly stupid haircut and Crow overheard Saint joking about it to Geppetto. Oh, no I didn't mean an actual bird. I was being dramatic. Saint-14 and Osiris adopted the Vanguard Crow ages ago back when he was all sad and broody. Anyway, the lesson to be learned here kids, is to never insult Crow where Osiris can find out and he will find out no matter where you are. You should never-"

Osiris crossed his arms raising an eyebrow at the ghost bobbing on a plain tower shell surrounded by new lights and when one of the young hunters turned and yelped it caused the group to scatter like cats from a cucumber.

"Sagira, you can't keep doing this or none of the new lights will ever look at me without jumping." He tsked at her and she giggled as she moved to hover over his shoulder.

"Don't lie, you love watching them cower. Plus, it's funny to see how they all look at Crow after. He has no idea why he has an army of tiny guardian ducklings trailing him." She said dawning her usual shell with a flash of light now she wasn't trying to secretly spread rumors through the tower.

"At least you stopped telling them all I was in my boxers when I yelled at Saint. They really don't need to know those sort of things." He sighed as they headed toward the hanger.

"It was hilarious! You telling off Saint for making fun of Crow's terrible haircut while wearing nothing but your boxers and slippers and sleep robe! I can't believe Crow was brave enough to wake you up to make sad eyes at you over Saint mocking him. This is why he's my favorite." She chirped and Osiris rolled his eyes.

"I thought he was your favorite because he and Glint saved you from the traveler and helped you regain your memories so we could be reunited?" He hummed and she bobbed.

"You can have more than one reason for someone to be your favorite Osiris. After all, I'm sure there's many reasons I'm your favorite." She teased and Osiris frowned.

"When did I say you're my favorite? Did I not tell you of my close bond to the pooka I adopted?" He asked and grinned as she started ranting about how much better she was than some over-empathetic flying fish.

[hannahhook7744]

in your BDA Rewrite, describe Harry and Jace's relationship with each of the Rossi family members: Grandma Bria, Carina, Lampwick and Bella?

In full detail please !

Jace Badun's Relationships:

Jace Badun & Graunt Bria's relationship: Their relationship can be kind of tense at times because as you said when describing Lampwick's family, she is very protective towards her grandkids and a bit strict.

Which of course, the isle kids aren't at all used to.

Jace obviously doesn't like not being seen as an equal by her (because adults tend not to treat kids like equals for obvious reasons) and not getting a say in things when he's basically raised himself and Harry (as much as you can raise someone a few months younger than you).

He doesn't like how weird she acts about the idea of him having sleepovers with The BDA and Elle. Doesn't like her telling him he's too young to date or that he's taking things too fast.

Jace thinks she's overbearing, controlling, and intense (and though he is starting to care about her, it reminds him a bit too much of Cruella, his dad, and his uncle for his liking).

Bria, on the other hand, just wants to make up for all the lost time.

She feels guilty.

Gulity that Lampwick went missing and she blamed her daughter for it. Gulity that Bella didn't want to grow up (because she feels like it's her and Carina's lives that made her make that decision). Gulity she wasn't more protective of her daughter (she could have found Geppetto or another good man sooner rather than two deadbeats).

Guilty she didn't know her sister had kids: guilty she didn't know her brother-in-law was in danger. Guilty she that she wasn't there for Jace, Harry, and all their siblings and cousins that she didn't know existed until there were barely any left.

She wants to protect Jace, maybe even more than she wants to protect Harry. Because it's clear by how Jace is that he hasn't had very much protecting and parenting in his life.

But Jace is the protector and doesn't want protecting. Doesn't know how to accept being protected instead of doing the protector. So, things are tense at times.

Jace Badun & 'Aunt' Carina's relationship: Jace doesn't know how to act around Carina.

She's...kinder than he's used to adults being. Worries more. Her scoldings aren't harsh. She's never raised a hand to him.

She tries to tend to his injuries. To help him with his homework and to help him understand why things are the way they are in Auradon. And tries to parent him but she's a lot less intense than Bria is.

She wants to protect him, he can tell.

(She reminds him of his mom in the few clear memories he has of her).

Carina understands Jace a lot more than she understands Harry.

She understands his wariness that isn't outright paranoia: she understands his protective nature and why he's so independent. Why not getting a say in things frustrates him to no end.

It doesn't mean she doesn't want to protect him: she does. She just doesn't know how to do it without scaring him off (and by extension, Harry) off.

Jace Badun & Cousin Lampwick's relationship: Lampwick confuses Jace.

One minute it's like Lampwick is just another one of the teens: he treats Jace like an equal in conversation. Doesn't mince his words or treat Jace like he's a stupid little kid who's never been faced with an actual problem in his life.

He doesn't have most of the weird opinions Auradon seems to have about 'gender norms' or expect anything of Jace.

The next Lampwick is fretting over some injury he or Harry's gotten or getting the same pinched expression on his face that his mom gets whenever Harry or Jace joke about something in their lives or share a 'happy' childhood memory as he walks or drives them to wherever they were gonna go.

Then he's giving them advice that's actually helpful to them.

It's...baffling.

Lampwick sees himself post Pleasure Island in Jace: the haunted eyes, the protective nature. The hatred, annoyance, and anger at the unfairness of it all, hidden behind a quiet mask of defeated acceptance.

Sees himself in the way Jace stands in front of Harry, Bella, and others whenever someone gets to yelling or picking a fight (and remembers himself doing the same with Pinocchio, Alexander, Bella, and his other friends).

Sees himself in Jace's insecurity and in his mother henning over Harry (who'd probably have gotten himself killed without Jace by his side).

He wants to protect him but knows that Jace will never accept it. So he treats him how Lampwick wished he'd been treated as a kid, before and after Pleasure Island.

Jace Badun & Cousin Bella's relationship: Bella reminds Jace of Harry.

She's hyper—never staying still for too long. Always moving from one place to another, disappearing in the blink of an eye and scaring the shit of you. She's reckless and annoying at times but protective of the ones she cares about—no matter how much older or bigger said person is.

She looks like him. Acts like him. Has a strong sense of justice and even joined the hunters of Artemis, which Jace could have easily seen Harry doing if he'd been a girl.

The two get along and hide from Aphrodite together, and sink her on Jace so she stops trying to get them to date people. And even though it annoys the heck out of Jace, he can't blame them because it got him Elle.

He wants to protect Bella just like he wants to protect Harry, even though he knows she doesn't really need it and is older than she looks.

Jace reminds Bella of Lampwick after he got back from pleasure island.

Quiet, never speaking unless spoken to: eyes lifeless and staring. Drifting about through life like a ghost but trying to act like he's fine. Always protecting those he cares about and getting into fights for them.

Trying to protect Bella even though she doesn't want nor need it (and doing the same for Harry like Lampwick did with Pinocchio).

She wants to protect him.

She wants him to go away.

He frustrates her to no end but that's family for ya.

Harry Badun's Relationships:

Harry Badun & Graunt Bria's relationship: It can be very volatile at times.

Bria is stern, strict, and protective—A no nonsense type of lady who isn't very humourous and looks like she can snap at any moment. A woman who doesn't leave any room for arguments (kind of like Jace but a lot more stern since she's an actual adult).

She makes Harry go home if he catches him out on the town before he turns 18. She will walk him home, scolding him the whole way. "—You're a growing boy, Harold, you need your sleep and it's dangerous at night!"

She makes him go to every meal when they're in the same house. Has a set bedtime for him and Jace when they're at her house.

She calls him 'Harold' and Jace 'Jason', and it just drives Harry up the wall because he has no idea why she's doing this.

She's not flexible like Jace.

She doesn't treat him like an equal (because again, child vs. adult thing). She acts like he's a child (he is) and doesn't understand his and Jace's whole detective thing.

And after she finds out about his missng spleen she does everything she can to force him to do what experts say you need to do when you don't have one.

She doesn't let him do anything when he's sick.

And it's all too much for Harry, who only had a mother when he up until he was one.

Then he has his mom back and doesn't want another maternal figure. He doesn't like the pushing and the concerned preening about when he's gonna settle down and get a 'safe' job.

They fight (and god does he get flashbacks to Cruella whenever they do).

But at the end of the day, she's family to the Badun cousins in a way Harry's own uncle and dad never were.

Harry Badun & 'Aunt' Carina's relationship: Harry doesn't know how to react around Carina.

She's kind and motherly and so empathetic—and gets this weird 'pinched' expression whenever he and Jace mention little things that happened on the isle.

Things Harry and Jace thought were funny.

It's never fun when you tell someone a funny story and they just quietly say "I'm sorry that happened to you."

She hugs him when she sees him and it makes his skin itch, because he's touch starved for affection that doesn't come from his friends and because he's afraid even though he doesn't know it. His brain is hot wired to think touch is bad because he and Jace and all the other isle kids are just so used to touch meaning violence.

She tries to parent him and Jace like everyone else in the family (and their friends' families and their foster parents) try to do. But she's not as pushy and boundary stomping about it.

He's more comfortable around her than Bria and he loves them both. But he's still very confused about it all.

Carina, on the other hand, wants to protect him and give him everything he and Jace never had. But it's hard because she doesn't know how to do so in a way that won't send the two of them running for the hills.

They're cautious and suspicious of everything that comes from those they aren't friends with. They've been taught to be hardened and not to show weakness to anyone, and that they can rely on very few people.

And it just breaks her heart.

Harry Badun & Cousin Lampwick's relationship: Harry likes Lampwick the second most out of his new family.

Lampwick isn't too overprotective (at least by his definition): doesn't boss him around too much. Doesn't treat him like a child most of the time.

He's helpful and doesn't criticize his field of work or suggest that he's not normal in any way. Doesn't force him to eat every time he sees him.

They play cards and pool together.

Sure he can be annoying about things like curfew and stuff but it's a manageable annoying.

Lampwick sees his pre pleasure island self in Harry: in his reckless and impulsive behavior. In his 'fuck it, we ball' attitude.

Sees himself in the way Harry fights authority and curses school, and is unapologetically himself. Even if people bitch at him for it.

So he treats Harry like he wishes an adult had treated him as a kid (but you know, with a mix of how he treats his own kids).

Harry Badun & Cousin Bella's relationship: Bella is Harry's favorite of the new family members.

She doesn't badger him about relationships he doesn't want.

She doesn't get a pinched expression whenever he talks about his childhood or treat him like he's made of glass.

Bella actually seems to be interested in his work and she doesn't scold him for random stuff he does.

Harry is Bella's favorite family member—hands down, no competition.

He doesn't act crazily overprotective of her.

He doesn't scold her for the stuff she does and actually joins in.

He doesn't compare their situations or make her feel invalidated even if they both know that Apollo was a far better dad than his own dad.

He doesn't roll his eyes whenever she says she's never gonna grow up and that she's gonna be a hunter of Artemis forever.

Harry likes learning about the hunters of Artemis and her other interests, and he doesn't do any of the gross PDA Lampwick and Tiger Lily or Geppetto and Carina do.

And he doesn't snitch when she sneaks out (and she returns the favor by not doing so as well).

[serafiel-jacobs]

Requiem Bell (Fanfic)

New chapter from my main series 🩷

Geppetto got off from work and made his way towards the cemetery and bought flowers along the way, leaving them on the tomb.

He wanted to be alone this time, Pinocchio will probably have to see him crying as soon as he opens the door of their home but that doesn’t matter, he wants to get sentimental, he wants to remember his family.

He is remembering his wife and all the good moments he had with her, she would have loved Pinocchio, she would have been a great mother to him but Geppetto is happy that Pinocchio does have a mother, that Antonia is his mother, he couldn’t ask for a better person to fulfill that role for him.

Ever since they cleaned the house, he has been thinking a lot about the past specifically about Carlo and Romeo. Geppetto knows that being stuck in the past is what made him go mad but he wants to look back at it, this time not with the delusional idea that he could change it, but with the idea of looking at it fondly, that they are no longer here but that they will never be forgotten.

Geppetto is remembering something specific, he is remembering something that happened just before Carlo got sick.

——

“Father”

Carlo is in front of him and Romeo is next to his son, they came to visit unannounced but that doesn’t matter, Geppetto welcomes the company of his son, wanting to fix their relationship as his top priority.

“Yes, son?” Geppetto can tell that Carlo is acting a little off.

“I know this is stupid…” Carlo looks away for a moment but regains his composure, “I want to ask for a favor”

Carlo takes a deep breath, “And I know I haven’t seen you in 3 weeks and I come here and ask for a favor but please this is important” Not to mention that the last time they spoke it almost ended in an argument.

“Carlo I’m your father I would do anything for you”

“It’s just that it’s a big favor” Carlo is embarrassed to ask for something like this.

“Anything you want, I’ll do it”

Carlo takes another deep breath.

“Me and Romeo want to, um,” Carlo is stumbling over his words.

“Get married” Romeo speaks on his behalf.

Romeo who is wearing that necklace, that one he gave Carlo for his graduation. A part of Geppetto feels bad that his son gave it to him, as it was supposed to be special, but he has no one to blame but himself, he was selfish for not attending his graduation.

Geppetto smiles, “Oh don’t worry, I can manage to find a way to arrange that”

“Well we don’t want to do it in a church, it would be weird and even if I don’t care what people think, people will talk badly and I don’t want that to affect you” Carlo clenches his fist, he is marring Romeo who is a man and also a puppet, “I know I already ruined your reputation enough but-“

“Carlo please don’t say things like that” Geppetto knows that he is referring to how Carlo has behaved, that he is seen as a troublemaker, and that people talk about this behind their backs.

“I don’t care what others think, you will always be my priority” Geppetto gets closer and plays with his son’s hair, “Besides you are a good boy Carlo, my good little boy”

“Father!” Carlo gets embarrassed again, he is 20 years old, not a child. “Don’t say that you dumb old man”

Geppetto laughs, it’s good to talk to him, he missed him.

“Okay but still, we don’t want to get married in a church, we want to get married somewhere else”

“Where do you want to get married?”

——

It was a hard favor indeed, but there is nothing Geppetto wouldn’t do for Carlo, he had to call a lot of people and give a few “donations” but he managed to do it, to rent The Opera House just for themselves for a few hours.

The three of them were there, so was Antonia with Poledina, Venigni with Pulcinella, and of course Sophia was there as well.

The reason they wanted it to be at the Opera House was because this wasn’t going to be a traditional wedding, Carlo and Romeo had planned a play for them to perform.

Well, Romeo planned most of it, he is the one who is passionate about theater. Everyone was helping with the arrangements, hearing Carlo and Romeo talking with each other.

“Ugh Romeo I can’t remember these stupid vows right, why did you make them so hard?”

“You are the one that wanted unique vows, and they fit with the play”

“And you are the theater kid who wanted to have the wedding here in the first place”

“Carlo you agreed to this and don’t tell me you would have preferred the cathedral with holier than thou Andreus”

“Oh God no, not him and his weird sermons about the one-winged angel”

“You are going to hell for saying that love” Romeo was teasing him, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

Carlo punched Romeo lightly in his shoulder, “Idiot” After that he kissed him as well.

“Why do the two of you need these?” Geppetto pointed a the two weapons, one a sword and another a scythe.

“It’s part of the play, we are fighting,” Carlo said nonchalantly.

“What?!” Geppetto was mortified.

“Relax old man, it’s not like we are in real danger, it’s a play”

Geppetto didn’t look too convinced about that idea.

“It's okay,” Romeo said while grabbing Carlo’s shoulder, “I won’t let anything happen to his pretty face”

“Romeo!” Carlo punched him lightly again.

“Love you are going to break your hand hitting me like that, you know how sturdy your father made me”

Geppetto made Romeo with only the best materials, he remembers two years ago when Carlo was 18 he built Romeo a new body, this body was even more durable than the last and came equipped with better ways for fighting capabilities. Carlo and Romeo had given him a few notes on what they wanted Romeo to be able to do, they were going to be the best stalkers in the world after all.

Romeo winked at Carlo, “But you already know how sturdy I am right?”

Carlo was the one who was mortified now.

“Don’t say that shit in front of my father!”

“Carlo language” Geppetto was scolding him.

“Ugh, I’m NOT a child” Carlo sighed but then he laughed, at least he wasn’t nervous anymore.

After a few more adjustments to the stage, it was all ready to go, and with the help of a few puppets working backstage for the props and the lights, everyone was perfect to go.

Once upon a time, two star-crossed lovers lived in peace, not knowing that their love was never meant to be. For daring to love each other, fate decided to play a cruel prank on them, to both die a gruesome fate and be reborn as enemies.

“I have to kill you to stop it all, there's no other way!” Romeo grabbed his scythe and pointed it at Carlo, a red light was set on him, and with tricks of the light that reflected the stage, it looked like it was engulfed in flames.

Carlo drew his sword, no words were exchanged on his behalf, his dedication to fighting spoke for him, his quest to end the life of the one in front of him, to do was fate had asked of him.

“It's all going up in flames... bright, white flames” Romeo’s sorrow-filled voice echoed through the walls of the place.

A fierce battle took place inside a grand church; piercing attacks coming from all directions from both of them; slashing, striking, blocking, and parrying. The fight was coordinated, like looking at a mirror, yet it was elegant, almost as if the two of them were dancing under the veil of the lights that illuminated the stage.

After barely blocking an attack, Romeo took a few steps back, his guard was lowered and Carlo pointed his sword at Romeo’s neck.

“I must do, what I was asked to do” Carlo’s voice was filled with regret.

“Then tell me…” Romeo stared directly into his eyes, “Who's the puppet of fate, you or me?

Carlo lowered his sword and then dropped it into the ground, he shed a few tears, “I don’t want it to be this way”

“It doesn’t have to be this way” Romeo dropped his weapon as well, “It's gonna be okay, as long as I'm at your side, Carlo”

Both of them embraced each other, the lights changing from dark red to bright blue.

The two lovers, now not bound the the fate of the stars, decided to marry right there and then, sharing their vows.

Carlo lifted his hand “With this hand I will lift your sorrows” Then he grabbed a cup “Your cup will never empty, for I will be your wine”

Romeo repeated the same words and continued, grabbing a candle and lighting it, “With this candle, I will light your way into darkness”

As Carlo grabbed his candle and lit it as well and repeated the vows Romeo had said.

Both grabbed their respective rings, both grabbing each other’s hands, speaking together as one.

“With this ring, I ask you to be mine.”

They kissed each other, a passionate kiss filled with love, the ringing of church bells resonating across the Opera House.

Before they left, a small stop was made, at the statue in front of the Opera House.

Geppetto looked at the statue, the words he had engraved long ago "In honor of the happiest days of our family because of her presence. I still miss you, Camille”

Carlo left the bouquet of flowers in there, instead of throwing them into the air, as most weddings do, “I wish, she could have been here” Carlo shed a few tears.

“Me too” Geppetto wiped away Carlo's tears, “Hopefully we can see her again someday”

A few days later, Carlo wasn’t feeling well and one visit to the doctor confirmed their worst fears, he had been inflicted with the petrifaction disease.

Geppetto wasn’t the only one that was there by Carlo’s side, Romeo never left his side either.

In the end, Geppetto is happy that they managed to get married before they passed, the two of them are now gone, but he knows that in death, they are together.

Geppetto looked at the sky, it was getting late and he needed to head back home.

When he arrived home, Pinocchio was reading a book, he greeted him and they talked together before going to bed, Geppetto promising his son that they would do something fun together in a few days.

—-

“Am I overcompensating?” Geppetto asked Antonia; Pinocchio had spent time with her that day, and he pulled her aside for a moment.

“I don’t think so, you are mending your mistakes” Antonia smiled, “And considering how you have grounded him, I doubt it”

In Antonia’s eyes, Geppetto would be overcompensating if he didn’t let Pinocchio do anything on his own and suffocate him by being 24/7 with him and not scolding him when it’s necessary.

“Not all parents are perfect, even I have made my mistakes with the boy” Antonia knows deep down that constantly spoiling him isn’t good, and after Geppetto talked with her, she has stopped a little, but sometimes she can’t help herself.

And she has come to learn that it’s true, that Pinocchio does in fact not act like a brat in front of her, she eventually did learn that Pinocchio said her age out loud so that she would get mad at Geppetto.

”You have come a long way Geppetto and each day you improve even more” Antonia was smiling, but not for long, her demeanor changed to a more serious one.

“But I am worried about you, I can see that you are too afraid to lose him, it’s clear how much this affects you and no one can blame you” Antonia put her hand closer to him, trying to make him feel more secure.

“I think you are traumatized”

Geppetto looked away for a moment but he looked back at Antonia, this might be hard for him to hear, how but he had to hear it and Antonia is a good friend, she always knows what to say in these situations.

“Let's be honest, Carlo dying and you building an exact copy of him as a puppet, that's not something a sane person would do, even more so considering you were trying to bring him back” Now that she says it out loud it sounds even more like unstable behavior, she did notice that Geppetto was acting off during that time but he looked so calm about the entire situation, too calm and he would mainly stay upstairs and barely spoke with anyone that wasn't Pinocchio. Antonia looks back at how it took Geppetto too long to realize that Pinocchio was his own individual, that he was never Carlo.

Geppetto can’t argue against that, Carlo died and that was the worst period of his life, he was so desperate to bring him back that he was willing to hurt others, Romeo’s death was his fault.

He has gaps in his memory about what happened and he has nightmares, somedays he starts shaking and it doesn’t stop until hours later.

Lately, he feels as if he has been feeling worse, he knows that it’s because he almost lost Pinocchio, and he is been trying to put up a strong front for his son, but ever since Dorian Gray almost murdered Pinocchio he feels as if his mental state has gone downhill. He thought he was fine when he came back from London, but the more time passes the more stressed he gets about it, more so because Pinocchio was recently in danger when he saved Cinderella. Not to mention all the bad things that happen in Krat in general.

Sometimes he just wants to hug Pinocchio and never let him go. He already lost Carlo, he can’t lose him, he doesn’t want to know what he would do without him.

“Oh and mind you, just because you are struggling that doesn’t mean that you aren’t competent to do your job anymore” Antonia knows about the office drama Geppetto and Venigni have to deal with, she wants to reassure him that he is still the same, even more so with how dedicated Geppetto is to his work life.

“As always, if you need my help, if you need a shoulder to cry on, I will be there, but Geppetto there is only so much I can do, maybe it’s time you seek help”

“I haven't even seen a regular doctor ever since… since Carlo died” Geppetto knows that he is afraid of even the most simple of medical things, it was unbearable to see when Carlo was sick, the treatments his son had to go through, they were too invasive, too hard on his poor son but no one knew how to truly cure the illness, so they did what they could, but sometimes Geppetto wonders what those doctors were even thinking.

He was there with all of those treatments, it was hard to see him like that, but he had to be strong for his son, but ever since he avoids doctors like the plague.

“I see, but unfortunately this is what's best, and avoiding doctors, in general, is bad, you have to be too have to tend to your health, specially at our age” Antonia is an older woman, things get harder with age and while doing well, she has had some issues come up due to the fact she was also ill with the petrification disease.

In some way, she was lucky that she got sick when she did, she didn't have to be subjected to quarantine, being seen as a lost cause, and abandoned or subjected to those treatments and her son managed to find a cure for her and all those other people in need as well.

“I understand” Geppetto knows that Antonia is right.

“And Pinocchio could also benefit from that” It hurts Antonia to know how much Pinocchio has suffered, it was painful to see him have that breakdown at the party she held a while ago.

“That’s going to be a little hard”

Pinocchio doesn’t have the best exposure when it comes to things related to mental health, first, the horror tales that come out of how Hotel Krat was a Mental Institution and what he had heard from Alice of what she experienced.

“But I’m sure I’ll find a way to explain how this would be good for him without scaring him”

“I can explain if you want”

“No Antonia, I want to do this”

“Just saying because you know…” Antonia smiled again, “Sometimes you are bad at explaining”

Geppetto became embarrassed.

“That’s different” He mumbled under his breath.

Antonia laughed and Geppetto even if he was embarrassed at least he didn’t feel tense anymore.

He will have a talk with him soon, but for now, they going back home and tomorrow they can spend time together as father and son.

[believingispowerfulmagic]

OUATtober2023 Day 9: OC -> Her Royal Highness, Diana Regina Hattie Isabella of Locksley, Crown Princess of Mist Haven from my Outlaw Queen fanfic Reunited at Last

Also known as Diana Eva Nolan in Storybrooke, where she has found the storybook and realized they are all cursed and so she is trying to get her real parents back together so they can break the curse.

Excerpt:

   Dark gray clouds rolled across the water surrounding the palace, looking like a fast-moving storm. Light flashed inside the clouds every so often and a rumble that sounded like thunder echoed in the distance, growing louder as they approached. The young girl standing in a large window, though, knew it was not a storm that approached the palace but a powerful force that threatened everyone and everything she loved.

            Princess Diana stepped away from her window, hugging herself as she did so. She looked down at the beautiful white gown she had been so excited to receive that morning. It was an exact replica of her mother’s dress and it made her feel so grown up to wear it, to celebrate her special day. Now her birthday was in ruins and she no longer cared what she wore as their doom approached.

            The doors to her bedroom were thrown open and she turned, relieved to see her mother striding into the room. Her pale blue skirts billowed around her as she walked quickly, her dark curls falling loose from the bun she had worn earlier. While she held her head high, there was a haunted look in her brown eyes, though, and it made Diana’s stomach do flip flops.

            “Mama?” she asked, stepping forward. “Is it really coming?”

            Queen Regina nodded as she knelt before her daughter, running her hands over Diana’s arms. “I’m afraid there’s no stopping it.”

            “Where’s Papa?” Diana asked, wanting both of her parents there. Even if they couldn’t stop it, she knew being in their arms would make her feel a little less scared.

            “I’m right here, sweetheart,” her father said, closing the door behind him. He hurried over to where Diana and Regina were huddled together, falling to his knees as he wrapped his arms around them. Prince Robin kissed his daughter’s forehead before pressing another one to his wife’s head.

            Diana clung to her parents as she glanced out the window again, noticing the clouds now engulfing the palace. Her heart beat faster and her stomach churned as she asked in a shaky voice: “What’s going to happen?”

            Regina pulled away, gently cupping her face as she looked her daughter in the eyes. “The curse is going to take us to another land that is far, far away from here.”

            Diana glanced around the bedroom that had been hers since she was a baby. It had given her more than enough room to grow and she couldn’t imagine not seeing it again. How would she sleep in any other bed but her big four poster one with curtains she could close to create a little world of her own? Or watch the butterflies painted on her wall flit around as her mother had enchanted them to do? What about all her toys--from her beloved stuff horse she named Rocinante after her mother’s stallion to all the dolls she had in the large dollhouse Geppetto had made for her? Did she have to leave behind the bookcase filled with her favorite books? And all her beautiful outfits too?

             “What will this other place be like?” she asked her mother.

             “I don’t know,” Regina replied, her voice shaking a bit.

             Those were three words Diana had never heard her mother say--she always knew everything. She felt like she was going to throw up as she once again clung to her parents. “But we’ll be together, right?”

             Her parents shared a look and Diana knew in her heart that the answer was no. Wherever the curse was taking them, they wouldn’t be together and that scared her even more. She started to cry as she curled against her mother’s chest. “I don’t want to be away from you, Mama. Or from Papa.”

            “I know, sweetheart,” Prince Robin said, running his fingers through the dark curls she had inherited from her mother. “We don’t want to be away from you either.”

             Regina caressed Diana’s cheek and spoke adamantly. “No matter what happens, I want you to remember that the love we share as a family is stronger than any Dark Curse. It will lead us to each other wherever we end up and we will be together again.”

             The door to the bedroom blew open, hitting the wall with such force it sprayed splinters about the room. Regina tightened her hold on Diana as the gray smoke filled the room. Glass shattered around them and the room began to shake, the sound like nothing Diana had ever heard. Tears filled her eyes as an overwhelming sadness filled her. She didn’t want to go to a new place nor did she want to forget her family. Who would love her in the new world, take care of her cuts and bruises, make her feel better when she was sick, teach her new things, play with her and just listen to her as well as them?

            Diana looked up at her parents as strong winds whipped her hair around her face and made it difficult to see. Her father mouthed something to her mother, who nodded in response. She then kissed him before he pressed his forehead to hers, his hand coming to cup Diana’s head.

            She laid her head on her mother’s shoulder before closing her eyes. Everything stopped--no more wind, no more noise--and the nothingness swallowed her.

[unragazzovero]

[ sacrifice ] - @gemscales-and-tea, Pinocchio

nonverbal memes

[ sacrifice ] for your muse to get hurt protecting mine 

@gemscales-and-tea

He just had to learn very bit of truth the hard way, though one would say it's his fault for not listening, and deep down he knew that was true. His hatred and jealousy for Pinocchio continued to grow and grow to the point of becoming blinded by his own hatred, rage, jealousy, and sorrow. And now... he was still trying to process everything.

There was absolutely no way his father dearest was going to go back to being the father Carlo once knew and loved dearly. Carlo knew that deep down and yet he also still loved him, despite having stated that he would be happy if his father were dead, and also wanting to be the one to kill him.

And now...

Now he was just learning the truth about his mother of all people, who Carlo sometimes thought about since mentally losing his father. Carlo knew nothing about his mother and neither was he aware that she was the woman who created the architectures of the Estella Opera House, where Romeo had also resided and became the king of all puppets. Carlo had no knowledge of her name either. Did Romeo know anything about Carlo's mother?

Her name was Camille. Geppetto never mentioned her name up until now and just spouted everything he knew about her, and how the day she died, her ergo went into another puppet who shared the same name as her and even saved Carlo from falling when he was just a small child.

The more Geppetto spouted, the more Carlo felt as if he had just broken himself and could malfunction and soon fall just like every other puppet he had killed.

No... It couldn't be true. Geppetto was always a liar like everyone else Carlo knew. Geppetto always broke his promises. What bullshit was all this?!

And now... Carlo was on his knees, traumatized by every word his own father had spouted. He didn't want to believe it, but if this was coming from his father... then it had to be true. Especially about his mother.

He couldn't move. Not even an inch if he wanted to. And the tears he tried to hold back so much, they started dripping down from his eyes. He sat there in shock and trauma that he didn't care if he died here now. What was the point in continuing on?

Until...

Slash!

What sounded to be heavy metal being broken down just about snapped Carlo out of his own moment of darkness.

His eyes widened in shock and fear. Never did he think that stupid puppet that always tried to get so close to him and connect with him no matter how many times Carlo pushed him away would be the one to take the blow for him of all people Pinocchio could have protected.

[horrorlove14]

Marriage Headcanon - Heartfelt Flowers and Books Series - Lies of P

Pairing: Pinocchio x Violet (OC)

Warning(s): Shameless sugary sweet fluff, suggestive themes, pregnancy and childbirth

Engagement and wedding planning stage

Pinocchio proposed to his darling, Violet during his university graduation with a beautiful custom-made engagement ring with their names engraved on it.

She obviously said yes with happy tears running down her face where he would wipe her tears away before kissing her.

Pinocchio would pick Lampwick as his best man while Violet's father, brothers and Geppetto are the groomsmen.

Sophia would be the maid of honour while Eugenie and Gemini will be the bridesmaids.

Geppetto and Violet's parents are more than happy to help out with wedding planning by picking out the venue, catering and the reception etc.

When it's time for dress shopping, Violet would be very shy to try on wedding dresses as she processes the thought that she's going to be married to her soulmate and the love of her life.

They have a small party together with their friends to celebrate their engagement before their wedding day without hassle.

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

The Wedding and Honeymoon stage

When it's the day of their wedding, the ceremony is beautiful where Pinocchio watches his darling walking down the aisle with her father wearing a gorgeous wedding dress which brings him to tears.

They say their vows, exchange their wedding rings and say their I-dos which are sealed with a sweet passionate kiss.

The ceremony and reception go smoothly without any issues as everyone is having the time of their lives.

For their honeymoon, they would go to a beautiful holiday destination and do sightseeing together like regular tourists.

During nights, Pinocchio would not be able to control himself because he just wants to worship her since Violet would be very flustered by this but she loves it.

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

Married Life and Parenthood Stage

Whenever Pinocchio is exhausted after a long day of work, Violet would massage his shoulders to help release the tension of the day.

They would lay down on the sofa together with him resting his head on her chest, listening to her heartbeat as he clings to her. She embraces him and runs her fingers through his hair, along with pressing butterfly kisses into his hair and whispering sweet words to him.

Whenever Violet is cooking, he would hug her from behind and taste-test whatever she's making. She would make tasty lunch boxes for her husband to eat at work.

Every night, Pinocchio would never miss his chance to pepper his darling with kisses on her skin and inhale her scent as his expression of love towards her.

When Violet becomes pregnant, Pinocchio is over the moon about it because he's excited that he and his darling are becoming a family together.

Whenever she experiences terrible morning sickness, he's there to rub her back and hold her hair back as poor Violet is puking her guts out into the toilet.

During the first ultrasound when she becomes 13 weeks, they get to hear their child's heartbeat and find out the gender which turns out to be a girl.

They would announce their baby's gender to their friends and family with a simple social media post.

They would come up with a list of names for their daughter and after much discussion, they both mutually decided on the name, Iris for their daughter since the name means faith in the flower language.

As her belly grows during the pregnancy, Pinocchio would always have his hands on the bump and talk to baby Iris in the womb nonstop. Violet would read bedtime stories to her baby bump and can feel the kicks as she was happy to hear her mama's voice.

After reaching the final month of the pregnancy, Violet is feeling very nervous about giving birth after hearing her mother's stories about her experiences with childbirth.

Pinocchio is also very nervous about it after hearing the story of his own birth from Geppetto.

When it is time to give birth, they go to the nearest hospital where poor Pinocchio is panicking about his darling being in pain but is comforted by everyone to reassure him that she will make it through the pain.

After more than 26 hours later, their daughter is finally born and she turned out to be healthy and well.

The new parents are overjoyed with having their little girl, Iris into the world with their family and friends excited for becoming grandparents, aunts and uncles towards the baby.

Violet and Pinocchio would record Iris's milestones and ensure that she will be raised with love and become a respected adult once she grows up.

She greatly resembles her mother with her facial features but has her father's blue eyes and freckles as she grows day by day.

A couple of years later, Violet becomes pregnant but this time with twin boys which surprised everyone, especially Pinocchio because he fainted during the ultrasound.

They decided on the names, Edward and Victor for their sons and the young Iris is excited to become a big sister towards her future brothers.

After reaching the final month of pregnancy, Violet gives birth to the twins which lasted for 30 hours.

They are happy that the twins made it out healthy and well. Iris gets all excited after finally meeting her baby brothers for the first time, accompanied by the grandparents.

As the twins grow, they start to resemble their father with his facial features and having his freckles. Edward has inherited his mother's amber-brown eyes while Victor has inherited his father's blue eyes.

Pinocchio and Violet are happy that their little family is finally complete and look forward to creating many memories as their children grow.

As time goes on, the children are already attending school, making new friends and having sleepovers etc.

As they reach puberty, they would deal with angst in their own way but always made sure to let their parents know that they love them, no matter what.

Iris and Edward have expressed interest in the art of flower arranging which Violet happily teaches while Victor expressed interest in inventing where he and his grandfather, Geppetto would invent and fix various items together.

The kids do move out in order to attend university which is emotional for the parents because they couldn't believe that the kids are all grown up and are ready to become independent.

Pinocchio and Violet like to look back on the memories they've made and say to themselves that they wouldn't want to trade for anything because they are proud of raising their kids to become well-adjusted adults in the world.

Once the kids have graduated from university, they have to find work with jobs they like, found love and eventually got married.

Pinocchio and Violet would eventually become proud grandparents and great-grandparents and love to babysit them if their kids and spouses ever needed a break once in a while.

Needless to say, they are living the dream and looking forward to spending their twilight years together and hope to find each other again in the next life and repeat their love story over and over.

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

Link to picrew: https://href.li/?https://picrew.me/share?cd=Y6QTQsm93g

Pinocchio and Violet's children as grownups:

Iris (left) - Oldest child and only daughter

Edward (middle) and Victor (right) - Second and third children and twins

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

Likes and reblogs are very much appreciated.

[sylusjinwoon]

{ 145 }

the still doll; pinocchio’s version

original story

lies of p | au

pinocchio x fem.reader

ever since he was a little boy, pinocchio had always been a bit more on the introverted side-

perhaps introverted was a bit of an understatement, since any type of human interaction was enough to send the poor boy into fits of panic.

he recalls a particularly nightmarish memory from when he was around 5 years old, beginning his school life at a prestigious academy. so many eyes were peering at him, and the poor boy found that he was unable to even speak. his heart kept squeezing painfully from within his chest, finding it harder to breathe when the headmistress was thrown into a state of trepidation because of him-

needless to say, when word of his distress reached his parent's ears, he was immediately taken out of the academy, with his father promising to homeschool him so that he wouldn't feel the painful sensations that came with his anxieties.

so he spends the following years of his life in complete isolation, finding comfort within the safety of the manor he lived in with his aging parents. it may have seemed like a miserable existence to most people, but for pinocchio, he was just fine living in this tiny sandbox.

but that all changes the moment he meets you.

pinocchio was merely 10 years old at the time. he was done with his studies for the day and remained within his father's office, bored out of his mind as he read a book. his cerulean eyes trail over the printed pages of the leather bound tome, casually flipping the pages before suddenly losing interest within his novel when sounds of movement were heard coming from the ground floor of his mansion.

frowning at the sudden commotion, pinocchio was about to see what was going on when his chest began to seize up in response. he could hear two unfamiliar, but feminine, voices coming from the first floor, yet he wasn't brave enough to actually reveal himself.

the young boy closes the door, pouting while running his tiny hands across his chestnut hair. he looks around the study and sees a false opening within one of the walls-

something that his father had made for him whenever he wished to explore the manor when guests were around.

his parents were considered to be aristocrats within the city of krat. they were a part of various charities, and held many banquets for the citizens. knowing of pinocchio's agoraphobia and discomfort with being around other people, geppetto had made serval hidden passageways within the manor so that pinocchio could freely explore his home while avoiding any contact.

and he was using one of those many hidden passageways right now.

sliding open the wooden wall next to the grand bookshelf, pinocchio was met with a large hallway that ran beneath the walls of the mansion. taking advantage of the lights strewn throughout the path, he makes his way toward the general direction of the dining room, where he heard the voices of his mother and her guests become progressively louder.

standing in front of the wall where settled just a few feet away was his mother's dining area, he presses an ear against the wall, hearing the sounds of tea being served while his mother made casual conversation with another woman.

"oh, your daughter is lovely! i have a son just around her age, his name is pinocchio."

a series of soft laughter were heard as the unknown woman begins to speak, saying a name that he had never heard of before-

but found to be strangely beautiful and fitting.

"come now, don't be so shy, tell miss antonia thank you for her kind words."

"thank you miss antonia."

curious as to who that girl was, pinocchio continues his trek within the passage, his footsteps causing audible creaking sounds from within the walls.

"oh dear! what was that?" pinocchio freezes his movements, not daring to move as he held his breath in response.

"pay no mind to it, for this is an old mansion. it is simply settling due to the wind. now, would you like some more tea?" he lets out a sigh of relief, grateful for his mother's distraction as he took more careful steps to the next opening settled a few feet away from him.

reaching it, pinocchio presses down against the wood, allowing it to gently fall against the shelf filled with spices. using his hands, he moves away the various vials to catch a glimpse of his mother's guest-

only to feel a strange sense of warmth filling him at the sight of a beautiful girl sitting with her mother. as his mother spoke with the woman, pinocchio was drawn to the girl who was politely sipping at her cup of tea, her feet swinging back and forth as she was settled on the dining table.

pinocchio lets out a soft whisper of her name, not daring to blink or even try to look away from her. he was completely and utterly enchanted with her-

with his fate completely sealed the moment she walked into his life.

even after the kind woman and her daughter left, pinocchio was left in a daze, asking question after question to his mother as his own heart was slowly beginning to experience strange feelings of warmth at the memory of you.

according to his mother, the woman and her daughter came to the mansion, offering flowers for sale to raise a bit of extra money. with his mother's heart being touched by their sweet presence, she accepts their flowers and paid them handsomely for their meager blooms.

as proof of their meeting, antonia gives pinocchio the collection of daisies. and he cherished such precious flowers so much that he keeps the flowers pressed against the pages of his favorite book, opening the tome to that specific page each time he wished to recall that memory.

eight years have passed since that day, and pinocchio was determined to see you again. he tells his parents of his desires to 'meet the pretty flower girl' and take her as his wife.

knowing firsthand just how bad pinocchio's anxiety could become, they were ecstatic at the thought of their son falling in love. so, they laid out careful plans, placing an ad in the local paper as they prayed that you would see it, taking advantage of the strange rumors that surrounded him and the manor as pinocchio hoped that it would bring your heart closer to his-

and lucky for him, it did.

{ ... }

pinocchio couldn't believe it-

for you had only served to grow even lovelier as the years had passed.

you didn't seem to recall being here, in this manor, yet pinocchio could see the dark circles looming from beneath your eyelids. what had happened? were you working too much? and just who were you working so hard for?

pinocchio had to fight back his feelings of jealousy, hoping that you didn't have someone you were already in love with. that you weren't working hard to save up for a wedding gown-

such thoughts were enough to make pinocchio clench his fists in response, but he quickly reels in such emotions.

you couldn't possibly belong to someone else-

for he had already laid claim on you the moment he first saw you.

"welcome, dear girl. come, meet our son, pinocchio." he hears his father greet you as his mother gestures at you to follow them. "i must say, we are most delighted that it was you who took up on this offer to watch over our son while we are away."

"indeed, i'm afraid that with what all the little children has been saying about him, our pinocchio is even more reclusive than ever." pinocchio had to hide back the grin that threatened to form against his lips as he presses his ear against the wall, listening to every word that his parents were saying about him.

"so your son's name is pinocchio?"

pinocchio had to hold back his gasp, heart already pounding at the sound of your melodious voice. feeling a deep desire to see you, the young man begins to move even further from within the walls until he reached another hidden opening.

"yes. a wonderful name for a wonderful boy, if i may say so myself." he hears his mother coo at you.

his eyes snuck longing glances at you from each hidden crack and opening made for him, and pinocchio could feel his heart pound with each second that passes. as his parents lead you into the living room, pinocchio made sure to follow, remaining directly behind the chair that held his perfect doppelgänger.

pinocchio smiles at the sight of the life-sized puppet; a perfect replica made by his father. wanting to give you a reason to be here at the manor, pinocchio wanted his parents to play the part of a lonely couple tinged with melancholy and a hint of insanity. they wanted to fully embrace in the rumors of his death, further prompting his father to make a perfect puppet as his parents pretended that the still doll was their son.

"this is our precious boy, pinocchio."

he takes in the sight of you looking down at his replica, watching as your lips open up and close, as if confused at the sight of him.

"again, he's very shy, so we apologize for his silence."

pinocchio watches you, hearing short bursts of laughter bubble from within your throat. and truly, he couldn't blame you for wishing to laugh at the sheer ridiculousness of it all. the young man doesn't follow when he sees his father take you off to the side, feeling caught beneath his mother's knowing smile as she winks at him from the living room.

"you must not judge my wife and i so harshly. what you see in that chair is indeed our son, and we have put our utmost trust in you when it comes to caring for him.

pinocchio closes his eyes and begins to recite the rules he had made for you to follow:

"always read to pinocchio a bedtime story of your choosing, but make sure you voice is loud and clear.

he enjoys listening to records on the record player; always play those records at a loud volume while in the library.

take pinocchio wherever you go when exploring the manor. if you are wanting to make a meal, take him with you into the dining room and always make a portion for him."

he was smirking, feeling proud and happy that his parents were playing their parts so well. a moment of silence was heard until his father speaks once more.

"it appears as though antonia and i must get going. i trust you, dear girl, so please, do take care of your precious son. i promise you, you shall be rewarded handsomely."

pinocchio could hear the hesitance in your voice when you made your promise to take good care of him-

and oddly enough, your promise was enough to send a plethora of butterflies to erupt across his chest.

"that's my girl. come, my love. everything has been settled."

pinocchio could feel his heart racing with anticipation once his father states the words for the sign of their departure. a heat was felt growing against his cheeks, and the excitement only served to strengthen upon hearing his parents' departure-

he was finally alone with you.

returning back to his spot behind his doppelgänger, watching as you came back into the living room. you stand before his replica, a soft expression painting your beautiful features while your hands went to gently frame at his face-

and the sight of you touching his puppet self so lovingly was enough to fill pinocchio with a jealous rage, his fists pounding against the wall as the impact was enough to make you gasp while taking a step backwards.

"who's there?!"

feeling upset and angry, pinocchio runs through the hidden hallway. he runs a hand through his hair, trying to fight back his jealousy all while his heart continued to pound immensely from beneath his chest.

this was going to be so much harder for him than he once expected-

because he wasn't sure if he could keep himself hidden as long as you kept treating his replica with such kindness and not him.

{ ... }

the carriage continues to carry the married couple to their destination, hearts filled with concern for their son and the woman he loved.

the father looks over at his wife and places a hand over hers.

"are you concerned about our son?"

he watches as she closes her eyes, shaking her head while taking a hold of her husband's hand in response. "no, of course not. after all, he's loved that girl for a very long time.

i can think of no other way to make him happy than by bringing her to him."

{ ... }

a few weeks had passed since you had come to pinocchio's mansion under the guise of taking care of him.

knowing of your fear and anxiety that pertained to his presence within the manor, pinocchio made sure to keep his footsteps quieter, yet still wished to interact with you.

he gave you several subtle hints of his presence, yet did it in such a way that would not startle you.

for starters, he would take advantage of the hidden passages his father had made for him, moving his replica as he placed the puppet in realistic poses.

from reading a book, to playing a record from within the library, pinocchio had so much fun seeing the suspicion shining from within your eyes.

with every meal that you had cooked, he was grateful that you followed the rules and always left him a portion. as always, the plate would disappear when pinocchio takes the food back into the walls with him. after he finished eating the delicious meal, then he would place the empty plate back in the kitchen without your knowledge.

he was just so happy to have you around.

currently, he remains hidden within the walls, watching you cooking a stew to ward off the chill that came with winter. his eyes were filled with a soft fondness for you, watching as you tasted the broth of the stew when you suddenly jumped.

several knocks were heard coming from the mansion's back entrance, and pinocchio could feel his fists becoming clenched in response. he tiptoes out of his hiding spot near the kitchen, taking an exit into the dining room when he sees his replica settled on one of the chairs.

"who's there?!"

he takes the heavy puppet in his arms, his silent footsteps reaching the kitchen when he settles his replica against the kitchen counter, hiding behind the wall to see what was going on and just who this intruder was.

"it's me, wick! your grocery delivery boy, remember?!"

he watches as you visibly relax, opening the door as pinocchio catches sight of the annoyingly tall and lanky boy-

romeo... also known by his stupid nickname, lampwick.

romeo and his family had worked for pinocchio's parents for as long as he could remember, and he felt smug seeing that it was the annoying boy's turn to serve him. he watches as romeo's brown eyes take in the sight of you, not liking the sudden glint within them one bit.

"whoa, i didn't think old man geppetto also had a daughter!"

"oh, i-i'm not his daughter, i'm just uhm- the hired help."

romeo gives you a questioning glance, all while pinocchio had to fight back his anger as he watched the boy interact with you.

"hired help? whatever would they need help for?"

you turn around just then, making pinocchio immediately hide behind the wall when you jumped at the sight of his puppet settled near the counter.

"ah! pinocchio, how do you keep doing that?!"

"aw geez, don't tell me that crazy old man made you watch over that doll?"

pinocchio could feel his anger growing when he looks back at romeo, glaring at him from his hiding spot.

"that's disrespectful of you to say. isn't this doll based on their son?"

a warmth fills pinocchio's chest when you defend him, making him calm down when romeo tells you, "not that i know of. listen, my folks and i have always been delivering our produces to geppetto and his wife, and i've never seen any sons- just that doll."

his admission makes you loosen your hold on the puppet, but you simply shake your head. "still, don't say that or else you'll upset him. you may not have seen anyone, but maybe they lost him at a young age. here. i'll take care of putting away the foods you graciously delivered."

pinocchio would have danced with triumph the moment you tried to get romeo out of the house, but the bastard manages to plant his weight down against he marble flooring, making it impossible for you to push him out.

"now wait a minute, it just doesn't feel right for me to leave such a pretty lady like you all alone like this."

"huh?!"

as you became confused over the bastard's poor attempts of wooing you, pinocchio could feel his fists becoming clenched in response.

"it seems like you've been stuck here for quite some time now, and i just wanted to give you a chance to get out of here and explore krat."

pinocchio swore that he was only mere seconds away from committing murder when he witnesses romeo take a hold of your hand while pressing a kiss against the back of it, making you incredibly flustered in response.

"the name's lampwick, m'lady, and i do hope that you give me a chance to take you out of the manor come tomorrow morning."

every single cell within the confines of pinocchio's body was screaming at you to say no to his offer-

only to have every single one of his hopes shatter the moment you agree to meet with romeo.

"alright, i'll explore the city with you, lampwick."

as you introduced your own name to him, pinocchio was settled behind the wall, startling blue eyes blazing with hatred as he dug his nails within the palm of his hands, causing painful, crescent shaped marks to appear against his skin.

{ ... }

night fell across the expanse of the manor as pinocchio takes his chance to come out of his hiding place within the passageways. knowing that you were pacing within your bedroom, pinocchio crept closer to your door.

with a slender key in his hand, pinocchio jams the key into the lock before turning it, locking you inside your room with no warning.

he takes a step back, hearing your panicked cries as you tried to jostle the doorknob, but to no avail.

it was locked shut.

"no no no no, please, let me out!" your screams made pinocchio wince in pain, feeling guilty as you kept on struggling to open the door.

he didn't fall asleep that night, listening to your sobs before hearing your body slump against the door. you had worn yourself out while trying to open the door, falling asleep as pinocchio could hear the soft sounds of your breathing.

exhaustion was felt coursing through pinocchio's veins, but he was determined to stay awake, not daring to rest until the morning passes, the afternoon sun now hanging bright within the sky.

knowing that you had missed your destined meeting time with romeo, pinocchio finally unlocks the door of your room while taking a folded piece of parchment from the pocket of his pants, with two words written on it.

he walks away, allowing the parchment to flutter on the floor, with a message meant for your eyes alone:

please stay.

{ ... }

pinocchio knew that your fears had taken new heights-

he knew that he should reveal himself to you; confess his feelings for you as he prayed that you would stay with him for good-

but his guilt kept choking him, preventing him from coming clean to you.

he knew that you had reached your limit, but was still too much of a coward to try and ease your fears.

and it all came to a boiling point this very night.

you were pacing around the living room while glaring at his puppet.

"i don't know what else to say other then i am terrified of you, pinocchio." he sees the way you shiver, filled with a yearning to take you in his arms to keep you safe and warm.

"regardless of how beautiful you are, i can't deny how all of this strangeness and mystery surrounding you scares me so much-"

his eyes go wide when the sudden sounds of glass shattering interrupt your words, your eyes going wide with fear as you tried to pinpoint the source of the sound.

realizing that it had come from the upper floors, pinocchio immediately uses the passages to try and reach it first before you did. his heart was pounding when he heard three distinct voices talking amongst themselves. he takes a quick detour to his father's collection of weapons, grabbing a hold of the rapier he kept within the room in case of emergencies like this.

with his weapon in hand, pinocchio goes back to the hidden passages, running at full speed as he made his way back to you.

"hehehe, this is going to be our easiest heist yet."

"oh, and i see our little princess is right where we want her, too."

"shut up and let's get rid of her already so we can get started!"

your sudden screams is what ultimately pushes him forward, hearing you begging for your life.

"please, stop, don't hurt me! you can take whatever is in this manor, just please-!"

the pounding sounds of his footsteps make the intruders back away from you.

"the hell? what is that?"

"i though you said the manor was empty, save for that girl and that stupid doll!"

"it WAS empty! so what is-"

they weren't given a chance to finish when pinocchio suddenly bursts through the walls, damaging it completely as he lands on the carpeted floors of the hallway, taking a protective stance in front of you. the masked intruders take a step back, clearly caught off guard by his presence.

"this is bad, why does he look exactly like that damn doll?!"

pinocchio clicks his tongue, softening his gaze when he looks down at you. he basks in your tears and trembling lips, gently framing at your face when he tells you, "cover your eyes and ears, my love."

he turns away from you, raising his rapier while you fall to your knees, huddled together in a fetal position.

they never stood a chance, with pinocchio's slender blade ripping through them with a terrifying accuracy. their splatters of blood were seen splattered against his features, yet they appeared as unassuming as the freckles that already dyed his pale cheeks, like constellations across his skin.

once all three of the intruders were dealt with, pinocchio allows their bodies to fall to the ground before making his way back toward you. he sees your body curled up on the floor and lets out a hum, taking you in his arms as he shields you from the sight of the fallen bodies.

"are you alright, my love?" pinocchio's voice comes out in a gentle coo, making you tremble when you manage to look up at him.

"w-who are you?"

he couldn't help but smile upon hearing your innocent question, "i am the same pinocchio you have been caring for, and now, i shall be your future husband."

pinocchio holds you even closer to him, wishing to comfort you as you were shivering. yet, at the same time, he could tell that you were just as mesmerized with him like he was with you. he watches as you swallow thickly before asking, "b-but, what about my family? my brother?"

he continues to carry you away from the wreckage seen with the intruders all while laughing, "not to worry, my love, for when you become my wife, i shall give you all of my riches. that shall be more than enough to provide for your family."

you continue to meet his gaze, making pinocchio admire the innocence felt wafting off of your form. feeling so enamored with you, he allows the pad of his thumb to caress at your bottom lip.

"please stay." he repeats the same words he had written for you when he spent the whole night keeping you away from romeo, and he felt a deep sense of happiness when your eyes go wide before a sheepish expression paints your features.

it was clear that you were enchanted by him when you give him a nod.

"i'll stay."

and pinocchio couldn't feel any happier the moment you sealed your fate as being tied to him, the still doll now come to life just to love you and you alone.

a.n. - it is so much harder writing for the love interest's perspective, especially when he spends 90% of his time hidden within the walls of his manor, lol. this is unedited, but i'll make any changes once this is posted.

all stories are written by rei; reposts, translations, and plagiarism are not allowed.

[lizardthelizard]

TUMBLR SAID THERE WAS AN ISSUE SO IF THIS IS A REPEATED ASK I'M SORRY BUT JUST IN CASE 😜👻☀📚

(Do not worry, the ask sent across just fine <3 thank you so much)

Fanfic ask game

😜 Describe a current WIP without using character names. (Points if your followers guess who the fic is for.)

Obvious fic will be obvious to anyone reading along but for a general summary that will make zero sense to everyone else:

After finally getting away from one horrible little island, the group crash land at a second, equally horrible little island. Someone gets impaled. Several arguments break out between various characters. There’s a Twist. Willy Wonka is here, probably. I love pairings involving divorcees that have never been married, apparently. There are so many homeless, orphaned children. Everyone is still stuck on a boat. No one is getting laid, but they fucking wish they were.

👻 Have you written holiday-themed fics? If yes, which is your fave? If not, what’s one holiday you’d want to write for, and which character(s) would the fic be for?

you know damn well which fic AU I might bring up here

...... Christmas hallmark movie divorce AU...(my beloved)

For anyone that happens to be reading this that doesn’t know about the existence of this AU and would like to know more, here’s the basic premise:

Pinocchio & Lampwick (aka...........August & Romeo.) have been married and recently divorced, for reasons (relating partly to Geppetto’s/Marco’s death & also the Blue Fairy sticking her oar in, (amongst other things)). Lampwick’s sister dies and Lampwick is the one that ends up adopting her toddler, Renata. But...it’s not easy, and Pinocchio (who Renata is already familiar with and is very fond of) offers to babysit her once (1 time) and then that turns into 2 times and 3 times and eventually it becomes a regular thing.

Lampwick works as a bartender, alongside Lizard. Pinocchio is a freelance writer. Robin is also here with Roland and is SO tired of hearing Lampwick bitch (affectionately) about Pinocchio. Captain Nemo is a counselor. Also, it’s Christmas Time, I guess. 🎄

However, if I were to ever write a fic that had nothing to do with any of this (an AU that may or may not receive a single paragraph’s worth of actual writing) I’d definitely go for a halloween fic. Right now, I’m literally only physically capable of writing OUAT fanfic and Once is just the perfect show for a goofy little halloween fic.

☀️ Has anyone ever left you a comment that made your day? What did it say?

oh but!!!!!!!!!!!! there are so many!! This will sound super corny, I’m sure but.....literally every comment I’ve gotten has made my day. My fic is too niche to garner any large following but the readers that I do have are just... !!!!!! 💕 I’m so incredibly grateful. (jojo & bee, since you might both see this, thank you both so much 😭🥺💕💕💕)

The honest answer is @naivesilver your double comment on ‘mess is mine’ is still something I go back and re-read sometimes and it makes me go !!!!! 💗💗💗 every single time. I treasure it a lot.

📚 What grammar mistakes do you always make?

urrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr all sorts, probably. I know that sometimes I miss out words and then my brain fills in the blank space and so THAT can be a mess sometimes. It doesn’t matter how many times I proof read my fic, there WILL be mistakes. But..............oh well.

Also, less in my final writing and more in my first drafts/general writing without auto-correct, I tend to misspell words with double letters in (case and point, I literally JUST NOW wrote ‘misspell’ as ‘mispell’.) My brain just goes “No, that’s too many letters” and then nothing looks right, even if it IS spelled correctly, and I have no idea what’s going on, help.

[infinitewarden]

Osiris isn’t Savathun.

Great! Now that I have your attention:

Man you guys tire me out about Osiris. If you truly believe this is Osiris I don’t mean to sound like That Guy that’s like “you don’t know what you’re talking about” but... You don’t know what you’re talking about.

So.

Let’s talk about how much Osiris cares about the City and humanity and why the Osiris in Epilogue is not actually Osiris.

Alright. Let’s start off with context. I think it’s super important to see what we do know as Osiris’s views. From my heavy analyses of him since 2020 I can confidently say these are what he views as the most important things a person can do:

Keep promises

Speak their truths

Protect the City & Humanity

Know that the Vex are true Evil.

Now, I won’t be doing a breakdown of each one individually but I will be talking a great deal of how important honesty is to Osiris, the City, and his views of the Vex.

Speaking honestly and bluntly.

I don’t know how many of you were into Destiny before Beyond Light, so if you were unaware of this it’s not your fault. However I’ve seen a very strange change in tone when it comes to how people view Osiris. Before Season of Hunt people hated - and I mean hated - Osiris. Why? Because he was blunt. They viewed his bluntness as rudeness.

To see a sudden switch to him being secretive and scheming is... alarming, to say the least. (And to see people think that this is the norm is also alarming but in other ways.)

The Osiris before Hunt was not secretive and scheming. He sought knowledge openly. He sought, specifically, the truth. I must stress just how open he was about his plans. First I’ll give you a few in lore examples:

I admit, I found your questions divisive and disloyal, and I feared you might be capable of breaking our unity when the City's position had grown so tenuous. Why divert attention away from the Traveler, our only hope? And then it got worse, dabbling in thanatonautics, Ahamkara-lore, chasing after Xur and the tricks of the Nine. Launching expeditions into the Reef and beyond at a time when ships were irreplaceable. Your quest split Guardians along ideological lines. This was your greatest crime: Hunters chose to pursue your visions instead of protecting refugees, Titans assembled teams to chase the legendary Vault of Glass instead of striking the Fallen, and Warlocks turned away from the study of the Traveler in favor of  your  ultimate obsession... learning the exact nature of the Darkness. ... Perhaps what drives a Warlock to madness is truth.

Osiris.

"Do not romanticize this burden. We wield a weapon." The Speaker shakes his head. "The Light wields you, Osiris. You are what you make of it. A glorious extension of its majesty, in many directions." Osiris paces at cadence with his words. "Then it would do well to speak clearly. To better direct me." The Speaker cocks his head. "Without will? Then it would be no better than the Darkness." "I am asking only for guidance; it is a delicate game we are playing." Osiris's voice, distressed. Regal again, the Speaker motions to the stone garden. "Will you sit with me?"

13: Margins Part II.

And, while I don’t particularly like using the Fall of Osiris comic as a source, it does have very important lines on his viewpoints that I find relevant yet.

Fall of Osiris #1.

Hell he was open about his plans to fuck with time itself to bring Saint back.

Sagira narrowed her eye at the rogue Lightbearer and lowered herself to Osiris’s shoulder. “Why’s he here?” she asked quietly. “I asked him to consult on the engineering work,” Osiris replied, crossing his arms. “You sicko,” the other man declared, walking a circle around the Warlock, his eyes darting along every surface of the Sundial around them. ... “Just one more question, then. Why all the fuss?” “I owe him.” “I owe a lotta people, Warlock. You’re opening the gates of hell with a Vex key.” “When the Traveler brought me back, I had no friends. No family—” “No one had anything in the Dark Age.” “But Saint was always there. And I saw him grow from neophyte to demigod.”

The Sundial.

"You haven't left the Forest in years," Ikora said to Osiris, the only one to address him directly. "I need help," Osiris replied. "I know," Ikora responded, hands clasped behind her back. She stared intently at her former mentor. Back in her Crucible days, that uncompromising gaze was often the last thing her opponents saw. Aunor glanced sidelong at her superior. Harper coughed and looked down at his datapad. "Two years ago, Guardians entered the Infinite Forest," Osiris continued. "They aided me in defeating the Axis Mind Panoptes, preventing a Vex apocalypse from befalling this system. "In the process," he looked between each of them in turn, "Some Guardians reported a body they found in the Forest depths." Ikora sighed. "Saint-14 never came back from that last mission to Mercury. We finally knew why. I reacted to it the only way I knew how."

Desperate Times.

“I do not understand all of this code. This is Geppetto’s specialty,” Saint-14 says while standing bent over a wide desk covered in data tablets. Holographic images of the Lighthouse shimmer in the Hangar lights. “We could use the Crucible right now. Your trials. This will be very helpful. You mean to stay, yes?” “I will. Long enough to show you how to implement the simulation; but tonight, I must disembark,” Osiris says. “So soon?” Osiris tenses his jaw in forced silence. He twiddles with code. “I’m worried about what Vance found.” Saint places a heavy hand on Osiris’s chest. “Let go of your obsession. Do not leave chasing phantoms again.” “Phantoms… You think the Darkness is satisfied? This is just the first move. I need to know the next before it’s made.” “If there is something you fear, let me help you. We face this together.” Osiris’s mind drifts to the Dark anomalies. Saint doesn’t need another burden. “The safest place for you is the Tower, Saint. Time... tends to renege on its gifts.” “So, your mission is dangerous?” Osiris considers lying. “Potentially.”

Immolant I.

There are many more sources I could list on his bluntness and honesty but there’s honestly too much. What is important to extrapolate from all of it is this:

OSIRIS SPOKE THE TRUTH NO MATTER IF IT GOT HIM IN TROUBLE. IT IS ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS HE GOT EXILED.

Protecting the City & Humanity

Idk where people get the idea that he’s abandoned the City and humanity. And I don’t understand where people think it’s “typical Osiris behavior” to choose to put the City in danger.

I want to make something very clear here:

Osiris was exiled. He did not abandon the City. And though others view him as abandoning it, that wasn’t his intention. He never intentionally abandoned it. Everything he did was in pursuit of a brighter future for humanity. Let’s look at one of his lines from the Sundial activity during Dawn.

“By the time I left the City, many believed my practices to be sacrilege. But my methods have prevented countless futures not unlike the one you walk now. When it is laid out before you, would you not sacrifice anything to see this future shut?”

The Sundial.

He left because he weighed his options and he saw that humanity would have better use of him if he left. He cares A great deal about the City. He cares almost too much about it. He would never give Lakshmi the technology to cause it harm, especially knowing that she’s unstable. And I’ve seen some people think he’s playing 5D chess? In what world would he ever choose to bring harm upon humanity for some sort of... agenda; which I’ve already cleared up earlier, he’s open about his plans.

Let’s look at more known lore about Osiris’s feelings of the City & humanity.

"You've wrapped your mind around an idea of your own making. I have always tolerated this fawning 'movement' of yours, but this is a step too far." Osiris seethed. Brother Vance was awestruck. He stared blankly at Osiris, unsure of what he could say to quell his anger and dissolve his frustration. "What I have discovered…" "…is dangerous enough to destroy every man, woman, and child in existence. You're meddling with forces outside your grasp," Osiris reprimanded. "I warn you here and now, remove yourself from this Lighthouse. Find a simple life. Start a family. Write music. Leave Mercury and this fool's errand behind."

Chapter 8: Idolatry.

Osiris was furious to find out Vance was experimenting in his name by endangering people for his goals. And he was especially mad that he would dive into such dangerous areas so much so that it had the potential to destroy humanity.

"It's truth." Osiris considers this. "Truth seems subjective these days," Osiris says, finally observing his entourage for the first time. Among them, a small group of men and women, stand two wayward Guardians—Warlocks, it appears—and a child. Their forlorn faces resonate with him. Castaways and believers. The weeks since his departure from the Last City have worn on him. He was used to working alone, knowing he could fall back to the City's resources should he need them. Now, adrift in the expanse of purpose, he finds himself longing for a place he could return to. A sanctuary.

Chapter 2: Postexilic.

Here’s a few lines from Season of Dawn:

“The Traveler, mutilated. Mercury, a desolate warzone. This is the bleak future the Cabal wants for us all. We do not know what has become of humanity here. I hope we will not find out.”

.

“There are many terrible futures, but I have not grown numb to seeing them. The future the Cabal wish for is a nightmare for humanity.”

.

“If the Traveler fled the system, there is a chance that the Darkness would ignore our region of the galaxy entirely. It would sacrifice our second awakening, our ability to wield the Light, but potentially continue our Golden Age. There are too many variables at risk, but it's a variant path worth investigating in the Infinite Forest.”

.

“This battered Mercury is a blueprint for our system. Lightless, bowed, and nothing more than fuel for an endless war. It must never come to pass.”

The Sundial.

There are many. Many. More lines I could put here about how much Osiris doesn’t want to see humanity suffering. And especially how he doesn’t want the City to be at risk. But I think you get the picture.

Know that the Vex are true Evil.

So. We all know Osiris as “the Vex guy.” His whole thing is on fighting the Vex. However it seems people think that he’d be okay with using them for grounds of a higher purpose? Or something? I don’t know, everyone I see rebuffing Osiris’s actions with Lakshmi don’t seem to be interested in explaining this one.

So anyways. Let’s talk about how Osiris views the Vex as true evil compared to other species.

“The Fallen are not so different from us. How hard would you fight if the Light were taken from you?” “Those stories ring false to me,” said Saint. “They are not a noble people. I’ve fought them, and so have you.” “I have not fought them all,” the Warlock replied, pulling his hands apart to create an intricate web of hovering cubes and points of light. “They are nothing, no threat—not like the Vex. Not like the Darkness.”

Vanguard Commander.

[u.2:06] Have you spoken to the House of Light, like I asked? [u.1:07] I would rather not speak with Fallen. [u.2:07] They may need our help. Their cause is just. [u.1:08] What happened to “trust no one?” [u.2:08] What happened to your sense of right and wrong, hero?

Maintenance Operations Log 30037.

The unenlightened wonder at my so-called "fixation" upon the Vex. They believe our gravest existential threat is the Hive, for those beings have made a pact with the Darkness itself via the medium of the Worm Gods (according to Toland, at least, and I see no reason to doubt him in this). But Darkness is not merely absence of Light. Darkness is an entity unto itself. Put simply, Darkness is not Nothing. But the Vex? The Vex seek neither Light nor Darkness. They seek Convergence, the reduction of all life to its simplest, most meaningless form. An entelechy of zeros and ones. "Evil" is a word for sentimentalists and fools. But, in the ontology of the sentimental, the Vex are more deserving of the term than the Hive. Given a choice between Darkness and Convergence, I would choose Darkness. It is a logical choice. Yet for this they banish me.

Kairos Function (Hunter).

This one is important because Osiris doesn’t subscribe to the idea of “good” and “evil”, and that he would go so far to say that the Vex are Evil shows just how much of a threat he views them as.

It’s just. Mind boggling to me that people think that Osiris would be okay with a Vex invasion. That Osiris would encourage Lakshmi to open up a rift to “send the Fallen away” (Despite being one of the earliest sympathizers!) Osiris isn’t ineffable, he’s just a man trying to do his best to help humanity. His actions aren’t difficult to understand, they have been written to be very clear and with understanding his motives.

Saying that it’s natural for him to be secretive and have contradicting opinions and actions is just. Wrong. It’s not him. It’s not how he’s supposed to be understood. Even in Curse of Osiris I don’t think his actions didn’t make any sense.

This is going to sound very mean but I want to be 100% clear: If you think that Osiris would actively choose to put the City in danger of the Vex, if you think that he would actively choose to stand calmly and watch as his lover was about to die to the very things he spent millions of lives to save... You don’t understand Osiris. Go back and reread his lore.

I leave you with this:

The Vanguard is dubious of our intent and ability, fearing corruption and displacement. They do not trust me. You were held in similar contempt for speaking your truth and empowering free thought. You know what it feels like to be chastised and labeled a traitor. We are mere steps away from a disintegration of our institutions, and they cannot see destruction staring them in the face. ... For so long, we have clung to the Light, denying the strength offered by the Dark. By using Stasis, we will end this war. We see this contest for what it truly is: a game, played by our adversaries. And we have been the pawns. We are pawns no more. This is not a battle I want to wage without you, although we may not have a choice in the matter. Wherever you may be, please come back to us.

To Osiris.

[naivesilver]

also, could I please perhaps have 'you don't need this right now.' OR 'hey, what’s your favorite snack?' OR 'wanna play some mario kart? it'll give us both a reason to cry when you beat me.' from the hurt comfort ask, for any two members of the court (beloved) 💕✨

And NOW we start actually wading into vague angst territory. Bear with me, we have a long way to go yet...

Hurt/comfort prompts

Pinocchio's body just up and decides he needs a break, sometimes.

It's not a conscious decision; nor is it always the same thing that pushes him past the breaking point, in hindsight. Rather, it feels like an escalation of sorts, where his mind holds on for dear life as he goes through his daily motions up until it simply can't do so anymore, and suddenly all he wants to do is lock himself away from everyone else, where it's dark and quiet and safe and he can coax his brain into just not thinking for a while.

Of course, there aren't many places in Storybrooke that he would consider safe or private enough for any of his crises, so he mostly winds up moping in his own room, at the end of the day: which is why the knock on his door finds him laying in his bed with the blinds pulled down, turned to face the wall with his arms wrapped tightly around himself.

Pinocchio doesn't urge the visitor to come in, nor does he get up to open the door; he suspects it might be his father come to check on him, and he knows his Papa will leave him be, if he's not ready to face the world just yet. To his surprise, though, there is another knock, and then the door creaks open after a short pause, followed by footsteps that are too light and soft to belong to Geppetto and a barely audible whisper.

"You awake?"

"Yeah." Pinocchio rolls over to look blearily at Twinkle - it's too dark to make out the expression on her face, but her voice is unmistakable, and so is the hair bundled atop her head. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to know if you'd have liked to go down to the river with me, but your dad said I could come in instead." Her fingers brush lightly against his arm, and Pinocchio considers it a win that he doesn't immediately recoil from the touch. "Bad day?"

He nods, hoping her eyes will have adjusted enough for her to see, and that he won't have to say it aloud. It's a blessing that his friends know him so well that he doesn't need to explain his bad days to them anymore - he never did, actually, now that he thinks about it. They all just latched onto those words' deeper meaning and ran with it, and Pinocchio couldn't be more grateful, really.

And besides, all of them have their own brand of bad days, though each member of the group deals with them in a different way. Pierrot gets louder and Twinkle gets quieter, Eugene funnels it all into his pounding head and Lampwick lashes out at people who've yet to do anything to him, and Pinocchio...

Pinocchio's heart never weighs heavier than it does during bad days, he feels at times. There's just so much piled up onto it, the nightmares and the stress and his father and the shadow of Giuseppe that has never quite left him entirely - it's a wonder his ribs haven't started cracking, with all this pressure put on them from the inside.

At least Twinkle seems to understand. She hums her acknowledgement, and her hand is on Pinocchio's wrist again, gentle and unassuming but present all the same. "I suppose you don't want to talk about it, right?"

"Not really. Sorry."

"That's alright." She goes silent for a beat, and then says, matter-of-factly: "Well, move over, then."

Pinocchio startles, blinking in surprise. "What?" He croaks out, numbly.

"You said you don't want my wise counsel, and that's okay. But if you don't need that right now, maybe you need a hug?"

Twinkle's voice goes up at the end of the sentence, wording it like a question, and he sees the offer that lingers behind it - if he's not ready, she'll leave him be, and there'll be no hard feelings from either side, not now, not ever. It's tempting to take that offer, and for a moment Pinocchio almost does, so tired his bones just feel as though they're getting unscrewed from his limbs.

But he's- he's tired of being tired, too, and suddenly the room feels terribly stifling, empty as it was before she came in. So he nods again, slowly, and then rolls towards the wall to make space for his friend.

Twinkle climbs onto the bed and settles next to him, and then wraps her skinny arms around him, her head leaning to rest against his back. "It's going to be alright," she murmurs, muffled by the fabric of his shirt. "You're going to be alright. We're not letting it go any other way."

Pinocchio is not so sure he believes her, not at present time, at least, but he wants to. He wants to believe her so badly, because Twinkle would never do or say anything to hurt him in any way, and with her clinging so tightly to his chest his ribs seem to ache a little less, and his chest feels a little emptier, as though her intervention had squeezed its content into a neat, tiny ball he can store away for a while longer.

So he lets her hold him, his breath slowing to match Twinkle's calmer one, and waits for the day to end, for good or for bad.

[serafiel-jacobs]

Maniac (Fanfic)

New Chapter ❤️

Giangio saw Pinocchio approaching him, he took a deep breath as he needed to keep up with his little act.

“Stalker-“

But before he could say another word Pinocchio knocked him out, the last thing he saw was the boy dragging him somewhere else.

Giangio woke up tied to a chair, as he adjusted his vision he could tell that he was in the same room but all the furniture had been moved, Instead in front of him was a big table that had all sorts of things, pliers, scissors, knives, a police baton, needles, and other things sharp or blunt objects. When he fully woke up he saw Pinocchio standing in front of him with a twisted grin on his face.

“Stalker why…?” Giangio was confused he didn’t understand anything.

“Oh stop playing I know your secret” Pinocchio grabbed one of the scissors from the table.

Giangio laughed awkwardly, “I don’t know what you are talking about, maybe you are just confused?”

“You are a really bad actor you know that?” Pinocchio rolled his eyes, Giangio even almost mentioned in front of him accidentally how he was an alchemist the first time they met.

“Oh” Giangio had been told this before but he didn’t take the warning seriously, and it didn’t help that he thought Pinocchio was a naive idiot who wouldn’t question his motives.

Pinocchio got a little closer, he was sharpening the scissors with his legion arm.

“You want a cure right?!” Giangio figured out why he was being held captive, “I can give you a better cure, the real cure!”

“I don’t believe you” Pinocchio stabbed Giangio with force in his hand, the thing now stuck in it; Giangio’s hand began to bleed and he screamed in pain.

“Believe me, believe me, please” Giangio is sure that Pinocchio penetrated one of his bones, “I promise, that cure I-“

Pinocchio pulled out the scissors with even more force, Giangio was bleeding profusely, screaming in pain once more.

“I want more than that” Pinocchio picked up a few needles.

“Anything! I’ll give you anything!” Giangio doesn’t want to test what this little psychopath is capable of doing.

One by one Pinocchio stuck the needles in Giangio’s arm, the man was begging for mercy but Pinocchio wasn’t showing any.

Suddenly the door of the room opened.

“Son, keep down the noise will you?” Geppetto didn’t process it at first, it took him a few seconds to realize that his son was torturing someone.

“Geppetto tell him to stop!” He was his only hope, and Pinocchio always blathers about how much of a good boy has to be to please his father, Geppetto wouldn't accept this, surely he isn't this cruel?

Geppetto just stared at him for a few seconds before slowly closing the door and walking away.

“You motherfu-“

Pinocchio broke part of a curtain and used that as a gag to stop Giangio from making any more noise.

He doesn’t trust Giangio so he needs to make sure that the man knows that he is serious about this.

And he has never hurt someone like this before, it’s so thrilling!

—-

“You and Polendina have schemed something again is that right?”

Well technically he did all the work, he just let Polendina administer the real cure as Pinocchio knows how much he loves her. Pinocchio had never seen Polendina so happy, his voice even changed for a second when he told him about the real cure. His usual composed tone sounded so happy and full of life before going back to normal.

“Maybe”

Antonia was back to her former self, although walking was still a hard chore, it was best that she shouldn’t force herself to walk, she was fully cured of the disease, not a part of her body outside or inside was damaged but she still needed lots of rest.

“Come here” Antonia extended her arms, “You are a wonderful boy you know that?”

Pinocchio hugged Antonia gently, he had to fight the urge to stick his fingernails in her body, that’s how he shows his love but he is scared to accidentally hurt her.

When they stopped, Pinocchio patted Antonia’s head and she noticed that his hands had a small amount of dry blood and his fingernails had green hair stuck in them.

“My dear… what did you do?” She was concerned, even more so when Pinocchio gave her a twisted grin.

“I saved you!” Pinocchio clapped his hands in excitement.

“And I’m very thankful” Antonia took a deep breath, “How did you get this cure?”

Pinocchio didn’t respond to her question, instead, he grabbed Spring who was nearby, and put the cat on her lap, petting it for a few seconds before turning to leave.

Antonia turned to look at Spring, she enjoyed the cat’s company, making her smile in these hard times.

Well, beggars can’t be choosers, she had accepted that she was going to die, she was ready for it and now she was given a new chance thanks to him.

“Antonia, how are you feeling?” Geppetto had come to see her.

Antonia gently petted Spring before the cat left her side, “Excellent, all thanks to your son it seems”

Geppetto smiled “I’m glad to hear that”

Both made small talk for a few minutes, but Antonia knew Geppetto too well.

“What did your son do this time?”

“Nothing”

Antonia raised an eyebrow.

“He left this with me” Geppetto showed what he had been hiding, it was a human heart, “Do you think I should be concerned?”

Antonia was baffled at the question, “What do you mean?! Of course, you should be!”

“Well you know how he is, this just the way he shows affection and I didn’t want to be mean by throwing it away”

Antonia put her hands on her face in frustration.

“What? I’m just trying to be a good father”

She knows that Geppetto does care a lot about Pinocchio and how much he loved Carlo (Or still loves rather, but she still doesn’t know the truth). Geppetto is a good friend, she cares deeply for him.

But dear Lord this man doesn’t have a clue of what it means to be a normal parent.

“Oh and while I’m here, just to tell you no one should enter the room next to the gold coin fruit tree”

“And why is that Geppetto?”

“My son might be holding someone captive in there”

“He might?!”

“He saved your life Antonia don’t question his methods!”

Geppetto left the room, leaving Antonia with the chore of warning the others, she is too old for this but thankfully Polendina helps her with the task, not without also questioning what Pinocchio is capable of.

——

Alidoro was standing in the Baren Swamp, tapping his feet in frustration, where was this stupid boy? He was supposed to get rid of that monster and he hasn’t done it. Being in this filthy swamp is disgusting but at least he isn’t being subjected to having to see what the manic does on a daily basis.

The last time Pinocchio came he gave him that dumb glove from that girl, and he gave him one of his creepy states when he said he didn’t like it. But how is he supposed to like a glove that doesn’t even work properly?

From the distance he saw him again approaching him slowly, he just needed to keep up the act and everything would be fine. But when that creep was next to him he just stood still and stared at him saying nothing.

A few minutes passed before he got fed up with him.

“Do you need something?” Alidoro was extremely annoyed.

“Are you the real Alidoro?” Pinocchio sounded as if his voice had lost his enthusiasm, making it sound dreary.

Shit, he is onto me.

“Of course I am! What makes you say that?”

“Why do you have 5 fingers?”

Dammit, he knows, he isn’t supposed to know, he didn’t even know who the real Alidoro was when they first met at the Cathedral.

“I’ve always had 5 fingers, not sure what rumor or daring story you heard about me, but it might be an exaggerated tale” He hoped that would convenience him, after all, he had come far, no one realizing the truth and his cover couldn't be blown over this.

Again, there was a pause with Pinocchio just staring at him for minutes.

“Are going to buy something or not?” Alidoro crossed his arms, he didn’t have the patience for this.

Pinocchio grabbed his weapon, the scythe he had taken from Romeo.

“Oh please you can’t hurt me, I know your little secret, you are Geppetto’s puppet aren’t you?” Alidoro tried sounding as if he had figured it out himself when it truth but he overheard it when others were talking at the hotel about Geppetto building him.

Pinocchio took another step closer to him.

“You can’t intimidate me like this” Alidoro tried to sound brave but he was a coward just as he wasn’t the real Alidoro.

Pinocchio had a firm grasp on the blade, taking another step, making the fake Alidoro step back.

“You gotta be joking step back!”

—-

“Um, Eugénie can we talk?”

“Yes, of course,” Eugénie could tell that Pinocchio looked sad, “What’s wrong?”

“I… well… just take this” Pinocchio handed her the deciphered cryptic vessel.

Eugénie read it and removed her glasses to wipe away her tears, but she kept crying and crying, it was too much for her.

“It hurts but I know the truth now, thank you”

Pinocchio patted Eugenie’s head, “Don’t be sad, look, I’ll be back” With that said Pinocchio rushed upstairs, probably to his room.

Eugénie had a lot of emotions flowing inside her, the real Alidoro, the one that saved her was her family, she was never abandoned. But now her brother was gone, killed and his identity taken over by a cruel impostor. She knew something was wrong when Pinocchio told her about the glove but to think it was something like this?

Pinocchio came back with a grin on his face and holding something behind his back and since Venigni was on the opposite side of the room, Eugénie could see his horrified expression.

“I have a surprise~” Pinocchio was humming those words.

Eugénie saw how whatever Pinocchio was holding behind him was dripping blood, “What kind of surprise?” She was afraid to ask but she did.

Pinocchio revealed his gift, the decapitated head of the fake Alidoro. Eugénie covered her mouth, all of this was too much. Sure she hates the guy, they are better off dead but this isn’t something she expected or wanted to see, much less when she is in this vulnerable state.

“Thank you, can you, can you-“ Eugénie was stumbling over her words, “Can you keep it with your things? I don’t have much space in here”

That was a dumb lie, everyone could see how she had plenty of space so before Pinocchio could try and help her find a place to set it she opened her mouth again.

“And you know, Spring comes here pretty often, I would want her to scratch it and ruin it”

Pinocchio seemed convinced after that and went back to his room with the head in his hand, once he was gone Venigni rushed to Eugénie’s side, it was a good thing since she ended up fainting.

Venigni gently set her to rest on a couch and went to talk with Geppetto, he was ready to have a deep conversation with him, but when he found Geppetto the man was applying pressure to his neck as he was bleeding from it.

“What happened?!”

“Pinocchio came and hugged me, but then he bit my neck,” Geppetto said so casually.

“Why did he do that?!” Venigni was mortified.

“He said that it was because he loved me or something along those lines”

Venigni was baffled, “Something along those lines?”

Geppetto grabbed a disinfectant and began to clean the wound, “He tells me how much he loves me all the time but this was weird”

This. This was the weird one?

“Pinocchio was talking incoherently, as in, I couldn’t actually understand what he was saying, he was talking too fast” Geppetto had tried to understand what his son was saying but he had been too focused on stopping the bleeding.

Venigni was asking God to give him strength but he decided it was better to ask him for patience, he didn’t want to end up killing Geppetto.

“Geppetto be honest with me, do you think the love your son has for you is normal?”

“It’s a little strange but-“

“Just answer the question”

“No”

Geppetto had thankfully stopped bleeding by now and Venigni sat next to him.

“My good old friend, I am begging you to do something about this”

“What the hell do any of you want me to do?!” Geppetto was tired of people telling him that, “Do you think it’s going to stop him? I tell him not to do something but he finds a different way to do the same thing but somehow even worse”

Okay, fair point.

“He is your son, tell him he is being a bad boy”

“I can’t do that, he isn’t a bad boy”

Venigni loves Pinocchio but he is questioning if Pinocchio truly is a good boy.

“I don’t know, can’t you ground him or something?” It was the only thing he could think of, he doesn't have kids but that's something you do when they are acting out. Although, is Pinocchio a child? The boy certainly acts like one most of the time but is it because of his lack of understanding of the world? He is getting unfocused, that isn't the point, “Or take away things he enjoys?”

“I did” Geppetto stood up and explained how he took away Pinocchio’s chemical weapons, then he opened one of the drawers and pulled out a music box, “This was his apology gift, he made it himself”

Geppetto proceeded to open the box, the inside was filled with human teeth some still had blood in them, in the middle, there was a wooden mouse with a dress and fairy wings spinning as the music played.

“Alright, I understand, he is out of control and we are all at his mercy” Venigni gave out a sigh, he no longer had any idea of what to do.

“Although I did praise him a lot for this, he did such a good job, look at how the mouse is moving, it’s so fluid despite the limited materials he used while building it”

Venigni watched in disbelief as Geppetto went on and on about how well his son had made that music box, he felt as if he was in an engineering class again, listening to how the mechanics worked and how proud Geppetto was that his son was able to make it in this unique way.

“He really does take after me doesn’t he?” Geppetto looked so happy, he was talking as if Pinocchio was about to tell him at any moment that he wanted to be an engineer like him.

“He does” Venigni can see that now perfectly, the two of them need to be locked away to protect society.

—-

Simon was at Krat Central Station, as he now knew where to find the stolen artifact, Laxasia wasn’t with him this time, so he sent her on another errand, as they needed to prepare, to have everything ready so that he could ascend to be a god as he rightfully deserves, the world made in his image, a world with no more lies.

He thought that the secret workshop would be empty, yet when he arrived he found Geppetto’s puppet inside. Pinocchio was connecting all sorts of cables to a chair.

“What are you doing?” Simon didn’t have time for his usual monologues, he needed the relic back and the puppet was standing in his way.

“An electric chair,” Pinocchio said casually.

“What?”

“An electric-

“I heard what you said” Simon knew the brat was violent but he didn’t think he was that violent, “Why?”

Pinocchio smiled “To use it on you”

“Yeah sure, I’ll like to see you try”

That was Simon’s first mistake.

Sure Pinocchio died a few times as Simon is tougher than he looks even even without his full power, but as always Sophia is on his side, and she is actively cheering on him for this. She isn’t one to endorse Pinocchio’s behavior but after all the suffering she is actively going through, Simon can rot in hell for all she cares, not to mention how she isn’t the only victim of his actions. Eventually, Pinocchio managed to shove Simon into that chair and tied him up so he wouldn’t be able to move.

“You goddamn brat! Get me out of here right now or else”

“Or else what?” Pinocchio started connecting more cables to the chair, after experimenting with a few carcasses he knew the perfect voltage.

Simon started to desperately try to fight off the restraints, “Look I can see memories, I can see that you want a happy family, I can do that for you, I can bring Carlo and Romeo back, better than what your father ever could”

“No thanks” Pinocchio was giving the finishing touches and he could see that Simon was getting more desperate.

Simon breathed in a sigh of relief when he saw Laxasia enter the place, she was there to save him.

That was his second mistake, lowering his guard like that.

“Free him now before I crush you” Laxasia wasted no time in grabbing her sword, ready to attack.

Pinocchio gave her a twisted smile “I can give him to you and even better than ever”

“Even better?” Laxasia lowered her sword, he realized something interesting in Pinocchio’s tone of voice.

“Laxasia what are you doing?!”

“I know you love him” Pinocchio found out about when interrogating Giangio, “Don’t you want him to love you too?”

Pinocchio used his force to break Simon’s legs, “He can’t run away from you now”

Simon was in pain but he needed to stay calm “Adriana” Simon tried using her name, “Adriana please I’ll give you anything you want”

“I can turn down the voltage and the two of you can match with fun electricity” Pinocchio also knows about her affinity for electricity, he showed her how the chair worked as he is also a fan of electrocuting others.

“Adriana stop this right now! I am ordering you this as your god”

Laxasia does worship Simon, but the idea of having him all to herself is too tempting and she knows that many already want her Simon to fail, she would just have to say that Geppetto’s puppet got to him first. She took off her head armor and smiled at Pinocchio, that’s all the boy needed to know and he set the chair in motion, the voltage ended up causing the entire station to lose power but Pinocchio always had Gemini by his side, he turned on the lamp as the deed was done.

As promised Simon was still alive just unconscious, Pinocchio grabbed one of the boxes and sealed him inside, giving it to Laxasia.

“What a kind boy you are Geppetto’s puppet”

Pinocchio waved her goodbye, he still needed to find a way to get to that tower and free Sophia but he had done a lot today, he should get a well-deserved rest and praise from his father for everything he had done.

[praphit]

Praphit’s Pinocchio!

I've said before, that I'm not into these live-action Disney films; I consider them a scam. They're selling me a story that they've already told me. It always feels a bit stale, doesn't it?? Now, I WILL bleep with certain remakes, but normally, the best remakes are the ones where enough time has gone by, and people don't even remember/know there is an original.

"Pinocchio" is a story that's older than Bernie Sanders., but it's been remade SO MANY times.

BUT, this time, we've got a Hankypank alert.

My main man, Tom Hanks can sell me on pretty much anything, so I'm in. Who doesn't love Tom??  A great actor and from what I can tell, a lovable human being. Whatever part of the soul that one loses when they become famous, somehow Tom Hanks has kept. If I'm going to be scammed, it might as well be by him.

Tom Hanks plays Geppetto (of course, Pinoc's papa). Probably no need to recap, but I'll do one anyway:

G is a wood carver, who makes clocks that he won't sell. I don't know how he stays in business that way, but whatever. He is grieving the loss of his family (wife and son). We're not told what happened to them.

Maybe they died.

Maybe they left. Perhaps Geppetto was selling drugs on the side to pay the bills, and his family found out. They didn't want to become like that "Ozark" family, so they split town.

Maybe his family never existed, cuz G is a lil... crazy. 

I don't like to throw the C word around, but it may apply here for Geppetto.

Let's say you have a grandpa that you go to visit. You find out that he's living at work and he has surrounded himself with cuckoo clocks. You take him out, and he insists on bringing his cat and goldfish. 

And when you bring gramps back home (again, his work) you discover that he has built himself a son out of wood. What would YOU call that? :) Idk. We'll just say that his family was whisked off by... Michael Myers, and we'll keep it moving.

G proceeds to conjure some sort of rogue, mischievous spirit into his home (played by Cynthia Ervio - she was excellent, and hits a Mariah Careyish high note).

This spirit casts an animation spell on the wooden boy (Pinoc), and appoints a hobo cricket (voiced by Joseph Gordon Levitt), who could be defeated by a hungry bird, a foot, a gust of wind, or even a jar -  to watch over Pinocchio.

This spirit says for now you're just a living lump of wood, but if you live right and your heart is pure, then perhaps I'll change you into a REAL BOY!

We all know of the fun of this town in which Pinoc's explores:

There's the fox (Keegan Michael Key), 

whom (animation and voice wise) I love everything about... although he's kind of a human trafficker.

There's a slaveowner (aka Stromboli).

(perfect picture of health and sanity)

   FYI - there's a sexy "employee"  (Kyanne Lamaya) of the slaveowner, who's a bit of a weirdo. 

I don't like to throw around the W word either, but... she's a puppeteer, so I feel like that label is valid for anyone of that trade. Will she be fun and playful or become a Batman villain? 

- that's part of her mystique.

They meet a devil (No prob throwing the D word around), who's the gatekeeper to some sort or temptation island (Luke Evans, also excellent as this dude "The Coachman").

On this island, kids end up indulging in all kinds of naughty behavior. As a result, they turn into donkeys. 

(I couldn’t resist :) Can you imagine if the kids, instead of donkey traits, started growing strange blond hair and their skin turned orange?? Best Pinocchio movie ever.

This whole premise is never really explained. Like... how? and why? 

The kids are turned into donkeys and then sold. But, who wants donkeys??! 

I get the whole "Hey, if you act like a jackass, you'll turn into one." thing, but... every asshole kid that I've ever met didn't become that way on their own; let's give their parents some credit.

AND there's a sea monster that the whole town knows about, but doesn't seem interested in getting rid of it. It's just out there creeping, destroying, and consuming. I'm not sure if there's some kind of metaphoric thing happening here or not... we'll just call it climate change for now :)

In the end (spoiler alert... though can I spoil a story that's older than Mick Jagger?),

Pinocchio's purity is tested, but proves worthy of him becoming a real boy. Or at least... that's how this story is supposed to end.

This story does not end that way. Something about Pinocchio being fine just the way he is.... and if you're truthful blah blah blah, and him being like a real boy inside or... something. If it were me, and I had gone through all of these stupid tests to become a "real boy" and that bitchass spirit DIDN'T make good on that promise... whew, I'd be pissed!

"The hell with all of that love ya as you are BS! Look here, pops, you conjure that fairy back here right now, and get me my flesh and blood body, or there WILL BE TROUBLE! You hear me, old man??!"

Grade?

The problem here is that there are not enough changes to this version to make it worth the watch. There are a plethora of Pinocchio titles to choose from, but why should I choose this one?

There's a bunch of creepy Pinoc's

(seriously... that’s haunting)

One from the future (I think... I may have dreamed that one, but I’m pretty sure I remember a futuristic, robotic Pinocchio)

One with 0% on RT

How bad does it have to be not to get at least 1%??

A Korean one :)

and even one of Revenge. 

Although I don't know whom he'd be getting revenge on. All of the bad stuff that happens is kinda his fault. Perhaps he's getting revenge for how this story originally ends. I hear it didn't go to well for Pinoc back then.

Nothing is different here! In fact, some of the goodies of the childhood story are taken out. You've got a great actor in The Hankypank Man, whom if you've noticed, I didn't mention much. He's barely in this story!

Now, you might say, "But, Praphit, this is a story about Peeneezy." Yeah, but his story is old and stale.

How about deal with all of the mental illness and monsters that seem to be running freely through this town. That's what I would do, if I were doing a remake.

In "Praphit's Pinocchio" , we'd start by giving Tom some more shine. We'll  clean him up. Get him a suit.... or maybe JUST dress pants... cuz we're giving The Hankypank man a Marvel bod. TIGHT dress pants for the Hankypank Man’s new tight ass... sex sells. Slick his hair back. Maybe rock a monocle. He'll sweet talk the ladies of the community and sell some clocks... maybe do some house visits to the ladies, and make them whatever they desire out of his wood.

THEN, he'll summon the spirit, she'll make Pinocchio real from the jump this time. Then, G will cast her into Hell where she belongs (that's my Christian background speaking :) Don't worry, she'll do a song and dance on her way to Hell -we'll make it family-friendly and fun.

Then, Pinocchio will grow up big and strong, and become a cop (cuz there doesn't appear to be any in this town full of criminals). Tom Hanks, gettin money and booty. And his son, cleaning up crime.

Those of changes, baby!

Hey, Disney, that's what a remake looks like!

Disney might reply "Yeah, but this is what money looks like."

Can't argue with that. Might as well make that plus sign in “Disney +” a money symbol.

Not a bad watch, but... it just doesn’t stand out.

Grade: C