#golden gets to return all the pain she caused him without even knowing

[multishipper-baby]

Random thought related to my DR AU, but I've been considering how the executions were designed. Like, it would make sense if the mastermind made them up just like he made up everything else- but I think it would be fun (in a messed up way) if the students designed them while still remnants and the mastermind just followed their concepts for maximum despair.

Not sure if it would be a better idea for everyone to make their own executions (since they would obviously know what would cause them the most despair) or if it would be more tragic that instead they were ordered to make an execution for someone they love.

[bubbles-for-all-of-us]

can you write azriel x rhys sister and how rhys finds about them being mates because he thinks azriel just plays with her because he told him to stay away from elain?

Choose you

Azriel was lost. Lost and confused and everyone with two eyes could see it. Whether the loop of pain was voluntarily chosen by him being stuck in a self-sabotage mode or the constant pain of others letting him down, it didn’t matter. Rhys didn’t find him stable enough to hold a proper relationship. Didn’t find him mindful enough to know that his actions affected others. So to say that he didn’t approve of whatever that Azriel saw in you would have been an understatement.

“Let’s get one thing clear”, Rhys stated, holding eye contact with Azriel, “If you make YN your bounce back, I will kill you with my own two hands”. Because he had seen it. Had seen Azriel’s eyes dancing on you ever since you came back from your tutoring in Spring. “I don’t know what you are talking about”, Azriel brushed it off, shrugging. “I hope that you don’t”, Rhys shook his head, piercing Azriel with his eyes.

Truth was Azriel had spent every night since your return with you. You were the sweetest thing that had happened to him. Had happened a long time ago, his view about you had shifted. Cause for a while he had dismissed your admiration for him as a childish crush. You were younger. A handful of years younger, following Azriel all through his teenage years. Like his little shadow, you were. But it was inappropriate back then. Was it any different now?

It was, Azriel told himself as he walked back towards your room. It was, because now he was following the faintest golden path towards you. No matter where he was he saw the thread flickering, leading him back to you, back home. Azriel hadn’t told anyone. You hadn’t yet figured it out. He wasn’t gonna rush you. Cause for all he knows maybe he had lost it after all. After Elain. After all of them. Leaving him heartless. Empty.

You reminded him of a kitten now. Curious for him but skittish to the touch. You had seen him tumbling into bed with Elain, had seen the desperate downfall. Cautious. He knocked on your door. One that opened almost immediately. Your big purple eyes looking up at him. “Hey”, Azriel mused, “Hi”, you muttered, leaning against the side of the door. And then you step aside and with a glance over his shoulder, Azriel slipped inside.

“Tell me again”, you muttered, gazing up at him. “Why are you so interested in it?”, Azriel mused, leaning in to brush a strand of hair away from your eyes. He had been lying in your bed, telling you about the past missions he had. What he was tasked with. How it all played out. And you drank it all in. To the point where without even being asked he has drifted to talking about how it had made him feel. What thoughts had been swirling through his head. “Because it tells me about you”, you shrugged, sitting up and breaking eye contact with him. “That I am a killer? A machine made to destroy?”, he let out a huff, throwing his head back.

“Do you see yourself like that?”, you asked softly, brushing your fingers over his chest. Feeling the heartbeat increase beneath your palm. He stayed silent for a moment, “I guess”, he added with a frown. “I think you are wrong”, you mused, leaning into Law on his chest, and glancing down at him. “You’re just lost and lived with your demons for too long. For too long without others noticing”, you added, watching how his eyes gleamed.

Azriel had merely opened his mouth when the door flew open. “Don’t know my ass”, Rhys hissed, his darkness pooling around his hands, “You take me for an idiot?” You looked among the two males panicked, “Rhys”, you muttered, “It’s not what it looks like”. You pleaded scrambling to crawl in front of Azriel to shield him from your brother’s wrath. “I think it’s exactly what it looks like”, Rhys mused bitterly.

“She’s mine regardless”, Azriel said so casually that it made your head wipe to him so face you saw stars. “I’m not yours”, you huffed, “Don’t put more fuel to the fire”, hissing you turned to him. “Open your eyes, Rhys, don’t you see it”, Azriel shook his head. Rhys’s nostrils flared as he narrowed his eyes, “No”, he huffed, “Absolutely not happening”, he reached for you dragging you away from Azriel. Azriel whose wings instantly flared at the sight of the tight grip of your upper arm. “What…”, you whispered, looking between them.

“What will you do? Change destiny? Play god again?”, Azriel growled. “Get her far away from you”, Rhys snarled, pushing you towards the door but you held your ground. “So turn to Temlin, fitting”, Azriel snorted. “What are you two on about”, you grunted, pulling your hand out of your brother’s grasp. “I’m your mate”, Azriel stated, “I didn’t say anything because I wanted you to find it yourself”.

Your body froze as your eyes fixed on his face. “My…”, you muttered. “Bullshit”, Rhys huffed. “Shut up”, you snapped back at him, “Just… go and… just go”, you turned to Rhys, pleading for him to just let you deal with it on your own. “He’s a man whore, you watched him sleep around for decades Yn”, Rhys huffed. “Who are you to judge”, your voice was low but audible enough for both of the males. Rhys nodded slowly, “When he kicks you to the curb, don’t come running to me”.

[scekrex]

Would you write for fallen angel Adam? Like readers a sinner and is reassuring Adam that he's still fine af as a demon, he's constantly defending Adam because that's his boo, like fighting for his life levels of 'hear me out' because everyone at the hotel genuinely thinks he's nuts for dating Adam (Charlie you don't understand, the dick is GOOD)

Stick It To The (Wo)Man

pairing: Adam x male!reader

warnings: language

note: not beta read bc fuck you I don't have beta readers

Ever since Adam had arrived in hell, things were different. Not only between you and him, but also between you and… well pretty much everybody.

When Adam had arrived at the hotel, he had been furious, because how was it possible for the first man, the og dick, the creator of all mankind after Eve to end up in hell? There was simply no fucking way. And yet there he was, sitting on the couch in the lobby, playing on his guitar. With a sigh he dropped his guitar onto his stomach and laid down, his hands supporting his head from behind. Things were so different, so ew. Charlie was constantly glued to his ass to make sure he was attending to group exercises, Angel was getting on his nerves ever since the porn demon had figured out he was fucking you - dating you even and Vaggie, well she hated his guts.

The fallen angel looked up when steps on the stairs echoed through the empty lobby and his mood brightened at least a little at the sight of your face. “Sup babes,” he lazily smiled at you as he put his guitar on the floor. “Sup Dickmaster,” you grinned at him in return. You sat down on the armrest of the couch, Adam was quick to lift his head in order to rest it on your lap. Your hand softly stroked through his hair. How early was it? You weren't sure, it was - however - way too fucking early to be awake. But Adam's missing warmth had caused you to get up and look for him because whenever the first man left your shared bed early, he wasn't doing well. “How fucked are we?” you asked and Adam's golden eyes shot up to look at you, a dead serious expression on his face. “Fucked babes, completely up the ass without any mercy or preparation,” he answered your question and his eyes moved from yours to the roof. What had he done wrong to deserve this? The brunette didn't know.

“Like who the fuck will take me serious in heaven with these fucking horns, a motherfucking tail and in God's mighty name claws. They'll laugh at me, fuck, they're probably laughing right now,” the last sentence was nothing more than a whimper. You grabbed a fistful of Adam's hair and pulled on it, the first man yelped in pain as you brought his face close to yours, “You hate all these features and yet they make you look so fucking hot.” Adam's tail flicked to slightly slap you on the forehead and you smirked at that as you let go of his hair, “See, that's what I'm talking about. Your angelself could've never.” Well yeah, Adam guessed you had a point with that. Instead of slapping you again, the fallen angel used the sharp tip of his tail to tickle your nose, earning himself a soft and warm sounding chuckle. He liked to see you happy, especially because hell was depressing as fuck. “Still a fucking hottie,” you hummed as your thumb softly hovered over Adam's bottom lip, playfully the taller man wrapped his lips around your finger before you were able to pull back and shot you a wicked grin.

“Fucking go to your room,” Husk grumbled as he walked past the both of you, Adam shot the winged cat a venomous look but you simply patted his chest softly, a sign that you would handle the situation. “What crawled up your ass?” you asked with an raised eyebrow and Husk turned around to eye you, then Adam. His eyes were filled with disgust and hatred, “His existence in this fucking hotel.” That was something you wouldn't let slide.

When Adam had been an angel, before he had fallen, he never cared for sinners, if he would've found you during extermination day, he would have killed you like he did with the rest. But you were always able to look past his facade, you had been able to tell the difference between an act and real emotions. And then he fell. He fell and you took him under your wing, guided him to the hotel and gave him new self esteem.

“The fuck's your problem man, everyone deserves redemption, Adam's no expectation,” you raised your voice a little which made Adam's attention shift yet again, his focus was on you and only you. Because while the fallen angel was very much able to stick it to the man himself, he loved to watch you when you got all worked up because someone was trash talking Adam. “Yeah right, after killing thousands of us, he sure does,” Husk bit back sarcastically and rolled his eyes as he was about to turn around again. But in your book, he wasn't clean yet. “Honestly? Fuck you Husk. We've all made mistakes, no fucking matter if it was as a human or a sinner. Angels make fucking mistakes too,” Adam wanted to disagree, wanted to put his finger on your lips to silence you and clarify that he had never made a mistake in his fucking life. But apparently that had been a lie anyways, so there was no point for him to interrupt. “He made mistakes but he's here now to get better so up your fucking ass, I hope you choke on your motherfucking bitterness,” you flipped the gambler off. He could suck your fucking dick.

And then Charlie entered the scene. Her face scrunched up as she saw the both of you on the couch. It wasn't that he had a problem with you and Adam being a couple in general, but she was worried. The devil's daughter was also convinced that you could do better than Adam and even if that was true - which you highly doubted - you didn't want better. You wanted Adam, with all his stupidity and imperfections. “Hey guys,” the princess of hell greeted those who were awake already. Adam raised his hand and hummed tiredly while you petted his hair and gave her a nod. Husk didn't respond at all.

“Before you say anything,” you stopped the princess as she was trying to make an announcement, “We’re not in.” Charlie's smile fell from her face and she looked… sad? Disappointed? Worried? Maybe all of it. “Babes isn't feeling well and we'll take today off to fix that,” the brunette closed his eyes as he leaned into your soft touch, agreeing with a quiet, “What shawty said.” Charlie visibly cringed at the pet names and mumbled quietly to herself, “You could do so much better, Y/N.”

However, her words had been loud enough for Adam and you to hear. Adam's eyes watched your every movement, fascination was visible in them as he drank in the emotions that were on display. “You can go fuck yourself too, Charlie. It's not your fucking position to decide what's good for me ‘n’ what's not. You don't like Adam? Fucking fine. But shut your fucking mouth and keep those thoughts to yourself,” Adam's hand reached up to caress your cheek in order to calm you down and even though you didn't quite know why, it helped. “I don't fucking like Vaggie but do you hear me bitching about her being your girlfriend? Fuck nah, because it's not my goddamn position,” while Adam's touch helped, it didn't turn your emotions off and while there were only a few things you truly hated, everyone being a fucking cunt towards your boyfriend was the one thing you hated most. “I love this fuckhead and he loves me, we're happy. The rest is none of your fucking business,” you turned around to point at Husk who had been watching the scenario with curious ears and eyes. “The same goes for you, mind your own fucking business and leave us fucking be,” the brunette's hand tilted your head to look down at him, a proud smirk was on his lips as he lifted himself up slightly and pulled your face down at the same time to place a soft kiss on your lips. “Fucking love it when you stand your ground, babes,” he hummed against your lips, the others were long forgotten as you leaned in to kiss the fallen angel yet again.

Angel stumbled down the stairs and whistled at the sight of you and Adam kissing, “Fucking hot,” the porn actor commented. Once the kiss had ended you turned towards Charlie while pointing at Angel, “See? He's a bitch but at least he's supportive.” Angel simply shrugged as he sat down at the bar to have a chat with Husk, “Y’know, I can't hate on love darlin’.”

It made Adam feel a little better to know that you were there for him, that - no matter what - he could count on you. And he loved you for that.

“Besides,” Adam peeked up as you raised your voice again, sounding quite proud, “The og dick is fucking fantastic, so you go fuck Vaggie 'n' I'll continue to enjoy getting dicked down.” Charlie's cheeks turned bright red as she turned on her heels and left the lobby with a quiet, “Too much information.”

[ramblings-of-a-mad-cat]

I feel like it isn't talked about nearly enough that Harry freed Kreacher.

And I'm realizing that's because no one else, literally no one I've talked to in this fandom in the last seventeen years, interpreted the scene that way. But when I first read DH, I picked up on it immediately.

Because Harry unequivocally does free Kreacher when he gives him Regulus' locket, and I think that's so important. I get why you might disagree, because they never actually state in the dialogue that Kreacher is free. It's all subtext. You might also say that jewelry is different from clothing, but I don't think we have enough examples to rule it out. (Lucius was tricked into freeing Dobby with a sock that wasn't even his. Far as I'm concerned, if you can wear it, then it counts.)

Harry freed Dobby without hesitation, and why wouldn't he? The sweet little guy was miserable, trapped in servitude to the evil Malfoys. But Kreacher? He was the racist little bastard that betrayed Sirius, Sirius, to the Death Eaters, and had a hand in his death. Of course Harry hated him. Even in OOTP, the point is made that Kreacher cannot be freed, even if Sirius would love to be rid of him, because he simply knows too much information, and they need to keep him bound in service so that he can't pass it on.

In this, we see that Harry's status as an ally to the House Elves is conditional. He wasn't even raised in the magical world like Ron, there's no reason for him to see Elf Slavery as okay, but he just accepts it as part of the magical world because the elves are "happy" and writes off Hermione's campaign as one of her many obsessions. Ron didn't take it seriously, so neither did Harry. He was happy to free Dobby, but to him Dobby was a special case.

Then comes the tale of Regulus. Harry is told all about a Death Eater who had a change of heart for no other reason than because he loved Kreacher, and Voldemort tortured Kreacher, leaving him for dead. Harry cannot fathom it - after all, this is Kreacher. The monster who betrayed Sirius. But Sirius mistreated Kreacher at every turn, something that Harry laughed off because Kreacher was so unpleasant - but it doesn't change the fact that Sirius was literally Kreacher's master, and he regularly abused him. It's not like it's Kreacher's fault that Sirius was abused himself, or that Sirius had to return to Grimmauld Place.

Seeing Kreacher utterly break down was uncomfortable for Harry, because it forced him to confront an uncomfortable truth that conflicted with the worldview he'd set up for himself about the Elves - and about Sirius. Even twenty years later, Kreacher is still attempting to self-harm after failing to follow Regulus' orders, and it's safe to assume Regulus didn't tell him to do that.

At this point, Hermione breaks down too, and she asks them - Harry and Ron - to see what she sees. "Oh don't you see how sick it is, how they've got to obey?" And for the first time, Harry sees it. On a grand scale, he sees it. It's raw, it's awkward, it's painful to confront. But Harry comes to realize that Hermione is right. (As in most things.) Slavery is not okay, no matter the context. The House Elves should be free. Not just the nice ones like Dobby, but even the nasty ones like Kreacher. Because he sees Kreacher trying to "punish himself" just as Dobby has done many times...and I think it hits Harry that no one deserves that.

So he takes a chance. Because freeing Kreacher is still a risk. It gives him back his autonomy. He knows all kinds of information. He knows that Regulus stole the Locket, and that Harry is hunting for it too. If Kreacher were to turn around and backstab the Golden Trio, if Voldemort learned what he knew, everything would be lost. And Kreacher could do that. But Harry chooses to believe that he won't. And he recognizes that even that risk is no excuse to keep a slave.

Cause here's the thing. Even if jewelry "doesn't count" (highly debatable imo) that doesn't mean Harry would know that. So far as he knows, he's giving Kreacher something to wear, and he has personal experience with what that means to Elves. The entire scene reads like Kreacher is being freed. Call it a headcanon if you must but I have believed this for years.

Yes, Kreacher stayed in Grimmauld Place. Of course he did. He loves it there, that's his home. Where is he going to go? And yes, he continues to serve Harry after this and even calls him "Master." Because that's what he knows. I'm not saying Harry broke the conditioning. That kind of thing would take years. If she'd been allowed to, Winky would have carried on serving The Crouches after her dismissal. But the important thing is, Harry gave Kreacher the locket. Whatever enchantment it was that bound Kreacher in service to Harry would have broken when Harry gave him the locket.

I know everyone loves to mock the moment at the end when Harry's first thought after defeating Voldemort is whether or not his slave will bring him a sandwich, but, guys. It's a throwaway line about a sandwich. Harry isn't going to order Kreacher to do it. At most he's going to ask. Kreacher is old, and pretty set in his ways. Deprogramming might not even be possible for him at this point. But everything we see of their relationship following Regulus' tale shows Harry respecting Kreacher as a friend, not a slave. He gave Kreacher his autonomy back by freeing him, and, when Kreacher made the choice to stay, Harry treated him with kindness.

This is actually blowing my mind because for so many years I just took this as a given but I realized I'd never seen anyone else talking about it and it turns out I'm in the minority for interpreting it this way? It just seemed so straightforward to me...

[animezinglife]

I think most who know me around here have figured out I have no interest in the "ship war," and aside from simply not wanting to invest my energy in anything of the sort, that lack of interest comes from a willingness to simply see how everything plays out in the books.

If you've followed me for a while, you know I obviously favor Elucien while still loving Azriel and thinking he'll be a wonderful partner/mate to someone in the near future. I talk about my preference for Elucien through long-term compatibility, potential, and through the lens of the writing itself.

When we talk about either pairing, I would apply the same logic to the significance of Elain's choice if the roles were switched in the story.

If it was Azriel who ended up having a mating bond snap with Elain and Elain was into Lucien, I would still have the same expectation that she get to know the former before making a life-altering decision.

SJM has built up the combination of mating bonds and love as the golden standard within the ACOTAR world and has alluded to the pain that lingers if it's rejected--how it never fully goes away.

Again, this isn't real life. Elain would not owe that experience to Azriel, nor would she owe him her time and effort.

But the author who chose to write that bond into the story does owe the readers when it comes to addressing it.

Let's say it's Azriel she won't give the time of day.

Azriel who's asleep upstairs while she brushes fingers with Lucien and almost kisses him.

Azriel who gives her thoughtful gifts that she does everything to avoid acknowledging.

Let's say she ignored every attempt Az made to get to know her and never even tried when we're told repeatedly he's feeling the hurt, pain, and longing caused by that bond.

We know Az: know how fearless, brave, and sweet he is, and how fiercely he protects his family and the people he cares about. Az has wonderful qualities that have been built up over several books.

If Elain rejected him without ever learning of those qualities, I would be extremely disappointed in the complete lack of story between them. The snapping of something that important and instrumental in their lives only for her to make a decision with next to no information or having faced her own internal conflict about the bond.

We want the happy ending for Azriel, whose love for Mor was never returned, had a traumatic, dark past, and who wants to experience what it means to have the most elevated form of partnership.

Of love.

That's the key about this argument: we want Elain to make a decision when she has all of the information to do so, not less than half and hiding from the rest. That is where she grows; where her love for either one of them becomes fulfilling.

This is my same argument with Lucien as well, just with his own backstory and characteristics plugged in. I want her to get to know him and to make her choice with all the information at her disposal.

It's not and never will be a desire for the other male or Elain herself to suffer or go without love. Unless he just completely goes off-the-rails and out-of-character, you'll never hear me putting down Azriel or pitting him against Lucien, and vice versa. I'm not at all anti-Elriel--my preference just leans the other way, and I think Az has his own powerful bond and love story just waiting to play out.

My only request is if Elain rejects her mating bond with Lucien, then they both end up being freed of it entirely so that neither has to suffer. They've been through more than enough and deserve a happily-ever-after.

Azriel does, too.

My suspicion given the context clues is that a bond might snap into place between Az and Gwyn (and I love the idea of them together), but that's another post for another time.

[sophie1973]

It takes an ocean (not to break)

I wrote this little angsty piece for my friend Nastasya's Birthday.

You can read it on AO3 or under the cut :)

Alex doesn’t immediately notice that something is wrong.

It's early evening, and their kitchen is bathed in golden sunlight. The rays illuminate Millie’s chestnut hair, giving it a warm auburn glow as she eats her puree, smearing some on the tray of her high chair and some on her face. She babbles, and Alex is all too happy to engage in her nonsensical conversation while preparing dinner for himself and Henry.

Henry has been uncharacteristically silent for the past 15 minutes.

Alex glances at him with a frown. Henry is sitting at the kitchen island, slightly slouched, his head resting on his hand, eyes closed.

“You okay, baby?” Alex asks.

Henry straightens up, opening his eyes. His gaze is a bit unfocused as it meets Alex’s.

“I’m fine, love. Just a slight headache.”

“Did you take something?”

“A paracetamol 15 minutes ago. I’m waiting for it to kick in. It’ll pass,” Henry smiles as he stands up and grabs baby wipes to clean Millie’s face.

Alex makes a non-committal noise. Henry is paler than usual, with pronounced dark circles under his eyes. He’s had headaches before, but for some reason, something doesn’t feel right to Alex.

 “Why don’t you go lie down on the couch? I’ll let you know when dinner is ready.”

Henry smiles, although it doesn’t reach his eyes, and he comes to press a kiss on Alex’s cheek. “Thank you, darling. It smells delicious.”

Once he has finished preparing dinner, Alex, still a bit concerned, makes his way to the living room. He settles on the coffee table, his hand reaching out to find Henry’s, a silent gesture of comfort.

“How are you feeling, baby?” he queries softly.

Henry’s eyes flutter weakly, and a wave of apprehension washes over Alex. His already pale complexion seems even more so, and a thin sheen of sweat glistens on his forehead, revealing his discomfort.

“Really not good,” he slurs. “I don’t think I’ll be able to eat. I’m sorry, love.”

Alex's hand moves to Henry’s cheek, his knuckles grazing the soft skin.

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll secure Millie in her playpen, then I’ll bring you upstairs.”

Henry nods but winces as if even that simple motion causes him pain

Alex returns to the kitchen, unclasps the toddler from her high chair, and places her in her playpen. She stays up, watching curiously as Alex lifts Henry from the couch. His husband wraps his arms around his neck and nestles his head against Alex’s shoulder. Alex tenses when he feels the warmth radiating from Henry’s body. 

Fuck. The unease he felt earlier keeps pressing down on his chest. Something is not normal.

“Daddy?” Millie asks, and Alex smiles reassuringly.

“Daddy is going to bed. I’ll be back in a few minutes, ok?”

Millie nods obediently and sits down, quickly becoming absorbed in the toys around her. Confident that she'll be occupied for a while, he heads upstairs with Henry.

They have barely reached the landing, that Henry clutches his mouth and mutters, “Bathroom!” Without hesitation, Alex guides him to their ensuite. He keeps a steady hand on Henry’s back as Henry empties his stomach, then crumples next to the toilet with a pitiful moan.

“Come on, sweetheart, let’s get you to bed,” Alex murmures softly. He lifts Henry, carries him to the bed, and gently tucks him in. After checking Henry’s forehead, he frowns. “You’re really hot. Let me check your temperature.”

“My neck hurts,” Henry mumbles, eyes still closed. Alex hurries to the bathroom to get the thermometer. Sliding his hand under Henry’s head, he massages his neck while waiting for the temperature to display, but it does nothing to ease Henry’s discomfort.

Alex's worry deepens when he sees the numbers. “Henry, your temperature is 102. I think we should go to the hospital.”

Henry’s voice is weak, barely audible. “Alex, please, no. If I move, I’ll be sick again. It’s just a bad migraine. I just need to sleep it off.”

Alex's internal battle intensifies as he wants to argue that a migraine doesn't come with a fever, as far as he knows, but now is not the time. The persistent feeling that something is wrong nags at his mind, yet he decides to let Henry rest for a while. He's aware of his tendency to overreact regarding Henry and Emilia’s security and health, but this time, it feels different.

As Henry's breathing evens out and he starts to fall asleep, Alex reluctantly makes his way back downstairs. Every bone in his body screams at him to stay and watch over his husband, but he knows he is also responsible for the little girl downstairs. He’s uncomfortable leaving her alone for too long, even in her playpen.

He feels torn between the two and hates it.

Lifting Millie from her playpen, he presses a kiss to her forehead and tickles her tummy, trying to keep his worry from transferring to her. She often picks up on her parent’s moods.

“Stop, Papi, stop,” she laughs, and they return to the kitchen. He sits down with her, feeling the silkiness of her curls brushing his chin to give her some fruit puree. He knows he should put her back in her high chair, but the feel of her warm, little body against his chest brings him some comfort. 

She starts babbling again, and he gently corrects some of her words. At just 20 months old, her vocabulary is impressive. June always says it’s not surprising, given her parents.

"For you, Papi," she says, offering him a spoonful. He smiles and takes it despite having a whole dinner waiting that he can’t bring himself to touch right now.

He wipes her hand, and she turns around on his lap, placing her hands on his cheeks and kissing his chin. His heart squeezes.

"You are my sunshine," he tells her tenderly, feeling some pressure in his chest lift.

Maybe he’s overreacting. Maybe it’s just a migraine, and Henry will wake up soon, teasing Alex for overreacting even though he loves it. After putting Millie to bed, they’ll have a nice dinner in the kitchen and a lovely evening cuddling on the couch, watching a movie.

The ugly sound of retching echoes upstairs, and the knots in his stomach tighten. He rises abruptly from his chair and remembers Millie on his lap. Forcing himself to calm down, he climbs the stairs at an even pace. Millie begins to sense his tension and grows a little agitated. He murmurs soothing words and places her in her bed, kissing her forehead. "I'll be right back, baby."

He hurries to the bathroom, finding Henry half-seated, half-sprawled on the floor. Henry's face is a nasty shade of red, and alarms blare in Alex's mind.

Fuck overreacting.

Henry barely acknowledges him as Alex crouches beside him, brushing back the sweaty hair stuck to his forehead.

"Henry, you're burning up."

"My head really hurts, Alex," Henry replies, pain coloring his voice.

"I'm calling 911, baby. Please, don't fight me on this. Please."

Henry nods, and although Alex isn't waiting for his permission—they are going to the ER regardless—he dials the number. He quickly explains the situation to the dispatcher, who assures him an ambulance is coming. He then calls Amy and Cash, his voice barely steady, to inform them of the impending arrival of the paramedics.

"Emilia?" Henry croaks out, his little girl always on his mind, even in this state.

"I’m taking care of her, don’t worry," Alex replies, helping Henry stand and put on one of his hoodies over his t-shirt and sweatpants. Of course, this had to happen on the weekend when June and Nora were out of state, and Pez and Bea were in England. He would laugh at the irony if the situation weren't so serious.

He brings Henry downstairs and sets him on the couch before fetching Millie. The paramedics arrive, let in by Amy, and they bring in a gurney, hook Henry up to a monitor, and take his vitals. Alex explains Henry's symptoms again. Henry is now unresponsive, and an absolute terror starts to slither its way into Alex's chest.

Millie clutches at his shirt, looking at the commotion with a half-curious, half-frightened look.

"Is he going to be okay?" Alex asks, his voice trembling. He knows the paramedics can't answer clearly, but he needs reassurance. The sight of Henry on that gurney makes his mind spiral into worst-case scenarios, and he needs to stay calm and collected for Millie’s sake. 

One of the medics smiles warmly at him. "We'll know more once we get him to the ER, but hopefully so. You did the right thing by calling us. We're taking him to Brooklyn Hospital Center if you want to follow us."

"Cash will drive you," Amy adds as the medics leave the house with Henry.

Alex, his mind a whirlwind of worry, stays frozen in the middle of the living room, holding Millie tight against him. He tries desperately to get his brain back on track by making a list of practical things he will need - his wallet, Henry’s ID, his keys - but to his great frustration, it’s not really cooperating. Sensing his distress, Amy takes the initiative, gathering everything he needs and handing it to him.

For the first time that evening, he feels the sting of tears burning his eyelids, but he blinks them away. 

“Cash is waiting for you in the car. I can stay with Emilia,” she tells him in her no-nonsense voice, and he latches onto it, anchoring himself to the moment. As he tries to hand Millie over, however, the little girl starts screaming, her fingers digging in his t-shirt, and he just can’t let her go.

"I'll keep her with me," he says, and Millie instantly calms down against his chest.

"There's a stroller in the car," Amy says, walking him outside. "I'll lock up behind you. Just go," she adds softly, concern evident in her eyes despite her composed demeanor.

Alex nods, grateful for Amy’s steady presence. He heads out the door, Millie still clinging to him, and spots Cash waiting by the car. Cash opens the door and helps Alex secure Millie in the car seat before climbing into the driver’s seat himself.

As they drive towards the hospital, Alex tries to calm his racing thoughts. Millie’s quiet breathing provides a small comfort, and he focuses on her to keep himself grounded. The city lights blur past the window, and before he knows it, they’re pulling up to Brooklyn Hospital Center.

Cash parks and helps Alex retrieve Millie and the stroller. Inside the hospital, they’re directed to the ER, where Alex finds out Henry has been taken care of. A nurse takes Alex’s information and reassures him that Henry is in good hands. He and Millie are ushered into a private waiting room, a perk of his former FSOTUS status that he gratefully accepts this time. He unclasps Millie from the stroller, letting her stretch her legs. Spotting a table with children's books and a basket of small toys, she heads straight for it.

Alex sits on the couch, keeping an eye on her, resigned to wait. He replays the afternoon and the last few days in his mind, wondering what caused Henry’s health to deteriorate so suddenly. He questions himself, wondering if he overlooked any signs that could have prevented this.

The minutes stretch into an agonizing eternity, though a glance at the clock on the wall reveals only 20 minutes have passed. Millie, bored of her toys, has returned to his lap, thumb in her mouth and head bobbing against his chest. She struggles to keep her eyes open but is losing the battle. Alex kisses the crown of her hair, inhaling her baby scent, letting it soothe the deep anxiety churning in his stomach.

A doctor and a nurse finally arrive, and he stands up, holding Millie securely against his chest.

“Mr. Claremont-Diaz?”

“Yes. Is Henry okay?”

The doctor gives him a reassuring smile. “He will be, thanks to you. You brought him just in time.”

Alex frowns, puzzled. “Just in time? What do you mean? It wasn’t a migraine?”

The doctor shakes her head with a sympathetic look. “I’m afraid not. Mr. Fox suffered from bacterial meningitis.”

Alex feels a wave of confusion. He knows he’s heard that term before, but the stress of the evening has left his mind uncooperating. His voice comes out as a hoarse whisper, his throat tight. “That sounds bad,” he croaks.

“Time is critical with this disease. If you had waited another hour, we might not have been able to save him.”

Alex swallows hard, struggling to comprehend. What the fuck is that doctor talking about? “Save him? What?”

“Bacterial meningitis is deadly. The faster we can treat it, the better the chances of recovery. You made the right call by bringing him in immediately.”

Deadly? What the...? The words sink in slowly, almost too much to grasp. His voice trembles as he asks, "You mean if I hadn’t called 911, he would have... died? In our bed?"

The doctor nods. "Most likely."

"Fuck," he mutters, momentarily forgetting he's still holding Millie. "We thought it was just a stupid migraine."

As the reality of the doctor's words settles in, his heart pounds violently, each beat echoing in his ears. His vision narrows, and his chest tightens painfully. Gasping for air, he swallows a wave of nausea as panic engulfs him.

"Please take her," he begs the nurse, handing Millie over.

He hears the doctor instructing him to breathe and feels a steady, comforting hand on his back and shoulder as she guides him into a nearby chair. Through the haze, he hears Millie's wrenching cries at being separated from him, and he tries to focus on that to pull himself out of the daze.

Millie needs him.

He takes a few deep breaths, filling his lungs with air. The weight on his chest lifts slightly, and he opens his eyes to see Millie's crumpled, terrified face, her hand outstretched towards him.

"Oh God, I’m so sorry, baby," he says, taking her back into his arms, pressing her shaking body against his chest, and covering her face with kisses. "I’m sorry, I’m so sorry."

She calms down a little, but her arms remain tightly wrapped around his neck, her face buried against his shoulder. Guilt gnaws at his insides, and he wonders when this fucking nightmare of an evening will end.

The doctor continues, “You and your daughter will be given antibiotics as a preventive measure since you both have been in contact with Mr. Fox. It’s just for a few days.”

“Yes, okay. When will I be able to see him?”

“Not for another 48 hours, at least. We’ll let you know when it’s safe for him, and you, to have visitors. We shouldn’t keep him for more than five days at the most. He’s going to be transferred to the ICU.”

Alex strokes Millie’s back, trying in vain to comfort both her and himself.

“Is there anything… Do you need me to sign something, or…?”

The doctor smiles softly. “No. I suggest you go home with your little girl and rest. Henry is in good hands and will make a full recovery. Just focus on that.”

Alex nods, and the doctor leaves. He follows the nurse to the reception, where she gives him the antibiotics and some information. He doesn’t really register anything, but he knows he can call the hospital later if he has questions.

Cash waits for him at the reception and is relieved by Alex’s explanations. He takes the stroller—Millie is not going back in it tonight—and gently ushers Alex toward the car, assuring him he will inform Amy of the news.

Once back home, profound exhaustion settles into his bones, making every step feel like a marathon. He focuses on the small comforts ahead: a quick stop in the bathroom with Millie to clean up, changing into pajamas and finally being able to sit down and breathe a bit easier. The doctor’s assurance that Henry will be okay is his lifeline, and he clings to those words with every ounce of strength he has left.

It's well past Millie’s bedtime, but after his panic attack earlier and the scare he gave her, he's compelled to make amends with a promise of ice cream and a viewing of Tangled. Henry always jokes that Flynn Ryder reminds him of Alex.

Barely ten minutes into the movie, Millie succumbs to sleep, her tiny body slumping against Alex's side. Only then does he allow himself to surrender to the overwhelming emotions of the night, letting tears stream down his face.

****

After the longest forty-eight hours of his fucking life, Alex finally receives a call from the hospital, letting him know it is safe to come and see Henry. He doesn’t waste another minute, calls June, who’s back from her weekend away,  to ask if he can drop Millie off with her and rushes to the hospital after that, doing his best to stay within the speed limit. 

The last time he saw Henry, he was deathly pale and lying unconscious on a gurney, so seeing him now smiling at him, sitting in his hospital bed, is the last straw for Alex. He rushes to Henry's side, tears blurring his vision, enveloping him in a tight embrace, mindful of the IV coming out of his arm.

Henry's smile falters as he sees the tears streaming down Alex's face. "Hey, it's okay," he says softly, putting his arms around him. "I'm here. I'm alright, darling."

Alex nods, unable to speak past the lump in his throat. One of his hands grabs Henry’s, feeling the warmth and life in his grip. "I’ve been so terrified," he finally chokes out. “Fuck, baby, never do this again. Please.”

"I won’t," Henry replies, his voice steady and comforting. “I just thought our life could do with some excitement,” he jokes, and Alex lets out a wet laugh.

“Do that again, and I’ll fucking divorce you,” he threatens before pressing his lips to Henry, pouring all the fear, pain, and stress of the last couple of days into the kiss and reveling at the fact that Henry is in his arms, alive. Refusing to dwell on the fact that Millie and him almost lost the most important person in their life. 

They stay like this for a moment, the fear and anxiety beginning to melt away, replaced by a sense of peace and tranquility.

“How’s Millie?” Henry asks, his hand reaching to Alex’s cheek to wipe away the tears.

“She’s ok. She had quite the scare as well, and I’m a bit responsible for that,” he winces, but Henry’s smile assures him that he understands. “But…I said the F word in front of her when the doctor told me about the meningitis. I was so shocked; it just came out.”

Henry laughs. “Has she repeated it since then?”

“No. That doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods. She might be waiting for the right opportunity, what with her smart little brain.”

“Well, we’ll deal with it when or if it happens. It’s not the end of the world.”

“It almost was,” Alex replies softly, fighting another wave of tears.

“But it didn’t,” Henry says soothingly. “How long can you stay?”

Alex looks at his watch. “They told me I could see you for thirty minutes.”

“Then get comfortable, my love.”

Alex removes his shoes and settles on the bed, carefully pulling Henry against his chest. He can hear his husband let out a contented sigh.

He can fucking relate. 

A sense of normalcy returns despite the beeping machines and sterile hospital environment. The nightmare of the past forty-eight hours is starting to fade, replaced by the comforting reality that Henry is on the mend.

Alex leans in, pressing a gentle kiss to Henry’s lips. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Henry murmurs against his lips, their foreheads touching.

They lie there in silence for a while, feeling the warmth and comfort of each other’s presence. Alex listens to the rhythmic sound of Henry’s breathing, savoring the simple, profound joy of being close to the person he loves most. The only thing that would make this perfect would be if Millie were with them. But it is just a matter of days before the three of them are reunited.

And Alex’s world will finally be right again.

[giggly-squiggily]

Someone stop me- the Jojo brain rot is strong in this one..

(onslaught of Jojo tickle thoughts below the cut) (possible spoiler warning for all parts anime)

-Mista getting hurt but not wanting to experience Golden Experience's painful "healing again" so Giorno has to tickle him while he heals as a distraction

-Joseph having the brain blast of using Harmon during tickle fights to see what would happen.

-Caesar also learning what happens when Harmon is introduced to tickle fights aka said tickles being even MORE effective and now he's getting wrecked even more so by said Dork-star

-Jonathan being really ticklish but the type to just curl up in a ball and give up whenever Erina decides to get him. He's a big guy and could probably win if he tried but he's far too giggly and way to nervous of accidentally hurting her so he just kinda takes it

-Okuyasu, Koichi and Josuke making a bet among themselves to see if Jotaro's ticklish only to unlock the deadly tickle monster that is Star Platinum upon themselves

-Fugo losing all steam in his anger whenever someone (Giorno) squeezes his hips from behind. Immediately disarmed, he's already forgotten what got him so angry and now he's soft and giggly

-Weather Forecast forgetting what tickling is and point blank asking Jolyne to tickle him much to Anasui's jealousy.

-Weather Forecast regretting his decision almost immediately when Jolyne finds all his tickle spots in ten seconds flat. Even more so when he tries tickling her back but she's not ticklish (her only spot is her birthmark/neck but he doesn't know that)

-Polnareff growing bored and deciding to start a poke war with Kakyoin. Onlookers can't help but laugh at these two grown men giggling like children as they jab at one another. They try to get Jotaro but stop when he threatens to beat them to a pulp.

-Narancia wanting to have a dance party but no one's really moving so he starts tickling everyone to encourage them only to immediately get wrecked in return.

-Abbacchio distracted by his music so much he doesn't feel Bruno near him until it's too late and he's getting wrecked by zipper man. Cuts to Giorno, Mista and Narancia all: !!!!! Cause they never knew the purple haired man was ticklish

-Fugo encouraged to find new ways to take out his anger so he uses tickles which works out cause Narancia loves tickle fights and he can safely work through his immediate feelings of rage without the use of a fork to the face

-Giorno turning random objects into feathery creatures and stashing them in the gang's pockets/down their shirts for maximum tickling antics.

-Hermest trying to do Jolyne's hair but she keeps giggling cause said woman's nails keep brushing her neck and shoulders. She starts doing it intentionally until Jolyne uses her Jostar(tm) strength to pull her down and have a proper tickle fight. F.F. joins in pretty quickly.

-Anasui who'll cut your head off if you even try tickling him but lets Jolyne get away with it cause he's got a crush on her. He's only ticklish if she's doing it- everyone else gets no reaction (mostly. W.F might get one if he's lucky)

-Dio and Pucchi having tickle fights when Pucchi was younger cause he reminds Dio of Jonathan sometimes and he strangely misses the rare times they did get along like brothers before he utterly ruined it once more

-Trish trying to give Mista a facial but he's so giggly cause his face is ticklish he ends up getting the mask in his eye and has a red eye for a good few hours (worth it- his face never felt more smooth)

-Jolyne gathering up Emporio in her arms and tickling him cause she can and he's cute when he's laughing and giggling. She's a real mean tickle monster when she wants to be

-Joseph attempting to tickle Speedwagon cause he can. He usually wins as Speedwagon is still as ticklish as he was when he was Jonathan's age and also Joseph has the advantages of youth and size on his side.

[rhikasa]

Seven Deadly Sins Tag

Thanks @the-golden-comet (here), @sableglass (here), and @tragedycoded (here) for the tag! ♥️

Rules: Which of your OCs would you assign to which of the seven deadly sins and why?

Lust

Lian has a lust for power and is willing to do anything to obtain it, but I cannot go into further detail on that since it would be a major spoiler.

Gluttony

Vangilyne has expensive taste and a tendency to overindulge in what she enjoys. I'm still trying to figure her out as a character, so I don't have much left to add, but she suits this sin.

Greed

Nykia wants to have dominion over the entire world. As the spawn of the primordial Darkness, she feels entitled to it. The world had come into existence without light, so it's only fitting for it to return to its natural state. She views lesser beings as toys for her to break and bend to her will, and nothing would please her more than to take them all from the other deities.

Sloth

Some in the wos universe would argue Damaeris has shirked his responsibilities, but not for lack of trying or care at least in the beginning. He is a Cassandra figure of sorts, cursed with visions of the future but with no one to believe him. And once everything happens as was predicted, he is often appointed by others to take the fall; a sacrificial lamb used to absolve them of their own blame and guilt. Over time he grew tired and traumatized by this and set off on his own, only to run into Guinevere years later and be forced to confront yet another one of his visions with her at its epicenter. He knows that he should warn her of the upcoming devastation, but he's been wronged by his own kind before. How can he be sure it will go well this time around?

Wrath

Silas has a strong desire to inflict pain and suffering onto those who have harmed him as a child. This need for vengeance has consumed him to the point where he cannot tell when this path ends and where his life is finally allowed to start. He has clung to this anger for so long that he cannot even begin to understand who he might be without it. Perhaps obtaining inner peace will never be an option available to him, leaving him no choice but to become a monster in turn.

Envy

Taliesin is the second son of King Balis, the spare. Whilst Radan gets all the love and admiration of their father, he is left with nothing but his neglect and abuse. He wants nothing more than to be his brother's equal, but the lack of affection over the order of his birth and his notice of Radan's dislike of being in the spotlight breeds resentment in his soul. Taliesin wants to take his place, as he would have a better appreciation for his brother's position as heir to the throne.

Pride

Alinar was once considered a child prodigy, as he excelled in magic far beyond the capabilities of his peers at the time, and the praise he received bolstered his ego. Over time, however, he begins to stand out less and less as those around him become his equals. He still craves being the center of attention, but there is no longer something special about him and he cannot stand it. This need to prove himself causes him to plunge the angel/reni war into further chaos in an attempt to create a self-fulfilling prophecy and come out on top. Surely if the world becomes unstable enough, a deity will feel compelled enough to take on an avatar once more in order to balance the scales, and who better than himself is able take on this burden of power?

Tagging (no pressure): @ashfordlabs @captain-kraken @snowthornes and an open tag for anyone who’d like to join!

[crimsonlyinglilly]

Day 13 Angry Tears

Still on catch up for whumpril, here's day 13

Familiar faces, set TVD season 3 end of ep 13 and beginning of Ep 14, take place before Adrenaline

Elijah doesn't deal with Esther's return well and Esther doesn't take the hint.

-----

I want us to be a family again. It echoed around in his head.

He had been silent since he had had to pull on Kol’s sleeve to ask him to stop Rebekah, to get her to leave Elena alone, his younger brother had stared at him a moment before vanishing after her one his second 'Please'.

After that he stood at a distance watching as Esther spoke to his remaining siblings. To reassure her boys, calming Finn's anger over her death and soothing Klaus’s nerves. It wasn’t that different from his childhood, Elijah stood quietly until he was needed to calm bickering younger siblings or distract them when mother wanted to focus on her dark arts.

I want us to be a family again.

She looked unchanged, her clothes a frozen picture of a long forgotten time, a village buried under dirt and people reduced to dust through the passage of time

And yet she was there, alive, speaking to them of forgiveness and new chances, and Elijah was bitter, angry, another parent returned but again the wrong one.

How come she got to speak of forgiveness when she had never asked for theirs when she stole their lives and futures from them. When she ignored her husband’s violence leaving bruises on them.

I want us to be a family again.

He had planned to wait for Rebekah and Kol, to apologize to for Elena’s actions and his failure to undagger her and to properly reunite with his brother. He had tried but watching as Finn and Klaus slipped back into the way things used to be, looking at mother as if she had done nothing wrong, made him sick, angry.

I want us to be a family again.

It was giving him a headache, Elijah Mikaeslon’s original love and idealization of her, his anger over her failings made worse by the countless deaths where he relieved them all over again. Watching Finn seemingly forgot the words they had shared months ago, before Elijah  remembered everything.

They ruined us.

We can do better.

Remembering what Esther had done in the aftermath of him killing Tatia, what he had done to Klaus when he had learnt the truth.

And as Klaus looked between them, Elijah realised he couldn’t stay, as anger and secrets burned inside. Klaus couldn’t know that he knew about her, couldn’t learn what he had made Aurora do out of his own anger and grief.

He wanted to go home, to Jenna, Jeremy and his cats, to call Elena or his brothers, older brothers who cared, even if one was without his humanity it was still better than watching as two of his brothers apparently forgot all the pain Esther had caused them as they tried to please her.

He just needed to get away.

“Elijah, where are you going?” Klaus called before he managed to get to the door.

“Home.” He called back, ignoring the fact he could hear the three of them following him, he was surprised Klaus hadn’t used his speed to grab him but he supposed that was a positive of her presents. 

“This is our home.” Klaus snapped, and Elijah twisted to face them.

Mother and her golden boys, Elijah smother the thought as he took them in Esther expression almost blank if not for the faint concern, Klaus angry and Finn looking at him almost pleadingly until Elijah met his eyes and he looked away.

They ruined us.

We can do better.

‘Apparently not’ Elijah thought, Finn could offer comfort to a teenager that barely remembered him but once Esther returned Elijah was once again a reminder of an event he wasn’t there for, an annoyance and obstruction.

“I’m not playing happy families,” he replied keeping his anger from his tone, adding as Klaus started looking hurt and Esther gained a disproving expression, “not with a woman always more concerned about her own appearance than the good of her children.”

Esther flinched at the words looking shocked to be the target of his anger while Klaus blinked looking at him with confusion.

He looked at Finn who kept looking away, Elijah would have taken it as an improvement if his older brother hadn’t reached out to Esther, to offer her comfort over the truth being laid at her feet.

Right, he should have known better.  

I want us to be a family again.

She could have that but Elijah wasn’t going to be part of it.

—--

Jenna hadn’t asked much when he arrived at the door, just pulled him into a tight hug and let him go to his room, barely touched since he was last there. 

He almost damaged the expensive suit that Klaus had brought him in his rush to get it off and change into his own clothes and pulled on one of Dad’s sweatshirts over the top.

It was still too big and he thinks as he breathes in he could almost pretend dad was still there.

Neither Luci or Kit seemed to hold any grudge over the months he had left them and had joined him as he pulled the cover over himself, he hadn’t wanted to talk or think.

It wasn’t fair, how come Mikeal and Esther returned when all they had done was hurt and damage their children while his parents, mum and dad, stayed dead no matter how much their children wanted-needed them.

He swallowed around the lump in his throat and kept his eyes closed ignoring the heat under his closed lids. He wasn’t sad, he was angry but he was a thousand years old, he was too old to cry over it.

—- 

In the morning his call to Elena added more to his problems Kol had fulfilled his promise and stopped Rebekah and told her about Esther, Elijah pretty sure his twin knew he wasn’t happy about that by his flat tone but she had also told him what he had been missing stuck under Niklaus’s possessive guard since Mikeal’s death, Caroline’s dad was dead, Alaric was in hospital and someone was hunting down council members.

She was still staying at the boarding house, both a mentioned returning that day, excited about living together again, just the promise of that had managed to slightly loosen the knot inside him.

He could have his family back, Esther, Finn and Klaus could go back to playing happy family and Elijah could still have all his siblings, without needing to stop them killing each other. For a brief moment Esther’s return was a blessing.

When he smiled at Jenna it was real, it was content and peaceful as both ate breakfast at the table and he ignored the guilt at the idea of having left Jenna here alone, before it was interrupted by a knock at the door.

Elijah didn’t think to hesitate to answer the door, expecting to see either of his younger siblings, a chance to reconnect with them, he was more than disappointed when found someone else there

He froze when the door opened to Esther, looking far more suited to the modern day than she had, the night before.

It made looking at her hurt less but somehow made his anger worse.

“Hello?” Jenna called over Elijah's shoulder as he found his words gone as he starred.

“Hello, I'm Esther Mikaelson,” she introduced herself to Jenna smile at her over Elijah. “I’m inviting you to the Mikaelson ball and I've come to collect Elijah-”

“No.” he cut her off, looking at the envelope in her hands.

Gilbert House.

“Elijah” she started like a disappointed mother over a tantrum which she could have been if he was very aware he had been the one to deal with most of his younger siblings fights and tantrums, and that during most of his own he’d been left alone or for Finn to deal with. “I understand your anger, Klaus shouldn’t have forced you to move in with him, he should have allowed you to bring your belongings but as a fam-”

He almost choked as he listened to her, had she ignored what he said or was she so sure he would relent and return to his place, the one he had put himself when he was a child and it was the only way to get her attention, the way his brothers had.

“Please leave,” he cut her off “I’ve invited Rebekah and Kol” not you went unspoken.

“I asked them to let me speak-” she started, he ignored her instead trying to close the door.

“Don’t care.” he smiled until the door froze and he could feel her magic in the air.

“Eylaugr Mim”- she started old Norse rolling from her tongue as if her had never stopped speaking to which may have been true, Elijah was just relieved it no longer gave him a headache, however the idea that she thought she could browbeat him back into his place with a name snapped his temper.

“GILBERT.” he shouted, pleased that at least stopped her, “Elijah Gilbert, the name’s on the invitation Esther.” He lifted the paper to her and watched her as she took a step back at the use of her name, her reaction was a balm to the hot anger burning in his chest, the flicker of hurt he caught. “I love my siblings, they are the only thing I'm keeping. Mikael’s name and everything else from either of you, I cast off.”

“Elijah,” she called her hand going to her heart, and yet the magic holding the door didn’t let up “you're my son, a part of this family.”

I want us to be a family again.

He had a family; it was scattered and broken but it was his and she wasn’t a part of it.

“Fuck your family! The one where you ignored your favourite son’s tears so you could keep your husband, the standing you gained from him and your lover. He was the head of his pack; he could have claimed Niklaus, saved at least one of your children from the raging man you choose.” he revealed it all, the secrets that shaped them and scared them just as well, none of that matter to him anymore  “I raised them as much as you, from the time i was five and you gave me Klaus, while you had fed Kol, then the same for Kol and Rebekah.”

He took a deep breath pleased when she kept quiet.

“The joys of this curse i’ve been living,” he explained sarcastically “is reliving every moment leading to my death, every time. I was never a child for you, neither was Finn really, just extra hands, we never got the chance to because you pushed everything you could on us. He might be happy to return to doing your bidding but i’m not, I've outgrown that need for the crumbs of your attention.”

“Elijah this is a second chance for all of us to do better.” She offered her hands reaching out, Elijah may have believed it before, but if she had changed, had seen the errors of her ways, where was the apology for turning him into the monster that had murdered the woman he loved, why was her power still stopping him from closing the door.

It was a mask, he wondered if she even knew how much of herself she was faking, at least it explained where Elijah had gotten that habit.

“All of us you failed first” he shook his head as he explained, “Try it with the others, they always mattered more, your secret keeper, your golden boy you kept from a good father for your own selfishness, your blessed prodigy that you stole his magic from, or the daughter you took any chance at a family of her own from.”

“You're my son.” she repeated but the words just caused the hot feeling in his eyes to grow.

He wasn’t going to cry, not in front of her, she didn’t get that, not after a childhood of ignoring his tears.

“You're not my mother.” he told her, the words offering him a lightness in his chest he took comfort in as he kept going “I’m the Gilbert's son, I was your spare set of hands.” he used the surprise at his own magic to slam the door before any more spite could escape him.

Angry tears escaped him instead as he glared at the door.

—--

Jenna waited for a moment after the door slammed, watching as her nephew’s back curled over slightly until the first shudder escaped him and she placed a hand of his shoulder.

She wasn’t going to force him to turn to her or anything of the sort just offer him the comfort she had wanted to do since she had been forced to sign the guardianship forms, to make sure he knew he wasn’t alone.

Her chest hurts when he twists and crumples against her, curling into her to hide, the way she used to watch him do with her sister despite the fact he’s taller than her, he wrapped her arms around him.

Another painful realisation was she had missed him growing in the last couple of months.

“I’m a thousand years old, I should be far beyond this.” came quietly and she just held him tighter. A thousand or eighteen, he was still her little nephew, the one she watched grow.

“I don't think you ever grow past your parents hurting you.” She tells him she had heard enough to work most of it out, Elijah was happy to be reunited with his original siblings but the same wasn’t true of his first parents.

“She’s not.” he snapped but he carried no weight, “I hate her.” he muttered into her shoulder, almost calmly if she hadn’t heard his voice crack. 

“Oh honey.” she sighed sadly, reaching up and running a hand through his hair. He had cut it while he was living away, started gelling it but it seemed hadn’t done that yet this morning. “But you don't, do you?”

“I want to. She deserves it.” he grumbled. 

“I’m sure.” She agrees, she had alway wondered where the maturity that had haunted her little nephew had come from, after learning about his dreams and past lives she had thought it was those that made sense. But no, it was a horrible pair of people who should never have become parents in the first place screwing up their kids, a thousand years ago, so bad that they haunted the world in the aftermath.

I raised them, he had said pain clear i was five. I was never a child.

“Why was it them that came back, why not mom and dad.” Elijah muttered angrily and Jenna hugged him tighter, knowing she couldn’t be her sister but needing him to know he wasn’t alone.

[your-local-grubdog]

Together in the Storm Chapter 4: Our Corner of The Cloud

Story Summary: Olimar is back home once again, ready to rest and recuperate from everything that had happened. Yet the universe keeps throwing unwanted surprises his way, making rest difficult. He just wants to make his (now rather large) family believe that he’ll be okay. Because he is, for he has to be.

Chapter Summary: Olimar spends some time with his son

Read on Ao3 here!

[][][][]

As it turned out, getting help wouldn't be so simple.

Rose and Olimar researched the best they could during the few days he was in the hospital. And for the next several days after that, after Olimar got to return home and rest somewhere where he felt more at ease. It shouldn't have been so hard to try. But as it turns out, Hocotate Freight didn't exactly cover therapy in their care plan. And paying it out of pocket was…

They had to stop looking, at least for now, as the process was stressing out Olimar a bit too much. He was now turning his office computer off, planning to not use it at all for a few days. He had to stay away from searching fruitlessly for aid, and he probably could do with less screen time.

"I'm going to go start on dinner, okay hun?" Rose rubbed her husband's shoulders in an effort to calm him as she spoke.

"... A-Alright. I think I'll go lay down."

"Alright." She kissed his forehead. "I'll come get you then."

Olimar nodded, leaning into the gentle touches. He sighed as she walked away, putting himself in a proper posture again. As he tidied up his desk (which it didn't really need, it just made Olimar feel better) he saw the black box again. With a heavy heart, he gently touched it. He had been able to get the files off of the flash drive onto his computer just fine, but an entire ship's AI was a completely different beast. He had no idea how Alph got it on there, and no idea on where to even start with restoring it. It honestly made him anxious, eating him up inside. Was it aware it was in a hard drive, or was it like being asleep? Or more like being in a coma? He knew it didn't have real emotions, but the idea of it being aware and trapped made him feel so guilty.

Maybe he should just ask Alph for some help…

He soon stood up, desperate to stop thinking about the ship and the therapy and money and anything else that caused stress, though he couldn't exactly just do that. He was always, at least, thinking about the golden monster. The bracelet he hid away in his room, taunting him. The injuries he sustained that still pained him. He didn't know what the golden lifeform did to him, exactly. He knew he spent most of his time on the Drake sleeping, same for the hospital. But good Gods did walking hurt now. Well, there was always a mild bit of pain. The kind he assumed to be typical for a man his age with a job as labor intensive as his. But now it was so much more, and he always stayed close to a wall or heavy piece of furniture to lean on for support. Though, he avoided the family shrines. They were barely used, but he wasn't going to risk ruining them. He didn't think he'd fall, he wasn't unstable (at least, he didn't feel like it, but he also wasn't entirely sure what that would feel like), but he was still scared.

He felt almost relieved to reach the stairs. Getting up them was damn near tortuous, but he was thankful to have a railing sturdy enough to put his full weight against without consequence. When he reached the top, though, he couldn't help but wonder if it would've been better to just nap in his recliner downstairs instead. Everything hurt now. Oh well, at least he had plenty of time to rest between now and dinner. As he approached his bedroom, however, his ears flicked. He could hear music from down the hall, certainly from his son's CRTelecaster. He really should take a nap but… oh, he couldn't help himself. Was it too much to ask for some time with his kid? He slowly made his way over to his son's room and gently knocked on the door.

The music immediately stopped. "Oh, uh, come in."

With that permission, Olimar slowly opened the door and smiled at his son. Nova was sitting on the floor, CRTelecaster in front of him. The boy had made the instrument himself over the past year or so, something which Olimar would never stop being proud of. Olimar helped a little, of course, having supplied the electronics that were reused into the instrument and doing a little bit of wiring. Most of it was Nova's work, though. "Mind if I sit with you for a bit? Haven't gotten to hear you play much since you've finished working on that."

Nova paused for a moment. "Sure, you can listen."

"Thanks kiddo." He made his way over to a futon pressed against the left wall, which was currently set up as a couch. It usually was a couch, the only reason Nova had it instead of normal seats was for when Pluto visited. He leaned into it, letting out a slight groan. The futon was far from the most comfortable seat in the house, but it was so much better than standing any longer. Or struggling to sit on the floor... He couldn't help but worry about how winter will go. He'll just have to be better by then, so he can sit with his family around the kotatsu and not in a chair away from them. Hopefully Nova doesn't mind me staying here a while, I really do not wanna get up again�� "How's it been going with the CRTelecaster, hm?"

"Alright. Haven't memorized any songs but I can easily read the sheets for them."

"Could you play one?"

Nova nodded. He tapped just a few things on his phone before finding the sheet music for whatever song he had chosen. Soon, the strange electronic noises truly unique to the instrument filled the room. Olimar couldn't help but smile a bit as he hummed to the song. He knew this one, not too well, but it played on the radio often. If Nova was nearby, he'd ask for the song to be turned up. The boy didn't sing the lyrics to it - probably not yet confident in his ability to sing and play at the same time yet - but that was fine.

Olimar could remember when Nova had first asked for some old electronics to make it. Such instruments were very common on Hocotate, had been sense Olimar's great-grandparents were around. It was around that time that interstellar shipment became the most common job on Hocotate, and with it came plenty of opportunities for pilots like Olimar to buy some unused "junk" other planets no longer wanted. Such so-called junk was perfect for making all sorts of things, even musical instruments like the CRTelecaster. Most people made their instruments themselves, and Olimar had wanted to make one himself when he was a kid, but there was no way his father would have let him. Buying one, while possible and not too expensive, was also certainly out of the question.

He was more than happy to let his own son have it, then, and to help him build it. Seeking out more items for it became such a pleasant habit that it was hard to break. At least his son had spare parts now, should something break or he wished to start another project.

Soon the song was over, Nova taking the time to silence the machine. As he did Olimar couldn't help but smile and clap, even more so when his son's response was an unamused glare. "It was really good, though. You've gotten much better."

"T-thanks. It's - it's an easy song to play-"

"Aw, no need to dampen your achievement here. Progress is progress, and it sounds good."

Nova shuffled around awkwardly, though he was smiling a bit. "There's - one song I can sing and play at once. If you'd care to hear… I'd, uh, also like for you to sing with me."

Olimar couldn't help but smirk a bit. "I thought that you hated it when I sing. That you think I'm bad at it."

"Because you are." Nova groaned, his pure bluntness and annoyance getting a hearty laugh out of his father. "I still… want you to, though."

Olimar's chuckles finally faded away. "Aww, of course buddy. If I know it, that is."

"You do. You taught me. It's Our Corner of the Cloud."

Oh, that old work song. Captain Destiny had taught him that one, when he was still but a young mechanic on her crew. Olimar found himself growing heavy as he leaned into the futon more. "Aw, of course buddy. I take it you want to just sing the responses?" It made sense, it'd certainly make it easier for the boy to sing and play at the same time if he had only four lines to worry about.

Nova nodded.

"Ah, alright. I've never sang with instrumentals, just with voices alone, so start the beat and I'll figure out where to start singing as well."

Nova nodded and began to play his CRTelecaster. Olimar bobbed his head to the beat as he tried to get a feel for it. The instrumental stayed simple, a further aid to Nova in learning. Besides, work songs were never really supposed to need or generally have instruments playing along them. Workers were meant to be able to still work while they sang. For pilots and mechanics like himself, it was a way to pass the time, get closer to the crew, and keep morale high. After a few loops of the simple beat, Olimar finally found where and how to start. In a deep voice that he struggled to keep even, he began to sing,

"We've traveled far across the Cloud, Seen every corner of this Galaxy, We'll bring back the supplies we need, To serve our folks back home, A job so hard, it makes us proud."

… Though Olimar couldn't exactly call himself proud of his job. Proud of how far he's come, from janitor to mechanic to captain, sure. But not really of the job itself. At the very least, Nova seemed to be having fun, soon joining in for the response.

"No matter where we may go, Nothing will compare to our Hocotate Our dear home of ice and snow, I swear, we'll be back there someday."

Olimar's ears wiggled a bit. Since when did his son get so good at singing? Nova had always been better than him, but now the kid sounded amazing. Ah, just another thing to be actually proud of.

"Yesterday, a shipment to Koppai Of plastics, metals, and wires For them to make computers so fancy Which we can build into our own ships Stabilizers and navigators letting them fly.

"But no matter where we may go, Nothing will compare to our Hocotate Our dear home of ice and snow, I swear, we'll be back there someday.

"Today, a shipment to Zelace Of gems, silver, and gold For them to make jewelry so pretty Perhaps we'll pick some up for our love And bring a smile to her face!

"As no matter where we may go, Nothing will compare to our Hocotate Our dear home of ice and snow, I swear, we'll be back there someday.

"Tomorrow, a shipment to Baher, Of paints, clay, and marble For them to make art so fine Their cities covered in murals and statues A gorgeous site like no other.

"Yet no matter where we may go, Nothing will compare to our Hocotate Our dear home of ice and snow, I swear, we'll be back there someday.

"Yes no matter where we may go, Nothing will compare to our Hocotate Our dear home of ice and snow, I swear, we'll be back there someday."

When the song was done, Nova looked over to his father with a smile on his face. "Thanks dad, it really does help."

"Ah, no need to thank me. It was fun." A slight stretching of the truth, as Olimar's chest now felt awfully tight from anxiety now, but he did truly enjoy any time spent with his family.

Nova smiled a bit before setting up the CRTelecaster to be put away. As he did that, he asked, "So… when will you be sent on another delivery run?"

That made Olimar pause. He… really wasn't sure. Nor was he sure when he'd return to work period, since he had tasks at the office he did when not piloting a ship. Sacho seemed empathetic to his plight when he first returned. But even though he certainly needed more rest, the boss's empathy grew strained as Olimar took more time to recover. So he probably would be returning to work sooner rather than later. With a sigh he just shook his head. "S-Sorry kiddo, I don't know. Depends on when my body decides to stop hurting." Or when the boss decides he's done waiting for me… "But I think it won't be too long now."

Nova nodded, silent as he put his instrument away. "So what's PNF-404 like?"

"Hm? Oh, same as before." Olimar chuckled awkwardly. "A beautiful, wild planet. Can be a little scary, but with Pikmin I'll be okay. We found tw-"

"But you still got hurt."

That made Olimar flinch a bit. "Ah, well, I… this was a bit different."

Nova just huffed. "I see."

"... We found two new kinds of Pikmin! Rock and winged."

"I know." Nova was now looking through his shelf of games for something. "You've told us that already."

"We also found-"

"And you told us about the crabs." Nova cut him off in a flat tone. "And the new bulborb. And the swarming shear grubs. And seemingly everything you'll actually tell us."

That response made Olimar flinch again. Did he make Nova mad somehow? He… couldn't exactly tell his thirteen year old son about the golden monster. So what else was he supposed to say?

His son eventually sighed when Olimar failed to respond to him. "I'm going to play some games before dinner now."

"Oh - yeah, of course. Have fun kiddo. S-See you at dinner then?"

"Yeah, sure."

Well he sure managed to ruin everything. There wasn't really much he could do about it now though. With a sigh he began to stand up from the futon, only to yelp as a harsh spike of pain shot up from his lower back. He fell back onto the futon, groaning.

"P-Papa?!" Nova was quick to stand up and hury over to him. "W-What happened-?"

"I'm alright, I'm alright." He groaned, though he hardly sounded convincing. "Just, sudden back pain. I think I'll need a few more moments…"

Nova frowned but nodded as he gently sat down next to his father. "H-How did - this happen?"

Olimar shrugged. He honestly didn't know what the monster did to him, given he was knocked out for most of his time there. "Ah, n-not sure buddy. But I'll get my rest in, don't worry. That's all that matters."

Nova huffed, ears leaning back. "You sure you'll get enough time off before you have to work again?"

"I - er…" Olimar's ears leaned back.

When he once again failed to respond, his son let out an agitated groan. "Your boss is a di - jerk. He's a jerk."

"Hey, watch your language now." Olimar teased, poking Nova's nose. Normally he'd get on him a little more for nearly cursing like that, but he couldn't exactly disagree with the boy on the matter.

"Sorry, Papa." Nova mumbled. After a few moments, he hugged his father and said "S-Stay as long as you need."

"Ah, no, I don't wanna intrude-"

"Rest."

The sudden command silenced Olimar as he watched his son pull away and boot up his game console. Well then. He didn't want to worry his son more, though, nor did he really want to risk another pain spike. So he let himself relax a bit as he watched the boy play some adventure game he had. He could feel himself dozing off, which admittedly made him feel a little guilty, but he was just so tired. Nova must have noticed, because suddenly Olimar woke with a jolt as his son explained "I'll wake you when it's dinner time."

"Huh? Oh, t-thanks…"

The last thing Olimar wanted to do was worry anyone, let alone his children. But as he slowly fell asleep he couldn't help but wonder how in the Gods' names he was supposed to do that.

[tailwindpets]

When Every Step Counts: Why Your Dog Needs a Knee Brace Now

Imagine coming home after a long day to find your faithful companion, Max, limping by the door. His once vibrant energy has dwindled, and it’s heartbreaking to watch him struggle to walk. As a devoted dog owner, you want nothing more than to see him run freely in the yard again. If you’re in this situation, you’re not alone. Many pet parents face the harsh reality of their dogs suffering from knee issues that can severely impact their quality of life. But here’s the good news: a dog knee brace might be the solution you didn’t know you needed.

Understanding Common Canine Knee Problems

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from various knee conditions, including cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries, patellar luxation, and arthritis. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), around 20% of dogs will experience some form of knee injury in their lifetime. Larger breeds, such as Labradors and Rottweilers, are particularly susceptible due to their weight and activity levels.

Knee injuries can be debilitating, causing pain and mobility issues that affect a dog’s ability to play, exercise, and even get up from a resting position. In many cases, surgery might seem like the only option, but this can be expensive and involve lengthy recovery times.

The Transformative Power of Dog Knee Braces

A dog knee brace can provide the support and stability your pet needs to heal while allowing them to remain active. These braces are designed to mimic the natural mechanics of a healthy knee, supporting the joint without restricting movement. They can help alleviate pain, reduce swelling, and speed up recovery time.

Did you know that studies have shown that dogs wearing knee braces can experience a 30-50% reduction in joint stress? This significant decrease in pressure can help prevent further injury and even delay or avoid the need for surgery altogether. Many dog owners report their pets returning to their favorite activities, from fetching balls to running in the park, all thanks to the support of a knee brace.

Customization: The Key to Effective Bracing

One of the most important aspects of using a dog knee brace is ensuring a proper fit. Off-the-shelf solutions may not provide the necessary support, leading to discomfort or ineffective treatment. Custom knee braces are specifically tailored to your dog’s unique measurements and needs. They can be adjusted for varying levels of support, depending on your dog’s specific condition and activity level.

Many owners find that investing in a custom knee brace pays off significantly in the long run. Veterinary studies indicate that dogs with tailored braces can recover quicker and more completely compared to those using generic options.

When to Consider a Dog Knee Brace

If you notice your dog showing signs of discomfort, such as limping, difficulty getting up, or reluctance to engage in physical activities, it might be time to consider a knee brace. Even if your dog has been diagnosed with a knee condition, a brace can offer crucial support during the healing process.

Moreover, preventative use of knee braces is becoming increasingly popular among dog owners who want to protect their pets from potential injuries, especially in active breeds. Providing a supportive brace during rigorous activities can significantly reduce the risk of future injuries.

Real-Life Success Stories

Take Bella, a spirited Golden Retriever, who was sidelined by a torn CCL. After being fitted for a custom dog knee brace, she was able to walk and eventually run again, much to her owner’s delight. Bella’s story is just one of many where dog knee braces have made a substantial difference in a pet’s life. These success stories highlight that, sometimes, it’s the simplest solutions that yield the most profound results.

Conclusion: Every Step Matters

For dogs suffering from knee issues, every step can be painful, but a dog knee brace offers hope. It can provide the necessary support to help your furry friend regain their mobility and joy in life. By investing in a quality knee brace, you can help your dog live a happier, healthier life, allowing them to enjoy the activities they love most.

So, if your dog is showing signs of discomfort, don’t wait. Talk to your veterinarian about the potential benefits of a dog knee brace today. With the right support, every step counts, and your best friend can be back on their paws in no time!

Sources:

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

Journal of Veterinary Orthopedics and Surgery

[williowdrake]

One Woman's Nightmare - Final Copy

The mousy grey car tips over the edge of the cliff. A woman screaming for anyone to save her. To help her, to save her from death. A man stands in the distance with his arms by his side. He has golden hair with flecks of brown in it. His eyes are full of pain and sorrow, lost of something pure. While his lips smirk in a unidentified way. However if one could describe it, it would be like a cheetah who has finally,-after a long run,- captured its prey.

Alli wakes up with a start. Sweating profusely, like someone drenched her in water. The shadows laugh at her, but no one is there except for the boy who has always been there. The boy who stays with her all night and helps her in the early hours.Alli gets up out of bed and rushes to the lamp.

"Will you stay with me?"

"Yes."

"Do you mind if I turn on my laptop"

"No, not at all."

"Really?"

The boy laughs, "Of course."

Alli returns to her bed without turning the lamp on. She sits on the bed and relaxes against the headboard. The laptop lying in it's coma - like state.

"Why do you always flinch or run away when a light is turned on?"

"I'm...um.... I'm afraid."

"It's okay to be afraid. Everyone can be afraid at any time in their lives."

"I know."

"No wonder why you hate the light."

"Foolish mortal! I do not hate the light, in fact I enjoy it."

"You are one of them!"

"One of whom?"

"The soulless ones, The Vampires."

"It's complicated."

"I think that I can keep up."

"It's not that I don't believe that you couldn't keep up. For believe when I say, I know you would be able to. It's just that I never told my story to a mortal before.But in the shadow...I am me. But in the light I am like a moth, ladybug, or any other creature attracted to the light." He shudders but continues. "Whatever case that might be, I actually enjoy the light. For the light makes me feel almost human. Almost."

"Why do....How?....Can you tell me how you came to be?"

"It all started when I turned five. I was standing on the dock waiting for my parents to return from their job."

"Get away from there boy, unless you wanna be fish bait." My Grandmother yells at me.

Before I even have a chance to turn around a small motor boat is near the dock. So close in fact that the motor wires wrap around my wrists and pull me under. Then all of a sudden the pressure is released and I see a boy near my age, swimming near me.

"I'm sorry." He whispers in my ear. "It will be all over soon."

He takes my arms and pull me near the top of the lake.

I feel arms grab my underarms and pull me out.

* * 5 hour skip * *

"Mom, was the other boy saved with me? For I'd like to thank him for saving my life."

"There was no other boy, Edward." My mother tells me.

"I'd still like to thank him."

"Tomorrow." My mother promises me, before I fell asleep.

* * * *

“I never survived the night.”

Alli gasps.

Edward laughs. “But it was my new beginning.”

“Can you continue?”

“Yes. I always forget that mortals tend to interrupt in a good story.”

“I won’t interrupt, I promise.”

“Yeah, but I bet you that you will.”

Alli blushes.

* * * *

A blonde hair boy sings Sea of Faces by Kutless in the depths of the ocean.

I am not just a man

that’s been lost in this world.

Lost in a Sea of Faces.

Your body’s the bread,

Your blood is the wine.

‘Cause you traded your life for mine.

“I love you Edward, my half-brother.”

* * * *

Edward crunches in pain. “I’ll have to leave shortly. Damn sun.” He whispers very quietly, so quietly in fact that Ali couldn’t hear him.

“Are you ok? Do you need a drink; water, blood, something?” Alli asked on the edge of hysteria.

“No,I’ll be fine. Thank you for the offer though.” He says as he straightens up.

“Then can you come sit down?”

“Sure.” Edward said as he walked to the bed and sat down.“Now where in the story were we?’ He asked with a wink.

“I may not have survived the night, but I knew that in some distance of my room, there was someone there watching me.” He continues without a missed beat.

After some time,a voice came to the side of my bed, my right side to be exact.

“I can give you a chance to thank him, child. Can you squeeze my hand if you would like this?”

I did as soon as I felt his hand in mine. I felt that I was in the boy’s debt that’s why I agreed.

He bit me, hard. So hard in fact that I could have sworn that he broke my shoulder bone.

“Fire burning my insides. Tearing me apart.” Edward shudders as he remembers the pain.

“Although I was in pain, I still didn’t scream. I was a big boy. I kept telling myself, over and over again.”

* * * *

I don’t know how long I was laying there in the dark. But when I woke up I found myself in a small enclosed case. I tried to scream only to find that I had something in my mouth. Sharp things, in my way of speaking. After some time of trying to remove the sharpness so I could speak. I began to shake and bang the thing that was inclosed around me. No one came, no one heard. I finally gave up and spent several dark minutes alone. Well, some weren’t so dark. Memories, my memories haunted me. My past lives, my undying cycle playing right in my prison.

“Sometimes I thought I was going to die in there. Like my oxygen would finally run out, and I would lose my mind.” Edward said as he turned his head toward Alli.

“But you never did, did you?”

“No, but I felt like it for quite some time.”

“The prison began moving in a wave-like movements of the ocean.”

Creaking and moaning was coming from my left side. A sharp toothed mouth came crashing down on me. I wanted to scream so bad, but I couldn’t. Paralyzed of my own fear.

Waves began swallowing me whole. Dragging me in the depths of hell. My eyes tightly closed, and my lungs burning for air. I try to get my head above. As soon as my head hits the surface of the water. I have just enough time to take a big breath before I’m under the water again.

* * * * *

My body washes off on a nearby island. I’m barely conscious. After about a few moments, I see two people walking toward me. One a small boy with dirty blonde hair and shaggy clothing. His cheekbones are high in comparison to the woman's. I couldn’t quite see the eyes but from where I was standing he looked almost nineteen. If I wasn’t in pain,I would have said that he was cute enough to date.

The other, a woman had brown hair. Not just any colour brown but the kind that you find in nutella. The darkest colour I’ve ever seen. She had a very fancy dress on her, almost like she was going to a ball. Or prom."

I sigh. Something I’ll never able to do. I turn my head away.

“Hi!” The boy I saw walking toward me said in my face.

“Hello,child.” I stumble out politely.

“Move Jasper, so I may look at him.” The woman said.

“But Gran…”

“No buts, he must be tended to.”

“Yes, Gran.”

I watch the exchange with a tinge of pain.

“What is your name, child?” She asks kindly as she kneels to my level.

“Edward.” I say.

“Here take my hand. I’ll help you up.”

She did just that.

* * * *

“How old are you, Edward?” Jasper asks me at the small round table.

“Jasper!” His Gran scoles him. “It is impolite to ask such a thing.”

“I’m sorry.” Jasper replies as his smile fades.

“It’s okay, ma’am. He is only curious.”

Gran smiles but shakes her head as she scutters us off into the living room where I am forced to take my wet clothes off in exchange for clean ones. Jasper hands me a red pair of flannel pjs. He watches me with hawk eyes.

I don’t want to scar this child but it would be downright wrong to ask where their bathroom is…. Despite what my brain is telling me, I do the opposite and strep down to my birthday suit.

Quickly changing so not to scare anyone including me. “ I am almost nineteen.” I answer his question from earlier.

Sadly I wish I could trust these kind people, however not knowing what they could or would do to me is...well, unidentified.

I feel like I knew Jasper from somewhere, another place...or maybe perhaps another time.

A small bunny cloud dances in the sky, two young boys playing tag in the hot summer weather. Laughing and giggling surround the two. Both giggling as they fell into the soft green grass.

“I hope that we can stay like this forever!” Jasper says as he leans on Edward’s shoulder.

“I hope so too, I like it here…” Edward said as he turned his face to the heavens.

The memories fades like the old drive in movies. The two happy smiles slowly fade into the background. With the promise of new life.

“Here you go, my dear.” Jasper’s Gran says as she hands me a cup of tea.

The tea smells like cinnamon….like Deadly Nightshade; Belladonna.

“Don’t worry there are no tears of Belladonna in that!” Gran says as she laughs….

I take another whiff and it smells like chocolate delight. I take a sip, then another.

“This is quite good, ma’am, thank you.”

“Your welcome.”

“So Edward what were you doing in the water?” Jasper asks me.

“I….I real don’t know. I remember being offered to thank my savior and then darkness…” I trail off and Jasper and his Gran exchanged worried glances.

“Wait! I’m confused..” Alli interrupted the story. “So it took you fourteen years to get to that island?”

“Sadly, yes. I was in the prison for fourteen years.”

“Wow.”

“Anyway that’s continue the story.”

“So you really don’t know why you were in a coffin or why you weren’t breathing?” Jasper asked me.

“Really...Wait, What!? I was in a coffin?”

“Yes.”

No I couldn’t be….Could I?

I accidentally dropped the cup of tea on the floor and sat in a daze.

A blue kite flying high in the air. Two gravestones were position in a little clearing. A pile of red tulips laying on the ground in front of each one. An elderly hand places one single red rose on the pile of tulips. The rain drenching her. Her face tight with sorrow but her eyes were full of love. The love of her children. She slowly walks down the path to her car. She steals one last look at the gravestones before climbing into her car and driving away.

* * * * *

I must have fallen asleep at some point because when I awoke I found myself on a soft blanket of dreams. A small light in the kitchen, like someone was baking.An awesome smell floating to where I lay. I stay silent, waiting to hear some indication that someone was up. After hearing no indication, I quietly get up and walk into the kitchen. Without realizing what I am doing, I grab ingredients to make a potion to reverse the curse that was placed on me. The curse of the vampire.

“I thought I would find you here, Edward.” Gran said with a thoughtful undertone in her voice.

I whip around fast, almost dropping the salt.

“If you were attempting to reserve what has been gifted to you, it will not work.”

“How do you know that it won’t?”

She looked at me with sad eyes as if she knew all about this curse. As if she was one.

“It is not in an old lady’s role to explain to vampires why that would not work.”

I stood, pondering the information hidden deep within those few words.

It is not in an old lady’s role to explain. I thought…

“It would be in your best interest to try to wait until morning. I shall enroll you in the school here as my grandson.”

“Thank you.” I whisper.

“Now off you go, I don’t want to see you look like the living dead.”

She said that as if I would get the joke. Of course, I am a living dead so I do not understand why one would make such a joke. I thought as I walked back toward the living room.

“Before you sleep, one last thing to think about. You are not the living dead but you are not human either. You are a one of a kind vampire. Not born, but made. Not one who wishes this life but perhaps it is for the best. Anyway, an olde woman like me needs her sleep. I shall see you in the morning, frater.”

Brother? …

I turn around but no one is there. I sigh and turn back around and walk back to the sofa. I sit down, pondering what Gran said.

If that is true. That I am special why don’t I feel like it? Why did this happen to me?

I look at the ceiling, eyes wide open.

“I never believed in you. All things pointed to the fact, the truth, but you were a symbol. Weren’t you? I mean, you couldn’t have died at the cross to wash away our sins. Wouldn’t just wash away your own? “

I sigh and look down.

“Whatever the case may be, God. I thank you for saving me and giving me another chance. Even if I hate it at the moment. “

As I began to lose the ability to be awake any longer, I could have sworn that I heard God respond to me. If only for a brief moment. Of course that just could have been my mind playing tricks on me.

I slept until dawn. That’s when the sun winked upon me. I blinked my eyes sleepily and looked around the room. No one was up yet.

Perhaps I can be human again. Or just act like them long enough to live a selected life. Maybe...Just maybe.

I got dressed and walk out the door.

I walk a mile to the ocean. The sun was glistening across the surface of the water, like glitter on a piece of paper. I see a little girl, must be five or six. She is just learning to swim in the shallow end of the water with what I’m guessing was her mother. A further up my path. I see people setting up their towels and their own shade. I couldn’t help but to laugh. I continue to walk down the beach.

I sigh deeply.

They are all so careless. And do not understand the beauty in live.

* * * *

Years go by and Jasper has just passed. For the first time in so long, I have been alone. What I wouldn’t give to die like him; to die saving someone that I love. To jump into that river to save that little girl. I believe her name was Katherine. She had captured my cousin’s heart. Jasper was so much in love. You could see it in his face. Of course back then, it would not have been able to continue. She was twelve, he was twenty. But I know they are very much alive and in love, wherever they may be.

A little girl sits by the rose bushes observing the scenes of humans. She sighs deeply. And looks down at her lap. I walk toward her.

“Excuse me Miss, but is this seat taken?”

“Of course not! You can sit down.” She smiles at me.

I know that smile… Long ago, I saw it.

I sit down and ask her, “It is a beautiful day, is it not?”

She looks shocked but answers anyway.

“It is. But the clouds over others are quite hard to forget.”

“Indeed. But the scenery is better than what it once was.” I said absentmindedly.

“Of course, the normal day here is sooo boring.” She said enthusiastically.

“How so?” I asked genuinely curious.

“Well, the people here are on their phones all the times. Not realizing how beautiful this place can truly be.”

“I see. That is quite a shame, for this beauty is one of a kind.”

“Exactly! I mean if only they could see the beauty then perhaps one might return here with a different outtake of life.”

I look at her. Swearing that I have met her before.

“What is your name?” She asks me.

“Edward Lyold. And yours?”

“Alli Archbald”

“What a lovely name.”

“And what a olde name you have.”

She laughed and her laughter was like the whispers of little bells at a wedding. I couldn’t keep my eyes off of her.

“I hate to cut this extraordinary chat short but I must go now.”

She collected her things and walked away. And I watched her leave.

* * *

Months go by and I have yet to see Alli. She has been on my mind for a long time. I can’t seem to get her out of my head. So one night I had gotten butterflies in my stomach. You know, like you are hungry but you know something will happen if you go out. Well against my better judgement I went out and walked to my favourite spot; Gallows Cliff. There was no one there. Then why was I there? I have no clue. I ended up finding some hares to feed from. Personally I would enjoy human blood, but there are no feeders around these parts. It’s a shame really. But I understand. In the process of feeding off of my six hare I heard a car coming. It sounded fast and the driver’s heart beat was beating fast. Faster with each second that goes by. I get into the road hoping that whoever it was would end it. End it all.

The car came speeding around the corner as if the person was upset. Not really seeing what was in front of her, she almost hit Edward but made the car swerve at the last second. Making the mousy grey car tip over the edge of the cliff. The woman screams for anyone to save her. To help her, to save her from death. I stand there not fully wishing to believe that the person in the front seat was Alli.

It couldn’t be her. It just couldn’t.

I ran up the cliff’s road when I felt the monster fight me to go back to kill her. Eventually he does take control but I can still control my body. Even though I am above the scene.

Edward’s golden hair with flecks of brown in it whips in the light breeze. His eyes are full of pain and sorrow, lost of something pure. While his lips smirk in a unidentified way. However if one could describe it, it would be like a cheetah who has finally,-after a long run,- captured its prey.

But eventually he sprinted to Alli ripped her out of the car and waited until the car had fallen off the cliff before sucking her dry. After the Edward had his fill of the girl he then tossed her the same place her car was.

Several days pass and Edward has been plotting a way to rid himself of this horrible life he was given.

* * *

A single year passes and on the date that he met Alli at the rose bush. He took a walk to the rose bush and sits down. Observing the scenes. Many hours pass and Edward gets up and walked to the cliff to watch the sunset. The sky had exploded with colours of the day. As the last strip of light could be seen by the sun (,not counting by the moon) , he jumped off the cliff. And landed on a stake that he had placed there many weeks ago. He couldn’t live without Alli that he knew for sure. And now he has joined her.

* * *

An older gentleman in his late 70s stands on a stage with a filled audience, with dim yellow lights shining on him and a corded microphone in his hand, and begins to speak.

“Some legends say that love will find the way. However in this case, love did not prevail. Unless you count the eyewitnesses that say they have found Alli and Edward walking down Gallow’s Cliff hand in hand. Although that is a different entirely. And for now, it is best just to leave it like that. Although some people still go searching for love in unexpected places, and they usually found love at Gallow’s Cliff. Some say that it’s Alli and Edward ghost helping people find the love that they were looking for. Others say that it was something greater. A higher power.

Some might say that Alli was a piece of Jasper. But how might be possible, you might ask? I am only the narrator. But Jasper, he is well. Maybe without the one person who he loved uncontrollably. But it’s that how a brother’s love works? You love them because they have always been there for you or they knew for a long while. You love them with everything that you have. I am sure that wherever they are, that the love in their lives never died. A body may, but the memories, love, and soul does not. And that is where our story ends.

Your opinion of the outcome of the tale is up to you. But there is some things that are written in the stars. Even if they are small pieces of someone or something else.”

A smile lights up the old man’s face and when the camera pans to the theatre seats they are empty. The microphone falls to the ground and you can see the old gentleman disappearing in thin air. His gray hair turning into blue dust and his body shimmers and shines like soft melting snowflakes. There is no sound now. No memory of the man. Just a smile lingering on the surface of the air. The static fills the air.

One single sound echos the theatre. A single person clapping. Followed by more people joining in. They think it’s part of the show. An amazing show. When love prevails and Jasper gets set free. Yes, I was the old man. In a way, I suppose I always have been.

A bit of laughter is echoed in the walls of the booming theatre. A child’s laughter of happiness and love. There is another set of laughter joined by the first. A female’s, this time. Another set of laughter is joined in unison. The main characters of the story, if you were wondering. They, - we, - are happy. We are a family. A family with much more to learn.

The curtain covers the body of Jasper. The body is then placed in a casket and laid down to rest next to his brother and his girlfriend. A smile carved on his headstone. Another case has been close, another door has opened, and they have been greatly missed. There is always more than meets the eye.

A car lingers in front of Gallow’s Cliff. Just sitting there, enjoying the peaceful air the place seemed to bring. A set of couples smiling with a little boy sleeping in the back seat.

Thank you, they seem to whisper. For everything.

Perhaps life was okay in the end, wouldn’t you think? Even if things can’t always stay in the sky. They always find a way to thank the world which gave it life. No matter how small a life they did have.

Now that is the end. Or is it?

[sabikitsune]

Villain Interview: Valdryn

An interview with the bad guy from my original work.  Blank done by Raqonteur on DeviantArt.

LET'S TALK ABOUT YOU

What's Your Name?

I am known as Valdryn.

What Do You Do?

I am the King of Irzeldrudh, the artic home of the orcs. Although I am no orc myself.

Describe Yourself In Five Sentences:

I am quite tall, even by the standards of the elves who are among the tallest race in the world (although their sizes do overlap with man’s quite a bit).

I have my mother’s golden eyes and broad physique, and (in this form) I have my father’s hair and face.

I believe that I am a competent leader and take good care of my men, although I do not tolerate failure lightly either.

I believe strongly in order and cannot stand the chaos of the world, I would see it brought under control and united as one.

I was raised by my father to always be polite and courteous, while my mother taught me to fight and be powerful and terrifying.

What Would You Say If Someone Described You As 'The Villain'?

They may call me as they wish. I may be a villain to one family, but to the world I intend to bring order.

What Drives You To Do These Things.  Be This Way?

My goals are driven by two wishes. I want revenge on the one who killed my mother, and I can not harm him as he has died, so I shall punish his family. They will feel the same pain I did.

I also wish to bring an order to the chaos of the world, to unite all people’s together under my rule.

What Was The Last 'Really Bad Thing' You Did?

Hmmm, I started the last great war that encompassed the world.

Did It Make You Feel Good?

Perhaps if I had been successful, but I was injured enough to retreat and end the war.

Okay.  Flip Side Of The Coin.  What Was The Last 'Really Good Thing' You Did?

I take care of the orcs living in my land. I make sure foods are imported, and other needed goods.

And How Did That Make You Feel?

It is important to take care of those under you, or else you will have a weak army, easily defeated.

NOW, WHAT ABOUT YOUR NEMESIS

What Is Their Name?

There is no one person, as my goal is the ruination of a family line. But the current generation is represented by an elf-woman named Aerlin.

What Do They Do?

She is the heir to the elven-lands throne.

So, Why Do You Hate Them So Much?

Her ancestor killed my mother.

Tell Me About Your First Ever Confrontation:

It took a long time to meet the youngest member of the family. Originally I had my orcs sent to kill her, but somehow all the bands failed and either never returned, or only a few came back. Eventually I decided I should reintroduce myself to the world, and my curiosity about her made Aerlin the perfect individual to begin with.

It took some time to come up with a plan and get her alone enough for my orcs to capture. They returned to Irzeldrudh and I decided the best introduction would be over dinner.

She was not very cooperative, attempting to refuse my order, refusing to actually eat anything, and arguing with almost everything I said. She remained that way through her entire stay, until her friends got her free.

Have The Two Of You Ever Had To Work Together

No, and I doubt she would be overly cooperative even if it became a necessity.

What Do You Hate About Them?

As herself, there is little personally. But she is part of the line which killed my mother.

You Can't Call Them Your Nemesis Without Having At Least Some Respect For Them.  What Do You Respect About Them?

I will admit that she is a good leader, determined to protect her people. And a strong woman.

Jealousy Is A Common Cause Of Hatred.  Is There Anything You Envy About Them?

I suppose the fact that she grew up happy, despite the tragedies her family has suffered.

Unrequited or Spurned Desires Are Another Common Reason For Such Hatreds.  Are/Were You Secretly In Love Or Lust With Them?

Absolutely not. A demi-god and an elf? How would that even work?

Finally, How Do You Picture Your Final Battle?

I have little clear picture of the event. I do not know if I will kill her or her father first, either way the other will suffer that loss. And then I shall kill the other, and my armies will sweep across the world and bring order.

[traegics]

Brows furrow as her icy gaze narrows dangerously in the male's direction. She could feel the anger flowing through her veins the more the conversation continued, the more he refused to see the truth and it was leaving her digits twitching at her side as she shook her head. "I'm doing it for all of us," Everleigh retorted, voice rising regardless of the others around them, not caring about causing a scene. "I'm well aware of what I've done. Every single thing that I have done has a point, has a part in this plan. Every single person sent to the prison world is a part, a big part of all this. The power that I harnesses from them is being surged back through each of them. They are stronger, more powerful than ever before because of me. Don't you get it yet? The OEA will not stop, we will not win this war against them without this power." A heavy breath is released from her chest as her head shakes and she allows her cerulean irises to reflect her inner pain and guilt, her frame aching from the knife that is being twisted in her chest repeatedly with every word that leaves his lips and she hates it, the way he looks at her now, the way he sees her. "I'm not hiding from the things that I've done," the witch admits. "I have never once said that I am innocent, my hands are stained in crimson, I've never denied that, Dex. I know that what I have to do is- I know, okay? You don't think that I don't know that I'm hurting people? You don't think that the darkness that runs through my veins doesn't keep me up at night? That I don't feel even an ounce of guilt for some of the things that I've done?" Like killing Juri. Like killing her parents and hiding it from her sisters. "I never- I didn't-." A frustrated growl eases from her lips, hands rising to push back into golden locks as she tears her gaze away from the male before her. "It kills me to see the way that you look at me now, Dex," the blonde admits. "But I have to do this." Ocean hues return to Dex, brows lowered as her gaze pleads with him to understand, to see that she isn't a monster here, that she's just desperate to protect her family, to protect everyone before his frame is turning away from her and she's feeling the last remnants of her heart shattering within her chest. "You don't," Everleigh retorts, head shaking as her hands return to her side. "You only know what you want to know, whatever makes me look like a villain and that's fine, Dex, if that's what you need to do then it's your choice. Just know that if you change your mind, there will always be a place for you with us." Her head shakes softly, gaze falling between them as she takes another step back, as if the distance placed between them would make any difference at all. "Just stay out of my way, Dex, please," the blonde pleads. "Either join or stay out of the way but don't push me to do something that I will regret because the last thing that I will ever want to do in this life is hurt you."

“Then I don’t want it, Everleigh” Dex hissed, ignorant towards her pleads as she rose her hands “I don’t want your protection, I don’t want any part of this. You have no idea what you did, do you? The lives that you destroyed, for what? For your coven? For yourself?” A knot formed in his chest, veins protruding against his throat as her icy laughter carried between them, “you should have thought about that before you made yourself a threat to them. You sent kids to that fucking prison world, people that I care about.” His expression matched hers by this point in their heated conversation, their eyes alight with anguish as they wore the each other down. “I never said I hadn’t fucked up, Eve. Never pretended to be innocent when i’m not, I know what i’ve done – I know how many mistakes I’ve made to get where I am, but i’ve never hidden from that.” It was his turn to laugh in her face now, the sound unpleasant as it came paired with a scoff of disbelief, “I’ll believe that when I see it, because it sounds like you’re just telling yourself whatever you need to hear to deal with the destruction you’ve left in your path. There is no difference between you and the OEA, not really. Wake up and fucking see it.” His head shook, forcefully placing distance between them as he turned away from her, tugging a hand through his hair and releasing a sharp breath to calm himself down. “I know enough. I’ve seen more than enough to get the picture.” Only when he had forced himself to find some resolve, did he then turn back to face her, his expression plagued by anguish as his eyes found hers, but her forceful words only caused for anger to surge through his frame once again, “i’m not joining you. You or your fucked up cause.” Her threat wasn't taken kindly, each muscle rigid as she ensured to twist the knife in, his gaze hardened and his voice dropped to a venomous hiss, "do your worst. You said it yourself, you know what i'm capable of."

[lys1]

This is an Asra x fem!reader. NSFW for sure, porn WITH plot <3 this is my first post on tumblr so feedback appreciated.

——————

You walk through the dusty streets of the Market towards the palace. Hundreds of stalls loom up on either side, alive and vibrant with colors, smells, and tastes. It feels good to be back in the heart of Vesuvia.

You turn to look at Asra beside you, keeping your exhausted pace. It had been 8 days since Nadia had asked Asra and yourself to go check out some mysterious magic happenings on the outskirts of the city. You scoff to yourself, mysterious indeed, it took half the time to even track down the little pixie creatures causing ruckus and mayhem. Eventually, after some exhaustive spell casting and careful teamwork the two of you had managed to return the troublesome pixies to the proper magic realm they escaped from.

You yawn tiredly, loosening the emerald colored traveling scarf from around your neck. It was afternoon now, and the sun was beating down.

"Almost there now," Asra spoke up, breaking the silence. He looked fondly over at you, a smile lighting up his sun kissed face. Even so, you could see that the time away from home had taken its toll on him too. You were both more than ready to hit the hay.

You nod slightly, keeping back another yawn. "I hope Nadia has food for us, I'm starved." The villagers in the towns you had visited were kind and generous, but nothing could beat the delectable food that the palace prepared.

Asra chuckled, "I'm sure that right after we fill her in on the successful pixie management she'll immediately be tending to us like a mother hen. You know how she is, she loves to provide." He pushed back his curls from his face to wipe his brow of sweat, smiling as he too imagined the delicious array of food that was about to be offered. He picked up his pace at the thought, making you jog a bit to keep up.

The Palace gates soon loomed over the two of you, sparkling and gold in the summer sun. The guards at the gate looked up as you approached.

"Ah, the magicians! I trust everything went alright?" One asked, clearly recognizing the famous duo. He smiled warmly, maybe a little starstruck.

Asra returned his smile, "it was simply magical."

You rolled your eyes at the terribly overused pun as the guard gave a hearty laugh. The two of you were waved in and informed that the countess was waiting for you in the dining room.

"Oh even better," you groaned in appreciation. "We get to eat while we talk. I love Nadia." Your stomach growls in agreement. Asra flashes you a beautiful smile as his feet climb the stairs alongside yours.

"And clearly," he adds, "she loves us back!" He was particularly looking forward to some blue tongued skink, Nadia knew it was his favorite.

It only took a couple minutes to reach the dining hall. One of the servers was bustling out the moment You and Asra rounded the corner to the door.

"Oh, hello!" They said, giving a small polite now. "The countess is expecting you! Please, come right in." They moved aside, holding the large ornate door open with one of their hands.

You wink and whisper your thanks as the two of you make your way in. Immediately your mouth fills with saliva at the smell that filled the room. The table was large and being filled with platters of many foods of different origins. The gold dinnerware twinkled delightedly up at you and the red wine glimmered deep and inviting.

"Welcome, friends." Nadia opens her arms, rising from her chair. She had just been sipping on some pre-dinner tea while waiting for her guests. She was smiling, and looking absolutely magnificent in her shining purple and gold robes.

"Hello Nadi," Asra said, joining you and her in a quick hug before seating himself at the table. You follow, sitting beside him as Nadia resumes her seat. The servants bring the last platter of steaming dumplings out at that moment.

You sigh contentedly. "This looks amazing Nadia, I feel spoiled."

Nadia smiles, the faintest blush on her high cheeks. "Anything for my favorite magicians, willing to travel far and wide in aid of Vesuvians in need." She adores, raising her wine glass. "To my dear friends, what I would do without you, I wouldn't know."

You and Asra raise your glasses with her, each of your own cheeks now a healthy pink. Nadia declares the meal to begin and you all dig in.

"Oh my, what troublemakers!" Nadia declares, after hearing the story about the pixies. The food was being relished amongst every plate and the wine was flowing steadily. "I can't believe such tricky little creatures exists." She continues, eyes sparkling as she pours another cup of wine.

"Yes, well, the magic world is something else entirely." Asra laughs, relaxed and feeling full. He was lounging comfortably, one hand gripping your thigh, another holding his gold goblet. His skin was warm and aglow.

You had your own hand comfortably nestled in his snowy white locks, massaging slow circles into his scalp. It had been a long 8 days and you were both happy to finally be able to relax into each other while having pleasant conversation.

"You should have seen the way they caused mischief," you add. “Oh I felt terrible for that village. So many upside down cows to turn over." Asra smiles as you tell the story, closing his eyes and leaning into your gentle touch. It was, to put it simply, the best feeling he could imagine. Well, almost.

Nadia chuckles again. "Well, I'm just glad that they are gone and we can laugh about this." She says, sighing in slight relief. "Vesuvia is fortunate to have two talented magicians like yourself. I am fortunate to have you as my friends. Your well deserved payment is in your guest room."

Asra blinks, "oh, you're offering us a place to stay tonight?" He asked, the gratefulness clear in his tone. You couldn't help but agree, walking back to the shop did not really sound like something either of you wanted to do. Especially, you muse, lifting your glass to your lips, after how many wine jugs the three of you had emptied.

"Why of course," Nadia looks surprised that we even had to ask. "And," she continued, "use of my personal bath this evening. You two more than deserve some relaxation and.. fun." She ends her sentence after a slight pause, giving you both a side glance full of humor.

You feel your cheeks go slightly hotter at the obvious suggestion. However, embarrassment aside, nothing else sounded better right now. You look down at your lover who was now lounging against your lap and smile. Oh how far too long it had been, the pixies had been relentless and had not offered much down time.

Asra chuckles, clearly more comfortable with the suggestion. He always had been a bit more confident when it came to discussing your private life. You found it quite endearing.

"Oh Nadi," he smiles. "You just made this evening even better somehow. I can't wait to take my love there and-"

Nadia waves her hand, laughing at your horrified face. "Please, please, I certainly don't need to know details." She grins, "just go, and take the wine."

Asra didn't need more encouragement and sat up promptly. He looks down at you, a shadow of hunger in his lilac eyes, offering you his hand. You take it, biting your lip as his gaze continues to rake over your body in the sort of way that makes you squirm.

"Thank you, Nadia." You say breathlessly, and a little sheepishly.

Nadia smiles, "anytime." She says, laughter still ringing in her voice. "Now go, before Asra here makes love to you on this table."

Your eyes open wide, shocked to hear her say such dirty words before ducking your head down in embarrassment.

Asra rests his hand on your shoulder and leans down to whisper in your ear, "you heard the lady." His voice is sultry and thick with want. "The table is looking awfully inviting right now."

Quickly, you turn and head out the door, Asra following close behind. The bath is not far down the hall and the two of you make great time. Asra's hand is at your waist, pressing in such a way that you know means desire. You hadn't realized how badly he had been missing you.

You make it to the door and turn to look back at your lover. You gulp at the hot scene behind you. Asra's eyes are half-lidded, purple irises cloudy with lust. His shirt is already half unbuttoned, revealing his delicious golden tan skin, smooth and beautiful. He's looking at you in a way that makes you think he hasn't eaten in a week and you are a five course meal.

He closes in, pushing you against the door and reaching for the handle. "You're terribly slow," he says, voice already rough, desire prominent. He pushes the handle and the latch clicks, the door swings in behind you.

The two of you tumble into the sweet smelling room. Obviously Nadia informed a servant ahead of time of the use of this room because the bath was already filled and steaming. On top of the water pink rose petals float, filling the area with a soft floral scent.

Asra closes the door with a soft click and looks over his shoulder at you. "Oh my dear," he murmurs, taking the couple strides to wrap you up in his strong arms. "I've missed hearing you cry my name, kissing those lips, and feeling your skin." His fingers travel up your waist and over your stomach. They linger, just a moment at the swell under your breast before finally cupping your face in his hands.

You tremble under his touch, body suddenly aching with need. You bring your own hands up to his chest and splay your fingers out so you can feel his heart beating. It's fast and erratic, excited to be close to you.

"Sweetheart," Asra whispers, voice heady. It's intoxicating to hear him talk to you in such a way. You look up at him and catch him licking his lips. You bring your own up to meet his, tongue out to capture his. He groans, melting into the kiss, gripping your hair so tightly it's almost painful.

You gasp, mouth opening and he runs his tongue along your lips, tasting the wine you both had shared. "Delicious," he says against your skin, tasting more and more. His hot open mouth kisses travel from your lips to your cheek, jaw, and finally resting on your neck. Asra loves to leave marks, and he takes your skin between his teeth intending to do exactly that.

Your moan comes out hoarse and you feel heat starting to pool between your legs. They feel shaky and weak, unable to withstand such torment.

Asra steadies you and pulls back briefly, cheeks flushed hot, want written all over his face. "We," he states, "are wearing far too many clothes for a bath."

You laugh and take his shirt in your hands. "I agree," you say, pulling at the remaining buttons. They come free easily and soon a glorious, shirtless Asra is standing before you. You drink in the sight unashamedly, totally enthralled with your lover. Gradually, though slowed by each other's groping hands, you both end up undressed.

Asra grabs your thighs and hoists you up onto his hips. You wrap your arms around his neck and press your breasts into his soft skin. He groans appreciatively, nuzzling his face into your chest breathing deeply, and walks the two of you over to the edge of the bath.

The water is still very warm as it licks your skin. You jump in surprise and moan slightly as it overtakes your aching folds and up over your ass. "Ahh-" you sigh, slumping into the crook of Asra's neck. "This is so good."

Asra hums his agreement before taking your chin between his fingers and directing you too look at him. His eyes are swimming with love, need, and an absolute desire to ravish you. You swallow hard, unable to look away.

"I want you." He says simply, barely above a whisper. He maneuvers your body so your back is against his chest. You lean your head back into him and relax in the fragrant water. Asra snakes his left arm around your waist and trails his fingers from your belly button downwards.

You bite back a squeal as his trained fingers circle the small nub at the top of your slit. He adds pressure, rubbing you in a manner that makes you crazy. Your hips wiggle back and you feel him, hard and straining, pressing into your ass. His breath hitches only for a second before he leans down to pepper soft kisses on your neck and shoulders.

His other hand makes it’s way up to your right breast and he expertly rolls your perked nipples between two fingers. Your whole body shudders in response to his actions.

“Ah, fuck Asra,” you choke out, moving your hips to meet his fingers as he slides them down your slick towards your now dripping hole. He wastes no time plunging two in, enjoying the feeling of your walls tightening around him.

Asra lifts his lips from your skin and brings his mouth to your ear. “You’re so ready for me, aren’t you. Pretty and wet for my fingers, aching to be filled.” He curls them as he says that, relishing in the soft gasps that fall from your trembling lips.

You groan as he licks the shell of your ear, hot breath teasing on the sensitive skin. “You,” your voice falters a second as Asra’s fingers continue to explore your insides in a way that makes you grip his strong thighs on either side of you. “You are ready for me too.” You finally gasp out, finding the strength to grind back against Asra’s swollen cock. You knew if you could see it, it would be an angry red and leaking precum, desperate to be buried to the hilt inside of you.

Asra’s breath comes out in a short gasp that makes you smirk in satisfaction. At least you still have a little control left. That thought flies out your brain a second later when Asra pinches your nipple hard then twists, making you cry out in painful pleasure.

“Watch yourself, my love.” He coos playfully, no remorse in his words. You grit your teeth, taking in the torture that both of his skilled hands are laying upon you. You know what he wants, and it is oh so tempting to give in. You’re almost at war with yourself as your back arches on its own accord in rapt pleasure.

“Oh please, please.” You finally break, body shaking. You reach your arms back and thread your fingers through Asra’s fluffy locks before gripping hard. “Asra please fuck me already.” You plead, unable to care anymore that you were begging.

You feel Asra’s fingers slow to a stop inside you and then remove themselves. You almost groan in disappointment but you know better.

Asra flips your body around so you’re straddling his hips. You gasp when suddenly you’re faced to face with your beautiful lover. He looks positively stunning, the soft moonlight coming in from the high windows bathing him in a pearlescent light. His skin is glowing with a cool sheen, and his breath is leaving parted lips shallowly. Not to mention, his hard cock straining against your stomach, just begging for attention.

You bring your hand down and rest your index finger lightly on the slit. Asra shudders at the touch, but certainly not complaining. He’s slick, just as you expected, and you lightly circle his tip.

“You go on and on about how ready I am.” You tease, “but look at you, practically cumming into my hand already.” You lift your fingers and bring them to your mouth, tasting his salty sweetness. Asra’s diet is rich with fruit and vitamins, and oh how you loved how he tasted as a result.

Watching you lick your fingers coyly has Asra’s eyes drooping with lust. “My dear, oh my love,” he whispers. “How I am going to fuck you until I fill you with that cum you love so much. Because it’s true, you love it don’t you.” He says, voice sugar sweet, expecting an answer.

You blush, despite your best efforts. You look at him, but he only blinks in return, waiting.

“Yes,” you whisper, voice thicker with need than you realized. You give up trying to be bashful. “Yes, yes. I love your cum, how it tastes, how it feels when you fill me up. I want it so bad.” You beg, looping your arms around his neck so your lips are just inches apart. “You have my heart, soul, and body.” The words tumble out naturally, “and gods, do I need you now.”

Asra bites your bottom lip harshly before fully overtaking your mouth with his. He’s moaning, almost desperately, into you. “I love you, my dearest one.” He pants, gripping your ass with his hands. You feel your hips being lifted up and your body quakes knowing what’s coming.

You feel the tip of Asra on the heat of your slit and you sigh deeply, “I love you too, Asra.” You say, bending your neck so your head rests on his muscular shoulder. Your lips find a sweet spot on his neck, an anchor, as he lowers you down onto him. It’s tantalizingly slow, allowing you to feel every inch as you sink lower in the water until he’s fully sheathed in you.

“Oh gods,” Asra groans, both from feeling you pulse around him and from your playful lips on his neck. “You are a gift to me.” He says, breathless from the feelings.

You smile, in delight from your lovers sweet words. Slowly and carefully you lift your hips up, at the same time dragging your tongue up his smooth neck to his ear. You suck and nibble on the lobe as you find your rhythm, bouncing steadily on the thick shaft. He feels absolutely amazing in you, filling you perfectly.

Asra grips your butt underwater with his strong hands and leans his head to the side, giving you better access. He guides your hips to a steady pace, humming appreciatively when you comply. “It has been far too long since I’ve felt your sweet pussy squeezing me like this.” He says, without skipping a beat.

You don’t have time to blush before he picks up the pace, leaving you moaning loudly into his ear as he hits the spot that makes you crazy. “Ah fuck, I agree, I do agree.” You manage, finally finding the words.

The water sloshes around your two bodies, stirring the rosy scent into the air. It’s smells amazing and makes you dizzy with pleasure as every sense seems to be met. Asra huffs gently next to your ear, holding you tightly against his body.

You savor the feelings of your chests sliding against each other, the feeling sleek from the warm water and sweat mixing. Your hips meet his, snapping against each other with quick splashes, making you see stars as he hits every time the spot that has you go wild.

The muscles in your lower stomach tighten and you know it’s only a matter of time before you’re screaming Asra’s name for the whole palace to hear. “Baby,” you say breathlessly, kissing any skin you can reach. His cheek, the corner of his eye, his plump lips. “I’m going to cum.” You whisper into his mouth. He swallows your delicious words and licks your lips in response.

“I love when you do that,” he says, a slight chuckle in his words. He wraps his arms tightly around your middles before bringing his hands up to your shoulder blades and raking his nails down your spine. You shudder at the erotic feeling and arch your back against his hands. He sighs happily when you give him access to this gorgeous view, stretched out before him, stomach and tits shining gloriously in front of him. He puts his mouth on your bellybutton and licks up to the cavity between your breasts.

“Oh mmm,” he hums, pleased with the sweet taste of your skin. “You are a delicacy amongst gods.”

You flush looking down at his lustful face, sucking on your skin, leaving marks where only he will see. He latches on to one of your nipples, moaning in immense pleasure at the feel of it in his mouth. When he nips at the sensitive skin you jolt, a small disruption in the steady bounce of your bodies.

“Damn,” you curse, words choking in your throat. Your nails dig into Asra’s shoulders as he re-establishes the torturing rhythm that has you shaking desperately against him.

“Let go for me,” he suggests in a sultry whisper that has you reeling with a feverish desire. The pressure in your core is building at an alarming rate as Asra thrusts into you, filling you every time to the point where you can barely hang on.

“I-“ you falter, eyes rolling as you feel that familiar tingle across all your limbs. Oh gods, you can’t stop it now. “Asra, oh fuck, ASRA-!” You scream head thrown back. Your walls clench, and the knot comes undone. It’s amazing, you almost want to laugh in pleasure at the feeling of coming around Asra’s cock. It’s so good you almost forget to breath.

Asra curses under his own breath as he fucks you through your high, barely holding on himself. You bring your head back down and kiss him deeply, tongue joining his. It’s a short lived battle to hang on and in a flurry of short gasps you feel him cumming inside you, unable to stop himself from the uncontrollable waves of pleasure that come from your hot walls clenching around him.

You both continue to kiss each other lovingly, slowing down gradually until you’re sitting on his lap. Eventually, you pull away a couple of inches, looking into your beloved’s eyes.

“Hello,” you say, smiling at your favorite magician. Asra’s eyes crinkle as he smiles, looking at you through hazy eyes. He kisses you again, gently, pleasantly.

“Hello,” he returns, after a minute. He runs his hands up your back, massaging as he goes. “You,” he adds lovingly, “are so beautiful.”

You smile adoringly. “Thank you, Asra.” You remove yourself from his lap and wade through the water towards the collection of bottles on the wooden shelf nearby. You grab a few that you felt suited the two of you best and turned to your lover. Asra had lifted his arms to rest on the sides of the bath and was looking at you with admiration.

“May I wash your hair?” You ask setting down the bottles, but keeping a lilac scented shampoo for Asra. He smiled at you, his face soft and kind.

“That would be amazing, my love.” He said, leaning his head back into the water to dampen it. You squeezed some of the lovely smelling shampoo into your hand and waited. Asra emerged a moment later and kissed you adoringly on the nose.

“Thank you,” he breathed. “For always taking care of me.”

You kissed him back, a peck, before turning him so his back was facing you. You rub your hands into a lather before working them into Asra’s soft hair.

“I always will, forever.” You say softly, happier than ever.

[huge-enthusiast]

Miraculous fic recomendations!!

This is just an excuse to show all my bookmarks? Yes. Yes, it is. I'm pretty sure most of this fics are really popular, but try see if you find something you didn't knew about!

All of the fics will be rated Teen and up audiences or lower. Also if I don't put the author's tumblr is because they didn't put it in the fic or/and I couldn't find it.

Pairing: Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir/Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug

knowing you by emsylcatac (they are not really the author of the fic but that's the account that says in the fic, the actual author doesn't have an account).

After dropping their transformations months ago, Marinette and Adrien see each other for the first time after being apart. They've both left too much unsaid and have to work to pick up the pieces of their confused hearts.

Chapters: 1/1

Post-reveal but mostly ladynoir, light angst with happy ending.

the last day on earth by Reiaji

The first time Marinette sees Chat Blanc, she's fourteen years old. The second time, fifteen—the third time, seventeen.

The closer she grows to Adrien, the harder it is to save him.

Chapters: 1/1

Post-reveal lovesquare, kinda heavy angst, hopeful ending.

tell me something i don't know by carpisuns (@carpisuns here on tumblr)

Do you think it still means something? To love someone, even if the universe said you had to?

The odds of having a soulmate are about negative one billion (or something like that). But somehow, like they always have, Marinette and Chat Noir find themselves together. They’re ready to finally tell each other everything, but it turns out that even soulmates have to keep secrets, and while their bond draws them together, duty forces them apart.

Chapters: currently 17/28 (WIPs can be exhausting but this one is 100% worth the wait!)

Mostly marichat but almost all of the lovesquare sides make an appearance, soulmates au, mostly fluff but it can get angsty if it wants to.

One Thing After Another by SKayLanphear

Marinette notices that, sometimes, Adrien acts a little out of the ordinary--like the time he stood in a cardboard box for no reason, or when he actually hissed at Nino. It's only when she starts to notice the similarities between Adrien and a certain feline that she begins to get suspicious.

Basically, Adrien acts like a cat when he probably shouldn't.

Chapters: 15/15

Mostly adrienette with one sided reveal by Marinette's side, miraculous side effects (by both sides wich is really cool!), it's fluff with a lil tiny angst for drama.

This would take some getting used to by Codango (@codango here on tumblr!)

Adrien peeked out from behind the chimney even as the magic of his own Chat Noir mask fell away.

She was still visible, her dark hair bobbing under the street lamps a couple blocks away.

“Marinette.”

Adrien blew out a confused breath. His fiery Ladybug… was the quiet little mouse who sat behind him in class?

“What. The.”

This… would take some getting used to.

Chapters: 8/8

Adrienette with one sided reveal by Adrien's part, awkward flirting, just fluff, nothing to worry about.

comfort food also by Reiaji!

In Marinette's house, cooking is a language of love, and Marinette loves Adrien more than most.

Chapters: 1/1

Adrienette with a little of ladynoir, super super fluff, a lot of insight into Marinette's chinese heritage.

The right side of his face by walkingonthestars (@hamsternamedmarinette here on tumblr!)

Marinette and Adrien are able to remain in their new seats in the back of the room at the end of Chameleon.

Chapters: 1/1

Adrienette, fluff with light angst.

it's a long way forward so trust in me by aloneintherain (@captainkirkk here on tumblr!)

“You’re not the only strong one around here, Chat,” Marinette said. She looked a little winded, but she wasn’t struggling to hold him up.

This close up, he could see the freckles on the bridge of her nose. He could see how that smug smile lit up her eyes. He could feel the strain of her arms—and wow, okay, he really wasn’t the only person around here with muscles.

Six times Marinette carried Adrien (plus one time he carried her).

Chapters: 1/1

All the sides of the lovesquare! Fluff with LOTS of mutual pining.

a fight that you were born to lose also by aloneintherain

When the prosecution starts throwing around the word victim in reference to Adrien, he has to stuff his hands under his thighs to keep himself from bolting out of the courtroom.

Adrien had felt unsafe during those last few weeks, but, until he had woken up and seen Father silhouetted in his bedroom doorway, that had only been paranoia. Father was controlling and cold, but he wasn’t hateful. Adrien was isolated. He was often hungry. And some weeks ago, when he had snuck out to visit Nino, sitting thigh-to-thigh on his bed while Adrien cried in that silent, crumbling way of his, he hadn’t argued when Nino put a hand on his shoulder and said, tentatively, That’s abuse.

But Adrien remembers being small and Father touching his hair after he’d aced another test; Father holding his scribbled drawings like they were something precious, and framing them around his office; Father, dressed as Hawkmoth, his eyes wild behind the mask, lashing his sword against Adrien’s baton; Father, collapsed against Mum, crying into her ashy hair.

Adrien finds out Gabriel is Hawkmoth, and Gabriel gets to bring his long-waited plan into action.

Chapters: 1/1

This one doesn't really focus in the ship that much as is an Adrien character study and an exploration of his relationship with his father, but they're still there so I put them here. Really heavy angst (this is one of this fics that haunt me in the middle of the night) with a happy ending. ❗TW: parental abuse, eating disorders❗

Supercut by LNC

Marinette loves her friends and Adrien can't deal.

Chapters: 1/1

Post-reveal lovesquare, again light angst, an exploration of Adrien's insecurities, Marinette Dupain-Cheng deserves the world, happy ending.

Madame Snare by jettiebettie

“Sounds like a lot of work for nothing. She should take this as a sign to have a relaxing weekend with no responsibilities.”

“It's a lot of work she put her whole heart into. It wouldn't be right for it to go to waste,” Adrien whispers to him. The look on Marinette's face is enough to cause Adrien's own heart to ache. If anyone deserves the satisfaction and pride from a job well done, it's her.

“Too bad there isn't anyone else who can walk in those death traps,” Plagg says. Adrien hums in thought, tapping his chin.

“I could.”

Chapters: 1/1

Marichat, episode-based, Chat Noir in a dress!!!, light angst but it's mostly just idiots being idiots and a lot of fun.

in the same sun by peachcitt (@peachcitt here on tumblr!)

"It’s hard to believe that I saw you last at the peak of summer, when the sun was close and warm - and so were you. It should go without saying that I miss you. I miss you something terrible."

//

"It’s been seven months to the day since I’ve seen you. I wish you were here more than anything else."

Two letters, signed with initials instead of names, found in Paris, France.

Chapters: 1/1

Ladynoir, just angst, that's it, written like letters. No ending, just pain.

an uncurtain discovery by Missnoodles (@ladyofthenoodle here on tumblr!)

When he returns from school on Wednesday afternoon, Adrien discovers the darkness in his own home. He struggles to come to terms with it. To his utter mortification and delight, Ladybug is nearby to rescue him.

(He does not discover that his father is supervillain. That will happen on a different Wednesday.)

Chapters: 1/1

Ladrien, it says it's crack, and don't get me wrong, is super funny, but I also found it sad as fuck?

An Open Secret by Kasienda

Adrien whirled around toward Marinette. She smiled at him.

He couldn’t smile back. He stared at her like the dumb blond model that he was often accused of being.

Something shifted in her expression. And her warm open Marinette smile transformed into Ladybug’s grin. He was looking at Ladybug right now.

He knew Ladybug’s name!

Her name was Marinette Dupain-Cheng.

And he couldn’t say anything! Not to Marinette! Not even to Plagg, who had confided two weeks prior that Master Fu was growing increasingly paranoid since the location of his home and hideout had been compromised. Their master had apparently decided that Chat Noir and Ladybug would have to give up their miraculouses if they ever discovered each other’s identities.

It wasn’t fair!

...

A fic where they both know, but can't openly talk about it.

Chapters: 4/4

Post-reveal... but is it? Mostly adrienette and ladynoir, fluff with light angst and them being absolute idiots at hiding their secret identity.

golden (like daylight) by okayanna (@anna-scribbles here on tumblr!)

Friendship, Adrien decided, shaking off the mental image of Marinette’s hurricane eyes and hesitant mouth, parted in a small, careful “o.” He had a very strong friendship with Marinette. That was all.

or

Adrien thinks a lot about words, love, and Marinette Dupain-Cheng.

Chapters: 1 + epilogue

Adrienette but has lots of ladynoir, another Adrien character study because I hate myself, it tries to not be angst but the writing will punch you in the guts and make you cry, it's so good.

Strangers in the Bright Lights by poodles (@ladybeug here on tumblr!)

Adrien is about two drinks in when he sees a girl at the end of the bar wearing black cat ears. It's kind of weird, so he watches her, and although it's crowded he can see her face when she turns around. She’s wearing a Chat Noir mask. He takes a quick look around- nobody else is wearing a mask. Just her.

Adrien finishes his gin martini and heads over to her. He could use some company tonight anyways, he hasn’t told anyone he’s back in Paris and Nathalie won’t arrive in town for another month. And it’s been a rough day, okay? A rough move! He’s not sure he wants to be back yet, and he spent most of the day in the Agreste mansion sorting through some photographs of his father he found in the study. Maybe he wants a drink and some stranger to tell him he’s pretty! That’s not a crime, is it?

Chapters: 1/1

Adrienette but it's also ladrien??? I think??? It's super super angsty but they're both drunk the entirety of the fic so it's also really funny.

Pick-Up and Chase by also SKayLanphear

After she accidentally trips into Adrien and apologizes about "falling for him," Marinette learns that he's no match for cheesy pick-up lines--whether they were unintended or not. And while she finds it flattering that he turns into a flustered mess with only a few words, Marinette comes to regret making him uncomfortable. That is, until she learns he's Chat Noir. At which point the phrase "just deserts" becomes a permanent fixture in her everyday plans.

A story in which Adrien is flustered, Marinette is smooth as glass at dropping lines, and Chat Noir gets the romance he was always asking for--even if he doesn't quite know how to handle it.

Chapters: 10/10

Adrienette with one sided reveal by Marinette's side, it doesn't say it in the tags but I'm pretty sure the characters are much older than they actually are in the show, so much fluff and so much flirting.

Pairing: Alya Césaire/Nino Lahiffe

Nino Has Done Nothing To Deserve This by GuardianKarenTerrier (@guardiankarenterrier here in tumblr)

It's nothing, really- just an innocent comment, a joke. But when they hear it, Nino and Alya come to a realisation.

There were, in retrospect, dozens upon dozens of hints. Now that they're suddenly aware of all their friend's flimsy excuses and rushed explanations, they're not only sure how they've missed it, they're not sure how anyone else has either. They realise that it had to be magic protecting their friends- and that same magic has ceased to work on the two of them.

Well, this means they'll just have to start watching over their friends themselves.

Chapters: 7/7

This is more a found family fic than anything else, Alya and Nino are the mom friend, has light angst but it's mostly identity shenanigans in the most bizarre way. ❗TW: eating disorders❗

christmas lights by demistories

Nino checks up and down the street, checking to make sure there’s no raging akuma headed his way before he crosses quickly and ducks inside the small café. He closes the door quickly before the icy air can blow inside and tugs his beanie down over his ears. He spots Alya sitting alone in the corner.

Chapters: 1/1

Just fluff!! Really short but really sweet.

hold on, i still want you also by Missnoodles!

Written for the @thedjwifizine ! Wich I also recommend if you wanna binge a lot of djwifi fics while also looking at amazing art!!!

Five times Alya ran into her ex, and the one time he stopped being her ex.

Chapters: 1/1

Light angst with a happy ending! I don't really like the ex-lovers to lovers trope but this one is the only exception.

I will continue to expand the list in the future! But by now I hope I was helpful in the search of new fics!