#heh heh sorry i had to. it brings me joy.

[yuikomorii]

Happy 12th anniversary! 🎉

// I can’t believe so many years have passed since Ayato’s first CD drama, which marked the beginning of Diabolik Lovers and the introduction of my girl, Yui. Even if it got its flaws, I will continue to support this franchise! 💘

I have prepared an edit and a scenario for this special day! It's meant to be a "funny" one, so there will definitely be some cringe moments, but overall it's quite lighthearted. I sincerely hope you find it enjoyable! Besides, I had a blast writing Laito; he always channels my inner mischievousness.

Yui: Hmm… I believe I have all ingredients now!

( Come to think of it, the Sakamaki brothers are vampires but they surprisingly allowed me to celebrate Christmas this year. )

( It’s honestly so ironic that it makes me wonder whether or not they actually did it for… me? )

( A-Ah no, that’s definitely not the case! I’m probably just getting selfish at this point, but I genuinely do appreciate it. For this reason, I’ll try my best to cook all of their favorite dishes so as to show my gratitude! )

( Christmas is such a magical time of the year. It brings back memories of my father and I organizing the annual Christmas Mass together. We used to decorate the church and bake sweets for children, who were so cute when receiving them! Those were activities that truly brought joy to my heart… I sort of miss those times. )

( My father… I wonder, is he preparing for Christmas too? No, he most likely isn’t… )

( I don’t even know where he is to begin with but I truly hope he’s alright… )

( Anyway, I shouldn’t ruin the mood with those thoughts. Now that I've got everything ready for the dishes, I just need to find the right spot to hide Ayato-kun’s pre— )

Ayato: Yo, Chichinashi!

Yui: G-Geez! Ayato-kun, I told you already not to sneak up behind my back!

Ayato: Haa… Fine, fine, I’m sorry.

Yui: It’s— Eh?

( Wait a little, did he just apologize? )

Ayato: Why are you making such a dumb face? You don’t believe my words, do you?

Yui: Y-You got it wrong! It’s just that I wasn’t expecting Ayato-kun to apologize for something so trivial, you see.

Ayato: Hmm, I guess you’re not wrong. But, since Christmas is coming soon, it’d be a pity for Santa Claus to write me on the naughty list after trying to avoid it the whole year.

Yui: Naughty list…?

( Is it just me, or does Ayato-kun really believe Santa Claus will give him a present? I mean… Santa is told to only deliver them to children, and I'm not sure a 17-year-old still qualifies as one. )

( But I can’t straight up tell him that! It will only ruin the magic otherwise… Besides, when that thought crosses my mind, it somehow makes him appear so pure. )

Ayato: Hah? What are you grinning at? I swear, I've made an effort to be a good boy this year!

Yui: That’s really… amazing, Ayato-kun! I’m sure Santa will remember that!

Ayato: Heh? So you really think he’ll bring me something?

Yui: Uhm… Definitely!

( His eyes started sparking, I really can’t say “no” to that…! However, that only means I'll have to get him another gift so that he can have one from "Santa" and another one from me. )

B-By the way, I think I forgot to buy gingerbread syrup. I suppose I should leave before ——

Ayato: No, no, I’ll go!

Yui: You will? Ah, but you don’t have to! I was the one who forgo—…!

( He’s covering my mouth! )

Ayato: Stop blabbering already! Ore-sama offered to buy it for you, so you could try being a bit more grateful!

Yui: That’s… you’re right.

( Maybe it’s for the better. This way, I'll be able to find a hiding place for the present I already have for him. )

Ayato: I’ll be right back!

—Timeskip—

Ayato: Tsk, I can’t believe that shit was out of stock!

Chichinashi will surely be disappointed, if I come home with nothing! After all, she takes all that Christmas stuff seriously…

What's worse is that I tried really hard to find it, but it was already sold out by the time I arrived!

Tsk, damn it! Why must this be so complicated!?

Laito: Well, well. Seems like Ayato-kun is quite moody today.

Ayato: Get lost you pervert, it’s none of your business!

Laito: Haa… how rude of you, Ayato-kun. And there I was actually intending to give you this, but I guess you don’t need it anymore.

Bye bye~!

Ayato: Wait… What’s that thing in your hand?

Laito: What you ask? Nfu, it’s gingerbread syrup, of course. I was able to get the last one today.

Ayato: Wha—! Oi, you better give it to me or else—

Laito: Or else what~?

Ayato: I’ll—… Nevermind.

Look, you know I’m not into cheesy stuff but Chichinashi really loves Christmas, okay? Getting that gingerbread syrup might make her happy ‘cause maybe it’d remind her of how she celebrated it with her pops. That’s why… I can’t believe I’m saying this but… give it to me, please!

Laito: Woah, it’s honesty hour, hm?

Well, whatever, I don’t really care about that gingerbread syrup anyway, so you can take it if you want to.

Ayato: Really? Gr—

Laito: You didn’t let me finish though. I will only give it to you, if you promise me something.

Ayato: Hah? What the hell is it this time!?

Laito: No need to get so worked up~. All you have to do is to ensure that Bitch-chan consumes at least one glass of syrup at the time you bring it to her.

Ayato: That’s it? Pfft, easiest task ever!

Wait… almost a bit too easy.

Oi you perv, you better not plan something behind Ore-sama’s back, understood?

Laito: Normally I would, but Christmas is just around the corner, right? Who would risk being added to the naughty list at the last minute, right?

— hands Ayato the gingerbread syrup—

Place: Living room

Ayato: Yui! Yui! I’m back and look what I found!!

Yui: Good job, Ayato-kun! Thank you so much for helping me!

Ayato: Now take a seat!

— forces her to sit down —

Yui: Eh? What’s happening?

Ayato: Nothing to worry about, just drink this!

— shoves glass of syrup down her throat —

Yui: Mmh…!!

(What on earth!? I can’t breathe—!)

— Yui swallows it —

Ayato: So~, how is it?

— Yui starts coughing —

Yui: It’s… it’s not as sweet as I remembered. This one is quite bitter.

Ayato: Bitter? Don’t spout nonsense, gingerbread can’t be bitter!

Yui: Yeah… thought so too… but..

(My head started spinning around…)

Ayato: Are you even paying attention to what I’m saying?

Yui: Uuh… Sorry, Ayato-kun, I’m suddenly feeling so dizzy…

Ayato: How—?

( The heck’s wrong with her? Is it ‘cause she swallowed that too fast or…? )

Yui: Ayato-kun…

Ayato: What’s it?

Yui: Has anyone ever told you before that you are… extremely cute?

Ayato: Hah!? I mean, yeah, but what’s up with the random confession?

Yui: Eh? Am I not allowed to compliment the most adorable boy in the whole wide world…?

Ayato: Huh—?

Yui: You see, when I look at you like that… you might not be very clear, yet I can’t help but want to protect you…

Ayato: Protect me? D-Don’t say shit like that, it should be the other way around! After all, Ore-sama is the stron—!

(She pinned me down!?)

Yui: Fufu, you’re just so funny when you praise yourself like that…!

Everything about you is so beautiful… your hard yet nicely textured hair, your jade green eyes, your long eyelashes, your ——

Ayato: Tsk, get off me!

— pushes her away —

— Yui falls down —

Yui: Ngh…!

Ayato: …!

Oi! I… I didn’t mean to! Wait, gimme your hand!

— Yui takes his hand and looks up —

Ayato: (Don’t tell me… did that push bring her back to normal? Heh, if that’s so then—)

Yui: Mistletoe…

— puts her hands on his cheeks —

Yui: Holding your face like this makes me realize how soft your cheeks are… They are so round that I wish I could give you more and more Takoyaki until they become even chubbier…!

Ayato: S-Say what—!?

( It’s not like I dislike cheeky women but she’s nuts! )

— Yui gets closer to his lips —

Ayato: …!

*Smooch*

Laito: Fufu, hahaha, look at your face!

Ayato: Oi, Laito! Don’t just stand there staring, help me!

*Smooch*

Laito: Now why would I? After all, I already did you a favor by giving you the gingerbread liquor~!

Ayato: But you— Did you just say gingerbread LIQUOR!?

*Smooch*

Laito: Ex-act-ly! I was simply curious to see what kind of ‘drunk’ Bitch-chan is, and it seems like she’s the honest and horny type.

— takes picture —

Ayato: O-Oi! Don’t you dare to send it to anyone, delete it right now!

Laito: Oh my, look at the time! Now excuse me but I have to take my leave~.

Ayato: You can’t! Save me first!

Laito: Sorry Ayato-kun, no matter how delicious it feels watching you on top of each other while making out in plain sight, I've got better things to do, so... nfu, enjoy while it lasts!

— winks and disappears —

Ayato: You… You bastard! You will pay for this, I swear you wi— Mmh… Mm!

( Now how will I get myself out of THIS situation!? )

( Ugh, that’s what happens when you try helping others. I should have learnt my lesson a long time ago! )

— Yui stops kissing —

Yui: Will Ayato-kun… suck my blood?

Ayato: …!

( Heh, suddenly this doesn’t seem half bad anymore. I might actually grow to like being desired like that~. )

[livesworthlivingau]

Behind the Vale Chapter 7-10

ISAT/Two Hats Spoilers, CW: Implied Suicidal Thoughts

[You walk… You've been walking for days… Your feet are sore, you legs feel like they're on fire. Your stomach aches… You thought you might be looping at first, until you remembered what hunger was… You haven't had the need for food, or water, or sleep for so long… You'd forgotten what all of that felt like, and now you're painfully aware of all of it again. What would happen if you died anyways?... Would you both loop back?... Would you just be dead until he loops? You summon your dagger into your hand, stopping in your tracks and staring at it... Would you?... Could you, even?... You stare at the curved blade for longer than you realize.]

"CRAB!" [You hear a shout that snaps you out of it. You rush towards the sound of heavy thuds, leaves rustling, a shriek... a sadness?! You break through the tree line to see it, standing over a figure on the ground. Their hammer tossed to the side, holding a hand up defensively as it's just about to strike! NO!]

[The sadness freezes, stuck just before landing a blow on the figure... then fades away, revealing you behind it. Your eyes wide, panting heavily, dagger held at the end of a flourish... You look down at the figure. You start to lean forward to offer a hand up, before exhaustion takes over. Everything goes dark as you collapse.]

-----------------------------------------------------

[Your vision slowly returns... You're on the ground, it's night time. The crackling of a fire fills your ears. The scent of wood burning, and broth boiling fill your lack of a nose. You feel a blanket covering your body, slipping down as you try to sit up.]

"Woah woah! Easy now, buddy!" [You hear to your side, noticing the dark skinned figure that had been sitting beside you. She gently pushes your weak form back to laying down. Her long hair in a braid that reaches the middle of her back. She's dressed in loose, breezy, coastal style clothing. Something about her feels oddly familiar...]

"You gotta get your strength back before you'll be up and at 'em again." [She instructs, taking a bowl and ladle to scoop some of the soup and bring it over to you. She hesitates...]

"Uhhh... How do you... eat?" [She asks, gesturing to her mouth, and clearly noting your lack of one. You just give a light roll of your eyes, sitting up slow enough that she'd allow it. You take the bowl and bring it to your face. It presses against your hidden lips and you pour it down your throat. The still steaming fluid burns your insides, but nowhere near as bad as a star once had. What does cause a sudden choke though is the taste. You'd forgotten what food tasted like... and if this was it you think you'd be better off not being reminded...]

"Heh... I know, I'm sorry, my sibling's the real chef. I can barely make cereal without screwing it up, but it's all I got right now and you're about to starve to death." [She remarks in a demanding tone. She's right, and you're so hungry it makes ignoring the taste easier, just pouring the rest of it directly down your throat and letting out a relieved, steaming sigh.]

"... Thank you..."

"Ah! So you can talk! Well thank you uhhh... Glowey person? If you hadn't come along when you did I don't know what would have happened." [You sit there in silence for a while until suddenly the sibling comment clicks.]

"Sibling?"

"Oh! Yeah! I'm looking for my little sibling. Their name's Bonnie, real little, looks a bit like me, wears a big poofy hat. They managed to get away when I got frozen, and apparently I heard they're travelling with the saviors themselves?! I've been trying to find them ever since I got unfrozen." [… This really is some sick, cosmic joke, isn't it?...]

"... You're... Nille. Petronille."

"Y-Yeah! How'd you... Wait, do you know them too?!"

"I... I travelled with them for a little while, they talked about you all the time." [Her face lights up with joy and awe, so happy to finally meet someone who actually knows about Bonnie instead of just rumors and tales.]

"That's wonderful! I can't believe my luck today! So what's your name anyways? I gotta know how to properly address my knight in shining face!" [She snickers to herself, holding out a hand to shake as a more formal introduction. You stare at it for a moment, your own approaches it almost in slow motion. You need a name... a real name... you can't just be 'wonderful little loop' anymore after all...]

"... I'm... Vale [They/Them]… It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Nille."

"Likewise, Vale!... Now if you don't mind me asking, what are you doing out here? You look like you've been running for a while..." [Her tone suddenly shifts. She recognizes something in you in this moment... and you start to recall some of the stories Bonnie had told you.]

[No-NO! You're getting too vulnerable, your mask is slipping... Get a hold of yourself Lo-... *ahem* Vale. You shake the pathetic look off your face, your strength starting to return with the soup in your system now. You give those bright cheery eyes you're so practiced in.]

"Oh you know~! Just went out for a stroll and got rather carried away~."

"... Riiiiight... Well, where 'ya headed? You know I'm looking for Bonnie but I don't exactly have the best idea where they're at. I got lucky with you twice already, maybe a third time'll happen if you'll let me join yah!" [You scream internally as you do your best to keep up your poker face.]

"O-Of course! I don't have a destination in mind yet, but how could I say no to the famous Nille!" [What are YOU DOING?! We are heading in the OPPOSITE direction!]

"Great! And don't worry, I'll pick up some food in the next town so you're not stuck at my cooking pot's mercy the whole time" [She laughed to herself, chipping in a slight chuckle of your own... Okay... Okay we can do this... Even if we do help her, who knows how long until we run into them all again? We'll feel Stardust nearby, we can just leave before they reunite! We get to be lovely helpful L-Vale and we don't need to see them all again... We can make this work...]

[salty-croissants]

Hey! If your still taking requests, I was wondering if you can do Rayman/Ramon being a father to him and His S/os kids? I can see Rayman being his kids to work, like bring your kid to work day, that would be so cute

Thank you for the request !

I’ve been struggling to get back writing for quite a few days now , had a massive writer’s block phase … I’m really sorry I took so long to get this done ! Hopefully I’ll finish the next request a bit faster ;-; 

Anyway , I really enjoyed writing this one : I love the idea of Rayman being a sweetheart to his kids … it brings me joy :,) 

Hope it turned out okay ! 

And again , sorry about the inconvenience ;( 

Details : use of gender neutral reader ; 

established relationships ; 

no warnings needed 

Rayman 🧡

Two words : Best Dad . 

Rayman has always had a soft spot for children , so now that he has a family with you , the love of his life , he truly feels like the luckiest man alive .

He knows that he can’t be around all the time , but whenever he’s there he wants to be as present as possible and make everyone smile … that’s probably the most important thing for him .

Rayman is more than happy to bring his children along to work when he is allowed to , and the sheer enthusiasm he has when talking to them and answering their questions is surely something to behold …

< Ohh - what is that , Dad ? > 

< That is the television production studio , sweetie : it’s the place from where the things I say get filmed and then put on tv . 

It’s one of the most important rooms in this building , and the one where I spend more time into . > 

< That’s so cool !! 

Can we go in there now Dad ? Can we ? Can we ? Can we ? > 

< Hehe , alright , let’s go !

Just be careful and stay close to me , okay ? > 

< Okay ! > 

Rayman isn’t bothered in the slightest by the fact that his coworkers and staff members could see him and his kids , and if anyone has complaints about it ?

Well , he is ready to have an hours long argument with them if necessary , so most people don’t even try to talk about it … at least not out loud . 

When he comes back home , despite how tired he may be , Rayman is pretty much always down to see what his children have been up to while he was away : 

they crafted something or made a drawing ? He will see it .

They want to tell him all about something cool that happened today ? He will give them his full attention .

< Dad ! Dad look , it’s you ! We made it together ! > 

< Wow - that’s such a good drawing you made there ! I love it ! > 

Rayman makes sure to keep every little thing they gift him , and sometimes you can find him sitting somewhere , smiling while staring at something they made …

< Aw , is that a new one Ray ? > 

< Mhm …

Y’know y/n , sometimes I look at you and our family and I can’t believe how lucky I am to have all this .

I can’t thank you enough for staying with me … I love you , I love you so much ~ > 

< I love you too sweetie … I’m so lucky to have you as well ~ > 

Ramon 🖤

Saying that Ramon will do anything to keep you and your kids safe is an understatement …

He is ready to throw his life away to ensure that , and that often brings him to make many , many dangerous decisions .

< y/n ? Is … is Dad okay … ? > 

< Don’t worry hun , he just needs some rest and he’ll feel better soon …

Still Ram , that’s not an excuse for doing stuff like that . 

Please , please promise me you’ll never do it again … > 

< I … hnn … I’m sorry … I just - I forget myself sometimes …

I’ll try to be more careful , I promise . > 

Ramon’s softer side is especially visible when he is spending time with your children , playing with them …

< Aha ! We got you ! >

< Heh , you got me … >

< And now you’re trapped , forever !! >

< Noo - how could I be so easily defeated ?? >

You can’t help but smile whenever you see your partner like that , at this point only ever smiles when you’re all together : it’s the one thing that keeps him sane . 

Since he doesn’t want to make your kids worry about how bad things actually are , with Eden constantly on the hunt for him and his beloved family , Ramon most likely confides  to you at night , when his tormented thoughts prevent him from getting some much needed rest …

< y/n … ? > 

< Hey love … can’t sleep … ? > 

< … yeah … 

This is just such a huge mess … I really have no idea how we’re gonna make it through this with those assholes constantly looking for us .

You deserve better … our children deserve better … maybe the both of you should - > 

< No . I know what you’re about to say , and I’ll never leave you , no matter what happens .

I know that … things aren’t easy right now , and I honestly have no idea what’s gonna happen next … but I know we’re going to get through this , and we will be happy , all three of us … I promise . > 

Your loving words always manage to give Ramon some reassurance , and with a momentary sense of peace he eventually manages to fall asleep in your arms , grateful to have you and your kids by his side . 

He will do everything in his power to keep you safe , no matter what it takes . 

[mysteryshoptls]

SR Cater Diamond - Playful Dress Vignette

"The biggest viral hit is waiting"

[Playful Land – Bazaar]

Cater: Hmmm, I can't find any… All the posts on Magicam said I'd be able to see 'em on the bricks or tiles.

Cater: Maybe they'd be easier to find near the show venues or rides… But I feel like there's something off around here.

Jack: ......? What's he doing?

Cater: AHHH!! I FOUND ONE!!

[snap, snap!!]

Jack: Ack!? Wh-what's going on!?

Cater: Oh hey, Jack-kun. What's up?

Jack: That should be my line. Looked like you were just crouching there for some reason, and then suddenly you yelled out.

Cater: Ah～ Sorry, sorry ☆ I guess I got a little carried away.

Cater: So, actually, your boy Cay-kun here's in the middle of searching for "Hidden Foxes." See, look at this!

Jack: You mean at the keyhole in the door? Lookin' a little closer, it kind of looks like a shape I've seen somewhere else…

Cater: That's right, that keyhole is shaped like the silhouette of Playful Land's mascot, the "Friendly Fox."

Cater: These are super rare photo ops that only the people who've come to Playful Land'll have been able to find and post online!

Cater: These are hidden in various places throughout the park… Searching for them is just another fun thing to do here.

Cater: Fellow-kun was also telling me that there's a rumor that finding one can bring you some joy, too.

Cater: I've been looking around ever since we entered the park, and I finally found this one.

Jack: Sounds interesting. Playful Land itself is already supposed to be a pretty mysterious place, so I'm surprised there's even more hidden stuff inside of it.

Cater: Right!? I got a feeling that the biggest viral hit is waiting for Cay-kun!

Cater: Since you're here with me, you wanna search with me, Jack-kun? If you find one, maybe something good will happen ♪

Jack: No, I'm… I'm good. I don't believe in wishes or superstitions, so.

Cater: Ehh～? But c'mon, think about it. This is something hiding in that already mysterious Playful Land, right?

Cater: Doesn't it kinda… Get your heart pumping?

Jack: My… heart pumping?

Cater: Yeah. Think of it like a challenge that Playful Land is giving us.

Cater: I bet the higher-ups of this amusement park are thinking, "There's no way any of them will be able to enjoy everything Playful Land has to offer in one day."

Cater: BUT WOULDN'T IT SUCK TO JUST PLAY RIGHT INTO THAT!?

Cater: That's why I want to do everything and come out victorious over all the little hidden secrets, so that I can say, "I saw everything Playful Land had to offer!"

Jack: Oh, that totally makes sense! …Not.

Cater: Maaan, so you don't feel the same～ Tch.

Jack: Heh. But I guess… I'm not completely against the idea of coming out victorious over all the little hidden secrets.

Cater: Right, right? So whaddya think? Wanna stick with your pal Cay-kun for a bit?

Jack: …Guess so. You might be from a different dorm, but you're still an upperclassman, so I can't ignore your offer. I'll join you for about 10 minutes, then.

Cater: Yay ♪ Okay, let's look around this Bazaar, then!

Cater: There's usually a ton of people that pass through these kinds of places, so I feel like there should be a bunch around here.

Jack: That makes sense. I mean, even if it's supposed to be hidden, it'd be meaningless if no one could find it at all.

Cater: Yup, yup. Mmkay, we'll split up to look for the Hidden Foxes, and meet back up here in 10 minutes!

Cater: Jack-kun, hey-o～☆ …Oooh, based on the look on your face, did you find one of the Hidden Foxes?

Jack: Yes, I found one. I'll show you where.

Jack: The Hidden Fox I found is here on the trash can at the foot of the street lamp. See, right here.

Cater: You're right, this part of the trash can lid is dented in the shape of a fox! Great find, Jack-kun!

[snap, snap!]

Cater: As for me, I found one on the window pane of this building. A part of it was frosted in the shape of a fox.

Cater: But I think this one was an easy find. It's right at eye level, and it's super easy to see even from inside the building.

Cater: I want the next one to be just as difficult to find as the one you got, Jack-kun～

Cater: Don't you think you felt a little jolt of excitement when you found it?

Jack: …Honestly, I was all, "All right!"

Cater: Ahaha! Seein' you happy makes me happy ♪

Cater: I'm gonna head towards the rides and search there next… How about you, Jack?

Jack: I guess at this point, I'm already along for the ride. I'll come with.

Cater: Awesomeee. Then, we're gonna find as many Hidden Foxes as we can before our free time is up!

[Playful Land – Catch The Star]

Cater: Hmmm, I'm not finding any Hidden Foxes around the Catch the Star ride.

Cater: It was pretty easy finding the ones at the Brawl Bungalow and the roller coaster, though.

Cater: Jack-kun, how's it looking for you?

Jack: I went and looked around the queues, but didn't see any Hidden Foxes, either.

Jack: …I'm assuming the large image of the "Friendly Fox" smack dab in the middle of the Catch the Star wheel doesn't count. 'Specially 'cause it's not hidden.

Cater: Ahaha, yeah. But anyway, let's keep searching for a bit longer. I don't want to give up like this… Oh?

???: Ah, hello! What an opportune meeting, you two!

Cater: Hi, hi, Fellow-kun and Gidel-kun～☆

Fellow: It seems to me like you are enjoying a stroll around the park without even getting on any rides… Oh, are you perhaps in search of those Hidden Foxes?

Cater: Yup. We've found 6 already.

Fellow: Oh my! How astounding! You've found 6 already. I should have expected no less from such accomplished scholars of your prestigious academy. Splendid!

Jack: If I recall, we found one in Gentle Square, 3 in the Bazaar, and one each in the Brawl Bungalow and roller coaster areas.

Jack: They're actually pretty hard to spot… I definitely feel like there's one hidden around here, too.

Fellow: Quite right, the one hidden in this area is very difficult to search for, and there are many who are unable to find it.

Fellow: However… You both found all the Hidden Foxes in every other area. This is the last one!

Cater: REALLY!? THEN WE'RE SO CLOSE TO COMPLETE VICTORY!

Fellow: Exactly! I'm sure you brilliant students will be able to find it in no time. Fahahah!

Fellow: Well, anyway, I'm sure you're exhausted from walking around. Why not take a short break and put your feet up for a little while?

Fellow: Perhaps if you relax a moment, and take in the scenery… You may see something that you couldn't see before.

Cater: …?

Jack: Didn't it seem like Fellow-san was trying to tell us something very specific? Something about seeing something we couldn't see before.

Cater: Yeah, he was. Maybe it was a hint for finding a Hidden Fox.

Cater: …Oh, hey! Jack-kun, let's go ride the Catch the Star wheel.

Jack: Huh?

Cater: He said to relax a moment and take in the scenery… Doesn't that sound like a hint to ride that?

Jack: Maybe… I guess our perspective would change if we got on it. Let's join the line right away, then.

Jack: …No success in the end, huh.

Jack: There wasn't one in the gondola we were in, at the very least.

Cater: Hrrrm～ I was looking for something that might have looked like the shape of a fox from high up, but… Guess that was a bust.

Cater: I guess Fellow-kun wouldn't have given us a hint that easy, huh. That sucks.

Jack: Yeah…  But there's no way I'd be happy with giving up and heading to another attraction.

Jack: Cater-senpai. We're definitely going to find the Hidden Foxes in this area, no matter what.

Cater: Yeeah! You're on fire, Jack-kun! Cay-kun'll have to work harder to keep up～

Cater: But man, we're really not having any luck finding it at all. What if it's actually in an easier place to find?

Cater: Since he said to take a short break, maybe it's on a bench… But there's no way it'd be that easy.

Cater: …Hm? Hm? Hm? Hm??

Cater: AAAAAHH!? JACK-KUN, LOOK! LOOK AT THAT BENCH SEAT!

Jack: Cater-senpai, what is it?

Jack: …AH! If I look more closely, it's carved in the shop of a fox. This has to be a Hidden Fox!

Cater: I-It was here the whole time and we didn't notice at all. Right in front of us…

Cater: When Fellow said to take a short break and put our feet up, that hint was basically the whole answer, huh.

Jack: Looks like we just overthought it.

Cater: Ahaha! But man, I feel like we totally accomplished something amazing! Doesn't that really make you feel like we really did see everything they had to offer!?

Jack: Yup. It's a pretty good feeling.

Cater: Hey, Jack-kun. Let's take a pic with this Hidden Fox in the background! I promise I won't upload it onto Magicam.

Jack: Eh? I thought you'd want to post it on Magicam to prove that you were "victorious" over Playful Land.

Cater: Mmm, but after I thought about it a bit, if I uploaded it all to Magicam, then it wouldn't be a secret spot anymore, would it?

Cater: But I do want to snag a pic to remember this moment by. That's 'cause…

Cater: Being able to take a selfie with one of my underclassmen alongside a Hidden Fox that we worked so hard to find…

Cater: Chances to take an awesome pic like this doesn't come often.

Jack: …Makes sense. Then, make it quick.

Cater: Yay ♪ Alright then, pose like the wooden puppet in Wish Upon a Star, and…

Cater: …SAY CHEESE!

Requested by @farfalla049.

[fernlessbastard]

first time using this ask thing heh and i don’t rly know what to say, but, as a casual tntduo lover to another tntduo lover, i desperately kindly ask what are your favourite fics? dont rly mind if its suggestive/smut, id still like to show dem authors love and support. as a trade offer, ill leave some fic recs on my next ask hehe :]

anyways been following u for a while now (on insta) and id like to say ur art brings me immense joy and never fails to inspire me. hope u and your partner have a nice day! bubye !

i know this aint a prompt or idea or concept but u just seem like a cool person that i want to interact with :]

Hiiiiii

My guy, I am so sorry, but I hardly have any recommendations...

Why? Well, I went to my AO3 account, and like a solid 1/3 of my history was completely deleted - as in the works were deleted. Additionally, I haven't been reading much lately, so I have no newer titles, unfortunately. But here's the couple I have:

there's always this thing that we're becoming. Brilliantly written, genuinely gorgeous, in character, etc - it is smut though (top notch smut, though)

I'm pretty sure I enjoyed TntDuo Content I Don't Want To Attach My Username To too - also smut lmao

Agape - NOT smut, for once, but never finished lmao

There's also this fic I am completely not connected to ha ha it's called Losing Face and while it is unfinished I heard that the author is doing this like kinda rewrite kinda reimagining sort of thing where tldr it's the same concept just executed better ha haa👀👀👀

Another one is real life au - it's VERY heavy though. Like, I had to stop reading it at some point cause it was legitimately just hitting too hard. It is well written, and it's supposed to evoke those emotions, but just be VERY careful with it. VERY tldr is that it's about Schlatt - Q's abusive ex - becoming Wilbur's sugar daddy. It is VERY dead dove do not eat, and deals with SA and s-cidal ideation. The fic is called Sugar Lips, but I won't put the link here cause seriously, it's fucking heavy - and in a very realistic way, not the fantasy "eating someone's heart while they're alive" type of thing, but in a "this happens to real people in real life" type of way. Idk if you still want to read it dm me for the link but yeah, just please stay safe, guys

And then there's one work which I cannot find for the life of me - I don't know if it got deleted or something but if it wasn't, tntblr please help me find it It was about Wilbur coming to Quackity when his stitches break. Once the guy stitches him up, there's a whole scene when Wilbur has a breakdown and Quackity helps him through it. Then I believe it's kinda this sort of "montage" of how Wilbur and Q kinda grow closer, and (spoiler alert) it ends with some event during which Sapnap and Karl show up and there's arguing and at some point Wilbur and Sapnap start fighting (physically) and Wilbur ends up beating Sapnap to death. It was so well written, and it was one of the earliest fics i've read, and i haven't been able to find it for a long, long time now

Anyway send me asks about absolutely anything, don't worry about it being "right" or anything - all asks are welcome, be it HCs, prompts, ideas, or just some appreciation, sharing something you like, a question to me, etc :]

[one-piece-aus]

i really love how you write the strawhat pirates <33 i swear everytime i see your works on my feed, it never ceases to makes my day ﾟ+.ﾟ(*´∀`)bﾟ+.ﾟ

i saw your request is open, can i request for an usopp x reader where reader's feelings are unrequited?

thank u for always bringing joy to the feed with your amazing works ﾟ+.ﾟ

Ahoy! I'm happy you love my works for the Strawhats, and I'm happy to fulfill this angst request! ^-^ I hope you don't mind me using it for Whumptober :3

Whumptober Day 14

Usopp x Reader

"You guys are going to be real sorry for messing with us!" Usopp said to the pirates who captured the two of you. "For I, Commander Usopp, command an army of ten thousand men!"

Even in a situation like this, you can't help but smile at Usopp's antics. On the other hand, the pirates didn't pay any mind to him.

"Separate them."

As you were dragged away, Usopp called out to you. "Don't worry [Y/n], I'll get us out of here. Just hold on!"

You smile at him, displaying your sign of trust in him. Soon enough you were taken to the cellar while you heard Usopp getting slapped and told to shut up. It'd take more than that to keep him quiet, you knew all too well.

Quite the journey it's been since you joined the strawhats, yet quite the silent pain you had to bear.

You knew Usopp only had his eyes for Kaya, you admired his determination to protect her and the village when you, Luffy, and the crew met him back in Syrup village. That's all it had been, admiration, then it changed, and you can't recall when it started.

Perhaps it's his bravery in fighting despite being terrified. Maybe all those funny tales he told amused you enough to start feeling warmer around him. You only realized it when you were training for the two years the crew took to get stronger, you found yourself doodling him in your downtime. When it hit, you cursed yourself and called yourself a fool.

Seeing him again your heart could hardly take it, on top of that he got ripped like Zoro. You couldn't even look at him without a blush colouring your cheeks, luckily Sanji distracted everyone from your odd behaviour, and with all the events the crew has gotten into since getting into the New World, you've managed to avoid being noticed.

With all the adventures, another thought came to your mind, maybe Usopp forgot about Kaya. However, as soon as the thought came to mind, it dispersed once you overheard Usopp talking to Nami about home in the East Blue, more specifically, Usopp was talking about Kaya...

The pirates left the area outside the cellar, slithered your hands to make work of the lock and opened it up with a pin in your hair. Pays off to be underrated, the enemy makes dumb mistakes like this. You ran out of the room and began looking for an escape out of the place when you bumped into someone.

"Oof- [Y/n]?" His surprise shifted to a teasing smirk. "What are you doing, I'm supposed to rescue you."

You turned around, not letting him see the pink on your cheeks. "As much as I'd love that, we'd be wasting time if I sat around waiting, let's find the exit-" You moved to continue searching when Usopp grabbed your arm.

"Wait a minute."

"Usopp, we got no time for this, come on." You tried pulling your arm out of his grasp but he only tightened his hold.

"Don't think I haven't noticed."

"Noticed what?"

"You being distant."

"What are you talking about?" You stopped tugging your arm and half turned to him.

"[Y/n], this is the first time we've had a full conversation in two years."

"Heh, well it's been kinda hard since our captain has us running around almost every second of the day," you tried playing it off, even adding a smile.

"We could've chatted at the banquets."

"Hard to find you in a crowd," you lied with a shrug.

"Apparently it is, I couldn't find you anywhere near me." Usopp frowned. "The rest of the crew have no problem though."

Silence strikes through as the facade begins to fall. You go to speak when Usopp's expression shifts and he pulls you into a small closet, and you are smacked right at his chest. You try to protest when Usopp shushes you.

"They're coming," He whispers.

Sure enough, you heard footsteps and men barking. You tried focusing on what they were saying but your senses only screamed in your mind when you felt Usopp put his hand on your shoulderblade and held you closer. Rationality told you he was just doing this in a protective manner, yet your face burned from the contact. With what little room you had in the closet, you stepped back and removed his hand from your back, he glanced at you in questioning and just stared at the door.

"They're gone," Usopp said and instantly you opened the door, hopping out.

"Let's get going, we don't wanna worry the crew." You began running along the halls, and thanks to you adding urgency, Usopp followed behind.

You didn't think he'd noticed, at least not with all the chaotic events, but he did. If you didn't know better, your heart would've fluttered with joy, but you knew better, and your heart weighed heavier because of it.

Tag: @bookandyarndragon @roseoftrafalgar

[rpmemestorehouse]

Dark Souls II (2014) Starters

Change wording as needed

“They all end up here, all the ones like you.”

“ Tisn't easy being old…”

“Fair traveller, I know that you must have a story. Why else would you visit such a place?”

“I will remain by your side. Till this frail hope shatters…”

“If you proceed regardless, your fate will be more terrible than mere life or death.”

“One day, you will walk those grounds…without really knowing why.”

“Long have I awaited one such as you, one who might shatter the shackles of fate.”

“I am [Name]. And like you…I lost everything, and now I'm here.”

“To be alive…to walk this earth…That's the real curse right there.”

“I'd forgotten how much comfort a little companionship can bring.”

“Still flirting with madness?”

“Who are you? Oh, it doesn't matter, just help me open this door.”

“You, stand back. This is dangerous work.”

“Now, there's a time for travels, but you can't wander the world forever. Even you must have someone waiting back home...”

“Hmph, I'd given you up for dead. Almost had me worried, really...”

“Oh, sorry, I...Please, do have a look at my wares. I could really use the business...If you'd be so kind...”

“Oh, I was hoping that you would come. I've stocked some new things, and I thought you might be interested.”

“Oh, by the gods...Why the hell am I here?”

“Oh, no, I'm afraid...sorry, I'm afraid this is a fake. It's not worth much at all.”

“Oh...Undead, are we? And one without much time remaining.”

“Oh, yes, you may call me [Name]. Enchanté.”

“Oh, don't feel bad. I'm sure your mother's still proud...Hee hee!”

“You give something, to gain something. That's the way humans like it, right?”

“Oh, I'm sorry. I was just…daydreaming, I think.”

“When I first came to this forsaken land...It was...um...hmm...? Err...A curse...? Err...Something about a curse...”

“What a joy to meet a kindred spirit out here...”

“It wasn't there when I came here before. I don't know what explains it...”

“I have come to spread the art of miracles, a practice of which I am a disciple.”

“Sometimes I fight the urge to pack up and go back home. It is, well...I must do this.”

“Miracles began as tales told by gods. We preserve their will with lore, pray to their greatness, and are blessed in return.”

“Curses…Puzzled me out, have you?”

“Seemed like the battles would never end. Poor folk like myself had nary a place to sleep.”

“You may travel light, but methinks you bear a burden of your own.”

“Oh, you again. Go on…It's on the cheap for you.”

“Cruel, cruel world, this is...Keh heh heh...”

“Travelling all alone in these treacherous times? Well, I hope you have a very good reason.”

“There's treasure this way...But I've a bad feeling about it. I don't quite have the guts myself! Hah hah...”

“You be careful, too, my friend. For trust can be a dangerous thing.”

“Ooh, that'll leave a nice scar!”

“Transient being. This is no place for one such as you.”

“Do my ears deceive me? Who would refuse such magnificence?”

“You've achieved much, and approached a higher plane. But our path is long and arduous. We must always seek further challenges.”

“You are my greatest challenge.”

“Heh heh. You are an odd one. Normally, people keep a safe distance when they see this mask. But you...”

“Don't hesitate to call upon me. Whatever happens, I won't be missed...”

“I was raised to wield a sword from birth. Life was hard, but I never gave it a second thought.”

“I'm sorry…to burden you with talk of my fate. I suppose I've grown weary these days.”

“I am frightened...Terribly so...”

“I don't want to die, I want to exist.”

“My name is [Name]. I beg of you, remember my name. For I may not myself...”

“Your visit is welcome. I trust you've kept up your studies.”

“It is a fitting place to hone my sorceries. I suspect that I may even conjure up new spells here.”

“Never forget, young pupil… There are no shortcuts to mastery.”

“I wish to find out more about it, but as we see, this place is in ruins. Just what happened here?”

“Stay back, or you're pieces! Tiniest pieces! Hah hah hah hah!“

“Slice 'em to shreds, whoever they are! Wherever, whoever, be they near, be they far!”

“The power of flame, power of the gods… In the end, it is all beyond our reach.”

“If you walk with flame, then I salute you.”

“Still a bit stiff, I'm afraid. Heh heh heh...”

“I've been a guest for a very long time. But I don't think that anybody will miss me!“

“Do you really think you can manage the glories that are my spells?”

“Anything that has a beginning also has an end. No flame, however brilliant, does not one day splutter and fade.”

“I don't know who you are…But leave me be.”

“The Dark...Is always within you...”

“This land...lies closest to the Dark...Th-that is...that is why I came here.”

“One day…I will share your fate.”

“You've set me free. Now I can find him. The cheeky prick. He won't know what hit him.”

“I travel from land to land to hone my blade. I've heard this land was full of danger. I thought it would suit me perfectly.”

“For the good of the world, and for my own honour. I won't let that bastard live another day. Heh heh...”

“Damn! You're tougher than you look!”

“Oh, you trot along home. This place won't be any fun, not for you.”

“You want more than just a little blood. You want to be drenched in blood, mired in its foul stench. Am I right? Am I?”

“Ah, who cares? It's just another chance to spill more blood. Doesn't that excite you, hm? Heh heh...”

“Oh, it's even on my shoes!”

“I never planned to visit this gods-forsaken place. But I don't know… I just sort of ended up here.”

“I've searched every nook and cranny here. I suppose it's time to move on.”

“Oh, fancy meeting you here.“

“Oi! Mind your manners!”

“I'm on the run, don't give me away!...You're a fugitive too, eh?”

“Psst, have you heard?...Well, apparently there's this monster lady, right...”

“Gods almighty...I'm not going to die in this dump...”

“Ah come on, don't look so glum! I'm trying to be nice here! You're hopeless, I tell you...”

“I roam about, looking for a find, following my instincts. I don't care what a thing is worth. What matters is whether it grabs me.”

“Let me just say, there are lots of "legendary swords" out there.”

“This thing is amazing...Could it be a dragon egg? I feel invigorated...Just by holding it.”

“Oh no, no, no, no, no, don't say that. Give a bloke a chance. I'm begging you. I really should have that!”

“And now I watch the days go by, and gaze at the night sky, thinking of the finer things, far removed from war. I'd grown weary of battle, but did not realise it until now.”

“I am grateful for these peaceful days. But such contentment lies only in the here and now. Why must life be so confounding...”

“If you wish for help, summon me. I am rusty in battle, but will fight by your side.“

“Back again? Well, this is a pleasant surprise.”

“I owe you some form of thanks, but have nothing for you at the moment. If it would not trouble you, could you visit my abode just down the way?”

“Oh, we meet again, kind traveller. This is my workshop.“

“I require no payment this time. It is my way of saying thanks.”

“Do you find me strange? Skee hee. You humans are always this way. The way you glare at any unfamiliar creature.”

“We once had a master. He created us long, long ago. But he was born with a fatal flaw.”

“Our master was a tragically lonely soul. Eventually, his solitude eroded his very reason. In the end, he never understood...what it was that he truly lacked.”

“We seem to be at a standstill. The wounds we exchange are never lethal.”

“I have no gods to pray to. But still I pray that your journey will be safe.”

“And like every Undead, you have no future.”

“If you seek true Dark, I will grant it to you. As much as you desire.”

“The embrace of the Dark is gentle. Let it absorb your sorrows, forever.”

“Dark is the mother of all. All things were born from it.”

“Thy welcome wearest thin. Leave this place.”

“Swearest thou by the sweet-tempered sludge that laps at our bosoms?”

“I am aware of thine accomplishments, and they are not few.”

“'Twould seem some sunlight-poisoned creatures are worthy of great honour.”

“Something seems to be bothering you. Yes, yes, I can tell. It is written upon your face. You have doubts, about something you did.”

“But now, you are lost, bewildered by your own actions. You poor little thing.”

“But if your heart is yet sincere, your sins will be forgiven. Now is the chance. Demonstrate your sincerity to me.”

“Then, you wish to stand and face your own sins? Such virtuous fortitude is rare, and I sincerely commend it.”

“I am in yer debt. It's a true man who honours his debts. And I'll see mine paid.”

“Ho! Well met, friend. Good to see you well. Yes, hehh hehh, very good indeed.“

“If you still insist on having it...Then you will have to pry it from my cold hands! Gah hah hah hah hah hah!”

“Very well. I, [Name], will be honoured to chop you to pieces.”

“Who are you...And by whose permission do you stand before me?”

“Do you seek an audience with my Lord, King [Name]? Unfortunately, His Highness is absent.”

“Where am I? What has happened to our castle...”

“Welcome, visitor...Our guests are treated with honour. This is the way of our castle. Tell me if you should require anything.”

“We know nothing of the world outside. And why should we? For we will never leave.”

“Do you seek comfort, too? You poor thing...”

“Light, and all those who bear it, are unwelcome in this place.”

“I am [Name]. Guardian of the crypt. Countless dead rest here in peace. Cradled by the comfort of dark.”

“This place is welcome to all, provided due reverence is shown.”

“Tell me what you desire. Show me reverence, and I will lend you my hand.”

“Now, where shall we bury this one?”

“P-please, just stay away. No, please, don't come near me. Nothing good will come of it.“

“Do not attempt to help me. Just let me sit here, and wither quietly away...”

“By the very gods...What have you done...You've really done it...You'll never escape him...”

“Are you tormented by memories? Burdened by guilt? Now the question. Are you ready for more? If you are, then we ought to talk...”

“You could kill a dozen like that, and it wouldn't matter. I want you to kill someone of import.”

“These are for you. Don't mind the specks of blood...Heh heh heh...”

“I'll spend some time travelling the lands...Slowly tracking my new mark...”

The murk shifts and stirs. Yet another stands before us...“

“And so, you peer...Into the fog, in hope of answers.”

“Huh! You were not deserving of the mire...”

“What brazen insolence! You…forever you shall rot…”

“Turn away. And never look back. No one must ever find that which is sheltered in [this location].”

“I haven't the strength to help him myself, but perhaps one such as you...”

“You've granted my one wish...Now, I have no regrets.”

“Go on, kind visitor. May you reach your journey's end, one day.”

“Brave Undead, seek the throne. Follow the symbol of the monarch, and do what must be done.”

“That thing is a prop, a false deity. Don't be fooled, my Undead.”

“Seek the forest, you, where those wretched Giants slumber.”

“Brave Undead, you have proven yourself to me. Now, be one, with the Dark...”

“No one has come this far, not for a very long while.”

“Young Hollow, there are but two paths. Inherit the order of this world, or destroy it. But only a true monarch can make such a choice.”

“Very few, indeed, have come even this far. And yet, your journey is far from over.”

“Heheh, I believe we've been acquainted.”

“Men are props on the stage of life, and no matter how tender, how exquisite...A lie will remain a lie.“

“You, neither born with greatness, nor granted it by the fates. What is it that you seek?

“How you grapple, without falter, with this dreadfully twisted world.”

“All men trust fully the illusion of life. But is this so wrong? A construction, a facade, and yet...A world full of warmth and resplendence..”

“I am [Name]. I sought to shed the yoke of fate, but failed.“

“Not one of them stood here, as you do now. You, conqueror of adversities. Give us your answer.”

“But the question remains...What do you want, truly?”

“There is no path. Beyond the scope of light, beyond the reach of Dark...what could possibly await us?“

[wrintur]

I'm back to writing this goofy shit again! 🤑

Putin x Kim Jong Un

Today is the day Putin would be coming from Russia to North Korea, and Kim couldn't wait to see him. Putin was the leader he admired the most. When he heard that he wanted to visit his country for a meeting, he was filled with joy.

They had met before, but he couldn't help but get excited every time! He tried his best to get closer to Putin, but he would be denied every time. Kim was determined to make sure that they would become CLOSE friends!

When the meeting finally came, he did not have one care about what was being discussed. The whole time, he concentrated on Putin-chan! He observed his white hair, receding hair line, blue eyes, and tall build. (Sounds familiar...)

While staring at him, he realized he needed a way to be able to spend with him. After the meeting, he will ask Putin to come have dinner with him at one of his propaganda buildings to try and bond with him.

"H-h-h-hey Putin.. erm! I was wondering if...maybe.. you would like to come have dinner with me?" Kim averts his head away to hide his blushing face. He stands in front of him waiting for an answer.

"Heh...sure Kimmy...Text me where you want to go." He smirks and hands Kim a piece of paper with his number on it and skedaddles away.

Kim immediately takes his phone out and messages Putin.

"Let's meet at my propaganda building at 7! >~<"

"Alright. You were pretty quick to text me, huh.. 😏" Putin replies. Kim blushes after being called out. He should've waited a little bit before texting... He quickly makes an excuse for his actions to not embarrass himself.

"Haha, yeah. I just have some free time! ^_^" Kim waits for his response, but he just sent emojis like a little bitch. He puts his phone away and does some work before going to meet up with him.

He spent his time writing about new buildings nobody would really use, and for his NK-Pop groups to make new songs about him. He didn't realize it, but he spent a lot of time daydreaming about the new songs that would be about him, he was late! He snapped out of it and checked his clock. It was 16 minutes past the time they were supposed to meet!

He rushed into his car and sped all the way to the building. Coming from the entrance, it was Putin leaving. His face was blank, and eyes filled with disappointment. Kim got out of the car and ran to Putin.

"Putin-chan! I'm sorry I was late.." He stares at Putin and then brings his head down in shame.

"Forget it." Putin says sternly before walking off.

"Wait! Please...don't do this.. I love you so much..."

"..." Putin stops and turns around.

"Do you really...? I love you too.."

"Erm... should we be boyfriends then.."

"Okay." They say nothing and start violently making out.

After that day, they spend more and more time together. They have dates every day, at all the beautiful places of North Korea. When they're not together, they text each other about their days and romantic lines about their love for each other.

Their love for each other grew tremendously. They forgot about everything else and became each others world. They loved each other so much that they had forgotten Putin had to go back to Russia today.

Putin tried to extend his stay, but Russia could not go without their leader any longer. At 6 pm that night, Putin would have to go back and go without seeing him for years.

From the airplane, Putin could see Kim standing outside with tears in his eyes. He waved his lover goodbye and took off. He closed his eyes and cried himself to sleep.

"Пока, ким... я тебя люблю."

[captmickey]

Emotional prompt Bliss #16 with the Plunderbunnies..?

Guybrush found himself staring at Elaine. 

He knew she was feeling his eyes practically piercing her and was, eventually, going to call him out on it, but he couldn’t bring himself to look away... to pretend to be busy out in the quiet sea. He glanced down at his wedding band for only a moment, lifting his finger up and down for a bit before looking back at Elaine and feeling that familiar, and almost aching, bubble in his chest.

It wasn’t so much that Guybrush didn’t know how to feel, it was just sometimes difficult to properly articulate how or what he was feeling. 

Especially so when it was intense. 

He had felt anger before, as well as annoyance and joy and worry. He had also felt an incredible sense of pride and relief. With all those emotions, he was at least able to point to what that feeling was, express those feelings verbally (or, at times, with just action) and move on about his day. But there was one feeling that had him feel so catastrophically overwhelmed that he truly did not know what to do with himself. It was suffocating but he wasn’t fighting it as it was drowning him in the sea of the emotion, in fact, he welcomed it with open arms as he tried to get as much of it in his heart. 

It was love.

Having been alone for as long as he could remember, at one point in his life, Guybrush fully accepted the possibility that he might stay alone, that he was going to have no one to care for or for him in return. That feeling was painful… upsetting, even. But it was better to try and play pretend at being a loner than wishful hoping of being wanted. It was easier to wish for fame than genuine love.

But then he met Elaine.

And that sudden ache he tried to keep away became unbearable. 

Even now, after all these years of marital bliss and having the world to explore together, that ache never really subsided. 

It merely evolved. 

It changed from wanting to be loved to being overwhelmed with wanting to love, but he didn’t know how… and that was growing to be frustrating. He was married to her for well over a decade or so by now, they were finally sailing on an adventure that had nothing to do with the Secret of Monkey Island or anything of the sort, they were finally moving forward with their lives, one would think that would satisfy him and be content in his marriage and yet, heaven help him, it didn’t feel like enough. That overwhelming, overbearing, overloving feeling of an emotion wanted to do more.

He loved his friends, he loved his life… but something about Elaine tipped that loving emotion to its absolute edge.

“Guybrush?”

He blinked and saw Elaine staring at him, her demeanor looking to be of that concern.

“Hm?”

“Are you alright?” She asked. “You’ve been staring at me rather intensely.”

“Oh, um… y-yeah. Yeah.” He chuckled, standing up straight at the railing. “Heh, sorry about that. Lost in thought.”

“About what?” Elaine asked, putting aside a book she was reading.

His chest ached as he looked at her. He was missing her even though she was right there, looking and talking to him. She was just a hop over the rail away to be close and yet it felt like she was an ocean away. He propped his chin up with his hand as he leaned back, looking at her with that burning and painful feeling of love in his heart.

“I don’t think I’ve ever loved someone this much before.” 

She knew fully well he was referring to her and her only. Elaine, in turn, smiled warmly as she propped her own head up with her hand. 

“You’ve always been a hopeless romantic.”

[ageofhearingloss]

Pick Yourself Up Pt. 1 | Jake Kiszka

a/n: fiction! this is FICTION! y’all hear me? FICTION FICTION FICTION! none of it’s real! i know y'all know this but just in case anybody gets it twisted🤨i’m just writing what is hammering around in my brain (and also projecting cause that's how i write!)

that being said, welcome to the next installment of Angst with Iz. buckle up, and my apologies in advance heh. no y/n in this chapter (she'll be here soon, don't worry), just jakey and the boys

summary: after years of trying to make his dream of being a musician a reality, jake continues to fall short. on the brink of giving up, can his passion alone keep him afloat, or will he need help from others?

warnings: language, angst, mild violence (some shoving but no blood or injury), alcohol consumption, themes of depression

word count: ~4.7k

Is this really what my life is supposed to be? Am I fated to continue this way?

He pulled out his phone as he exited through the backdoor of the bar, seeing no texts, no calls. Reading 1:11am. The sigh he let out was one that came from deep within his chest, one that was filled with despair, regret, hopelessness. He strolled towards his barely-functioning car, shoving his phone back in his pocket in exchange for his keys, clutching his guitar case in his other hand. Throwing his trunk open, he tossed his guitar inside with a tad of aggression, frustration running through his system from the crown of his head to the tips of his toes. 

The interior of the car was cold and silent, two things he was immensely grateful for as he rested his forehead against the leather steering wheel. He clenched his eyes shut, trying to settle his emotions with a couple breaths even though he was trembling, causing his exhales to come out shaky. He was pulled from his forced meditative state by the buzzing of his phone, but he couldn’t bring himself to answer. Only after three missed calls did he dig his phone out when it began to ring once again, not lifting his head as he brought his phone to his ear. 

“What.”

“Jake, buddy, how’d the gig go?” Danny knew the answer already just based on Jake’s lack of greeting, but he figured he’d ask anyway.

Jake could hear music and boisterous laughter in the background of wherever Danny was calling him from, and for whatever reason, it pissed him off further. He wanted to be alone, to sulk in his anger and not be reminded of the joy he could be having. 

“It went just how you think it went.” He had no reason to be short with his brother; Danny always called to check in with him out of the kindness of his heart, but these days it was starting to feel like pity. 

“I’m sorry man,” he detected a bit of defensiveness in Danny’s tone, “maybe a drink would help. Why don’t you meet me and your brothers at-”

“Daniel,” he sighed, trying hard to right his attitude and not snap at the man offering him a lifeline. “I just need to go home. Maybe I’ll see you later this week.”

“Okay, I just think-”

“I’ll see you later, bro,” and disconnected the line. In truth, he didn’t want to see his brothers for a long time. He did not want them to see his failure, to observe the way he was living or how he carried himself these days. The gig he had that night hadn’t been horrible, but it was not great either. Hardly anyone was in attendance besides the old boozers who drank themselves stupid every night. There had been no money to be made, the bar owner patting him on the back sympathetically after continuously calling him ‘Jack’.

Although he wasn’t in it for the money or the fame, he would like to be able to pay his rent and afford some groceries. Growing up, he’s always been told he was destined for greatness, and that success would come easily to him and his guitar because of how hardworking he was. But boy, were his family and friends wrong about that. He was desperate to keep his career hidden, to conceal his failure and feelings towards such. 

Jake drove home in silence, knuckles sheet white as he gripped the wheel. He let the sound of the road beneath him lull his thoughts, focusing on the dotted yellow line and streetlamps passing by. He wasn’t aware that he had been holding back tears until he was storming up the stairs to his studio apartment, throat bobbing as he slammed the door behind him, his vision blurry. Only once safely inside did he allow himself to feel the full range of his emotions. 

Is this really how I’m expected to carry on?

He tossed his guitar down on the couch and stomped into the kitchen, eyes hot with searing tears as he blindly grabbed a glass and a bottle of whiskey that he had left out on the counter for easy access. Admittedly, he felt a little childish for letting his emotions run out of control, but if he was being honest, he was teetering over the edge of giving up. Music was his whole world; he loved nothing more than his guitar, and he was determined to move to this city to turn his passion into a career. Little did he know that it would feel like throwing paint at a wall, watching defeatedly how absolutely nothing stuck. 

He tried to quell the tiny spot in the back of his brain that was jealous of his brothers. They all were heavy hitters in their respective industries: Josh was an Oscar nominated director, Sam owned his own restaurant, and Danny was constantly traveling around as a professional golfer. They had protested Jake’s idea of giving up and trying to find something else to do, all giving example after example as to why he should stick with it just a little bit longer. They assured him his ‘big break’ was just around the corner, but they’d been saying that for five years now. 

Fuck them.

He threw back his glass, gladly welcoming the burn of amber liquid down his throat. He was mildly shocked that he didn’t crack the glass when he slammed it back down on the counter, knowing his anger was getting the better of him. Bracing his calloused hands on the cool marble, he let his head finally fall to his chest, squeezing his eyes shut as he felt the tears fall freely, noting that his muscles were trembling. How long had he been shaking?

Jake…. Jake!

He had gotten used to the ringing in his ears, only intensified when his anger peaked, which was more frequent than not these days. He clenched his eyes tighter still as he balled his fingers into two fists. 

“Jake! Dude, hello?”

A hand on his shoulder startled him, jumping slightly before whipping around to see who could be intruding in his home, especially considering what time it was. 

“Shit, relax!” A wide-eyed Josh stood behind him in the kitchen, watching his twin with concern written all over his face. Jake braced himself on the counter again, this time facing his brother, one hand grabbed at his chest and the other busied itself with trying to wipe the tears that he couldn’t stop. Only until he glanced at Josh did he notice two more bodies in his presence, Sam and Danny standing in the doorway. 

Josh had backed away from him, inquisitively studying Jake’s face, taking inventory of the puffy eyes, runny nose, and overall disheveled look his brother now donned. The two twins stared at each other, discussing silently in their twin-talk before Jake finally broke the silence, having mustered up a facade to try to fool the others that he was, in fact, much more collected than he truly was. 

“What are you guys doing here? It’s late, go home.” His voice came out gravelly and watery, and he prayed that no one would comment on it. 

“Jake,” Sam called over Josh’s shoulder, “it’s been weeks since we’ve seen you. Where the hell have you been?” 

His tone wasn’t pushy like the classic, usual cadence of his voice, but rather laced with the same concern that was evident on Josh’s face. Jake clenched his jaw, his lips tightening into a thin line. Had it really been that long since he’d seen his brothers? He chewed the inside of his cheek as he glanced from Josh to Sam and finally Danny, not being able to look at the latter for too long knowing how he had just hung up on him not even an hour prior. Danny saw the guilt flash through Jake’s eyes for a millisecond before Jake dropped his chin to his chest, relinquishing contact. 

“Just… listen, I’ve been around, okay?” He offered quietly, still not having the courage to brave his brothers. “Sorry, but you guys should leave. Please.” And with that, Jake turned back to face the counter, pouring himself another glass of whiskey in hopes that his point would be made. He couldn’t tell his brothers what was going on, not yet, for that meant that he would have to fully admit it to himself, too. 

Another hand from Josh on his shoulder pulled him back around. 

“Don’t fucking give me that bullshit, Jake. You’ve been missing in action for weeks, hardly return our calls, we don’t know where the fuck you are and you’re just kicking us out?” He spat at his twin, ever frustrated for continuously reaching out his hand only to have Jake swat it away. 

He began shaking Jake by both his shoulders, “Look at me, come on, look at me.”

Jake had already begun to dissociate; he was anywhere but in the kitchen with his brothers. His head felt miles away, thoughts buzzing in his ears making it nearly impossible to make out what Josh was saying to him let alone the sensation of his hands gripping his shoulders for dear life. 

“We’re worried about you.”

Those four words brought him back to reality. 

Jake’s head snapped up, burning his eyes into the culprit of those words. Danny had made his way into the kitchen just a few paces behind Josh, but halted in his tracks as the words tumbled from his mouth. Jake’s lips peeled back to reveal an anger-ridden snarl, already cursing his brother for even thinking those words. 

“Don’t you dare say that to me, Daniel,” he pushed past Josh easily and made his way to stand in front of the man who still towered over him, laying a hand flat on his chest and shoving Danny back a couple of feet.

“You fucking morons,” another shove, “come into my place and act like this is some sort of intervention?” He was walking Danny back into a wall, pushing him hard enough to get the man to move but not strong enough to inflict real harm. 

Danny put up no fight; for whatever reason, he knew Jake needed this. He stood with his hands at his sides, a somber look on his face as his eyes burned down into his older brother. He kept silent, knowing that any further words from him would ignite Jake’s anger tenfold. 

Josh was glued to his spot by the counter, watching his twin’s assault on their friend, jaw hanging slack. He couldn’t believe his eyes. He was used to Jake picking fights with him, even occasionally brawling with their baby brother, but Jake adored Danny. Anything Danny said, Jake listened, no questions asked. He’d never heard Jake speak such foul words to the gentle giant let alone lay a finger on him. 

It was Sam who finally broke through, jumping Josh out of his trance, running into the kitchen. 

“Jake, Jesus Christ, stop!” Sam shouted, holding his older brother back from his charge on Danny, but to little avail. He forcefully shrugged Sam off, giving one more push to Danny as his voice rose louder, “I’m not your fucking charity case.”

Sam lunged for Jake again, grabbing him with more force than the previous time, holding Jake back as his  breathing increased, anger not only present in his features, but palpable in the heavy air of the apartment. Sam, much taller than Jake and with longer arms, spun his brother around to face him, and in a gesture that shocked Josh and Danny, pulled Jake into his arms, holding him in a tight hug.

Jake’s chest was still heaving but his eyes were blown wide, resting his chin on Sam’s shoulder and making brief eye contact with Josh who stood behind their baby brother. He didn’t fight the embrace; he couldn’t remember the last time somebody had held him. It felt nice, but he couldn’t bring himself to reciprocate the hug, leaving his arms at his sides as he tried to quell his anger. His eyes slipped shut, not bearing to look at Josh in his dimly lit kitchen; when he closed his eyes, all he saw was red. His head was pounding and his ears resumed their ringing, and only when Sam's hold on him grew tighter did Jake realize he was trembling once again. 

His brother's voice cut through, barely above a whisper in hopes that Josh and Danny wouldn’t hear. 

“Hey Jake?”

Jake kept silent, not confirming that he heard Sam but listening all the same. Sam knew he wouldn’t answer, but he continued on.

“Be the hero you’ve always been to me.”

Jake’s breath caught in his chest as he heard those words. Sam hadn’t told him that he was his hero since they were kids; he never took it to heart, always thought his little brother was just kidding around. But now, feeling like a complete failure, like he’s let his entire family down, he needed to hear something that would give him an ounce of hope. They still believed in him, after all this time of running into wall after wall.

Jake let his tears fall silently behind his closed eyes and stream down his cheeks, knowing that Josh would be able to see them but he couldn’t bring himself to care. Only when Sam felt his brothers breathing even out did he let him go, giving him one more squeeze on his shoulders before retreating next to Danny. 

Jake wiped his chin on the back of his hand as he stood in the middle of the kitchen, not exactly knowing what to say. He knew he needed to apologize to Danny for two things he had done that night, but the guilt and his own pride halted him from doing so. He knew that he should thank his brothers for coming to his rescue, but again found himself biting his tongue. Instead, he glanced between all three of them, their eyes expecting and patiently waiting for what he would say. 

“I think you guys should go.”

Idiot, stop pushing them away.

“We can stay, maybe order a pizza from one of those shitty 24 hour places-” Sam pleaded, even though he knew Jake was stubborn and wouldn’t change his mind. 

“No, it’s late. Please, I really need to be alone.”

He caught Danny’s eyes as he said those words, seeing how Danny’s face fell even more. Jake knew he was disappointing him a little more each day, and he quickly averted his gaze, not being able to bear the sentiment that was easily readable on Danny’s face. 

The three of them knew it was a losing battle, so they turned to leave, Danny leading the way with a reluctant Sam on his heels. Josh lingered, pressing a hand to Jake’s back as they stared at each other once more, the words Jake wanted to say radiating off him for Josh to gather. Josh gave his twin a slight nod before withdrawing his hand, joining the others by the front door. 

Danny pulled the door open, glancing over his shoulder to Jake who was standing in the doorway of the kitchen, watching his brothers leave. With a faint smile, he turned back forward, walking into the hallway and down the stairs of the apartment complex. Sam followed, throwing him a reluctant “Bye, Jake,” and finally Josh, who didn’t speak another word before he shut the door behind them. 

Jake listened to them make their descent, the faint slamming of the heavy front door of the complex evidence enough that his brothers were officially gone. He sauntered over to the door, deadbolting it before returning to the kitchen. He grabbed the neck of the whiskey bottle off the counter and slid down to sit on the floor, his back up against the cabinets as he brought his knees to his chest, the bottle sitting beside him. 

He let out a sigh, resting his head in his palms as his tears began to flow again. 

“Why do I keep doing that?” he whispered only to himself, feeling even more hopeless than he had previously that night. Why was he being such an asshole? These were his brothers, his best friends, and he knew that they were genuinely worried about him. Hell, if any of them were acting like how he was, he’d be incredibly concerned, too. So why couldn’t he let them in? They so clearly wanted to help, so why not let them?

He took a long pull from the glass bottle, keeping his head resting against the cabinet as he stared up at the hanging light that only had one of three functioning bulbs in it. 

You’re such a piece of shit that you can’t even change the lightbulbs.

He smirked to himself before bringing the bottle to his lips again, thinking about the possible lightbulb joke he could make. 

How long had he been sitting on the kitchen floor, he wasn't sure; the only marker of passing time was the now empty bottle of whiskey. He groaned, shifting himself to stand and only when he steadied himself with his hands on the counter did he realize that he was truly drunk. He wrenched his head to look at the clock on the wall: 3:10am. Rubbing his temples, he left the glass bottle on the floor, stumbling out of the kitchen after flicking the light off, and trudging to his bedroom. He couldn’t be bothered with washing up, only knowing that his bed was calling him and he had to sleep before the room began spinning too much. 

He flopped onto his bed, burying his face in the pillows and letting out a short, muffled scream. Another thing he hadn’t done since he was much younger. His voice course, he flipped onto his back, hands behind his head as he glared at the ceiling. The alcohol had numbed his mind, thankfully, but he could still feel the adrenaline-fueled anger coursing through his body. He let his eyes fall, trying to count his breaths like Josh taught him once upon a time, and soon he was lulled into a fitful sleep.

~~~~~~

Jake was pulled from his slumber by the pool of sweat collecting on his back, the world already spinning behind his eyelids. He could tell he was still being dragged down by the alcohol in his system, so he knew that he couldn’t have been asleep for long. As he came to, his breathing picked up, wincing at the already evident headache he knew he would be dealing with all day. 

His hand. There was something in his left hand. No, something holding his hand. As he awoke fully, he opened his eyes and looked at the ceiling. Jake didn't need to see what it was, he already knew. 

Josh. 

Sometime in the night, Josh had snuck back to Jake’s apartment, using the key his twin gave him when he moved in, and found Jake passed out in his bed. He pulled the covers atop his brother, then crawled onto the bed next to him, laying on his back to mirror Jake. He found Jake’s hand and cradled it in his; this was their source of comfort for each other whenever something terrible happened, especially when they were little. This was how Josh comforted Jake when their dad cut all his hair off. This was how they comforted each other through bad thunderstorms. And now, this was how he would comfort his twin through whatever was weighing him down so severely. 

Jake stared at the ceiling knowing Josh was still awake due to his bouts of insomnia. Josh noted the change in his brother's breathing, but opted not to say anything, only giving Jake’s hand a gentle squeeze in acknowledgment. 

Neither of them knew how long they laid there, side by side in the darkness of Jake’s bedroom, but the silence was welcome. Jake let the comfort of his twin wash over him, slowly closing his eyes before he breathed out,

“When did you come back?”

“About an hour after you kicked us out.”

That must’ve been only a couple minutes after I fell asleep. 

Jake whispered out, “You didn’t have to come back, you know.”

Then Josh turned his head, looking at Jake’s side profile and taking in the details of his brother while his eyes were closed. His cheekbones looked sharper and the skin stretched over his jawline just a little tighter. Josh scowled, please tell me this fucker has been eating. 

“Yes, I did.”

There was another beat of silence, and Josh could tell that Jake was gearing up the courage to be vulnerable with him, he just had to be patient. Minutes ticked by, and Josh thought Jake might’ve fallen back asleep, before he heard his brother continue,

“Josh… I don’t think I can keep doing this.”

“Doing what?”

Jake took a sharp inhale through his nose, his emotions already making their way to the forefront of his mind. 

“Music,” he answered in a watery voice, “I’m… it’s killing me.”

Josh had a feeling that this was what was weighing on his mind, but it still shattered his heart into a million fractions to hear Jake admit it. By the tone of Jake’s voice, he knew that he had more to say, so he held his tongue. 

“I know you all keep telling me to keep going, that I’m gifted or talented or whatever, but it’s not working. I don’t know if it’s because I don’t believe it, or just because I’m not as good as you all think I am.”

He opened his eyes again, watching the ceiling fan make its rounds.

“Mom and Dad always told me I’d be destined for greatness; hell, I’ve been holding that damn guitar since I’ve been in diapers,” he chuckled, bringing his empty hand to his forehead, “but I just don’t know if I love it anymore.” Jake was silent for another moment, trying to string together his thoughts to make them coherent for his brother, although he knew Josh would understand no matter what. 

“It sounds like a fucking pity party now that I’m saying it out loud, but doing something creative and putting it out for the world to see and hear is exhausting. I’m playing to people who don’t give two shits. I’m tired of being vulnerable. I’m tired of writing these songs that mean so much to me only for them to mean jack shit to everybody else.”

He instinctively gripped Josh’s hand tighter. Josh continued to listen, shocked by what Jake was revealing. He hadn’t opened up to him like this in a long while, and his heart jumped that Jake felt comfortable enough again to let him see his struggles. 

“I feel like a selfish jackass for saying that. I know I should be playing my music for me because it makes me happy,” his words began to crack as the tears formed in his eyes, “but how am I supposed to live my dream when no one will take the bait? Let alone pay my bills.”

“Jake, you gotta-”

He cut Josh off before he could finish his thought.

“Don’t tell me I have to keep going, that’s so easy for you to say. You, Sam, Danny, you guys are successful. Working hard paid off for you, and you're living your dreams. If I’m being honest, sometimes it’s hard to watch.”

The tears began rolling down his cheeks again. 

“You all believe in me too much, you think I can do this. But what if I can’t? What if I actually am a failure and let you and our entire family down? Everyone who has rooted for me, who has helped me get to Nashville so I could live out my passion, I’m letting them all down. I don’t know what else to do. I don’t think I have it in me anymore.”

“Well you’re gonna let more people down if you give up,” Josh countered in a matter-of-fact tone. 

“What a comforting sentiment.”

“No, Jake, I’m serious. We all believe in you for good reason: you’re talented, you’re intelligent, you put yourself out there and you don’t take shit that you don’t deserve. Nobody works harder than you and I know you don’t see it, but it will pay off. It always does. If you give up, of course the people who have your back would understand, but I think they’d be disappointed. Shit, nobody can play like you can and if I’m telling the truth, I’d be disappointed too ‘cause that would mean nobody would get to hear your music. It’d be a real shame.”

Jake knew Josh was right; he had never thought of it that way before. 

Josh continued, “You’ve been in your head, isolating yourself away from everyone. I haven’t seen you like this since you found out Grace was cheating on you all those years ago. You need to get out again, spend some time with us. Remember last year when you would come over with your guitar and the four of us would goof off and sing together? The smile on your face spoke a thousand words. You just gotta get back to that. Maybe really think about what made you want to play in the first place. If you can find the source, you can reconnect with it.”

Classic Josh. He always knew how to calm Jake down while still talking to him straight. Of course they understood each other inside and out, and what Josh was advising was a surefire way for Jake to feel better, even if it wasn’t going to guarantee his career would take off. But right now, he wanted more than anything to feel the passion for his guitar again. 

“I love you man, but you gotta stop pushing us away. We want to see you, it’s not the same without you. Sam is worried sick as you can see, and Danny’s not much better either,” Josh slid his eyes over to Jake. “You know, you were a real dick to him.”

Jake groaned, screwing his eyes shut.

“I know, I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

“You’re angry, frustrated. At the end of your rope," Josh said with a shrug. "I just always expected you’d take it out on me instead of our poor sweet Daniel." 

Josh noticed a thin smile appear on Jake’s lips and he knew the pep talk was finally getting through. 

“Listen, I’m in between shoots right now and I’ve got a couple months off. You are going to have lunch with me once a week, got it?”

A slight nod of agreement from Jake.

“And when Sam and Danny invite you out, you say yes unless you have a gig. I’m gonna try to come to as many of your gigs as I can, but you have to tell me when they are.”

“Are you supervising me?” Jake asked with a sarcasm laden voice. 

“Yes! I’m helping you pull your shit together!” Josh laughed out, waving his unoccupied hand in the air. “I hate seeing you like this, it really concerns me. You and I have to stick together, and that means I’ve gotta pick you up when you faceplant and you do the same for me.”

He squeezed Jake’s hand again, emphasizing his point. They stayed silent for a while, Jake letting Josh’s words sink in. 

Connect back to the source, huh. 

He’d lost sight of that. He knew he loved his guitar more than anything, and he played it as his prominent source of self expression. Jake always found it hard to speak his emotions to others, but with his guitar, he felt like he could bare his soul to the world. It gave him power, confidence. His songs used to build him up, ever enthusiastic to share them with others. He had to get back to that. 

“Thanks Josh,” he finally whispered as his eyes slipped shut again, the exhaustion beginning to pull him under. 

“Nothing to thank me for, but I did have to resort to extreme measures.” Josh let out another chuckle, “Just don’t give up on me or I’ll kick your ass.”

“I won’t.”

"And apologize to Daniel."

"I will."

And with that, Jake was ushered back into rest, this time a peaceful sleep enveloping him. Josh listened to his twin snore lightly, deciding that he would wait just a while longer before he headed back home. It pained him to see Jake suffering like this; his twin had always been deeply sensitive, but never allowed many into his heart. Only Josh and his brothers were the ones to see the real Jake, and right now the real Jake was hurting immensely. Josh let his eyes slip shut, silently thanking Jake for being so vulnerable with him, letting out a deep sigh as he thought about what Jake had confessed. 

To be continued...

taglist: @joopsworld @gold-mines-melting @shutupdevvie @indigostreakmorgan @sacredjake @malany-gvf @writingcold @mountain-in-springtime @anthemofgvf @ohgodthefeeling-gvf @songbirds-sweet

[cartoonfanaticmonsterrobotalien]

Solar Opposites: The Rise of The New Order Ch. 5 (by @avaveevo)

The next morning, Korvo approaches a the New Order as he grins.

Korvo: Let’s do this.

Korvo opens the door and sits down.

Moran: Hey hey! Korvotron! What’s up! You doing good!

Korvo groans

Korvo: Seriously Moran? Do you have to be funny right now?

Moran: What? Just trying bring a little humor to lighten our day! *laughs*

Korvo rolls his eyes

Bee: Seriously?

Then, Tortus entered the room.

Tortus: Greetings New Order. You may now rise from your seats.

The New Order rises except for Gadget who is working on an invention

Tortus: Ahem! Gadget?

Gadget doesn’t hear Tortus

Tortus: Gadget? Gadget! *grows irritated* GADGET!

Gadget looks up

Gadget: *yelps a bit* Yes Tortus?

Tortus: STAND. UP!

Gadget angrily grumbles to himself but stands up

Gadget: Sorry geez. I was just working on an invention.

Tortus sighs and turns to Korvo

Tortus: Korvotron, it is an honor for you to be finally sitting with us.

Korvo: Heh. Thanks.

Tortus: Now, New Order. I have an assignment for each of you.

Bee: What is it, sir?

Tortus: Bee, you shall chronicle everything on Shlorp that must be kept safe at all cost.

Bee: Of course, sir.

Tortus: Gadget, keep inventing some more weapons of the New Order.

Gadget: Yes, sir.

Tortus: Moran, for heavens sake, just try do something more useful once in your life instead of being a prankster!

Moran: Can’t make any promises.

Tortus groans in annoyance. Xinna jumps on the table.

Xinna: And me, sir?

Tortus: You make to stay rough and guard any Shlorpian that me be harmed by predators and keep your team safe in line.

Bee: Yeah. And get off the table.

Xinna: Ugh! You don’t have to tell me twice, Bee.

Tortus: And Korvotron.

Korvo: Yes, sir?

Tortus: I have a very special assignment for you

Korvo: W-What is it?

Tortus: Come with me

Korvo nods and follows Tortus and then grows amazed by the chem lab.

Korvo: Woah. What is this place?

Tortus: Our lab. We know how much you love science and we believe it should be the perfect task for you

Korvo: *laughs* You know me too well.

Tortus: Of course. Korvotron, you think you can create something that could help our future generations of Shlorpians everywhere?

Korvo: But of course.

Tortus: Good it’s time to get started. Good luck.

Tortus leaves and Korvo smirks

Korvo: Oh this is gonna be fun!

Later, Korvo arrives home and Terry embraces him

Korvo: *laughs* Hey honey! *kisses Terry*

Terry giggles

Terry: So, how was your day?

Korvo: It was honestly very stressful.

Terry: Aw, I’m sorry honey. You don’t have to talk about it if you like.

Korvo: I don’t. For now, I just wanna-

Terry suddenly gets a phone call from his mother.

Terry: Yes mom?

Terry’s smile fades as he gasps

Terry: What? Oh my God… oh don’t worry mom. It’ll be okay. Love you.

Korvo: What happened?

Terry takes a deep breath.

Terry: My mom is starting to worry about Tortus.

Korvo: What do you mean?

Terry: She said there has been some suspicions about him lately.

Korvo sighs and decides to tell Terry what he learned about Tortus

Korvo: Terry, I believe you me be right.

Terry: Yeah.

Korvo: Terry, for years, Tortus’s father had a deadly thing called, execution, which means killing Shlorpians who refuse to obey the New Order.

Terry gasps

Terry: Oh my God… that’s terrible…

Terry starts crying as Korvo soothes him

Korvo: Shh… it’s okay my darling… you’re safe with me…

Terraformus: *offscreen* Son?

Terry gasp and turns around to see his parents

Terry: M-mom? D-dad?

Jessica: Hello, Terald.

Terry gasps as a flashback plays. Teraformus and Jessica are waiting for their Sproutling.

Shlorpian: Good news! Your Sproutling has been born!

Jessica gasps

Teraformus: Let’s go see our baby!

The two Shlorpians rushed in and gasped upon seeing baby Terry crying as he gets wrapped up in a blanket. The Shlorpians passed the baby over to Jessica’s arms as she and Teraformus cries tears of joy.

Teraformus: Hello, Terald.

Baby Terry: *crying*

Jessica kisses Baby Terry on the forehead. We then see an execution taking place with Teraformus and Jessica in the crowd while Jessica holds Baby Terry

Teraformus: Oh boy, this doesn’t look too good.

Jessica holds Baby Terry close. A group of Shlorpians were killed during the execution which made baby Terry cry louder.

Jessica: Sssh. It’s okay, sweetheart.

The flashback ends as Terry sobs

Terry: Mom! Dad!

Terry hugs Teraformus

Terry: *crying* I miss you…

Teraformus: Shh… it’s okay. Daddy’s here. Daddy’s got you. It’s my little boy. All grown up. You look just like me!

Terry smiles

Terry: Thanks dad. *hugs mom* Hello mom.

Jessica: Oh sweetheart. I missed you so much.

Terry: I miss you too. *tearfully smiles*

Korvo smiles

Teraformus: *smiles* It’s nice to finally meet you Korvo in person. Thank you for taking care of our son. He’s lucky to have a husband like you.

Korvo: He sure is. *pulls Terry in for a kiss*

Terry: *chuckles* Yes I do.

Jessica: *smiles* Thank you so much for taking care our son! *hugs Korvo*

Korvo: Anytime. It’s an honor being his husband.

Teraformus and Jessica smiled. Then they notice Jesse and Yumyulack.

Teraformus: Oh and these must be our grand kids.

Jesse: Yep!

Jessica: Oh little Jessica. *hugs Jesse* Look how big you grown. We haven’t seen you since you were a sproutling.

Jesse: It’s Jesse actually.

Teraformus and Jessica: D’aw okay.

Yumyulack: Uh, hey.

Teraformus: And you must be our grandson. So nice to meet you Yumyulack.

Yumyulack smiles

Yumyulack: Thanks Teraformus and Jessica, or um can I call you Grandma and Grandpa?

Jessica laughs

Jessica: Of course.

The Replicants then hug their grandparents as they smile.

Korvo: But what about Tortus?

Teraformus: Don’t worry, we know what a tough Shlorpian you are. And trust us, he is just like his father and worst.

Korvo: *sighs*

Jessica: But just keep an eye on Tortus. Okay?

Korvo nods and smiles.

Korvo: Okay I will and don’t worry things will be a success. I promise!

[waterfallofspace]

The Feline In The Ferocious.

The one in which C/huuya meets a kitten in an alley, and D/azai meets the kitten in C/huuya. Feat. Allergic C/huuya, teasing bastard D/azai (with a touch of genuine caring), and an ADORABLE calico kitten that totally has C/huuya’s eyes. I’ve been posting so many fics recently I’m so sorry, but I had to write something for our beloved C/huuya’s birthday, so here it is! Quite short, but it’s just a little birthday gift~ My first attempt at B/SD, so I hope it’s alright character voice wise~ I adore S/oukoku, so while they’re definitely not in a relationship in this, they have their normal banter/flirty/they’re-in-love-but-can’t-say-it thing goin’ on haha~ For anyone bothering to read this, thank you, and I hope you enjoy~ (references to swearing and cat scratches/blood, so proceed with caution if you don’t like those!) For the kitten, I’m picturing a Calico with Blue Eyes, and to know why- just, just google it okay. The colours of its fur are like the combination of D/azai & C/huuya’s hair, with some white to mix it together, and blue eyes like C/huuya’s. (Yes, I’ve fully lost my mind, incase you were curious~)  Characters: D/azai, C/huuya, and an adorable little Calico Kitten with Blue Eyes Word Count: 2.3k  ~~~~~~~

Chuuya is, and always will be, a dog person. He’s liked them for as long as he can remember, but once he found out Dazai dislikes dogs, he’s since grown to love them even more. It’s not like Dazai is scared of them, or even nervous around them. ‘Though could you imagine how wonderful that would be?’  No, sadly, he just doesn’t care for them. A bit disappointing to not be able to scare him. However just seeing the annoyance slip out from behind his mask when Chuuya walks a dog into the room he’s in is enough to bring a frankly worrying amount of joy to Chuuya. All that to say, Chuuya is a dog person. But… he’s never been able to pass by a cat in trouble without helping. It’s a weakness he’s deeply embarrassed about, similar in his mind to being such a lightweight. Just things that feel way too fragile, which is a feeling he can’t stand.  Anyways, this is what’s going through Chuuya’s head as he stops in the alley, eyes meeting the wide ones of a kitten, half stuck in a paper bag. It mews, a pathetic sort of noise that tugs Chuuya’s heart in a way he’d much rather ignore. Alas… “Fuck, what kind of person would do that-” He growls to himself as he gently pulls the bag off of the trembling kitten. “Hey little guy, it’s okay, I’ve got you now. You’re probably hungry, hm? I wish I had something to give you… I’ll try to find somewhere safer for you to go, okay? Maybe there’s an animal shelter or something nearby I could drop you off in front of.” Ocean eyes meet his own, a sadness lingering just below the surface, like waves hiding the current of a stormy sea. A sadness that he couldn’t help but feel a kinship too. ‘Is that what my eyes look like too..?’  “I’m sorry, I would take you home if I could, buuhht… oh hell, not already- heH’ishh’iew-! Ishh’iew-! tisSH-iSHH-kshhh’uee-! kkDXGT’shoo-! dtNNGt’shiew-! hH’NXGT’choo-! Hehh… hEH-! hEH’ktSHH’iew-!”  Chuuya tries to aim away from the kitten as the ticklish fit bursts its way out of him. He can feel his eyes already watering. ‘Damn it, why do I have to stop every time?! Maybe I really am as weak as Dazai says. Can’t even hold a kitten withou-’  The kitten cuts off his self loathing with a gentle purr, the feeling vibrating through his hands. Tiny claws begin to knead into his arm as he lets the kitten settle itself against his chest, the warmth that settles there having no relation to the kitten’s body temperature. “Oh come on- You can’t stay. I’m sorry, I am, but I really can’t take you home with m-” “Chuuya~ Are you cuddling with a sweet little kitten?” And just like that, the warm feeling swells, turning into a burning pit in his gut. Chuuya would know that voice anywhere. ‘Goddamn it, how did he find me here?!’ he groans to himself, considering just for a minute dropping the kitten. However when he looks down, and sees the sad eyes looking back at him once more, all thoughts of that are wiped clean. With a strong sigh, Chuuya whips around to face his ex-partner. A smile is painted across his face, but, like most of Dazai’s smiles, it’s like that of a doll. Fake, carefully crafted, and entirely lifeless. Almost as if there was no humanity in it, just a mask placed to hide whatever was simmering beneath.  “N- no! I am not cuddling! It jumped into my arms, and I didn’t exactly want to throw it on the ground.” “Awww~ Chuuya does have a heart! I was starting to get worried that you were more robot than person!” The words cut as deep as they’re supposed to, and Chuuya can’t help the wince that escapes. Nor can he seem to prevent the anger that flurries inside him as a response. However, there was no time for any of that, as a much more urgent matter was beginning to present itself. “hehh-”  “Hm? What was that, Chuuya? You have something to say?” As desperately as Chuuya wants to find a clever retort, every ounce of control he has is currently being poured into keeping his nose under control. His eyes have, thankfully, decided to cooperate and stop watering, but the tickle that dances in his sinuses is far from backing down.  “Oh shhhhuuuhh… shut up, you Aahhhh-! Guhhh… You ass.”  “Your words, they sting!” Dazai sighs, dramatically draping his arm over his face, before leaning forward again. Chuuya holds his breath, feeling a warmth flush through his cheeks. He’s quite familiar with the look he’s being given. Dazai is studying him, taking in every piece of his situation, and piecing it together into a plan intended to torment him.  Dazai steps forward, reaching a hand out towards his face, and Chuuya closes his eyes, just to open them again at the cry of pain the other man lets out. Looking down, Chuuya sees a red patch start to form on one of Dazai’s bandaged arms, the man looking quite offended as he glares at the kitten Chuuya’s still cradling.  “That thing just scratched me! I’m telling you, this is why cats are the worst.” Giving Dazai a smile dripping with fake sympathy, and the kitten a few scratches behind the ear, Chuuya swallows hard, hoping to gain enough control to use his voice. “I thhhought it was dogs you disliked. Is it just all animals then? Maybe they can juuhhst sense something about you that drives them to hhhhate you. They’re not the only ones.” “Something bothering you Chuuya~?” “Ass. hehH-!” A hand comes up to pinch his nose shut before he’s even conscious of it. A hand that was just petting the allergen he’s currently cuddling holding. Dazai seems to notice the mistake he’s made even before Chuuya, giving him a smile with a lot more emotion in it then the previous one. “Bless you.” “Wha- hEH’ESHH’ooo-! GoddaahH’ISHH’iew-! Damn it- eshh’uu-! ishh’uu-! tshhh’iew-! hH’keSHH’ooo-! hEH- hH’nGT’choo-!”  “Wow! Bless you a lot more than just once! Is Chuuya getting sick~?” Coming from anyone else the question might be asked out of concern, or curiosity, but from Dazai, it was entirely a taunt. Meant to mean ‘I know that’s not it, I know what’s wrong, are you gonna tell me, or am I gonna get to tease it out of you?’  “Shut up. I’m fine. Why are you here anyways, shouldn’t you be off solving some crime or something?” “I am actually working on a case right now! The case of the sneezy Chuuya! I intend to work until it’s completed, and find out who committed this crime against Chuuya’s poor nose!” “You’re such an ass, Dazai.” “I’m an ass for caring about my dear dear friend?” “ihh’kTSHH’ieww-! hH’ishh-kshh-tshhh’oo-!” “What adorable sneezes you have Chibi! Almost… kittenish!” Asshole as he may be, Chuuya has to admit he’s clever. Not only did he figure out what was causing the allergy attack, but also a way to taunt Chuuya with that fact, while also pointing out a weakness he knows will get under his skin. Unfortunately, knowing where it’s meant to go doesn’t exactly stop it from getting there.  “Sh- shut up, Dazai.” “What a retort! I’m wounded, I’m taken down, I’m broken beyond repair~!” Chuuya rolls his eyes at the dramatics, Dazai practically grasping his chest. Then, with a slight eye roll, and a subtle step forward, he lets a seriousness enter his eyes.  “Did you sneeze out all your clever responses along with the cat hair?” ‘Tipping his hand so early isn’t like him…’ Chuuya feels a slight tightness in his chest as he realizes there’s a deeper game going on here that he wasn’t aware of until now. Already steps behind, playing a game in which he doesn’t know the rules. Just one of the prerequisites of talking to Dazai.  Deciding the best course of action is ignoring him, Chuuya turns his attention back to the kitten, who by now is sleeping peacefully, pressing its head gently against his hand. It’s small enough to fit in one, so with the other, Chuuya pushes Dazai aside. “I have places to be. Unlike you, I still care about my job, and intend to get my work done.” Dazai says nothing, but falls into stride beside Chuuya, once again matching his steps as if it comes as naturally to him as breathing. Breathing which, currently, is not coming so naturally to Chuuya. “hHEH- uhhh… hh’NGT’shhhooo-! Fucking hell- NGT-! hH’DNNT-! hEH’kNNT’shieww-! hahh… hAH’nGTtt’shoo-! kKDXNtt-!”  “Stop that.” Chuuya nearly falls over at the voice. All teasing has been lost, and the eyes staring back at his had lost their glimmer of mischief. There was nothing but an unsettling level of sincerity, something that looked deeply out of place on Dazai. “Whhahh… what…?” “I said stop that. The stifling. We both know it’ll just make you sneeze more anyways, and it gives you a headache.” Then, tilting his head with a crooked smirk as he lets the mischief flood back in, he adds- “Plus, I miss the kitten sneezing! It’s so cute to see Chuuya shaking his head like a cat when they get something on their face~ you know, you actually remind me of a cat in many ways. I could list them if you wan-” “Don’t you fucking dare. I’ll… I’ll…. hehh- hDT-!uhhhh”  He manages to stall it off with a wrist pressed firmly under his nose, both of them noticing the way it trembles at the sudden allergen presence. “Didn’t think that one through, did you?” “hEH! ESHH’IEW-! heH’ishh’oo-! Kishhh’oo-! Tshhh’iew-! hAHH’nnmCHH’ooo-! mmMPFSHH’ooo-! mM’tsHH’iew-! hIH’mmtISH’ooo-!”  Setting for muffling them against his wrist, Chuuya ducks his head again and again, Dazai watching intently, muttering something under his breath. It was long gone before it reached Chuuya’s ears, lost in the wind, but if he didn’t know better, he’d have sworn he heard the word cute.  A light ticklish cough works its way out of his throat, bringing tears to his eyes as he attempts to catch his breath through it. This wakes the kitten, who mews softly, intense eyes staring into his own. “Sorry for waking you.” It’s soft, but loud enough that Dazai should have heard it. Still, Chuuya assumes he didn’t, as no comments are raised. Instead, his ex-partner continues to walk in stride, silence hovering uncomfortably between them, broken up only by ticklish coughs.  “There’s a shelter around this block, hand me the kitten.” Chuuya nearly jumps at the sudden noise, his twitching nose taking this lapse of control as an invitation to start up again. “What d- hEH’ketSHH’iew-! hH’ishh’oo-! mM’NNT’shoo-! Ishhh-kshhh-kshh’oo-!”  “Bless you, Chuuya.” The sincerity is back, and still startles Chuuya to his core. “Tha- oh shut up. Where’s the shelter? There’s no way in hell I’m handing her over to you, you’d just toss her in a gutter or something.” Dazai lets a hand fly to his forehead, the other grasping his chest, dramatics back in full swing, and mask comfortably back on. “Chuuya wounds me! I would never do such a thing to an innocent creature! I merely wish to be the one saving- her did you say?- by giving her to the kind shelter staff! And perhaps, even find someone grateful enough to-” “If you finish that sentence I will throw you in a gutter.” They approach the building, and true to his word, Dazai takes the kitten from Chuuya’s arms delicately, and marches into the building with another painted smile. Finally alone, Chuuya allows himself to succumb to the fit he’s been fighting for nearly ten minutes. “ihhh’hEH! hH’ESHH-ISHH-TISHH’ooo-! Fuckin- ihh’keSHH’ooo-! Fuckin’ hell- hAH’ASHH’ooo-! Ketshh’iew-! mM’tiSHH’uee-! Ihh’kishhiew-! heH’ishh’oo! ishh’shiew-shhiew-shhiew-hEH’ISHH’shiew-!” “Adorable. Bless you Chuuya~” “Christ, Dazai! When did you get back?!” “Oh, uhm, I believe it was around ‘fuckin hell’. What language! You should be more delicate with your tongue, it can deal with much more beautiful words than that filth! And, for that matter, a lot more than just words~” “Oi! You realize you just said it too, right?” Chuuya responds, choosing to ignore the last part, though the pink tint that spreads across his face (without his permission) tells Dazai that he did in fact hear it. “But Chuuya forgets, I said it when quoting him! Thus, according to the rules of foul language, it doesn’t count.” “Bullshhhhit. hIH’kishhiew-! hH’ISHH’ooo-!” “Care to look it up in the official rulebook, Chuuuuya?” “Oh, whatever, you ass.” And then, with a gentle tone that neither of them acknowledges, “How’s the kitten?” “They were thrilled to have her. I even got a kiss on the cheek for my efforts!” Chuuya rolls his eyes, but Dazai doesn’t miss the brief flash of hurt that shines through them. “I’m sorry you couldn’t keep her.” “What-?!” “The kitten.” Dazai meets Chuuya’s eyes, a cautious yet soft look in his gaze that Chuuya can’t help but love and hate at the same time. They stay like that for a beat longer than they’d care to admit, both trying to get lost in the silence, lost to the world, to melt away from themselves and find their place in each other. Like they used to. Like they know they can never do again. “Ach. Whatever. I’m a dog person anyways.” “I never did understand that. They’re foul creatures, slobbery, gross, feisty- Hey wait, maybe I do understand!” “Oi you ass, get over here!” Chuuya yells, throwing a punch that Dazai easily dodges, the smirk painted across his face maybe just a touch less fake than it was before. Neither of them talk about it again, both heading their separate ways, but when a kitten shaped stuffed animal shows up outside Chuuya’s apartment, he can’t help but let out a smile along with the sigh.

[soonsweetheart]

Pride

I tried to be modest about it, really.

“You got a 100?!” he gasped, glancing from his test to my own.

“Uh…heh yeah. I guess I did…” I mumbled.

I tried to blow it off, but I couldn’t deny it. It fed my ego immensely. I wanted him to know.

I wanted everyone to know.

I was the smart kid, after all. I was the talented one, the pretty one, the one that got everything she wanted, yet still quiet and reserved enough to be seen as some innocent, nice girl.

I went to bed that night, pondering. I was proud of myself, that was certain.

“You shouldn’t be.”

His voice was soft as usual. It had been awhile since I heard it, but there was no doubt who it was.

“Why not?” I mumbled. I was almost annoyed. It felt like he spoke only to ruin my sense of accomplishment.

“Do you really think you did that on your own?” he asked, sounding amused while sitting himself on the edge of my bed. But the amused expression on his face shifted to a more…hurt one.

“Have you even wondered for a moment where I’ve been, sweetheart?”

I finally looked up to meet his eyes. He was right. I understood now. He didn’t leave me. I left him. I ran away from him without even realizing it.

“Well…” I sighed, “where have you been then?”

I didn’t mean for the words to spill out so harshly. I felt so annoyed, but why?

“I’ve been here the whole time. You were just too blind to see me,” he whispered. “Please…stop running away from me, baby. You’re hurting yourself.”

I sighed, feeling horrible. I gently took his hand and squeezed it. “Father you know I love you, but why is it so bad for me to feel proud about something I did well?”

“Because you’re taking it too far, sweetheart,” he continued, “You’ve taken matters into your own hands. You’re not relying on me. You’re regarding yourself as more important than others, and that is not what I’ve taught you. Your strength comes from me, and only me.”

Most times his presence would fill me with this immense comfort, this love, this joy. But right now I felt like an idiot. He really knew how to humble anyone. “I’m…sorry,” I mumbled.

But even he, the Creator, was humble enough to wash the feet of others, the ride a donkey through Jerusalem, to die on a cross. To die for me.

“I forgive you,” he smiled. His arms wrapped around me and I didn’t hesitate to melt into his embrace. “Sweetheart, don’t be ashamed. Just remember, pride brings disgrace, but humility brings wisdom.“

“Kay…” I whispered, hiding my face into the warmth of his chest. I understood now.

“Thanks, Daddy��

[13thalcoragent]

My Stepmother and Stepsisters Do Not Pick On Me VII

~

Cinder: Despite being an orphan, the Glass family has adopted me.

~

The Characters:

Cinder Fall-Glass – Our Heroine who was adopted

Amanda “Ama” Glass – Older Stepsister with Curly Hair

Lenalee “Lee” Glass – Older Stepsister with Straight Hair

Laura Glass – Stepmother and Madame

~

Cinder: Did you say…”bodyguard”?

Lee: That’s right. You should introduce yourself to him since you’ll be living in the Glass Unicorn.

Cinder: There’s plenty of people with their eyes on the Glass Family’s fortune…Is it a mercenary who protects the Hotel from rogues?!

Ama: *pushes the bedroom door open* This is Rhodes.

Cinder: Rho…Huh? Is he a foreigner?! Just from his name, he sounds so strong!

Rhodes: *is a round puffy dog* *rapidly wags his tail*

Cinder: Huh?

Rhodes: Hah! Hah! Hah! Hah!

Cinder: It’s…

Rhodes: *BEAAAAAAM!!*

Cinder: WOOOOOW!!!

Cinder: * immediately jumps on top of the dog and squeeze-hugs it* CUTE! SO CUUUUUUTE!!!!

Cinder: *stops and gasps* Shoot...I couldn’t help getting excited! The bodyguard was just tooooo cute and amazing! I wonder what Big Sister Ama and Big Sister Lee must think!”

Lee: It was such a perfect moment that I curse the world for not having my Scroll in my hands to immediately take a photograph.

Cinder: Argh…

Ama: Considering how quick it happened, that would be an impossible dream…This is the first time I’ve ever agreed with you, Sister…That was lovely enough to purify the heart.

Cinder: Uh? What?

Ama: *sobs tears of joy* It was the fusion of cuteness with more cuteness.

Cinder: Whaaat?

Rhodes: Heh! Heh! Heh! Heh! Heh! Heh!

Lee: *also sobbing tears of joy* It was such a rare moment!

Cinder: Ugh…Huuuuu???

Rhodes: Hah! Hah! Hah! Hah!

Lee: Wouldn’t such a scene bring about world peace?

Cinder: Um, hold on…

Ama: But the human heart would covet such cuteness and wars would erupt over it.

Cinder: Things got really dramatic all of a sudden!!!

Rhodes: Heh! Heh! Heh! Hah! Hah!

Cinder: S…So, Rhodes is…

Amina: Everyone calls him Rose.

Cinder: Rose is…A very good dog. He doesn’t bark at all…The stray dogs around the area I lived were so rowdy.

Rhodes: Heh! Heh! Heh! Hah! Hah!

Lee: Oh, this little thing…doesn’t bark.

Cinder: Huh?

Ama: We found Rhodes unconscious in front of the hotel. His wounds have completely healed, so it must be an emotional problem.

Rhodes: Huhh! Hah! Hah! Heh! Hah! Huhh!

Amina: As you have heard, Rhodes…has a painful and pitiful past.

Cinder: I see…

Cinder: Pitiful…

FLASHBACK

Cinder’s Mother: Cinder…I’m sorry for making you work so much.

Cinder: Aw, you get some rest, mother!

DIFFERENT FLASHBACK

Cinder: I’m heading out, Mother.

Cinder’s Mother: I’m sorry you have to work so much when you’re not even ten yet!

ENDING FLASHBACK

Cinder’s Mother: What a pitiful child…to be born into such a life…

Cinder: Mother…Am I really that pitiful?

PRESENT

Lee: *picks up Rhodes* This little thing isn’t pitiful at all.

Rhodes: Hah! Hah! Hah! Hah! Hah!

Cinder: Eh…?

Lee: I mean, he’s living with someone like me, right?

Rhodes: *jumps down from Lee’s arms*

Ama: I’m sure anyone with as much self-confidence as our Sister must have a fun life.

Lee: Huuuh? Did you just make fun of me?

Ama: You noticed? So, she can be taught.

Laura: What are you girls talking about?

Cinder: Mommy!

Ama: Mother!

Lee: Mom!

Laura: It’s almost time for Rose’s walk. As pet owners, you have to take responsibility. It’s almost the optimal time for dog socialization!!!

Cinder: She even took dog socialization into consideration?!

OUTSIDE

Cinder: Mother, the Bodyguard of my new family…has a wonderful smile.

Passerby: Rose is wonderfully fluffy today too!

Cinder: Thank you very much.

Lee: If only we had our Scrolls with us to capture this moment and instantly share it through the world…

Ama: Should we perhaps run back to retrieve them?

Laura: Ama. Lee. You must exercise some restraint.

Passerby’s Dog: *runs and lovingly licks Lee’s face*

Cinder: Like this, slowly but surely…I want to continue making new memories with the Glass family.

Passerby: *tugs the leash* Stop that! I’m so sorry about this!

Ama: *chuckling* Pfft!

Lee: Ah! Hey! Hold on a second! I’ll play with you, just…hold on!

Cinder: Oh! Big Sister Lee!

[sadtranstheatreguy]

The First Chapter of a Trans!Anakin fic

Hello all, this is the first chapter of a fic I will be posting here and on ao3. I would love constructive criticism or anything else :) Have a great day/night.

TW for accidental misgendering

Shmi knew that the fact she was allowed to bring her child with her to the upcoming sale. She knew that her previously kind master, as kind as someone who owns slaves can be, was getting too old to keep his moisture farm. He let her keep her sweet baby girl. The universe gave her a gift, a miracle, in the form of a small cooing baby girl who she loving named Allana. The sweet button nose, the soft curl of her eyelashes to match her curled sandy brown locks, her eyes a beautiful blue and already so much expression came from them. Her sweet opinionated baby girl. She wept many times over her love for her. She didn't know it was possible to love something so much that she could weep at the sight if her. Her heart was filled with so much love over this small messy creature that was hers.

Shmi truly detested the market, the dehumanizing of the people sold there. As if they didn't have feelings of pain and joy, just as everyone else did. She truly was lucky that she was able to keep Allana so close to her. She could hear the screams of mothers being sold to different masters from their children. She hated them. She hated the people who took away her and other freedoms. Its frightened her how much she truly detested these... monsters. They weren't the ones who werent feeling beings, the people who enslaved them were the unfeeling ones. 

With sweat rolling down her back from the blaring Tatoine sun, she stepped onto the pedestal where she could be seen by her potential buyers. That thought caused her to be sick to her stomach. She heard the auctioneer announce her age, height, weight, and the fact that her child was to be sold with her. Allana is tightly wrapped to her chest with the softest and coolest cloth she had. It was worth everything to see her sweet baby girl sleeping soundly, brows pinching together every so often, hopefully stuck in a peaceful dream. 

She could see the ugly creature known as Watto was probably going to win her bid. She had to stifle a laugh filled with despair at the fact that she didn't even fetch that high of a price. Snapping her out of her thoughts was the rough shout of

"What is your baby?"

She knew he was a mechanic and scrap dealer who still thought that women were weak and subservient. With how many diffrent species out there you would think that all biasies would be gone but here they are. The other person that was bidding on her she knew nothing about. Go with the devil you know she supposed.

"He's my son."

This seemed to appise him because he ended up winning. She was grateful he didn't ask for a name because she wouldn't have been able to come up with one on the spot. She was still reeling from the fate she had just bestowed on her child. Thankfully he took her away immediately. 

"This is where you'll be staying. You will clean and help with customers. That son of yours better turn out strong because I took a gamble on him. Heh as much as I love gambling, I hate losing."

He left her to her tiny hut in the desert with nothing but measly rations, enough to keep her alive and her sweet baby girl. She cried and held her child to her even closer. She knew she had just made Allana's life so much harder. But she knew that if she didn't lie then. Watto would have sold her baby girl. She wouldn't have been useful in his eyes.

She rocked and sobbed with Allana clutched to her.

She sobbed into her soft locks, "I am so sorry my sweet girl. I didn't know what else to do. Please forgive me. I love you so much I couldn't bear to be parted from you." 

7 years later

"Allana?!"

She saw short sandy curls turn the corner at a run. The smiling face of her child wiped away her previous fear of losing her in the desert. She could a small assortment of droid parts in her arms and a bright smile that lit up her eyes. 

"Mama I found the parts I need! I can finish his inner workings and then all I'll need is his outer shell I was thinking..." She stopped listening to what she was saying and started focusing more on the facial expressions she made. It wasn't that she didn't care what her child said, it was more she couldn't hope to understand it. When Allana was finished she nodded her head and said

"Thats nice sweetie. I have some dinner for us made. If you run in now you can watch the rations rise." No matter how many times her Allana saw the rapid formation of the abysmal rations they were given it always seemed to amaze her. 

"Okay!" She went to run in before stopping slightly before the opening to the hut. "Mama can I..." Shmi smiled as she trailed off looking at the droid parts in her arms. 

"Yes you can bring droid parts to the table, as long as you don't get grease on your food!" Allana didn't even wait for her to finish the sentence before squealing in happiness and continuing her rushed way inside. 

Shmi put her face in her hands and chuckled. "What am I gonna do with her. I love her so much." Shmi took one last look at the setting desert sun and prepared herself for the whirlwind that was her daughter. She did have to admit that her stories of the day, no matter how obviously embellished on, made her happy that her sweet child could find some semblance of happiness in their situation. 

~

With their stomachs full they settled into a position they often did. Allana settled between her legs fiddling with droid parts while Shmi played with her hair. Braiding and undoing braids on Allanas short wavy hair. Most nights the air was filled with the stories of the day or Allana talking about what she was doing. They both knew that Shmi had no chance of really understanding, no matter how many times Allana explained, but it helped Allana think through her work and it filled Shmi with contentment. 

Shmi could feel Allanas hands still on the droid parts before she turned around to face her. Her legs were crossed and her face was scrunched in thought. Shmi resisted a chuckle at the perturbed expression and the ever moving hands still moving and adjusting pieces of mechanics. 

"Mama I have a question." Shmi nodded and placed her hand on her child's knee, slowly moving her thumb in a small circle to soothe her to continue.

"Why do you call me Allana when everyone else calls me Anakin?" Shmi sighed softly but smiled gently so Allana wouldn't worry.

"I've told you this story many times darling."

And exasperated huff came from her and her hands came up to help her talk. "I know mama but why? I like when everyone else calls me Anakin, it sounds like who I am! Its the name you gave me it... feels right." Another exasperated huff.

Shmi was confused but she wanted to help Alla- Anakin as best as possible. "Is it because its what you're used to or is it because its better. When you were born you were my sweet baby girl, and when.  came to buy us I knew that he wouldn't let me keep you if you were a girl. Which they way that you've proved yourself he would keep you anyway. In fact we could tell him that you are Allana if you wante-'

"No! You're-" A soft cry left her throat and tears streamed down her face. "I don't want to be Allana. I know thats who you wanted me to be but I don't want to be. I like being Anakin. It feels better, it feels like me. I hate being your daughter."

Shmis breath caught in her throat and she could feel her eyes sting. Anakin saw this and her eyes opened in realization of what she just said. 

"No not like. I mean I want to be your son! I don't-  I love-." He groaned and pulled at his hair. Before launching himself into his moms arms. His tear streaked face was pressed to her neck and his small arms clutched at her. Trying to make her understand his words. Her arms immediately circled around him and held him close. 

"I like when you call me Anakin. I like being a boy. I want to be a he, not a she. I know I'm still Allana, but I want to be Anakin. Same person, still me, but your son not your-" his breath hitched before pulling back to gauge his moms reaction. She smiled at him through her own tears. She reached out to cup his face in her hands. She softly wiped the tears from his face, her breath momentarily caught in her throat when he leaned into her touch. 

"Anakin." She could feel him stiffen even though she had called him that name so many times before. But this was the first time she called him that in private.

"I love you, so so much. Nothing will ever change that. Nothing." Her hands moved to his shoulder to squeeze softly. "You are my sweet, beautiful boy. If thats truly what you want, then I would be honored to call you my son. Nothing could ever change the fact that you are my child and I love you, no matter what form you take." 

He took her face gently in his small hands like she had done with him. He wiped the tears softly from her face with the brightest, biggest smile she had ever seen. Something warm curled around her, and she knew that she had done something right. 

He hopped up from the place he was sitting and danced around the room shouting, "My names Anakin and I am a boy!" He giggled and ran back over to his mom. "Say it again say it again!"

"Anakin." 

He laughed and ploped down into her lap to hug her again. She hugged him close and was happy. She grieved for the daughter she had just lost but rejoiced in the son she had gained.

The next night they buried the old pink scrap of fabric that Shmi used to tie his hair up with. Anakin smiled as he put in in the ground and hugged his mom as she threw the first fistful of sand on top on it. She kissed the top of his head and brought him inside. She had bought a piece of candy with some of what little money she had acquired. He laughed and hugged her as tight as his little arms allowed.

"I love you my sweet Anakin."

[four-loose-screws]

FE7 Novelization Translation - Chapter 11 Section 9

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Chapter 11: Four-Fanged Offense (Section 9)

The stage for this extraordinarily violent battle was the main base of the assassin's guild known as the Black Fang…

The assassins all knew their base inside and out, and unleashed surprise attacks from the shadows, preventing Eliwood's army from fighting in their standard style of everyone fighting in pairs. To avoid being attacked from behind, they all had to fight individually.

They needed to claim swift victory, and get to the royal manse to stop the prince's assassination. However, if they acted hastily here, then the injuries they suffered would be immense. They endured their mounting impatience, and fought as hard as they could.

Among them was one person darting around quickly. It was Lucius, monk of Elimine. 

With pity in the look in his eyes, he ran around looking for Kenneth. 

His behavior was so unusual that Raven followed after him, looking worried, and staying, "Hey, Lucius! Don't run off too far. If you're alone and find yourself surrounded, you won't last a second!"

"I-I know. But…"

"Are you really that concerned about the priest?"

Lucius nodded in response to the question.

Kenneth loved to spill blood despite being a holy man, and delighted in making people suffer even though he was a disciple of the gods.

As a loyal servant to the gods, it was difficult for him to allow Kenneth's behavior, and he also pitied him. He wanted to meet the man face-to-face, preach of both the joy that serving the gods brings, and of his heart that wished to serve, convincing him to once again become a devout disciple of the gods.

Lucius was always reserved, and was never proactive when making decisions. Knowing that well, Raven wanted to do whatever he could to help him.

As if the gods could sense his sincere feelings, Lucius, with Raven following close behind, was able to find the room Kenneth was in.

"Oh-ho, you are quite a lucky person to have made it this far." Kenneth said with a smile mocking them on his face.

By contrast, Lucius' expression was one of compassion as he preached with all his might. "Do you kill people for your own pleasure? The gods cannot forgive that kind of behavior. If you previously served Saint Elimine even once before, then you should know that…"

"I meant what I said. The only god I will follow is Lord Nergal… If you must know why, it is because he granted me these magnificent powers!" Kenneth shouted, before blasting a ray of blinding light out of his hands. 

The spell he cast was the high-level light magic Aura. The light traveled in a spiral pattern through the air, headed for Lucius.

But at the very last second, Raven rushed in from the side, and managed to save him. "Are you uninjured, Lucius?"

"Lord Raymond… I-I'm sorry."

"When you get excited, you don't pay attention to your surroundings. And we don't know when you will have another attack. Don't get yourself too worked up."

Lucius had a chronic mental illness. At most types of emotional distress, he would suffer a range of symptoms from heart palpitations, to shortness of breath, to dizziness. And he did not have a physique suited for mercenary work, either.

Raven distanced himself from his troublesome servant, stood before Kenneth, and held his iron blade right in front of his enemy's eyes.

"I will be your opponent!"

"Heh heh heh… You think that you, a lowly mercenary, can defeat me and Lord Nergal's powers?!" Kenneth cast another Aura spell.

But it would cost him his life.

Raven dodged the powerful light spell and rushed straight at Kenneth without a hint of hesitation. When Kenneth shot the same spell just moments ago at Lucius, Raven had watched carefully and studied how he moved.

Raven's blade, glimmering with a dark gray light, stabbed through Kenneth’s large body without resistance.

"Impossible… Does this mean… I… lose…?"

Unable to believe what was happening to him, Kenneth stood completely still for a long moment in his utter shock. But when Raven pulled out his blade, he fell down as if a wall had been propping up and it now crumbled around him.

The moment he collapsed, a small orb, glittering in the light, fell out from his breast pocket.

Raven picked up Bern’s greatest treasure and looked down at it. "So this is the Fire Emblem…” He muttered.  "Shall I exchange it for Hector’s life?"

"Lord Raymond! You can’t…!!"

"I'm joking, Lucius. Don’t worry. I… have no intention of exacting my revenge any longer. Meeting Eliwood and everyone else opened my eyes. I do not think that Marquess Ostia is the mastermind behind what happened to my family. Once I am sure of everything I was not certain of, I will tell him everything, and ask for his forgiveness.”

When House Cornwall was first dissolved, Raven was so full of despair that he believed a baseless rumor in his attempts to run from his grief. He even considered the moment he first became one of Eliwood’s allies that after he confirmed what was true and what was false, if Ostia was guilty, then he might kill Hector as his revenge.

But things were different now.

“I would have no objections if you left the battlefield after this…"

"Huh?! B-But…" Lucius looked confused, not understanding what Raven's words meant.

“I want you to quit the mercenary life for good. You are the only person I can call family now. I don’t know… if I can think of Priscilla as my family any more…”

“Lord Ray… No, Lord Raven.”

Raven had been deliberately telling Lucius of plans to exact revenge against Ostia for the purpose of making Lucius fall into despair and stay off the battlefield, as his body was too frail to fight.

Lucius finally felt that he understood Raven's heart.

'Thank goodness… He really hasn't changed a bit. He is still the same kind Raymond as before…' Lucius wiped the tears out of the corners of his eyes and smiled.

☆

Darkness settled in for the night.

Three figures had arrived at Bern’s royal Manse - Sonia, Nino, and Jaffar; and already completed their first investigation of the location where the assassination would take place. All that was left to do was carry out the plan.

"...You both know what you need to do, yes? You will act tonight!” Sonia said in a tone so powerful it made Nino start shivering even harder.

This job was too much to ask of her. Nino was still just a girl who had not even turned fifteen yet. For her to kill someone… and for her to face her own death if she failed, was so cruel a condition that others would consider her honorable even if all she did was not run away.

She did wish to run away this very second.

But her admirable feelings to help her mother she loved so much stopped her from doing so.

"Mother… Um… may I hold your hand… just for a little bit…?"

She didn't even have to hear the answer to know what it would be. It was a request she'd made many times before, and been rejected coldly every time. But she still could not help but ask.

Sonia raised one of her beautiful eyebrows. "...You know I hate that kind of thing."

"I-I do. …B-But it might be our last chance, so…"

"...Alright."

"Huh…?" The sound of the words she'd wished for but never heard made her wonder if she was dreaming.

"When you come home after successfully completing this job, I will hold your hand for as long as you like. …I will even hold you, and pat your head."

"Really?! Then I'll do my best! I really, really will succeed!! Just wait for me, Mother!"

"I will. Now go, and be careful."

Sonia's kind words made Nino shake with joy. She had no memory of ever hearing her mother speak even a single kind word to her. Today was truly the first day this had ever happened.

Her heart fluttered with her sudden surge of emotions, and her eyes sparkled as she looked at her mother, then said with all her might, "Yeah! I'll be back!!"

It was a childish request. But just by Sonia simply agreeing to it, Nino overcame her fears and ran off bursting with energy. 

Jaffar started to follow after her, but Sonia called out to him. "About this job…"

"...What?"

"Your target is the prince… and Nino."

Though it was only for a moment, the expressionless face of the Angel of Death did flicker with surprise.

But he quickly wiped his face of that expression and stared speechless at Sonia.

"The prince's assassination… the king's request also included that we clean up after it. Once they know for certain that the prince is gone, the country will erupt into an outroar. …They will not rest until the assassin is caught and hanged… Making it necessary to have a scapegoat. You understand, don't you?"

"...Isn't Nino your daughter?"

Sonia laughed mockingly at Jaffar's obvious question. "Ha ha, I care not what happens to such trash!" There was not even a shred of compassion in her voice, mercilessly trampling the feelings Nino had just expressed.

Sonia laughed another cruel laugh before continuing, "...I suppose even such refuse was of some use to me after all. It was her greatest joy to help me, was it not?"

Jaffar stared at her.

His gaze was as emotionless and cold as ever, or so Jaffar himself thought. But Sonia, looking back at him, did not think the same way.

"...What? Do you have something you want to say?"

"...This… has nothing to do with me."

"...Lord Nergal picked you up when you were orphaned because of your callous heart and skill with the blade… He will not overlook a second mistake. You would do well to remember that." Sonia spat, then was enveloped in the light of a teleportation circle before vanishing.

Even after Sonia was gone, he stared at the spot where she stood for a long while before finally starting to move.

☆

Having taken the Fire Emblem into their possession, Eliwood's army had no time to waste, and headed straight back towards Bern's royal manse.

After their fight to the death with the Black Fang, everyone was tired. But they couldn’t stop moving.

As they were marching silently across the countryside, Hector turned back to Oswin walking behind him and said, "...Oswin."

"Yes, Lord Hector?"

"You haven't heard anything at all from Brother, have you?"

"Anything… what exactly?" Oswin answered, his expression not changing, even at Hector’s question.

"..Like, um… about his health, or something…" Hector sounded nothing like himself at all, his words were vague and inarticulate.

They made Oswin feel as if he had seen past Hector's tough exterior and at his love for brother. "...No, nothing in particular."

At Oswin's curt response, Hector's face brightened. "Oh, really? Then that's all I wanted to know!"

"Why do you ask?"

"No real reason, I just randomly started worrying about him recently. …When we met him at the fort in Ostia a little while ago, his face looked a bit pale… and thought it was the same color as Father's face when he died of his illness…"

Hector had lost his Father to an illness that took him quickly. The marquess was still middle aged, and it was nowhere near his time yet.

The sudden loss made Hector want to hold his father’s body close, bawling like a small child. But he hated showing his weaknesses to others more than anything else in the world, and would never do so, unable to cry as he needed to even when alone.

He didn't want to suffer through the same experience twice.

Everyone will die someday. But at the very least, Hector wanted his brother to live a long life.

To dispel the worry in his heart, he said, "...Nah, I'm just overthinking it. There's no way we wouldn't hear anything if something was wrong with him."

"I agree. …Though now that you mention it, there is something I'd just forgotten. A messenger came to deliver a message from Lord Uther to you."

"Oh! What did Brother say?!"

"He said… not to force everyone to do things your way, and not cause trouble for Lord Eliwood."

"Jeez, he's always like that. I told him not to treat people like little kids…"

But Hector could feel the exhaustion hidden in those words.