#i should go to bed but i haven't done nearly as many things as i was planning on doing

[grandline-fics]

Immune To Your Charms

DESCRIPTION: Soulmates are incapable of harming the other in any way. Normally that would be a good thing but not when you're meant to be enemies.

WARNINGS: It's Doflamingo so he's his own warning. Don't read if he's not someone you enjoy reading fics about. Slight depictions of injury/death. Some hurt-comfort. Enemies to Lovers. Soulmate! AU

CHARACTERS: Doflamingo

WORDS: 3,984

A/N: April's a rough month for me and I haven't had much creative energy if I'm being honest. Between life, work, and personal stuff writing sadly gets set to the side more than I'd like it to be. I know I have requests and the Valentines Event to finish but I don't want to force those out just to have them done. I want to take my time and post what I'm proud to have written and thank you all for your patience with those. Needed some Doffy to try and get things going again and help me out of my slump. Thank you all for the love and support, hopefully you like this chapter. The next one will be the party. Enjoy ♥️

*REQUESTS ARE OPEN*

DIRECTORY | PROMPT LIST | KO-FI

Chapter One | Chapter Two | Chapter Three | Chapter Four | Chapter Five | Chapter Six | Chapter Seven | Chapter Eight | Chapter Nine | Chapter Ten | Chapter Eleven | Chapter Twelve | Chapter Thirteen | Chapter Fourteen | Chapter Fifteen | Chapter Sixteen(here) | Chapter Seventeen | Chapter Eighteen | Chapter Nineteen (coming soon)

——————

Doflamingo knew Dressrosa would be in safe hands with those in his family staying behind while he was gone. Long stretches of time away were rare but he always made sure nothing was left to chance in his absence. Counting in the time to get there, attend, and return he would be gone for nearly two weeks so he needed to settle preparations with the kingdom and his many other operations and work needed before departing. His subordinates and servants knew their daily tasks and duties and the higher ranking members were all given a fair share of additional responsibilities, everyone knowing that should anything be lacking on his return, all would suffer the consequences together. Finalising the last of the necessary details, Doflamingo rose from his desk and left the office, walking straight for the dining room. As he neared the room he heard Dellinger speak up. “So what time do you set sail?”

“First thing in the morning.” You looked up at the sound of Doflamingo’s voice answering the question that had been directed at Diamanté. With his usual chuckle and a building grin he added. “So those of you attending, make sure you get a good night’s rest because if you aren’t at the ship in time we’ll leave you behind.”

“Even me?” You asked as he slid into his seat beside you. You tried your best to look as innocently concerned about the prospect of being left behind even though it was because of you Doflamingo had even entertained the notion of attending this ordeal in the first place. 

“I’ll drag you out of your bed personally.” Doflamingo answered with a grin when a challenging glint shone in your eyes.

“Hey, hey Doffy!” Trebol spoke up, leaning forward toward his King, getting as close as he possibly could and as always with with no regard for anyone’s personal space. You continued to eat, glad you were on the other side of Doflamingo and safe from Trebol’s overbearing reach. “Why are you going so far away this time?”

“Yes I was curious about that too.” Lao G added. “Is there something special out there? Are you planning something else while you’re away?”

“If something important was being planned it wouldn’t be so spontaneous and more of us would be going too.” Gladius argued, prompting more voices to join the conversation and theorise the reasoning behind this trip away to an event they knew their King tended to avoid as much as possible. 

As they spoke amongst themselves you contented yourself to just enjoying your meal while also idly wondering what this event was going to be like. Beside you, Doflamingo had also said nothing to stop or encourage the current conversation, simply letting them be. After a while some became bored of trying to work out Doflamingo’s motivations behind his actions -as they normally did- and drifted into other discussions. Suddenly Baby 5 let out a gasp and she looked to Doflamingo with widened eyes and small blush dusting her cheeks. “D-doffy! Could it be your wedding?!”

Silence fell over the table among the family immediately. Some looked to Baby 5 first in silent fury, her overly romantic mind could be the cause they lose their heads because they get caught in the crossfire of angering their young master with her wistful and disrespectful question. Then again, they were all suddenly hit with the consideration that she may have been onto something. It made more sense than anything else they could have come up with so far. So they all looked to the top of the table where you and Doflamingo sat. Together you both looked at the other and immediately burst into laughter like this was the best joke you’d heard all week. Because that was the only way the both of you would even consider Baby 5’s words. It was ridiculous. At least it was to the two of you, everyone else on the other hand silently regarded you both and began to wonder if the time away was going to lead to any further developments between the two soulmates.

————

The Numancia Flamingo was definitely a sight to behold. You hadn’t been entirely sure what you’d been expecting before finally seeing and boarding the ship but when you did it was definitely the only thing you found that would suit Doflamingo. Had you put any thought into imagining the vessel it would have paled in comparison to the real thing. Truthfully it didn’t really matter on looks, it could have been a dingy little tugboat for all you cared because all that mattered now was getting to be on a ship again for the first time in months. 

You stood leaning against the railing and let your eyes slide closed as you felt Dressrosa’s summer heat recede back and the cool sea breeze began to pick up and wash over your face. You took a long, relaxed breath and gave a small hum. Opening your eyes you turned around, casually bracing your hands on the railing and watched Doflamingo approach. You said nothing as he came to a stop beside you but you did catch Diamanté, Baby 5, and Gladius standing on the other side of the deck, watching with expressions of varied levels of curiosity. Since this was only day on of the journey you braced yourself for this being the calm, anticipating their behaviour to heighten over the days at sea. “You look peaceful. You miss being out on the water that much?”

“Can you blame me for feeling a little nostalgic?” You asked with a small smile, looking to Doflamingo as he adjusted his position to still lean by the railing but also face you. “The last time I was on a ship was when my unit docked to begin our mission on observing your little enterprise at the warehouse.”

“How long were you stationed there until I showed up?” Doflamingo asked with a grin, the memory of your dazed and pained face lit by the warehouse fire realise he was the one your unit had unknowingly been pursuing flashing in his mind. Even then on the brink of passing out and accepting of your fate you’d been stubbornly defiant. 

“Nearly two months.” You explained, your smile lessening slightly. You were used to the routine tedium of keeping a low profile, watching for all activity, obeying the orders given on jobs like those but now that you thought on it and given that it was the last mission you’d ever have you couldn’t help but feel conflicted about it all. You thought fondly of your friends while also missing them but then would be hit with guilt. Did you even deserve to miss them when you were sitting and talking so comfortably with the man who was the reason they were all dead and gone. Quickly you cleared your throat and to distract yourself you added.  “Now that I think about it, I suppose I was on a ship after that, right? To get to Dressrosa.”

“We didn’t sail. I carried you back while you were unconscious and used my strings to get back.” At Doflamingo’s words you tilted your head in slight confusion. At the time you’d never questioned how you’d gotten to Dressrosa. For one thing, you were certain you weren’t going to be alive much longer and that you’d woken to Doflamingo demanding to know how he couldn’t hurt you if didn’t give you much time to think about it beyond using logic to fill in the gaps.

“Being away from Dressrosa for so long is a bit of a hassle isn’t it?” You asked, his words now bringing a new thought to you. You couldn’t believe it but you were now beginning to share Trebol's curiosity from the night before. “Why did you pick this event to go to? You get countless invitations. I’m sure there were many a lot closer to home.”

“I don’t know why, this one seemed the most interesting.” Doflamingo shrugged casually, not making a comment on how you’d inadvertently called Dressrosa ‘home’ and also chose to ignore the feeling that it brought him. “Didn’t look at the location until you agreed to go.”

“Still I wouldn't have minded if we went somewhere closer.” You explained before smirking. “They're all the same right?”

“Right but it’ll be interesting to see you navigate this as a guest.”

“I’ll have to be careful though, won't get away with half the stuff I normally do will I?” You grinned playfully. “Also means I have to behave around you too. Guess I should practice my ‘yes King Doffy’s and ‘anything you say, young master’s on the way.” For emphasis you straightened up to give him your best attempt at an exaggerated bow fitting his title.

“As much as I loved that display, you don't need to worry about doing that in front of anyone. Just be yourself. It’s not like they can do anything to you if you annoy them anyway.”

“Not worried I could be a target of those ‘clumsy assassinations’ you told me about?”

“When they see you’re with me they’ll know to leave you alone.” Doflamingo’s voice took on a hard edge, the threat of what would happen clear, not that it needed clarifying further. You saw how furious he was when a mere servant opened a door against your face by accident. The bloodbath and Doflamingo’s ferocity that would come should someone else try to kill you when that was his goal didn’t bear thinking about. Strangely you didn’t feel fear from him when he was like this, you never did. While you wanted to avoid as much unnecessary violence or death as possible, you knew Doflamingo would do as he wished.

————

The members of the Doflamingo family on the ship had begun to become more observant when it came to you and their ruler. Most of the time back on Dressrosa you tended to keep to yourself up until recent events took place so there were things they were only noticing or getting to see now. When they had watched Doflamingo approach, you turned without him even making a noise. Whatever it had been you were discussing it seemed relaxed enough but what caught their attention the most had been how close you both stood to each other and how you and Doflamingo looked solely on the other’s face as you talked. Even more interesting was how neither of your called attention or seemed to notice that Doflamingo’s hand was over yours for the conversation and that your finger was curled around one of his. 

Now they all sat in the ship’s lounge, relaxing after their dinner. Just as they would back in Dressrosa’s palace, they all settled into their own spots and contented themselves with idle chatter, a drink, and something to occupy them until they eventually would decide to go to bed for the night. Doflamingo took up most of one of the sofas all by himself, stretched out comfortably with a drink in one hand and the other draped over the back of his seat. Lazily he would twitch and arch his finger to move the chess pieces on the board between him and Diamanté who sat opposite him. 

You were the last to come into the room, having stopped by your room to grab a book. Entering you were already reading and immediately walked to the sofa Doflamingo was sprawled out on. You wordlessly dropped down onto the seat without checking if any space had been made for you, which to the silent surprise of the rest of the family there had been. The second you’d made your move, Doflamingo remained focused on the game while lounging but had adjusted his leg in time to make room for you to comfortably settle against the cushions and his side. With your back against him, you turned the page, continuing to read while Doflamingo made his next move in his game with Diamanté, neither of you uttering a word to each other. Both of you seemed completely unaware of how effortlessly domestic and cosy it all seemed but it practically slapped the others in the face. Part of them wanted to make a comment, even a light, teasing one but held back, unsure how either of you would take it. With the other members of the family back home depending on them to bring back all the juicy details, they didn’t want to risk ruining things by pointing out the unconscious moments between two of you especially on the first day. 

————

“Your family have been staring a lot today.” You noted as you climbed into the bed you’d be sharing with Doflamingo for the duration of the trip. It had already been mentioned and while you’d both slept in each other’s presence before, you couldn't help but realise this was the first time it was happening without you being sick or sleep deprived. Still you found no issue in it deep down, it just meant another slight shift in things was happening between you and Doflamingo. “Are they expecting something to happen?”

“Like what?” Doflamingo asked with a chuckle, his family hadn’t exactly been subtle with their observations but even he couldn’t work out what was suddenly so interesting. 

“I dunno, they’re your responsibility so you tell me.” You shrugged with a yawn as Doflamingo switched off the light. 

“Sometimes they’re a mystery even to me. They’ll get bored and move on to something else, they always do.” Doflamingo explained and you nodded.

Ultimately it didn’t matter what it was that had them acting stranger than normal. Whatever their motivations they were going to continue until what they were waiting for did or didn’t happen. Anything was possible in their imaginations, Baby 5’s ridiculous suggestion that Doflamingo and you were going to marry on this trip was proof of that. As long as they didn’t get too in your face about it, you were happy to just let them continue as they were. Besides you were too tired to give them anymore thought. With another yawn, this one deeper and longer than the last you lay back more and felt yourself fall over to sleep, carried there by the sounds of waves hitting against the side of the ship. It had been so long since you’d fallen asleep to the familiar sound and given your earlier conversation with the man asleep next to you, it was no wonder that your mind conjured the images that it did for your dreams. 

It started pleasant enough. You were sat around a table with your unit sharing a meal, talking and laughing without any cares or worries. Then the laughter slowed and an almighty explosion came from the centre of the table, hurtling your body backwards through the air and plunging you into the coldest and darkest waters. You struggled and clawed with all your might to fight your way out of the depths but your limbs felt heavier and heavier with no sign of the surface in sight. Finally hands broke through the surface and hauled you from the water. You slumped onto the floor and took a few steadying breaths.

Lifting your head to thank your saviour you froze with the words lodged in your throat. Your eyes widened as you took in the sight of the young cadet that died in the warehouse explosion but it wasn’t as you knew him. Standing before you now was his burning body, the scorched remnants of his uniform melted to his skin and eyes literally ablaze as he looked down at you in fury, with laboured, crackling breaths smoke bled from his parted mouth. “Traitor.” You flinched at the low, agonising voice he now spoke with. “You’re a traitor.”

Numbly you sat cold and horrified, unable to speak. Trembling you could only stare helplessly at the cadet and shake your head. Suddenly he was behind you, charred and burning fingers clawing into your skull and forcing you to look forward. Against the fires of the destroyed warehouse debris you were faced with the bloodied and lifeless bodies of the rest of your unit. You didn’t see what had become of them personally but knew they’d died so in this nightmare, your imagination created the worst visions possible. Then they all spoke together, a chorus of haunting accusations. “Traitor.” “You forgot us.” “Dead because of you.” “Sided with the enemy.” “Our blood is on your hands.” “Your fault.” 

Their unseeing eyes blinked and their heads turned your way, their rigid, bloodied hands moving to drag themselves across the space between them and you. While the burning cadet held you firmly in place, the rest of the unit drew closer and closer chanting the chorus of “Your fault” over and over again until they were swarmed on top of you and smothered you. 

With a strangled gasp you bolted upright in the bed, kicking and pushing to try and rid the phantoms from your nightmare away from you but still their touch persistently clung to your skin. You jolted when the most determined phantom grabbed your wrists to stop your thrashing. At the sound of Doflamingo’s deep voice saying your name you blinked through your disoriented panic and swallowed the lump in your throat and tried to calm your rapid breathing. Finally you were able to remind yourself that it had all just been an awful dream and that the images weren't real but as rational as you were it all still had a vicelike grip on you. 

You were pulled forward and Doflamingo adjusted you to settle on his lap. He wrapped his arm around you and settled his other hand on the back of your head, settling you against his chest. Hearing his strong, steady heartbeat finally helped you to relax. Following his breaths as a guide you began to ease and the small shake in your frame settled. For the longest moment you remained against him, your eyes staring at nothing and only focusing on the warmth of Doflamingo’s body against yours. 

With a tired sigh you began to pull out of his hold. Now that you’d calmed from the nightmare you decided to let him get back to sleep. Except you stopped when his grip tightened. Silently Doflamingo lay down and kept you against him. “Aren’t you going to ask?”

“I’m no stranger to nightmares.” Doflamingo told you, his fingers moving against your back in similar motions as you had with him when you proved he needed to relax more. “Only talk about it if you want. Or say nothing at all. It’s your choice.”

“Thanks Doffy.” You murmured, your voice already growing thick and in seconds you were drifting off to sleep in his arms.

————

While the nightmare hadn’t been brought up again and even though it didn’t happen again, the consequences of it were evident. For every night that followed, no matter what position you both settled into the two of you would wake fully rested and in each other’s hold; usually with your head on his chest. As always when it came to anything that could be perceived as soft or tender or actions fuelled by emotion, nothing was said about the sleeping arrangements. If anything, you both would merely convince yourselves it was for your own benefit; simply a way to have a peaceful night's rest and nothing more. For you both this was the best way to handle things, to just continue as you both were without looking deeper.

As you sipped at your morning tea you saw the outline of an island slowly come into view, a tiny dot on the horizon. Still far away but now a sign the first stretch of the trip would be over. So far the plan was to attend the party that evening, stay overnight at the host’s lavish estate and set sail in the next day. The time of your departure would depend solely on the hangovers of Doflamingo and the rest of the crew whose tasks involved sailing the ship back home to Dressrosa. You lifted the invitation again and inspected it curiously. There was no real occasion listed so it was an even greater mystery for what you’d be walking into and had no real way to prepare for it all. Still from what Doflamingo had said, it would be a gathering of people similar to him; those holding great power-most not attained morally- some nobility and even a couple royals or rulers of their own islands, others just so insanely rich they may as well have a crown on their head. Adding in the numbers of each guest’s entourage of supporters, bodyguards and fawning dates to make them look good it was most certainly going to be a large affair. Now a thought came to you that you maybe should have asked sooner. “How are you going to introduce me?”

“By your name, obviously.” Doflamingo smirked as he observed you set the invitation down and let out an unimpressed huff. “What other way am I to introduce you?”

“I meant what's my place here?” You asked with a roll of your eyes. “They’re bound to already know the members of your family and will know I’m not one of them. I don’t think you want these people to know you have a soulmate and even if they didn’t believe you to openly call me your soulmate seems…out of character.”

Doflamingo stared at you hard for a few moments. Quickly he moved passed your first remark and settled instead on the discussion of openly calling you his soulmate. You were right, most of the people who would be at this party only had their uses for what Doflamingo could exploit and manipulate out of them for his own profit or entertainment. They had no need for any private and valuable information about the depths of the connection he had with you. Plus a sinister thought crept into his mind; if it was made public knowledge some fool could try and use you to get to him in an attempt to gain the upper hand on him which was something he wouldn’t allow in any capacity. Still you had his mind spinning in another thought. “They don’t need to know you as anything other than my date, just think of it as the same situation when we dealt with our cheating pirate guests only without killing this time. Also, 'out of character’ how?”

“As far as these people know I’m your date, just some random person you’ve brought along to look nice and stop you from getting bored too easily. You don’t strike me as someone who’d remember a one-time date's name passed the next day, let alone call them something as strong as ‘soulmate’ for a pet-name at a party.”

Doflamingo’s laughter built in his chest at your observation. As to the point as your words were, they weren’t spoken to insult or offend him. They were a genuine statement, and a very clear view of him which had its drawbacks. It felt odd to be so seen by someone like this, to be known in this way. You were right, he cared very little for any previous lover or date’s feelings and their names were at best half-remembered the next morning or when he chose to kick them out of his bed when they’d served their purpose. “So what pet-name can I call you?”

“It’s only for tonight, right?” You asked with a casual shrug while lifting the paper to go back to reading it. “I’ve played the pirate’s lover before, remember? Call me whatever you want and I'll play along.” Doflamingo grinned broader and looked out the window at the island in the distance. Tonight was going to be fun. 

——————————————-

TAG LIST (If I’ve missed anyone or if you want to be added just let me know) @3v37773, @tsaaps , @i-am-all-love-puns-and-lazy , @fiery-captain-spider-santa, @kabloswrld , @atanukileaf , @ane5e , @stuckinthewrongworld , @cloudysunset04 , @chillerkiller , @extremely-ashtridic , @decayingpizza , @liesatemyocean , @ace-for-ace , @nerium-lil , @destynelseclipsa , @dreamcastgirl99 , @my-name-is-heartache , @iamn1ya ,  @yunho-leeknow , @hinata7346 , @h0oouwlss , @missrandomdreamer , @sleepykittycx , @ddawn111 , @jaygrl22 , @sylum , @acehyacinth , @resident-cryptid , @treelogirl , @maellem , @thulhu , @appalost , @dindjarins1ut , @irumawife , @laidenbreecatchall , @redwolfxx , @jevoislesbrasdemer , @schanwow , @pao198391 , @glitchtricks94 , @nina-ya , @48daisies , @sagyunaro , @artemis162534 , @thecraftywriter , @rorozorolover

[thebluester2020]

[GI] Kinktober Day 22: "Audience"

Summary: It's no secret that you were Pierro's prettiest and newest little toy. But so many rowdy recruits trying to see if they can play with you as well, Pierro has no choice but to show you that he's the only one who gets to play with you.

Warning(s): Public sex, Exhibitionism, Bimbo!Reader, Trophy wife!Reader, Lightly hinted that the Reader was bought, Praise Kink, Some hints on Infidelity (on the reader's side ngl), Throat-fucking,

Side Note(s): My guilty pleasure has always been trophy wives/husbands. I'm shocked I haven't done something like this sooner low-key.

Oh, it was just bliss being Pierro's pretty little thing on his arm!

Through Pierro's position of being the one who started the Fatui, all with the help of the honorable Tsaritsa, his influence was infinite. No one could touch him and, in turn, you. He had enough money to fund all of your silly little habits whether it was getting into the arts or wanting to clean out stores in the name of getting all the latest clothing items. Your sex life with him was mind-blowing, you've never left the bedroom without either being weak in the knees, absolutely shaking, or feeling as if the only name you could say much less think of was Pierro's.

Life was wonderful. But...as of lately, your husband has been more possessive than he usually would.

He kept mumbling things about "rowdy new recruits not knowing their places" or "them not having enough brain to know that they shouldn't touch his property". You hadn't thought there was a single thing wrong with the new recruits! They were so sweet to you each time you happened to find yourself out and about without Pierro by your side, which was often due to his duties. During those times, the recruits would immediately come up to you and greet you! Sometimes they'd place a hand on your lower backside or even kiss you so kindly on the cheek!

So many times have you gone over to the recruit barracks, they'd so sweetly keep you warm by wrapping their arms around you or even suggest that they all should share a bed with you so that you could truly stay warm.

You thought your silly husband was just being needlessly jealous.

The recruits were friendly and nothing more.

But...apparently, Pierro didn't see it like that. And he was far more jealous than you originally thought he was, to begin with.

. . .

The noises that were currently being forced from your lips were embarrassing, absolutely disgusting as you choked and gagged around Pierro's cock, currently positioned on your knees in front of all of Pierro's recruits regardless of they were old or new. It seemed that your husband catching you and a recruit being too handsy with one another was as big of a deal as you originally thought it would be! But, Pierro was content with showing you as well as alllll of his recruits, both old and new, exactly who his wife belonged to.

"Filthy slut...don't you know who you belong to?" Pierro growled to you, a furious glare in his stormy eyes as he looked down at you, his hand tangled in the strands of your hair as he pulled you back and forth on his cock, feeling his thick length bulge out in your throat while you were helpless to do nothing more than take it. "You see this, men?" Pierro then boldly addressed his recruits just as spit bubbles started to pop up at the corners of your mouth. Your eyes threatened to roll to the back of your head, the fact that you weren't allowed to pleasure of yourself nearly driving you insane in combination with the shame of having so many people watch your husband slut you out. "This is my wife. No matter how much she tries to whore herself out to you—" You gagged when his pace became more ruthless, your hands flying to try and stabilize yourself against his thighs.

"—she isn't to be touched. Unless...you want to end up like them." You weren't able to see what everyone had turned their eyes towards but...you were going to go ahead and assume that it was quite the sight. Your husband was possessive, if you were touched, the people who did so always mysteriously ended up missing the next day, the poor fellows!

But, you didn't have too much brain power to think about that at the moment. "Good fucking slut...all you're good for is being a brainless cock sleeve, eh?" Pierro groaned, out of breath as he then started to suck in his bottom lip, his thighs flexing as a sign of his approaching climax. He pushed his hips flush against your face, nearly blocking off your only remaining air source before he smirked at your tear-stained face. Your cheeks were beet red and your eyes wider than a doe's, he could almost see the hearts within' your pupils.

This was supposed to be a punishment not a reward.

"Tch, you're enjoying this aren't you, wife?" He hummed, his eyes beginning to flutter as he groaned at the way your throat squeezed around him. You moaned around him as he began to gently pat your head, immediately trying to press yourself closer to him like a dog who was enjoying attention from its owner. Your visible devotion to him made his cock twitch in your throat, his hand then moving to gently grip your head again before he resumed pulling you up and down his length, starting off at a steady pace before slowly increasing until he quietly cursed under his breath when he pushed you against his pelvis, his hairs tickling your face as you felt ropes of his cum shoot down your throat.

You stayed there for a couple of minutes until you were forced off his cock.

Once you took a few breaths, you had no sense of shame when you asked your next question— "...Do I get another reward, honey?" You giggled dumbly before you hitched up your dress, just enough for your husband to see the mess that was between your thighs. He was frozen for a beat or two before he smirked, he supposed the recruits wouldn't mind another show of witnessing who you belonged to.

[shadowandlightt]

Of Nightmares and Memories | Fourteen| Azriel X Rhys' Little Sister! Reader

Series Warnings: Kidnapping. Mistreatment. Cursing. Pining. Violence. Depression. Talks of suicide. Talks of death.

A/N: SO a lot of feelings in this one. I hope you guys like it, I'm really getting excited about where this story is about to go.

Part One Part Two Part Three Part Four Part Five Part Six Part Seven Part Eight Part Nine Part Ten Part Eleven Part Twelve Part Thirteen

When you wake up hours later, the sun is high in the sky. The first thing you notice is that you aren’t in Az’s room anymore. But instead you’re in the room that you grew up in. You haven't been in this room since you came back. In fact, you’d been too afraid to come up here. Too afraid of the memories it would bring. 

“Az?” You question, looking around the room to find it empty. 

He was gone. No trace of his shadows, even your own that floated about the room seemed to want nothing to do with you. You screwed it all up this time. You used him, Gods, you should never have taken him to bed. That shouldn’t have been your first time with him. That wasn’t how that was meant to go. 

Tears blur your vision as you bury your head back into your pillow and begin to sob. You can’t help the tears, can’t do anything to try to stop them. You don’t want to. You need to feel the pain, because you can only imagine how Azriel felt. How used he must’ve felt, knowing you were only there for a distraction. 

You loved him, so much. But all you could think of last night was not feeling everything else. Then you were so consumed by the feeling of him, that you forgot to feel about him. You felt dirty, so fucking dirty that you wanted to scrub every inch of your skin raw. But you couldn’t bring  yourself to get out of the bed. So you didn’t.

You stayed in bed for the eternity of the day. You didn’t move, opting to stare at the wall instead, feeling everything and at the same time feeling nothing. 

The following day, when you finally dragged yourself from your rooms, you were confronted by Rhys, who had nothing but worry in his eyes. You nearly broke down into tears again at  the sight. For so many years, you never thought you’d see him again. You never thought you’d have him hold you, and comfort you, even if you didn’t deserve his comfort. 

“Take me back to the townhouse,” You cry into his shoulder, “I can’t stay here.” 

“Okay,” He whispers into your dark hair, followed by the sound of his wings unfurling. 

You hold your breath as he shoots to the sky, being as gentle as possible. Azirel must have told him that you had some sort of reaction from flying. So when you land on the rooftop of the Townhouse, you can’t help but vomit into a nearby plant. You heave and heave until there’s nothing left in your stomach. 

“Are you alright?” Rhys asks as he holds your hair back. 

You can only shake your head, feeling the scars on your back burn again. You fall to the ground, Rhys’ arms still holding you as you begin to cry. You sob again, feeling the weight of the world that you now live in. The world without your mother, and even your father. The world in which you were the reason your mother died, because you didn't fight hard enough to save her. 

“I didn’t fight,” You sob uncontrollably, twisting to bury your head in his shoulder once more. 

He smelled like her, and like your father at the same time. Jasmine, like her, and pure night like him. It made you cry even harder. Made you miss them even more. Made your heart break just a little further. 

“Shh,” He whispers, “You did your best.” 

How he knew what you were talking about, you don’t know. Maybe your mind was wide open for him to read. But you couldn't feel him there. Maybe he just knew you better than you thought, even after all of these years. 

“You were a mere child, Y/N, I’m not sure I could’ve done anything differently at your age,” He admits, “No one blames you for what happened. You were a victim, not a cause.” 

Your head shakes without permission. You hear what he’s saying, but you can’t believe it. You won’t allow yourself to believe it. So instead you cry and cry, without the energy to fight with him it’s all you can do. 

Eventually you make your way to the room that’s now been designated as yours, and hide in the bed once more. It’s all you can do. All you have the energy for. Rhys pokes his head in and checks on you before dinner. The twin wraiths leave a plate at the foot of your bed, but you can’t bring yourself to eat. 

All you want is Azriel, but you don’t deserve him. Not after how you used him. Not after what you took from him. Even carrying the weight of your mother’s death, you’ve never felt as guilty as you do thinking about what you did to Az. 

You aren’t sure how much time passed before Mor is barging into your room and clinging your curtains open, “Enough is enough.” 

“Go away,” You moan, turning away from the windows. 

“You aren’t allowed to sulk here any longer. Rhys might be content to let you wither away, but I will not.”

“Leave me alone, Mor.” 

“I won’t pretend to know what the devil happened between you and Az, because you seemed to be coming back to all of us before whatever it was ... but it’s time to move on.” 

“I’m happy staying here.” 

“Don’t make me get Cassian.” 

Her warning made you gingerly sit up, muscles screaming in protest due to not being used in so long. You were allowing yourself to become even weaker, something you swore you wouldn’t do. 

“Talk to me,” Mor begged, “Let me in…let someone in. Don’t keep locking yourself away, both physically and metaphorically.” 

“I don’t know how anymore,” You admit to her, “I don’t know how to be anymore.” 

“What happened between you and Az?” She asked softly, “I won’t tell anyone.” 

You shake your head, unable to put it into words.Cassian was probably the only other one who knew, unless Az shared with Rhys, so he could understand why you were the way that you were.

“I slept with him,” You whisper, “I used him for sex. And it felt so good. But then when I woke up and realized what I had done...I couldn’t face him.” 

There’s silence for a moment, before Mor wraps you in her strong arms. She smooths your hair down, and strokes you back, like a mother comforting her child. It brings tears to your eyes once more. 

“Az wouldn’t have done it if he didn’t want to,” She confirms, “You did nothing.” 

“Our first time shouldn’t have been because I was looking for a distraction,” You cry out. 

She continues to hold you, trying her best to soothe you as you work through everything in your head. You tell her about how flying made you feel, and how you needed a distraction and the only thing you could think of was Azriel. You told her about how you and Lucien used to use one another in that way, back when you were being held in Spring. How you were the first person he’d been with since his brothers held him down as they killed his love in front of him. 

You told her everything. The words flowing out before you could stop them. What you couldn’t put into words you showed her in her mind, so she could understand. She sat in silence and let you talk until you had no words left, and then she did something you hadn’t expected. 

“It’s time to forgive yourself,” She says carefully, “None of that was your fault. You’ve heard us say it before, but really hear me now, Y/N, you know what my power is. So you know I speak the truth, it was not your fault. You did what you had to do in order to survive, the same thing Rhys did under the mountain. You are blameless.” 

“But I-” 

“Your mother wouldn’t want you to live like this,” She states, “So if you’re going to do anything, live. Live for her, because you and Rhys are all that is left of her.” 

You feel something in your chest as you notice a shadow dancing in the corner of the room. It wasn’t one of yours, you realized with a pang in your chest. He was checking on you…even after what you did. He was making sure you were okay. 

“Have you talked to him?” You question, nodding over to the shadow. 

“He wanted to give you the space you needed to figure things out,” She nods, “Not because he doesn’t want to be around you, but because he thought you didn’t want him near.” 

“I always want him near,” You sniff, wiping away your tears. 

“I’ll be sure to tell him that when I see him,” She smiles brightly at you, “Now, let’s get you dressed. The twins made quite the spread downstairs and Feyre and I cannot eat it all alone.” 

“Where’s Rhys?” 

“With Amren, trying to help decode the book.”

You nod and force yourself to stand, the shadow now curling around your ankle in an attempt to get closer to you. Like it knew you wanted Azriel near, but his shadows were the next best thing. You wanted to ask where he was, but didn’t want to know at the same time. You knew he was working his network of spies hard. 

So you eat with Feyre and Mor, laughing about the random stories Mor seemed to come up with over the course of the meal. And once it was over? You didn’t retreat to your rooms. Instead you found yourself on the terrace soaking up the last few rays of sunlight left of the day. Your head was tilted up towards the sky as your eyes were closed. 

You can feel a presence behind you, but you can also feel shadows lapping at your feet. You hesitantly smile and open your eyes, “Are you going to sit?” 

“I didn’t know if you’d want me to.” 

“I figured your shadows would’ve told you differently by now,” You try to make your tone light and teasing, even as you feel nothing but anxiety bubbling in your chest. 

“They did,” He confirms, “But still.” 

You motion to the seat next to you, scooting over slightly to make room for his wings. Those big beautiful wings that even you didn’t touch that night. Truthfully you weren’t sure if he would’ve let you touch them. 

“Do you regret it?” He asks you suddenly. 

You turn to look at him, golden skin glowing in the late day sun. He looked beautiful. He always did. How could you even think about regretting him? Azriel was like your heart walking outside of your body. The missing piece of your soul. You could never ever regret being anything with him. 

“No,” You say quickly, “No Az. I could never regret you.” 

“I just thought-” 

“I regret how it happened,” You admit, “I regret that I used you as a distraction, but I could never regret you.”

His head is bowed low as he nods. You know him well enough to know that his own need to prove himself, to be wanted, is showing through. You’re both broken, in more ways than one. He spent twelve years in captivity, not being shown an ounce of love. You now know what that's like. You know what it can do to a person. 

So, you get up and slide into his lap, gently tilting his chin up so he’ll look at you, “Azriel, I will never regret anything with you. You’re my heart.”

There’s a hint of a smile on his lips. It makes you smile as you lean down to kiss him. Really kiss him, softly and slowly. His hands hold onto your hips, holding you in place as he kisses you back. You can feel pieces of your heart slowly coming back together, like he’s the glue you needed. 

“I don’t want space,” You whisper against his lips, “Not from you. Never from you.” 

“I’ll keep that in mind, princess.” 

You stayed with him up on the terrace until the sun was long gone and the stars shone in the sky. You kissed him until your lips were swollen and bruised, but you didn’t care. Being in his arms felt better than any drug ever could. Mor was right, it was time to forgive yourself for everything that happened. 

“I’m sorry,” You finally speak, “For making you feel like I regretted you. For making you feel alone.” 

“I’m sorry for leaving you alone,” He sighs, “Can you forgive me?” 

“There’s nothing to forgive,” You shake your head, “Now come, I’m hungry and smell dinner downstairs.” 

He barks out a laugh and stands once you’re off of his lap, leaning down to peck your lips once more. The simple action leaves you feeling warm all over. Leaves you wanting more from him. But you also know now is not the time. So instead you lead him downstairs and into the dining room where the rest of your family is gathered. 

“There they are,” Cassian all but shouts, “We were wondering if you were going to join us!” 

“Leave them be, Cas,” Mor scolds him before turning and winking at you. 

Rhys is nearly beaming, and Feyre is smiling sweetly at you. You take a deep breath and find your place at the table, next to Azriel, like it’s always been. The conversation flows easily as you all eat. You find yourself laughing alongside Cassian, who’s more or less howling at one point. You feel normal again, your chest doesn’t feel empty. 

“We leave in the morning,” Rhys finally says, stopping the laughter. 

“For what?” You ask, feeling very much out of the loop. 

“The Mortal Queens have agreed to meet with us,” He explains, “You’re more than welcome to join us.”

You find yourself shaking your head before you speak, “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” 

“Are you sure?” Az asked you, “You won’t be an imposition.” 

“No,” You say again, a little stronger this time, “I think the best thing for me to do is to stay here in Velaris.” 

“Okay,” Rhys relented, “We should be back tomorrow night, at the latest. Hopefully the Queens don’t keep us waiting.” 

So you see them off in the morning and then pace around the house whilst you wait for them to return. Amren, being the only one who can possibly translate the book, is busy trying to do just that. So you pace, and pace, and pace. No doubt wearing down the luxurious carpet in the townhouse. But you can’t find it in yourself to care. You know, more than likely, that no harm will come to them. But you still can’t help but worry. 

You finally settle on the couch after an hour or so, and must drift off because you don’t hear them when they come back. You don’t hear the hushed conversation, recounting everything that happened. No, you only stir when Azriel gently brushes your cheek and whispers your name. 

Instantly your eyes fly open and you surge forward to hold him. He lets out a little laugh, holding you back, tucking his face into your dark hair. 

“I was only gone a few hours,” He says softly, arms tightening around you. 

“She was worried,” Rhys fills in for him, “Which she shouldn’t have been, it was just a meeting.” 

You shake your head, and place a kiss on Azriel’s neck before pulling back and giving your brother a crude gesture. He barks out a laugh before motioning for you to follow him outside. You look to Az who just nods, and moves to help you stand from the floor that you’d ended up on. 

“We need to talk,” Rhys said calmly. 

You nod and follow him outside, feeling panic well up in your gut. Something happened, something that would change the course of the war. You could feel it. 

“We have to go to the Court of Nightmares,” He says once you’re in the courtyard, “I told you that I wouldn’t leave you out of this. And as much as I wish she wouldn’t, Feyre is coming, so you have a decision to make. You may come, and play the part, or you can stay here and they’ll know nothing different.” 

“Why are you going?” 

So he explains, putting an emphasis on needing a distraction. And as much as it makes you sick to your stomach to think about going back there, after so many years, and playing the part of the cruel princess that you played all of those years in spring…you knew you needed to go. 

“If you need a distraction, then you really will need me,” You admit to him, “I’m unwed and unmated, from the most powerful line in our history. If Mor was the top of the market, imagine what I’ll be. No male will be paying attention to what anyone else is doing.” 

“I don’t want to put you in that position,” He shakes his head. 

“You aren’t putting me in any position,” You argued, “I’m offering. I won’t sit idly by and let others fight this war for me. If this is what I can do to help, then so be it.” 

“Azriel won’t like it.” 

“I won’t like it either, but I’ll do it. For our family, I’d do anything.”  

Tag List

@historygeekqueen @queerqueenlynn @hnyclover @witchymomfrien @one-big-fangirl

@amara-moonlight @annamariereads16 @maddybraps @saltedcoffeescotch @wallacewillow0773638

@minnieoo @st0rmyt @hunterksmith @sleepylunarwolf @sh4n

@emryb @mikatanazaki @nickishadow139 @ilovespideyyy @mysticalfuncollectorus

@judig92 @tele86 @oksloan3 @darling006 @fleurrreads @dr4g0ngirl

@weasleyreidstyles @ren-ni @i-am-infinite @thestartitaness @fxckmiup @inloveallthetime

@isa1b2h3 @fightmedraco @val-writesstuff @acourtofdreamsandshadows @thebeautifulmysteriesoflife

@mybestfriendmademe @azzydaddy @lilah-asteria @quinzzelx @mp-littlebit @tothestarsandwhateverend

@pruvii @megscabinetofcurios @krowiathemythologynerd @its-sam-allgood

[sophaeros]

the strokes for rip it up - new zealand, october/november 2003 / no. 295

Scruffy, Sexy, Cool

The Strokes will make you happy again. A new album, lots of photos, and one sexy hangover after another is what they've got. It's all you'll need.

By Scott Kara

Julian Casablancas hasn't managed to make it to the interview.

He's keeping up appearances then. Two years ago this month Casablancas was two hours late to Rip It Up's scheduled interview to talk about the Strokes debut album, Is This It. Back then he was hungover and - in keeping with his scruffy, slept-in-his-clothes-look - was refusing to get out of bed.

Today, the Strokes front man is, yet again, otherwise engaged. We inquire of the Japanese record company person why Julian won't be doing the interview. "He hasn't come down for the interview," is the flustered response.

To be fair, it's not about refusing to get out of bed for anything less than US$10,000 like model Linda Evangelista did after being made famous by Casablancas' dad, John (who set up the Elite Model Agency).

Perhaps Prince Julian - crowned the hottest thing in rock'n'roll two years ago when Is This It was released - is hung over again after enjoying too many Kirin beers during the bands current stint in Japan? Who knows?

It's left to poor old Nikolai Fraiture - "the-shy-silent-bass-player" - to do the interview. Nikolai grimaces at the thought of more press but with all the partying, socialising and cavorting you've done lad, you should be used to talking by now. Fact is, he's not much of a talker. He's shy. It's hard to tell if his quiet demeanour today is annoyance that his band mate has decided to pull a fast one, or just because he plays bass and isn't used to media duties.

“There’s all the chaos around us that we just let happen.” Nikolai Fraiture, The Strokes

The Strokes are in Japan rehearsing and preparing for the double-barrelled Summer Sonic festival in Tokyo and Osaka — their first big shows since January. The festival bill also includes, Radiohead, Blur, AFI, Good Charlotte, Blink 182, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and, New Zealand’s very own festival whores, The Datsuns.

At the time of talking to The Strokes they’ve nearly finished their new album, Room On Fire, and after Japan head back to New York to do “finishing touches”. One vocal track and some mixing remains to be done. It’s due for release this month.

"This album is kind of a continuation of the last one. Just a progression of where we came from and where we're going," explains Nikolai. "It's hard to describe. But the best I can do is, that it's a continuation of the other album along with everything we've been through since then. We haven't settled down, it's still about how we feel," he says calmly.

Is This It is about living, going out, partying, having fun, playing music, loving, losing and, because they were barely in their early-20s when it came out, it's about growing up.

The hype surrounding these scruffy young things back then is well known. The music on Is This It inspired predictable tags like the saviours of rock, and leaders of the garage rock revival. But The Strokes were more about a sexy swagger, and strutting their way through life, crossed with the danger of the Ramones, and the vitality of the New York streets. Is This It makes you fucking happy - perhaps that's why you can put it on now and it still sounds good.

And the Strokes image and looks made them sex symbols, not to mention the epitome of cool.

But Nikolai just wants people to listen to the music. "We don't really have any control over that other kind of stuff," he says. "It'd be nice it people just listened to the music, without any prejudice." He stops, and then reasons with a laugh, "Just listen to the new album without thinking so much about it."

The Strokes — Casablancas, Fraiture, drummer Fabrizio Moretti and guitarists Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond Jr. — first played together in 1998. After doing the rounds of seedy bars — and even rumours of playing Valensi's sister's 21st — they scored a gig at New York's Mercury Lounge.

Nikolai points out that it wasn't all plain sailing in New York being in a band like the Strokes around that time. Put it this way, it wasn't exactly the heyday of the New York band scene of the 70s. "When we started out there was a bizarre atmosphere in New York. No one was really that open to playing with us. It's funny that we're all lumped together now, because nobody wanted to play with us back then. It was hard to find friends who were musicians," he remembers.

"We were just trying to create a good vibe, y'know, like back in the late 70s when many good musicians got together and played together and got along, went out and got drunk and stuff. But it didn't really work that way in New York at that time. We kind of came back to ourselves and did our own thing. We really tried to write the best songs that we could and played our instruments as best we could and give a really good live show.

"We definitely wanted, and want to now, do something not only different — because sometimes different can be kind of weird — but just something that's not pumped on the radio, standardised, made for the record company, and so we can make as much money as we can. I think what we really want to do is work really hard on our songs and what our instruments sound like, and what everything actually sounds like, To us, that's the most important thing.

"It's our main goal to get better as musicians. And for Julian to get better as a songwriter."

So what about all the drunken revelry, the parties and the high profile shoulder rubbing? Nikolai is, by all accounts, the self-professed quiet one of the bunch and he goes all coy when confronted with this. "I don't know how to answer that."

He takes stock. "There is, of course, the direct effect of what's going on that we have no control over," he says in reference to the celebrity status, "but other than that, it's still the same for us, we're still good friends.

"Our only purpose still is to play music together. In that respect nothings changed, but then of course there's all the stuff, all the chaos around us that we just let happen and watch go by.

"We don't really do it [go hard and party] until we're done with what we have to do. It's a bonus for us really. It's the way we looked at it at the beginning and I think a lot of bands get that confused — get the whole lifestyle confused with the partying and getting fucked up all the time.

"For us, we're allowed to if we get our shit done," he laughs.

The majority of the Strokes new album was done after they finished touring in January. "And we started recording in June. We didn't want ourselves to wait too long because for ourselves, we don't really like stopping because you lose touch with what you're doing."

For Is This It the band started out with producer Gil Norton who worked with the Pixies, Talking Heads and Foo Fighters. But the band resorted back to their tried-and-trusted mate Gordon Raphael, who produced their first EP The Modern Age in 2001.

While working on the new album it happened again. They started out with producer Nigel Godrich (from Radiohead fame) but resorted back to Raphael once again.

"For the second album we were hoping to try different things. We did it as well for the first album — with Gil Norton. We were mixed about that and it didn't work. So we went with Gordon for the album. And for the second we wanted to try something else but, and I think Nigel Godrich is a really good producer, but it would have taken too long. So we just went back to Gordon.

"We're not completely done with the new album yet, so when we go back to New York we're going to finish that, then do a few more small tours and then do the long haul. We're thinking about doing the Big Day Out," he hints, full-knowing we're from New Zealand. Lock up your daughters.

Sorry Girls…The Strokes Are In Love

Any talk of The Strokes' love lives cuts straight to the man of the skins, Fabrizio Moretti.

It's for an obvious reason. He got a great catch in Drew Barrymore. Okay, so she's somewhat flighty. But it's for real this time. She married a bartender for 19 days and then married comedian Tom Green — no one can explain that one — for five months. If that rate of increase continues, we figure Drew and Fabrizio have at least three years of marriage, give or take.

The happy couple was rumoured to be engaged in January, after less than a year of courtship. Wedding plans are already racing through the media. The latest on the grapevine disclosed that Drew is planning a traditional wedding at her Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind co-star George Clooney's Italian villa. Another source reported a one million dollar wedding to be held on Drew's Godfather, Steven Spielberg's ranch with a Brazilian-themed reception to pay tribute to Fabrizio's heritage.

The rest of the band's love lives are not nearly as exciting as Fabrizio's. Front man Julian Casablancas remains fiercely loyal to longtime girlfriend Colleen Barry, a New York based painter. Guitarist Nick Valensi is rumored to have split with on-again, off-again girlfriend Amanda De Cadnet. The former Playboy bunny was divorced from John Taylor of Duran Duran fame at 22 and is now a photographer based in Los Angeles.

Albert Hammond Jr and Nikolai Fraiture nicely balance their spoken-for band mates. Both are single, and ready to mingle.

Get This Rockin’ Ringtone Now

The Strokes - When It Started

To download the ringtone, simply send S30494 as a text message to 3083. You will receive our request within a couple of minutes.*

*Text messages cost $3.50 incl GST. Ensure your Nokia phone is compatible to download ringtones. This service is currently only available to Vodafone NZ subscribers. All messages sent will be charged so enter the code carefully.

Customer Support call 0800 486824, Compatible Nokia handsets: 3210, 3310, 3330, 3350, 6110, 6150, 6210, 6250, 7110, 7850, 8210, 8250, 8310, 8850, 9110.

[savemeafruitjuice]

if you’re open to it, anything with lee 2012 leo?? thank you :3

YAY! I looove 2012 Leo, and I really hope I was able to do him justice! He is so traumatized, poor child.

THIS IS SET NEAR THE END OF SEASON 4! IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED PAST THAT POINT BE AWARE OF SPOILERS!!

Lee! Leonardo

Ler! Master Splinter

TW!: DEPRESSION, FEELINGS OF WORTHLESSNESS (Dw, things get better! 😘)

'Something is wrong with my boys.'

The sad realization hit Splinter with a harsh blow. His children, as he has noticed, didn't have the same spark in their eyes, the same lighthearted goofiness and child-like immaturity they once had- and hadn't for a while.

This was exceptionally noticable in his eldest son, Leonardo. After countless horrors and freakish battles, Leo's face had turned stony, and his personality dry. His brothers were in a similar state, though the grayness in the leader's face couldn't go unnoticed.

This had become more apparent when he had relocated his stack of 'Space Heroes' DVDs to his bedroom, and hadn't taken them out for weeks. All he did in his free time was train, lecture his brothers, or stare off into space, a dull look of shame in his eyes.

Splinter had noticed this, of course. Something so drastic in their energy was very hard to miss, but he had thought it as a maturity settling over them, rather than a deep numbness hanging over their heads.

Something had to be done.

Later that day, his boys had returned home, all irritable and tired. Leonardo had kept his swords on his back, seemingly preparing for another home invasion or something of the sort. They had all eaten, and were scattered about the lair until it was time to go to sleep.

The katana-wielding teen stayed seated on the couch, as he had for many nights, gazing into the distance instead of going to bed. Unbeknownst to him, however, his father was aware of his poor resting schedule, but had left him to his thoughts, knowing that the things he had seen took time to process.

Tonight, though, the turtle seemed more melancholic, picking at the skin of his finger as he sighed. Yoshi peered from the dojo, sensing the upset radiating off of him, and knew he had to act now, before his son's condition grew worse. He stepped out into the wide space of the common room and cleared his throat as to not startle the younger.

"My son, what troubles you?" It seemed his efforts to be unthreatening were futile, as Leo had nearly jumped out of his shell, scrambling to grab his swords with a yelp. Splinter's expression darkened at this, but he was quick to give reassurance.

"It is alright, Leonardo. You are safe." The turtle's shoulders relaxed, and he voiced his relief. "Oh, it's just you, sensei. I'm fine, don't worry about me." His dad shook his head, making his way over to his son and sitting beside him, ears pressed to his head in concern.

"You have given me reason to worry, I am afraid. You and your brothers seem so disturbed, so I thought I would confront you about it." Well, that sure caught him off guard. Leo shrugged, struggling to hold eye contact as he muttered an explanation. "I'm just tired. We all are."

At the quirked brow of his rat father, his walls crumbled.

Leo sighed. "We've just seen so many things.. Things we can't unsee, unhear, or unlive, for that matter." he shook his head sadly. "It makes things hard, Sensei. Really hard."

Splinter's gaze softened. He should have guessed. His children, very early in their years, had seen more than he had in his entire life. They'd been across the world, the universe, heck- they'd even been to different dimensions and stopped wars. It was no wonder they were so void.

Yoshi's heart ached for his child, and he held his arms out to him, which, after a moment of shock and hesitation, was accepted. The eldest son let out an uneven breath, and closed his eyes, enjoying the physical affection he did not receive very often. "I love you, Leonardo, and I am proud."

That sure got the tears flowing. Next thing he knew, the rat father held his weeping turtle son in his arms, holding back tears himself. He rubbed the young boy's scarred shell, allowing him to express himself after putting on a brave face for his family for so long.

Eventually, the teen's tears ran out, and his tight grip on his father's kimoto loosened. The overburdened turtle wiped his eyes, standing from his spot on the couch, followed closely by Splinter. A worried look crept onto his face again. "Sensei, what if I can't protect them.. What if I'm not good enough..?"

"Hmph." His father cut him off before he could spiral into a 'not good enough' mindset. He thought for a moment, eventually asking a question. "Leonardo. A wise man, who I believe went by the name of Ralph Emerson, once said, "The best lightning rod for your protection is your own spine.". What do you think he meant by this?"

Leo blinked, and pondered for a moment, repeating the words to himself until he decided on an answer. "Huh. Well, I know a lightning rod is supposed to protect homes from lightning, and.. I guess our spine represents ourselves as an individual, and it supports us.. I- I guess it could mean that we need to face some things on our own.. and be our own protection!"

He looked up hopefully, and was rewarded with an impressed smile. "Very good, Leonardo. So as you have said, there are some things that you cannot rely on others for, and so they are not responsible for you in that time, yes?"

Understanding flooded over Leo, and he bowed. "Hai, Sensei. I get it now. I cannot worry about my brothers all the time, or they will fail to grow and learn on their own."

"Wehell, you certainly can worry about them. What do you think I do most of the day?" Splinter chuckled. "No, but you must not intervene and take control of their lives in a way that jeopardizes their independence."

The leader in blue smiled, performing another respectful, albeit smaller bow, and listened to more of his father's intel. Well, at least it seemed like intel at first.

"One last thing. There is another saying I know of, this one relevant to young leaders such as yourself.." The smaller looked intrigued, not taking notice of the unusually playful glint in Splinter's eyes, and hardly suspecting a thing when he knelt down to his level to speak. He did however, find himself concerned with the fact that in a blink of an eye, he had been flipped over and lied back down on the couch, his legs under the weight of a 6-foot mutant rat.

Seeing his son so unhappy over the past few months, mental health at a clear decline, had concerned Splinter greatly. He was so used to the bright smiles he wore, and his efforts to be a great leader, though it became more apparent that the latter was overtaking his mind, and he planned to stop that constant strive to be perfect, at least for a little while. "Laughter cures all."

Before the turtle could gasp out a question as to why this was happening, or better yet, what was happening, sharp claws were gently dragging down his plastron. Leo squealed, practically convulsing as soon as the fingers made contact.

"GAHahaha! S-Sensehei, whahahat?-" Leo was in shock. His father, who had so scarcely given approval, or physical affection, had not only hugged him, but had him pinned underneath himself and was tickling him.

It didn't matter whether he processed it or not, as Splinter had dug under his arms, leaving him to screech in mirth, gravelly voice straining with giggles. His father only smirked at him, glad to hear laughter coming from someone who needed it so much.

As young children, the turtles had played various games, chase being one of the most common, and discovered the concept of being 'ticklish' when their father had caught them, picking each up respectively and squeezing their sides a few times before carrying on with the game. After that, they went on a craze, chasing each other around and exploring tickle spots, an activity that carried on throughout the years.

Splinter had found it adorable, watching with a soft look on his face as his children tussled, and was glad to see that over time they hadn't grown out of such a lighthearted thing. It became rarer, yes, but they had something to do that showed they were still just kids, despite their mutated bodies and home in the sewers.

Over the years, as Splinter had noticed, it became obvious that the oldest son was the most sensitive, to which his brothers took great joy in exploiting. A poke to the side was enough to get him giggling, and Yoshi had had to take precautions to ensure that this wasn't used against him during training after losing five times in a row because of it.

A loud snort from the teen pulled him out of his thoughts, a growing pink tinge on his face clashing greatly with his green complexion. Splinter chuckled, using one hand to scribble into his son's neck, clawed fingers proving to be an advantage when he quickly tried to duck his head down, then throwing it back in loud giggles when the back of his neck was targeted.

"My son, I don't believe there is anything funny here. I ask that you explain what you are laughing about." Leo tried to reach up to grab onto his father's wrist, but a taze to his ribs left both of his arms uselessly pressed against his torso, trying to wrap them around himself to protect his more ticklish spots.

His ankles dug into the cushions beneath them, unable to squirm away from the offending fingers as they slid past his defenses, scratching along his belly. "Sehehensei, I- EEK! IHI CAhahan't!"

Splinter smiled fondly down at his child, taking notice in how little he actually tried to stop him, clearly needing to get out of his head for a while. Leo jolted up for a moment, curling over his father's hands before tearing his arms away from himself, opting to grip at the pillows of the couch. He tossed his head to the side, lost in giggles.

Yoshi raised his eyebrows, thoroughly amused at how he opened himself up. He scribbled over the expanse of his plastron, resulting in louder and more frantic giggles. "Oh? Leonardo, are you trying to tell me something?" He tapped at the exposed cartilage of the turtle's sides, having to pause for a moment before continuing, as the boy screeched, flinching away in reflex, before falling into cackles.

"NAHAHAHAH! FAHATHER- AHA! PLEHEASE, IHI-" Words were failing him, barely able to articulate anything before being interrupted by his own snorting. Not that he was trying to protest, or anything. In reality, he was having the time of his life, forgetting his troubles and getting the chance to laugh.

Sure, the gentle tickling was driving him up the wall, but he was enjoying himself. Still, after a couple minutes, his eyes began to droop, still quietly giggling to himself. Splinter took notice of this, and gave him one last squeeze to the sides, before picking the worn out teen up, cradling him as he had many years ago, and brought him to his room.

After gently settling him onto his bed, Yoshi covered the nearly-passed out form with his blanket, and softly held his shoulder. "You are a wonderful leader, and your brothers and I love you."

His consciousness slipping away, Leo responded in a quiet tone. "Thanks.. Father. Love 'ya guys too.." And with that, he fell asleep, a warm smile on his tired face.

Yippee, the sillies! 💙 💙 💙 This is longer than I thought it would be, but I'm not mad! Thank you all for your support, and I hope you enjoyed!

[scrambledsun]

I need input, plz!

So I'm in the process of right this MLB horror/salt fic for fun, and I was hoping to hear what some of you thought, and what I could do differently. (also to my peeps who are here for my sonic fics. i haven't stopped, just messing about :)

Where did he go wrong with this kid? Plagg has been asking that question a lot lately. He never questioned himself like this before, but it was different back then.

His previous holders never had this problem.

 Adrien had come back into his room late in the evening. Another hour and the sun would sink like a gravely wounded yet proud battleship. Proud…when was the last time he was proud of his chosen? All he ever was now put off and short with the kid.

 “Claws in.” He said. plagg couldn’t be happy enough to be separated.

He remembered liking, no, loving being close to his chosens. To be in sync with them, in body, heart, and soul. Even when they were so different from each other, those moments made up for it. To give them strength, and later make them realize that he just borrowed it from them.

He had yet to experience that with Adrien.

Flopping onto his bed, he let out his trademarked “woe is me” sigh. Those sighs would make his ear twitch in irritation. He had no right to make such a sound. He hadn’t done anything but get in the way of a fierce Akuma battle today. He hadn’t even shown up when he should have. He just came at the tail end of the fight.

 AGAIN.

For the fifth time this month.

They weren’t even halfway through either!

“I just don’t get it, Plagg.”

Not this pathetic rant again.

 “I’m doing all the right things! I’m being romantic! I give plenty of compliments. I’m there when she needs me! And I’m so nice to her! What am I doing wrong?” Adrian whined, lying on his back and staring at the ceiling.

Usually, the kwami would at least pretend to listen to the boy’s whining. But today was different. Maybe it was because he hadn’t eaten before he left. Maybe it was because he ran out of the blue cheese that he loved today.

Or maybe, it had something to do with Ladybug being absolutely exhausted. Both physically and mentally. It wasn’t the first time he’d seen her like this. But lately, it was becoming more alarming as time went on. She would fight all by herself, getting nearly killed in the process, then tend to the victims affected by it. And then proceed to fend off Adrian’s various advances. The holder did not seem to understand “tend to the injured” or “stop touching me,” so often that even civilians began getting involved. Subtly getting in between the two, so noir was distracted, and she could disappear when she was done. Some tried to explain gently, some more than firmly, but it seemed to fall on deaf ears as Noir refused to listen or even stop to think about it. Plagg, in the process, had become rather…put out by his chosen.

He wanted to apologize profusely to both Tikki and Ladybug. He was responsible for his chosen, as he was young. Younger than most of his litter. But if Ladybug could get her act together, Adrian should be no different, right?

Apparently not.

Black cat holders in the past had never had this type of problem.

 Sure, some were mischievous, morally Grey, and perhaps just a little more violent than they should be.

many were rough around the edges because of things outside of their control. Nobody chooses what life they are born into.

But the main thing that black cat holders would always do was be there for their ladybugs. And not because they wanted them romantically or for some type of a reward, but because it was both wrong and unfair to do that to their partner. They care for each other.. and Adrien didn’t seem to care at all for the other.

Or for the civilians, property, and boundaries.

“Plagg!” said Being, snapping his head to the blonde, he must have tuned him out automatically. Shocker.

“Were you even listening?” Adrian was sitting up on his bed, having the nerve to glare at him like he had done something wrong.

“depends.” Plagg moved closer, floating in front of his face and glaring right back. “Is this something worth listening to? Here, let me answer that for you, no.”

The look Adiran gave him almost made the little god laugh. “Jeez plagg, could it kill you to be a little more empathic?”

“Oh, like how you are with ladybug?”

“What are you talking about?”

“What am I-what am I talking about? “Plagg shouted, fed up with his holder.

“You have been the worst to your partner! Not showing up to battles. Being late to battles. Throw tantrums when she says no to dating. Kitten, she could have been defeated today! Or worse, killed!”

Adrian rolled his eyes, and Plagg had to resist the urge to slap them out. “Ladybug’s always wins anyway, so it’s fine. Plus, it’s not like she's perfect either.”

Plagg felt his jaw begin to grind against itself. “I didn’t say she was. I said you're not doing your part! You can't just-”

As he continued his heated lecture, in the back of his mind, he made a startling discovery.

 He was reaching his limit.

Sweet Andromeda, he was reaching his limit.

 He never reached his limit with his holders before. He didn’t even think it was possible.

But he had snapped before. More than once. most kawamies had. But then never on their holders.

At least.

Not on their TRUE holders.

His eyes went wide as the thoughts that were in the back of his mind took a front seat.

He had stopped talking and stared at Adrian. Seeing him in a complete, utterly horrifying light.

Adrian didn’t notice, no surprise there, and continued to yap on and on. With even a bit of confidence, probably thinking he had made so much sense it had quieted the tiny god.

This is not my chosen.

This is not my true holder.

It made sense.

It all made so much sense.

When it came to his true holders, his true kittens, his power would act as nourishment for their power at first. Then once they had bonded, their powers would feed off each other. Helping them stay in battle longer.

In the same way as tikki and her chosen.

Her true chosen.

But for Plagg and Adrian, it was terribly different. It was why he’d been eating so much cheese. To replenish his energy, but slowly, it wasn’t enough.

Their relationship wasn’t mutual.

In fact, it felt borderline parasitic.

Like a tick on a young kitten, it was killing him.

Adrian, shockingly, had gone silent.

“Um plagg?” he said tentatively. “Are you okay?”

Plagg barred his teeth, anger close to consuming him entirely.

Kill the tick said one in his litter.

Kill the parasite said another.

Should he say no to them?

His body twitching, stretching, and convulsing in ways that shouldn’t be possible.

But it was for him.

He was so unbelievably livid.

“You…you…” he breathed out, green vapors spilling from his mouth, nearly black green ichor spilled from him as well. Splattering on the floor and burning right through with a sizzling sound.

When he spoke, it was if multiple beings were speaking at once.

All of them, cats longed past. Holders who had earned their place amongst his litter.

For when they died, they became apart of him, stored away In a realm far from this one, where they could never be forgotten.

Where he kept them safe.

A reward for their commitment.

Even if some didn’t see it that way. Even if they claimed they didn’t want it, wanting to be with their loved ones instead.

Which was stupid.

Why would they need their mortal family when they had him? Where could they be with the litter?

Give it a century or two, and they’d come around.

They all did.

They all had to.

“False holder… false holder!” he screeched out, causing Adrian to take a few steps back.

“This whole time I’ve been letting you play hero…” a hiss of a cheated god.

“My true holder, my true kitten, could be suffering because I’ve been too distracted by a selfish!”

As he spat that word, Plagg suddenly grew by a few inches.

“whiney!”

He grew again.

“Ungrateful!”

Again.

“Irresponsible!”

 And again

“Idiotic!”

“Selfish!”

“Enabling!,  victim blaming!, Spoiled!, entitled little brat!” Plagg had screamed with the force of a thousand voices.

They had been feeling and feeding off his frustrations the whole time. Wondering why they couldn’t connect with their supposed sibling, why they couldn’t encourage them to be better.

It was because he was nothing but a pretender.

What was once plagg, a small, cute cat-like creature, was now a tall, emaciated figure. Their ribs poke out of their black skin. Their shoulders were uneven, one side higher than the other, both pointed out like their ribs. His feet were like those of a human, but elongated.

It was as if some painted a mutated skeleton with black ink.

 his torso frightened Adrien the most.

A mixture of arms and hands with sharp nails jutting out of its form. Paws and Legs of cats did the same, claws hostile as it swiped at the air closest to Adrien.

While others twitched or seized. Like they were overcome with rage.

Adrien felt bile begin to rise in his throat. The acidity he felt could be smelled throughout the air, stinging his nasal passages.

The boy had backed himself into a corner furthest from the creature. Unfortunately it was also furthest from the only exit. And his window wasn’t an option either.

no longer standing his ground with defiance, instead opting to curl in on himself, trying to be as small as possible.

Like a coward, thought plagg’s litter.

He would call out for help but, with how close the angered transformed god was, he didn’t want to risk it.

Plagg had only gotten closer. It was to the point where Adrian almost choked on the fumes spilling from the mouth of the beast. Taking care not to let the corrosive liquid land o  his body.

The face.

Multiple eyes of varying sizes covered its face

Some swung around frantically, as if they didn’t know where they were.

The rest glared as if he was the most disgusting thing in the world.

Adrien wondered if they were right.

They stared into each other’s eyes,

“You have used me, Adrian.” Plagg accused With venom coating the name.

“pl-plagg I didn’t I swear-“  he stammered only for plagg shout.

“BE SILENT!” it nearly glass shattering. Adrian covered his ringing ears and shut his eyes tight. Despite doing this heard voices. Voices that seemed to push pass the ringing.

“You may have had no say in being chosen to begin with. Most of mine don’t. But neither did ladybug, yet she has matured faster than you ever could. Her compassion. Her willingness to listen and change. Her refusal to put herself first. To stand against what’s wrong and protect those in need. No wonder she won’t return your feelings. You are the EXACT opposite. Your selfish. By accident or on purpose? It doesn’t matter, you don’t need another excuse. You refuse to accept she doesn’t want you. That she wants you to focus and be the hero she, and once I, thought you could be. Instead you act as if you entitled to her. And how utterly infantile you are. Throwing absurd tantrums because you cant have your way. No wonder you and that blond bratty wannabe queen are friends.”

Silence between them came again.

Plagg continued.

“I had such hopes for you, ashamed it was misplaced. No more will I allow you to make a mockery of the black cat miraculous. And I shall coddle you no more. You shall be punished for your miss deeds against Ladybug. The people of Paris, my late kittens, and me.”

Plagg was even closer now, their large head nearly touching Adrian, who remained petrified.

“retribution to a wronged god from a mortal, is seldom painless. But in memory of our good times…I’ll try my hardest. Just as hard as you tried to be a good holder.”

what should come next for this? should I continue?

[starzioo]

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐲. 𝐏𝐭.𝟐

Find Pt. 1 here!

After everything that had happened at the world cup, barely making it out, you and Cedric had grown closer than ever. When we all got back to Hogwarts the following week he managed to try to spend time with you every waking second he could. Although you weren't official as a couple people did notice the two of you hanging out in the court yard or having coffees in the small cafes in Hogsmeade. Rumors spread quick about the two of you, but you couldn't care less, because you had him.

=

      As you lay on your bed studying for you next DADA quiz, your attention in immediately ripped away from your book as Ginny busts into your dorm. "Y/nnn, c'monn you have to tell me what the deal is with you and Cedric!" Ginny groans as she flops down onto your bed causing your quill and books to bounce. Even though you were a Slytherin she still always found her way into your dorm. It had happened so many times that at this point you were so unfazed. "Ginny, there is no deal. Like I said we're just friends!" You say standing up. "C'mon —she says with a 'really.' face—You can't really expect me to believe that!? And plus me and Ron seen him carrying your stuff from class to class while he made googly eyes at you!" "Oh shut it. He was not making googly eyes at me! He was just being nice!" "Oh, yeah, sure! Has he asked you out on a date yet? Has he confessed to you yet? Oh my gosh have you guys kissed yet?!" "Okay Gin! That's enough,—you laugh— that'ss enough." You hold out your hand in a stop motion. "Okay, okay, i'll stop but pleasee! I'm dying for some information here! You have this totally dreamy guy who's all about you! While I have some 2nd years crushing on me, so please let me live through you!" She pleads making a praying motion towards you.

"Okay fine." "Yes! Okay tell me everything!" "There's not much to even tell you, we haven't done anything. He's a gentlemen and oh my merlin he's so sweet. Well technically yes we've gone on dates but not official dates. When we go anywhere it's more of a 'Hey can we meet up for coffee' or 'Do you wanna go to the lake' not a 'Let me take you out on a date' type thing. And about the whole walking me to class? One day after our Astronomy class he just offered to take my books then he walked me all the way to my next class, and ever since then he's walked me to and from to all my classes. So yeah that's about everything." You said nearly all in one breath. "He's such a wuss!" "Hey!" You playfully whacked her arm. "No offense! But how is he gonna do all that but not ask you to be his girlfriend! Merlin it's been about 6 weeks since the World Cup!" "I dunno, I think he's trying to wait for me to give him a sign, but I think i'm good with what we are now. I mean i'm not trying to rush anything, because what if he's not ready?" "Y/n! Hes obviously ready! He seemed ready the day you two met! Taking you to get butterbeer and all!" "I guess you're right...but no! I don't wanna make the first move? That's just...ugh no! That's scary!" You stand up again and pace the room. "Y/n, sometimes the man in the relationship is just not man enough to do certain things." She shrugs. "Well he better man up! Because it's not gonna be me!—You make a 'no' motion with your hands— even if I really wanted to I couldn't! I would chicken out last minute! —You sit back down— Ginny what am I supposed to do?" You groan as you bury your face in your hands.

"Although if I was you I would ask him out. I think that you should wait for him to ask you out because I think if you go for it you might scare him off, but that's just what I think." She rubs your back a little. You just groan.

=

It's been a little over a week since you and Ginny talked Somehow within this last week Cedric has gotten distant. He still continued walking you to and from classes...sometimes...and all the constant hang outs just suddenly stopped. It didn't hurt but it felt weird having him be there 24/7 to basically just disappearing. You were sat in the great hall in your usual spot with Fred and George. Although you did have friends in Slytherin, they were more like in class friends. The friends that you sit next to when you don't know anyone else. The ones that will let you borrow a quill every now and then. But you've always been close with Fred, George, and Lee.

You sat there just pushing your food around on the plate with your fork as the boys were plotting their next prank on Draco Malfoy and his entourage. You could help but keep glancing behind you to look at the Hufflepuff table. Each time your eyes made their way to Cedric most of the time he would look up and flash you a quick smile before looking away, but something just felt odd about him. "You know Y/n, he's not gonna wanna talk to you if you keep staring at him like that." George teased. "Yeah, all dinner you've been looking at him like you're waiting for him to come talk to you. You haven't even touched your food!" Fred continued. You just sighed. "Well, I don't know what to do! He's just- so confusing. Tell me I'm wrong. One week we're together 24/7 then the next he just disappears?" "He's probably just wanting some space." Lee chimes in. "Or maybe~ he's avoiding you because he knows that if he gets to close he'll fall even more for you!" Fred says as he fake faints into George's arms.

You just blankly stare at the two. "Okay, I was hoping for some real advice." You sigh and go to stand up from the table when Fred pulls you by your arm back down. "Hey! We're just joking, you know that." He says still laughing. "Okay, but what do I do? I can't just go ask him why he's being weird! What if he got bored of me and is trying to let me down easy? What if he never even actually liked me?" You start rambling. Clearly frustrated with the whole situation. "Y/n, just calm down. Jeez." Lee says lightly laughing. "Well, you're all guys just tell me what you think is going on?!" "Well, I personally think that he's getting scared to ask you out." Lee says as he continues eating. "Now you're just feeding into my delusions." You says rubbing your temples. "We think he's just being a coward! After the world cup he told us he liked you!" George said nearly loud enough for the whole Great Hall to hear him. "Will you keep it down. My Merlin." "Yeah, no. He said and I quote, 'Y/n...she's bloody amazing. I really like her but I don't know if I should ask her out.'" Fred said doing an overly dramatic Cedric impression. "He did not!" You said not believing a word he said. "If it's not true then why's he looking over here absolutely terrified?" Lee snorted. All three of you immediately whipped around to see Cedric staring back looking utterly mortified at had hearing the twins tell you what he had said.

Quickly you three all spun back around. "He heard." You said putting your head in your hand. "Shit." George said. "Shit." Fred repeated. "Shit." Then you. "How do I fix this? Cause now he knows that I know what he thinks. What does he mean by 'I don't know if I should ask her out'?" You hushed your voice. "I think you should just go for it." Fred suggested. "No, she should just wait it out and let him make up his mind." Lee whisper argued with the group. "Okay, I'll just...wait for now and then I'll just let him come to me when he's made up his mind." You said as you fixed your skirt as you stood. "Now. I'm going to bed. This is just...too much." You sighed before walking out of the great hall.

=

The next day you were trying to 100% avoid and ignore Cedric. After what had happened last night in the great hall there was no way that you could face him. But alas you had arrived to your herbology class, and it just so happened that you have that exact class with Cedric. You took 3 deep breaths before entering the green house, praying he hadn't already arrived. One step into the classroom and your eyes immediately rest on him. He's leaning over the Screechsnap plant that the two of you had been studying the week prior.

 His sleeves are rolled to his elbows, his hair was ruffled just the right amount, and he has this cute concentrated expression as he tries to feed the plant. Of course he just had to look absolutely perfect during one of the most awkward times of your relationship. As you awkwardly stand at the door of the classroom Professor Sprout shouts, "Good afternoon students! Please pair up with your partners from last week! We are going to continue studying the Screechsnaps!" You look at Professor Sprout as she talks then your eyes go back to Cedric, you find him already looking at you. Walking over to your guys' table you feel nothing but pure nervousness coursing through every fiber of your being. 

You sit down and the atmosphere is thick, just absolute awkwardness. "Hey..." he says breaking the silence with an unsure voice. "Hey..." You say as your heart is quite literally doing back flips. "Didn't see you at breakfast." "Yeah, I wasn't really that hungry this morning." You lie straight through your teeth. The real reason is because during breakfast he sit with his friends from the Astronomy Club and for some reason they always sit where he is in direct view of you! Last thing you wanted was to have to make awkward eye contact with him at 8am in the morning. The two of you now sit in the quietest silence ever as the words coming out of Sprouts mouth are seemingly silent. "Listen Y/n can we just talk about it, I wish I would've said something sooner." He says in a hushed voice leaning closer to you. You lean in too, "Are you seriously trying to talk to me about this in Herbology class?" You whisper yell because out of all places that you'd want to discuss having feelings for someone the Herbology greenhouse is close to last. He lets out a breath with a slight smile, "...Okay you're right...meet me at the garden courtyard at lunch?" He says with a now sure voice and light smile. Your previous nervous expression slowly turns into a blushy smile, "Sure, but for now lets just focus on our project." You say with a light laugh at the end. Finally you guys are back on track. 

After Herbology Cedric had walked you to your Defense Against the Dark Arts class. Which was terribly far from his next class, but he insisted. That entire class you rambled and gushed to Lee about how excited and nervous you were for your meet-up with Cedric during lunch. Lee reassured you anytime you brought up doubt about the whole situation, and alas the class was dismissed for lunch break, now this was when your heart truly started to do backflips. Thank Merlin potions class is in the dungeons so you could hurry to your dorm and freshen up before meeting Cedric. 

Staring at yourself in the mirror you could've swore you smoothed out your skirt about a billion times. Finally satisfied you head out, walking through the stone corridors of the castle you could feel your heart skipping beats. The closer you got to the courtyard the more your nerves seems to bubble. Stepping into the warm sunlight of the gardens, you could feel the light spring breeze brushing from the willows to your loose strands of hair. Following the path of the courtyard your eyes sweep the garden for any sight of him. Just then you freeze for a split second seeing him. There he was, sitting on the fountains ledge, fiddling with the petals of a small bouquet of absolutely stunning freshly bloomed flowers.

 His eyes meet yours and you could've sworn that time slowed for just a second. Immediately his face lit up with that smile, the one that made you blush and made your brain stop functioning for a moment. Gosh he's just perfect. "Hey," he said with his same gentle and honey sweet voice, as he stood from the fountain taking a step closer, "I picked these for you from the Hufflepuff gardens, they reminded me of you." He hands you he bouquet, the remark made you blush faintly. "Thank you, they're so pretty." You say admiring the sweet smelling flowers, "Exactly." He says as his eyes dance across your delicate features.

 You look up at him from the flowers, "So..." you sit on the ledge of the fountain with the bouquet next to you, he sits close enough to where your thighs are touching side by side, "So, I wanted to apologize for this past week. I just...I didn't mean to be distant or confusing, I was just thinking..." "About?" you said gently, "About us," His warm eyes meet yours. "About us and how I just can't picture my future without you in it. How much I adore how your eyes glow in the sun. How I just can't stop staring at you in class. How intelligent and sweet you are. And also how I've been a complete idiot to not say something sooner. Your heart continuously fluttered at his shower of compliments, you blinked trying to process everything he said. "You think you're an idiot? I thought you lost interest in me." You said embarrassingly. "What? No, Merlin no. Y/n you don't understand. I genuinely could never lose interest in someone as brilliant as you. I like you...so much. I don't have a clue as to why I froze the way I did when I realized just how much I do. And I want to set everything in stone. I want to take you on official dates, I want to have a label, I just...I want to be able to call you my girlfriend." Everything he said was just absolutely perfect.

 You let out a breath, "Cedric you're just...just so perfect. Of course I'll be your girlfriend. There's literally no way I could ever say no to that." You laugh a little, his entire face brightens. "It's good you said yes, I already told my mother about you." He rubs the back of his head a bit, you giggle, "But seriously Y/n I just want you to know that I am completely all about you and I don't think that'll ever change. You're truly just so special." He gently moves a strand of hair behind your ear, his touch lingering for a moment longer than it needed to. 

The world around you seemed to fade, no more breeze, no more birds whistling, just you and him. Your face shifted slightly more towards his, "So," You said softly, "What happens now?" You continued. He let out a gentle laugh, his eyes glanced down to your lips for the briefest moment. "I think I'm supposed to kiss my girlfriend now." He said voice filled with affection. He slowly leans in as if the two of you weren't close enough already. "I think so too." You said lightly, a near whisper. His soft hand glided up to the side of your face with his palm resting on your jaw. Eyes closed his lips brushed yours soft and unsure at first, your hand gently grasped his button down, then it was sweeter and firm. You pull away slowly, he chased your lips for more. You rest your foreheads against each other, "We really should've done that sooner." You say as you play with the hem of his tie. "I agree." He says sweetly. 

====

This is the second installment of 'That's Pretty' I'm gonna cut this story here because I wrote the first part forever ago and I just can't with the cornballness of everything lol I hope you enjoyed.

[the-dawn-star]

Place to Stay part 25(Klaus M. x Gilbert!Reader x Elijah M.)

A/N: Hello everyone and I'm really sorry about the long wait! I haven't been feeling great and I am completely lost with this story so I would love to hear your guys's ideas about the story. All comments and likes and stuff are really appreciated!!

-S

+2300ish words, proof read by @Ana_Mia_Lisa on ao3.

Lying in bed with darkness surrounding me was comforting. I could forget who I was and the deeds I had done on the last day or two. The only problem was that I laid in that massive bed alone, while Klaus moved to one of his many guest rooms. I felt bad for taking his bed, but Klaus had insisted on it. He had insisted on the fact that we should not go further than the kisses we had shared after I showed up on his doorsteps. I knew I might be annoyed by his behavior now, alas, I would probably thank him for that. But having the room only to myself made me feel like I wasn’t being watched at every second.  

I pulled the cover over my head, giving myself a nice, dark place. Being alone in the darkness, I felt a knot of hair at the back of my hair and I let out a deep sigh. I have had a headache since I first woke up. I had been up for nearly an hour trying to fall back asleep, but my thoughts didn’t let me do that. Instead, I had fallen into a quiet, hyperventilating mess, and because of a miracle, no one had heard me.

This time it didn’t take an hour to fall asleep. After all, I was exhausted. I had been exhausted for so long. I was asleep for minutes but it didn’t give me the rest I was so desperate for. My dreams are filled with images of Damon’s blood covering my body, of me killing him for good. But none of those images brought me joy.  

--- 

The raindrops hitting the window woke me up a third time. My sleep had been restless so waking up when my body didn’t any less rested as I felt when going to bed didn’t really surprise me. But it was calm, and mostly quiet except for the tiny dripping sounds of the raindrops. 

I closed my eyes again, hoping to get back to sleep. But the sleep would not return to me. Instead, the rain was overshadowed by fighting somewhere in the house. It was known that the Mikaelson family had its own issues but still; I wished I could yell at them to stop and let me sleep for just a minute longer. 

But all the sleep was pushed away from me when I heard my name being yelled at by a person I had known my whole life. I forced myself up and out of the warm covers and took one deep breath. Talking to my sister was going to be a hell of a screaming match and I was nowhere near being ready for that. 

I put my college pants back on and quickly made sure I was looking at least semi presentable. 

Walking out of the door was a shock just because the first thing I heard was my name being screamed once again by my sister. I didn’t want to see her face full of disappointment and anger that I had become so accustomed to. 

I walked to the first floor trying to find the source of the yelling. 

Also in the living room was my sister Stefan while Kol was lying on a couch, clearly intrigued by the screaming. Klaus meanwhile was sitting in an armchair, but the hybrid didn’t seem as impressed as his brother with the topic at hand. 

“What’s going on?” I asked, walking in and getting everyone's attention. 

Klaus almost jumped off of his chair and came to me taking a hold of my hand as if asking if I was okay. I smiled at him trying to reassure him of my mental state and turned my attention to my sister. My sister who looked disgusted by my closeness with the hybrid. 

“What is going on?” I asked again and walked past Klaus to my sister. 

“You really need to ask what was going on after you let Elijah and Klaus torture Damon and then stabbed him yourself.” 

I knew Elena was going to be upset but still it always hurt to see your only sister, only surviving family being upset by your actions, and your actions only. 

“Oh, calling it torture is a very big overstatement and I’m sure Damon is just fine and recovered from his wounds. And after all you have been there to nurse him back to help, I’m sure.” Elijah said, leaning on a door frame. 

I had to be thankful for Elijah saying something before I could embarrass myself. What I didn’t like was the clear innuendo that my sister was being more intimate with Damon than she should have (not that I had any room to judge how she spends her time). 

Kol let out a laugh enjoying the drama more than anyone should, but judging an immortal vampire was barely my place either. 

“What is it?” I asked as calmly as I did not want to continue bickering. I took my sister’s hand to mine trying to unpack the tension in the room. First, Elena looked at my hand that was holding hers and then turned to look at my face, unsure what to do next. I smiled at her, so dearly wanting to infuse the situation. But she did not respond and lowered her gaze from me. We all waited for a moment in silence.

“We came to take you home…,”  Stefan said, when it was clear that my sister wouldn’t be speaking. 

“Why would I come with you…?” I asked, confused, but I couldn’t pull my hand away from my sister's gentle grip.

My name was whispered so quietly that I almost missed it, before turning to my sister. 

“I- I found Jenna’s ring, you know the one that she promised you. I- I was wondering if you still wanted it…” 

For a quick moment, I didn’t see my sister in front of me. I saw the young girl who was terrified for life and cried silently at our parents' funeral. A young girl who was just as traumatized by her past as I was. She missed them so much, even if she didn’t talk about it with me, but she did miss them. She most likely still blames herself with Jenna’s death, and a clump traveled to my throat and my headache sent needles to my temples. I wanted to sleep, sleep on my own bed and fall into a deep sleep where I couldn’t be woken up by tiny raindrops. 

Another stab went through my head and the bright lights forced my eyes to flutter, trying to be okay with the lighting. 

“Yeah…, I- I would still like it if it’s okay with you.” 

“Of course…,”

“Let me just get my stuff and you know get ready…” I said, before letting go of Elena’s hand and almost ran away back to my safe haven. 

I threw the door open and ran to the small pile that included yesterday's clothing, clothing that was partially covered in Damon’s blood and tears. I bit my lip and turned away from my clothes. 

I’m sure he wouldn’t mind if I borrowed his clothing for a moment. 

I checked that the door was closed just to be sure, before hesitantly walking to Klaus’s closet. I wanted to be quick for the people downstairs and grab the first t-shirt and sweatpants I could find. 

I pulled my catch against my chest before hearing a low laugh behind me. 

I let out a small squeak out of panic and turned around only to see Klaus leaning on the door frame. For a moment I waited for a teasing comment by the hybrid about seeing me changing. I smiled already waiting for the comment, but it never came. Klaus looked mad and clearly had no time for humor. I let my smile fall and I pressed the pile to my chest, like it could protect me from anything.  

“Is something wrong?” I asked, kind of scared of the reaction I might get from him.  

“Your sister seems nervous…,” Klaus said quietly while walking right in front of me and I couldn’t help but to take an involuntary step back.  

“What do you mean?” I asked, wanting to stay oblivious to the subtext but I saw the anger bubbling under his skin. 

But in my mind, I wanted to scream, for once I had a good feeling about my sister. About the possibility of me not crying myself asleep for a fucking once. That I could have a nice day with my sister. So why, why was Klaus trying to ruin it?  

“Don’t...,” I whispered, warning him of something that I had no power to do.  

“I’m trying to keep you safe, when you clearly cannot do it yourself.”  

I had seen Klaus angry many times before, but not once had that anger been towards me. But now I can understand the reactions that my friends gave when they were the reason for his anger. *

I took another step back until the backs of my knees hit the bed.  

“Maybe she is just scared of being in a house with the man who killed her aunt.” 

I saw immediately that Klaus’s gaze softened. At least he had some sense of understanding to look apologetic. We hadn’t talked about the happenings of the full moon when Klaus had broken his curse and I was more than happy to bury it deep inside of me. I had learned to look at how bad the situation had been in all parts but still it didn’t mean that I didn’t miss my aunt.  

Klaus whispered my name and brought me back to reality with it.  

“I’m sorry, is that what you believe that I might care about your well-being?” Klaus was clearly annoyed by my distrust but still understanding of me wanting to be on my sister's side.  

“I don’t know...,” I admitted and let myself fall on the feather light bed.  

Klaus walked in front of me and pressed his warm hand against my cheek. His touch was so gentle and such a rare sight of kindness. I wanted to melt to his touch, I did melt to his touch. I wanted to kiss him and tell him of all the things I wanted to do.  

A tiny smile got to my lips. 

“If you cannot believe me, let’s say that what I'm about to do was my idea, and my idea alone..., can you accept that?” There was a tiny sense of pleading in his voice and my need to kiss him grew even more.  

“I just don’t want anyone to get hurt,” I whispered, not sure if I was saying yes to the hybrid’s plan. Maybe, it was just a statement without any correlation to anything we had spoken before. 

“No one needs to get hurt… You trust me, don’t you.” 

I looked up to see the gentle face of the man who had committed such horrible acts throughout history. I leaned to his touch. 

“Yeah, I trust you…” I admitted and took his hand to mine, carefully pulling him down to the bed with me. And to my surprise Klaus sat down next to me without a fight. 

“You are so beautiful, love…” Klaus said so quietly that I barely heard him but still his words got a smile to my face. It was nice to know that someone found you pretty, especially when normally you were mostly ignored by the people around you. 

But I had never been too good with telling my feelings to the people that I cared about. Particularly to the people who didn’t need to be around me. 

I didn’t know what to say. Was there an obvious answer to someone calling you pretty? 

So, I leaned in, giving him the time to push away, but he didn’t, letting me kiss him. 

There was no fire in the kiss. Just a gentle kiss, where both parties are scared of scaring the other person away. Like the fear of breaking the surface of the calm ocean that surrounded us. 

I pushed myself closer to him and pressed my hands to his chest slowly giving him the hint of laying down to the bed. Klaus got the hint quickly but wrapped his arms around you and took me to the bed with him. Klaus’s hands went up and down on my body, melting me to his arms. I was basically laying on top of him, trying to not to crush him. I needed to feel more, more of him, more of passion, more of anything that would keep my mind out of the mess of this town and its people.  

Klaus’s hands traveled down my back to my hips, while gently pulling me closer to him. Maybe Klaus felt the same way, maybe he is just as tired as I am. Maybe this is one way that he can feel like in control, like he isn’t just a pawn in someone else’s game.  

Maybe I could make him feel better about... well everything. 

But like so many times before, there was an unnecessary interruption.  

Someone cleared their throat and had to push myself off of Klaus’s touch that I wouldn’t simply ignore the person interrupting us.  

Klaus seemed clearly as bothered by the interruption as me, but still let me get off of him but didn’t bother sitting up as I did.  

But when I looked at the door, I simply wanted to die. Die and crawl to the deepest part of hell where no one could ever find me. Because at the door was standing my sister, who had nothing but bewilderment on her face, and Elijah who seemed to enjoy the situation a lot more than it should be allowed.  

“Hi...;” I said, trying to break the absurd tension but not succeeding as well as I would have hoped.  

“Are you ready to leave...?” I liked to think I knew my sister well, and moments like this proved it. There was a tiniest bit of anger and pain in her eyes. But she still tried to keep it together and I appreciated her for not yelling in front of Klaus and Elijah.  

But I knew what was going to happen.  

Taglist:

( @dark-night-sky-99 @venomsvll @teenwolfbitches28  @haloangel391  @queenthorin1 @ollieandbonnie @hcqwxrtss123 @redwolfs-things @theweirdoleigh @mostly-meg @fandom-princess-forevermore @musically-ambiguous @isawritesstories @felinegrate @i-like-horror-andshitt @original-siphon @meyocoko @eddiebea @multistanhell @haroldpotterson @anastacia1705 @fictional-characters-i-love-them @beingsthings @kiaraandrea @hazgold @hallecarey1 @ethereal-imagies @pinknerpersona @ lil-writer-523 @malfoylaufeysonweasleybarnes) @queen-of-arda bellamy1998 @susannahmikaelson @kleinegamerin @alnitakstarsky03 @meme-queen-1999 @hellish-witch

[lumine-no-hikari]

Dear Sephiroth: (a letter to a fictional character, because why not) #374

I'm a little better today. When I woke up this morning, my nose was still pretty stuffy and also running still. But I wasn't sneezing a whole lot like yesterday, and that was good. I made some toast-and-jam tea:

...Yeah, I know my voice sounds weird in this one. Sorry about that; it can't really be helped. I had some of the leftover soup for breakfast this morning, and that was delightful. Warm fluids are a wonderful boon for a scratchy, irritated throat!

J was out almost all day today, flying the airplane. I wanted to go, but I didn't because it's not a good idea to be up in the sky while one's ears, nose, or throat is congested; you can blow up your eardrums like that. Still, he got tons and tons of beautiful pictures...

...M, meanwhile, played a lot of Hades on the TV. So I was by myself most of today. I suppose it was a little lonely, but I got lots of work done on the music box:

...I completed the pattern for the chorus today, which is cool! I was actually hoping to have finished building all of the basic patterns today and then arrange the patterns in their proper places tomorrow, but... I didn't get that far along. Oh well. I only have a few more patterns left – like 6, I think, but they're all very short. It shouldn't take long to assemble them. Stuff to do for tomorrow, I guess.

I'm not sure whether to go to work tomorrow. I'm feeling pretty okay right now; there's some residual discomfort and my sinuses are still a little congested, but it's not nearly as bad as it was this morning. I dunno.

I wanna go, but J says just because we feel better doesn't mean our bodies don't still need a little more time. So maybe I'll give it a little more time. I want to try to be nice to myself. So maybe I'll just stay home.

...Though... I'll be a little disappointed if I gotta stay home, because R invited we of my house over to his place for hot chocolate. I dunno. I figure if I'm staying home from work, I should probably not go to R's house, also.

I wonder what you would do...

...Actually. No. I know what you would do. Or rather... I'm pretty sure I know what “past you” would do. Past you would probably show up to work even with full blown pneumonia, if you knew you couldn't spread it to anybody.

...And no, that's not a good thing!! Please insert a mental image of me here, with my left arm akimbo while waggling my right index finger at you, both menacingly and accusingly in equal measure!! Please also insert a mental image of my most grumpiest face here!! Unless “current you” has learned and grown enough to not pull shenanigans like that? Hopefully?

...And if my waggling finger does not at all sound menacing to you, you are wrong!! Because, yes, in fact, my fingers are VERY menacing!!! They are very capable of rendering humans of all ages, genders, and sizes into a giggling, squirming, curled-up mess of laughter!! Your life has prepared you for many, many great and terrible things, but I very much doubt that it has prepared you for tickles!!! BWAHAHAHA!!!!

At this point, sometimes all I gotta do is point at M or J and wiggle my finger, and then I say, “I'm tickling your braaaaaiiiiiiiin...!!!!” and then they start laughing!!! I don't even have to do anything, ahahahaha~! Like I said, VERY menacing! Much terror!! I'd be shaking in your boots if I were you!!! MWAHAHAHA...!!!! (cue ominous thunder crackling in the distance...!!!)

...No, I promise I've had only minimal caffeine today. I guess I'm just feeling a little silly and excited because it's been a few days since I've felt this good, ahaha...

...I guess we'll see how I feel when I wake up tomorrow. If I wake up and I hate it, I'll go back to bed.

I haven't much else going on up in my noggin today. I suppose having “music-box-for-brains” will do that to a person. I guess this letter is a little bit short as a result. Sorry about that.

I'm gonna go to bed now to give myself the best odds of feeling relatively decent tomorrow. I think I'm maybe a little stir-crazy from not going out of the house much over the last number of days. I miss Tr and Ka and Ra and Ma and the others. I want to see them if I can. I want to be where the nice bread and cookie smells are...

I'll write to you again tomorrow, okay? So please stay safe out there. Don't forget that you're loved and wanted and needed in this world. If nothing else... I love you, and you can be wanted and needed in any space in which I also belong. You're not alone, okay?

Your friend, Lumine

[angryaurikhori]

Smash or Pass FFXIV Edition

Not actually tagged by anyone, but I saw @sunderedazem and @calico-heart do it and figured I should do one too featuring my train wreck of an au ra!

Khorijin Iriq

Quick Facts:

Age: 28 (start of Dawntrail)

Height: 4'9"

Gender: Cis woman

Sexuality: Demisexual/Pansexual

Pronouns: She/her

Pros:

excellent hunter and forager from growing up on the Steppe and training in Gridania. You'll never go hungry, even in the most remote locations!

trained as a bard when she came to Eorzea. She knows all the best songs and stories.

quite playful and silly once she warms up to you.

also very romantic and physically affectionate. Loves to cuddle.

very loyal to her people and will gladly defend them to the death if needed.

she's quite easy to pick up and carry around due to her small stature. If you're close, she won't mind this at all.

Cons:

you might hear her talking to herself. Except she's talking to the manifestation of all her rage and grief. Or the dead guy who was a shard of her sundered soul. Either way, she's got some quite literal ghosts.

tends to shut down and soldier through tough situations, which is great until she realizes what exactly happened and begins to spiral. It's not pretty.

willingly puts herself into situations that are detrimental to her health, physical or mental. Cannot be talked out of it if it's for the good of the Star.

not quite over her past self's ex from the pre-sundering times.

somewhat touch-averse after everything that happened to her on the First. She's working on overcoming that, but it's a struggle. She has to initiate to feel comfortable.

Details to know:

Khori has many battle scars, some from previous Naadams before she left the Steppe, but most were from her time with the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. She's not ashamed of them, but she does look a little patchwork.

this includes her time on the First when she stopped the Eighth Calamity at the source of the problem. The change she's most self-conscious of is the change to her scales.

for quite a while after the First, Khori felt like anyone who touched her risked "contaminating" themselves with any residual light aether that may have remained within her. She was very paranoid the first few weeks after the events in the Tempest, but shes slowly managing to overcome her aversion to others touching her.

prefers tea as her morning beverage of choice, so strong it's almost bitter.

didn't believe in the Twelve until certain events during Endwalker. Even then, she's still not particularly religious, save for habitual prayers to her patron deity, Oschon, at the start of every journey. It's more the ritual itself that calms her than believing a god is protecting her.

she absolutely loves spicy foods. Be prepared for this, especially if she's doing the cooking!

Romantically - Khori is an attentive partner and doesn't shy away from tame PDA, like coiling her tail around her partner as they walk or cuddling. Her love language skews towards doing things to help her partner, whether it's melding materia into their crafting sets or helping them look after the chocobos. However, due to lingering fear from nearly turning into a Lightwarden she tends to shy away from any touches that she doesn't initiate. Despite this difficulty, she's very dedicated to any partner.

Sexually - despite being touch-averse, Khori is game for just about any fun in bed. Just let her initiate. She's versatile, but prefers being in charge, just in case she has a bad reaction to something. Despite her hang-ups about touch, she's more than willing to try anything at least once!

As for tags, if you see this and haven't done it yet, feel free!

[winged-unicorn-trash-can]

[M4F] Ill Met by Moonlight - Part Two  [M4A] [Fantasy-themed roleplay] [Drama] [Romance] [Inner-monologue] [Reverse Care]

Storyline- After the witch, Lucas, had found his sacrifice, he puts her to rest, and then he himself goes to sleep. After all, there are now only a few days left until the new moon and the night of the ritual. After a strange dream, Lucas awakes to find the Listener in good spirits and their leg nearly healed. Which was odd because Lucas had yet to fully heal that leg. As the two talk over breakfast, the Witch begins to worry if he can keep his little bird still in her cage.

Part One

Rules:

[ Not a rule, but I apologize in advance for any spelling mistakes you may find ]  

-Give credit to me, please, and thank you (Mystic Grove Audio)

-This script is free to use for monetization

-You can improvise and add things if you wish, like if you like a script but it seems to be tailored to a certain gender: change it so it fits what you like! But please, still give credit

-You can share the script outside of Archive, but again, please give credit

-If you make an audio/video, send me a link! I would love to see your work!

-Have Fun!

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

[ There is a calm and soft wind blowing by; it's a spring morning, and the birds are singing off in the design. Someone is brushing Lucas's hair and humming ]

Lucas: [ In a soft tone, not sad but a little disappointed ] This is a dream… isn't it

Beloved: [ A little giggle ] Yes, I am afraid so. Are you disappointed?

Lucas: [ Deep sigh ] No…When I see your face, how can I be?

Beloved: Good, [ She leans down and kisses his head ] then let this dream continue in sweet bliss~

Lucas: For now, but it won't be a dream for long; I promise you

Beloved: [ Her tone of voice is soft but worried ] Lucas…please don't

Lucas: [ Nerves laugh ] What? What are you talking about?

Beloved: This ritual of yours, don't do it…please…

Lucas: But I'm doing it for you, for us. No longer will you haunt me in dreams, but you will be by my side, in flesh and blood!

Beloved: [Sad and worried] Lucas, please…

Lucas: It will be just like the days before [Pause, then said softer] before I lost you! We will be happy!

Beloved: [Angry sounding] Lucas!

[Beloved's voice is drowned out as there is a clap of thunder, startling Lucas awake]

-------

[If you don't wish to do or don't have any extra voices, here is an alternative way to open the audio]

-The alternative opening starts here-

[A soft, forest-like soundscape, bubbling brook and birds singing. That fades out as a thunderstorm rolls in. Then, a very loud crack of thunder startled Lucas awake. ] 

-The alternative opening ends here-

--------

Lucas: [Frantic] My Love!!

[There is a storm outside Lucas's cottage. The Cat meows in response]

Lucas: [Confused] That…that cat from before? [Takes a deep breath] How on earth did you get in here, my friend?

[Cat meows and hops off the bed; Lucas follows them into the kitchen where Listener is cooking]

Lucas: [Slightly surprised] My-my dear? What on earth are you doing up? You-You should be resting that leg of yours.

Lucas: [To himself] Her leg healed faster than I thought…I was sure I didn't focus on the healing spell that long-

[Lucas's stomach growls]

Lucas: [Slightly embarrassed] Ah! Forgive me...might I know what it is that you are making? It smells wonderful!

[Listener answers, they are making pancakes]

Lucas: Pancakes? [Surprise chuckle] Well, that is something I haven't had in many years; I tend to make simpler things for breakfast, porridge, and the like.

[More kitchen noise, the kitchen utensils taping on plates as pancakes are transferred onto a plate]

Lucas: Well, they look wonderful-

[Lucas gets cut off as Listener lightly smacks his hand away from the plate]

Lucas: [Caught off guard] Wh-what was that for? I thought you were done?

[Listener speaks]

Lucas: [Being shooed off] Okay, okay, I'll go sit down! [Slightly playful] Forgive me, my dear. I didn't take you for the bossy type.

[Kitchen sounds]

Lucas: [Inner thoughts] Something strange is at play here [Pause] That spell was only to ease the pain, but she still has a limp, so perhaps-[Cut off]

[Cat meows]

Lucas: [Annoyed 'Tsk]

Lucas: [Clearing his throat] My dear, how are you feeling? How is your leg?

[Listener speaks]

Lucas: Still sore, I see, Well! Then allow me to make you an herbal blend! Something that will help.

Lucas: [Inner thoughts] And something that should put you right back into that bed! I will not have you escape my grasp, not when the ritual night is close!

[Lucas gets up and walks over to his glass containers. Glass being moved around]

Lucas: [Under his breath] Damn it!

[Listener speaks]

Lucas: What? No-no, it's nothing. I just need to go out into the garden and restock a few herbs for that blend.

[Listener speaks]

Lucas: Ah, don't worry, my dear, the rain won't cause me to melt! [Short Laugh] I will be fine!

[Lucas walks, opens a door to the stormy outside, and walks out into the garden.]

Lucas: [Mumbling, annoyed]

[Rustling of plants, sudden thunderclap, and strike of lightning on a tree. A Branch falls onto Lucas]

Lucas: [Cry of pain] Ah!

[Ringing ears and the rest of the sounds have been muffled for a moment]

[Listener comes running out of the house]

Lucas: [Struggling a little] N-no, I am fine, just go back into the cottage- [Sharp intake] Ah! My-my damn shoulder!

[Listener tries to help]

Lucas: I said I was fine! I don't need help with my- [Angry] Don't touch me!! Get away from me! Go!

[Lucas shoves Listener and is trying to get to his feet, only to stumble and fall again]

Lucas: [Frustrated] Ah! Damn it!!

[Pause]

Lucas: [Bitter] I told you to leave me…

[Listener helps Lucas to his feet and leads him back into the cottage. Sitting him down on a chair, the fire sounding a little louder]

Lucas: What is that smell- [Shocked] The fire!

[Listener quickly runs over, trying to put the fire out, which they succeed in]

Lucas: [Bitter] What beautiful blessings the sprites give me! First, my shoulder, and now you almost burn my house down!

Lucas: [Sharp intake of air] N-no, I don't think it's broken.

[Shirt being removed]

Lucas: Wh-what are you doing?! I can remove my own shirt!

Lucas: [Grunting in pain, struggling with the Shirt] S-see?! [Letting out a gasp] Alright [Pause], fine, could you…please help…

[Shirt removed]

Lucas: [Grunt in pain] Y-yes, that doesn't look good-Ahh! Don't touch it!

[Footsteps]

Lucas: Where are you going?

[Glass containers being moved]

Lucas: [Taken aback] Well, yes, arnica and moon moss do work well with swelling

[Water being poured, and a wooden bowl is scraped, then the paste is applied to Lucas's shoulder]

Lucas: [Wince] N-no, you are being gentle. I just didn't realize how cold moon moss could be.

[Listener whispers something]

Lucas: [Surprises] What did you say?

[Listener says nothing, walking away]

Lucas: [Inner thought] That was most definitely a-[Cut himself off] No, no, that's not possible. No mortal would dare utter something like that, especially a child of a Witch Hunter. And yet…

Lucas: [Taking a sigh] Tell me, where did you learn about moon moss? It's not a common herb used by most mort-[Clearing throat] by most people. I once heard the Council call it the "Devil's Tears."

[Listener speaks]

Lucas: A friend? Keeping odd company, I see [Chuckle]

[Listener frowns]

Lucas: W-wait! I meant no offenses. I'm [Pause and sigh] sorry, I am sorry for many things. My actions towards you have been very uncalled for. I had no right to shove you like that or..or yell at you. And I am sorry my own brashness caused you to burn that wonderful breakfast.

[Plate being placed on the table]

Lucas: You say it's still salvageable? My dear, I say this with as much respect as I can muster. It looks like dragon droppings.

[Pause, before laughter]

Lucas: [Laughing] No? Then, by all means, why not take a bite?

[Pause, before crunchy chewing]

Lucas: [Playful] My dear, it looks like you are trying to swallow gravel. It hurts too much to watch, please. Stop.

Lucas: I can see that smile; you know I'm right

[Listener speaks]

Lucas: No, no, please don't apologize. It's quite alright. Here, let me check in the- [Tries to stand up, only wince in pain] Ah! Turned too quickly on that one.

[Listener speaks]

Lucas: I was trying to get up and see if I still had my jar of dried fruits in the pantry.

[Listener walks to the pantry and opens the door]

Lucas: My dear, please, let me look for them. I am the one who should be looking after you, not the other way around.

[Listener says they don't mind]

Lucas: Well, if you insist.

[Listener walks back over and opens the jar]

Lucas: [Deep breath] Ah, apricots, I haven't had these in ages, in fact [Pause, softly] I think this the last jar they made [Trail off]

[Listener asks if "they" was the one that used to go to the festival with]

Lucas: [Softly] Yes…they were the ones I used to go to the festival with [Pause], the one that isn't around anymore. Yes.

[Listener asks if they are dead]

Lucas: [Getting a little more upset] Yes, they died

[Listener asks how]

Lucas: [Upset] What are you?! A Red Inquisitor?! What business of yours to pry and pry!!?

[Listener apologizes, and saying they understand]

Lucas: No! No, you don't understand! You understand nothing!! [Braking down] You don't know what it's like to be helpless! You don't know what it's like to be afraid! To return to a pile of ash that was the home you had built together! To see…to see a corpse so bloated as it hangs in the tree that you can't even recognize those eyes you fell in love with! You understand nothing!

[Getting to his feet, wincing in pain]

Lucas: [Inner thought] But you will. I'll make you understand!

[Walking into another room, slamming the door, leaving Listener alone]

End of Part 2

[disqualia]

I don't want to feel alone in my efforts towards anyone anymore.

I just want someone to go to lengths to do nice things for me because they want to see me smile... like I do for them...

Do you remember when I got you that easel and paints and oil painting starter stuff for valentines? How thoughtful you told me it was?

Do you remember the look on your face when your transformers arrived?

Do you remember how happy you were when I organised a desk to be built to exactly the specifications of next to the bed so you could have your computer in the room and near the window? The day it moved in with your PC and everything? I do haha, it was good..

Remember when I helped you clean and reorganise your space and access your window at your mums place for the first time in like however many years it was? You hadn't seemed so happy with that room... ever tbh aha it was nice.

Do you remember how chuffed you were with your bass guitar? How I asked you what accessories you wanted and everything. How excited you were to play?

Do you remember when I proposed to you? How special you said you felt? You couldn't stop saying it in fact. It was adorable, not going to lie.

I remember them, because even though these things were things I did or acquired for you, they were gifts to me, too, as seeing you so happy all on it own was such a joy for me.

I wish you would have made me feel as special as I know I have made you feel (according to your own words, not assuming) a little more, and gotten cranky at me for trying to be nice or just asking a question or something arbitrary/genuinely inoffensive a little less...

And you've told me of lovely things you've done for others too, and I've seen some of them! So I don't think you're incapable of doing lovely things... and I haven't completely forgotten you have done some things here and there for me, too..

But I hate that I still feel mostly forgotten in this area, and just wish you'd even just surprise me with a picnic now and again, much less an actual grand gesture, that.. well, that I only expect to be seeing in my wildest dreams... I wish aha.. (but hey, please! Prove me wrong! This IS an invitation)

And it hurts that I always have to spell it out to you, too. But I guess I need things spelled out a lot, too, so, fair's fair there I suppose..

Maybe we should both cut each-other some slack in that regard, then.. hm..

Well in the spirit of that; here's some easy tips then:

" P L E A S E

B E

N I C E

T O

M E"

-

"A

G R A N D

G E S T U R E

W O U L D

B E

B A S E D

NGL"

• • •

It's because you keep saying you'll do these things... Little things, average things, and also bigger things, too, and then... you don't...

Take me on dates, take me to a ball, go opshopping in Fremantle with me, go to Kalamunda with me, play my silly games, teach me yours, get blades to blade with me, go to therapy with me, don't yell at me for asking the same question again, because you know I have memory issues, go skating with me more, propose to me PROPERLY like you promised to when I said yes, nearly two years ago, buy Pokémon SoulSilver back for me, not cheat on me, and these are just /some/ things... just a few things you've said you'd do for me... and theeen - not stuck to any of... Instead.

You build me up...

Just to knock me down...

The other day when I opened up to you about feeling unseen in the basic ways of being a sweet partner and stuff and said I want so badly to get what I am told I will receive at the least, but more importantly long term, to be with someone who puts in the same amount of love and energy into the relationship as I do, because it's so much more fun that way for one thing, and it's easier - for both parties too! If they're working together as one partay -

And I deserve that - you said so yourself.

But if I deserve that, are you trying to give that to me right now?

To be that?

Any of that?

Because you already said you were going to prove it to me the other day and you fucked that up pretty bad, so...

You'd have to do something pretty dang amazing for me to think you care like you say you care right now. Because I just can't trust your words.

Action is all you have to offer me at the moment as you just talk shit, all the time, and don't follow through with it; which makes it just that, shit, and I'm sick of eating it out of your hand like it's candy, because... it's shit!! 🙃

So if you want me to believe you care at all, that you "love me" - if you truly do, and if you really want me to know it, be capable of believing it again, you're going to have to go to some kind of effort to show it so me.. as words won't cut it.

Please... show me what you say means anything to YOU at all, so it CAN mean anything to me.

Rock up in the middle of the night and take me on a drive for maccas or something even, just as a start.

Just, do something spontaneous that shows me you're thinking of me and you actually care about me.

Rock up and throw plastic beads or smth at my window and tell me you just wanted to see me so bad you couldn't help yourself and ask me to meet you outside for a cuddle and a kiss....

If you mean it when you say that you love me... please....

.... show me that you love me.

Show me the truth... please, show me what you believe I deserve.

Please make me feel like I truly matter to you..

_________________________________

[beef-brisket]

Adam sighed and paced around his bathroom. Why did three minutes feel like an eternity? Either way, he was trying not to freak out.

He couldn't have a baby with Lucifer. There was no way in hell. He's giving him a chance. After everything he's done- giving him a baby isn't a chance. It's like a 'get out of jail free' card. It's a pass. He'll think a baby means he's forgiven.

Which he fucking isn't. Not yet, anyway.

Adam jumped and quickly turned the alarm off his phone. Staring at the flipped over test, he sighed. He was already shaking.

Why did he sleep with Lucifer? Why wasn't he wearing protection- WHY DID HE SLEEP WITH LUCIFER?!

Flipping the test over, Adam groaned before sitting on the edge of the bath.

Adam: You fucking idiot...

It was positive. Because of course it fucking was. When was Adam going to catch a break?

-

Verosika: I've always wanted to be a crazy aunt. Kids are... definitely not for me.

Adam glared at the succubus on his bed: Bitch, I'm fucking lost. I'm too old to do this again! My youngest is nearly ten and a half thousand years old! And- this time I'M pregnant?! Babe, I fucking- can't do this. I know this body is new, but my fucking knees and hips already kill me! A kid won't help with that- and I don't want to run after some... kid! That's half Lucifer, by the way.

Groaning, Adam fell back against his door: He's fucked me over so many times... even more so recently. I'm giving him a chance. If he did anything, I could leave, I could just walk out and never see his clown ass again! But now... I'm stuck with him. STUCK. With LUCIFER. How long does it take a hellborn to be independent?! Fuck... hiw do you even raise a kid in Hell?! Ver?!

Verosika chuckled: Yeah, babe?

Adam: Help!

Rolling her eyes, Verosika petted the spot next to her. When Adam flopped down, she wrapped her arms around him.

Verosika: Look, babe. I'm not in the kid scene, I don't know what the fuck you're meant to do with little demons, but, if this is what you want, I know you'll be a great parent.

Adam scoffed: I know I'd be a great parent. I fucking already am. Just... ignore how long it's been since I've seen them.

Verosika chuckled: Okay, babe. I will. So... what's the worry?

Adam scoffed: Lucifer. Hell. My career. My fucking BODY! I haven't looked this good since Eden! I... am I meant to stay in Pride? With these... fucking sinners? Or go back to Lust? With fucking horny sex demons on every corner? I... fuck, I don't even want to tell him... I don't know what I want to do...

Verosika: ...You know... maybe adoption would be more you're thing.

Adam: Ver, I'm freaking out this one, I don't need to adopt.

Verosika smacked his shoulder: Not what I'm saying, asshole! I'm saying that maybe you should adopt it out. There's plenty of imp families that can't have children.

Adam: Imps? Raising the child of the king of Hell? One, Lucifer wouldn't allow it, and two, I'd never hear the fucking end of it.

Verosika: ...Abortion?

Adam: Lucifer would actually kill me if he found out I did that... fuck sakes...

Verosika: You've really don't it this time, huh? I remember when you hated that fucker. When you were scared of him. And now you're starting a wittle fwamiwy with him~.

Adam groaned: Shut the fuck up! I do hate him...! Okay, maybe I hate him a little bit less than before. And we're not a fucking family. No way. This is just... a... setback... a small setback...

Verosika: That'll grow into a big setback, and ask you to go to sports days, parent teacher meetings, mom vans, mom JEANS, you'd be too exhausted to perform. Who knows, Lucifer might be a traditional guy, want you to stay home with the kid- he'd probably fuck you over and over just to get you pregnant again~. Oh! Then he'd marry you! You'd have to wear one of those fucking white dresses!

Adam covered his eyes and rolled away: Stop it! You're driving me nuts!

Verosika: Oh, sure... you know what else drives you nuts?

Adam glanced at her between his fingers: What?

Verosika smirked: Kids~.

Adam: Fuck you! You're not helping!

Succubus au

@beef-brisket

@fanofstuff01

(This au was originally on @things-aren't-what-they-seem66blog and was originally thought of by an anonymous ask)

The roaring of the crowd and the playing of his guitar deafened his ears but the incubus didn't care. He loved the way they cheered his name while he shredded on his axe. With one final strum, his song was done. He raised his arms and gave the horns, to which his fans reciprocated, and bid them all goodnight. He walked away his hands still raised until he was out of sight from them. Adam sighed heavily and wiped the sweat with his forearm as he made his way to his dressing room.

Once there he flopped onto the couch and groaned. Though Adam loved being a rockstar and having adoring fans, he wouldn't lie to himself, each performance, especially concerts, can be quite draining since he always had to prepare with mic checks and making sure he sounded right. Steve, his producer/manager/on-and-off-again fling, always assured him that these were mandatory. Just one of those sacrifices that come with being a star. Still, Adam felt a little like shit and he needed a drink, a hard one. Unfortunately, his evening wasn't quite over yet as knocking was heard from the other side of the door then a voice called out.

Assistant: Excuse me? Commander? I'm sorry for bothering you but I brought the VIP guests here with me.

Adam sighed completely forgetting about that. Almost all VIPs get access to meet him after every show. Though he loved his fans coming to him and saying how much they loved him, maybe even getting some head from the older crowd, tonight, he didn't want to. However, he knew that he didn't have much of a choice. Unless he wanted Steve up his ass, and not in a good way. Letting out a long groan he sat up, rubbed his eyes, and yelled out to her.

Adam: Bring them in.

He closed his eyes and sighed once again as he heard the door open and feet shuffle in. He prepared himself for the immediate responses of squealing and clamoring over to shake his hand. However, he was not prepared for a familiar voice to call out his name.

Charlie: A, Adam?

He opened his eyes and standing in front of him were Charlie, Vaggie, and a one-eyed sinner.

[borbealis]

i think i'm failing this whole life thing because all the time i feel tired and unsuccessful

[kremlin]

i am going to offer one thought on the situation that unfortunately does not need an introduction

please consider, in the face of the man who has suddenly adopted a polarizing political nature, my humble third perspective, which has not changed for many years, that this guy does not, will not, never did, and never could -- posses any scientific nor technical knowledge/ability

polarizing yourself like this is a great way to provide a plausible counter-narrative to people favorable to whichever side of the spectrum you chose. "oh, all the naysayers are [the others], they will say anything to harm [us, our cause]"

i don't think people who bought him for the personality he trades on, "reluctant CEO in name only who really is down in the weeds with the engineers or developers" are stupid or gullible, because the theme of this thread is "avoiding polarization and politics to measure reality"

but i certainly used to, and maybe you can understand my perspective. when this extremely famous, influential pretender adopts your field and proceeds with cartoon antics, it creates a lot of confused people [at best] and draws undeserved ire and misconceptions [at worst]

if you are like me, employed in a technical engineering capacity, never haven't been, never won't not be (elusive triple negative), and this behavior continues regardless whether paychecks come in --

someone who, from day one, said "this is my hole, it was made for me", someone who he feels these sorts of behaviors go beyond a profession and into the core of your character -- someone who finds this degree of self description *very cringeworthy* to vocalize...

here are some differences... i don't have an incomprehensible amount of money, nor an incomprehensible amount of debt. i have a regular amount of money and only a little debt

i don't have five, estranged families, i have one, good "forever" family.

i don't "spend alll nights and weekends sleeping under my desk until ...xyz". i sleep in a big bed with my wife

when i see a construction or factory worker, i don't tell him to learn to code. i think maybe i should learn construction

when my behaviors, actions, idiosyncrasies, etc fall characteristically far from the NIST perfectly spherically frictionless standard human mind, it lands in the ADHD/autism/whatever region, not in the PERSONALITY DISORDER region

i am very, very good at what i do, and have done, for decades, and the sum total of that thinking nearly certainly does not include any truly groundbreaking, unheard of, radically innovative "wild new idea",

i don't look at, say, the tunnel boring industry, or the automobile industry, or the field of neuroscience, and say, listen up dumbasses, time to move into the 21st century, we're digging with javascript, we're (not) driving with javascript, we're "going to mars" (???) \

with javascript, and get this -- we're cutting your skull open and putting electronics in there, running guess, what javascr-

i guess that's it, that's all i have to say, stop calling me a tech bro, don't talk to me about "crypto currency", don't talk to me about "radical altruism", don't talk to me about "free speech/the blue hair sjws/the chud boomers/the whatever-whatever".

talk to me about the eagles stunning 10-1 season so far, talk to me about jalen hurts, talk to me about the minutiae of your day, talk to me about drama on web forums from 20 years ago. do not talk to me about "java script". thanks. your friend, ians

oh, i forgot one -- i haven't bought 8 companies and then pretended like founded them. i founded one company, Kremlinware Unlimited LLC, that has never had any assets, employees, partners, etc...\

but makes good letterhead that will get ppl to sell me all sorts of weird things that they wouldn't otherwise sell to an individual. like a bottle of tetramethoxysilane (not drugs) or Very Specific Carbide Face Mill Insert or Weird Chinese Patent Law Infringing IC It Turns Out...

that micron or atmel want like $150 for.

[things-arent-what-they-seem66]

((Charlie angst was the last thing I expected 😭 Idk where you want to end this lol))

In about a week Lucifer was up and walking, when he asked where Charlie was no one had a clear answer. Maybe she was just busy....... Too busy for him now that she knew he wasn't going to die.

Adam: You okay Lu?

Lucifer looked over to Adam, he had been staring out the window to see if he see Charlie come or go.

So far nothing.

Lucifer: I haven't seen Charlie in a while, I'm worried about her.

Adam: I haven't seen her either. She hasn't even done any of her therapy sessions.

Which was so unlike her, Lucifer knew that maybe Charlie needed a therapist of her own but he didn't know how to breach the subject without upsetting her. She was such a gentle soul he loves her so much.

He wished that he could have changed things between them, not locked him away for nearly 8 years in his own depression.

She didn't know how bad off he was, the last thing Lucifer wanted to do was burden her with his own issues. But maybe he should have tried something. He hates that Lilith kept them apart for so many years, Charlie didn't understand when she was a child.

Lucifer: That's not good.

He needed to find her.

Adam wasn't stupid, he had a feeling that not everything was water under the bridge with Charlie. Killing Lilith was probably the final straw and he could understand that.

But it was her or Lucifer. And he chose to save the love of his life.

Lucifer: I'm going to go see if she's in her office.

Adam: Okay....

Lucifer gave Adam a kiss and went to Charlie's office. He knocked three times.

Lucifer: Charlie? You in there sweetie?

He tried the doorknob and it opened, the lights were off and he walked inside closing the door. He looked around and this place was a mess. Papers everywhere, furniture overturned.

Family portrait slashed, but just their faces and not Charlie's.

Lucifer: Fuck....

Charlie: Dad? What are you doing here, you should be in bed.

Lucifer turned and saw Charlie standing there. Even though she didn't look mad he could see the undertone of her emotions.

Lucifer: I'm fine, no one's seen you in a while I wanted to be sure you were okay.

Charlie: I'm fine.

That was too quick, too cold. Not like Charlie at all.

Lucifer: You're not okay what is all this?

Charlie fixed her desk and chair: An accident.

Lucifer: Look, I know I'm not the best at this sort of thing....... But I can still listen to you. I'm here for you.

Charlie couldn't keep up her fake happiness anymore: You weren't for a long time.

Lucifer winced, okay he deserved that: I'm trying my best here and I'm trying now.

Charlie turned to look at him fully: Really? Is "trying" by fucking the man who nearly killed me and did kill mom?

Lucifer was stunned: I..... Charlie It's more complicated than that.

Charlie: I'm upset about mom but I understand, I could have lost you both. But he hurt me!

Lucifer: He's apologized and made up for it hasn't he? Even you have to admit he's not the same as he was before.

Charlie: What about mom!?

Lucifer: What about her!? Charlie, that woman was pure fucking evil, she made Adam out to be the bad guy and used me for power! She never loved me! I have loved Adam long before you were born and I still do and that is never going to change. I understand if you're mad at him, Hell, if you don't even like him but I love him. And I love you.

Lucifer: I'm not sure what happened those years it was mainly you and Lilith, but please just know I always wanted you. I have and will always love you. You're my only daughter and damn it I'm sorry I wasn't there when you needed me. It was selfish and if I could turn back time I would.

He tried really hard not to cry, but this wasn't about him right now.

Lucifer: So please, stop lying to me. You're not fine. I think....... I think you should talk to someone too.

Moth!Adam having a nightmare! This takes place a few days after arriving in Hell.

@fanofstuff01 MOTH ADAM

---

Charlie: Hey, dad? Could you go get Adam up? He's going to miss out on the group activity!

Lucifer: Honey, if he isn't even going to put I the effort, he shouldn't be here!

Charlie: dad- please, he's only just got here. This is a big change for him. Can you just go wake him?

Lucifer reluctantly agreed and made his way to Adams bedroom. Charlie put him on a floor that had no other members, thinking it would help him get use to things.

Arriving at Adam's door, Lucifer smiled. He decided to take the opportunity to scare Adam. It was almost Halloween, after all.

Lucifer walked softly to the top of Adam's bed. He could see his antennas flicking about. Ljcifer stood by his head for a few minutes, waiting for the perfect opportunity to scare him.

Adam: mm- no, stop... don't leave... please don't leave...

Lucifer chuckled. It must have been some popr winner in Heaven Adam was talking about.

Adam: L-Lu... please stay- pick me, please... don't leave... p-please choose me-

Lucifer stopped laughing and stared at the man. Oh... it was Eden he was having a nightmare about. Shit. He backed away as Adam started to thrash, his wings unfurling.

Lucifer had no idea no idea what to do. The poor guy even started crying. He decided to wake him up. Lucifer couldn't watch Adam cry and grip his blankets. It hurt too much.

Lucifer: Adam... ADAM-!

Lucifer reached over to shake his shoulder but jumped and teleported out of reach of Adam and his wings when Adam suddenly shot up, breathing hard.

Lucifer wasn't too familiar with Moth demons, he only knew of Valentino, and even then, he hadn't had many interactions with him, so he wasn't too sure how good Adams' eye slight was.

Adam: Luci...?

Lucifers eyes widened at the nickname- and the way Adam said it. It reminded him of Eden. Adam sounded so desperate and hopeful. Hopeful that Lucifer was there with him, that his nightmare wasn't true.

Lucifer wasn't sure if he wanted to say anything, he hadn't noticed him yet. That was until he noticed Adam looking around the room, eyes landing on Lucifer.

He felt like he should say something. So he waves and smiles, but just as he's about to say something, he heard Adam choke out a sob and bury his head in his hands, his lower arms wrapped around his thin torso.

Adam: t-thats right... you hate me... why would you be here...?

Lucifers heart broke. He didn't hate Adam. He was an asshole sometimes and a bastard for attacking his daughter, but he didn't hate him. He felt like he should, but he couldn't.

After a few minutes of crying, Adam tried to find his phone. Lucifer could see it on the side table, so he made the phone float in front of his hand. Adam didn't notice the magic, but found his phone. He squinted until his eyes were met with the bright light.

Adam grounded when he saw the time. He was really late now.

Adam: ...fuck it... they don't want me there, anyway... s-should have j-just stayed d-dead

Lucifer stood in the corner of Adam's room for 20 minutes. All he did was hug his pillow and cry. He could tell Adam was tired, but he couldn't fall back asleep.

He never knew how depressed Adam was. But then again, he'd never a good conversation with Adam since he got here. Lucifer really took the opportunity to get as much payback as possible now that he had a contract with him.

He wonders if all of this started when he called him an unlovable piece of shit, that not even the scumiest angels wanted. He knew he overstepped, judging by the look on his face and the lack of response.

For the next week, Lucifer stood in Adams room before he went to sleep and before he woke up. It was always the same: Adam would cry himself to sleep, and he'd have a nightmare about being abandoned and wake up shaking, covered in tears in the morning.

As Lucifer was in his room this night, he was hoping it would be different. Adam was with Angel for most of the day and seemed to be happier. But as soon as Adam sat on the edge of his bed, he knew it wasn't going to be a good night. It was actually about to get a lot worse.

Adam started crying as soon as he closed and locked his door. Fiddling with something in his pocket. Lucifer could see him playing with something as he sat on the edge of the bed.

It wasn't until Adam sat up straight that Lucifer saw it was the angelic needle Nifty originally used to kill him. Where the fuck did he find that!?

Lucifer really didn't plan to get involved when it came to his night watching, but Adam pressed the blade against his scar from the original attack, and start to push in far enough for his dark red blood to start welling up and running down his chest.

Lucifer: NO-!

Lucifer jumped into action. Snapping the blade out of his hands and placing it in Lucifer's hands.

Adam instantly jumped and looked around. Lucifer could see the pain in his big, golden eyes.

Adam: L-Luci-fer... Luci... ?

Lucifer couldn't bring himself to say anything as Adam looked around. He covered his mouth as he felt a tear fall. Adams eyes locked him his. Shit.

Adam: ...please...? Luci?

Lucifer squeezed his eyes shut.

Adam: Not even allowed to finish the job, huh...? I'm just g-giving them what they w-want...

He opened them slowly, and he heard the rustling of Adam's blankets.

That night was worse.

So much worse.

Lucifer has never seen Adam look so small even at his towering height of 11". Adam curled up, hugging a pillow as tightly as he can.

Adam cried to himself all night. He didn't fall asleep at all. Just cried and begged for Lucifer. For it all to end.

Lucifer finally learned how good Adams eye site was. Hed often looked directly at him but saw nothing.

All night, Lucifer just gripped the angelic blade and stood still all night, hoping Adam wouldn't hear his sobbing.

Dude my fucking heart 😭

Adam knew Lucifer was there, he had to be. Blades just don't evaporate out of your fucking hand.

Why couldn't he just let Adam die for good? Lucifer didn't even want him here, nobody did. Sure he started getting along well with Angel but big deal.

Other than height being a moth demon was fucking stupid. He could barely see! He even had to have the largest print enabled on his phone so he could see to use it.

Adam ran out of tears quickly, he was dehydrated from it and he wasn't exactly drinking water to put anything back.

Lucifer never wanted him, so why not just let Adam go? To torture him probably.

Oh look, Adam did still have some tears to cry.