#i did try to see if i could do something fun with echo knight but honestly i don't like getting cutesy with tag names so

[essektheylyss]

Okay I'm not normally one to comment publicly on ship portmanteaus but we seem nowhere near a consensus and I've been reading basically nothing but taxonomic theory with a side of organizational management for like seven weeks straight so: why is verleth not the default option. It cannot be because it's too close to vexleth when everyone's been using it next to vaxleth for years. Obviously we could go to keyrin, but a) every other Keyleth ship name is [other person]leth, and b) it's going to be annoying as hell with autocorrect for being one letter off of a real word.

But most critical, we cannot use "thelyss" as Verin's part of the portmanteau, on account of the fact that Verin has been on screen for like three minutes, and his older brother, with whom he does still share a second name, has been on screen for like fifteen hours. I know Essek's ship names usually use his title but Verin ALSO is not the most obvious Task Hand (rip Adeen Tasithar, you probably would've loved being a shady bitch in Vasselheim but honestly, I don't actually know well enough to say).

Think of new fans trying to figure out who the fuck is in this ship. Think of the tag wranglers. Think of me, local taxonomy nerd who will one day just lose it and start yelling on the dash about authority controls and the absolute inadequacy of disambiguation by committee.*

[togenabi]

the promised knight

knight!roronoa zoro x princess!reader

♡— after a lifetime apart, zoro finds his way back to you

word count♡— 8.7k (screams into the void)

genre♡— royalty au, childhood friends to strangers to lovers, slow burn bc a lot of things happen, but there's fluff bc I need there to be

content notes♡— fem!reader wears dresses, mentions of death and grief, very plot heavy, kuina and mihawk are here, canon-typical violence, original side characters, no use of y/n, proofread(ish), inaccurate royalty things, inaccurate chemistry/poisons/acids, yes I got the name florentia from ill be the matriarch

also on♡— ao3

author's note♡— quick explanation!: a regent has no right to the throne, they're just someone stepping in temporarily while the next monarch is absent or unable to execute their powers. happy reading!!

Your happiest years were when everyone was together.

Those were the days you’d sneak out of your lessons to go play in the training grounds. You’d find your best friends arguing about something or other, fighting with wooden swords and chasing each other around.

Kuina and Zoro did their best to include you in whatever game they were playing. You found it all good fun, even if you were mostly being rescued or hidden away somewhere. The proud smiles on their faces when they saved you always made the wait for them worth it.

“Why do I have to play the bad guy?” A young Zoro whines, frowning deeply with shoulders slumped. His wooden sword hangs lazily in his hand, pointed to the ground. 

Opposite him, Kuina’s blade was up, stable and correct with proper posture. “Because we agreed I would save the princess today!”

You remember sending Zoro a small smile, trying to reassure him, “You can save me next time, Zoro. I promise.”

Zoro complained, but gave his all acting as a bandit out to rob you. You and Kuina would run into the meadow—hands held in each other’s—squealing and laughing. You’d always end up collapsed together; among the grass and the flowers. They would cheer and scream into the sky, happy that the great knights protected their princess once again.

But that same meadow is now covered with a blanket of melancholy. The colors aren’t as vibrant as they were back then. Flowers no longer bloom like they did. The children’s laughter has been replaced by a deafening silence.

Everything changed when Kuina died.

She was hit by a stray arrow, they said. They called it a tragic accident. 

More sadness only seemed to follow after she was gone. Zoro left without a word, abandoning his training, and you along with it. Your mother, Queen Florentia, passed due to an illness a few months after that. In a blink of an eye, you lost everything back then.

The large doors to your chambers slam shut, breaking you from your train of thought. The thud echoes into every corner before fading into noiselessness once more. 

A maid rushes in, completely out of breath and practically stumbling towards you. “Your Highness!” She gasps. Waving a hand, you gesture for her to calm down.

“Selma,” You pour her some water in a glass. It’s strange to see your personal maid so distressed. “What did you find?”

Practically inhaling the water, she places a hand over her heart before explaining, “You were right, Your Ladyship. The commander informed me that several knights had poison hidden in their quarters.”

Her eyes trail to the glass she’s holding, then to the pitcher. Selma’s face becomes appalled as it sinks in that you had poured her a drink. You cut her off before she can make a fuss about it.

“Never mind all that.” There are more pressing matters than decorum right now. “What else did Mihawk say? Have the knights been apprehended?”

“No, my Lady.” Selma retrieves a transparent vial from her pocket. “The commander said there's a chance the poisons were planted. Trustworthy men could have been framed… He discourages you from trusting any of them at all.”

The vial is small, barely larger than your thumb. To an untrained eye, it looks like nothing is there. You hold it up to the window, letting the sun’s setting rays shine through the glass.

There it is. A near-invisible, lavender sheen in liquid. The queen regent’s signature poison.

“Damn it all.” You sigh, falling into an armchair. 

It’s common knowledge that most of the people are loyal to Queen Regent Cassiopeia. Not to you, the rightful heir to the throne.

Ever since she took the position after your mother’s death, she’s been doing everything in her power to discredit you. Though she's not in the official line of succession, her goal is to become queen by any means necessary.

You’ve only been able to hold on for so long because there are still people loyal to your mother, like Commander Mihawk. However, it will take only one slip up for your standing to collapse. Cassiopeia knows this, and you suspect that she plans to completely ruin you at the upcoming knighting ceremony.

On a paneled wall in your room, encased in an ornate golden frame, hangs a portrait of Queen Florentia. The gold reminds you of the gilded dagger she gave you as a child. 

Subconsciously, your hand moves to rest over your pocket; where the dagger is hidden under your skirt. What would your mother have done in this situation?

You scan the painting as if the image would respond. It doesn’t, but your eyes settle on the necklace she’s wearing. It was her most prized possession, and she had promised to give it to you when you were older, but it’s sadly lost to time.

The vial grows heavy in your fist. Your mother would stop at nothing until Cassiopeia is defeated, so that’s what you’ll set out to do.

“Selma, get me some ink and parchment.” You order, feeling more determined. “I have a plan.”

Dracule Mihawk burned the note as soon as he finished reading it. Your idea was brilliant, if only a little complicated to execute. 

Cassiopeia will demand you choose a personal knight during the ceremony. Assuming all the knights are loyal to the queen regent, none of them would be a safe choice.

So, you asked Mihawk to hire a skilled fighter to pose as a knight. Someone whose loyalty cannot be bought. Immediately, he knew who to recruit. Though he warned you that you might not find the man… agreeable.

“I don’t care.” You replied stubbornly. “I can’t afford to be picky. Just make sure that he won’t kill me in my sleep.”

Mihawk muses that he might be killed by you in his sleep. Because in a shady, run-down tavern, he sits beside a familiar green-haired swordsman nursing a drink at the bar.

“Fancy seeing you here, commander.” Zoro spits out the title in disgust.

“It seems that some things never change.” Mihawk hums. “You’re still in the same place as you were when we last fought.”

“And your legend ends with you kissing up to that false queen.” Disappointment practically drips from his tone.

“And here you are,” There’s an amused glint in the knight commander’s eye. “...still not able to beat me, Roronoa Zoro.”

Zoro’s jaw clenches in frustration. He breathes out deeply, “What do you want, old man?”

“Join my knights.”

Scoffing, Zoro can’t believe his ears. Is this guy serious? “I’m no knight. Not anymore.”

“Are you sure about that?” Mihawk tests. “The princess needs someone not easily dissuaded.”

At the mention of you, Zoro freezes. He squints at the commander as it dawns on him, “You don’t serve that Cassiopeia bitch.”

“Obviously.”

“But why did you become commander only after Queen Florentia died?” Zoro asks. “Everyone thought you were bought off.”

“That’s besides the point.” Mihawk hisses. “I know you’ve been wanting to make it up to the princess. I’m giving you a chance to do that on a silver platter.”

Zoro stays quiet, eyes watching the alcohol ripple in his glass. He’s not drunk enough for this discussion. And he meant what he said, that he’s not a knight. That dream died with Kuina, and he chose to pursue less honorable ways to become stronger.

It’s funny how Mihawk, who was an outlaw, traded his jacket for a suit of armor. And now, he's trying to act righteous. But some things are just—

“It’s not too late to change things.” Mihawk attempts to persuade him, calmer this time. “Something tells me you’ll regret it if you don’t.”

Shaking his head, Zoro can’t believe this man is talking like he knows him. “What do you know about regret?”

When the commander doesn’t respond, Zoro turns to see Mihawk’s face, a grave expression marks his features.

“I know far too much, I’m afraid.”

Zoro studies him for a moment longer, curious as to what he meant—but he doesn’t dare ask. Only an idiot would test Dracule Mihawk. 

This master swordsman, whom he’s looked up to for so many years, has changed drastically. Perhaps everyone has. It makes Zoro wonder how much you might’ve changed in the years he’s been gone.

You. He’s—there’s so much he wants to say. So much he wants to ask… but does he have the right to? 

Who is he kidding? He doesn’t. 

And yet, Zoro can’t help but wonder if he passes on this opportunity and regrets it, would he spend the rest of his life wishing he could make up for it?

After downing his drink, Zoro slams the glass on the bar counter.

“What do I need to do?”

Selma assists you with your hair and makeup on the day of the ceremony. She’s practically buzzing as she flutters around you. It’s nice that she’s still enthusiastic about things like these, even when dangers lurk in the shadows.

“You look stunning, Your Ladyship!” She gushes, adjusting the different layers of your dress so that it falls on you perfectly. “A vision, you are. Just like Queen Florentia.”

“Thank you.” You respond gratefully, despite not feeling as sure and confident as your mother was. Would that change, if you were to become queen?

A knock sounds on your door. Selma rushes to answer it, and lets Mihawk into your chambers. He steps in, but remains by the entryway.

“You look lovely, princess.” The commander bows to you in greeting. “I was instructed to escort you once you’re ready.”

Nodding, you approach him and hold onto his arm. “Let us be on our way.”

Keeping your face carefully neutral, you whisper to Mihawk under your breath, “Will you really not let me know the knight’s name? How am I supposed to know who to appoint?”

“You’ll know.” Mihawk pats your hand reassuringly. “Without a doubt, you’ll know. I just hope you’re not too hard on him.”

You side-eye him. “He’s not a convict or something, is he?”

Mihawk presses his mouth shut. This bastard, is he trying not to laugh? “You might actually prefer a convict over him.” 

That pulls a frown out of you that you cannot contain. What on earth is that supposed to mean? Is the man that bad? How are you supposed to mentally prepare with such vague warnings?

All thoughts of the mystery knight fade into the back of your mind, however, when you and Mihawk make your entrance at the throne room. 

The extravagant hall is decorated to the nines. Flags of different family crests hang from the ceiling. Flowers bloom at every window sill. You smile at it all, at your people—but it fails to reach your eyes. It’s difficult to truly smile when Cassiopeia stands dangerously close to your mother’s throne.

You curtsy when you reach the steps, one hand still on Mihawk’s arm as the fabric of your skirt dips onto the floor. You hear murmurs of approval from the ministers in the front row, pleased to see the good relationship between the princess and queen regent.

But they don’t see through your gloves, how your grip on your skirt is tense and far too tight. They don’t see how Cassiopeia’s smile is truly a smirk when you lower your head to her.

“Lovely to have you here, darling.” She says, and you fight the urge to laugh. ‘Lovely’ would be if she accepted her place and let go of her greed. 

Mihawk guides you to the smaller throne on the left. This has been your seat since you were born. If Cassiopeia had her way, it would be your seat until the end of your days.

She glides to the center of the dais, the train of her excessive dress flows like a river after her. She stands; graceful, powerful and smiling—but she will never be happy until she can sit on the throne and wear your mother’s crown.

Whatever it takes, you will find a way to stop her.

“Welcome to the long-awaited knighting ceremony.” Cassiopeia addresses the audience. “It is an honor to have the kingdom’s finest pledge to serve and protect us.”

The ceremony proceeds to speeches from several dignitaries. Mihawk delivers a short yet intense declamation about the knightage being the greatest honor; and hands the queen regent an elaborate, bejeweled sword.

“These warriors before us today are hereby called forward to receive Knighthood. The kingdom will forever be grateful for your service.” Cassiopeia proclaims.

Attentively observing the knights lined up, you keep an eye out for the one Mihawk recruited for you. One at a time, Cassiopeia announces their name before tapping their shoulders with the ornamental blade.

You grow restless as the line dwindles. Frustrated, you throw questioning looks at the commander’s direction. He skillfully avoids your gaze. The nerve.

When only about five men are left, you begin to study them all and weigh your options. Perhaps you should pick someone with a smaller build, so that you can have a better chance of escaping? You also spotted someone who appeared clumsy. If you were to outsmart him, your odds of surviving weren’t so bleak.

But then—dramatically, as if in slow motion—the great doors to the throne room opened with a loud, booming sound. Everyone turned as light poured into the hall.

A swordsman makes his entrance. His armor is unassuming, but the three blades at his side demand attention. He wears a helmet over his head, but even after so much time, you’d know those eyes anywhere.

Mihawk was right. You would have preferred a convict—or maybe some rogue, or a thief who would rob you blind. You would have preferred anyone over Roronoa Zoro.

You thought you’d never see him again, but he’s here, marching towards the end of the line. You gape at him, feeling too many emotions all at once. Why is he here? Why now?

Mihawk intercepts Cassiopeia before she can question Zoro’s identity. “Forgive me, queen regent. This young man ran late due to an errand I sent him out on.” 

How brilliant of him. Cassiopeia hates unexpected interruptions, but would never express her frustrations openly with so many people watching.

It’s amusing to see her grin and bear it. “That’s… quite alright, commander. I’m glad he made it before the end of the ceremony.”

When only Zoro remains to be appointed, you stand and call for the queen regent’s attention.

“Should he accept, this man shall be my personal knight.” You declare as Zoro’s gaze meets yours.

“What of your decision, knight?” Cassiopeia asks. Zoro nods, and the queen regent’s gaze sharpens. She understands that something is amiss, but passes the decorated blade to you without a word.

Back when you were children, you used to dream of this moment together. Kuina and Zoro would kneel before you on the grass beneath a shining sun, pledging their unwavering loyalty as you tap their shoulders with a stick.

You’re no longer children, but as Zoro kneels before you now, you still feel like a child all the same. Your clothes feel too big. The throne room is too vast; the ceiling too high. The sword is too heavy in your hands as you raise it.

“Roronoa Zoro. I hereby dub thee into the honorable order of knights as my chosen protector.” The blade lands on his shoulder—his right first, then the other. You pray to the stars that no one notices your hold quivering.

“Arise, Sir Zoro, and be recognized.”

You’re no longer children, but you’re still here. Playing a different sort of game.

Mihawk, the wise man that he is, makes himself scarce after the ceremony. You’re left to awkwardly journey back to your chambers with Zoro in tow. He doesn’t speak a word the entire time, but you can feel his eyes burning a hole through the back of your head. 

Selma is there when you get back, your usual afternoon refreshments prepared. She approaches you, but stops short when she sees Zoro.

“Leave us.” You tell her. She obeys, albeit reluctantly—looking back over her shoulder more than once as she exits.

After the door closes shut, the outside world feels a million miles away; making the air feel tense. You hastily take off your gloves, the fabric suddenly feels constricting against your skin. Every fiber of your being wants to scream at him.

Roronoa Zoro. Your best friend who had left all those years ago. You don’t even know where to start. 

Maybe throwing something at him will make you feel better. 

You throw one of your gloves. The fabric hits his chest before falling pathetically. 

“Seriously?” Zoro frowns at you, unimpressed. You throw the other one. It meets the same fate.

Grumbling under his breath, Zoro takes off his helmet. It vexes you how you subconsciously hold your breath until you see his face.

You huff skeptically, “Why are you here?”

“Mihawk said you needed help.” He answers with a shrug, causing his armor clink. 

After a breath, he speaks cautiously, “I didn’t know things had gotten this bad.”

“How could you have known?” You bite back, “You left, Zoro.”

In a sense, you understand why Mihawk chose him. You asked for someone who wouldn’t kill you in your sleep, and Zoro—at least, the one you knew—definitely wouldn’t.

Some (rational) part of your brain is telling you to keep quiet and accept his help. With Cassiopeia planning a mutiny, time is something you don’t have a lot of. 

But your heart still feels angry and hurt when you see his—stupidly handsome—face. The years just had to treat him well, didn’t they?

“I’m thankful for your help,” You admit disgruntledly. “But I’m not happy about it.”

Zoro calls your name. It makes your heart ache a bit, but you hold a hand up to silence him. 

“Please, just—I need time to process this, Zoro.” Turning away from the knight, your eyes find the window. The sunset paints the meadow in deep oranges and blues. It doesn’t make you feel any better.

“...We’ll talk tomorrow.” You promise, your tiredness evident from your tone.

Zoro lingers, hesitating. But he doesn’t push you. You hear his armor shift as he bows before he leaves.

That night, Zoro stands guard outside your door. It’s good that no one else is around, it allows him to think in peace. About you.

The last time Zoro saw you, you were a small thing, getting dirt on the edge of your skirt. When he saw you today, sullying even the path you walked on felt like a crime. 

He knew you would be mad. He had prepared himself to be yelled at. Maybe he thought you would cry. How much you went through didn’t really sink in until he saw how exhausted you were. 

All the things he wanted to say, every apology and excuse, fade into nothing. The first thing he wants to tell you is how thankful he is that you’re still alive. It doesn’t matter that you stay mad at him forever, he’ll protect you for just as long.

Footsteps sound through the dim hallway. Zoro rests a hand on his blades, ready to fight back anyone who poses a threat. A knight he’s not acquainted with approaches, his steps staggering just a bit. The man carries a bottle of alcohol.

“Hey! New guy!” The stranger bellows. “This ’ere is a little something we prepared for ya, since yous didn’t eat dinner with us.” Zoro makes a mental note that they’ve been watching him.

“Take it, take it.” The knight tries to shove the bottle into Zoro’s hands. At the last second, Zoro spots a knife the man hides behind his back.

Quick on his feet, Zoro jabs the man’s neck, causing him to stumble. The knight charges at him, but Zoro effortlessly dodges. Grabbing the knight’s shoulder, Zoro slams his head onto the stone wall.

The bottle clatters to the floor as his opponent collapses, looking up at him in fear. Picking up the glass, Zoro sniffs at its contents. It’s laced with some sort of sedative. 

Zoro pries the knight’s jaw open before pouring the drugged beverage into his mouth. The amber liquid spills. The man coughs, gurgling and struggling in vain until he slumps onto the ground.

Observing the bottle inquisitively, Zoro shakes his head before dropping it again. What kind of amateurish attempt was this? Is the queen regent testing his skills? 

If anything, all this managed to do was—Zoro starts, turning to your door in alarm—…divert his attention.

Not a second later, he kicks down your door. The elaborately carved wood falls from its hinges, dust clouds billow once it crashes on the previously spotless tiles of your room.

You’re fighting off three large strangers clad in black, a dagger in your hand. Zoro tries not to think about how your eyes softened in relief when they landed on him as he cuts down one of the intruders. Maybe you still care for him a little.

“Took you long enough!” Or not.

“I’m here now, aren’t I?” He grunts back, slashing his sword at someone charging towards you. Zoro only realizes the deeper meaning to his words when you make a face. 

“Don’t make being late a habit, Zoro!” Stabbing an intruder’s side, you quip at him, “You and your dramatic entrances, I swear.”

Zoro bites back a grin. He missed you more than you’ll ever know. 

After taking down one of the intruders, you hide in your wardrobe as Zoro deals with the rest.

It would be smart to lock the door. Barricade it, so that no one can get to you on the off chance Zoro is defeated. But you don’t. You keep the door ajar to watch everything unfold. The way he fights is a captivating sight.

Look at him. Your knight in lackluster armor. Protecting you like how you always talked about as kids. He’s wielding two blades, one for each perpetrator still standing. You blink in surprise when you make out the third, sheathed blade. Kuina’s.

The more you examine him, the more you see how different he seems. He carries himself more confidently, unlike that boy who whined about roles, responsibilities and challenges. 

You also see how gruff he’s become. He’s grown stronger, for sure, but you get the sense that he’s closed himself off from the world. Perhaps the years weren’t as kind to him as you'd thought.

The last intruder lets out a pitiful cry as Zoro knocks him unconscious.

“I’ll tie them up and let Mihawk deal with them in the morning.” Zoro says, pausing to breathe for a moment before dragging the men out by their feet.

Emerging from your wardrobe, you become dismayed at the sight of your room in such a state. “Did you really have to kick down the door?” You groan.

Surprisingly, Zoro blanks, appearing sheepish. “...I didn’t know it would break like that. I just—you should get a damn better door.” He mumbles, heaving the doors up and resting them against the wall outside.

When he comes back from restraining the intruders, he stands before you awkwardly—like he doesn’t know what to do when he’s not fighting or cleaning up bodies.

No one says anything. You both just take each other in, not completely recognizing the person that looks back.

You don’t feel so angry at him anymore. When all’s said and done, everyone has different ways of dealing with grief. Your heart only grows conflicted, wishing you had been there for each other instead of being apart. Goodness knows you could have used someone by your side. You’re sure he did as well.

“I—” Zoro falters. “...I’m glad you’re okay.”

‘Okay’ isn’t how you would describe your current state, but you nod anyway. 

“You too, Zoro.”

In a secluded alcove in the royal gardens the following afternoon, you invite Mihawk for tea on the pretense of thanking him for your newly sworn knight. The story that spread was that you would have been done for were it not for Zoro. You don’t want to think about how true that might be.

“The queen regent is furious you were able to secure a knight loyal to you.” Mihawk informs you as he helps himself to some pastries. “We should avoid meeting for a while, lest she suspect anything of me.”

“Alright.” You agree. “Selma also informed me that we can gather statements from mistreated staff.” You show Mihawk a list of names. “If enough of them support us, and if we can prove Cassiopeia orchestrated what happened last night… We can take her down.”

“She will be busy attending a gala this evening. I’ll make sure no one is near her office while she’s gone.” Mihawk turns to Zoro, who is standing guard behind you, sending him a fearsome look. “Those men got a tad too close last night—”

“Mihawk.” You warn him to drop it. He doesn’t.

“Ensure that it doesn’t happen again, young man.” 

“It won’t.” Zoro replies icily. The commander only huffs in response. 

‘It won't happen.’, he said. But trouble finds you when Zoro steps on a tripwire in Cassiopeia's office. Arrows soar, launching from scattered, hidden contraptions. Zoro shoves you into a bookshelf, covering your frame with his.

“So much for her not finding out we were here.” You remark sarcastically, waiting for him to step back.

But then, as they cage your head, Zoro’s arms tense up. His expression contorts in discomfort.

“...Zoro?” Raising your hands, you cradle the sides of his face.

“Damn arrows,” He growls. “I think they’re poisoned.”

“What?!” You gasp, ducking under his arm to check his back. You find a wound where an arrow grazed his skin. “Of course you get injured when you don’t wear your armor.”

“Why don’t you try sneaking around in that thing, then?” Zoro argues, but you’re startled when the wound begins to bleed.

“We need to get you treated.” Panicking, you grab his arm and pull him along. He doesn’t budge. “Zoro, we should go.”

“No.” He refuses, hissing in pain all the while. “That bitch won’t let us find a way in here again. Let’s just be quick.”

“...Fine.” You cave, still worried, hating that he’s right. “At least stay still, search the desk. I’ll handle everything else.”

Zoro relents, opening every drawer and scanning every document in them. You turn your attention to the shelves, trying to find hidden compartments or anything that looks remotely suspicious.

It's not long before a loud crash makes you wince. Zoro found something.

A panel beneath the desk detaches, revealing an ornate box. Studying it, you hum, “It looks like we’ll need a key.” Zoro unsheathes one of his blades, cutting through the lock until it cracks open. 

You shake your head. “Or we could do that, sure.”

However, instead of the nefarious plans or blueprints you were hoping for, you find old papers. All of them yellowing with age. 

“It’s your handwriting.” Zoro points out, picking up the first document.

“What?” You lean in, reading the file over his shoulder. It’s a letter written to acknowledge a transfer of money. But the amount is astronomical, and you don’t remember signing anything of the sort.

“Look at the date.” Pointing to the corner, it reads more than ten years ago. And then it clicks, “My mother wrote this.”

“There’s more than one.” Zoro sifts through the papers, counting over ten.

“All of them are addressed to… Shimotsuki Koushirou?” He reads the name slowly. You look at each other, confused. Why would Queen Florentia be sending payments to Kuina’s father?

A tall longcase clock chimes to signal the hour. If you clean up now and review the evidence later, you can make it look like you were never here. You instruct Zoro to pack up the box.

“We should head out soon.” You say, moving to pick up the arrows scattered on the floor. 

“Be careful.” Zoro reminds you.

“I am.” You show him that you’re holding the arrows by their tail ends. “You can go ahead, if you want. Get that wound treated.”

“Do you really think I would leave you?” You can’t help the incredulous look you send his way. 

“...Forget I said anything.”

Back in your chambers, you twirl an arrow you decided to keep as evidence while examining the documents sprawled out on your carpet. 

Zoro grabs it from your hand. “I thought I told you to be careful with that.”

You think aloud as he sets the arrow to the side, “I just can’t figure out why my mother gave Koushirou so much money.”

“Maybe she felt bad about the accident.” Your swordsman suggests. “We all did.”

“But why did she have to keep it quiet…” Mumbling in thought, you read the last receipt Queen Florentia signed. It had been penned the week of her death.

The sky grows darker, and it becomes more difficult to see. Zoro strikes a match to light a few candles, bathing the room in a subtle, warm light.

Beneath the dim, flickering flames, the sharp arrow on your tea table glints ominously. 

It took you a long while to get over spacing out whenever you saw an arrow. It was one of the things that affected you after Kuina’s passing.

Sometimes, you think of how much better everything would be if she was still here. If it weren’t for that—

…accident?

“Zoro?” Your voice is unsteady, “...What do you remember about Kuina’s death?”

“It was some new guy at the training grounds.” He answers, frowning as he recalls what happened. “He misfired, and his knighthood got revoked after that.”

“But,” Memories come flooding back as you try to piece things together. “If the archers were practicing that day, what was Kuina doing in the grounds?”

“Kuina wasn’t in the grounds.” Zoro corrects you. “She was in that meadow we always went to.” 

He points to the view outside, raising a finger to trace the horizon. “The arrow flew through the fence, but it was really dangerous, even—” 

Zoro turns back to you with wide eyes. “Even the queen was almost hit! Holy shit, she was there to observe that day.” 

You blink at him in disbelief, “My mother was the real target.”

“And she didn’t want the culprit to know she realized, which is why she kept quiet about the money.” 

You collapse into a chair as you run your hands over your head. “Did anyone ever check the arrow for poison?”

“No.” Zoro’s face crumples. “She was hit straight in the heart... She wouldn’t have made it even if it wasn’t poisoned.”

“Oh, Kuina…” You choke back a sob, covering your face with both hands. “I’m so sorry it took us this long.”

“Wait.” Zoro calls out your name, taking your hand and kneeling in front of you. The strength of his grip hurts, but you don’t mind it. You need to feel that he’s with you right now; especially when his next question makes your heart fall through the floor.

“How did your mother die?” 

“She—she got sick. A lot of our people got sick that year.” You answer shakily, not liking where this is going. “Do you think…”

“Queen Florentia could have been poisoned.” Zoro whispers. “And I bet that fake bitch was responsible for it. For Kuina’s death too.”

“That doesn’t make any sense.” You counter, “Cassiopeia deals with poisons, sure, but she wasn’t even in the kingdom yet then.” 

“...Someone must have betrayed your mother so Cassiopeia could be queen regent.” He suggests, rubbing circles into your palm. “Because isn’t it convenient, how she was there to bring the people together after Her Majesty died?”

It’s confusing how the world seems to have slowed down, and yet your mind is spinning so quickly, you can’t process anything. You squeeze Zoro’s hand to anchor you, but you shatter all the same. 

“I hate everything.” You cry, tears streaming down your face. “I hate how I didn’t know—but we were kids! How were we supposed to know? And, I hate feeling so powerless. What—how, are we going to fix this?”

“We’ll find a way, I promise.” Zoro moves to embrace your form, but you glare at him.

“You. I hate you too.” You push him away weakly, but he doesn’t let you go. “I—I hate that you left, Zoro… You have no idea how lost I was.”

His eyes glisten with tears. “I was lost without you too.”

Zoro feels you melt into his arms. Your strength just vanishes, and you slump forward until your forehead touches his.

“...Don’t leave me then.” You whisper. You beg.

He holds your cheek, wiping your tears with his thumb. “Never.”

The last thing you remember before falling asleep is Zoro pressing the softest kiss to your temple as he tucks you in bed.

Selma barges in the next morning, slamming the (newly repaired) doors open. As you rub the sleep from your eyes, you’re starting to feel sad for the abuse your doors have been going through lately.

“Princess! Your Ladyship! Your Highness—” She stops abruptly, covering her mouth, looking scandalized. What is she so flabbergasted by—

Only then do you see Zoro sleeping on the floor beside you. He’s leaning on the bed, using his forearms as a pillow. One of his hands is intertwined tightly with yours.

“Your Highness!” Selma gasps playfully, gesturing to your mother’s portrait. “Right in front of Her Majesty!”

“Selma,” You sit up, letting go of Zoro’s hand. “Did you have anything important to report?”

“Ah!” She exclaims, face becoming worried once more, “The commander has been imprisoned!”

You curse, shaking Zoro’s shoulder to wake him. “Couldn’t you have told me that first?”

“Forgive me, princess. It’s not everyday I see you holding hands with a man. May I ask who confessed first, Your Highness?”

“Oh my god, Selma.” You groan. “Just go prepare my clothes.”

“Shall I dress you, or will Sir Zoro—”

“Selma!”

If Zoro heard any of Selma’s ramblings, he’s excellent at hiding it. You both get ready in record time. After which, he leads the way to the dungeons; careful to make sure you don’t run into anyone. 

“We can sneak him out through that secret passage we used to play in.” You whisper, your knight nods. 

“When we get to him, break the lock with your dagger. I’ll stand guard in case someone comes over.”

But someone already beat you to Mihawk’s cell. Zoro pulls you into a shadowed corner to hide.

The queen regent paces in front of the bars, her extravagant dress and cape out of place in this gloomy dungeon. 

Mihawk is on the ground, his wrists chained with heavy shackles. Yoru is noticeably missing from his back. Seeing him like this is heartbreaking.

“I should have known you’d help that wench.” Cassiopeia sneers. “You’ll regret not siding with me soon enough, Dracule.”

“Now that you’ve found me out, I can finally ask you to stop calling me that.” Mihawk yawns. “My name always sounded revolting in your voice.” Crazy bastard, will it kill him to try to stay alive?

“But Florentia called you that, didn’t she?” 

Zoro squints at how something about Mihawk changes at the mention of your mother. It’s almost imperceptible, but the air shifts dangerously. The queen regent should watch her mouth.

“Her name sounds revolting in your voice too.”

Cassiopeia scoffs. “You’re just like her. Thinking you’re better than everyone else.”

“Aren’t you talking about yourself?” Mihawk leans back, crossing his legs. “That’s not a good habit, Cassie.”

The queen regent kicks the cell. Mihawk doesn't flinch as she snarls, “I’ll deal with the princess and that knight... I’ll make you watch as the light fades from their eyes.” Gathering her skirt, her heels clack loudly as she stomps away.

As soon as she’s out of earshot, you and Zoro run to the commander.

“Mihawk!” You call out as you stab the lock with your dagger. It crumbles to the ground after a few strikes. “What happened? What did she charge you with?”

“Treason, apparently.” He shrugs, the chains holding him rattling together.

Mihawk goes on as you break his shackles, “This kingdom should be grateful we’re trying at all. We could easily leave them to their own devices—” You frown at him. 

“...But of course, we won’t do that.”

Sneaking into the library, you regroup with Selma; who passes on vital information.

“The queen regent has the palace on lockdown. Everyone has orders to take you in.” She tells you. “But I’ve rallied the staff. We're going to plead your case to the ministers, Your Highness.”

“Thank you. Do you have my mother's letters?” She nods. “Good. Use them well. I'll make sure your efforts will not go to waste.” You say, giving her hands a firm squeeze. 

“Where’s that fake queen now?” Zoro looks eager for a fight.

“One of the butlers said that the queen regent disappears sometimes, and no one knows where she goes.” Selma explains, passing you a note from her source. “There are rumors that she smells like grass when she returns.”

Mihawk lets out a disbelieving laugh, “She must be at the secret garden.”

“The what?” You ask. That sounds exactly like something you would have loved as a child, but why haven’t you heard of it before?

“It’s a place reserved for queens. Only crowned monarchs should be allowed in there, or even know where it is.” He says. “That woman truly doesn’t know her place.”

“Why do you know about it?” Zoro asks.

After a pause, the older swordsman deflects, “I’ve been called a queen once.”

“Mihawk,” You urge him to be serious. “Can you take us there?”

Before he responds, Mihawk looks at you with something you can’t fully discern, as if he’s recalling an old memory.

“Of course. It’s your birthright, after all.”

The entrance to the secret garden is hidden in a passageway beneath the greenhouse. You imagine your mother walking along this path, to a sanctuary she could truly call her own.

But the vision darkens when you think of how Cassiopeia has been using the space all this time. You hope you're still able to recognize traces of your mother when you get there.

An iron gate stands at the end of the path. Vines tangle through the metal spirals and flowers. Mihawk holds a finger to his lips, carefully opening the gates without a sound except for the rustling of leaves. You all crouch behind a large plant that fans out, over your heads.

And then, you see it. You see what your mother left for you.

The centerpiece of the garden is an intricate pedestal, Yoru is propped up against it. On top of it, however, is a glass case displaying your mother’s most treasured golden necklace.

You almost want to run to it, but Zoro grabs your arm, warning you not to take another step. He nods towards where Cassiopeia stands in front of oddly shaped vials and strange devices containing diff chemicals. She douses a sword with an eerie purple liquid as she speaks.

“Three against one... That hardly seems fair.” She kisses her teeth. Looking over her shoulder, she glares. “Why don’t we fight on even ground?”

Out of nowhere, a large cage falls towards the three of you. Mihawk pushes you and Zoro out of the way, but isn’t able to avoid the cage himself.

“And I just escaped. What a shame.” Mihawk fusses, but you can see that he’s relieved you’re alright.

“Maybe you’re meant to be in a cell, Dracule.” Cassiopeia remarks. “I’ll have your kids join you shortly.”

There’s only one of her, this should be easy, right?

She throws a bottle at you. Luckily, you’re able to dodge it. The bottle shatters, its contents spilling over the bystanding greenery. The liquid turns out to be acid, burning through the foliage and leaving a smoky trail. 

Well, fuck.

Zoro also seems to realize how serious this fight is. For the first time since you’ve reunited, he unsheathes Kuina’s sword, placing the hilt in his mouth.

You brandish your dagger as you yell, “Really? You bite it? What would Kuina say?” He sends you a look. You try not to laugh.

And in the next second, you charge at Cassiopeia together.

It’s difficult to get close enough to land a hit. The queen regent leads you in a dance of acids and poisons. You dodge one bottle only to be met with the toxic end of her blade. It seems that your mother’s dagger won’t be enough in this fight.

“I didn't get this far to be stopped by the likes of you!” Shrieking, she lunges at you.

“You will never be queen!” You roar back.

Behind her, your eyes spot Yoru leaning on the pedestal. The blade is large and intimidating, and you’re not entirely sure if you can wield it correctly… But you might not have a choice right now.

As you were distracted, Cassiopeia’s sword almost cuts through your side. Panicking, you stumble backwards. Zoro slashes at your enemy’s wrist. Her hold on the poisoned weapon falters. It plummets with a clang.

While she’s occupied with Zoro, you rush towards Yoru. From behind the bars, Mihawk watches, holding his breath as you wrap both hands around Yoru’s hilt—but the damn thing is too heavy. 

“Dear princess, you should have learned from your mother!” Cassiopeia smashes a bottle on Zoro’s head. “Stop sticking your nose where it doesn't belong!”

The glass explodes into countless glittering shards. A red gas escapes into the air, and your knight inhales far too much of it.

He falls, and for that moment, the entire rest of the world vanishes until all you see is him. Your ears start to ring. His grip loosens on his swords. 

No. Please. Not him. Not anyone else. No more.

Mihawk calls your name. You turn to him, on the verge of breaking down. But then, he nods once, slowly. The action reminds you to breathe—filling you with an overwhelming sense of strength. You can do this.

Screaming, you attempt to brandish Yoru again. 

You swing the legendary greatsword in a perfect arc. Once it collides with the ground, the air ripples. Power surges through an invisible force headed straight for the queen regent. She tries to run, but the hit lands.

Her eyes don’t stray from yours as she collapses. In her final moments, she falls from grace, howling in agony and rage. 

As a last ditch attempt, she throws one last vial of acid at Zoro. You’re about to curse the world all over again as you run to stop it.

Mihawk throws a tiny sword like a dart, miraculously breaking the container before it lands on your knight. Your knees give out, and you pull Zoro into your arms as you gasp for air.

It’s done.

Zoro wakes up to the feeling of you checking his temperature. Your hand is warm against his forehead, making him want to reach up and hold it. He should probably wake up and check on you now.

“Oh.” He hears Mihawk speak, “I didn’t realize your relationship took a certain… turn.”

On second thought, another minute of sleep won’t hurt.

“Not you too, Mihawk.” You groan. “I get enough of that from Selma.”

“Ah, yes. I heard.” The swordsman deadpans, “Hand holding. How scandalous.”

“Alright, if you’re not going to be of any help whatsoever, please just go.”

“If you wanted time alone with him, you could have just said so.”

“Goodbye, Mihawk.”

Zoro hears you escort Mihawk out, and he takes the moment alone to open his eyes. He’s in his quarters, which is a few doors down from yours so that he can easily get to you. 

Not that he stays here often, Zoro prefers standing guard outside your chambers. It’s strange how he lasted years without seeing you, because now that you’re back in each other’s lives, he becomes restless whenever you’re not around. 

Like right now. What’s taking you so long?

The door opens. Zoro perks up, but deflates when he sees that it’s Selma bringing in a pitcher of water. 

“You could’ve at least hidden your disappointment better, Sir Zoro.” She huffs at him, taking full offense. “I’ll go get your princess.”

“Oh!” She yelps excitedly, “My bad, it’s queen anointed now, isn’t it?”

Zoro smiles, his voice raspy with sleep, “That has a nice ring to it.”

“Indeed, it does.” Selma nods, bidding him farewell. 

He doesn’t have to wait long to hear your rushing footsteps. The door opens again to reveal you, this time. Your eyes shine in that really pretty way they do when you’re happy. He’s glad that’s among the things that didn’t change.

Zoro opens his arms, inviting you, “Come here.”

Not needing to be told twice, you fall into his arms, burying your face in his chest.

“You’re okay.” You murmur.

“I wasn’t about to miss your coronation, Your Majesty.” Zoro pokes your nose. He did that a lot when you were kids, you forgot how much you liked it.

“Thank you for being okay.” Leaning down, you kiss his cheek softly.

Zoro brushes his fingers through your hair. He holds your face in his hands, tracing your features as if that will help him memorize the happiness he feels in his heart. The sort of happiness he thought was lost to him forever.

“Hey,” Zoro speaks your name with care. “I love you a lot, you know.”

He always envisioned confessing to you in some dramatic, elaborate way that you’d deserve. There could have been a beautiful sunset. He would’ve brought flowers.

But he was wrong. All he needs are the words themselves, and you—smiling the way you’re smiling at him now. 

You laugh, “I might love you more, I think.”

Zoro shakes his head, sitting up so that he can bring his face to yours properly. “Doubt it.”

The kiss tastes like magic, like you were always meant to find each other's lips. His heart starts doing something funny, and he has to pull you closer—hold you tighter. You respond eagerly, kissing him back so intoxicatingly that he’ll remember the softness of your lips for as long as he lives.

Later that week, your coronation is a grand and extravagant affair.

When Cassiopeia's misdeeds came to light, the people banded together to celebrate her downfall. Those loyal to her either surrendered or tried to escape. Although none of them were able to get away, since Zoro and Mihawk were ruthless towards those involved in the attempted mutiny.

The crown on your head will take some to get used to. It still feels like you're borrowing something of your mother's; but instead of shying away from it like you had before, you step into it openly. You're ready to become a successor worthy to carry on her legacy of kindness and strength.

Uncharted these waters may be, at least you have Zoro now, who would dive into any perilous sea right after you.

Escaping the celebratory banquet and the revelries, you visit Queen Florentia and Kuina's graves with Zoro. It's only right that you pay respects together.

You leave flowers on your mother's headstone, thanking her for everything she did. You're startled when Zoro takes one of his swords, holding it in front of him as he kneels in front of the previous queen.

“Your Majesty, Queen Florentia,” He speaks, his tone steady and sure. “I, Roronoa Zoro, vow to never leave your daughter’s side. I will protect her until I draw my last breath. I swear to cherish her, and to love her even in my next life.”

What is he doing, making you cry like this? It turns out that emotional boy you knew is still somewhere in there. Your heart feels full, knowing your mother would have appreciated the gesture.

As you're about to move on to Kuina's grave, Zoro motions for you to go ahead without him. You look at him strangely, but do as he says to give him some space. 

Mihawk emerges from the treeline when you've gone far enough.

“You look like you’re about to leave without saying goodbye.” Zoro remarks.

“Of course you’d know how that works, hm?” Mihawk challenges, raising a sharp brow. “Try even thinking about leaving and I’ll return to make sure it’s your last thought."

“Didn't you just hear the oath I made to the love of your life?” Zoro turns to Florentia's tombstone again. “Your Majesty, back me up here.”

“She would have approved of you.” Mihawk’s frown is unimpressed, but his gaze is unmistakably caring. 

“...Take care of her, Zoro.”

“Of course. I promise.”

As Mihawk walks away, Zoro asks him one last question, “How are your regrets now, old man?”

The former commander’s shoulders shake in a mixture of amusement and relief. “I suspect they'll heal, with time.”

When Zoro catches up to you at Kuina's grave, you're grinning at him. He can picture that same grin on Kuina's face if she were here. 

“We were just talking about you.” You jest, “All bad things, too.”

“You had nothing to talk about, then.” Zoro sits on the grass beside you. “I’m perfect for you.”

Appalled, you scoff and turn to Kuina's headstone. “Can you believe this guy?”

That day, you talked for hours, even after the sun had set. And on the trek back to the palace, a soft breeze caressed your skin. It felt like Kuina encouraging you, sending you off onto the next chapter of your lives.

Zoro becomes Captain of the Royal Guard once Mihawk leaves. He's teaching you about weapons and self defense when he picks up your dagger to inspect it, turning it this way and that curiously.

“Is there something wrong with it?” You ask, observing it too.

“This pattern and material.” Zoro says, tracing a certain swirl on the weapon. “I feel like I've seen it before.”

“Ah,” He says in realization, tracing a finger down your neck and making you shiver. “It’s the pattern on your necklace.”

“My mother must have had them made together.” You say, unclasping the chain before handing it to him.

There's a gap in the center of the pendant. Thin and barely noticeable, but it looks like it can be opened by something sharp.

“Do you mind if I,” Zoro gestures at the dagger.

“Just don't break it.” You say. “Treat it like my heart.”

Zoro makes a face that pulls a laugh out of you. “I would never do this to your heart.” Aw. You might have melted a little.

The tip of the blade slots perfectly into the pendant. After twisting it slowly like a key, the metal clicks to reveal: a locket.

Handing it over to you carefully, Zoro lets you open it the rest of the way. Inside, there are images drawn on two panels. You, as a child on one side… and Mihawk on the other. Now you understand why your mother treasured this so much. Tearing up, you sigh.

“You’re not surprised.” Zoro notes.

“...I think a part of me always knew.” You respond. “And, I definitely felt something when I held Yoru. No wonder why.”

Treading carefully, Zoro wraps his arms around your waist as he asks, “You’re not upset that he left?”

“But he didn’t. He’ll always be there for me, and so will you.” You smile up at him. “I’m happy I found my family again.”

Many years ago…

The grass on the meadow bristles gently in the wind. Dusk bathes the land in a dreamy, gold and purple hue. 

After a day filled with imaginary adventures, two children wave their dearest friend goodbye. The princess smiles at them fondly before returning to the castle.

Kuina grins, face eager as she points her training sword to the sky. “I’ll be her knight someday. I’ll be commander and everything.”

Zoro jolts, immediately expressing in protest, “No, I’ll be the one to protect her! I’ll be commander!”

“Oh yeah?” The girl’s smile turns knowing. She pokes Zoro’s waist with her sword. “How will you do that? Aren’t you going to marry her?”

Stunned, Zoro can only stare at her in response. A blush creeps up his neck, reddening the tips of his ears. Kuina seizes the opportunity to make a run for it.

“Princess, wait up! Zoro wants to tell you something!”

“Kuina! Get back here!”

read the companion piece / my notes / the timeline of this story (in mihawk's perspective) here : "the taste of ale"

© togenabi 2023 | see here to be added to my taglist ♡

tags: @songsofadelaide-archive @ay0nha @amitydoodlez @sweetexistentialism @murnsondock @starszns @msmisasoup @writingmysanity @hotchocolattee @dimplewonie @hearts4zoro @kenkenmaaa @appalost @commanderfreethatdust @onebatch--twobatch @rebeccawinters @gunslxtz @akakaze @lownna

[shadow-pixelle]

WIP game

Rules: You will be given a word. Share one sentence/excerpt from your wip(s) that start with each letter of that word.

@bloggerspam did an open tag with the word 'SPAM', so here I am!

S- Braided Fates (DCxDP)

“So why do you all keep calling us ‘your Highness?’” Sam asked Fright Knight, who seemed to be looking at them with something like amusement. Tucker and Danny immediately stopped smirking at each other, turning to look at Fright Knight curiously. The ghost tilted his head. “You are King Phantom’s partners, are you not?” All three of them went red. “What-” “I mean-” “We’re not-” They looked at Danny. Danny looked at them. He shrugged. “The betting pool in Amity is there for a reason.” “Yes, that reason being that Val wanted to profit off our misery.” Sam grumbled, like crossing her arms and looking away would hide her blush.

P- An unnamed FNaF fic that's very slow going

“Perhaps.” Gregory frowned. That didn’t sound confident at all, and if the engineer lady had known them for as long as he thought- she was the head engineer, which probably meant that she’d been here for a long time, and apparently she’d also designed their batteries, too- then Freddy should have more confidence that she wouldn’t hurt them. Or damage. Whichever it was. Either way it didn’t make any sense, especially not with how nice Engineer Chandler was being to Freddy, calling him nicknames and things. Which meant Freddy was probably hiding something.

A- Swooping (DC)

All of it meant he had a good backup for trouble. With a huff that was half a sigh, he turned away from the little vigilante- hero, maybe, he couldn’t remember how folks out of Gotham did that kinda thing- after making sure the boy wouldn’t be waking up for a bit. Not just cause of what he’d done; the kid smelled sick, and he hadn’t looked anything like he’d expected from someone doing hero stuff, especially not someone who was out hunting for one of Gotham’s big ‘problems’. But the kid was out cold, unconscious against the wall, and Waylon’d made sure to strip his obvious weapons off of him so if he did wake up or was faking it he’d not be able to cause problems. Then he went and called the Colony. If nothing else, they’d want to know about the new kid running around trying to do hero stuff in the city. Hopefully it wouldn’t turn out like Batgirl had; Waylon kinda liked this kid’s guts. But at least if it did the kid wouldn’t be running into Gotham’s sewers after the local lizard beast half cocked, without backup, and sick.

M- Maskless (Star Wars/Hollow Knight)

Myrna was more reorganising the storage room for the sake of avoiding his rage than out of an actual need to organise anything. It didn’t mean it was working, unfortunately, but it could at least let him pretend. It’s methodical enough that he can do it without thinking, which means that of course all he can do is think. Exactly the thing he doesn’t want to do. Lurk is living up to their Name, sitting on the edge of one of the shelves and watching silently. There’s probably another Shade hovering in the shadows somewhere. The company would be nice, if it wasn’t for what was causing it. It’s been a week. Myrna’s still fuming.

'P' was a struggle, seriously. I also didn't realise how often I start sentences with an 'A'.

Anyway, @shootingstarpilot, @kalicofox and @greentrickster, have some fun with this if you'd like! This is an open tag as well, so if you see it feel free to come join. Your word is ECHO.

[bucknastysbabe]

A day in the life of ✨Ser Criston Crispin Cole✨

The bestest kingsguard to ever and he doesn’t break vows or kill innocent people but has trauma and ptsd and a big throbbing ahem

Rating: Everyone

Tags: this is silly goofy, I even made some visuals, Criston rounds up the Targtowers, I finally gave a name to Aemond’s twin, Aemond’s irrational fears, Incel Knight has Issues, Aegon being a creature per usual.

Tagging some fools: @aemonds-holy-milk @aemonddtargaryen @fairysluna @arcielee @bambitas (ur man is trying)

“You what?,” he echoed to Aegon, laid out in the streets of Flea Bottom. While Aegon did appear as a piece of scud needing to be scraped off the cobblestone— Ser Criston gleamed in his armor and white cloak. White horse too. White horse armor. Totally not to overcompensate for anything like oath breaking and other heathenry.

The scud with blonde hair rasped, “I fucked an Ibbenese whore, she was a sight! You should’ve seen her hair, the bush, I needed a Dragonkeeper.” Criston held up his hand to silence the fool, growing disgusted. The prince laughed before vomiting right on the kingshorse’ lacquered hooves.

Ser Cole stared blankly, dreaming of nasty, awful things. That may include something along the lines of murder. Again. He didn’t mean to, okay? Criston got off the equine and kicked Aegon once for good measure. The idiot squawked, “Ow, fuck, I just emptied my guts! Hold on!”

The Dornishman ignored his prince’s whining and slung the wannabe jester up onto the hind of the horse. He sighed in annoyance, climbing back upon the destrier and riding back towards the keep. Aegon started up with a hoarse laugh. He rasped, “Y’know a little hair doesn’t hurt anyone Cole, I know you prefer yours on the Valyrian- CRISTONNNN!”

Criston smirked a bit having reached back and backhanding the Prince. Lovely Alicent granted him ‘any means possible’. Which mean he got to slap around Aegon for fun. It was quite a stress-reliever, truly. The eldest prince continued, “I’m still the prince you can’t just,” then again he was smacked in quick succession, “FUCKING QUIIIITTTT!!”

Ser Cole held back a chuckle at Aegon’s sniveling. They reached the keep now, Criston hauling the heir inside. Aegon whined, “Jus’ take me to my room you beast!” The brunette sighed, “No can do, you smell like the inside of a whaling barge. Since you enjoy fucking Ibbenese.”

“Don’t knock it til’ you try it,” the prince grumbled.

He was swiftly deposited into the baths. Criston felt he need to change his clothing now, the filth of Aegon smeared all over his clothes, horse, and soul. Yuck. He could die, honestly. Really wanted to awhile back but Alicent took pity and so forth.

The man ran a hand through his hair. He needed to go to the rookery now. Criston maintained a long-standing chat with the youngest prince, Daeron. The boy seemed to be relatively ‘normal’ compared to the rest of the Hightower Dragon breed. Smart, valiant, knowledgeable, lacking that murderous instinct and eternal burning fire of hatred that Criston and Aemond shared. The kid was off to a good start already.

Criston looked through the plethora of ravens once he arrived, shoving off the Maester trying to help. He knew their raven— it had a strange white feather on the left wing. He smiled when he spotted the feather in question, cheering, “Aha, told you.” The Maester grumbled under his breath. Criston ignored it.

But the Maester did say in case the reader was curious: “Oathbreaking dornish viper curly haired pretty face bitch monger of marcher spawn.”

Meanwhile the Kingsguard unrolled the little letter and read with a soft curl of his lips.

“Dear Ser Criston,

I hope to be able to see you at the next tourney, I heard about you rendering Breakbones to Brokenbones! How amazing your skills are. I hope to be as good as a jouster and knight as you one day….blah blah blah

I hate to ask this but the question has been at my mind. Mother may have got very intoxicated her on her visit with Gwayne and I a fortnight ago now? She may have slipped in a rant of anger? Not at you though. But I must inquire, family to family, I consider you Ser as family. Even if we have never met!

Did you actually bed Rh—nyr-?

No need to answer if I have offended, have a splendid day good Ser! xoxo Prince Daeron Targaryen.”

Criston’s smile slipped into a frown. He gazed blankly into the mid-distance. Then stepped towards the nearest opening.

He stepped back and sighed. That felt better. He turned to the Maester scattered on the floor, apologizing. Criston tried to hold a hand out for help but the little man hissed, “You have problems Ser! I do not need those demons that haunt you!”

Well. The prick wasn’t wrong. Criston had other things to tend to. He probably should go see Helaena and the children now. The white knight was a busy sort and not even Lord Commander! He could draw pride from that, standing a little taller after the blow in the letter.

Jaehaerys and Jaehaera played on the floor with a handmaiden. Criston took a moment to pause. Aegon must’ve named the children. Why didn’t he get somewhat creative? He paused again. Helaena would’ve likely named the twins Spider and Spiderette so he’d just move on now, yep, nothing new with the Hightower Targaryens.

He looked at the handmaiden and inquired, “Where is the princess?”

She pointed to the opened door to the balcony. Criston sighed and walked out there to see her leaning precariously over the sides. His eyes widened and he ran over to yank her back. Helaena shrieked and yelped, “Do not move your feet! Don’t!” She still was in his arms, legs jerked up as she frantically looked around.

Criston stayed still, out of fear of whatever bug or creature’s life. If he were to accidentally squish it— oh gods the girl would be bedridden for a week. Helaena whispered, “You messed me up! I almost had her!” The knight replied drily, “Had who, my princess?” The princess went on to ramble about some sort of Summer Isles beetle.

Criston just stood like an idiot until there was a creeping on his neck. He hissed urgently, “I believe you should check my nape for your creature!”

Wide eyes stared. “Your what?”

“The fucking beetle is crawling on me! I do not wish to die a violent death princess!”

“Oh!”

The legs on his neck were removed and Helaena cradled a fierce looking orange beetle. Criston lowered her gently down, backing away. She chirped, “That would’ve hurt worse than three arrows sticking out of your head.” Criston shivered as blank eyes flicked up at him before back down to her pet. Now he was fit to ruin his breeches. Helaena sometimes scared him witless.

“Thanks Ser Cole, you did end up helping. The children are alright if that’s what you inquire,” she murmured while walking inside, him following her indoors. Criston nodded, still feeling strange. The princess smiled, “I need to return this beauty to her enclosure, thank you!”

He might have walked a little faster than what was reasonable out there. The arrows comment worried him more than the time she told Criston he should beware a ball of Butchers. He had no clue what the hell she meant but whatever! The dornishman would like to die without arrows or anything like a ball of butchers but that was up to the gods.

He sighed and decided to head to his quarters to rest a moment— he rarely received any these days. Criston wearily plodded to his cot and flopped down, just closing his eyes a bit.

SER CRISTON WAKE THE HELLS UP!

Criston sat upright, swinging at whatever was yelling at him, eloquently replying, “Baahmnnfhgh!” He stopped swinging when Aemond’s twin Valaerys cursed, “I’m not the damn villian, come with me!” She held out a gloved hand and he let the younger princess lead him out of the White Sword tower at a breakneck pace.

“Val, what is exactly the matter here, why are we running!”

She hollered over her shoulder, “Aemond is about to take off on his beast because he got a letter!”

“A letter? That’s silly!”

They took the hidden stairs down to the beaches. Val, Criston’s reluctant favorite, elaborated, “A letter from the bastards, asking about his fear of birds, and they may have put a dead bird in a package? I don’t know he was yelling and squawking all over the place!”

The knight exhaled sharply. He gets good sleep for once and it’s expended on the second son getting his feelings hurt. Well. Cole did kill a man for reminding him of his own hurt feelings. But that’s beside the point, he was sad okay? He felt like a dirty whore that night. No one needs to be the dirty whore!

“Okay, so Aemond’s supersized ego has been punctured because the bastards are aware of his fear of birds? Are you being serious Val?”

She stopped him dead in his tracks and hissed, “When am I not serious Cole? Really? Come on.”

Criston tried to hold back an erection. She was a force when angry. Alas, Valaerys was too young, too outside of his OATH, too hot in a pair of leather leggings- oh Godsdammit. He blinked the thoughts away and followed her to the beach head.

They stopped in their tracks to watch the second son holler at the sea, long blonde hair flipping to and fro. Criston and Val shared a look, watching the scene unfold of Aemond practically hopping in anger, hands fisted.

Criston recognized too much of himself in the angry lad. He hollered, “Quit yelling and come over here!” Aemond stopped throwing his fists and turned sharply. He hissed, “This has nothing to do with you two!”

Criston crossed his arms and replied, “Yes it does, your angry actions could affect the King’s health. I am the Kingsguard and therefore need you to come over here.” Val added on, “And you look like a crazed lunatic yelling at the ocean. Reminds me of the time Uncle Daemon got banished. Again. Rolling in the ocean weeping and such.” Criston grimaced at the thought of the melodramatic Prince, perverted freak.

Okay maybe he was one too but he slipped up once! Stop judging him!

Aemond huffed and stomped over, thin lips turned down as he glared. His lanky arms were firmly crossed over his chest. The prince managed, “I’m not afraid of birds. They’re fucking with me. I need to shame them and their puny dragons.”

Criston clasped a hand on Aemond’s shoulder, sighing, “You are afraid of birds, it’s alright son. But don’t go on the beast to burn Dragonstone, you’d be a bit outnumbered. Besides you’re much better a sword fighter and leader than those mongrels.” Valaerys nodded in agreement, braids bouncing.

Aemond took a look at the ocean and back to Criston, scoffing, “You’re right, I shouldn’t lower myself to childish antics. Oh and Cole, don’t move please. I think she smelt Dornish.”

Criston stiffened up suddenly. When did he not notice the looming figure and hot breath flapping his hair and cloak around. Val stifled a giggle, merlot eyes flashing. Vhagar’s big old ass was right behind him, ready for some scorched dornishman. Criston whispered angrily, “Get your damn dragon Aemond! That thing still thinks we’re in a war and you’re Visenya minus an eye!”

Aemond scoffed indignantly, “Vhagar is much smarter than that! She chose me!,” the blonde grumbled, “She does probably smell Dornish. Apologies Cole.”

Val snickered again before jolting upright when Vhagar made a particularly hungry noise. Aemond hollered at the thing in High Valyrian, waving his arms and pointing back to her spot carved on the beach. Criston shivered, eyes darting to the dragon and back to the princess.

The dragon snarled and huffed, Criston wincing before he heard heavy footfalls and the dragging of her tail. Vhagar was leaving the trio alone. The white knight swore on the Seven he would NEVER be that close to that BEAST ever AGAIN.

Aemond smiled, “There we are, didn’t need the help but here we are. Good night Ser Criston, night my sweet hell bitch sister.” Val rolled her eyes and made a bird noise, flapping her arms at the man. Aemond sniffed and hustled away, a certain stiffness to his posture. He’d go do…whatever Aemond did in his spare time.

Criston let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding and sagged. He looked at Val’s amused expression and mumbled, “You got any problems?” She procured a wine-skin from under her dark cloak and hummed, “Some wine that needs to be emptied. Let’s get out of here before Vhagar decides to have a Dornish snack. I don’t think I have the skill to play Rhaenys.”

He shot back as they entered to tunnels, “You’re much too mean to play her. Anyways what’s the vintage?”

“Dornish Sangria, what else would you think,” she said, raising a sharp brow. Criston eyed Valaerys and praised the princess, “See, this is why you’re my favorite. Don’t have to deal with nonsense. I almost threw up on Aegon. Horrid.”

“Do tell me all about your wonderful day, probably more interesting than mine good Ser.”

They sat on a ledge, far away from Vhagar, and shared the wineskin. Criston felt okay with his day, nothing much but honest work. Somewhat. One can never be fully honest in the Red Keep. He took a sip and the corners of his lips turned up.

[hphmmatthewluther]

HPHM Ship Week Day 1 - Dance

Here we go! Thanks to @hphm-ship-week for organising this wonderful event!!

The night was still and serene as a figure made its way through the winding corridors of Hogwarts. The only sound that could be heard was the rhythm of ticks from the clock tower as the silent figure manoeuvred across a set of stairs, having memorised exactly how they operated and knowing when they were going to try something new. It wasn’t until he arrived just outside the Great Hall that Matthew Luther started to hear something else. He tiptoed forward and saw a light coming from up another staircase. His eyes widened as he remembered that it had just gone midnight, and that made it…

“Tonks’ birthday…” he muttered, sliding down the wall and putting his head in his hands. Of course she would be having a party in the morning and at night.

“Oh, so that’s what it is.” said a voice just above Matthew’s head. He turned around and saw that two of the large stone knights were leaning forward to look at him. He’d noticed the two of them before, seemingly a lot more active than their fellow guards stationed across the wall.

“We were wondering, you see.” the second knight said. “Well, I was wondering what it was. He was wondering if it was an open invite.”

“It’s a perfectly reasonable question.” the first knight retorted. “Makes sense too, considering that awful caretaker is on holiday. Are you going?”

Matthew winced. He and Tonks had talked about it a few days before, and she told him that Penny wanted to throw her a party, and while he didn’t have to show up, she thought he might have a good time. He definitely wanted to, but there was always that part of him that told him he couldn’t.

The two knights looked at each other as Matthew deliberated in his head. Finally, one of them seemed to get an idea. “Oh! Didn’t we see that Slytherin girl head up there earlier?”

Matthew looked up instantly. If the knights had expressions, they would have been smirking triumphantly. “Well, we did, yes…” the second knight explained, “she said she would be going to investigate those Vaults, but from the sounds of things she’d been dragged into the celebrations.”

The music continued as the three stood there in silence. Matthew did trust Merula’s self-control, at least to an extent. However, he knew firsthand what it was like to be forced into socialising like that. He probably knew her better than most others at the school, save perhaps Ismelda, and knew that if being dragged there would make him irritable, it would make Merula furious. He’d spent a lot of time thinking about her recently, come to think of it.

“...Ok. I know what I’m doing…ish. Accio Tonks’ Present!” There was a whooshing noise that echoed through the school as a neatly wrapped gift flew into the room and dropped into Matthew’s hands. “Right, I’ll be off, then. Have fun, um…holding your weapons? I suppose?” He opened his mouth once or twice more, before turning to leave.

“You too!” the first knight called out.

“Glad we could help!” the second knight said, before turning to whisper to the other. As Matthew left, he gathered something about “being too stubborn” and “why can’t you keep still until we’re called upon”. Smiling slightly, he pushed the hair out of his face, adjusted his clothes, and started to climb the stairs leading up to the music.

From the looks of things, Penny and Tonks had decided to “borrow” one of the third floor classrooms. As Matthew approached one of the things he feared the very most, he held onto two things to ground him: that he had wrapped Tonks’ present already, and that they were playing muggle music.

As Matthew made it to the top of the stairs (remembering to leap over the disappearing step as he did so) he saw a few people hovering at the door as they were slowly let in by Penny. He took a breath, waited for the stomachache to pass, and walked up to her.

“Matt!” Penny said, smiling brightly. “Oh my gosh! I wondered if you’d show up! I really hoped you would! Tonks is just over there! Let me know if you need anything, ‘kay?”

Matthew smiled and nodded wordlessly. He vaguely wondered how Penny managed to be so energetic and enthusiastic past midnight as he walked into the room, taking in the scene. He then had to stop taking in the scene as he was getting very overwhelmed very quickly. He kept making slow steps towards Tonks, his eyes darting around to see pockets of students, dancing or talking. 

Then, leaning against the wall a few feet away, was Merula. She was wearing a red flannel shirt over a black t-shirt with some kind of ritual circle design on it, with black denim jeans leading down to her combat boots. She hadn’t noticed him just yet, and Matthew considered going over to her quietly when-

“WOTCHER, MATT!” Tonks yelled, pulling Matthew into a hug. Matthew opened his eyes to see Merula look up. They locked eyes for a moment before Tonks pulled away, smiling up at him. “Aw, thanks for coming, mate! I really do appreciate it.”

He was able to smile quite easily when he was around Tonks. He supposed it was the fact that she’d always been fine with how he was and never tried to push him on it, in return he’d always been fine with her unpredictable nature, and was totally fine with being a spectator/enabler/active participant in whatever she had planned.

“It’s no problem, really.” Matthew said, finally. “Happy Birthday, Tonks. Here, I, um…I hope you like this.”

Tonks’ eyes widened as she grabbed the present and ripped it open. A huge grin formed across her face as she pulled from the wrapping paper a muggle chemistry set. “Oh, wow! Matt, this is amazing! Do you have any idea how more varied my pranks can get now?!”

Matthew simply shrugged. “I look forward to seeing them in action. Glad you like it, um…”

“Oh, I do, I do!” Tonks reassured him. “Now, come on and join the party! The Weasleys are here, Jae’s handling the food, and…” Tonks eyed Merula, who had returned to leaning against the wall. “A certain someone who might need your help getting into the swing of things.”

Matthew suddenly went bright pink as he processed what Tonks was saying. “Y-You, um, you mean, I, but…” he paused and took a breath. “Tonks, I stink at partying. You and I both know this.”

“Yes, it’s your greatest character flaw, I know.” Tonks said, placing a hand on his shoulder and chuckling. “But I can’t have Merula sitting out on something like this. I want everyone to have a good time. Besides…you and I both know why I’m asking you to do this.”

Matthew somehow went even more pink. “Y-” he began, before swiftly being interrupted.

“Ah-ah! No denial! That’s not gonna work anymore!” Tonks declared, before leaning in to whisper. “I’ve seen you two wandering about together at night. Why do you think I decided to host a party at this hour?”

Matthew’s eyes went wide. “...Ok. I’ll…I’ll go talk to her.” he muttered, before forcing himself to put one foot in front of the other. His eyes immediately fixed onto Merula. He watched as she sighed in that moody way only she could do, leaning back against the wall once more, her messy brown and orange hair spreading out behind her. A surge of determination filled him at that moment; he was going to talk to her and he didn’t care who saw them.

He took one final step forward and cleared his throat. “Hey, um-” he began, pausing as Merula jumped from him announcing his presence.

“...Blimey, Luther, you really do sneak up on people…” she said, a smile starting to form on her face in spite of herself. “A-Anyway, what is it? Need to talk about the vaults, or…?”

Matthew leant up against the wall with her. “Actually, I just wanted to talk. It’s not like anyone can hear us.” He said, pointing up at the sound of music.

Merula shrugged. “Fair enough…I kind of wanted to talk to you too.”

Matthew shuffled against the wall. “I’m…guessing you weren’t expecting this party to be happening?”

Merula chuckled. “No, I rely on you to know what’s happening. You’re always involved one way or another.” she clicked her tongue. “Wish I’d brought her a present, even if it was a pot of stinksap.”

He suddenly found it very difficult to look away from her. Amongst the light and noise of the party, he could somehow hear and see her perfectly, her pink eyes shining in the dim light. He’d always thought that sort of thing was hyperbole of what liking someone was like, but he supposed not. Either that, or his brain was trying to prevent a sensory overload.

“I, um…I didn’t know either. I was only out tonight because I wanted to see you.” he admitted, for once completely uncaring whether or not he was speaking too loud.

Merula suddenly looked rather flustered. “Well, here I am, ah…sorry, I just…I’m just flattered. You came to a party just for me?”

Matthew made a squeaky noise that translated to “well…yeah”. “You and Tonks, obviously. It’s her 17th, after all, so it’s kind of important in this world.”

“And not in the muggle world?”

“Well, only for driving a car, everything else is on the 16th or 18th.”

“That still sounds pretty important, Luther.”

“Well sure, but compared to some of the other stuff, it’s nowhere near…”

Another song came on, a good one, and soon there was a lot more dancing going on. Matthew scanned the room and caught Tonks’ eye, who pointed to him and Merula before turning to Tulip and bringing her to the dance floor. So this was her plan, he thought to himself, before turning to Merula. “So, um…”

“You know this song?” Merula asked, shuffling closer.

“Nope.” Matthew admitted. “Being here at Hogwarts means if a new song comes out I can’t exactly find it until I head to Hogsmeade.”

“Fair. Sounds like a muggle one.”

“How come?”

“...Because it’s good.” Merula said, smirking in that way she always did. Matthew blinked once or twice. They really had come a long way together. He remembered getting her to at least listen to muggle music in fourth year, and the debate/struggle/duel that followed. And he knew that, when alone, they could dance together, free from what everyone else expected of them.

“...I have an idea.” Matthew thought aloud.

“For what?” “For how we can dance. Wait here.”

Merula watched as Matthew stepped away and dodged past the dancers, stopping by Tonks and tapping her on the shoulder. She nodded, and Matthew headed for the door, stepping past Penny, who was distracted while talking to someone else. Merula wondered just what Matthew could have up his sleeve; she first wondered if he would use Tonks’ Metamorphmagus powers, but then realised he’d need to be one too. Then, above the music, Merula could make out two sets of large footprints making their way up the stairs.

“Mind the disappearing one!” She heard Matthew say, before he ran forward and pushed open the door. She craned her neck to see him, and suddenly felt herself growing bright pink as she admired the way he smiled at the partygoers, ready to amaze (and hopefully distract) them. Before she could wonder how, she watched as two stone knights lumbered into the room behind him, one with a shield and one with a sword. There was silence, before the knight with the sword said, “We heard there was a party here!”

All it took was Tonks to yell back “YOU HEARD RIGHT, MATES!” and the party was back in full swing, everyone having their eyes on the knights as suggestions were thrown out for what moves to try. Matthew made his way back round to Merula, wiping the sweat from his brow.

“You know, I’ve never said this in public, but you’re absolutely brilliant, you know that?” she said, marvelling at the totally distracted crowd. “Side note, can I pass this off as my present to Tonks?”

Matthew looked at her as if she was the cloudless sky outside, which for years had dared him to venture into the night. They had danced around each other for years now, unsure what to call themselves, and part of him now dared to hope that they would be ready for what came next sooner rather than later. “I don’t see why not.” He replied, holding out a hand to her, “Shall we, then?”

Merula smirked again (though failed to hide her growing blush) and took his hand. “How could I refuse?”

Their hands found each other, and their feet began to move, and the rest of the world faded into the night.

[xstarlightxstarbrightx]

thoughts on how the Inazuma Archon quest went [3]

OK, ACTUAL QUEST TIME NOW, I'M DOING IT I SWEAR [COLLEGE PREP IS ENDING MY LIFE]

Lumi: alright, we need to find a way to Inazuma. we've been in Liyue for a W H I L E, and i'm tired of waiting for some sign of needing to head out. Paimon: but isn't it like a closed nation? Kaeya: Atsuko's from Inazuma Lumi: Kaeya, ur a genius. Kaeya: I know~ Atsuko trying to DESPERATELY convince them to just give up on Inazuma should've been my first notion that Inazuma was going to make me rip my hair out, but no i figured it was just a story beat and that i wouldn't actually suffer!!!! no. no, it was real. suffering is real.

I also love Kazuha popping in like "you two give off the essence of wind and earth but also stars" and all i can imagine is he looks at Kaeya and goes "oh, the essence of snow and sorrow is here too". Kaeya: and this must be your bard-for-hire? Beidou: uh,,, no. Lumi: still snickering at "the essence of snow and sorrow"

Beidou: so u signing up for the Clash? Lumi: the fuck is the Clash? Beidou: Beidou: sigh and here i thought u came to sign up.

one long explanation later

Beidou: so, ya wanna win a Masterless Vision? Lumi: to be quite honest. no. i do not care. Kaeya: but we could go for a trip to Inazuma, hmmm? Lumi: ??? Beidou: done. Lumi: ... Kaeya: :) Lumi: u just wanna see me in a tournament, don't u Kaeya: what are u talking about, i'm trying to get us to Inazuma.

whenever they go to check out the competition, Lumi and Kaeya are thoroughly unimpressed, but Kaeya spends the whole time with a shit eating grin on his face. like he already figured it'd be an easy sweep b/c c'mon it's Lumi we're talking about here.

his shit eating grin only gets worse when Lumi signs up and everyone freaks out about her name.

Zhuhan: y-you know only people without a Vision can enter.... Lumi: yeah i don't got one of those. he does, but he's not joining in. Kaeya: i'm here for moral support <3 Paimon: SO IS PAIMON

Zhuhan: what other, uh... qualifactions do you have...? Lumi: uh... I'm an Honorary Knight of the Knights of Favonius? Paimon: she also beat up Childe and also helped save Dvalin after beating him up! Kaeya: that is a Fatui Harbinger and an Elemental Dragon, respectively Zhuhan: intense sweating i-i think that's plenty....

Kaeya and Paimon take bets the whole time on how quickly each opponent flops. Turns out they're both gamblers at heart, but inevitably Kaeya won the most Mora out of her (much to Paimon's dismay). ALSO??? I adore how Kazuha's like "I did notice u withholding strength so as to not harm ur opponent", which is so spicy and good and tasty and i will eat Strong Bad Bitch Lumine any day of the week and still hunger for more.

I do find it interesting that Lumine very clearly is unused to not using elements—something I've pondered a bit about, since she technically had some kind of "element" before she began to borrow the elements of Teyvat. I, for one, am obsessed with this theory and have done some fun deep dives into the animation frames of her and Aether using elemental abilities (i mentioned this before). I wanted to mention this thought because I have a personal h/c and kind-of theory about elements and their dangers, especially to people who are not protected by Visions. Because I do believe certain elements are dangerous.

Also I should doubly clarify that when we get to Inazuma the actual bit, things are gonna be a little different I suppose? I won't be following my original way of doing this, b/c I ,,, really couldn't connect (and personally didn't like) the Inazuma Archon quest, so I'm going to be tweaking it and modifying it to my own needs.

Canon is a white board and I'm scribbling all over it, ok.

ALSO, noting the elemental thing; I find it interesting how Kazuha describes Lumine's ability to utilize multiple elements as "the echoes of nature". Like he just hears the sounds of nature coming from her, and how her scent is complex and strange??? I am beyond fascinated by it, and I REALLY,,, REALLY need to dig into that kinda thing (but i already have 17 different rabbit holes i'm falling down PLUS school is starting tmrw)

Anyway, see u in the next one, where we WILL be in Inazuma (AND WE GET TO SEE THOMA, THOMA IS REALLY SILLY B/C KAEYA'S THERE LMAO)

[randomnameless]

If you could rewrite the church family (Rhea, Seteth, Flayn, Billy, Cyril, Catherine, Alois, idgaf about Jerry, and Shamir’s fans generally like Edelgard too much for me to vibe with them), how would you do it? I love your headcanons.

thanks lol

No Manu ???

I don't know if rewritting them is the word, or just, "using them", but it can range from anything like "summer AU" (like what FEH tries to sell even if Cyril and Alois will never be added and the lizards are in limbo) where everyone relaxes, to monastery hijinks like

Cyril's first day of class and everyone popping up to check if he's alright, like Alois passing by to say hello during class and cracking jokes as an excuse to see if the giant cookie stash Rhea gave Cyril is empty or not (if it's empty it means he shared some with his new friends!), Shamir being "suddenly ordered" to give archery seminars or Catherine inviting everyone to the training tower.

Alois's family sometimes visiting Garreg Mach and Flayn sort of befriends his daughter and loves to hear the story of how he and his wife met - Seteth, after many "hmph" and "maybes" finally accepts to accompany Alois to visit his family with Flayn (who wanted to talk to his daughter about fashionable stuff young people do nowadays and how normal people live!), but it ultimately became a trip to convince Alois not to buy the rumour that "there is a Great Sage living in Lake Teutates who can teach you how to master your fears" because 1/he knows his brother started this rumour since he was bored and wanted some company and usually it ends in a disaster 2/Indech loves to make magic ghosts/soldiers for fun, and if dropping kid!Rhea in a pond was supposed to help her "master her fear of water" he knows Indech is going to throw a hundred ghost soldiers at Alois to help him "master his fear of ghosts".

Rhea still gives the worst pointers to Billy on how to "people" correctly, to the point where Billy is the one who gives her pointers, but it doesn't really work - until Manu gives the ultimate advice to Billy, no one has to try to socialise with her, because everyone falls for her charm! So Billy tries to understand what "charm" is, which prompts Rhea to dust off some "subversive books" to help them.

Which of course spirals in a catastrophe, when Cyril who's starting to recognise letters, wonders what's "charm" to Catherine who tells him it's something like exchanging knight vows, like swearing your life to someone "a bit like a partnership then?", but it's totally not like that, so Catherine directs him to Manuela. Of course Cyril doesn't go and asks Rhea instead, who is very happy to tell him everything she knows about Great Emperor Wilhelm which leaves him completely puzzled, but he's too polite to point it out, so he nods.

Ultimately he asks Seteth when he returns "It's like swearing knight vows but not like a partnership and doing it like the First Emperor did?" and Seteth gives the longest sigh every, asking him to come to his office later to get a lecture about "romance and appropriate conduct", but Cyril replied that he was not interested in romance anyways, but the professor is, since they have books about it.

Of course, Alois volunteers to help Billy with their heart issues, and Billy spills the beans, they tried to make friends so they asked Manuela how to do so, and Rhea gave them those books.

It is rumoured Seteth's sigh echoed for days in the halls of the monastery.

Billy, while accompanying Seteth who pulled out one of his "straight to the Abyss" cardboard boxes to "cleanse the Archbishop's quarters" asked Cyril if he managed to make friends during his first day of class, and Cyril dismissed them saying they don't need friends anyways (which then made Alois confess he had been spying on Shamir's orders "But I saw your bag of cookies, you didn't share them with your friends?") the life at the monastery is more than enough for him.

Billy then said to everyone - who's reunited in Rhea's quarters because they were following first Seteth (who's hunting the "subversive books"), then Billy, then felt bad for Cyril (who brought fresh water for the flowers!) so followed him - everyone here is their friend.

Alois cried hugging them, Catherine called them stupid for saying something so corny but ruffled their hair, Flayn was so happy to hear it, Manu didn't hear anything since she was arguing with Seteth about "artistic licence" and "books of art" and Cyril still didn't see what was to great about having friends. Rhea returned from helping kittens (Duchess Whiskers the VIIth got a new litter!) she placed in Seteth's office seeing everyone hugging Billy in her quarters, who told her they have friends now.

Flayn then pulls out the "deluxe tea-time set" from Rhea's cupboard - she kept just in case hoping she would be able to have tea with a lot of people - and the "preserved thanks to Nabatean magic" cookies and everyone shared a cup of tea.

[twilightofthe]

gonna put my random liveblog reactions for Ahsoka Ep 1 here

okay so the rebels fam are literally some of my favorite star wars characters i've loved and missed them since 2018 and if anything this show will give me them

i am going with zero expectations except a plea, a plea to just not make me hate it lmao idc what happens just let me have fun

just press the start button coward ass come ON

okay i'm startiiiing Now!

oooh they didn't name it interesting

kk cool drums that's neat we like that

whoa was that sabine's helmet in the intro????

OPENING TITLE SCROLL?????

WE REALLY LIKE THAT????????

y'all the new republic's about as stable as a human jenga tower don't u have anything better to do than find thrawn i'm p sure even the imperials didn't like him THAT much they were xenophobes

former jedi knight? HMMMM

why is it always a secret map

also appreciating the OG "let's open up on big ass ship in space" makes you feel small

ok have i heard this new republic(?) captain actor before he seems familiar

bitch literally anyone could have an old jedi clearance code clearance codes were passed around like

yeah he doesn't trust it either

but i feel like he's actually dickish and we're not supposed to like him so

ah yes rebel soldiers and their stupid-ass egg helmets

wait old white bearded guy you ain't obi wan you AIN'T a jedi

his voice sounds familiar too

i have such face blindness lmao

oh whoops that's a darkside saber his friend has!

she kinda looks like Merrin from JFO

Eh probs some kinda Nightsister of sorts

I'm guessing he's some Inquisitor who got forgotten

Hmm we really paralleling ANH with darkside guy slaughtering all the egghelmet guys on a ship xD

Ok his name is Baylan

And hers is Morgan and the intro crawl mentioned her but my memory is shit so I don't quite remember what she was about except vague Thrawn-related reasons

ooooh name drop!

aaaaaAAAAA RIGHT IN THE EMOTIONS NOOO NO THE AHSOKA AND ANAKIN LEITMOTIFF TWILIGHT OF THE APPRENTICE THEME

ok i'm good lol

ohh wait so there IS a title

master and apprentice

alas it seems like the thing i didn't want is gonna happen but we are staying OPEN MINDED we are going to SEE

ok lots of tall pillars in what looks like another fuckin desert lmao

ey there's Snips

something on the ground? That kinda looks Sith-ish but also I have like no clue

hmm did they kinda fix her montrals or not i can't tell

Ehhhhh slightly

eyyyy wait are those the world-between-worlds lines

the statues kinda look like nightsisters but also like old sith statues

mmm caress the whispering pillar

ok indiana jones time to get your ass out of there before the booby trap

what am i saying she's anakin and obi wan's spawn she LIKES this shit

oh hey she made something happen

i feel like all of these pillars should have been turned at once

the force likes teamwork and that kinda thing

but it also kinda echoes maul and ezra's little teamwork exercise lifting those walls in the sith temple that one time

ope she found something

guessing it's the Magic Maul Map

ooh it's one of those bakugon balls or whatever they were we played with as a kid i had one that turned into a dragon

H U Y A N G

SHOW ME MY ROBOBITCH

armor person hello

what's the mask that's not a mando is it

nah i don't think it is

nah

is it a person in armor or a droid i can't tell

oh subs say droids they're droids

you poor bastards curbstomping droids was her high school internship job she is WAY more qualified than you

wasn't quite expecting ahsoka to play whackamole but good for her that sounds fun

oh hell yeah we stan the droids that self destruct xD

waiiiit yeah i forgot she had a B-wing they're cool!

STILL LOVE ME HUYANG

ahsoka there was NO way you didn't wait till the last moment to jump away from that explosion except to be dramatic

"the order doesn't exist anymore" you shush missy we KNOW you know who luke is he's trying his best

ahsoka lbr do you even know what standard jedi protocol is

Fulcruuuuum

DAMN FUCKING RIGHT HUYANG IS FULCRUM HE DESERVES IT

also he looks so good in live action i forgot to mention that!!!!! <3

"T-6" girl u need to name your SHIP anakin would be APPALLED

well if that's the same ship with the darksiders on at least

h3ERA

HERA

HERA HERA HERA

HERA MY BELOVED

wHERES CHOPPER

WHERES CJASON JACEN WHATEVERTHE FUCK

H E RA

oh right this is mary elizabeth winstead oh boy i hope she does well!

i wonder if ewan was there

aNYWAY HERA

ok unpausing sorry had a Moment

General

Ok so the voices aren't quite matching but we'll see

ooooh hera has a patch on her jacket let's go back to that later

"abilities like you" hera kanan told you what darksiders were like inquisitors tried to kill y'all

she has sabines firebird on her jacket

don't mention thrawn around hera she'll just think of ezra ;_;

oh so morgan was thrawn's

EZRA NAME MENTION

GONNA DIE

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

ok this is nothing on mary's performance she's doing fine but hera's dialogue doesn't quiiiite seem her? we'll see

oh yeah and rosario's doing better this time more natural

IT’S LOTHAL LOTHAL LIVE ACTION LOTHAAAAAAAAL

ITS BEAUTIFUL SO SO BEAUTIFUL

wait who's speaking

THEY SAID EZRA AGAI

THAT'S FUCKING RYDER

RYDER AZADI HELLO YOU WONDERFUL BASTARD YOU LOOK GREAT

Hi Clancy Brown good to see you do you know you have an evil Devaronian twin who's running around bothering Din Djarin as we speak

well at least sabine still hates politics

my dude ryder you know her tf did she say to make you think she was coming at all lol

WAIT JAI

JAI KELL HELLO EZRA'S EX BOYFRIEND

YOU'RE SO HANDSOME MY BOY ALL GROWN UP WONDERFUL

wait ryderrrr c'mon don't be a dick again you were so well

OH HELLO GWEN STACY SPIDERVERSE VIBES

not quiiiiite liking how sabine grew her gay haircut out in this but still digging the bike fit

also hello Natasha good luck pls treat my dear well i love her greatly!!!

hmmm not sure how much i like other non-OG ghost crew giving themselves Spectre callsigns yes i AM being gatekeepy fuck off

good sabine is running from authorities we do love that

hey her voice kinda matches that's great!

oh i'm liking her acting already

i think

SHE HAS A LOTH CAT ON HER HELMET

that's my GIRL

also it's very interesting how the pilots call each other by their spectre callsigns but address sabine--an ORIGINAL spectre--exclusively by name

lothkitty LOTHCAT

LITHCAT WITH THE FOOOOOFYTAIL AND LITTLE SPINDLE LEGS

im gonna DIE

it's so cute i can't even

also getting Emotions(TM) at ezra's old tower

hmm you think sabine has depression

FUCK OFF WITH THAT SABINE SEES EZRA MUSICAL CALLBACK

oh hey hey it's his original message to theeeeem

wait shit yeah it's the new one just to her

ooh it's eman! i can't see his faaaaace expressions but the voice sounds similar? like it seems like he's tryna match taylor's way of speaking good for him

ok yes but ezra is a jedi show pretty please for me don't go there with sabine

ok ok that's enough complaining from me lmao

ACTUALLY NO WAIT ONE MORE *inhales*

i would prefer sabine and ezra to stay platonic friends. no hate to shippers but i just personally would like them to be friends/siblings, that's what would make me happiest because i like to imagine sabine as a lesbian and also their dynamic as friends/siblings just makes me happy

but shippers are of course still welcome here and if they do become a couple i won't begrudge you your fun :')

ok ok ok ok ok NOW i'm done lmao

back to Best Boy sorry bby you were speaking and i interrupted you <3

oh hey hey he did say sister! i'd like that!!!

but also ezra when tf did you have the time to record those both weren't u a bit busy planning the attack on lothal

oh it's darkside goth girl

nice smoky eye

oh wait fuck she's got a PADAWAN BRAID

heyyyyyy i was RIGHT about the temple statues looking like nightsisters!

but wrong about darkside goth girl being one then tho

well masked emo fucker following bryan or whatever his name is is probs an inquisitor

wait wait wait does MORGAN have gold eyes?

ooooooo

oh no wait darkside apprentice has gold eyes again

ugh okay so we ARE getting force sensitive sabine then

alright fine i'll make my peace with it this episode

even though it makes no SENSE

no no pe not going there we are going to have FUN

aaaaa repeating ezra's final dialogue from the rebels finale ;_;

love the mirroring shots to rebels ep 1 RIGHT DOWN TO SABINE WEARING EZRA'S ORANGE

ahsoka and anakin leitmotiff coming back hmmm

oh wait fuck i think ezra drew those lothcats oof ;_;

ok good good we going back to sabine being the rightful art expert in the gffa take second place and DUNK urself thrawn

ok i get they're tryna make them ex master and apprentice but imma say it. imma SAY IT

ahsoka and sabine give awkward exes vibes

BIG awkward exes vibes

m a s t e r

you both know damn well she's gonna take it anyway or at least try who are y'all even kidding urselves

oooh surprise surprise the darksider are former jedi-associated

oh right his name's baylan not bryan

WHY ARE YOU SURPRISED

oh there's goth darkside girl

if anyone hurts sabine's cat i will kill the entire world and then myself

i swEAR TO GOD

WHY DOES THE SHOW KEEP MAKING AHSOKA AND SABINE SEEM LIKE ANGRY EXES LMAOOOO

COME ON

ahsoka ur being emo so hera is allowed to make a dig at anakin

hera you're trying your best girl lmao

it's always rule of three it seems

kinda gives me that mortis trinity vibe

this reminds me of the time i got one of those 3D puzzles from barnes and noble and i was supposed to take it apart and put it back together and failed utterly

ope she did it!

again if someone even TOUCHES that fucking cat wrong i go full john wick

bitch NO SHOOTING NEAR THE CAT

ope they smashed the map

ahsoka my dude i'm guessing you know where sabine lives why didn't u just go find her lmao

wait does sabine have ezra's green lightsaber i can't tell from the hilt because i'm shit at recognizing hilts

i can't even appreciate the duel because i am admittedly pouting but they are both very pretty at least

sabine how r u not getting ur hair chopped off

oh fuck she got stabbed?

maybe shoulda worn ur mando armor

oh and she's still MOVING

oh nope there she goes

oh wait who's Ray? :(

okay

okay okay okay

dave my dude.........

okay so i am going to take some time like a few minutes or so

and process this sabine thing

like if i cannot find a way to come to fucking terms with it i will not be able to enjoy this series

ik ik that sounds dramatic i'm just

hmm ok five minutes

[the-silver-peahen-residence]

||Inner demon lustful temptation: part 7||

Hello everyone, time for another part to this small mini series sections of it. This time we go to the next couple but lets see what happens in this one hmm? If you wish to read the chapters are below.

~~~~Chapters~~~~~

First couple: Rex and Kali Part one(NSFW part/part two)

Second couple: Jaron and Melinda Part one((NSFW part/part two))

Third couple: Shdwkyz and Vivi/Sai and Isabella part one ((NSFW part/part two))

((Your reading part 7 now))

||Drabble summary||

Sai and Vivi has fallen to their own inner demons but now it seems one one remains: Rust and Breezy. However, is Rust ahead of his own inner demon or will it try to get to him three times harder? Read to find out.

||Warning||

~light NSFW is spoken of in this drabble

~Blood will be present

~Suggestive theme is present

||Guests in Drabble||

Rust Knight along with his inner demon belongs to my amazing Rp partner @demon-blood-youths

Breezy Hurricane along with her inner demon belongs to me.

((Note: Their will be grammar mistakes and errors in this drabble as others have this warning. But like I state before, this is written for fun. So I hope you like it and my friend too. Enjoy))

Both the fractions the Curses Vixens and the DBT were meeting up but they were not expecting to see this. Shdwkyz was looking away even if he was wearing his civilization outfit but he wishes he was wearing his other attire. Or at least to hide his red flush face. Thanks to it, everyone could see that Vivi was wearing her hood more but Jinx was playing around when her hood got pulled back showing her neck. And the mating mark. Shdwkyz's mating mark.

"....Girls, if your going to stare it's rude to." Vivi mutters as Echo was shocked seeing a white snake on her neck around a purple rose. The white snake had yellow serpentine eyes just like Shdwkyz did.

"So it was true, the snake did mark you! Geez, what is going on!?" Echo said but Melinda blinks while looking to Vivi. She didn't say anything but her cheeks were flushed pink.

"......"

"Why are you asking questions to know?" Vivi asked Echo who was glaring at her. Of course she would ask since this was weird but she already told Shdwkyz to be sure he takes good care of her! Even with the female teammates talking, this leaves Shdwkyz to sigh.

Jaron looks but he was seeing Shdwkyz say nothing while he was hiding his face using his scarf. "Let me guess; you heard a voice too that was your inner demon as well?" he asked with Sai looking to him.

"Yes. Seems my inner demon is annoying but after a while, it went away or was silenced. Seems Rust was right..." he said with Rust looking to them.

"I told you.." he said. "Your inner demons are surfacing again and now this is just weird......" he sighed but both Jason and Shdwkyz looks to him. "So our inner demons also have the chance to come showing themselves to help us out as well?" he asked but this made Rust blink.

"Help out?" he asked.

"Yeah. The inner demon took form of both me and Vivi and It did something to us before we....well you know. I figure it was due to what they tell us but I could be wrong." he said looking at Rust who was not expecting that. The inner demons can do that!?!

"Thanks to that, we got taken and lost to our 'inner demons' now it seems you were right Rust. But after all that, they are still there but laying dormant now......" Jaron said to sigh but Rust was quiet knowing Rex was always checking on Kali to be sure she was fine. She was but still, he wanted to be sure.

"That explains a lot now but that's new." Rust said with arms crossed.

"Well, even so, seems you and Vivi are mates too." Jaron said to Shdwkyz blushing worse to look away.

"Seems so. Though, I didn't want that inner demon's help. I would have made her my girlfriend/mate by myself and-" As he speaks, he sees the two look at him that he just stops talking. "Nevermind..."

"Anyway, it seems all of us are caught but..this means you better keep your guard up Rust." Jaron said but Rust knew that. So from all that, it seems the remaining couple was Rust and Breezy. He made sure she was alright and safe in case even if she also made sure he was alright too. Even if he didn't hear his yet, he didn't want that inner demon to do anything stupid. Even when it came to his girlfriend Breezy.

"Yeah, thanks for telling me."

~~~~~~Later on in two weeks~~~~~~~

Breezy and Rust were just done sparring together while drinking some water. They were trying to increase their stamina in a match and it seems to be going well so far plus it was working. It's been helping from their last few matches and they were getting stronger.

"So with the team attack, I was thinking somehow we can do some sort of punching and kicking type of move. Using Destoryer and you moving me with your wind. I mean, it sounds pretty close right?" Rust was explaining some ideas with Breezy listening.

"I understand and those sound like a good idea Rust. I mean, same with you using and fighting with Destroyer but I can keep you protected from behind while we are in sync. It's perfect!" she smiled as the two laugh loving the idea.

"Maybe after we can even try something else but we can think of more later on I think. But how are you healing up? Still alright?" He asked but Breezy smiled to look and see the bruises on her has already healed.

"No worries, I'm good. All healed up and you too I see?" she saw his own demon blood healed him up pretty good. Though, they were good so it helps. "Yeah, I'm good too! Say, after this what should we do? Another round of training?" he asked.

"We could if you like. How about another sparring match!?" she said standing up to stretch again but Rust laughed seeing that as he stood up too.

"Sure, You know i won't take it easy on ya."

"Same here. Be sure you don't hold back on me." Breezy winks to him that Rust felt his cheeks heat up only to snicker, punching her arm lightly as she sticks her tongue at him in a playful way. These two always loved to have fun and train so another battle will happen. While they were training, Rust couldn't help but stare at her.

Breezy was always different from other type of girls or maybe it was how she does things. She always loves to fight, play video games, have fun, fight to protect what she cares for and fight with and for him. She was someone dedicated to prove she will fight for her beloved Knight and it made him fall in love with her even after the other times they were alone.

From the dates they went on, to crazy missions with their fractions, even solo missions together. They been hanging out a lot more and more and it shows. That made him remember those intimate moments making him blush worse to look away.

'Geez, even from now I still tend to think about that. Tch, well, even with those moments they were special...even when we first did it.' he thought remembering the first time they done it and he was happy that she and him are together. However, he still remembers how she was that night.

A beautiful little vixen laying under him as he gave slow yet soft kisses to her lips, her skin was warm and he always loved to make her shiver under him. Hearing the soft and sharp breaths slip past even when she was beg him or plea with him. It was too arousing not to. And that moment when being one with her........

Thinking about it made him bit his bottom lip but as he was trying not to over think it......

'So you do still remember. And here I thought you forgot.' a voice speaks to him that made him tense up. Shit. shit. shit. shit! He looks left and right as Breezy was still stretching but Rust knew it. Damn it...

He turns his head to see another him but he smiled with arms crossed, his blond hair covering his face but one blood red eye looking at him. 'Hello again, Rust. We meet again don't we?' his inner demon was back and Rust glares.

'What the hell do you want? I'm not here or in the mood for your shit..' he warns only for the inner demon to hold his hands up chuckling.

'Now now, I'm not here to cause trouble to you...yet. I just was happy to see you remembered the precious moments between you and our....hurricane vixen. I thought you forgot about them but it seems I was right. You were always thinking about them as much as you were thinking about her.' he looks to Rust as he glares looking back. He looks to Breezy who was not known of this but faces his inner demon again.

'So what? That's between me and her. So why don't you fuck off and leave us alone? I'm not going to let you ruin our hang out day today with anything you have planned.' he said but the inner demon looks at him saying nothing.

'As I said I won't be a naughty demon or anything. I'm not that heartless. I would NEVER harm our precious hurricane. I know how much she means to you....besides, why else do you think I always cherished her own inner demon..' Rust blinks when hearing that. Hold on...

'Her inner demon? What did you-'

'Don't tell me you didn't know? Breezy has one idiot as any other demon would. That means I was able to..hmmmmm experiment to see what makes her tick and I will say...she is so fucking cute when she's a whimpering mess. I enjoy the playtime we do even when it's in her own dreams...' he smirked but Rust closes his fist but he shook his head. Calm down, just calm down. He always told himself this but his inner demon was close making Rust tense.

'What? I could explain our little play dates at night but her dreams are nice too. Such a perfect little sweetheart for us. A vixen of the wind....' he leans in closer to look at him. 'Her inner demon is a very naughty wet little pet for us to make her ours over and over as we claim and mark her..and I will say this. Her blood is delicious; sweet with a little smooth feeling when I got the chance to bite her. She moans so sweetly for me when I tease and play with her....makes you wonder about it huh?'

"!??" No no no! What the hell was he doing? Rust closes his eyes to clear his head but his inner demon chuckled more to see. He knew he thinks about Breezy as she did with him but he already was making it hard for Rust not to-

"Rust? Hey, Rust you alright?" He snaps out of it hearing Breezy's voice. He looks to her seeing the worried expression on her face and arms crossed over her chest. Yeah, she was worried now for him to sigh.

"Ah! Sorry sorry! I'm alright Breezy don't worry. Sorry about that." he said rubbing the back of his head but she blinks still worried to frown a little.

"Are you sure? You zoned out for a minute there." she said wanting to be sure.

"Yeah yeah, I'm alright sorry about for worrying you." he said as he gently kissed her cheek. Breezy said nothing but she sighed to nod, smiling.

"Alright. I just wanna be sure. We could take a break if you think we done enough-"

"No no, I'm up for it." he said but Breezy sighed and goes to get ready to their position but the inner demon was watching him still chuckling.

'Damn you fucking..' Rust thought but he was shaking his head trying to clear it.

'Good luck trying to ignore that image Rust...I can make it worse the more you ignore it...I think you'll love it..' he tease but Rust ignores his inner demon to go and get ready for the sparring match. This was going to be fun.

For that afternoon, Rust and Breezy did have their sparring match together. Him and her being on even terms with her winning some and him winning some. Seems both were in the game when they train. However, in the half of it, Breezy noticed something off. Rust seems flushed and he looked distracted. At times when fighting, she sees herself getting easy hits but Rust would always dodge or so.

He even staggers while she was fighting him to make her stop when he noticed. "Huh? What's wrong Breezy?" he asked.

"Rust, something is wrong. You been letting me get hit after hit. Are you alright? Are you distracted by something?" she asked as he blinks to shake his head.

"No no, I'm fine. I'm not distracted by anything." He said but she looks worried now.

"But you seem to be. You've been zoning out for some reason and I don't know what is wrong. If something is wrong you can tell me you know." True, he could but he didn't want to tell her his inner demon is provoking him and sending him very lewd dreams about what he does to her inner demon and all that. It didn't help!

"......."

"Rust? if something is wrong you can tell me..please. I'm here if you need to vent." She always would be here to help her boyfriend but Rust looks quiet while ignoring the deep laughter of his inner demon.

"......*Sighs* Really Breezy, I'm alright. Don't worry. I hope I didn't worry you too much..maybe we should stop training and chill. I mean, I am pretty hungry so how about we get some food!" he said trying to sound happy while starting to head back with Breezy blinks to see that. She felt something was wrong and yet, she follows after getting her water bottle to follow or catch up.

As the two were heading back, Rust's inner demon smiled following while knowing this was going to be fun. Later on, Rust and Breezy were chilling now after eating some food and just relaxing while he was leaning back with Breezy washing up in the bathroom since he offered. However, he was trying to stay calm and clear minded even with him running his fingers through his hair.

'What's wrong now? Still angry at the little images I gave you?' Oh damn it. Rust groans but saw his inner demon again.

"Will you just fuck off already? Leave me be...." he said but the inner demon smiled.

'You know i can't since I'm you. Don't be so fucking stubborn. I thought you would like the images I share in that mind of yours. I know you find Breezy cute and even hotter if she was a weak wet mess for you to have as your own.....though, seems like I might have gotten a bit ahead.' he said to tease only for Rust to glare.

"Hey, I-"

'I know, I know. I mean of her inner demon. She's such a naughty little vixen true. Or didn't you like the image of what she is like. She's such a loud moaner to say the least and even with me marking that skin of hers..I know you feel the same way with your version of her. Or am I wrong? Why not just let loose. The others have so what's stopping you?' he teased.

".........You son of a-"

'It's true. I know it is. I know you would enjoy that little time of playing with her. To feel and savor that feeling with her and needing her. Right? Wouldn't it be nice..just to kiss and bite every inch of her. To let her drown in the pleasure of lust?' he was getting on Rust's nerves now but he just looks away not saying anything. That made the inner demon smile. 'I see. Seems you want to ignore it. Does this means she's not-'

"No. Breezy is my girlfriend but your just trying to provoke me. I'm not going to break so you get some kick out of this." he said only for the inner demon to laugh.

'Me? If I recall, I'm YOU. Meaning you have such naughty heated dreams of your girl. What makes you think this is different? You love her and have claimed her but..something tells me you enjoy seeing her under you. Under your touches while you bite and claim her as yours.......you don't have to lie..' he chuckled.

"Who says I'm lying!?" Rust said but his inner demon smirked to look.

'You are lying to yourself. You always wanted to see her weak under you as you be gentle with her but still mark her as yours....don't believe me? Then maybe you need a example....right my dear?' he said making Rust confused before seeing another inner demon form but his eyes widen while seeing another but that one was female.

She was floating by him, her dark brownish hair floating around her form. Her delicate appearance looked cute only to show a collar on her neck. She had gunpowder blue eyes that glowed but the dark mist around her was hiding most. Rust's eyes widen to show that was Breezy's inner demon!!

"B..but how the hell did you..w..when did you-"

'Easy. When you took Breezy as your own, her inner demon became mine. And I will say, you're lucky. This little pet vixen is so cute even if I am like you. I always want to protect her..' his fingers touch her cheek as she was resting her head on his shoulder. 'Even when it means I can make her happy as you do with her real self..but tell me, you really wouldn't want to have your way with her in a more heated moment? She is ours remember..and I will say this; her inner demon loves when your rough with her..don't you my dear?' he teased but the inner demon slowly blushed while nuzzling against his shoulder making Rust confused to look away.

"You...You fucking.." he didn't want to seem weird but he only heard his inner demon laughing a bit.

'But it's true. I always have fun messing with her and playing with her. She loves it....even if your always gentle and sweet, I get it. I love when she is so cuddly and sweet...but don't you ever want to be rough with her while you mark...claw..and tease her? Look, she's even excited herself...' he said but Rust got annoyed.

"Are you seriously trying t-" he tenses up when looking at his inner demon but stops speaking. He sees him now seeing her kissing him but she was feeling his inner demon touching and holding her that Rust was silent to look away but he heard the kissing even the whimpering she lets slip out before the kiss breaks. He can hear her whimpers now as his inner demon was chuckling. His fingers were pushing in and out of her already hearing her whines again.

'See? She's so cute..so precious..and she's ours. She's already such a good girl....makes you wonder just what you can do. I remember you wanted to make her feel good but still show how badly you love her right?'

"S..shut u..up.."

'Or maybe you would rather like to see her under you as you finger her slowly?' he said, still moving his fingers while his own destroyer coated in that same dark energy runs down inner demon Breezy's chest as she twitched biting her bottom lip. Even drawing some small drops of her blood.

"S..shut up damn it. Shut up stop.."

'You know you wish to Rust..you want her. You wish to be able to claim her as much as you can being gentle and rough at the same time. So why not let go..and just embrace it.' he said fingering her deeper as she gasped twitching to see she was wet going to cum it seems. This got Rust excited but he was closing his eyes only to grip the chair while remaining quiet. He grits his teeth now trying to stay sane.

'See? You can hear her voice, the sounds...just give in..Give in damn it. Let us calm what is rightfully ours.' he said as Breezy's inner demon was moaning out about to cum.

'C..cumming...g..gonna cum..please..please I...' she was holding back trying not to cum as Rust's inner demon was still going rough with her.

'Heh, then cum....go ahead and let it all out...' he teased holding her as she was about to. She wanted to cum while clawing his arm with her head thrown back. Rust knew and remember those moans, knowing she was drawing close.

"St..stop, stop stop stop stop......"

As she was getting close......

"Damn you stop!!" Rust shouts out loud but he opens his eyes to see they were gone. He covers his face but he heard the door open quickly to rush in the room.

"Rust!? Rust, what's wrong? Did something happen!" he looks up but he wished he didn't. Breezy was standing in front of him but he did remember she was still taking a shower before hearing his shout or she just got out. She was now standing there in a towel dried but her hair was wet looking worried.

".........." he had a nosebleed seeing her like this to look away but was flushed red. "Br..Breezy, what the heck-"

"I came because you were shouting. What's wrong!? Did something happen?" she asked now really worried to look at him worried but he didn't look at her already being able to see.

"N..No, nothing's...." She was even more different but this got his own demon blood boiling. His mind was hazy now but he was trying to calm down.

'See? Your seeing her in this form....why not just take what you desire? She's yours isn't she?....she is.......' his inner demon was speaking again right in his ear but in a tone that was annoying to him. But another voice speak.

'I..It's okay.....I don't mind it Rust....p..please...please make me yours..' it was Breezy's own inner demon! She was speaking but even looking flushed.

'What the hell is...I.....I shouldn't..I can't..I....'

'It's f..fine...please....I'm yours Rust...please........' her inner demon was even touching his cheek but he saw her own glowing gunpowder blue eyes looking at him. Lovingly and with care. She loved him and he only was flushed. She even whispers in his ear.....

'You can b..be as rough as you want with me. M..Make me weak, please....I'm begging you please...'

"....." Rust said nothing but Breezy was unsure what was happening only to slowly reach to touch his cheek. "R...Rust? Can you hear me? Hey, your zoning out on me again..what is the-" she started to ask what is going on but suddenly sees Rust takes her wrist in his human hand to make her blink.

"????" Before asking, she sees him slowly got up but gently pulls her to the bedroom without a word. This was weird but she saw him walk into the room and open the door before pulling her inside and closing the door.

The inner demons were silent but his inner demon smirked while petting Inner demon Breezy's head. 'Now, the fun begins..' he said while petting his mate. This was going to be a wild night.

[winter-cheshire-writings]

Echoes and Experiments : Chapter 12

Mieko let out a strangled gasp as she woke up, tears flowing down her cheeks as she laid there, trying to catch her breath. “Mie?” She heard the click of the lamp, seeing a blurry outline of Albedo through her tears. “Mie, what happened? Did you have another nightmare?” He asked, Mieko just laying there and trying to get her voice back. Albedo cupped her cheeks and the tears came flooding out, the woman sobbing and clinging to Albedo with shaking hands. “Mie…?” He pulled her to him, letting her cry against his shoulder. “Shhh, Mie, it's alright. You're safe now.” he said gently, rubbing her back with one hand while the other tangled itself in her hair.

“I'm sorry.” Were the only words she could choke out between sobs for a while, Albedo tightening his grip on her. “Albedo… Albedo, I'm sorry.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for, my darling.” He replied to her, letting her cry until she was too tired to even hold onto him anymore. “Shhh, back to sleep.” he cooed to her as she tried to apologize again. When she fell back asleep, Albedo took a deep breath to calm himself. Her nightmares had begun escalating, and Mieko was well and truly falling apart piece by piece. He had to do something about this.

-

“Mie, what happened?” Traveler asked, seeing bruises on Mieko's forearm. The woman looked up at the traveler from her chair.

“Hm? Oh, don't mind the bruises. You missed the fun, Traveler~ Some hooligan decided it would be fun to harass one of the young girls in front of my shop, while I was fixing a client's bracelet.”

“What?!” Paimon exclaimed.

“Are you okay?” Traveler asked.

“Oh, don't worry. I'm fine. I've gotten much worse. Being a little reckless is necessary sometimes, to protect people. I'm sure you know that well, don't you? All I did was step in front of her to protect her, and he tried to intimidate me by gripping my arm hard enough to leave a bruise. Haha. It didn't feel like anything, honestly.”

“No wonder Albedo was so upset…” Traveler sighed, having seen the blondes' expression they heard the news about Mieko having been injured. But, where had Albedo gone? “How did you get out of that situation?”

“That was Kaeya.” Natalie piped up. "He beat me to it.”

“Oh, Kaeya did?”

“He did.” Mieko nodded. “He was patrolling and he got the man off of me. Apparently he was a former apprentice Knight that got kicked out in training.”

“Oh?”

“He was drinking, clearly. Drowning his sorrows. A little bruise is nothing.” Mieko shook her head. “And the young lady is safe. A bit shaken, though.”

“And where's Albedo? We thought for sure he'd have gone to you first!” Paimon exclaimed.

“I haven't seen him.” Mieko shook her head. “I was going to go and see him, but it got busy, so I kept working.” She replied.

“What?! You should have closed the store!” Paimon exclaimed. “You kept working???”

“I did.” She chuckled. “Well, since I'm being scolded, shall we go and find Albedo?” She asked.

“Yes, we should!” Paimon huffed. They set out to search for Albedo, finding him at the Knight's Headquarters taking to Jean.

“Of course, Albedo.” Jean said, looking a bit worried. “Is Mieko alright?”

“I'm here, Jean.” Mieko said, Jean turning to her friend and seeing the bruise on her arm.

“Your arm…”

“It really is nothing, please don't worry.” She said, catching a dangerous look in Albedo's eyes as he walked over to her, gently inspecting her injured arm. “It's becoming a bit tender, but I promise it's nothing serious. Just a bruise.” She insisted to Albedo specifically. “Shall we go inside and talk?” She asked.

“Yes, of course. Please, come with me.” Jean took her into the Headquarters with the others while Albedo continued to check her over.

“Albedo, I'm fine.”

“You're hurt, Mie.” He replied simply. He knew she just couldn't stand back and watch someone hurt a young lady, but it still bothered him. Jean listened to Mieko explain what happened from her end, the blonde woman looking to the floor.

“I'm so sorry, on behalf of the Knights of Favonious.” Jean knelt to Mieko, surprising the whole room. “Please accept my humblest apologies.”

“Jean, please, you don't have to. You'll dirty your suit.” Mieko offered her hand to her friend, helping her up. “You and I have been friends long enough, and I know this isn't your fault. This is not a reflection on the company he is from, or the training he received.” She stated. “I cannot imagine how unhappy his former captain would be, if they found out what a disgraceful member they had amongst their ranks.”

“Even so, Mieko.”

“Jean, it's fine.” She insisted. Jean glanced to Albedo, then sighed.

“Very well.” She replied. “You should go home and rest.”

“I will soon. For now, I need to decompress away from the shop.” She smiled. “Can I borrow the training grounds?”

“Oh…? Of course.” Jean nodded hesitantly. “Any particular opponent?”

“No, I won't be fighting. Traveler, Paimon, Natalie. Please go home. I'm really okay.” She smiled at them, heading outside to the training grounds with Albedo on her heels.

-

2 hours later Albedo was still sitting with Mie outside on the crates next to the training grounds. She hadn't moved from her spot since sitting down. He was fine with that, sketching her and avoiding the bruise on her arm. “Are you calm now, Albedo?” She asked him, the blonde looking up at her as she turned to him.

“What do you mean?”

“You had a scary look in your eyes when I found you. Have you calmed down now?”

“I… Yes, I believe I have.” He nodded. “How did you know?”

“You don't usually show much emotion, so seeing you angry is a bit scary for me.” She smiled. “I didn't want you to be upset over something small like that.”

“It's hardly small… You still got hurt.”

“It's nothing serious, you know. The bruise will fade in a few days.” She pet his head. “For now, shall we go and get something to eat?” She asked. “And how was your day, before all this?” The two exited the area and headed to get something to eat before Albedo steered her towards his home for the evening. “Oh? Your home again?”

“I want to monitor you so you can sleep.” He stated, leading her inside. “I need you to rest tonight.”

“Oh? Okay.” She smiled at him. “Can we…?” She wrapped her arms around his waist, nuzzling into his shoulder. “I… I think I would sleep better if maybe we did something more intimate.”

“Mm, but your arm.” He said softly, enjoying her hands on him.

“It doesn't hurt that much… I think I rather desperately need reassurance, after all that…”

“Very well.” He held her hand. “Then… If we're doing that, please don't hesitate to tell me if it hurts. I'll make adjustments accordingly.”

“Gladly.”

-

Mieko sighed, staring at her financial book. “Not enough.” She mumbled, shaking her head. She had to dip into her savings again, to make rent payment. Not to mention her Windblume sales were very low. Better than the average month, but still not what she had been hoping for. She sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. “No point in opening now…” She said, getting up and grabbing her coat. She scolded herself as she went up the path to Dragonspine. “Once again, relying on Albedo.” She told herself. “I need to apologize to him for always going to see him… I wonder if I should ask him to make me another potion so I can sleep…” she grumbled to herself the whole way, scolding herself. She arrived at his camp, glancing around to make sure she wasn't being watched.

“Mie?” She looked up to see Albedo walking towards her. “What's wrong? You look upset.”

“I do…?” she shook her head. “No, it's nothing.”

“You'll have to forgive me for not believing you.” he replied, walking over to her, pulling open his collar a bit to show her his mark before taking her hand and walking her into camp. “Sit. I'm already brewing your potion at double the strength, so you just need to help me catalyze it.” he said, kissing her forehead. “I have a few experiments to finish, but please relax. You're welcome to nap, if you feel you can sleep.” he added.

“I… Thank you.” She replied, letting Albedo rub her cheek for a moment before going back to his work. She sat on his cot and watched him, leaning a little but not able to fall asleep. “Albedo…?”

“Yes, darling?”

“I'm sorry for bothering you all the time…” she said, Albedo pausing in his note taking before sighing.

“Mieko. You aren't bothering me.” he stated. “Have you been feeling worried about that this whole time?”

“Yes.” She smiled sadly. Albedo put his work down once he was done, moving to stand in front of her.

“Mie… My darling Mie. Why do you feel like you need to apologize?” he asked, cupping her cheeks and making her look up at him. “I don't mind you coming to see me… I don't find it to be problematic, either. You, darling, are one of few people who would not only come looking for me, but would keep me company and stay with me… Mie.” he sounded mildly frustrated, but he looked concerned. “Why are you saying you're sorry?”

“I… I don't know.” She said, her voice cracking a little as tears began to prick her eyes. Albedo moved to kneel over her lap and sat there, wrapping his arms around her so she could cling to him. “I don't know… Albedo… What is going on with me?”

“I don't know, Mie…” he held her tight, his grip tightening as she sobbed. “I can promise you that if nothing else, I will at least do everything I can to help you feel like you never need to apologize for coming to spend time with me.” he added, kissing her cheek. “Go ahead and cry, Mieko… I'll stay right here with you until you're done.” he said softly, holding her. She was shaking, and though he was frustrated, Albedo didn't want to let her go. She was falling apart, and Albedo had no idea how to help her. His research hadn't brought up anything significant, and dreams weren't in his wheelhouse. He just wanted to help her, but nothing seemed to be enough. “I'll keep trying.” he muttered, clinging to her as exhaustion caught up with him.

-

Albedo jumped awake to see Mieko staring at him. “Mie… I'm sorry, I fell asleep… How are you feeling? Did you catalyze the potion?”

“I did… I didn't drink it yet.” She nuzzled him, Albedo relieved to see that she had calmed down. “I'm sorry for causing you so much frustration, Albedo… I… I don't know what's wrong with me…”

“It's alright. I'm glad you're feeling better.” He smiled, hugging her tight. “You should drink your potion so you can sleep. I have to do more work.” He added, kissing her forehead.

“Okay…” She sighed happily as he kissed her more soundly on the lips. “I love you, Albedo… Thank you, for putting up with me.” She added, sitting up to drink her potion before laying back down, Albedo watching her and tucking her in quietly.

“I love you, Mie… Whatever is wrong, I hope I can help… Even if just a little.”

-

Albedo walked with Mieko to the Knight's Headquarters. “Your sister?” Mieko seemed fascinated that Albedo had a sibling, even if not by blood.

“Has Jean never mentioned her before? The Spark Knight?” Albedo smiled. “She's quite something.”

“Oh, you mean Klee?” Mieko smiled. “I have heard Jean be extremely troubled by things before about her.” she pondered. “I always thought it was because Jean isn't the best with kids who are rambunctious.”

“Oh? What do you mean?”

“Well, Barbara was a quiet, well behaved child. So Jean had it easy with her.” She smiled. “I've been wanting to meet Klee, but I never had the chance to ask.”

“Oh? Well, I hope you're prepared. Klee is… A bit destructive.”

“Destructive?”

“You'll see.” He smiled, nervous but knowing she'd have to meet Klee sooner or later. But upon their arrival, Klee wasn't in her room. Albedo sighed, trying to figure out where she had gone when Mieko found a note on the back of the door.

“Oh…? Out with Mister Kaeya?”

“Oh no.” Albedo sighed. “Kaeya took her out…”

“It can't be that bad, can it?” Mieko asked. “Kaeya wouldn't let her get hurt.”

“That's not what I'm worried about.” Albedo said. “He's a bad influence on her.”

“Oh? I see.” She nodded. “I'll scold him for you when we find him then.” She stated, turning to leave the room and go searching for Kaeya and Klee. They left the city and headed up the path, soon hearing an explosion. Albedo rushed ahead and Mieko followed him, soon coming across the little girl in red with Kaeya standing on the side lines and watching her blow up a group of hilichurls.

“Klee…” Albedo sounded exasperated, the girl turning to him and looking down at the ground, her hands going behind her back.

“Am I in trouble?” She asked.

“Not you, little one.” Mieko said, walking past her and over to Kaeya, stopping in front of him.

“Well well, if it isn't Miss Mie.” He laughed. “Gonna scold me?” He asked, Mieko crossing her arms and leaning back on her right leg a bit. “Oh? You're really mad then.” He laughed, bowing to her.

“You're causing trouble.” She stated simply, Kaeya laughing. “Always the attention seeker, Kaeya. Come on, apologize to Albedo.” She stated.

“Or what? You'll step on me with your tall boots?”

“Or I'll yank your ear clean off, is what.” She stated, Kaeya laughing more.

“Only because you asked, Mie.” He shrugged. Albedo felt a strange sensation rising in him, listening to their interaction. Since when were they so friendly? Kaeya walked over and apologized, Klee following suit. “So, what brings you two out here, hmm?”

“I brought Mie here to introduce her to Klee. We had gone to Headquarters, but since you took her outside, we had to seek you out.” Albedo deadpanned.

“Oh? Now why do you need to introduce Mie to Klee?” Kaeya asked. “Oh, is it because you're in a relationship now?”

“Kaeya.” Mieko warned, sighing. “Don't act like that. I wanted to meet Klee.” She stated. “Stop harassing Albedo.”

“Yes, yes.” He raised his hands in mock surrender. “My apologies, Mie.” He grinned as she knelt next to Klee and pet her head.

“Sorry to interrupt your fun, little friend.” She smiled. “My name is Mieko, its a pleasure to meet you.”

“It's nice to meet you, Miss Mieko.” Klee smiled, Albedo glad that she wasn't scared of her like she was with Jean.

“You don't have to call me Miss.” Mieko smiled. “You can just call me Mie.”

“But… You and Mister Albedo are close, so I shouldn't do that…” Klee said.

“Hehe. Well then, if you're gonna call me Miss, how about you just call me Miss Mie?”

“Oh, okay~” Klee did a little jump, grinning. “Did you really come out to meet me, Miss Mie???”

“I did.” As they talked, Albedo watched them, his gaze softening as Mieko interacted with Klee.

“Mie has always been real good with kids.” Kaeya said, chuckling as he walked past the blonde. “You got real lucky with her. Don't break her heart.”

“I don't intend to.” Albedo retorted. Kaeya always managed to put him on edge, but now, knowing that he and Mieko were close enough to banter like that? It drove him mad, and he didn't understand why.

“Miss Mie? Do you like flowers?”

“I do, Klee.” She smiled. “Do you like them?”

“I do~” She giggled. “Oh, can I take you fish blasting, Miss Mie?” Albedo was about to intervene when Mieko chuckled.

“I'm sorry Klee, I don't actually like fish blasting. But you know what? I'll take you to do something better.”

“Better than fish blasting???” Klee was fascinated, her eyes wide.

“Well, I think it is.” Mieko smiled. “Come, let's go this way.” She walked with Klee, the little one excitedly rushing around and giggling. Albedo followed, amazed that every time Klee brought up something destructive, Mieko mitigated it without batting an eye. “Here we are.” She said, Klee turning around to see a field of flowers. “Now.” Mieko knelt next to Klee. “Have you ever made flower crowns, Klee?”

“Flower crowns? Yes! Is that what we’re making?” Klee looked up at Mieko.

“It is.” She nodded. “But these flowers are special.” She smiled. “For they've been blessed by fairies.”

“Fairies???” Klee asked.

“Yes. By fairies.” Mieko smiled. Albedo wanted to ask, but as Mieko explained, he realized she was talking about Yuki. “One fairy went somewhere far away, you see? But her blessing remains.” She motioned to a nearby tree. “And that tree is where I always offer a flower crown to her, so she knows I'm taking care of her flowers.”

“Oh! Klee wants to offer one too!” Klee exclaimed, giggling. “Mister Albedo, let's make one for her!”

“Alright, Klee.” he smiled, sitting with them and making a flower crown with them, Mieko making more than one in the time it took him to finish his first. But she also made a very small one, catching Albedo's attention. When they were done, Albedo helped Klee up to place her flower crown in the high branches. Mieko placed hers as well, then turned to Klee and Albedo.

“Now, for those that presented the fairy with a gift.” She placed a flower crown on Albedo's head, then took Klee’s hat off and placed one on her head too. “And let’s not forget Dodoco.”

“Dodoco gets one too???” Klee was ecstatic about this, allowing Mieko to place the little flower crown on Dodoco’s head. “Thank you so much, Miss Mie!” Klee exclaimed, hugging onto her leg.

“You're welcome, Klee.” She smiled. “Now, let me show you the blessing.” She helped Klee move back and had her stand with Albedo, smiling. “Close your eyes Klee, and no peeking.” She said, the girl doing as instructed. Mieko whipped out her polearm and activated her elemental skill quietly, stepping back as the rainclouds formed. “Alright. Open your eyes.” She said as the raindrops began to fall, Klee opening her eyes and seeing the flowers start to glow.

“Amazing!” She jumped around a little and clung to Albedo, pointing at the flowers and grinning. Albedo nodded and pet her head, glad that Klee was so happy. After a short while more, the three returned to Mondstat, Albedo holding one of Klee's hands while Mieko held the other. Albedo removed his flower crown and gave it to Klee before they entered the city. Jean was relieved that they were back and that nothing more had happened.

“Thank you for today, Big Sis Mie!” Klee called as Mieko turned to leave, making her freeze. Jean lead Klee inside, Albedo turning to Mieko. She had stopped in her tracks.

“Are you okay?”

“I… Sorry. It's been so long since someone's called me big sis…” she said, taking a deep breath to steady herself. “I'll be okay.” She added, taking a moment to calm down. Albedo stood with her, waiting for her to look up.

“Do you want me to ask Klee not to call you that?”

“No, it's okay.” She smiled at him. “I'll be alright. I promise, Albedo.” He wasn't sure she was really okay, but he resolved not to pester her.

“Then, let's go home. You need some rest.” He said, taking her hand before walking her back to his home. “I'll walk you back to the shop in the morning.”

[cryptidblue1]

Okay, hear me out oh echo chamber of a blog, but idea. So, so...Lavender and their fighting style. Like I see Pure Vessel as someone who was taught finesse and power in regards to their nail fighting techniques. Which would fit with the whole image of them being the supposed heroic savior of Hallownest that Pale King was trying to show with how they set PV up. Like yeah they're fast, but from a lot of what made PV dangerous in their Godhome fight was how many techniques they knew and how they used them.

Which makes sense since even though PV was being set up to die, they did teach them in a way that if they had to fight they could soundly defeat most enemies. Doubly so if PK was afraid that those who started to want to be infected may attempt to remove the threat that was PV before the sealing. Add in that I fully believe that subconsciously PK would have had PV trained in the arts that would have been taught to any child of his that would be his heir.

Thus, Pure Vessel is very much a well rounded fighter, but is meant to overwhelm an opponent with the right technique at the right time.

A fighting style that by the time Lavender gets kicked back in time and finally "takes the money siblings and runs" route regarding changing the timeline would hardly or really work for them. Especially when they are trying to not be noticed. So since Soul Arts are not really meant to be known by the common bug at this point, lacking an entire appendage, and just really wanting to blend into the population once Poppy got them settled. Add in that to get by Lavender is basically a go-for regarding any tasks that would involve potential fights they would have to kinda change and adapt how they fight.

So they go for more speed and ambush, since hunting is a good way to keep mouths fed and geo available for things, Likely wrapped up and hid their old nail to keep anyone from noting the designs on it, which means they likely got a weapon that's easier to use out in the wilds and the small spaces where foraging would lead. As well as just be easier to use with only one hand. They also likely got a lot more silent in their movement due to these jobs and activities, as well as just from having to relearn how to do things due to their injuries and being transportation (opossum style a lot of the time at that) for their siblings that they have adapted a style that is far different then what is likely seen in the palace.

Like those who know may see certain aspects that Lavender wouldn't be able to lose due to muscle memory and the fact some things from being Pure Vessel work better due to those skills being taught specifically due to their size and such. So this likely is going to give off odd almost familiar vibes if I ever get to the point they spar or fight alongside one or more of the Knights. So they are going to have a lot of moments of ??? at how familiar some of the things Lavender does, only for them to do something that doesn't fit any "school" they would expect Lavender to use from such techniques.

TL;DR What if I just spec Lavender into the hunter/rouge skill tree just for the fun of it?

[hyper-lynx]

Chapter 4: Midnight

Featuring just the two of them for a little while.

The two cats meandered through the halls of the estate. While they did not officially pass any demarcated boundaries to the ball, as the music and action faded to echoes in the background, there was an inescapable feeling that they were somewhere beyond the allocated space for the ball. The decorations on the walls became more modest, and eventually no other guests were visible. Before long, the cats had wound up one of the place’s library rooms. Bookshelves extended impractically far up the walls, and a thin layer of dust lay across everything. The only light here was what little light was produced by the sconces on the walls and the dim blue from the moon casting through the skylight above. The two cats plopped down onto a cough. Liam spread his limbs out while Hemi sat carefully to ensure his dress wouldn't get messed up somehow.

“So-- who’d you dance with so far?” Liam was the first to speak. “You seem pretty tired out…”

Hemi stretched a little. “Let’s see… there was one of the cloaked guys -- who’s crazy, by the way, and kept calling me ‘cat’ -- and there was this hell knight guy. And um-- yeah it was just them.”

“Only two, well, three partners so far? You’ve got to switch more often!”

“They were good partners! Honestly, I don’t know if I could have switched from the cloaked guy earlier… How about you?” Hemi turned his head so that he could see Liam. Liam closed his eyes and focused. “I danced with the raven mech, ‘His Heavenly Highness’,--”

“Who-”

“Isaac -- he’s the one with fire hair, which was entertaining,  Lurien--”

“You got to dance with the host already?! Damn… you’re just way better at this I guess.”

“I did! He’s a really good dancer. There was a big switch dance also, so depending on how you count it might be like six from just that.”

The two cats laid back to relax a while longer. Liam looked over at Hemi and watched as his ears twitched erratically. He tried to imagine what the lynx was thinking. Knowing him, he might be calculating the gravitation of the moon above them, secretly still being embarrassed about the dress he was wearing, or thinking about their dance. The lynx, for all his adventurous ways, was not one to take lead in these kinds of situations, after all. Liam let out a slow exhale -- was he really ready to try something like that with the guy? It had been a few years since they met, and since then they’d grown close, but not quite in that way. Another part of him fought back against that idea. Maybe due to the influence of whatever he’d been drinking, Liam spoke next. 

“There was one other person I danced with, though.” Liam sat up and faced Hemi. “I liked dancing with him most of all.”

Hemi stiffed his back, then hesitated, then replied, “...I liked it too.”

Through the walls, the chiming of the midnight bells reverberated through the whole building. “Midnight already…” Hemi let everything drift on the air.

“...Hey, Hemi?” Liam looked him in the eye. “Thank you. I know this all hasn’t been easy for you, and-- I’m having a ton of fun, so thank you for going through with all this, and for bringing me along.”

Hemi looked away from Liam for a moment, and said softly, “I’m glad, too.” He looked down at the dress around him, the way it pulled and pushed against his shape. The midnight bells sounded again in his mind. Half way through… less remained then already had come to pass. Hemi examined the idea further. In a second, he could vanish from this place, tear off the cocktail dress and not be seen in it again, go to sleep in his own bed and try to be content. Yet, as Liam still sat here, looking at him, moonlight in his eyes, the lynx knew that he wouldn’t leave. He would see this through. Until the sun came back up, he’d persist, and more than that, he’d enjoy it. The lynx resolved himself to that. 

Hemi leaned onto Liam. “Do you want to get some food? If I recall, the second floor snack area has a balcony view of the main floor.”

Liam started at the sudden contact, but quickly relaxed. “Sure--! Dancing’s hard work, we could use a refuel.” He looked down at the lynx, who was now somewhat laying on his gown. “Um, I will need to stand up to do that…” “Hm, that’s a bit of a conundrum.” Hemi let a smirk enter his tone. “How do you plan to do that~?”

“Ah, you’re right.” Liam put the back of his hand dramatically against his forehead. “It seems impossible…”

The cats remained in place, but neither exchanged any more audible conversation. When the moment had passed, they stood and moved to rejoin the ball.

Two Cats Attend the Blue Moon Ball

Chapter 1: Dusk

Featuring @wizblr-blue-moon-ball's Lurien and @flowers-the-sun-witch, along with Hemi and Liam of course. This is the first chapter of probably several that I will make for some of the prompts. Character appearances will vary and can be removed on request!

A calm wind blew over Wizard Island Island’s coastal region, bringing a mild warmth over the old stones and dozens of pointy-hatted towers dotting the landscape. The sky was overcast, but it was clear despite this that the sun was near the horizon. The shimmering line of the ocean adorned the horizon. Along a path of well-trodden cobbles, the air bent and tore, until, with a burst of chromatic power, two felines landed onto the earth. Hemi, wreathed in the gentle fabric of his deep indigo dress, felt the lukewarm air suddenly about his legs until the dress behaved itself. The emblem of the moon was dim in the low light, but still plainly visible. Shortly behind him, Liam practically flowed out of the rift. His gown had the general design of the lunar hibiscus -- pink and, in Hemi’s opinion, somewhat bulbous, but still quite elegant. He held the corners of the dress in a way that suggested he had experience landing from a dimensional vortex in such attire. Once both cats exited the distortion, reality was quick to mend itself.

“Aha, we’re-- um.” Hemi looked around, then let his head tilt. “Where’s--”

They stood at the long-forgotten gates to a property that was seemingly completely absent. There was not a trace of any building -- in its place, an immense crater marred the landscape. The only thing that remained was a tarnished silver archway and a few mana crystals that poked out from the ground at the edges of the place.

Liam gasped. “Did something--?”

“Impossible. If something this big was -- gone, I’d have heard about it. Besides, that gate… must have been abandoned for a hundred years.” Hemi closed his eyes and tried to visualize the route on the invitation he’d been given, but he was certain it led to this general area, and there shouldn’t be any other large estate in the vicinity. Were all his days of anticipation really --

“Oh--! Hemi, look!”

Hemi opened his eyes to the sight of what looked like an angelic being descending through the clouds. He plummeted rapidly and then came to a sudden stop in the air just beyond the gate, not displacing any air or showing any discomfort in the process. An elf with radiant wings, blue into yellow, clothed in shining white silks. Despite his short stature, the elf had a golden power behind his eyes that commanded respect. The emblem of the Blue Moon shone in iridescent stone, adorning his crown.

“Greetings! Hyperlynx Hemi, I presume?” The elf spoke with a quiet tone that nonetheless carried through the emptiness. “I see you’ve found our ‘back entrance’.”

“Oh--! Um, hello, sir--?” Hemi stammered in response as both cats approached the gate.

“Lurien is fine. In any case, I’ve arranged transport for you and your partner. Please proceed through the gate.”

Hemi tilted his head to the opposite side and gazed into the spiky, terrifying chasm just beyond the rusted passage. “Um-- I ah, don’t have any flight spell active…” He glanced at Liam, who shook his head silently.

“That’s fine, sir. I assure you there are accommodations for all creatures at the Blue Moon Ball.” He looked down at some kind of brass handheld timekeeping device. “Although, I would insist you move swiftly. The event will be starting momentarily.”

Hemi huffed softly and looked to Liam, who took the lead. Liam gathered his gown about his feet and cautiously stepped through the gate. He half expected the world to suddenly burst into light and color around him, but no such thing happened. Instead, his foot met with a soft resistance, an invisible surface. It felt a bit like walking across a mattress. Seeing the leopard defy gravity, Hemi followed suit.

“Impressive spell, but where is--” Hemi was cut off when the platform was suddenly thrust skyward. The earth fell away, and waves of amber light emanated from the invisible surface above them as it blocked the wind. Lucien cracked a soft smile -- the emblem across his chest shimmered softly as the three beings were brought up. Even the clouds broke around the barrier above them, until--!

The sun, from its place ever-lower on the horizon, lavished golden light across a wondrous skyscape. A great layer of clouds the size of mountains formed the base, speckled with tiny sections of floating stone -- likely pieces of distant floating islands that came in the wind across the sea. Beyond the shelf of clouds, the light glinted on the water. Above it all, though, a grand estate was situated. The main island consisted of an immense floating mansion. In a way, it was almost more like a town  -- the lower section was something of a hull, with docking ports for flying ships and tiered gardens protruding from openings in its sides. Atop, the mansion sprawled across a massive expanse of once-natural earth, with what must have been hundreds of rooms and halls. Near the center, the peak of a wizard’s tower wis visible, adorned with the same lunar emblem.

Lucien watched the two cats take it all in as he platform moved in a grand circuit through the air above the venue. “Sunset really is wonderful at this altitude, isn’t it?” He noted. The light cast off everything, and the shadow of the floating manor lengthened forever across the clouds. Hemi took a moment to glance down at Liam, whose eyes were literally wide with wonder. 

Their dutiful invisible chariot let them down in the plaza just before the main gates. It seemed nearly everyone else was already somewhere inside, since this courtyard was otherwise occupied only by a trio of gnomes who seemed to pay the cat-men no mind. Lucien directed their attention to a statue of a human woman, depicted 20 feet tall in marble stricken with veins of some shimmering blue mineral. Water flowed from small slots below the woman’s feet into small channels that fed this section of the gardens.

“This is the original owner of the manor, Mistress Areth Lunacai. It’s said she discovered the arcane properties of lunar sapphire, and therefore mastered the art of permanent levitation. In her time, her genius was not recognized, so she wrested her family’s estate into the skies, where it still remains.”

“Wow…” Liam looked up at her. Hemi, however, was already distracted by looking at the venue itself. As the light of dusk began to fade, Hemi crossed his arms over his chest.

“Lucien, sir?” He interjected. “Are we late for-- anything?”

Lucien raised an eyebrow. “You accuse me of being late to my own ball?”

“Um--! Well, no, I--”

The host smiled. “No, it’s understandable. You are actually somewhat early. While most attendees have made their way to the main hall and its waiting rooms, the formal schedule will not commence for half an hour at minimum. Plenty of time, no?” Hemi nodded and looked to the side. He thanked the gods for the impenetrably thick fur that hid his now-red cheeks from view, then took a deep breath. There was no great rush. This was an event for fun, after all. The sleepless night before preparing… the weeks of anticipation… It all led to this night, where everything was arranged for him. He walked closer beside Liam.

Lurien turned over his shoulder, towards a figure in a blue dress who had appeared amidst the gardens. “Ah, I see a new guest has arrived. Excuse me.” Lucien bowed and began to gracefully stride towards the newcomer.

“Hey Hemi, do you want to go meet them? The person over there, I mean?”

Hemi looked to the newcomer, then back at the red wisps of frozen clouds high above. “I think I’ll watch the sunset for now. You go ahead -- we’re all going to the main hall anyway, right?”

Liam nodded and followed Lurien’s path through the gardens as quickly as he could without letting any dirt get on his outfit. By the time he arrived, the host was already leading the other person back up a scenic route along the terrain’s edge towards the fountain. Their long brown hair -- adorned with red flowers -- was tied into a set of four pigtails that dangled about elven ears and onto the shoulders of a truly cute blue dress, tied with a red belt bearing a once-live sunflower. They looked up at the approaching beastman with only momentary confusion. Lucien, without even looking in Liam’s direction, nodded. 

“I’ll allow you two a moment to become acquainted. There’s a matter I’ll need to attend to.” Lucien announced. A moment later, a great eagle flew dangerously close to the edge of the island and began circling the courtyard. Lucien sighed and, with a subtle movement of his wings, lifted off to redirect the bird’s rider.

“Oh gosh!” The witch put a hand against her mouth and giggled.

Liam shook his head. “Some people…” He turned his attention back to the immediate environs. “Well-- ah, greetings!” Liam gave a curtsy. “My name’s Liam.”

The witch returned the favor. “I’m Flowers, the Sun Witch. It’s nice to meet you! I like your dress.”

“Thank you~!” Liam twirled around a little. “Yours is very cute.”

The witch smiled, but didn’t reply verbally. The two watched for a moment as the now distant eagle followed Lucien -- from this range, a point of light -- towards the arcane beast stables on the lower levels. “I’ve not seen a dress of that style in a while. Lunar hibiscus, right?” Liam’s head tilted slightly. “How did you--”

“I don’t call myself ‘Flowers’ for no reason. The color’s pretty accurate, too. Though, those flowers are pretty rare on the island…”

“Ah, I’m not actually from here. I’m not even properly a wizard -- that title belongs to my partner. I’m his plus-one.”

“Oh!” Flowers looked along the rim of the floating landmass. “Is that him?” She pointed out Hemi, sitting alone on an outcropping, watching the redness leave the sky as night took over.

“Yeah…” Liam put his hand behind his head. “He’s a little shy. I’m sure he’ll warm up when things kick off.”

“Flowers nodded, then tapped her foot. “I hope the host is back soon… I hope everything’s alright with the bird situation.”

As if on cue, on a beam of light, Lucien appeared next to the two guests. “I apologize for the wait, Mx. Flowers. I hope you’ll forgive  my cutting your tour short for the moment, as the floor will open momentarily. I suggest you both make your way to the main hall and meet some more of the guests in the meantime.”

“Ah-! Of course, thank you.” Flowers began to walk down the garden path towards Hemi. Lucien, apparently satisfied, vanished into light.

“Um--” Liam trotted after her surprisingly quick gait. “The fastest path is to the right.”

“We need to collect your partner, don’t we?” The sun witch glanced back at him. “Besides, I need to compliment his dress, too.”

By the time they arrived, the sun had completely set, so Hemi was just staring off into the swirling expanse of the clouds below. His ears were somewhat askew-- when Liam approached, they swiveled to face him.

“Hey, we’re supposed to go inside soon.” Liam let a gentleness into his tone.

Hemi stretched and stood. He used a quick gesture to disconnect the dirt from his dress’ fabric, so it became fully clean in an instant. When he turned around, he started at the sight of the witch who accompanied Liam.

“Oh--! Um--” Hemi gave a clumsy bow. “Hello-- I’m sorry, I didn’t notice you.”

The witch extended her hand. “I’m Flowers. What’s your name?”

“...Hemi.” He said, and shook her hand with his paw. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“You as well. I like your dress~!” She told him. Hemi’s ears flipped, but he smiled in response.

A latch sounded at the main door. “Ah, it seems it’s time to enter. Have a wonderful time, you two--!” Flowers curtseyed again, and was off.

Liam looked at Hemi with a soft grin..

“What? I was surprised…”

“Nothing, nothing.” He took Hemi’s hand. “Another adventure, right?”

“--Right.”

The two cats proceeded towards the gathering group of wizards and the great oaken doors. The blue moon shone bright overhead.

[sukirichi]

— out of reach | gojo x reader

request: Girllllll I just read your jealous gojo fic and my heart went 📈📈📈📈💥💥💥 youre now one of my fav writers 🙏🧎‍♀️And the spicy parts 😫😫😫 💖 If your asks are still open, could I please request a fic where GOJO has a size kink 🥺🥺🥺 my 5’1 ass is obsessed with that shizzzz 

pov: you’re gojo’s childhood friend and roommate – which leads to utter chaos – or perhaps utter bliss?

warnings: size kink, lots of teasing, lots of cursing, dirty talk, choking (probably not in the way you think), body worship, lots of size difference scenes, slight manhandling, overstimulation, thigh fucking, vaginal sex, unprotected sex (don’t do this irl guys) + unedited fic :D

notes: idk what happened here LMAOOO but i loved writing this one because i’m short as hell too lol. thanks for this request anon, i hope you like it! <3

word count: 10.5k

masterlist ! 

If you’re going to be honest, having Gojo as a roommate is something completely unexpected.

Not only are you two from entirely different worlds – him as a jujutsu sorcerer and you as an average human who can’t see curses – but he’s also just someone who is entirely out of your league. He’s respected and looked up to in his field of work, while half of your co-workers don’t even know your name, much less notice you in function parties where you mostly just nibble on sushi before calling it a day and turning back home.

You and Gojo met in elementary school. You could tell from the way he’s surrounded by servants and stern looking adults, firm hands on his small shoulders, that he was different from everyone else.

Apparently, he comes from one of the three big clans in the jujutsu world or whatever. You honestly don’t care about any of that, because Gojo refuses to act maturely about his role in the clan. You still remember how quiet he was on the first day of school, never smiling and keeping to himself despite your persuasion to eat lunch with him or play with him after school in the courtyard.

You miss that Gojo Satoru – the quiet, serious kid who was far too gentle in his actions yet firm in his words and beliefs. When you were still a little girl, you admired how he seemed older than his age, a wistful look in those azure blue eyes of his that you’ve always loved.

To you, Gojo Satoru was your hero. You’ve always been one of the shortest kids in class, and it didn’t help that you really loved pigtails all the way until middle school that made you an easy target from immature people who’s being hit way too fast by puberty and growing each passing day. You never minded your short stature because really, it’s just height, but you couldn’t ignore how your confidence dwindled each day when they called you several array of nicknames.

Too shy to fight back, you’d laugh it off or force a smile.

Gojo wasn’t having any of it. He’d break his silence and immediately pull you to his side (which only made things worse because Gojo was one of the tallest kids in class, further emphasizing how small you are right next to him) before threatening to smack the kids right in the face.

The threat should be enough to land him detention, but because he’s Gojo Satoru, the golden kid everyone loved, they took his word seriously.

At the age of eleven, you started seeing your best friend as your knight in shining armour. Gojo basked in this, growing protective and always glaring at whoever snickered when you walked past them. Sometimes he even bared his teeth to hiss at them, which was honestly so ridiculous now that you think about, though the message – the threat – always came across loud and clear.

So yeah, you love Gojo, you still do.

Years flew by and the two of you grew apart due to work and also as a part of growing up. You still kept in contact, messaging each other once a month to ask the other how they’re doing. His work kept him extremely busy though, and Gojo didn’t want you involved in the dangers of what he’s doing, so he makes sure to keep a safe distance.

Until six months ago, you hear a banging on your door. You’re just about ready to throw hands because your former roommate moved out to live with her stoner boyfriend, leaving you to shoulder all the bills and responsibilities of maintaining a two man apartment.

A sneer forms on your lips as you swing the door open, a scowl already on your face. You assumed it was your roommate who returned to get the pair of lace panties they left in their room, but instead, your childhood friend stands before you, taller (seriously, how has he not stopped growing?) and definitely a lot hotter than the last time you saw him.

One thing leads to another, and now it feels like there was never such distance between the two of you with how easily you both fell back into a comfortable – yet chaotic – rhythm and routine of being each other’s roommate.

Not that you mind, of course. Gojo’s definitely changed a lot from when you were kids. He’s no longer that stiff or sensitive when it comes to others. In fact, it seems like he loosens up a lot more with age, because you can barely recognize the man living under the same roof with you now.

For one thing, Gojo is loud. Like really talkative, won’t shut the fuck up and speaks like he’s in a screaming contest with someone. It doesn’t matter if you’re taking an important phone call or sleepwalking at three in the morning to pee, Gojo is always creating some sort of ruckus.

You’d never admit it out loud, but you loved it. You love him.

He’s definitely a lot more enthusiastic and fun to be with now that both of you have grown up, or in Gojo’s case, simply aged. His maturity reversed backwards because it feels like you’re taking care of a little kid.

Not only does his body clock is practically non-existent, he’s also horrible when it comes to taking care of himself and being punctual with work.

Fortunately for him, you love him, and you both leave for work at the same time. You always wake up earlier to prepare breakfast so you’d both have energy to start the day – although you highly doubt there’s really anything that depletes his endless source of one.

Sleepily walking through the kitchen with your fist rubbing at your eyes, you rummage through the refrigerator for some eggs when you realize there’s none.

Huh, you think to yourself, scratching your scalp. You’re sure that Gojo went grocery shopping last week since it’s his chore to do the outside stuff like buying groceries and throwing thrash, so where did it go?

You open shelf by shelf, checking each corner and shoving cans aside to look for the tray. With a glare, you stand on your tiptoes to pull the pantry open, only to have your mouth fall aghast because it’s all there – right at the back where you can’t reach it!

Fucking Satoru, you grit your teeth while heaving your body up onto the counter. It’s a struggle because not only are your muscles still half asleep, but because the shelf is right in your face, and if you’re not careful enough, you could hit it right with your face and fall over. Of fucking course you know Satoru did this to make fun of you – and now you retract your statement over your best friend.

It’s all a lie.

He’s a pain in the ass. Why do you even bother cooking for him and letting him live literally just a room away when you know he won’t stop pulling shit like this?

Because, the nagging voice in your head tries to mock, he’s your best friend and you can’t really say no to him. This makes you huff as you carefully pull the tray towards you, hooking two fingers at the edge while your other palm grips at the end of the counter for support. No thanks to your short limbs, you’re practically hogging the shelf by now in an attempt to reach it. You look ridiculous, that’s for sure, and you make a mental note to keep Satoru’s windows open tonight so he freezes to death –

“Aw, cupcake,” a sing-song voice emerges from the other side of the room. “You look so adorable. You should’ve woke me up if you need my help.”

“Fuck off, Satoru,” you flip him off. The man only laughs, the rambunctious sound echoing off the walls. It’s way too early in the morning and he’s already so damn loud; something builds up at the back of your head out of frustration already. His grin only gets wider when you finally got the eggs and clutch it your chest, setting it down on the counter while wiping your sweat away from your face. “Freeloader,” you mutter under your breath, ignoring him when he happily skips over to you.

“Ouch,” he places a palm over his chest, although you both know he’s never really affected by anything. “So what’s for breakfast today? You?”

“You know, I can kick you out anytime I want. I’m being extremely nice even going as far to cook you breakfast before you leave for work, so don’t test my patience.”

“Exactly, my best friend is so kind,” Satoru grows the audacity to rest his arm on your head. This triggers a reflexive response from you; shoulders tensing up and hands curling into fists beside you. “I would totally date her if she wasn’t such a temperamental little devil,” you nearly stab him with a fork with his statement, which he thinks he’s being so sly for but you heard it, and you’re most definitely not pleased with it. “Okay, I’m kidding! I’m going to go shower now!”

You roll your eyes at him and heat the pan over with some oil, muttering under your breath that you’re really going to kick him out soon. As if things couldn’t get worse – as if Satoru couldn’t get any worse – he smacks your backside in the process before darting to the showers.

“Gojo Satoru!”

“Morning, best friend, love ya!”

You were right. He is a pain in the ass.

“You don’t always have to walk me to work.”

“I know.”

“So why’re you still here? I’m not a little kid anymore,” Contrary to your words, you stick closer to Satoru when the morning rush of workers and students begin to crowd the streets. Your best friend notices this with a small smile, his hand resting on the small of your back. “Don’t even try, Satoru.”

“I wasn’t saying anything.”

“I know that look on your face,” you fiddle with the buttons of your uniform, sighing when Satoru follows you inside the bus after tapping your phone for two seats. It’s not a surprise to you anymore that most of your expenses are spent by him, for him, and he lazily sprawls his long limbs across the seat before you pulling you down right next to him.

As much as you hate this man, especially because he smirks at the attention he’s receiving from women – even men – in the bus, you have to admit he’s warm and smells damn good. You bite the inside of your cheeks, looking around in slight self-consciousness before inching a little closer, just to feel his warmth. He’s comforting – irrationally so – so you set your bag between the both of you to keep your sanity. “If you keep doing this, Principal Yaga might fire your ass because you’re never on time.”

“Trust me, cupcake, he won’t. I’m too valuable for that.”

How you saw that coming – you can’t tell anymore. The bus ride is relatively quiet and eventless, with you dozing off every now and then because you’re never a morning person. Thankfully, Satoru is more respectful this time around, lolling your head until it drops to his shoulder. After that, he snakes his arm around your waist before resting it on your thigh as a way to say you don’t have to head bang every damn second and just sleep.

On any other occasion, you would’ve hated it. You always look so small whenever you’re in Satoru’s presence. It doesn’t help that he’s long and lanky, either, his slender fingers effortlessly caressing your thigh while almost your entire body is flushed next to him. But right now, he’s too warm, too soft, and you’re too tired that for just a little bit, you allow yourself to relax.

A beeping wakes you up a moment later. Opening your eyes, you push yourself off Satoru when you see an old lady reaching for the handles. No one gave up their seats for her even as the bus driver asked her to find a seat lest she’d fall.

“Grandma, here, take my seat—” You’re about to stand up and offer it to her when Satoru tugs you by the wrist. Because of your small, wobbly composure, pulling you to him takes little to no effort. You end up on his lap, sitting on him as if you’re nothing but a small, dainty schoolbag. Satoru is clearly enjoying this because you feel him breathily laugh on the back of your neck, charming – annoyingly so – as he gestures to the now empty spot beside him.

“It’s no worries, Grandma. She’ll be fine,” he gestures to you, patting your head like you’re some puppy. “Please, take a seat. The bus is already moving.”

“Satoru, get off me,” You wriggle yourself from his hold, which only ends up in wasted effort because this big oaf doesn’t even budge. He even bounces you on one of his thighs, and you dig your nails into his arms as a silent plead for him to stop. He ignores this, ignores your small whines and the apparent embarrassment that has you debating whether to punch him or hide yourself in the safety of his uniform.

“She’s a feisty little one, isn’t she?”

The old lady watches the two of you banter, giggling behind her wrinkled hands. “You’re an adorable couple.”

“I think so too!”

“You’re so going to pay for this, Satoru,” you grumble, face planted onto your palms. This is it – the worst day of your life. It’s even worse because despite your protests, you have to admit his lap is actually comfortable. You’ve already known this before after countless times of cuddling with Satoru during movie nights, but its different when you’re both out in public. It feels...oddly intimate and maybe even romantic when he rubs soothing circles at your back, almost as if apologizing for this event. Most of all, you just hate the way something pools beneath your stomach at having him so close to you like this. “This is so embarrassing. I’m practically crushing you with my weight.”

“Please, cupcake, you barely weigh anything. I could easily lift you off with just my finger,” when you elbow him in the chest, Satoru only laughs, raising both hands up in surrender. “Okay, okay, I’m sorry, I’ll stop teasing.”

You give up. No one seems to be paying much attention to any of you anyway, so you sigh, letting yourself hide in the crook of his neck as you watch the city pass through the windows. Your body moves as his chest rises and falls from his breathing, the movement oddly comforting. It’s embarrassing – it really is – but at least the grandma was comfortable until Satoru drops you off near your building.

“You don’t have to walk me all the way there.”

“Why not? You don’t want people to see us together or something?”

“No,” you stare at him from the corner of your eye. It’s no secret Satoru is attractive. This bastard knows it too, judging from the way he confidently and arrogantly swaggers next to you, hands shoved deep in his pockets as he walked with no care in the world. “My co-workers keep asking me for your number every time I tell them we’re not dating. It’s getting annoying at this point how they go Satoru this and Satoru that.”

“Am I hearing it right? Is cupcake jealous?”

“I’m not jealous, I’m disgusted,” you correct, “They don’t know how much of a pain you are to have around. They’re so focused with your looks that they completely overlook the fact you can’t even wash your dirty underwear!”

Satoru frowns at this, pointing his finger to you as if you’ve accused him of a huge crime. “Hey, I wash my underwear.”

“Yeah and last time you did, you mixed it with whites! My work uniform turned a stupid shade of blue! Now I can’t picture the colour of your boxers out of my head and it’s giving me a headache!”

“Wow, Y/N,” the smirk on his face and the sudden drop of nicknames lets you know you’ve said something wrong. Even behind his blindfold, you could tell his eyes are just sparkling with amusement. He’s enjoying this way too much. “I never thought you’d ever picture my boxers. I mean, I don’t mind showing it to you if you ask nicely—”

“Ugh, you’re so hopeless. I’m going to work.”

Gojo laughs when you jog away from him. He catches up with you in a matter of seconds, only having to take a few steps forward before he’s right beside you again. You’re unsure if you should be annoyed it’s so easy for him to always be right next to you, and how he almost always is right next to you while you prefer running away. It muddles with your heart and mind so much you pinch the bridge of your nose, trying not to be swayed by the sickeningly sweet sound of his laughter. “I can’t pick you up later, okay? I might work overtime!” (that’s a lie since Gojo prefers shopping and sightseeing)

Both of you know that’s a lie. Gojo never works overtime. He’s going to work for a few hours and so and call playing around with his students as “on-hand learning” before he goes shopping for stupid souvenirs and wild-flavoured mochis, then end his day by sightseeing and coming back home.

“Wasn’t expecting you to,” you mumble, waving goodbye to him as the office doors close. Slowly, Satoru’s grin and enthusiastic farewell fades into view until nothing but the pale, silver walls of your office greets you.

Funny how you claim to hate this man so much, yet the moment he’s out of sight, everything becomes dull and pointless.

It’s an absolutely shitty day. Your equally shitty boss blames you for something you didn’t even do, all because his incompetent secretary – who you’re sure he’s sleeping with – lost this month’s report and claimed she handed it to you last week when you’re not involved in that kind of work. Logic doesn’t come by them because your boss publicly humiliates and scolds you, calling you all kinds of names until tears are streaming down your face.

You slam the door shut the moment you get home, kicking your shoes off as you head straight to your room. You don’t bother taking your makeup off anymore as you change into a loose shirt and floral cotton shirts, padding to the kitchen after seeing Satoru is well nestled into the couch.

At least someone’s had a good day.

Seeing as the sink is empty, he probably hasn’t eaten dinner. This makes you sigh, because when will he ever learn to look after himself? He’s literally like a child.

Satoru pauses whatever he’s watching before he hovers over you, head tilted to the side as he gazes at you with curiosity. You ignore him and begin to set down some bowls and chopsticks for dinner, all the while Satoru is studying every inch of your tightly pulled face. “Bad day?” he concludes.

“Hmm.”

“Bad day it is then,” he nods to himself. “I can cook dinner, if you want.”

“And have you burn my apartment? No thanks,” you scoff, pushing him aside to retrieve the pans when you see that he’s placed them above again, even after you’ve reminded countless times to just leave it near the holders in the sink. “Ugh, why do you keep putting the pans in this shelf? You know I can’t reach this. I’ve had enough with you pulling pranks on me, and don’t think I’ve forgotten you placed my shampoo above the shower head today, you idiot,” you snarl and hop over the counter again to get the pans, trying your best to fight back the tears that are threatening to fall. “You’re really bothersome, you know that?”

“Then why don’t you kick me out?” he challenges, completely oblivious to how you’re struggling – both physically and emotionally. “You always complain about me being a nuisance here, but you’re not really doing anything to keep me out.”

“Because where else would you go?”

“Technically, I have a room back at the Institute.”

“Yeah, but because you’re so stupid and reckless that you got kicked out of your own home,” you spat out, and you watch as Satoru raises a brow at your statement. Banter is common between the both of you, but something about the intensity of your gaze lets him know you’re serious this time around. “I don’t even know how Yuuji puts up with you. That poor Megumi is right when he says you’re insufferable. You’re good for nothing!”

Satoru scoffs, “Fine, if you hate me that much, why didn’t you just say so earlier? I could easily pack my bags and go since I’m just making everything harder—” Satoru doesn’t get to finish what he’s saying when your hand over the counter that acts as support slips under you, and you fall, legs bent awkwardly while you scream, preparing yourself for the impact. The pan is long forgotten, your only thought was oh my god, so this is how I die.

But it never came, and you keep your eyes shut tight even as warm hands cup your ass. Satoru is breathing hard under you. Finally gaining the courage to crack an eye open, your breath halts when you see that he’s sitting on the floor, with you safely nestled between him.

Satoru has always had pretty eyes, but it’s rare he takes off his blindfold off even when he’s home. This is one of those rare occurrences that he seems like a normal human, dressed in a gray sweatshirt that hands low from his collarbones and magnetic blue eyes staring right back at you. His touch is gentle, almost as if he’s afraid to hurt you, and his voice that is usually loud and teasing comes out breathy and hesitant.

“Are you okay?”

Your gaze drops down to his lips. He’s close, so close, that if you just lean a little closer you could – you snap out of your daze. “Get off me.”

“Cupcake, you’re the one who’s on top of me,” his voice falls an octave lower, eyes flitting down to your clothing – or rather the lack of it – before Satoru takes a deep breath. “Did you really have to wear that?”

“I have the right to wear whatever I want in the comfort of my own home.”

“I wasn’t complaining,” he raised a brow, this time completely in control of himself as he gazes back up at you with a burning gaze. You see nothing but the way one corner of his lips tilt up, almost teasing, and he looks so much like a shit-eater that you feel heat crawl down your spine.

You push yourself off him but your bent foot behind you slips, and you fall forward with your hands clutching his strong shoulders. Satoru catches your leg behind you, drags it forward until your knee is pressed in between one of your warmth, very much still enjoying the way you wriggle away from his hold. He knows his effect on you – but you deny this wholeheartedly.

“Careful, cupcake. This isn’t a slip and slide.”

“I hate you so much,” you bare your teeth at him, slapping his chest until he finally lets go of you. Turning your back to him, you pick up the pan and begin preparing your dinner, muttering curses under your breath as you heat up the stove. “I’m kicking you out tomorrow.”

“Why not now?”

“Eat your damn dinner first.”

Dinner after that is awkward. Although Gojo is someone who can wolf down his meal in three seconds, he takes his time in eating to start conversation with you. Sometimes he asks decent questions like how your day was or he’d talk about something stupid, but he’s quiet the whole time. He even volunteers to do the dishes before retreating to his room, coating the house in silence.

It almost feels like you’re all alone over again.

You’ve gotten so used to him being an utter mess everywhere that when he’s not trying to piss you off and actually giving you the much needed peace, you begin to hate it. Memories of the rude things you’ve said to him a while ago play and in your head, and you bang your head against the wall repeatedly.

How are you supposed to apologize to Satoru now?

The answer doesn’t come until you stare at your walls, wide awake at midnight. The house is still eerily silent and you don’t stop shuffling around your bed in discomfort. Many times, you wished that Satoru would shut up and leave you alone, but now that he’s actually done that, it feels weird. Uncomfortable. It feels wrong.

With a grunt, you kick off the sheets and carefully tread to his room, knocking lightly in case he’s already sleeping. “Satoru?” you call out, fidgeting with the hem of your shirt. “Are you awake?”

You’ve seen Satoru angry as kids before, but what would he be like now? Would he still want to be your friend? Would he still annoy you by hiding your things somewhere you can’t reach? Or would he be the who is now out of reach? If he leaves...who’s going to walk you to work? Who’s going to complain he doesn’t want to do groceries but buys you things you don’t ask for but want anyway? Who’s going to keep teasing the living daylights out of you if not him?

All these thoughts claw at the back of your mind until your bottom lip trembles. You hate how weak you feel; how you’re never careful with your words.

You never meant it when you said all that.

Your train of thought is cut off when the door swings open, revealing an equally tired-looking Satoru. At the sight of you peering up at him with glossy eyes, he pushes the door wider and steps closer to you, his large hands cupping your face as he leans down in worry. “Cupcake,” his brows pinch together, “Did something happen? Is something wrong?”

“I just wanted to apologize for everything I said,” you blurt out, “I was just tired from work and my boss was being shitty, so I wasn’t totally myself that time and I’m really sorry I took my anger out on you. I didn’t mean it when I said you’re insufferable and that I’m kicking you out so – yeah,” you breathe out, trailing your gaze downwards to stare at your feet instead. It’s difficult to look him in the eye right now. When you finally gain courage to speak again, it barely comes out as a whimper, your hands delicately tugging at his shirt. “Please stay. I like having my best friend around here.”

Satoru doesn’t answer.

You’re about to look up at him just in case you’ve said something wrong, or worse, he refuses to forgive you, but then – “Yeah, I know you wouldn’t kick me out. You’re too much of a darling to say no to me.”

Sigh. Satoru laughs when he sees your shoulders deflate, absolutely shattered in exhaustion. Hiding your smile to now show him you’re relieved, you punch his chest that really feels like a fly had accidentally flew into him. “Way to ruin the mood, Satoru. And here I thought I could have a serious conversation with you for once.”

“Apology accepted,” he beams, tilting your chin upwards so you could look at him. Even in the darkness of his room, his eyes glow, leaving you hypnotized in its beauty. “Plus, I think I’m the one who should apologize. You’re right; I haven’t been the best roommate and I am a freeloader,” he scratches the side of his head in thought. “But I do buy you food all the time though.”

“Yeah, with my money,” you counter, but you don’t really care anymore at this point. You’re beyond elated you’re both fine now, and you shyly gesture to his big, warm bed that suddenly looks so comfortable. “Can I stay here for tonight?”

“You want Satoru’s bear hug?”

“Yes, I do.” There’s no hesitation in your words and you don’t complain anymore when he easily picks you up like a ragdoll using only one arm. He’s surprisingly gentle when he places you both down on the bed, sheets warm and soft as it blankets over you.

It would be perfect – except it’s so damn awkward.

Gojo’s long limbs are everywhere. Your face is pressed into his chest, both your legs tangled together. His arm is sprawled over the curve of your hip, his hand nearly grazing your ass that’s barely covered by the thin material of your shorts, but if he shifts, he’ll end up cupping the back of your thighs which is equally uncomfortable.

He seems to be stuck in the same position because you’re so small, and your knees are grazing his groin. Had he known you’re going to sleep with him, he would’ve worn underwear or even boxers under his sweatpants.

He’s never told you before, but he prefers to sleep in the nude. Satoru only picked up the nearest pair of pants when he heard you knock, and even then, he didn’t have the time to wear a shirt.

Your breath is hot on his skin and he’s so sensitive and aware of all your movements. Satoru clears his throat awkwardly, shifting until his arm lightly holds your back instead, but then he pulls away as if he’s touched fire when he’d unknowingly fiddled with your bra clasp instead. It’s so painfully awkward that Satoru chuckles above you, while you scrunch your nose, silently praying to the heavens above that he won’t hear how loud your heart is beating right now.

“Why is it so hot in your own room?”

“Maybe it’s time you get me an AC.”

“You wish, Satoru,” you mumble beneath him, making yourself as comfortable as you can with your cheek resting on his bicep. It’s not the softest pillow considering he’s pretty muscular, but he’s warm and smells like mint spice nevertheless. “You’re really not going to put on a shirt?”

Satoru sighs, a long and loud one that is extended for dramatic purposes. Suddenly, he pushes your knee off of him, grimacing and thanking the darkness that you can’t see how much he’s struggling right now. “Cupcake, this is hard for me as much as it is for you. You’re barely wearing anything.”

“Since when have you cared about what I wear?”

“I’m a man, Y/N,” is what he reasons with, “You’re lucky it’s me. Had it been someone else and you crawled into their bed wearing these—” Satoru pinches the waistband of your shorts, and you squeal in protest, only making him laugh afterwards before he lets it go and the material snaps back at your skin, “—poor excuse of what you call shorts, I can’t guarantee they’ll give you a peaceful night.”

You know exactly what he’s trying to hint at. Still, it’s hard to believe that Satoru is capable of seeing you that way.

It’s not that you feel you’re unattractive. You know you’re pretty and have been out on many dates, but it’s easy to feel that you’re not sexy when you have the height of a thirteen year old and you’ve been constantly chastised about it.

Satoru’s not-compliment compliment has your heart skipping a beat, and you scoff in response. “Shut up,” you warn lamely, “I want to sleep.”

“Then let’s sleep, cupcake.” You don’t know if it’s because you’re utterly exhausted that you doze off seconds later or if Satoru’s words just held power in them, but soon all thoughts of anything unwanted drifts out the window, his arms keeping you close, completely safe and sound until the worst nightmares couldn’t even come close.

Hot. It’s extremely hot.

You crack an eye open to try and find the source of this uncomfortable heat, but you freeze when you realize you can’t feel your muscles from the chin down. Panic rises in your throat once you see the current predicament you’re in, and a scream rips through your throat so loud that the birds outside scurry away in a flurry.

You’re wrapped in Satoru’s blanket and comforter, rendering you unable to move because of how he’d treated you like a burrito wrap. Even your toes are captured inside this hell, and only your head is able to wriggle side to side.

“Satoru!”

The culprit comes out of the shower a split second later, his hair dripping wet and only a towel hanging low from his lips. If you weren’t so hell-bent on killing him, you would’ve been speechless at the way water drips from his hair down to the curves of his abs, going down down down into a place only your darkest imaginations could take you.

Satoru bends over in laughter as he whips out his phone, jumping from angle to angle and side to side to take photos of you. “Fuck,” he howls, slapping his thigh while you snarl in an attempt to break free. “You’re a lot cuter than I thought you’d be.”

“Satoru! Get me out of here!”

“No, this is way too gold. I’m sending these to my students.”

“Satoru, I’m serious!” The devil incarnate himself falls deaf to your please.

Maybe it’s because the violent intent has coursed through your veins so strongly that a surge of energy and strength overcomes you, and soon, you’ve rolled out of the blanket. The fresh air nipping at your heated skin is most welcomed, but right now, you had a mission to fulfil: obliterate Gojo Satoru.

The platinum haired man is still laughing to himself, too distracted in scrolling through the best photos to send to his students that he doesn’t notice you escaping and zooming straight right at him.

The momentum is enough to catch him off guard until you end up on top of him, short arms clawing your way through to snatch his phone. Satoru yelps when his phone lands out into the living room and your hands come down to choke him. You don’t have plans to kill him, but you want to hurt him enough to remind him you’re not someone he can fuck with.

You’ve just about had enough of this man and you’re so sick of him!

Satoru yells out a “Hey!” when you let out a battle cry, using your legs to kick him back when he tries to sit up. Your plan backfires when your hands slip down his wet skin and you fall face forwards, hands barely touching the ground for support when your lips come crashing down on his.

He stills underneath you. It takes a moment for you to realize that holy shit, you’re kissing him and his lips are so soft that has you scrambling back, but Satoru doesn’t let you.

His large hand comes up at the back of your neck to pull you forward. The sudden movement makes you gasp, and Satoru slips his tongue inside when you do so. You no longer remember how you got here or try to make sense of what’s going on, because he feels so good, tastes so good that you bury your nails in his hair while he ravishes your mouth.

You’re so tiny that his hand cups your entire buttcheek almost possessively, a low growl emanating deep in his throat when your tongue eagerly intertwines with his. Satoru tastes like heaven and everything about the kiss is sloppy – tongue clashing with one another and teeth nibbling at the other’s lips. It’s clear both of you can’t get enough of one another as you moan in his mouth, shamelessly grinding on his crotch, suddenly thankful that you’re always wearing thin clothes when you feel him harden underneath you.

“Fuck, baby,” he pulls away to breathe, a string of saliva connecting the both of you. “Yeah, just like that,” There’s something empowering about the way he pants at your ministrations, especially when you roll your hips faster across his erection. “Keep going, baby, you’re doing – fuck – so well.”

You smirk at his praises, latching your teeth on his neck to suck marks on them. Satoru groans at the same time you muffle your moans through his skin, his hands sliding under your shirt to tug the cups of your bra down. You nearly lose it when he pinches your nipple, bolts of electricity running down your spine at the contact. A moan breaks through your lips just as you come right there and then, the wetness of your sudden orgasm barely hidden in your flimsy underwear.

“Feel good?” he teases and drags your shirt down to the other side, but the post-nut clarity hits. And when it does, it hits hard.

Fuck. You just came from Satoru’s simple touches, and he’s so unsatisfied, still painfully hard underneath you but nothing but panic and regret washes over you like a strong tidal wave. Suddenly, you grow lightheaded as you push yourself off him, fixing your bra while ignoring the confused and hurt look on his face.

“I gotta go to work,” you run out the room, feeling your body tremble as Satoru runs after you. “Make yourself breakfast. I’ll eat on the way out.”

“Y/N, wait!”

You know you’ve just ruined everything – that nothing will ever be the same after that – but you’re scared, utterly and remorsefully so, that you slam the door right in his face as if you don’t have any idea how much you broke him.

You’ll never forget the way Satoru’s face fell when you left.

Just as you thought, nothing is the same after that. The tension is so thick around the apartment you make an effort and go out of your way just to avoid him and the apartment completely.

It’s cowardly – you know this much – but do you ever try to fix the friendship you cherish but shattered completely? You don’t. You don’t because it only crashes down onto you now that maybe your feelings for him aren’t just platonic, after all. It’s even worse because you touch yourself at the thought of him filling you up when he’s asleep, all because you want him so bad and the mere presence of him has your brain malfunctioning.

It isn’t entirely sexual either. Yes, you want to fuck him badly, but it scares you down to the core even more because you want so much more than that.

Now you understand why you always say he’s a bother but never asked him to leave. It’s because you like him, actually romantically interested in him. It makes sense now why you always felt so annoyed whenever your co-workers asked for his number, or how you’re immediately pissed off when Satoru talks about this hot woman he saw at work. You always chalk it up to an excuse you just hate how he can’t keep in his pants, but it isn’t true at all.

It’s because you actually like him – and you’re at a loss on what to do or how to deal with it.

The next few days feels like hell. Satoru isn’t stupid; he knows you’re avoiding him. He stops teasing you eventually and even buys takeout all the time when you lock yourself up in your room right after work, refusing to cook dinner or even eat all so you’d be spared the torture of looking at him.

He’d knock at your door and ask you to eat, but other than that, he’s respected your distance.

You feel like the most terrible person on earth. You don’t miss the way dark circles line under his eyes or how he’s lost his spark, barely even speaking to you when you’ve come or about to leave for work.

You’re alone the whole ride, as well, and it only dawns on you how lonely you are when Satoru isn’t always annoying you all the time.

But it doesn’t make sense. Why is he so bothered by it? Didn’t he regret it? It’s painfully clear you’re not Satoru’s type. You’ve seen the women he dated before, and you’re not close to them so why does he seem like he’s struggling with this as well? Or maybe...he’s just sad that his friend is avoiding him.

Yeah, that has to be it.

Satoru is a man. He was probably turned on at that time, but after giving some thought about it, he probably wants to keep his distance too. He’d be insane if he ever actually wants to date you – his best friend out of all people – because he’s Gojo Satoru and he could literally have everyone else.

You don’t care that you’re a coward.

You don’t care that Satoru is sad to see you this way.

You don’t care because you know he’ll reject you, you know he’ll be weirded if you admit your feelings for him. To him, you’re like his little sister. There’s just no way you two would work out. For now, you have to get comfortable with the uncomfortable. You just need some time to get over your feelings for him, and when you’re confident you won’t fall for him again, you’ll mend your friendship.

You just need time.

“So, Y/N, you still don’t want to give us your friend’s number?”

“Yeah, Y/N, you should share it,” your co-worker encourages by jabbing her shoulder to yours. It’s a lazy Friday night and the staff went out for dinner. You don’t usually come to these hangouts since dinner with Satoru is always much more fun, but he’s the last person you want to think about now, so you happily join them. Now, though, you’re starting to regret ever coming here. “If he’s really single like you said, then it shouldn’t be a big deal to ask for it.”

“Well, since you want it so badly, why don’t you ask him directly for it instead?” you snap, feeling anger begin to trickle. All you wanted was just one day where you don’t have to think of him, but of course they had to bring him up. It’s also annoying how they can never seem to get the message across that you don’t want them dating him. “Why do I have to be the messenger?”

“We haven’t seen him much. Doesn’t he always walk you to work?”

“He’s been busy with his job, that’s all.” And also because I’m avoiding him – so now he’s avoiding me too.

“He’s a teacher, right?”

“Oh, come on, guys, don’t be so dense,” your senpai chugged her drink rather loudly, catching the attention of your nosy co-workers who wouldn’t stop pestering you for his number. “Look at how uncomfortable she looks. It’s obvious she doesn’t want you guys to be involved with her friend for a reason. Think of how weird it is for her too if ever her co-worker and best friend dated. She’s going to feel like a third wheel.”

“I’m not—”

“That makes sense,” your co-worker nodded beside you, “Are you sure you just don’t like him though?”

“Ew, why would I?” the food began to taste bitter through your lies, “He may be tall and attractive, but as his roommate, I’ve seen his ugly side. Satoru is a complete slob and can’t even cook to save his life.”

“I don’t mind cooking for him all the time if I were to be his little housewife.”

“That’s never gonna happen,” your words came out harsher than it was, and you laugh it off with a wave of your hand when your co-workers’ eyes widened. “I’ve been living with him for six months and he’s never brought anyone home or told me he’s going on a date. I told you already, he’s a no strings attached kind of guy. He’s nothing but a one night stand.”

“You have to admit he’s still sexy though.”

Right. You hide your groan through another shot because there’s no way of convincing them otherwise. As much as you hate to admit, you’re actually jealous on how freely they could talk about him like that, but then again, it’s not like you and Satoru were dating – or would ever date, for that matter.

They start to leave one by one when it starts to get late, leaving only you who’s still desperate to avoid Satoru. Nothing prepares you for when the sky darkens and a storm comes pouring just as you’ve left the closing shop, the rain drenching and soaking your clothes through and through. Running under the nearest tree for shelter, you shiver. It’s cold – way too cold – and curse yourself for not bringing a darned umbrella.

The nearest bus stop is like what, fifteen to twenty minutes away? Your teeth are chattering and your legs are shaking, and you fumble through your phone as you dial a number you know by heart before you even realize what you’re doing. “S-Satoru?”

“Y/N,” the surprise is unmasked in his voice, something shuffling in the background before it falls silent. “Is everything okay?”

“Uhm, are you busy right now? It’s fine if you are, I’m just—”

“I’m training with Yuuji, but what is it?”

“Listen, I,” you inhale sharply when coldness bursts through your body, making you shiver and press yourself closer to tree to get away from the rain. Above you, thunder crackles before the rain grows heavier and angrier. “I forgot to bring an umbrella and I’m absolutely soaked right now. The nearest bus stop is fifteen minutes away and all the buildings here look so shady—”

“I’ll be on my way. Text me where you are,” You nod and thank him, too cold and numb to realize you’ve just broken days of silence. You lose track of time under there, hugging yourself until your lips turn blue. It doesn’t take long before Satoru shows up minutes later, his hair equally drenched and sticking flat to his eyes free from his blindfold while he pants, hand on his knees. “Thank goodness you’re safe. I rushed here so fast I forgot to bring an umbrella.”

After seeing Satoru drenched like that, something snaps within you. He doesn’t seem bothered by the fact the rain is unforgiving as it slaps the pavement, and your heart breaks when you see that he’s more concerned for you – even after you’ve given him the silent treatment. “You idiot! Now you’re soaking wet too, you’re going to get sick!”

“Highly unlikely,” he shrugs. “Come on, let’s get you home.”

“But what about—” Satoru suddenly carries you before draping his coat over your head, running until he found a cab to hail. He immediately asks the driver to turn up the heater while you tremble on top of him, not caring anymore that you’re sticking so close to him for heat.

Satoru doesn’t let you go all the way inside the apartment. He sets you down on the couch where you take off your wet clothes in haste, too cold with teeth chattering that you silently take the hoodie and boxers Satoru offers you, making sure to keep his gaze averted the whole time. Once fully dressed, you snuggle back into the sofa’s comfort, stiffening when the couch dips beside you.

Not a moment later, Satoru towel-dries your hair, leaving your mouth and throat dry with guilt. Even after you’ve unnecessarily been a bitch to him, he’s still so kind with you.

“Thank you for coming.”

“Don’t mention it.”

“Satoru...” you twiddle with your thumbs just as he starts to ruffle the towel in your hair, making sure to squeeze water out of the strands as he dries it. “About what happened the other day—”

“It didn’t happen if you don’t want it to,” his voice is cold’ monotonous and so emotionless you’re rendered speechless. “You can forget about it.”

“I...”

“You regret it, right?” he’s done with drying your hair, and he stands up to place the wet towels in the sink as you watch him stride all the way there. He’s changed his clothes too; looking comfortable in a plain white shirt and some grey sweatpants, looking every bit the domestic boyfriend you’ve always wanted but can never have. “It’s fine. We can forget about it and go back to normal,” to emphasize his point, Satoru winks at you, though it does nothing but make your heart sink.

“What if I don’t want to forget it?” your voice is small; hesitant and wavering with fear. “What if...the only reason I pulled away is because I wanted more of you?”

Satoru’s back freezes as he sets the towel aside. At this point, your heart is pulsing on your tongue, and you dig your nails onto your thighs when Satoru sits down next to you, right next to you. He’s silent the whole time; eyes calculatedly piercing through yours. Your breath hitches when his hands that are burning hot against your cold skin cups your jaw before his thumb runs across your lips, his eyes turning dark at your reactions.

“And what if I said I felt the same way?”

“I,” you gasp, closing your eyes because it all feels so surreal. “I like you, Satoru. I like you a lot and I—” he doesn’t let you finish. Soon, you find yourself in his lap with his hands cupping your cheeks while he smashes his lips onto yours.

Satoru is absolutely feral. He’s breathing hard and almost angry, even, with the way his teeth are biting down to nibble on your lips. You moan when he drags you closer, your clothed centre rubbing on his thigh with delicious friction. “You have no idea,” he rasps down on your lips, “how much I’ve fucking liked you ever since we were kids,” Satoru pushes his hoodie aside, revealing your sweet neck to him, and he doesn’t waste his time in sucking and abusing the poor flesh so he can mark you as his. “I’ve always wanted you, Y/N, it’s always you, always you.”

You fist his hoodie when Satoru sinks his teeth down into the juncture of your neck, his hands curious and exploring every inch of your body. He knows you’re naked underneath his clothes, but it’s a different thing when he actually feels your breasts right on his palm. Satoru tweaks the hardened bud in his fingers, growling when you moan at the contact and use his thigh to get off.

“You—” you gasp as you expose your neck to him, wild and needy as you keep rubbing your heat over his thigh. “—talk way too fucking much,” you scold, finally pushing his lips away from your neck. Satoru chuckles at your eagerness but you silence him by flinging his boxers off of your body and somewhere far away, exposing your heat slick with arousal right in front of him. His pupils blow in excitement, hands coming up to grab at your hips, but his attention is taken away when you nibble on his ear to whisper, “Shut up and fuck me.”

The simple command is enough to make his patience snap. In a flash, you’re pinned underneath him, whining and moaning when his finger meets no resistance as he slips it inside. “You’re that needy, huh?” he laughs even louder when you lose it, humping yourself on his finger because it’s not enough.

“Satoru,” you beg, clutching his bicep when he adds another finger in. “More.”

His fingers are so long, hitting places that your small ones could never reach. He begins to scissor his way in, his fingers deliciously rubbing against your velvety walls while pumping them inside and out in a speed that causes you to squelch around him.

It’s absolutely lewd how you’re eagerly spread out before him, but your head is clouded with lust, no longer hindered by shyness out of your need to cum. Your chest is rising heavily, his thumb now rubbing against your clit as he coaxes you to cum. “Tell me what you want, baby,” he kisses your cheeks, eyelids, nose, anywhere but your lips, his voice so gentle and innocent as if he’s not knuckle deep inside you. “Tell me how you want me.”

“Inside,” you whine, gasping when he brushes against a really sensitive spot that has you clamping down on him. “‘Toru, fuck, just fuck me.”

“Beg for it,” he smiles against your skin, relentless and harsh as he keeps pushing inside you. You feel him everywhere and nowhere at the same time. Another finger adds in until you’re dripping enough on his palm and staining the couch, but neither of you care. “I said, beg for it.”

“No,” you hold back, nearly crying out when he pulls your fingers out of you. That sudden emptiness is back again, but you don’t want to beg. You’ve never begged another man before, and this won’t be the first time you’ll be doing so either. You refuse to let him have the upper hand despite the crystal clear fact you’re already soaking wet for him, but because you’re stubborn, you only fumble with his sweatpants to spring his cock free.

He’s already dripping with pre-cum from the slit, his cock hard and angry. Despite his arousal, Satoru stops you from going further, using only one hand to trap both your wrists. “Beg for it,” he demands again, his other fist already pumping down on his shaft.

You nearly cry at the sight. Both of you are aware that Satoru is capable of pleasuring himself, but it’s not that easy for you. Your small, dainty fingers will never be parallel to the pleasure his long cock could give you. All you had to do was beg for it. He’s right there, within reach, if only you’d just –

Impatient for your answer, Satoru takes you by the hips and discards your hoodie in the process, sinking you down his cock, inch by delicious inch. You don’t hold back from the sensual and high-pitched moan that leaves your lips. He’s long, and the tip of his cock just about brushes your cervix when he bottoms out. He feels so good, so warm and huge and filling you up right where you want him to be. Your head falls down on his shoulder as you begin to roll your hips, but Satoru has had enough.

“Fuck, look at you,” he presses on the bulge of his cock visible through your abdomen. “You’re so fucking small – how do you take me so well? I could ruin you. Do you want that? Do you want me to ruin you?”

“Yes, yes, fuck.”

“You think you can just leave me hanging like that, huh?” he slaps your ass, eliciting another moan from you and making you clench around his cock. Satoru falters for a moment. Before you can react, he stands up, your legs wrapped around his waist with nothing but his tip hitting inside you. “You’ve been so fucking mean – leaving me wanting you like that and ignoring me for days. Do you think you deserve this, huh?” Satoru kicks his door open at the same time he loosens his hold around your ass, making you slide down his length the next second.

“Oh, fuck,” you cry out just as Satoru begins to bounce you, your breasts following the motion of him fucking deep into you. “Fuck, Toru, that’s too—”

He’s so eager to fuck you, to make a mess out of you and have you losing your mind over his cock that he doesn’t even wait until you’re both on the bed. You no longer register when your back hits the pillow, or how your arms are frozen when he pins it above your head.

“You’re so beautiful,” he praises as he watches you clench around him. You’re so small and his eyes zero in on the way your abdomen bulges then flattens again every time he pounds into you, rolling his hips in a way that has you screaming and thighs quaking. “Beautiful, beautiful, perfect,” the moment his hands grip at your hips to pin you down, you know he’s not going to stop. And you don’t want him to.

Satoru latches his lips around your right breast, gently grazing his teeth over it while his other hand pinches and rolls the pebbled nipple between his fingers. He feels so good – and you’re crying already by the time you wrap your legs around him to pull him closer.

The room is filled with the smell of sex, the sound of skin slapping against skin combined with his breathy grunts and your moans like heaven on his ears. Satoru wants you to feel how much he loves you – how much he adores you – and the pace he sets is torturous. He snaps his hips against yours and presses down on the bulge of his cock through your belly, chuckling when you tighten more around him.

Your head lols to the side, tears falling down your pretty face because of how rough he’s being. But you don’t complain, not when he’s filling you in so deep and he’s kissing you everywhere, touching you everywhere, making you feel nothing else and nobody else but him.

“You’re amazing,” he rasps, watching the way your tight cunt sucks him in greedily as if you don’t want him to go anywhere else. “You take me in so well – you really want me to destroy you, huh?”

“Satoru, please,” you finally plead, “I-I’m cumming, I want you, I need you, oh,” you squeal when he finally lets your arms free. You look so precious, so innocent, and he doesn’t let up his pace. He plants his feet into the ground and his strokes begin to grow sloppy, your tight walls encouraging him to go faster, go deeper.

If possible, Satoru is only even more fuelled with the way you look so precious and innocent in that moment. His touch is gentle in comparison to the way he’s mercilessly plowing into you, using his thumb to wipe away the tears streaming down your cheeks. He knows he’s too big for you, that much is obvious from how much you’re already overstimulated just by his size, but your nails sink down on the flesh of his ass as a silent plead for more.

“Fuuuuck, I’m so close!”

“Yeah?” He fondled your clit, loving the sight of your small body creaming down on his cock. “Come for me, sweet girl. I want to feel you coming on my cock. Come on, tell me you’re mine. You’re made me for aren’t you?”

“Yes, Satoru, fuck,” you squeal, throwing your head back for a second when he keeps hitting your g-spot that has you seeing stars. Your toes curl and your hands fist the sheets behind you as he keeps impaling you with his cock right then and there.

You looked perfect; so perfect to him that he’s basically using you for his own pleasure at this moment. Your orgasm hits you like a tidal wave, back arching and nipples brushing against his chest.

In that moment, you grow needy to have him even closer, tilting up to blindly search for his lips. Satoru complies; leaning down and leaving open mouthed breathy kisses that’s a mix of you moaning and crying around him, while he struggles to do so when he’s cursing at the feeling of you coating his cock with your juices. Satoru looks down at your tiny frame trapped in his arms, his voice husky as he groans once he saw both of your arousal absolutely leaking out of your wet cunt.

He’s so close but you’re already over the edge, scratching at his back at the overstimulation. You’re still so sensitive from when you came and Satoru doesn’t slow one down one bit. He loses his rhythm as his thrusts go sloppy, and Satoru buries his face in your neck as his cock twitches inside you until he bursts with his cum leaking out of your hole.

Satoru’s arms give out beneath you, his chest colliding with yours but not enough that he’s crushing you with his weight. You’re both breathing hard and panting, his dick softening inside you.

He pulls back a moment later to slide out his sensitive cock, wincing while he watches pools of cum gather in your pussy before it drips out. It isn’t until he’s witnessing the mess he’s made he realizes how you’ve been so good for him; taking him all the way in despite your quivering frame. It dawns on him now just how tiny you are when he pulls you close to him; you’re practically hanging off his chest with how small your body is.

He wonders how you’re able to fit all of him, but he’s grateful nevertheless. Satoru shows his appreciation by peppering kisses all over your face, his hand snaking down to caress your inner thighs.

“Hmm,” you moan into the kiss, jolting when his knuckles brush against your sensitive clit. “Satoru, no,” you whine while pushing his hand away, and he shushes you with another kiss. “’M too sensitive, please...”

“It’s fine, cupcake, it’s fine,” his nickname for you is back again, and you lean closer to him just as he begins to massage your sore legs. “You did so well for me, cupcake, you know that? You’re such a good girl for me,” too fucked out to have a comprehensive answer, you only nod in response, spreading your legs open again and ignoring the warm stickiness between your thighs as Satoru kneads your abused flesh. You feel him kiss your temple before he leaves to get a towel and cleans you up. Meanwhile, you’re so tired you’re about to doze out in his bed.

“Hey,” he soothes, bundling you up in his arms until you’re tucked in the safety of his body. So small, he coos inside his head, watching as you fold yourself even smaller while your eyes flutter. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” you sigh into his shoulder, “I feel good. Thank you.”

Satoru doesn’t really know what you’re thanking him for. He feels like he’s the one who’s mostly indebted to you after everything you’ve done for him. You’ve already fallen asleep before he gets the chance to tell you how he feels, so Satoru only covers you both under his blanket, making sure there’s no more space between you out of fear you’ll distance yourself from him again.

But he doesn’t have to worry about that because you’re right next to him, and you’re never out of reach.

[chromatic-fate]

*Drops a fanfic oneshot without context*

Have fun everyone!

*Runs away*

Warning! Descriptions of gore. Not much, I don’t think, but it’s still my first time writing angst, so be wary!

           DIluc ran through the streets of Mondstadt, fear and panic gripping his heart in a deathly hold. The words on Kaeya’s note made him feel cold as they ran through his mind over and over, the last words echoing in his mind like an orchestra. Don’t look for me.

           No, Diluc thought, he was going to look for his brother. It didn’t matter if he didn’t want him to, he was going to. Even if Kaeya was dying, even if Diluc could do nothing to stop it, he wasn’t going to let his brother die alone. No, he wasn’t dying, Kaeya was just lying. Right?

           Diluc made it to the front gates, his appearance frazzled and panicked. He saw Lawrence and Swan guarding the entrance to Mond quite dutifully, but it didn’t matter right now. He would ask the Knights for help at this point, it didn’t matter. All that mattered was finding Kaeya.

           “Lawrence, Swan!” Diluc cried, causing the two guards to turn to him.

           “Master Diluc, what’s—“

           “Have you seen Kaeya?” Diluc cut off the knight.

           “Captain Kaeya? We saw him leave the city about an hour ago. Why? Has something happened?” Swan answered.

           Shit. This wasn’t good. This was far from good.

           “Kaeya’s run away. He left a letter in his apartment giving a reason. I’m going out to find him. Tell Acting Grand Master Jean now and gather who you can for a search party.” Diluc commanded.

           The knights looked at each other, weary looks on their faces.

“Sir Kaeya doesn’t seem like someone to run away like that. Know him; it’s probably one of his little plans to take down a camp of Treasure Hoarders.” Swan said.

“Yeah, Sir Kaeya is really secretive. He often acts like this.” Lawrence agreed with his coworker.

Did they doubt him right now? Seriously? He’s not joking about this! Kaeya literally left a note in his apartment addressed to Diluc asking him not to look for him! This is why he hates the knights.

           Before Diluc could scream at the two knights, a loud, ear-piecing sound rolled across the land. It sounded old, older than Morax, much older than Morax. Ancient. It was a guttural sound, foreign, alien, and yet all too painfully familiar at the same time. Screams, this sound was screams, multiple screams, all with the same voice.

           Diluc and the knights covered their ears, trying their best to cancel out the sound, but to no avail. Their ears began to bleed, Diluc felt the crimson liquid bleed through his gloves, and he felt his mind began to slip. This sound wasn’t something he could comprehend, nor understand.

           And just like that, the sound stopped, it only lasted for a few seconds, but it already caused such a large and painful reaction.

           Diluc turned to the knights, an intense look in his eye and his mouth in a scowl. This wasn’t anything remotely good.

           “One of you get to the HQ and report to Grand Master Jean! Now!” Diluc screamed.

           Swan nodded and quickly, a look of shock and panic on his face, and ran to the Knights HQ, leaving Lawrence to guard the gate alone. Diluc turned to him next.

           “Did you see where Kaeya was heading?” Diluc asked the man.

           “Last I saw he was heading towards the Whispering Woods, but I don’t know why.” The knight answered.

           Diluc nodded and took off, running as fast as he could to his brothers last known destination. The situation just got a lot more serious. This wasn’t just finding his Kaeya anymore, it was a matter of finding Kaeya before whatever that thing is. Time was ticking, and he was way behind.

           Just as Diluc came to the beginning of the woods, a sudden burst of powerful wind made him stumble back. He managed to catch himself before he fell to the ground, but the wind made him falter.

           “Sorry Master Diluc,” came a familiar voice, “but you have to stop here.”

           “Venti.” DIluc muttered, distaste in his tone. “What are you doing here.”

           “Protecting you from more pain. You don’t know what’s beyond the forest, Diluc! Please, go back to Mond! You don’t want to keep searching!” Venti begged. Diluc has never seen the Archon look so desperate. But it didn’t matter.

           “I don’t care! Kaeya is my brother! I have to find him and bring him home!” Diluc cried back, anger and panic clear in his voice.

           Venti looked like he was about to cry. The winds from the forest blew harder, almost knocking Diluc onto his back. But he pushed forward, fighting against the harsh winds that his Archon sent to deter him.

           “Please Diluc! I’m begging you, turn back! You can’t handle what’s beyond this forest!” Venti was actually crying now, tears streaming down his face uncontrollably.

           But Diluc still didn’t listen, and the wind was getting annoying. No one was going to stop him from finding his brother, not even his own Archon. Diluc dug his feet into the earth below him and summoned his claymore. Diluc knew he would regret this later, but he didn’t care right now, he had to find Kaeya. Flames engulfed his blade as he raised it over his shoulder, preparing for an enormous attack.

           “BURN!” Diluc shouted, releasing a giant phoenix at the Anemo Archon.

           Venti tumble back at the wave of heat washing over him, causing the winds to subside enough for Diluc to run past the bard. And Diluc did just that, taking the opening he created, caring little foe how much collateral damage he might have caused to the surrounding flora.

           “DILUC!” He heard the bard yell, but he didn’t look back.

           Diluc quickly rushed through the forest, eyes scanning everywhere he could for a familiar patch of navy blue hair and dark skin. He soon reached the other side of the Whispering Woods, still no Kaeya to be found. He kept running, refusing to let the Archon to catch up with him, climbing over steep hills and rocks.

           And that’s when he saw it, a familiar figure lying just a few feet away from Starfall Lake. Diluc felt a sob of relief almost escape his throat as he rushed over to the still body. He wasn’t too late, he could still save Kaeya, he could—

           His thoughts came to a screeching halt once he got closer, the familiar smell of blood and viscera wafting into his nostrils. No. No, he couldn’t be dead, he couldn’t. And yet the closer he came, the more he could make out. A pool of blood, frost on the surrounding grass and—

           Diluc stopped, he was right next to the body now, the one that was most certainly his brother. But it couldn’t be, right? His brother couldn’t be dead, he certainly couldn’t have died like this. Diluc put a hand over his mouth, a futile attempt to stop the rising bile in his throat.

           The body in front of him had his chest burst open from the inside, torn organs, shattered bones, and spilled blood lay close to it. And the empty chest cavity lay bare, just a gaping maw showing the back of the man’s ribcage. Diluc threw up.

           No. No, no, no, nononononononononono. This wasn’t Kaeya! His brother was still alive! He was! He had to be! Otherwise Diluc won’t be able to live with himself. But how can he make sure that this isn’t his brother?

           His eyepatch! Diluc quickly bent over the man’s face, ignoring the expression of pure agony it wore, and tore off the eye patch. It had to be hollow, or scarred, or just white. No one other than Diluc knew what was under it, so it had to be—

           A golden eye with a familiar star-shaped pupil. This corpse in front of him, his face forever contorted in an expression of pain and terror, chest open to the world, was his brother. His real brother.

           Diluc felt numb. He couldn’t feel anything. He couldn’t hear anything. Couldn’t see anything, other than the lifeless corpse of his dear little brother. He lost someone else, someone he cared for, someone he loved. How many people were going to die because of him? How many people would suffer because of his mistakes?

Diluc could hear someone calling for him, multiple people, but he didn’t care. He picked up the lifeless corpse of his dead brother and did the only thing he could. He screamed. The memory of the letter he found in Kaeya’s apartment flashing through his mind.

To Diluc

I’m sorry that you have to find this letter, but once you finish reading this, I’ll be long gone. Ever since I got that cursed Vision, I’ve always felt a chill in my chest. It never left, even on the hottest of days, or scorching of fire, I always felt cold. It always got worse, especially when we were together. By the time you read this, it will have become too much. It’s too late for anything to be changed. I’m sorry for everything. Thank you for being my brother, Diluc. I’m sorry. Please, don’t look for me.

-Kaeya

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

So yeah! This is kind of a part one to an AU idea I had in mind where Kaeya gets turned into an Eldritch deity/Cryptid. Do with this what you will, I am writing more of this and sharing and none of you can stop me.

[strawberrymilkgeorge]

Part Six. Movies and Speedruns

warnings: swearing, many memes word count: 3.8k (not including pictures) (wow okay ash pop off!) 

behind the screen (irl!dream x f!reader) series masterlist ultimate masterlist

A/N: LETS ALL JUST AGREE TO NOT LOOK AT THE DATES ON TWEETS AND STUFF BC SOME CHAPTERS ARE SO SCUFFED WITH DATES!!!! JUST KNOW THIS STORY STARTS MID NOVEMBER!!!!!!!! (in a world where covid doesn’t exist btw)

**********

.

**********

Unknowingly and unintentionally, Y/n let out a big sigh as she poured a glass of water.

"What's wrong, Y/n?" Naomi asked gently, coming up behind her and hugging her tightly.

"Peter."

Naomi hummed, a sign that she was waiting for Y/n to lead the conversation so she could follow because if it were up to Naomi, she would immediately start trash-talking Peter and she wasn't sure if that was the vibe right now or not.

Y/n shook her head in disbelief as she jumped up to sit on the counter. "He got so mad when he found out I slept over at Karl's."

"I'm sorry, Y/n. I wish you would just cut him off completely."

"I don't know. I know I should but... part of me wonders if he could ever go back to how he was when I met him. I would probably date that guy again but not who he turned out to be."

Naomi looked horrified. "No. You sound like you're considering hearing him out. No, is that a joke? He's a bad person."

"I'm not," Y/n reassured. "I'm just thinking hypothetically. Probably because I miss having someone..."

"Y/n, you have a ton of thirsty people in your mentions. If you really want someone that bad, just scroll through, land on one and I bet they're a million times better than that sack of burned potatoes."

Y/n rolled her eyes but smiled lightly. "Most of those are jokes."

"Not all of them," she teased.

"I know you're going to tell me anyway so just say it. Who specifically do you think isn't joking?"

"Dream," Naomi sang.

"Okay, crazy." Y/n reached over, staying seated on the counter as she grabbed a bowl from a cabinet on her left. She then leaned all the way right, reaching as far as she could, but couldn't quite grab a cereal box from the top of the refrigerator.

Naomi rolled her eyes as she helped, handing Y/n the box. She even went the extra step to get Y/n a spoon and the milk because she was that nice. "I'm not joking. Neither is he. Karl and I have talked about it and we both agree."

Y/n paused at her friend's words, her hand hovering over the milk that Naomi held out for her. "You guys gossip about my love life?"

Naomi set the milk next to Y/n, tired of holding it out for her. "Of course? Like we don't do that about Karl? Or you and him about me?"

She couldn't argue there.

"Karl says there's a different vibe from Dream when you join calls and I believe it. I mean, I've seen it during streams myself so I can only imagine how much more obviously in love with you he is during private calls.

"That 'vibe' is Karl's delusional mind creating things. He's too scared to talk to cameragirl so he's projecting onto Dream and I."

"Yeah, okay," Naomi agreed sarcastically.

Y/n huffed. "Besides, he's in Florida. I'm in North Carolina, in case you weren't aware."

"So you're saying if you lived in the same state, you'd date him?"

"I didn't say that." She honestly had never thought of it. Sure she liked hanging out with Dream and her stomach got butterflies when he talked directly to her and he made her smile harder than anyone ever had and he—

And she didn't like him like that. She had only officially met the guy like a week and a half ago and she didn't know what he looked like. There was no way you could catch feelings for someone without seeing them.

Naomi's expression fell again. "Distance doesn't matter, anyway."

"I swear if you say something about George I will slap you," she threatened through a smile and Naomi gave her an innocent grin back.

"If you're lonely, get on Tinder, not Peter. Or get on Dream. I have no qualms with that."

"Peter isn't even an option, Naomi." Y/n sighed, ignoring the comment about Dream.  "Also," she swallowed the last of her cereal and set the bowl down with a clank. "I'm gonna tell Peter I don't want to be friends anymore. Dream and George can be added to the list of Peter haters."

"You talked to them about it?"

She nodded. "You know how I have little gossip sessions with George? Well, Dream was there too this time."

"Well, of course Dream would hate Peter. We've established that he likes you."

"No, no, you and Karl delusionally hypothesized that."

Naomi tapped the counter methodically, a sign Y/n knew to signal that she was thinking hard. "Somehow, one day, I'll prove he does."

"Good luck."

"Wanna watch a movie?"

"Yes," Y/n perked up. "Go pick something, I'll get blankets."

She went to her room, grabbing her favorite cuddling blankets. She started leaving her room when she heard a ding on her open desktop, signaling that she had a call incoming from Discord. Cool timing.

"I'll be just a second, Naomi!" she called across the house before dropping the blankets on her bed and sliding her headset on, answering the call from Dream. "Hi, Dream!" She sat on her chair and tucked her knees to her chest.

"Hi," he greeted sweetly. "How are you doing today?"

"Much better than when we last talked. How are you?"

"Great now that I'm talking to you," he said smoothly. Y/n rolled her eyes but smiled anyway. "Are you busy?"

"Unfortunately, yes. My roommate and I are about to watch a movie."

"Ooh, what movie?"

"Not sure yet. Any suggestions?"

"Dark Knight. Unless you wanted me to say, like, Tangled or something."

"Yeah, girls' night is exclusively princess movies. Do you know nothing?"

"Apparently," he said with a laugh.

"What's up?"

"Oh, well, I was just gonna see if you wanted to be on call later with me, George, and Sapnap while I stream speedruns, but you're hanging out with your roommate so nevermind."

"Oh," Y/n deflated. "That sounds fun."

"I can push it back if you want to be part of it. If not, that's fine. I just thought it would be cool."

"No, no, no I really do want to, but I don't want you to have to push it back. When were you planning on starting?"

"In about an hour."

"I'll just join later if you're still playing. If that's okay that I come late."

"No. You have to be on time or not at all," he joked. "Of course that's fine," he assured. "And if I'm not playing anymore, you can still join... we usually talk for forever after we play games and it's fun. I would, er, we would love for you to hang out with us."

Y/n couldn't help the large smile on her face from staying even after they hung up and she walked back into the living room with her pile of blankets. She couldn't help it even when Naomi pointed it out and asked why she was so happy.

"Oh, uh, I've been invited to join Dream and them later for a stream."

"That vague answer doesn't warrant the shit-eating grin you have."

Y/n shrugged and cuddled more into her blankets. "What movie did you pick?"

*****

As the end credits rolled across the screen, Y/n yawned and looked over to Naomi in the dark. She was out like a light. Y/n stood up and made sure Naomi was covered in the blanket and she had a pillow. She crept back to her room and slid her headphones on, pulling up Discord where she saw the three boys' names still in a voice call.

She pulled up Twitch on her second monitor and looked for Dream's stream. It was already about an hour in. She clicked on it and her headphones echoed with the sound of George and Sapnap laughing like they said the funniest thing in the world.

"Shut up," Dream muttered. "Guys, what were the coords for the portal? Seriously, come on."

"Nobody tell him," George joked.

"George!"

"Where's Bugsyyyy?" Sapnap whined. "I want her to make fun of you with us."

"Half the stuff we're making fun of him for is about his big fat crush on her so..."

"George!" Dream yelled again. "No, it's not!"

Y/n smiled as she heard that, knowing it was a joke but laughing at the way Dream laughed at the accusation. She knew it wasn't serious or else they wouldn't talk about it on stream. George and Sapnap teased a lot, but certainly, they wouldn't out someone's crush in front of a hundred thousand viewers live.

"Oh!" Sapnap spoke out loud as George laughed loudly, both reading the text at the same time. "Speaking of..."

Dream waited for either of the two boys to elaborate but neither of them offered one. "What happened?"

"Bugsy texted us," George said off-handedly, typing a response to her. "She's coming in a second."

"Oh."

"What do you mean 'oh'?" Sapnap laughed.

"You guys have a groupchat?"

"Aw, jealous?" George asked.

Y/n joined at that moment, the first sentence coming from her Discord instead of Twitch being from Sapnap saying, "Would it make you more jealous to know our group name is Bugsy's Boys?"

"No, Sapnap, that's the one with Karl," George corrected. "The one with just you, me, and her is Bugsy's Boyfriends."

"WhAT?"

"I still don't approve of that, by the way," Y/n commented.

"Bugsy!!" Sapnap giggled happily. "You're finally here!"

"BUGSY!" George cheered.

"Hi guys!" Y/n laughed at the enthusiasm she was greeted with. "Hi, Dream!"

There was a few seconds of silence before, "Dream!!" George yelled right before the death screen appeared on the Twitch tab still opened on Y/n's right screen. "You idiot, what are you doing?! Why did you throw that run??"

She covered her mouth with the hoodie collar and laughed. "Off to a great start, bud."

"NO!" Dream yelled, knocking something, or somethings, off his desk. "Noooo! I didn't throw it, George, I FELL! Oh, that was going to be such a good run."

"What happened? How did you miss that huge ravine?" George asked while laughing. "It was literally right in the open. You didn't even try to use your water bucket."

"I-I was... I was distracted."

"By what? The completely open field with nothing blocking your vision?" Sapnap criticized with a laugh as well.

Y/n giggled to herself before letting her eyes trail to his chat, which was filled with the same accusations and guesses.

user5: BUGSY!

user2: DISTRACTED BY BUGSYS VOICE

user4: imagine saying hi so cutely that you make a man fall into a ravine

user1: are they dumb? obviously bugsy saying hi made his brain short-circut

user6: guys stop it wasn't bc she said hi. it was the g i g g l e

user3: DISTRACTED BY BUGSY!!!!

user8: HI BUGSY

user10: how to kill a man: hire bugsy to giggle and say hi directly to him

Y/n immediately blushed and covered her face again. She really had a habit of hiding even when no one could see her.

"Oh my gosh," Dream groaned, leaving the world and starting a new one. "Oh. My. Gosh. That's so annoying. I was doing so good."

"Oh," Sapnap laughed. "I understand now."

"What? What did I miss?" George asked.

"Just read chat," Sapnap explained. "They have the answer. Dream, your chat is so smart. Thanks for solving the mystery, chat!"

"No, they aren't ri— that isn't true!" Dream defended. "Chat, shut up."

"You sure?" Y/n asked teasingly, watching as his character paused when she started talking. Was she really making him this flustered just by talking? Surely not. He was just playing into the joke. He continued playing without saying anything, which made George and Sapnap laugh more.

The subject eventually changed and the atmosphere quickly became more relaxed and chill. Tonight was not a feral night like George had texted in all caps.

"Hey George," Y/n started, biting on her hoodie string with a smile because she knew Naomi would hear this when she watched the VOD the next day. "My roommate says hello."

"Oh my gosh," he muttered, making her laugh. "Let it go."

"Wow, I guess that's one way to treat your fans..."

"Fine," he sighed. "Tell her I say hello."

"Well, not if you don't mean it," Y/n teased.

"Yeah, George, you sound so unenthusiastic?" Sapnap asked.

"He's just flustered," Dream commented. "It's okay George, you can have feelings."

"Dream, you fell into a ravine because Bugsy said hi."

"Oh, come on! That's not—I just— I missed the jump! That's it!"

"I'm not flustered or unenthusiastic, I'm just tired, okay?" George explained, ignoring Dream, a yawn spilling out of him to prove it.

Y/n smiled. "Well, you could always let me give her your number if you really want..."

"No. If she had Discord you could give her that but not my phone number."

"Wait, really?" Y/n gasped. "Seriously?"

George laughed lightly. "Yeah, sure, why not?"

"YES! Okay, a huge win for the girls. Well, a huge loss for the fangirls but a huge win for the girls of this apartment."

"Oh my gosh," he muttered and she could practically see him rubbing his face in embarrassment.

"I'll send you her hashtag when she makes one so you know who to add back."

"She's going to make an account just to talk to George?" Sapnap giggled.

"Yes, dude!" Y/n defended. "She at least wants to be his friend, let her shoot her shot!"

Dream ended the steam soon after, not being able to focus enough to beat the end on any of his runs. He had streamed for just under two hours so he seemed to be getting tired as well. George went to bed soon after and after 20 minutes of talking with Sapnap and Dream, Sapnap mysteriously disappeared.

Y/n was about to leave as well, not wanting Dream to feel obligated to stay on the call with her when he spoke up.

"Does Naomi actually like George?"

"Yeah, she does."

"Then I want him to accept her love."

Y/n laughed. "How is he with long-distance relationships?"

"Well, he and I do just fine..." Dream joked. "Oh, not what you meant. I don't know, you guys are the ones that talk about each other's love lives apparently."

"You're still bitter about that?"

"Yes!"

"Suck it up," she laughed. "Naomi would do probably anything to date him so I doubt distance is a problem for her."

"George's sleep schedule is completely messed up, so the time difference wouldn't matter too much. And when he comes to America they can meet in person."

"Wait, he's coming to America?" Y/n gasped happily. "When?"

"There's no set date, but yeah eventually. He'll probably just come to Florida but we've all talked about having a huge meetup with a lot of our friends."

"Oh... cool..."

"Bug? You know you'd be invited to that, right?"

"Oh, really?" she smiled.

"Of course. You're part of the group now."

"Sick," she muttered to herself, but he heard.

"Bug, you're one of my favorite people, do you know that?"

She blushed. "Really?"

"Really."

"You barely know me, Dream."

"Yeah, well, I know enough to know that I'm sorta attached to you."

"Attached to me? In what way?"

He suddenly sounded nervous as if his brain caught up with what his mouth was saying. "I don't know, nevermind."

"No, Dream, what do you mean?" her voice was soft and understanding and it made him feel safe.

"I just... I don't know. I care about you a lot. We met only, what, like a week or two ago, and I already worry about you a lot. Playing games doesn't feel the same anymore unless you're playing with us."

"To be fair, we have been tweeting at each other for much longer than a week or two."

"Yeah, that's true. But it's not the same as actually talking to you."

She smiled shyly. "I care about you a lot too, Clay." His name sounded strange as if it suddenly made everything much more serious. "Sorry, that just kinda slipped. I won't call you Clay if you don't want me to—"

"No, it's okay, it, uh, I like hearing you... say it. But, uh, you can call me whatever you want."

She smiled widely at the nervousness in his voice and the hard pounding of her heart. "I've heard from multiple people that you never stop talking about me."

He laughed timidly. "Maybe. Do you talk about me?"

"Ask Karl," she giggled. "My guess is yes." Her stomach felt tingly and her hands shook lightly. Why did she feel like this all of a sudden? It was late, she reasoned. That, or it was because Naomi had planted the seed of curiosity in her mind. Did Dream like her? No... right?

"I'm sorry if my chat was making you uncomfortable at the beginning when I died..."

"Don't worry, I wasn't uncomfortable."

"It was true, by the way," he paused, "what they were saying. Just... in case you were wondering."

Y/n couldn't wipe the smile off her face, which was growing painful at this point. "What, my voice makes your brain short-circut? That was one comment I saw."

Dream laughed. "More like your entire presence, but... yeah I guess so."

How is someone supposed to respond to something like that? The sweetness in his voice almost made her sick but in a good way.

And just like when he named her Minecraft flower something sweet knowing that no one would see it, why was he still playing up the joke when no one was around?

Not knowing what to say, she decided to let him in on a little secret. "If it matters, you're one of my favorite people too."

"It does."

There was a deathly moment of tense silence as if both of them were screaming to say something but neither did.

"Basically, if we do have a meet-up, I'll sue you if you don't come."

Y/n laughed. "My pockets are empty, sir, so... good luck."

He laughed and it was music to her ears.

"Are you not nervous to show everyone your face? Like, if or when we do all get together."

"Not really. Especially not if it's just to our friends. Are you?"

"Yeah," she admitted.

"Why?"

She sighed. "I'm sure people have me painted in a specific way in their heads and I've seen fanart of me that is way different and way more attractive than I am. I just don't want to let anyone down by not living up to their expectations."

"Bug," Dream said softly, "you couldn't let anyone down."

"You don't know that."

"You can't disappoint real friends or real fans with the way you look."

"To be clear, Dream," she laughed nervously, afraid she would sound conceited, "I don't think I'm ugly. I like the way I look. I'm happy with me. But that doesn't mean I can't still let people down."

"Different than expected doesn't mean disappointing."

His words smacked her in the gut. He was right. Reality and imagination are very different. Neither has to be better or worse than the other. She could look the complete opposite of how someone expects but that doesn't mean they will be either disappointed OR pleased. And why does it matter anyway? If she likes how she looks, who cares what other people think?

"It's also scary to think of getting recognized in public," she admitted. "Being recognized from the start is one thing because it starts off slowly with only a few people knowing your face but if the first time people see your face is when you have millions of fans, the recognition would be overwhelming."

"That's true. I don't think I would mind that much, though."

"Of course not, you're you."

"What does that mean?"

"You like the spotlight."

"I guess. Not all the time."

"Well, what about you?" she asked. "Are you afraid of people knowing what you look like?"

"No. I want to do a face reveal soon but I don't know how I would do it. I want to do it at some kind of event or something but I don't know."

"I need to schedule around when you do it because you'll break the internet. Give us content creators a warning so we can prepare to not get viewers for a week."

Dream laughed. "Oh come on."

"Twitter would just be full of the same picture of you in every single tweet."

"It won't be that big of a deal."

"Something tells me your millions and millions of subs say otherwise."

"Whatever," he said. "As if you wouldn't break the internet too."

"Maybe for a day or two. But you'd break everything for weeks."

"Sure." There was a long pause before Dream softly said, "Karl's lucky."

"How so?"

He didn't speak for a moment, almost like he wasn't prepared for that question because he didn't mean to be heard. "I wish I could know you the way he does."

"You could. He and I knew each other in person first so it's different. You and I could get there eventually."

"You think so?"

"I know so. I trust you a scary amount for someone I met weeks ago."

"I didn't mean to sound like I'm trying to pressure you into showing me your face or telling me your name. I didn't mean like he gets to know what you look like and I don't. I meant, like, I wish we could hang out in person because I prefer that over talking in Discord."

"I get it, Clay. I feel the same way," Y/n said softly. There were a few moments of silence before she spoke again.

"Oh, gosh, it's already four."

Y/n's head snapped to look at her clock, which read 3:57am. "Already?" she whispered. "Dang."

As if acknowledging the time changed the atmosphere, it suddenly felt like 4am. Her back ached from her shifting in her chair so much over the last few hours, never being able to find a good position. The house was eerily quiet and all she heard was the low hum of the heater. The house felt stale, not used to its occupants being so alert and awake at that hour.

"I should probably go to bed..."

"Yeah, me too," Dream agreed. His voice sounded tired. "Thanks for joining us, it was really fun with you."

"Thanks for inviting me. Sorry I made you die. Hopefully you'll still let me back again."

"You're always invited to barge into my streams. Actually."

Y/n giggled again and mentally slapped herself for sounding like a little kid. "Well, you too. You can interrupt my streams anytime."

"I'll hold you to that."

"Goodnight, Clay."

"Goodnight, Bug."

**********

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[honey-olive]

Not again

4kota fan-fiction

Aprox 550 words (see AN at the end)

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Fuck

Not again. Not now. It always happens when he… when…

Don’t think about it. Ignore it. Ignore your body trembling gritting movements, not that they matter.

They asked for it. They wanted to kill him. His friends. His family. They wanted to take their hope.

They were evil. He had the right, no, the duty to end this. He knew that. But it still made him sick. Thoughts of dread and despair. There was something so nauseating of hearing a person’s thoughts go silent. Knowing that they go silent because of him.

Sometimes, he bet he could hear memories of loved ones pop in their heads for a fraction of a second. A mother, a father, a kid. It was a final cry for help. Their last breath seeking comfort and forgiveness when it was too late.

He swallowed the bitter thought. His head was starting to feel dizzy as he took the bodies and one by one buried them.

He couldn’t afford to be so goddam soft.

He had to show Percy how it’s done. Don’t show emotions. Keep it inside. Do what you need to do.

He kept going. Now they were asking him questions. Lancelot had to keep the explanations simple. A servant of Lioness in a mission… Yes, Lioness! They needed to go to Lioness. It was about time they did.

“The guy with the star visor, and the giant craftsman dude… what do they have to do with that?”

Fuck Percy. Please... Give me a break.

“That’s my personal business. Nothing you need to be concerned about.” That should suffice for now. For now…

Lancelot placed a seed on the dirt above the bodies. They can continue to exist, to give life on the forest. Nothing ended. It merely continues in an endless cycle. Their bodies can serve a better purpose buried in the soil.

He reminded himself that their deaths were not unjustified or unreasoned. They had a purpose. And he would honor their lives to finally let them go. The only clemency they could get. And the only forgiveness he could reach. A proper burial for the ones that died in battle.

Let that free him from the guilt. Let that allow them to live on.

.

.

.

“Are you from the fairy clan perhaps?” Good question from Nasiens. He had a sharp mind, that Lancelot knew for sure. Totally opposite to Percival, who’s astonishment and joy was only comparable to that of a toddler.

“Lemme try this real quick!” ‘Poop poop poop poop’

“Huh?” There he goes. Percy being the most stupid kid Lancelot has ever seen. “I’m not saying it!”

They don’t seem to understand at all. Hopeless.

Well, maybe not…

In fact, he almost wanted to laugh. Percival was one of the knights of prophecy, and his friends were his allies. And yet, they were all dorks.

No time to think too long. Lancelot felt something approaching. That black knight had come for Percival again. They were being excessively loud and obnoxious. Too bad they wouldn’t get what they had come to take.

“Sorry, we don’t have time to play with you.” They wouldn’t waste any more time. “We’re heading out.” His mission was over. He got to teach these kids a thing or two. He got to see them grow. And now, it was over, not in echo gorge as he once thought. They managed to come this far… They still had a long way to go. But that only shows their potential.

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A/N

Fun fact! I wrote this when chapter 50 came out. But I never posted it, cause I felt like it was too short and idk, I kinda lost interest in it, and felt ashamed of posting it. The point is, I was looking at my random drafts and saw this, and I remember a post by @grace-of-flash when they said they were scared of posting something they made. And ofc I was all like “go ahead and post!” But I realized I didn’t follow that advice. And I haven’t post any of my writing here, so I thought ‘why not’.

I mean, isn’t that the internet for?

Anyways. I hope I begin to follow my advice more often. I like writing a lot, but when I think of posting I just kinda get too scared to post and end up leaving things half done. Anywho. If you read this thanks, hahahs I just vented there, I love you, you’re doing great, please believe in yourself.