#i hope he doesss

[idliketobeatree]

Saw your tags about Niko as the principal and I just properly looked at her face when she looks at the case file name and it’s like sad happy many emotions - I feel way more than just looking at some random file!

(gif from deedala)

exactly my thoughts! this shot was very deliberate. she's supposed to be this immortal, level, not-attached-to-anything being, but you can cleary see her face goes through this complex journey of: curiosity, then a flash of rememberance, surprise, the proud and wistful smile, before it turns into an almost painful and choked-up realisation. look at the way her fingers curl into her collar, and how her brows crunch.

i'm dreadfully curious how much of niko sasaki is in the principal. did she keep her memories? how old is she, really? is it a disguise, or the real age she properly moved onto the afterlife? i guess we'll have to see if steve yockey drops more lore on the way!

[cornflowershade]

bison like "i've been waiting for someone to do this with" pulling out ropes that are pre-tied to his bed. after telling us just a minute before that he's never brought a guy home before. Yeah okay you really HAVE been waiting. You had a whole setup waiting my guy

[grimfurbybitch]

the "I have something to confess, I'm in love with you" "wait I thought we were already dating?" trope but Zestious

Because let's be real folks, Sir Pentious is a fucking idiot, his ass would NOT realize that he had a boyfriend, like he's the kind to miss every single hint that a person could make and assume they're just "good friends" and in Sir Pentious's defense it's not like Zestial actually told him they were dating, he just started treating Sir Pentious as his boyfriend and assumed he just knew because it was obvious they were dating

And I mean it was obvious, (although he still should've told him, kinda a dick move not to) Zestial would buy him nice gifts, take him on romantic dates, tell him how pretty and smart he is, and get much more......touchy than a friend would.

But to again defend Sir Pentious, he doesn't really have friends, so he just doesn't have a reference to what is a totally normal platonic level of affection and what is your overlord crush friend feeling you up in the back of a carriage because he thinks you're dating.

Also this gets funnier the longer this miscommunication goes on, like imagine this happening for decades. Zestial probably just thinks that Sir Pentious wants to take things really slow

This comes to a head when Sir Pentious moves into the hotel, (which Zestial is definitely NOT jealous of, it's not like he had hoped his boyfriend would move in with him, not at allllllll) and Zestial starts picking him up for their hangouts (dates), while Sir Pentious may not realize the other hotel residents absolutely do, especially Angel Dust he's really good at sniffing out sexual tension people who are a biiiiiiit to close to just be friends

i imagine it going something like:

Angel Dust: soooo,.. how long ya been with ol' tall dark n' scary? Sir Pentious: oh Zesssstial? I've known him for about 90 yearssss, why? Angel Dust: what's he like in bed?~ Sir Pentious: *offended British gasp* mussst you be ssso perverssse?! I've NEVER sssslept with Zessstial! Angel Dust: WOW I can't imagine datin' someone for that long an' not puttin' out Sir Pentious: *scoffs* I'm not dating Zessstial Angel Dust: what? yes ya are! ya don't hav ta hide ya relationships from me new guy Sir Pentious: well, I'm not hiding anything! Zessstial and I are sssimply clossse friendsss Angel Dust: no, you're not Penni, do you see how much he spends on ya? he bought ya a corset that cost more than I make in a year! nobody's spending that much on a dude they ain't trying to fuck Sir Pentious: do YOU see how much he makesss? that wasss hardly anything to him, we are jussst friendssss Angel Dust: suuuuuuure you're just friends, that's why he's always touchin' ya waist an' lookin' at you're ass Sir Pentious: *flustered snake noises* HE DOESSS NOT YOU PERVERT, *pinches the bridge of his nose(?) and sighs loudly* and I already told you, we.are.just.friendsssss Angel Dust: wow you're stupid, ya know that new guy?

Later Sir Pentious told Zestial about the conversation he had with Angel because it was ridiculous who would even think that they were dating? then Zestial informs him that HE thought they were dating as well.

Sir Pentious deals with the sudden realization that his long-term crush not only likes him back but thought they were already together and didn't tell him? after all, how was he supposed to know drunken make out sessions weren't a normal activity for besties? (sure, he didn't do that with his hotel friends, nor did he want to, but how was he supposed to knooooow)

While Zestial grapples with the horror that his long-term boyfriend didn't know that he was his long-term boyfriend, I mean it makes sense in retrospect but still he can't believe that he's in love with this idiot (it's like entirely Zestial's fault that Sir Pentious didn't know but shhhhhhh)

[sotogalmo]

hey hey hey! sorry for randomly popping in here and asking this but what are ur ocs thoughts on cindy and ankoku?

i hope ur having/have had a great day!

OUGRHHEGRGGRRR. So sorry for doing this late, and. Uhm. I know you said, about their thoughts on Cindy and Ankoku, but since Theo's birthday is coming around, I'm adding him in here (along with Brandon) — I'll only be doing Sebastian and Yume's thoughts, since they are in the same season as the critters in your ask

Sebastian -> Cindy: ... My thoughts on her? Well.. first. Shes- kinder and much more better than anyone I have ever met in this garden (he says, honestly seemingly so relieved as if he ran the fastest he ever can but times 3, along with the fact that he's seemingly blushing while looking everywhere but the interviewer. Moreso a blush of embarrassment). It's ..nice. (he looks away, the blush slightly cooling away) Thought I just know. It won't.... It won't last. Nothing ever lasts. But-!! (hes trying to stay positive..) At . At least she's nice. She listens to me, and that's ... Nice ('thump thump' but it's not his heart (it is), as it's mainly coming from the fact that the tip of "the rat belt" is wagging, the cooled down blush coming back brighter though he tries to contain it)

^ overall: seems to have idolized Cindy. But tries to stay out of that mindset, and treat her right. (Intimacy: 33%)

Sebastian -> Ankoku: .. ah? Wh.. who is that? I'm sorry I don't understand. I haven't meant this person ... Sorry.

^ overall: unknown. He's nervous though (intimacy: .2%?)

Sebastian -> Theo: I think... I have met him? Only a few warnings from the earlier days, that if I continue trying they'll send him to keep watch over me (I'm glad that didn't happen actually, and I only had to have that strange wire that connects to something up above). I .. but from what I remember he sounds. Too much ....

^ overall: lightly knows of him (intimacy: 27%)

Sebastian -> Brandon: ah. Cindy's friend? Aha.... Well. He has spirit. That much is ..also nice. (it seems his "rat belt" didn't stop wagging). He has a thing for living until the end and to the fullest, which is ..sorry I say nice a lot ... but .... Something is up with him .... Not that it's.. uncommon to me ... I ... (He looks away, and doesn't finish. "Rat belt" wagging being put to a stop)

^ overall: "it feels like we're the same. i don't.. want to think about it anymore...." (intimacy: 31%)

Yume -> Cindy: That girl ... She surprises me, that's for sure. I know at least she must be hiding something. No one is ever that cheerful. Ah, but .. it's nice. That she- a human, would want to spend some of her time with me— "human". Even if it's for a couple of seconds. Breath of fresh air, was the saying? She's too minty for my taste though. Like a peppermint...? (Are those what those round red/white and spicy things called? I don't remember)

^ overall: "peppermint" (intimacy: 25%)

Yume -> Ankoku: oh? The Watcher? I know of him. Only by passing. I haven't met-met him. He doesss~ sound interesting though. A watcher? I wonder what he knows of me ..... (He mumbles as he starts to stare at the camera above him)

^ overall: finds him interesting. The boss needing a watcher sure is interesting (intimacy: 11%)

Yume -> Theo: Frankly, I haven't met him. I don't think I will ever get the chance to meet him. But from your description of him? I don't think he would be... Ah. I don't know. But he sounds too much

^ overall: something is left unsaid here. He knows something else (intimacy: 30?%)

Yume -> Brandon: Ah. Too much a handful, but fun to mess with. Though hes very similar to Sebastian...? Which. Doesn't make it fun anymore. (Intimacy: 28%)

(Zombie/doll) Yume -> Brandon: Someone I can now only relate to. Only now, can I understand. Oh, we are the same. Sometimes I feel like we can go to the forest. But... You know. They won't let us. Even if that's the only spot for us..... Not in that sense. Oh, I still have my heart taken by Ald~. Brandon is just .. a... Hm. He shares nothing with him. But he does remind me of another friend of mine in the past.... Ah. We aren't understood. That's why you don't understand me, right now. I can't put our bond to words. Nor mine with Ald's. Mine with Faisal's. Mine with 'Ran's. And mine with Murrelet's. No words fits us, for we don't need them. I don't need them. Ald surely doesn't need them. Brandon doesn't need them. Faisal doesn't need them. 'Ran doesn't need them. Murrelet doesn't need them.

^ overall: who knows. Like he said. He doesn't need words, so I guess we don't need to write anything down (intimacy: 43%)

Fai: @rockwgooglyeyes / Cia: @starry-skiez / Murr: @pwippy . I've been honestly having heavy 4 Musketeers brainrot (moreso yume brainrot). He's so fun to write.

@aakaneeee since I'm now thinking of doing the same thing but with Sebastian's thoughts on Yvonne, along with the intimacy level thing.

[hunterwritesstuff]

sir P relationship hcs plzzz!!!!

PENNI PENNI PENNI PENNI PENNI PENNI PENNI PENN-

Val - "I don't like him."(Tension)

Vox - "Why did you throw me away...?"(Heartbroken)

Velvet - "I don't...trusssst her..."(Tension)

Hex - "Pleassse don't throw my eggssss into the grid...they're good..."(Tension)

Shirley - "Pretty..."(Tension)

Ebony - "Can you...watch my eggsss for me...?"(Trust)

Ranni - "Ssshe ssseemsss...interesssting..."(Tension)

Alastor - "Ssscary..."(Tension)

Rosie - "Sssshe ssseemsss pretty!"(Friendly)

Orion - "Why doesss he ssseem to be at Husssk'sss bar sso often...?"(Friendly)

Charlie - "Ssshe offered me a sssecond chance!"(Friendly)

Angel Dust - "He wasss sssussspiciousss of me at firssst..."(Tension)

Vaggie - "Ssshe wasss sssussspiciousss too..."(Tension)

Lute - "Sssstupid bitch."(Tension)

Adam - "Fuck you."(Hated)

Jax - "I...uhm...can't...tell you...uhm...p..pleassse...back up...you're ssscaring me..."(Feared)

Lucifer - "Ssssir, yesss, sssir!!"(Respected)

Peter - "Friendly!"(Friendly)

Astrid - "Ssshe ssseemsss ssstrong!"(Friendly)

Lilith - "Who?"(Neutral)

Eve - "Ssshe ssseemsss...not welcoming..."(Tension)

Hope ya enjoy! :D

[egg-emperor]

Julian his mustache has anime tiddy physics and I'm so enamored that SEGA even gave us one for him in the first place..... Happy Pride frfr 🌈

IT DOESSS we've been so blessed, it's so beautiful and mesmerizing to watch! I know he knows it and is sure to show off how gloriously big and fluffy and bouncy it is with his movements as he should because it's very impressive lol 🥰

I bring more gifs to appreciate because I can't stop admiring it as a thing of immense beauty. he's so fucking precious !!!! 💜💕💗💓💖

YES a very happy pride month! 💜🌈

hope he strips down to swim shorts for the Olympics again and they put some of that jiggle in his tiddies next ahfdjsfsngjfdhd

[harrywavycurly]

"It's game night... I’m wearing my comfy leggings and a sweatshirt.” “Yes look all cozy and cuddly and then boom…drop the bomb that he won’t ever be cuddling you again.” “How much caffeine have you had today?”

SARAH PLEASE i'm sure i'll hate you after part nine because everyone else doesss

Hiii lovey!! I hope you don’t hate me but I wouldn’t blame you if you do lol 😬😂🙈💖

[neteyamsilly]

Hi!! It’s Ramble anon!!

I wanted to gush a little about part 3!! (I wanted to do it sooner, but I had a big exam in the late morning 😔)

It was a lovely read, you write so daintily, it feels like I’m watching a movie instead of reading a story!!

First of all, I wanted to say that I‘m so happy that you enjoy what I write to you! I absolutely have a blast rambling to you, the creator of this beautiful story, about anything that gets my attention, I’m so honored😭 (and absolutely do not be sorry!! Take your time for anything!!)

Ik there are siblings outings, just spilling the tea 😌

Lo’ak and Y/N totally sound like the siblings that would bicker and be mean and sarcastic to each other, but the moment someone messes with one of them... (when they DO hang out, they are like SO reckless lmao, I think they wouldn’t be allowed, they would need a chaperone (Neteyam 😭))

About the colors of the Ikrans!!

Neteyam -> ikran with greenish hues like Seze

Lo’ak -> ikran with blueish hues like Bob

Kiri -> now, it’s just an headcanon!! But I’d like to think that her ikran has light lilac hues like Vitraya Ramunong, with a little bit of green in the chin and tail and sprinkled a bit on the back (because she’s so connected to Eywa, it’d be kinda cool!) (from what I’ve seen in the comics (not much tbh) Kiri’s ikran is like greenish? Oh well)

And Y/N: I absolute have no idea!! Do you have any? I’m super curious! (Btw I LOVE his personality (he’s a boy!!! So cute 😭)

“the vibe of an older sister who doesnt want to hang with her younger siblings” PLSS 😭 she doesss look like that, I KNOW Tuk begs and begs

Now about the chapter!!

Quaritch calling u sweetheart 🤢

The headbutt scene made me so happy, Fuck You Quarith Get Wrecked

But Y/N thinking her dad would leave her to fend for herself is so heartbreaking, but what was even more heartbreaking, was Y/N trying to hide her gunshot wound, she was so scared, I loved the scene, I felt how panicked she was.. (her trying to console her mom, PLS; BUT her dad NOT consoling her after she got kidnapped and almost got killed?? FOUL)

Btw Like HOW strong is she to be able to hide a gunshot would to her abdomen?? My girl is STURDY

And her ikran bringing Neytiri and Jake to Y/N!! Neytiri was so sad she got her ikran (I think it’s something that will be talked about again 😭)

[..] Father is angry, I don’t—”

“Nonsense.” Incredulous and enraged suddenly about something you couldn’t put a finger on [..]

Ik Jake was scared, but man, he chose to go THE wrong way about it 😭, I mean IGNORING her??

[..] “Don’t tell him! Don’t tell father! He’ll really kill me for this—”

“No, no no no,” she shook her head, frenzied, tone cracked from beginning to end. “Do not say that. Don’t you ever say that—”

[..] “He’ll be so angry,” you begged, pleading, pink spit bubbling at the corners of your mouth. The sound of gurgling accompanying the words you forced your whole body to form. “You can’t tell him — you can’t! He already hates me!” [..]

“Please don’t be mad,” you shuddered, meek and unsteady, tunnel vision flickering at the edges only perceiving him. “It’s my fault—I’m sorry—please don’t be angry—”

[..] he didn’t even want to hear you talking. 

And you fulfilled his wish. 

YOU ARE CRUSHING MY HEART PLS 😭

It’s battered to the ground, it’s been stepped on and spit on

Her siblings are going to be so horrified, I can only imagine Neteyam’s guilt (he was so worried, poor boy) and Lo’ak’s 😭 (He was mocking her so much, such sibling behavior lmao, but I think he will feel like very BAD about it, but who knows??)

“The way Neytiri is going to smear your face with blood eerily the same pattern as she’s freaking out is going to be so symbolic — that this is your ceremonial paint and what a bad omen it is. A direct punishment from Eywa made clear to your parents”

IRMA, WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT 🤨

Pls this is going to hurt so good 😭

Thank you so much!! ❤️❤️

(I’m so tired, my energy was sucked off from that exam, I hope there are not any mistakes lmao)

HI RAMBLE ANON, please don't worry about it, ur not obligated to send me these amazing messages in the first place, I will be happy regardless whenever or ifever I get them, I will always be thankful! I hope your exam results will be exactly how you wanted them to be 💞💞

YEAHHHHH SHE AND LO'AK ARE JUST MENACES TOGETHER!! I remember talking about this in another ask, but I have to say I really imagine Sister!Reader traumatizing Aonung for almost getting Lo'ak killed, like, the scene I have in my mind goes like: even after Lo'ak and Aonung reach a mutual understanding and empathy, to make him feel the hopelessness and abandonment her brother felt, she takes Aonung as high as they can in her ikran and just plays acrobatics with him 😭 Aonung thinks he'll literally die DHSJDS She is NOT playing around. When Jake is about to scold her (but really is SUPER proud she disguised it as "friends being pals") she is like "well i had to teach him not to mess with my siblings again. in good sport, of course. like you said" and Jake can barely stop the smirk LMAOOOO

And the ikran colors! I really love your headcanon of Kiri's ikran being the tree of souls' colors OH MY GOD!

Part of why I answered this question too late was that I didn't want to reveal sister!reader's ikran's colors bc it was supposed to be a surprise! But DUDUNNNN it's Toruk's color scheme!!! Not the prettiest color palette but it's 🤙🏻symbolic🤙🏻 you know? And sister!reader is the only one having a warm-colored ikran in her family. All the others have pretty forest-colored ones. She is all fire.

Also, Jake was so busy panicking about Quaritch and how they literally went undetected right under his nose that he forgot 😭 It's good angst material, though. His mind is always on how to protect that he fails to most of the time. (Am I a jake apologist???? GASP)

AND EHEHEH I HOPE YOU LIKE THE BLOODIED IKNIMAYA MOMENT IN THE NEW CHAPTER, I SAID WHAT I SAID!

Thank you so much for this! I hope you have an amazing day <33

[demonstars]

he looks so cutesie baby in that twitch rivals pic i hope i die

HE DOESSS his pouty lips and confused stare ☹️❤️

[lvcky-g1rl-syndr0me]

stop i literally am in love with niki! 😭 he’s actually my boyfriend so y’know, ofc i love him 💅🏻 (jk i’m just so delulu) but YES pleaseee write abt him 🫶🏻 baby deserves so much love

hope you’re doing well ❤️

-⭐️

hate to break it to you but i’m actually his wife so…..

yes OFCCC he’s who i mainly write for (clearly lmao) but HE DOESSS he deserves so so so much love!

i’m doing well!! i hope you’re doing good yourself!!

[knbposting]

btw i love your headcanons for kagami's parents but if you don't mind me sharing my own hc - i always pictured the kagamis as a close, tight-knit family (of two because in my world kagami's mother died when he was about one) BUT i also think mr kagami is a workaholic who, despite loving his son very much, still has nannies and personal assistants looking after his kid because he's been On The Grind since his wife's untimely passing and The Grind keeps him from falling into true depression😩

It's also very funny for me to picture 9yo Kagami in his dad's office and having his dad's beleaguered junior assistant look after him for the day fhjshdjd But not as funny as his father banishing him to Japanese language school when he notices how atrocious Kagami's Japanese is because the poor boy speaks English at school and on the streets and his nannies are hispanic; I think one of the first times Kagami ran from home was in protest of the language school!

Again I hope you don't mind me sharing🙇🏻‍♀️ I'm just so desperate for the golden days of knb and my bestie is resisting my attempts to bully her into watching the show😔

tell your bestie i will kill every frog i see ON SIGHT if she doesnt watch knb with you again. IT'S ON SIGHT KERMIT

anyway that's so cute please!!!! please feel free to share any and all knb hcs with me i EAT THEM UP!!!!

i love how similar our hcs are for kagadad and then how they differ. the image of kagami lying on his tummy on the floor of dad's office with one of those finger skateboards, every so often telling his dad he's going to land this kick flip, and then having dad say "ok wear a helmet" even though he knows it's just tiny? that's dead cute ok. i love it

is the language school thing canon or your hc? i loooove it. also do not get me going but if kagami had a brain for language (which he doesn't at all but that's ok same i've done extensive in-depth language study across like 4 languages and i STILL only fucking speak english), imagine him also speaking a lil spanish... imagine an au where kagz is a linguistic god and a sudden polyglot outta nowhere

my dad hc is that his dad doesss love kagami, but less so for himself and more because That's His Son, you know? like he doesn't keep tabs on hobbies, he only cares about his grades so he can get into college (kagami gags in the bg), and then he wants grandkids (sort of so he can retry being a father because he doesn't feel like he's been his best with kagami) so he's always talking about GIRLS but kagami in my hcs is gay and has known this forever and is normal about it, but his dad is not :( alas :( but kagz makes up all sorts of excuses for his dad because they don't actually fight so much as just never see eye to eye :/ so i really love the idea that kagz sr is more involved with him i love it SMMMM

i make up for putting old red in the wringer by having aomine's family life be extremely solid and stable and he's really close with his parents. in my fics his mum is basically him, and i havent introduced his dad yet but i love him too :')

[just-some-random-blogger]

AND TAKE IN MIND I DO NOT ARGUE FOR FREE EVER, BUT I AM WILLING TO DO AN EXCEPTION!

CRYINGGGG I LOVE THIS FOR ME SO MUCHHH ASFHI:LASFH

your gifs are ALWAYS so spot on UGHHHH 😩😩😩

I love that everyone loves Caraxes bECAUSE I LOVE CARAXES I LOVE HIM I LOVE DRAGONS RAHHHHHHHH BIGGGG BABY NOODLE.

Im so happy you liked seeing what was going through Daemon's head because SAME. it just added to everything. the tragedy of it all in my humble opinion

I hope Otto, with all his failings, steps up now.

PFFFFTT HAHAHAH🤣🤣🤣🤣 I MEAN HE DOESSS HE DOESS BUTTTTTTTTTTT AT WHAT COST

Tormented Spirit | 10

Part 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

"Is it such a sin to stand up for yourself?" you mutter as tears blur your vision. The way he reacted was visceral, instinctive even. "You never have to stand up for yourself ever again," says Daemon, reaching a hand to you, "come."

Daemon Targaryen x Hightower!Reader | 6k+ | cw: fem!reader, reader has brown hair, wife!reader, twin!Gwayne, arranged/forced marriage, canon divergence, alternate universe, slow burn, DD:DNE, panic/anxiety attacks, suicidal ideation, attempted suicide, daddy issues/child abuse/family problems, mentions/depictions of mental/physical/psychosomatic illness, ye old misogyny, angst, typos, etc.

A/N: GUYS ITS STILL TOO FUCKING LONG I HAD TO CUT IT AGAIN T_T blah blah canon stuff/high valyrian inaccurate blah. please please leave comments/reblogs because they really help me with the fic. | cross posted on ao3

@arabellasleopardcoat @prettybiching @myllovellybones

Daemon does not come home to you that night. When you awaken, you feel sick to your stomach. The thought of food repulsive though, so you spend the morning looking for your husband, until your body betrays you and feels sick because of not having eaten. You realize that your state is not borne simply from worrying about the prince, but probably also because of this supposed life you carried within you.

You try to deny it though, chalking it up to your mind playing tricks on you. After all, it's laughable that you suddenly experienced these symptoms just after all the fuss of learning you were with child.

You thought you finally found Daemon when you heard Caraxes was in the dragon pit, and so you run there, run, much to the protest of Arryk, who was hot on your heels. He managed to convince you to slow down by telling you that you would eventually get to the dragon pit if you walked, but you would never get there if you pass out.

You'd never been so happy to see the blood wyrm.

"Daemon?" you call out, searching for him.

Caraxes is busy feasting on meat and Arryk is busy watching him, body tense and senses on high alert.

The dragon keeper comes to you, shaking his head, "se dārilaros iksis daor kesīr dombo." The prince is not here anymore.

You understood nothing, save dārilaros, which you knew meant prince, and figure he's probably telling you he is not here, which you could gather from simple observation.

You turn to Caraxes and point, "zaldrīzes." Dragon.

The man brightens, as he understands, "Caraxes."

You nod, placing a hand on your chest. You do a walking motion with your fingers towards Caraxes.

His eyes widen and he shakes his head and hands.

You clench your jaw and turn to Caraxes, nodding your head in understanding.

The dragon keeper relaxes.

He mistakes you.

"Arryk," you turn to your ward, "can you come here please?"

Arryk's eyes linger on the dragon a moment before turning to you. You settle him in front of the dragon keeper, and while he is distracted from trying to figure out what you were doing, you circle behind your knight and sneak past both, making a beeline towards Caraxes.

The dragon notices you immediately and watches you near. He lifts his head and sniffs the air, and only then do the two men realize what's happening.

"PRINCESS!" Arryk shouts, sprinting towards you before coming to an abrupt stop.

Enraged, Caraxes cranes his long neck, roaring at Arryk, making him topple back on his bum.

The dragon keeper screams a command and raises his hands.

Amidst the peril of it all, you are calm as you look up at Daemon's companion. It stems from the truth that it would be far less complicated and less painful to be eaten by a dragon than to tell your husband you are with child and deliver it.

The red creature screeches as snaps his teeth at the two men, causing his keeper to step back and Arryk to crawl back with him.

Caraxes then averts his attention, shaking his head as he circles around you, effectively blocking the two from seeing anything other than his massive, scaly body.

In truth, you think your heart might be impaired, because it doesn't race at all as the beast seemingly imposes upon you. He cannot seem to stop pacing around you, as if he was restless, anxious even.

Your face contorts at the bleating sound it makes. He lowers his head slightly inhaling and exhaling deeply. He makes another noise and you swear to yourself, the creature looks like he's fidgeting.

You feel bad, for it seems... you've upset him, "apologies... I was hoping you'd eat me."

Caraxes screams loudly again when he spots two other dragon keepers come to you from the other side. He threatens them with a snap of his teeth.

"Daor!" they scream in unison. No.

Caraxes seethes and screeches, as if saying, 'do not tell me what to do'.

He circles around you again, and this time, he shoves you forward with his wing. You yelp as you are knocked to the ground with a thud. You manage to brace yourself, grazing your hands as you did, but your chest still hurts at the impact.

The keepers scream in horror because of this, fearing that you would soon be eaten.

"HEY!" Arryk screams, thinking he can distract Caraxes. He can't, and he is losing his mind. Hoes not know what to do but to shout your name in terror. He can't help but draw his sword and immediately the dragon keeper is yelling something, motioning that he stop.

You whine as you roll on your side. Caraxes growls as he bites your arm. The fear finally sets in as he does this, and his powerful maw pulls you up to sitting position.

The dragon keeper, who ran to retrieve you, shrieks out upon witnessing this.

You gasp when Caraxes roars back, and you squeal when his wing comes over you. The strangest thing occurs to you in that moment, and your heart finally begins to race— not because it sinks in how much danger you were in, but because, suddenly, you knew you were not.

You come to a stand, and with no regard for your safety, you reach out for the dragon's skin, somehow shocked by how warm and hard it is. "Caraxes."

He hears you, though you barely raised your voice. He is sensitive to the sound of his name. Caraxes moves back, pulling away enough to be able to coil his neck and look at you.

The dragon keepers, who were so on edge, altogether fall silent when they see you in the midst of the blood wrym.

Arryk nearly broke into a other sprint upon finally seeing you, but he manages to hold back and lowers his sword, unwilling to sheathe it.

Caraxes produces a sound you think is akin to a mewl, as much as a mewl a ten foot beast could make. You huff and feel your breath hitch. You close your eyes and reach out to him, ready to accept whichever fate awaits you, companionship or death.

You gasp, eyes instantly opening when you feel the wetness on your hands. Caraxes presses his snout to your palms, and you squeak, quickly pulling back at the heat of his huff.

He lifts his head and begins to pace around again. You are certain now that the beast was, in fact, restless.

"Paez ilagon!" you exclaim, raising your hands at him.

Caraxes huffs, debating if he should heed your command.

"Paez ilagon," slow down, you repeat as the dragon fully faces you.

You, and everyone else who witnesses it, are shocked that Caraxes listens. He quits his pacing and slowly comes to a halt, looming over you.

Your lips wobble, humbled by the idea such a fearsome creature would obey the commands of such a pathetic being. You begin to weep, as Caraxes lowers his head, sniffing you. Your hands dart out to him when he gets too close. You slightly topple when he nudges you with his snout. You feel the warmth of his breath seeping through your dress as he brushes against you. You can tell he is trying his best to be gentle, but even then he is too strong that you have to repel him. He makes the faintest of sounds.

"Gods be good," you mumble as you gaze upon the creatures scales, "you can smell him, can't you? Daemon?"

Caraxes remains pressed against you a moment longer.

You sniffle and momentarily fantasize about the child growing within you. You lean into him in defeat, "you silly thing."

His throat emits a low rumble.

"It would have been better if you made me a snack," you mumble against him, feeling your tears drip.

Caraxes slowly lowers his head until he is laid on the floor. You remain leaned on him for a moment, and then you pull away with a sigh. You look upon the dragon, thinking he is so much like his rider, and stroke his cheek one last time before pulling away.

You walk towards the dragon keeper you had blindsided and lower your head in shame, speaking the word you had learned for Daemon, "usōvegon." Apologies.

He stares at you for a moment, taking in your now messy hair and dirtied face, and replies with something you do not understand.

You nod at him without meeting his eyes then hurriedly walk off. Arryk is quick to follow after you, and his skidding makes Caraxes screech at him. He flinches at the sound, looking behind him warily. You do not.

When Arryk finally catches up to you, he takes your arm and calls out your name. He is alarmed by the red smeared down your philtrum and cheek.

"Forgive me," you mutter, unable to meet his gaze. You do not stop walking, "I- I was overcome... I did not think of anything but myself. I did not mean to cause anyone such immense distress."

"What were you trying to do?" Arryk quips, taking in your dirtied face. He did not know if it would be appropriate to wipe it with his cloak.

You shake your head, still unable to look at him.

"Princess," Arryk speaks like a plea, "did you know Caraxes would not hurt you?"

You gulp, quickening you pace.

Arryk huffs in frustration, calling out your name.

He forces you to stop by dashing forward, coming in front of you. You look up at him, eyes teary and mouth parted.

"I beg you," he clenches his fists, before succumbing to his urges. He grabs his cloak and wipes your face, brushing the dirt and blood as neatly as he can, "please tell me you did not knowingly put yourself in danger."

The tears running down your face help him clean you off. You honestly say, "I don't know if I should tell you."

Arryk is heart broken. He clenches his jaw tightly and releases his hold on you. He steps aside and you begin walking again.

You feel awful as you look at him. He is sullen as he walks beside you. You wipe your nose on your sleeve, "apologies, Arryk."

He shakes his head and opens his mouth. His jaw hangs for a moment, but then he closes his mouth, saying nothing.

You turn to your side when you hear your name called.

Alicent, who was making her way to the king's quarters, runs up you, eyes widening at the blood on your face. The red had spread as it mixed with your tears. She quickly pulls out her handkerchief, "your nose is bleeding!"

Your eyes widen, as you did not know this, but you quickly take her wrist and slowly pull away, "it is nothing."

"What happened to her, ser?" Alicent turns to Arryk.

Arryk is eager to tattle, "she was at the dragon pit and-"

"I fell," you cut him off, blocking your sister's gaze upon your ward, "I-"

"You fell in the dragon pit?!" she bristles further. Your feigning backfired. "What did Daemon do?!"

"The prince is nowhere to be seen," Arryk scoffs.

"I was- am looking for him!" you blurt

"Caraxes nearly attacked her," Arryk adds.

"Arryk!" you whip your head to him then back to your sister, "he did not!"

"He shoved her back and she fell!" he explains, "that's why her nose is bloody."

Alicent calls your name as you call Arryk's.

Your sister takes your shoulders, eyes immediately watering, "did you want to get hurt, sister?"

Your jaw slacks, "I- I-"

"Does Daemon posses you to do such things?" your baby sister begins to cry.

You shake your head rapidly, "no! No. I swear to you, this has nothing to do with him."

"Then what?" Alicent asks with a broken voice.

You gasp for air and feel a shiver run down your spine. You cannot tell her the truth, so you explain instead, "my nose already bled yesterday, which is why it's bleeding now."

"What?!"

"I already fainted yesterday and fell quite hard, which is why my nose is bleeding again."

"Mother, please," Alicent whispers.

"Alicent, I swear to you, you need not-"

"How could you let this happen to her twice?" Alicent turns to Arryk.

Arryk lowers his head, "I have failed-"

"I snuck behind him," you blurt, "do not fault him for my impulsiveness."

Alicent's heart is crush as she watches you wipe your face.

"It is not Arryk's fault that my nose is bloody. It is neither Caraxes fault for shoving me. It is mine. My body is weak and I have spent all day looking for my husband, against the behest of my maester."

Alicent clenches her jaw. It is Daemon's fault.

"I will go to the maesters' ward and submit to whatever is prescribed to me," you place a hand on her shoulder. You sniffle, "do not speak to father of this."

"Make sure to go to the maester's then," you sister warns.

Dejected, you look away and walk off.

Alicent takes in a breath before grabbing her skirts, marching over to the king's quarters.

Viserys is in the middle of gluing his diorama of King's Landing when he hears a knock on the door, "come in."

Alicent enters, sighing deeply before pulling a smile.

"Alicent," his blank expression slightly lightens.

She curtsies, "your highness," and walks over to him. She turns her attention to whatever it was the king was building.

Viserys shows raises a block, "a new tower."

Alicent smiles softly, "pretty."

The king raises a brow upon noticing the stiffness to her demeanor, "is everything alright?"

Alicent betrays herself on purpose by nodding her head too quickly.

Viserys puts the tower down. He reaches for her arm, "what's wrong, my girl."

She takes a sharp breath, "my sister—"

He furrows his brows.

"—she... she has a bloody nose from falling."

"She fell?"

"Twice," Alicent fidgets with her hands, honest agitation for her sister taking over her, "because she's been looking for Daemon."

His reaction to the name is instant. Viserys' jaw clenches and his fists ball in anger, "Daemon."

Daemon struts down the great hall, making his way towards the Iron Throne. The night was now deep and the few candles lit in the room only increased the tension between the brothers.

The prince looks up at the king. The king and two kingsguard stationed on either side of the throne look down at him. Viserys clenches his sword, "and where have you been?"

Daemon scoffs, aimlessly looking around, "have you summoned me to nag?" He clasps his hand in front of him, leaning on one foot, "I already have a wife for that."

His brother laughs, hard. It echoes across the hall, but it is by no means genuine, "I would not have ever known with all the time you waste in brothels."

Daemon grinds his teeth, face contorting, "so you've summoned me to reb-"

"Did you say it?" Viserys snaps.

"... what?"

"An heir for a day— did you say it?!"

"..."

The king's nostrils flare.

"... we must all mourn in our own way, your grace."

Viserys sighs, lowering his head in defeat for a second, then erupts, "MY FAMILY HAS BEEN DESTROYED!" He seethes, "and instead of staying at mine, or Rhaenyra's side you celebrate your own rise with your whores and your lickspittles!

"And wife," he scoffs, "your poor wife... do you even know that your mount has injured her?"

Daemon stiffens.

"She came to the pit looking for you and the beast caused her a bloody nose."

"What?"

"You chose her Daemon. And in choosing her you prove time and time again, I bend to your desires only to be repaid with disrespect. You have no other allies in court but me, yet-"

"You do nothing but distance me from court! From the City Watch, even with- with her... you do nothing but heed the whispers of that leaching old man."

"Leaching old man?" Viserys raises his brows.

Daemon nearly vibrates in anger.

"You mean Otto Hightower?" the king's lips curl, "the man who begged me—"

He laughs dryly.

"—over and back to spare her sickly daughter from enduring a lifetime with a the likes of you!"

Daemon is wounded, "I am your brother."

"Then why do you cut me so deep?"

"I see that man for what he is."

Viserys huffs, "a loyal and faithful-"

"A cunt!"

The king leans back. His kingsguard are ready to draw their steel. Viserys realizes there is no getting through to him. He looks away then turns back to glare at him, "jiōragon hen ñuha laehurlion." Get out of my face.

"Lēkia," Daemon steps forward, muttering the word that meant older brother.

The kingsguards step forward, showing a glimmer of their swords as a warning.

"I hear it is the first time your Hightower bride has been separated from her twin. It would do her health good to visit Oldtown."

He clenches his fists tightly.

"Perhaps she might get strong enough to grant you a child," he clenches his jaw, "maybe once the gods have granted you a boy or girl, you will understand my grief." Viserys motions with a nod, "you are to return to your lady wife with no quarrel. Take him out of my sight."

Daemon does not wait to be apprehended and storms out of the room. He is bristling as he gets out.

"Mazeman bona ziry gōntan daor jikagon sȳrī." I take that it did not go well.

Daemon turns and sees Corlys standing by the door, hands clasped in front of him.

"I wanted to speak to you of something important earlier today. I hope your mood is not too bad foul-"

"Ȳdragon se sagon gaomagon lēda bisa jenigon," Daemon snaps. Speak and be done with this bother.

Corlys straightens his back and motions with hand, "it is regarding the Stepstones, your grace."

Daemon furrows his brows, vaguely recalling this topic being broached during one of the council meetings. The two of them discuss this as they walk down the hall. By the time the prince reaches your shared quarters, he's agreed to help the Seasnake with his concern.

You leap from your bed when the door opens. Daemon freezes as you scurry to the door, hastily running to him without even putting on your slippers. You stand before him barefoot, heaving as you clutch your nightgown. He stares at you, hands clenching into fists.

"Usōvegon," your lips tremble.

Daemon's face falls a fraction as he watches your eyes water.

"Usōvegon," apologies, you repeat. "Please..." you slowly reach for him.

He watches your palms press against his chest. He makes no attempt to move.

"Do not be cross with me any longer."

A deep breath flares through his nostrils. He realizes then that he is exhausted and shuts his eyes. He leans his forehead on yours and takes your wrists. He huffs at your feel, "you are freezing."

"I-"

Daemon seals you into an embrace and the warmth of his body quickly seeps onto your much colder one. A shiver runs down your spine. You immediately wrap your arms around him and nuzzle your face into his chest. He mimics you, brushing his cheek against your hair, taking in the faint smell of citrus. He remembers what his brother said and repeats it, "ñuha mijegindita ābrazȳrys." My poor wife.

You don't know what he says, so you make sure to tell him what wants to hear— what you think he wants to hear, "I will not defy you ever again."

He does not care about that. He pulls back and looks at you. He wipes the tears off your face and a line forms between his brows, "Caraxes attacked you?"

One of your hands instinctively comes to your philtrum, "no. I-" you shake your head, "I fell."

You don't know why you think Daemon would be satisfied with your answer. He presses, "tell me exactly what happened."

You huff, "I was... yesterday, I fainted—"

"Fainted?"

"—then I fell."

He shakes his head, "this happened in the dragon pit?"

"... no. When... when I was chasing after you."

Daemon brushes your hair back.

You cannot hold his gaze, "I went to the pit, hoping you'd be there and-" you realize you cannot tell him what happened. You cannot tell him you walked to his mount and his mount did not attack you because he could smell part of him in you. You huff, "-and Caraxes got close and knocked me over."

"Did he try to bite you?"

You debate for a second before shaking your head.

Daemon sighs, "he must have smelled me on you and got excited."

Your throat tightens. Goosebumps form on your arm when Daemon traces your nose with his thumb.

"And your nose bled?"

You do not want to answer.

He sighs, "I will reintroduce you to him, so that he does not act so-"

"It's not his fault!" you blurt, "not really."

He knits his brows.

"When I fainted and fell, my nose already bled, so..." you motion with a finger, "Caraxes simply... set off a previous injury."

He says absolutely nothing.

"My body is weak," you mumble, hoping to explain it better, "I've had worse injuries."

"Do you tell me this so that I will not bring you to Caraxes?"

"No," you shake your head, "no. Just... so you do not..." worry, you almost say, but then the idea feels presumptuous.

"Not fault my beast for acting like one?" Daemon asks, as he heads for his cabinet.

You look at him for a moment then follow. You decide to hum and proceed to help him get undressed.

Your husband examines your face. The moonlight mixed with candlelight makes your skin glow. He is loathe to think your tears add to it, but it's unfortunately true. Your being glistens because of all these things. He interrupts your unbuttoning by taking your cheeks and slowly wiping off the tears on your lashes.

You blink at him, "better?"

"Gevie," he says, brushing your throat with his thumbs.

You nod, though you still did not know what that meant. You push his doublet past his shoulders and once his dress shirt remained, he is quick to remove his shoes as you bring his clothes to the hamper. When you walk back to him, he is picking out clothes from his closet. You are deeply confused when he hands you a stack of shirts.

Daemon moves to his other cabinet and says, "pack those in my trunk for me."

You freeze and blink rapidly, "I-" you turn to his truck, which was atop his closet. Your heart races, "I cannot reach it."

Daemon pulls out more clothing before looking at you. You watch him closely as he stands and reaches for the trunk. He places it on the floor and opens it.

You slowly kneel on the floor beside it, doing your best to keep calm in this moment. Are you leaving? You nearly ask him, but you don't because he clearly is. You begin to fold his clothes, but you cannot hold your peace, "where are you going?"

Daemon stuffs his clothes into his trunk and sighs before crouching down to fix them, "the Stepstones."

"W-what?"

"The Seasnake needs help with the Crabfeeder, so I will help him."

"Why?" you blurt all too quickly.

Daemon straightens up. He looks down at you as you shake your head and quickly finish folding his clothes.

"Why must it be you?"

The voice of his brother rings in his mind. Do you carry such low regard of him just as he? "Why can't it be me?" he snaps, "you think I will be of no help?"

He is taken aback by how you chuck his clothes into his trunk rather aggressively. His face begins to harden with anger but then you make a noise and lean into the trunk, heaving deeply in and out.

"Wha-"

You cut him off by reaching for his legs. He is frozen in place as you embrace him from where you knelt on the floor.

Whatever choler was building in him quickly dissipates and morphs into... fear, or rather, worry. He calls out your name, reaching for your head.

"You cannot leave me," you shudder, gripping his calves for dear life. You look up at him, face wholly distraught but not teary. You find yourself too tired to shed a tear.

Cannot leave you? He does not like the way you imply he would be unable to if he wanted. Daemon watches you as you slowly bring yourself up to a stand. He does not help you as you pull yourself up using his legs and waist.

Your hands remain gripping the sides of his shirt as you stare at him. You take in his stoic expression as you gather the nerve to repeat, "you cannot leave m-"

"And why can't I?" he quips as his insecurity gets ahead of himself.

You hear it in his voice. You hear how he thinks you're challenging him. You shake your head and correct yourself, "n-no," you shudder, "no, Daemon, no. I- I want you to stay." You brush your palms up his chest.

He can feel the tremble of your hands as they come to his cheeks. He knit his brows at your confession. He has to ask, "why?"

You could tell him many reasons. The one possibly most relevant to him is that of the fact you were carrying his unborn child. A shiver runs down your spine; you are not foolish enough to believe this would be something that would make him want to stay. You could always tell him you needed him, your health needed him, because it was true. As much as he clawed your fragile heart, he made it soar in ways you've never experienced. But there was a rather simpler truth to that need, though attached to a very complicated feeling, "because I love you."

Daemon's expression falls. Though his lips barely part, you can tell that he is gobsmacked. You release a shaky breath as you swipe his chin and jaw with the pads of your thumbs.

Should he be so shocked? Love in a marriage is not so uncommon, even if it is arranged, even if it felt opposite in the beginning.

So, what?

What was your love to him? It would wax and wane like his brother's— and his brother, his fucking brother. He could not grant him the satisfaction. Daemon takes you by the wrists and slowly pries you off, "you are mistaken."

You take a deep breath at his words. You are perfectly still.

"I do not feel the same," he mutters.

Daemon was not one to lie, convinced such an act was beneath him, reserved for incapable, lesser men; half-wits, and yellow-bellies. The only reason he could say this was because the cup in which you held your love for him was far deeper than the one he had for you, and he was aware of it. He loved himself far more than he could ever bring himself to love anyone; he would always be first.

Still, he was not an incapable, lesser man, nor was he a half-witted yellow-belly. He knew of the cup he held, which oft overflowed. The mere thought of you triggered a smell in the air, and at the mention of your name, his bones ignited. You were his, and you held his regard, his affection, his lust, and, yes, his love.

All of this, he was about to explain, but then your reaction blind-sided him.

You nod, "I know."

How terrible it was to hear it. He knew his words where callous. He knew wuch an admission is a gash from a jagged blade— to not be loved by who you loved. Yet your casual resignation to this information stung, nay, scorched his heart.

Is it cold? Is his love so dry you cannot even feel it?

His grip on you falters.

You bring your hands to his shoulders. You rub his bicep and smile softly in reassurance, "I do not mind."

"What?"

Your smile widens a fraction, "I know you enjoy the... delicateness of my body, both intimately and-" you motion to yourself, "-regarding my affliction."

He knits his brows.

"It is wholly contrary to yours, and it is mirthful to you," you nod again, "I understand."

"Do you?" he raises his furrowed brows.

You slowly loosen your hold on him. You pull away to fidget with your fingers, "do I not?"

"No," he scoffs under his breath, chest tightening far too much he has to move past you, "I don't think you do."

You are quick to grab him but it slips, "then make me understand."

Daemon stops in his tracks, turning back to you as his breathing picks up.

Your own does the same, but your gasps get shorter and shorter, so much so, you feel yourself get lightheaded. Your husband has to grab you to keep you upright, but you want to show him you have the will to overcome this, that you aren't dead weight, so push him away and mutter, "I- I can do it, Daemon."

He misinterprets you. You scorch him again. He squeezes your arms, "you don't want my help now?"

"No," you say as try to catch your breath, "I- I just-" you cannot continue.

Daemon has to sit you down to help calm you down. He tried to keep you upright, but then he realizes you were consciously trying to lean into his chest, so he lets you. You press your cheek against his warm muscles and sigh at the beat of his heart. You wrap your arms around him, "I want this."

He stares at your brown hair for a moment.

"I want all of this," you sigh, "which is why I want to be what you want me to be."

He finally lets himself embrace you, but just then, you pull away to look at him.

"I can do it," you nod as you take a final deep breath, "I can be a dutiful wife— I will be a dutiful wife. I will not defy you. I will do as you please. I will not expect more than I ought."

"You cannot do everything for me," Daemon says with slight contempt, a line between his brows.

"I-" you shake your head, "... I know," you shake your head faster, taking his hands, "but can I make you stay?"

He looks at how you hold him. He feels sick.

"What can I do to ma-"

"You do not understand," he pulls his hand away, "my brother wants me to leave. He is sick of me and prays for my riddance."

You watch as Daemon stands and paces around.

"He told me to bring you to your twin in Oldtown, and I would sooner eat Caraxes' shit than be tossed aside to the fucking Reach."

You shake your head, "why does he want you to leave?"

"He is weepy over the drunken words I spoke."

"Well, what did you-"

"Does it matter?!" he snaps, raising his hands, "I must leave!"

He is clearly upset. You nod your head and come to a stand, "then I will speak to the k-"

"No!" he shouts, "I will not have my wife act on my behalf, as though I rolled my belly."

"You are not rolling your belly, I am."

"You think there is a fucking difference?!" he quips, marching in front of you, "no! I am to leave in the dawn, so pack my fucking things, woman!"

You grit your teeth in an attempt to steel yourself away. It does not prevent the tears from running down your cheeks.

Daemon's nostrils flare as you go back to his trunk and sort out his clothes. He hears your soft whimpers and slowly begins to deflate. He wipes his face, slowly turning to you. He watches tears drop onto his garbs, "have you nothing to say?"

You sniffle and shake your head rapidly.

"No?!" his expression pinches.

You stand and grab the rest of this clothes. You sniffle with difficulty then sigh deeply. Your voice is shaky, "I want only to please you."

Daemon chuckles dryly, aimlessly looking around, "you think this pleases me?"

"Then tell me what will!" you whip your head around, clutching his clothes tightly in your arms, "I implore you." You step forward and haphazardly drop everything to his trunk, "I cannot please you if you refuse to tell me what you want."

"I want to go to the fucking Stepstones!" he points to nowhere.

You are shattered. How terrible of him to make it so painfully clear that what he wants does not even involve you. He does not want you, or even if he did, you cannot be enough. You lower your gaze.

"I want you to beg me to stay."

You look up at him. You chuckle dryly under your breath when you realize he's being serious. Your sorrow is not enough, it seems, now he wants even your shame.

Daemon tenses when you get on your knees.

You grip the fabric of his trousers as tightly as possible in an attempt to steel yourself, but it does not prevent your tears from falling. You shudder, "please."

"..."

"Stay. I beg you."

Your prince gazes upon your bitterness. He brushes your cheek and feels the coldness of your tears. He sighs because this does not affect him the way he had hoped.

It is not enough.

Dawn breaks, and Caraxes is restless. Daemon's things were being secured on his dragon, but that is not why so many dragon keepers had to keep him in check.

There, by the entrance, you stood with your hands clasped together and your head hung low. Both your wards behind you, eyeing your prince, who was doing his best to calm his ride as the last of his things were readied. Daemon did not know Caraxes was acting this way because of your distress, but the keepers slowly began to realize this was the case.

One of the keepers call out, "ñuha dārilaros, aōha ābrazȳrys." My prince, your wife.

"Rȳbagon, Caraxes!" Daemon snaps at his dragon to listen. Caraxes shakes his head and the prince spares the dragon keeper a glance, "skoros hen zirȳla?" What of her?

"Aōha zaldrīzes kostagon yknagon zirȳla boter." Your dragon can smell her suffering.

The prince turns to you, back to Caraxes, "iksis ziry zirȳla, Caraxes?" Is it her, Caraxes.

You lift your gaze when you hear Daemon call for you. He beckons you over and before you can move, Arryk grabs your arm and whispers, "I do not think this wise."

You slightly turn to him, "he will not harm me. You saw how Caraxes acted yesterday."

"It is not the dragon I worry about."

You look at the man, seeing how his jaw is clenched. You place a hand on his shoulder plate before walking towards your husband.

Rather immediately, there is a shift in Caraxes's demeanor. He huffs and screeches, neck coiling so his head could come near you. Daemon barks out multiple commands and his mount finally obeys.

The prince knits his brows then turns to you, reaching out a hand. You take it and find yourself pulled into your husband's arms. Your skin pricks with goosebumps when he whispers in your ear, "he wants you."

You sigh and close your eyes, resigning yourself to Daemon. He links his fingers into yours and places it atop his dragon's snout.

Caraxes sighs and slightly leans in.

Daemon is astounded by this, "I did not know he could possibly care for someone more than his rider."

You slowly open your eyes and look at the creatures ruby scales. "He does not," you mutter, rubbing one hand on your belly.

He does not hear this. When he turns you around, he catches you rubbing your stomach. He sighs and takes your hand, "do not weep so bitterly."

You cannot do anything but the opposite. Tears stream down your cheeks, "do not be so cruel then."

Daemon watches how your lips wobble. A line forms between his brows, "do not make this harder than it should."

You pull away from him and lower your gaze, "then just leave me now, and spare me the slow torture."

He tenses at your words. His expression hardens, "I did not ask you to see me off."

"Shall I leave then?" you snap, eyes red as you look back at him.

"Yes!"

You grab your skirt and walk towards the twins.

Daemon is stunned. He turns around and watches as you storm off. He calls your name, once, twice, and then he is sobered by the scream of Caraxes. You do not even stop by the entrance anymore, and walk past your kingsguards, who are quick to follow after you.

Here you were doing his bidding, following his wishes, yet there was no satisfaction. All there was... was less of you, less of your strength, your light, your fire.

Daemon turns to Caraxes, who was restless again. He pushes past the dragon keepers and saddles up. He orders Caraxes to start walking, so he does. The blood wrym begins to crawl towards you and the prince has to reel him back, barking out orders of obedience far too loudly.

Caraxes gives a loud screech before following the order. He huffs so deeply that the wind it produces makes you topple.

Your knights are quick to keep you upright, and though you so badly want to turn around, you remind yourself that your husband has done nothing but all he wants since you've wed. If he wanted you to stay, he would have told you.

You wouldn't know then that Daemon made Caraxes stop in his tracks. You wouldn't know that as he watched you walk off, he was mumbling under his breath that you turn around. You just kept walking yet he still waited for you to turn back, even after your figure had disappeared.

He would also never know that you headed down to the docks near the Keep, just to watch Caraxes fly away one last time. He would never know how your skin pricked with gooseflesh at the sight of the red winged beast soaring above. He would never know how hard it became for you to breathe.

"Gods, please," you mumble as your eyes endlessly watered, "swiftly return him to me."

Arryk and Erryk, stood on either side of you, glared at the sky as they heard your broken voice. They were on high alert as the docks were busy at this hour, and yet, it was necessary to convey their contempt, even if the person it was meant for could not see.

"Give me back my husband," you look at your reflection in the water, "or take me to my mother."

Before your words even register to either of the twins, you've already jumped into the water. Erryk nearly jumps in with you before realizing his armor would surely make him sink. "PRINCESS!" he screams as he undoes his armor.

"THE PRINCESS!" Arryk screams to the fisherman, "SHE'S FALLEN INTO THE WATER!"

The commotion is great. It is loud and frantic, yet as your body plunges and slowly begins to float, you care little. You feel someone fish you out of the water by the arm, and you want nothing more than to break free and swim towards your demise. But then, you hear your wards calling out your name, and you realize you cannot.

You say nothing once you are on land.

Both Cargylls has a hand on your arm, and each of them are worriedly questioning you, "are you alrigh- what happe- what were you thinki- are you faint- my princess-"

"I need to see him," you say.

Arryk and Erryk freeze. The look at each other, not knowing what to say. Arryk offers, "my princess. I fear you cannot see Dae-"

"Not him," you look between them as you gather your skirts. It is arduous, as it is soaking wet.

Otto was on his way back from the scrolls room when hears the shout from across the hall. He tenses like a rock at the recognition of his daughter's voice.

You hadn't realized how tired you were until you saw him. Your knees immediately buckle and you fall to the floor as you call out, "papa!"

The Lord Hand dashes to you, dropping the scrolls he had along the way. He gets on his knees and picks you up. He is aghast by your dripping state, and his anger is soon turned on your incompetent guards, "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY GIRL?"

"Papa," you mutter once you are in his arms.

Otto cradles you, looking down at your sorry form. A deep line is between his brows.

"He left me," you whisper, tears wetting your already wet cheeks.

Daemon. Lord Hightower clenches his jaw. It's always fucking him. "Come, my girl," he mutters, trying to bring you to your feet, "let's get you-"

Your voice is soft, yet it still cuts him off, "you must not leave me."

Otto is frozen. Arryk and Erryk are frozen too.

"If you leave me too, I do not think I will survive."

[teaitis]

thethiefandtheairbender replied to your post:i really want to draw some shallura but im so

anything angsty

Thank you for your prompt! <3 

idk if this counts?? not very good at angst haha 

Also I feel like Shiro would start noticing all these subtle changes in himself and how his friends treat him when Haggar’s influence subsides/weakens a little and he goes around asking everyone because he doesn’t remember some things he did/ said

[musette22]

I think I saw that Dodger usually sleeps in Chris's bed with him. Just imagine what happens when Dodger tries to go to bed and sees Seb's taken his spot.

He doesss, it's so precious! 💞 (although I hope for Chris that Dodger doesn't shed too much lol). Awww yes, I think the first few times it happened Dodger must've been a little put out that there was someone in his spot, but I have no doubt he got used to it quickly and now loves to snuggle up to Sebastian almost as much as he loves snuggling up to Chris 🥰

[kusundei]

chat^_^. i am kind. imsokind. i dont fucking care its okay^_^. how i wish i never told them bcuz why is this your business??????? i dont mind talking ab it but sharing it with other people and brhind my back?? maybe im a hypocrite and im evil but i dont need to hear you talking ab her inches away from me. something ab it just. sincerely pisses me off. like what do you know???? i dont care ab sav and ajax thats granted and they know and honestly i think i bring it up more than they do and its fine because ill talk ab it its just.? i truly only wanna talk ab that w them. i wish i didnt overshare at the time i always regret it??? and going out of ur way to interact w her and harass her??? idk chat. ayden was already pushing and i think the reason its making me so upset is just. what they say cuz they dont know. and then??? interacting w her??? following her and trying to comment,????? sharing it with pther people like what the fuck are you doing???? idk i think its just cuz its. them but its fine im okay.

if anything i thought. the tweet was abit? humorous? also cuz like what the helll . like ik what lyric ur talking ab u dont have to act like its only that part ur referring toooo ^_^ god forbid both of my exes would end up??? evil and.??? transphobic????? just oddd. im sorry i was emotional and i wasnt what you wantef and didnt dooo what you wanted i was just. being. vulnerable with you. comfortable enough to cry and be honest and im sorry i was always hurting???? truth be told iiii an honestly still the same way. i can definitely cope w it alot better but nooo i still bounce back and forth the same way j suppose. still sad most pf the time like i was before so idk. i was just rlly in a state back then^_^ but i swear im not always falling to bits (heh) ^_^. anyways nooo im kind. ill be fine its just a little bothersome. ill give her the benefit of the doubt and hope she didnt truly mean it like that. just odd because shes. talking ab me again. perchance ive?? enabled her??? i just hate that its alsooo. made ajax upset. oh to not have gotten him wrapped up in my shit i wish even now we had kept everything between the two of us but i was selfish because she was too??? but i was supposed to be MORE MATURE. if anything i just truly wish i had never told ethan. aleena if i had asked probably wouldve kept her mouth shut but no she. talked too much. same w kyle and alex i wish it just. stayed between me and everyone not everyone w everyone???? but its fine. im kind i dont know why shes at school today its a friday??? but its okay. i have bigger worse things to worry about . just hoping ill be fineee when i go home and ajax would be feeling better…… but its fineee its fine. i love savannah she keeps me sane in times of despair 💗

praying my mom stays kind because of yesterday. it seriously hurts likr alooot. kyle kept pushing on it and it hurt so bad ??? jot to mention hes just being evil again but im not letting it get to meee. i need to stop wearing this shirt he always … is more handsy when i do??? id put the cardigan back on but its making me evil. but yeah no its aching so bad and i wanna check the thing but im aftaid the bandaid wont be sticky anymore if i do and erm. wouldnt help. no because she was talking about like stitches??? i think it just looked really bad wuen it happened cuz after cleaning it it seemed fine. maybe cut through the first or second layer or whatever im still just shocked a chair did that to me. but oh well i think. if it truly went further it’d hurt alot more than it doesss. its just i can eee the putline of the blood jn the bandaid cuz it wouldjt stop bleeding but i wohldnt need stitches for this??????? im just gonna stop thinking ab it. i neeeed to lock in….. im being dramatic everything is fineee.

i am sooo. out of it? idk i woke up this morning just a little humored oddly enough but it is draining out of meee. i am so tired i genuinely contemplated just waiting so id miss my bus or something. im exhausted and im tweaking like physically but i guess im okay still??? my hand is aching even more today and its bruising around the sides but regardless its fineee. was gonna say ohhh i hope no one asks (someone is going to ask. sav probably) but its finee.

just feeling veryyy. exhausted today. like i wouldnt mind if i got hit by a car just now sorta thing. also just threw on whatever and called it a day and i also have that test and allll that other shit like ughhh. but its fine ill lock in. a little worried again but im sure he’ll be okay when he wakes up or something.. still pandering to my mom and praying kyle isnt here this morningg i dont feel like dealing w this today ^_^ but it is. okay. im filled with loveee. i think ^_^

[seventhstrife]

SubScorp Week 2021 Day 4: Lust 1/3

I AM SO MAD ABOUT THIS PROMPT!!! IT GOT RIDICULOUSLY LONG!!! LIKE, AN UNREASONABLE LENGTH OF FIC WAS ACHIEVED THROUGH THIS PROMPT THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE THE EASIEST ONE!!! WHY IS MY BRAIN LIKE THIS!!!

Special shoutout to all of the wonderful, lovely, ridiculously patient people on discord who weathered me complaining about my stupid hellbrain lolol

Only part 1 tonight since I literally spent all day writing nearly 10k words, and there’s no way I can edit it and also sleep before my shift LOL

Read it on AO3.

Part 2

It would have been kinder, perhaps, to simply announce his arrival, but Hanzo had grown so fond of being amused in recent years and he could not resist the urge to indulge.

Gathering a handful of small stones, Hanzo climbed the nearest building and darted across the sun-baked clay of the rooftops, careful to remain unseen as he trailed his target.

A smile curled his lips beneath his mask. He waited until he was sure he was completely concealed, then let loose one of the pebbles in his grasp—a direct hit to the back of Kuai Liang's head.

The sight of Kuai Liang's flinch, as well as the sharp snap of attention and his dark expression of annoyance and suspicion through the crowded, dusty streets of the road, stretched Hanzo's smile into a grin. He bled into the shadows, knowing he would have to be swift if he wanted to stay ahead of Kuai Liang's attention.

He only managed one more stone's throw before Kuai Liang wisened up and scaled the nearest building. He was no fool, and tracing the stone's trajectory was a simple thing. Hanzo was forced to duck behind any cover he could find to avoid the Lin Kuei Grandmaster's thorough, careful scrutiny of his surroundings.

His next throw would be his last, he knew. He would have to make it count if he did not wish to be caught.

Hanzo crouched low and waited for his moment. The instant Kuai Liang turned, still scanning his surroundings for any movement, he sent his last stone flying.

He saw the beginning motion of Kuai Liang's whip-fast reaction, hand darting up in a flash to catch the stone, but Hanzo was already gone, swallowed in hellfire, and before Kuai Liang's fist fully closed around the rock, Hanzo appeared directly behind him.

Hanzo didn't hesitate. He tackled Kuai Liang to the roof, perched atop his chest before he could react.

Blinking in the harsh sunlight, Kuai Liang's scowl of deadly promise melted away into shock.

"Hanzo?"

Hanzo smirked. "Is this the standard of Lin Kuei assassins?" Hanzo shook his head. "Perhaps I should reconsider allying myself with a clan that is so soft."

Kuai Liang's eyes narrowed in a glare, but it was lessened by the reluctant smile that tugged on his lips, as if against his better judgment.

"I think I am the one who should be reconsidering my allies, if they are so eager to attack me on the streets," Kuai Liang pointed out, and Hanzo chuckled, finally stood and offered his arm.

Kuai Liang took the offered hand and absently brushed himself as he stood. His dark eyes, pleased and curious in equal measure, peered at Hanzo with confusion.

"What brings you to Outworld, Hanzo? And to me, specifically?"

Hanzo crossed his arms, gazing across the sand-dusted streets and modest abodes of the city, half of it hollowed out from the bright red clay of a mountain.

"I had received word that you accepted a mission from the Thunder God." Hanzo's face darkened with a grimace. "I would be neglecting the conditions of our alliance if I did not aide you."

"My mission is one of reconnaissance, Hanzo," Kuai Liang said, brow furrowed. "My life is hardly in danger."

"No mission from Raiden is as simple as he makes it seem," Hanzo said darkly. The loss of his clan—again—still burned. "If my presence is an insult, I beg your forgiveness," Hanzo continued, and he bowed. When he rose, he met Kuai Liang's eyes dead-on, determined and stubborn. "Allow me to accompany you, if only to set my mind at ease."

Kuai Liang had appeared taken aback at first, but understanding quickly bled onto his expression, and no little guilt. His own memories of the Kamidogu, and the manipulation he'd suffered, did not appear to have been forgotten either.

"...I accept your offer, Hanzo. Thank you." Kuai Liang said, and he returned the bow. "Shall we?"

The Thunder God's power had sent Kuai Liang to an Outworld city, but Kuai Liang's true destination laid deeper in the forest. An ancient temple, Kuai Liang informed him, long abandoned, had been rumored to have worshippers once more. Raiden merely wanted confirmation of such a thing, to decide his next move. The worship once practiced there had been forbidden, one steeped in ritual sacrifice and practices so brutal and cruel that even Outlanders shunned it, and if some sort of revival was in the making, Raiden suspected it would only be a matter of time before the cult spilled into Earthrealm and claimed the inhabitants there for their depraved rituals.

A simple mission, but one that did nothing to abate the uneasy feeling that had overcome Hanzo from the moment he'd learned of Kuai Liang's undertaking. He had not lied to Kuai Liang for his reasons for being here, but he had neglected the full truth: that, more than anything, he worried for his friend and what might happen to him when caught up in another machination of a God.

Once Kuai Liang had debriefed him, they fell into silence, traveling the forest with their ears peeled for the slightest sound that stuck out: voices, a footstep, anything that would confirm Raiden's suspicions. But caution and vigilance would only help them so much if Raiden had sent them into some sort of trap.

Hanzo pushed the worry from his mind. Nothing will happen to him. I will ensure it, he vowed.

The temple emerged from the trees when they were nearly on top of it. If it had been recently re-occupied, it did not show on the outside. The forest had been allowed to encroach upon it, nearly to the doors, and lichen and vines covered the side of the crumbling stone building as nature reclaimed it.

Hanzo and Kuai Liang knelt side by side as they observed the building, but it truly seemed abandoned.

"Shall we take a closer look?" Kuai Liang asked once it was plain they were quite alone outside.

Hanzo repressed a grimace; telling Kuai Liang he had a 'bad feeling' was out of the question, unless he wanted to make Kuai Liang think he indulged silly superstition and thus, lose his respect forever.

Hanzo nodded. They took a closer look.

Their steps were slow and cautious as they climbed the sun-bleached steps. Cracks and fissures stretched across nearly every surface, and while the stains were very faint, Hanzo still recognized the dried blood dotted across the stone.

It only took a few minutes to carefully sweep the temple for signs of life, and they met in the dusty temple's center once they were done.

"It appears abandoned," Kuai Liang observed, dark eyes lingering in a dark corner for one last check before he finally looked at Hanzo.

"I agree," Hanzo said, crossing his arms. "I hope the Thunder God has promised you something worthwhile for this waste of time."

A small smile tugged on Kuai Liang's lips; Hanzo pretended he did not find the sight incredibly gratifying.

"The terms of a contract are confidential, Hanzo."

"So, nothing," Hanzo surmised with a nod. "Unsurprising."

Kuai Liang's smile grew, amused. "Your time was wasted as well," he pointed out. "Will you demand compensation from Raiden?"

"Do not tempt me," Hanzo warned. He could do so without shame or remorse. After what the Thunder God had put them both through, it was the least he deserved.

Kuai Liang opened his mouth, eyes dancing with mirth—

But then his eyes shifted, just slightly, and he tensed, all over.

Hanzo barely had time to react before Kuai Liang was shoving him with a rough shout of, "Get down!"

His balance was upset but Hanzo recovered, quickly rolled to his feet in a crouch, one arm braced on the floor, the other already unsheathing his dagger.

"Jussst asss my hunger growsss, what ssshould I find but fresssh blood in the unlikeliessst of placesss?"

Skarlet ascended the last steps of the temple, an expression of satisfaction and interest on her features. She held a single hand aloft where an orb of thick, viscous blood twirled idly.

She came to a stop some distance away and widened her stance. Her fingers curled into claws and she stretched the blood like a scarf between her palms. Her eyes flashed between the two of them.

"My lucky day," she rasped slowly.

Hanzo frowned heavily, though it was almost a relief to finally face the inevitable complication he had been expecting this entire time. He darted a quick glance at Kuai Liang.

Kuai Liang was much in the same position and appeared unscathed as he leveled Skarlet with a heavy frown. A smear of blood shards streaked across the space they once stood.

"What are you doing here, Skarlet?" Pure, icy contempt dripped from his tone.

"I am the one who ssshould be asssking the questions, Sub-Zero." Skarlet arched a single thin eyebrow. "Asss the Outworlder, I am not the one who doesss not belong here..."

Hanzo rose and Skarlet's gaze cut to him, wary and deadly. He unsheathed his second dagger and gave them a spin.

"You are outmatched, Skarlet." He pointed at her with a blade. "You would be wise to leave."

Her mouth was hidden behind a crimson mask, but her smile was only too obvious in her tone.

"I am trembling with fear," Skarlet said mockingly, and barely before she'd finished drawing breath, she moved her hands in a quick sweeping motion that sent a wide arch of blood, suddenly crystallized, straight for them.

Kuai Liang had his ice to defend himself with, so Hanzo did not waste a moment summoning a ring of fire, nose wrinkling as the blood met his flames and burst on impact. A power based on draining the life from another—it was barbaric.

Hanzo's words had not been an idle boast—together, he and Kuai Liang were formidable, and years of fighting at one another's side had only fostered a deadly alliance, one of devastating power and precise, efficient strategy.

Barely minutes into the fight, Skarlet was showing signs of unease. She was smart to keep her back to a wall at all times, to better prevent them from flanking her, but the ceaseless assault of ice and fire was clearly wearing on her.

When Kuai Liang froze her leg, just long enough so that she caught a fireball to the chest, she staggered, fell to one knee as her harsh breaths echoed through the ancient temple.

Tales of her cunning and deadliness had not escaped them, however, and neither man allowed their guard down, approaching slowly, fists raised.

"Thisss," Skarlet panted, glaring at the two of them, "Isss hardly fair, isss it?"

"You chose this fight, Skarlet," Kuai Liang said pitilessly.

The way her eyes narrowed at Kuai Liang—that earlier feeling of unease rose within Hanzo once more.

"I did," she agreed. "And it isss time I evened the oddsss..."

Skarlet thrust the hand—that before had been clutching her side—at Kuai Liang, and a small disk of blood, no doubt razor-sharp, shot towards him at an incredible speed.

Too fast to deflect it properly, Kuai Liang raised his arm, and Hanzo only caught a glimpse of how it burst moments before impact, hovered in the air in dozens of pinpricks of needle-thin blades, before crashing again. As Kuai Liang dropped to a knee and ducked, shielding his face from the worst of it, Hanzo was already backing away as Skarlet flew at him in a sudden burst of deadly fury.

"I can already tassste your blood," Skarlet said with relish. The blade of her blood dagger locked with Hanzo's and their faces hovered close. Her eyes shined with wicked triumph. "I will enjoy gorging myssself in the daysss to come."

Hanzo only glared back, disgusted. Between them, a sudden light grew and Skarlet glanced down with wide eyes to see her dagger glowing-white hot to match where it met Hanzo's as his arms caught fire.

An instant later, the blade, warped, shifted, and burst. Skarlet cried out, backing away as the blood singed her and the hands she shook out were bright red from the blistering heat.

"You will only taste defeat," Hanzo swore, summoning his kunai.

The low thump of a body hitting the ground drew his attention away, however, and it was with dread that Hanzo clapped eyes on Kuai Liang—teeth gritted in a grimace of pain, hands clawed against the stone as if he might crumble the stone at their feet.

He raised glassy, straining eyes to meet his.

"H-Hanzo," Kuai Liang managed, and then he shuddered, hunched over, and a low grunt of pain escaped him.

The sight and sound of him chilled Hanzo to his very core. Kuai Liang had been trained, practically since infancy, to withstand incredible amounts of pain. Anything that made him cry out like that—

Hanzo looked to Skarlet and he had no problem recognizing the sheer relish and satisfaction of her expression.

The hellfire, always kept carefully maintained, overflowed into instant, black fury.

Faster than she could ever predict, Hanzo flew across the room, seized Skarlet by her neck and did not stop until he slammed her against the opposite wall. Her strangled choke—brutally cut off by his hands, pressing deep—only incensed him further because this one cry of pain was not enough.

"What have you done to him?"

Skarlet strained against his grip, but she could not touch him, not when he burned so hot. She quickly realized she could not escape, but she only laughed, a reedy, raspy thing that made Hanzo see red.

"It—It isss a new concoction," she hissed, throat working harshly beneath his fingers. He barely loosened his grip so that she could speak, despising every moment he was not killing her. "One I-I have been..." She swallowed. Her heels scraped against the stone wall for purchase. "Very eager to try out."

Hanzo tightened his grip once more and Skarlet's eyes grew larger, panicked and desperate.

"WHAT. HAVE. YOU. DONE."

With each word, flames licked Hanzo's tongue, eager to escape. The temptation to release the flames on Skarlet's wretched head, to burn away her smirk until only bone remained, was nearly overwhelming.

But Kuai Liang's life hung in the balance. He could not give in to anger.

He allowed Skarlet breath, and she finally spoke, "That blood wasss poisoned," Skarlet hissed and Hanzo tensed.

"Where is the antidote," he demanded, and Skarlet laughed again.

"It isss not that sort of poissson," she said. "Thisss one was made for...ssspecial occasssionsss..."

Hanzo narrowed his eyes. "What does that mean?"

Skarlet looked into his eyes and victory shined in her dark, mad eyes.

"It isss a powerful aphrodisssiac," she purred, and Hanzo tensed. "If he is not sssatiated, his blood will boil."

Alarmed, Hanzo glanced at Kaui Liang. It looked as if he was already feeling the effects, if the way he clutched his abdomen meant anything. He ground his forehead against the filthy stone floor and even a short distance away, Hanzo could see the red welts rising from his skin, as if he were burning from the inside out.

"It would be bessst," Skarlet continued, able to speak more in Hanzo's moment of distraction, "If you left usss here." Her eyes darkened with desire and twisted eagerness. "I am more than up to the tasssk of helping him, and I am sssure he will find me very sssastisfying."

Kuai Liang would rather die, Hanzo knew.

Slowly, every line of his body a taut line of repressed violence, Hanzo allowed Skarlet to slide back down the wall so that her feet touched the floor.

Her eyes brightened with victory—and then Hanzo yanked her close, so that they instead widened with surprise and a quick flash of fear—for he had not released her yet.

"No," he simply said, and then he shoved Skarlet back.

Her skull cracked against the stone and she went limp.

Hanzo let her drop carelessly, turned his back on her, and quickly made his way to Kuai Liang's side. She would not die, he was sure of it, and though he dearly wanted to make her pay for poisoning Kuai Liang, there was still a chance she would be needed in the future, should her words prove false and some sort of antidote could only be procured through her repulsive blood magic.

Hanzo fell to his knees at Kuai Liang's head, hands hovering or unsure.

"Kuai Liang..."

Shakily, Kuai Liang raised his head. Hanzo didn't hesitate to clasp his hand when it was raised and his eyes widened to feel the heat of him, hot enough to rival his own skin.

"Hanzo..." Through his fierce grimace, Hanzo saw the flicker of uncertainty, the worry and anxiety brought on by this sudden vulnerability.

"I have you," Hanzo assured him and he squeezed his hand tightly. "We will fix this, I promise you."

Kuai Liang stared into his eyes for a moment, panting, face beginning to bead with sweat.

He sagged with a nod, weary and pained.

Hanzo swallowed them both in hellfire, and only the scorched stone and Skarlet's crumpled form marked their ever being in Outworld.