#i keep thinking about how AM turns into a burning bush

[ziptie-bouquet]

Rain World has a big I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream feel to it. You can't die. There is a supercomputer capable of sentience who is trapped inside its own metal body. He was built to think about issues too complex for the ones who made him. He is unable to change his core programming. He can't die either. His purpose is meaningless after the death of his creators. He has a halo and calls himself a God. He produces rain that kills everything it touches. He is angry at his creators to the point of driving himself mad. I do think it's very interesting how ultimately Five Pebbles IS in Ted's situation. He is stuck in a can completely isolated, he can't talk with anyone because his communication system has been cut. He is left to think, trapped in his own body and unable to interact with the outside world. He can only see it through his overseers.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Just Friends: Isn't It Fun?

My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.

Character: Bucky Barnes

masterlist

Summary: You make a new friend.

It’s giving

As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging ❤️

You hum as you come up the walk of your building. It isn’t in the best location. In the dark, it’s scarier as a shadow overhangs the door beneath the awning. You reach into your knapsack, hanging from one shoulder, as you eke out the tune to Easy Street offkey.  

As your keys jingle, a shape pops out of the bushes and you scream, throwing the keyring as you turn to sprint back down the pavement. You’re caught from behind as a familiar chuckle rolls up into the moonlit sky. You grunt and elbow Bucky as you realise the trick he’s pulled. 

“Ah, why would you do that?” You wriggle until he lets you go. 

You face him and try to snarl but you’re so relieved it’s just him, you can’t help but smile. 

“Just having some fun. At your expense,” he chuckles and bends to pick up the keys. “Can I give you some advice, dreamy?” He raises your keys and holds them so one points between his fingers. “Keep your keys out, hold em like this and if some creep jumps out of the bushes, stab em good.” 

“Stab-- Buck,” you shake your head. “I can’t do that.” 

“You can if it’s life or death,” he swings the keys around to hang from his thick fingers, “here.” 

“What-- what are you even doing here?” 

“Huh. You didn’t let me ask my question first,” he huffs as he stands back and waves you past. “Why didn’t you tell me you were working late?” 

“Well, firstly, you got lots going on,” you say. “And I didn’t think of it. I’m fine.” 

“Fine, I could be a real bad guy waiting for you out here in the dark,” he taunts. 

“But you’re not. So now my turn, why are you here?” 

“Well, I was wandering by on my way to see a Buster Keaton marathon and thought maybe you’d be up for it...” 

“Tonight? Right now?” 

“I see,” he grabs the door as you opens it and holds it, “you’re too busy. Or maybe you’re too good for me.” 

You enter and he follows. It’s that familiarity that you just sort of fell into with him. He’s like a wise big brother, even if he really is older than your grandpa. It’s the most unexpected bonds that are the strongest. 

“No, not at all, Mr. Hero,” you climb the stairs as he stays a step behind, his hand on the railing right by yours. 

“Ugh, why doesn’t this place have an elevator?” He whines. 

“I thought the serum would give you extra strong legs,” you toss over your shoulder. 

“Whatever.” He clucks, “so how about it? You wanna fall asleep in the theatre with me, dreamy?” 

“Dream-- why do you call me that?” You head down towards your door. 

“You got your head in the clouds. Also, when you watch movies, you get this look in your eyes, like you’re living on screen. Dreamy. See.” He explains. 

“Mm,” you grumble. 

“You don’t like it? I put up with Buckaroo.” 

“That was once and it was a slip-up,” you unlock your door. “Fine, I’ll go with you since you don’t have any other friends.” 

“I have friends.” 

“Sure you do,” you snort and turn to give him a playful wink. You put your keys and bag down on the tall table. “You and Cap, the superfriends. Heroes and buddies til the end—whoa!” 

You hit the shoe rack and stumble, landing on your ass. Bucky is quick enough to save you but he doesn’t. He watches smugly and cackles as your cheeks burn up. 

“Not funny,” you pout. 

“Oh, it is very funny,” he approaches and offers his hand. “How’s that humble pie taste?” 

“Fine. I was being a meanie. I admit it but you got my adrenaline up. I can’t help it.” 

“Ha, yeah, that was good. You shoulda seen the look on your face. And that noise you made.” He hauls you up as his vibranium thumb rubs between your knuckles. “Ayeeeee!” 

“I don’t sound like that.” 

“You do.” He grins. You scowl and he laughs again. “You know I love that face. The day you actually get mad at me, I’ll be down on my knees, dreamy.” 

“Ugh, you are such a...” you let the sentence trail off and the dimple stays in in his cheek as he crosses his arms. 

“I’m a what?” 

“Nothing.” 

“No, say it,” he goads. 

“No.” 

“Come on, I can handle it. You know, I got hit by a truck the other day, I think I can take a few words.” 

“Hit by a truck? Bucky?” You squeal. “Are you okay?” 

“Ah, look at me. I’m fine. Not a scratch. That you can see,” he shrugs. “So what am I? Tell me.” 

“No,” you turn your nose up. 

“Say it. You’ll feel better.” 

“It’s... not nice.” 

“Come on,” he unfolds his arms and flutters his fingers at you, “I am trained in torture.” 

“No,” you grab his hands, his skin rough, “no tickles.” 

“So, tell me.” 

“Not fair,” you struggle to keep his hands away from your sides. 

“Almost...” he wiggles his fingertips a half-inch from your middle. 

“Brat! You’re a brat!” You step back, out of his reach. “Okay, and if you keep being one, you can go to the movies alone.” 

He laughs and grips his hips in victory, “wow, you know, I’ve actually never got that one. Creative.” 

“Right, well, I can’t sit in the theatre in this get-up,” you look down at your frilly plaid overall dress and white blouse.  

“I didn’t get to mention that yet. It’s a choice, as the young ones say.” 

You cringe, “it’s my work uniform.” 

“Uniform?” He squints. 

“Don’t, okay? I get enough guff from the customers.” 

“Guff? Oh, that’s language I understand.” 

“Ergh,” you stomp your foot. “You are so... so... old.” 

You turn and march away. He laughs and you turn into your bedroom. He just loves to tease you and despite your efforts, he always gets to you. At least he’ll have to be quiet during the movie. 

[crazycurly-77]

Hey, Ms. Secret Service! - Chapter 1 

Working at the NCIS as a pilot you met a bunch of strange and slightly crazy people. 

Tim was unfortunately shy, but so cute! Since he was the probie in Team Gibbs he was pranked by his teammates Tony and Kate very often. 

Tony was very good looking and a womanizer, but in all honesty, he didn't get as many women as the teamleader Gibbs.

That one was a silver fox, which talks rarely, but had a quick mind and very fascinating ice blue eyes. 

A woman was a member of the team, too. Her name was Kate and she always seemed to have to prove herself. At every opportunity she tells the people that she was approved yankee white and was handpicked to protect the president in the secret service. Oh, man. 

She could be nice, if she wanted. But most of the time she bickered with Tony and was a little bit arrogant, as if she was the best of the best. To that you only rolled with your eyes. 

Yes, she protected the president, but the others were really good, too. 

And you? You were just a trained pilot who flew several missions since you completed your pilot training. Your duty was to fly the people in a dangerous place or to fly them out of there. Okay, you had just done that multiple times, but that's your job. No need to get pretentious. 

In this point you were like Gibbs. Nothing goes without coffee and you had completed numerous commitments, but you didn't spoke of them. 

So you continue to observe the team, roll occasionally with your eyes and think your part. 

One day Kate was particularly bitchy. And she was once again going on about “I was handpicked to protect the president” and looked at you as if you were a bug under her shoes. 

Gibbs seemed to like her, so you tried to keep your calm. But every person has a point of no return and explodes. 

So you just looked up at her and said coolly “that's nice. But I don't want to be yankee white. I'm only here to fly your asses out of dangerous situations and that's enough for me.”

“You are very self-confident yourself!” she immediately argued. To that you narrowed your eyes and answered “yes. Yes I am self-confident. Because if I am not self-confident up there, I am dead. And with me my possible passengers.”

With that you sipped from your coffee, turned and walked back to your desk. Leaving Kate standing behind you and gaping at you like a fish. Nobody said a word and there was a lot of tension in the air. 

Gibbs stood slowly at his desk and looked at you both “any problems?” You both answered “no” shaking your heads, so he said “good” and sat back in his chair again.

An hour later you packed your things. Seeing that, Tim asked “Y/N, where are you going?”

“Flight Training. Today with an airplane, because the helicopter needs to be repaired. You wanna come with me?” you answered. 

He considered “yeah, I would very much like to go and watch.”

Turning to Gibbs he asked “Boss?” 

Gibbs looked up considering the question and said “good idea, McGee. Since we have no case to solve at the moment, we are all going to watch. Tim, get the truck. Y/N, you with me. Let's go.”

With that he threw the keys to Tim, got his own keys, gun and badge and walked towards the elevator with everyone running behind and following him. And so you all headed to the airport. 

The drive to get there was mainly silent as it was always with Gibbs. But just as you pondered why you had to drive with him in the car and how it had come that now the whole team was watching you, he said “what are you training today?” 

Surprised you answered “landing with a standing engine and getting out of a spin. Haven't trained this for 3 months.”

“What plane are you flying?” 

“Today a Cessna T206H a very reliable and flexible bush plane - it's one of my favorites.” 

To that he only nodded and then you were on the airport, exiting the car and walking to the others.

But before you could say anything you heard “hey, Y/N! You ready to crash and burn?” You were greeted laughingly from your former flight trainer and now friend, who was patting you on your back. 

“Hey John! Of course! I'm as ready as one can be” you greeted back. 

“I'm taking Sally today. Is she ready to fly?”

“Yeah, you can directly start with the pre-flight check and then start.”

“That's good. You know she's the best next to the little sheep” you nodded. 

“Yeah, I know you love them both” he laughed. 

Then you took a look at your colleagues who were standing nearby and asked him “Look, since the weather conditions are really good today…think it's safe to take passengers with me for the adventure?”

John looked at Kate, Tim, Tony and Gibbs and began laughing out loud “these greenhorns? They don't look like they know what awaits them. But yeah, no problem. But make sure that they will clean the plane, when they puke because of fear.” The two of you were laughing madly. 

“Okay, see you for the instructions” 

“Yeah, I'm coming”

Then you turned to Tim, Tony and Kate looking shocked towards you and said shrugging your shoulders “what? That's normal training. You have to train this so that you know what to do, if the worst case happens.”

Gibbs only narrowed his eyes “you sure of what you do?” 

“Yes. I've done this multiple times. Sure, there is always the possibility to really crash and burn, but when you are thinking about that, you should not fly” you stated. 

Looking to Kate you smirked devilish “hey, Ms. Secret Service. Already crashed today?” 

She only blanched horrified…. 

(To be continued...)

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

Here you will find the other chapters of this story and the other stories I've written to date.

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

[viaoverthemoon]

Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3

Welcome back, Beloved Reader!

I was happy to see some of you guys were as excited as me for this chapter. I couldn't wait to post it ahhh!!

I hope y'all are ready for some questions to be answered.

Why did Leon bed Lady Ada? Will you ever forgive him? How does Lady Ada feel about all this? I don't know guys... It feels like the King of Duevaula is hiding in the shadows...

Let us continue!

☆*: .｡. Behind Closed Doors .｡.:*☆ Chapter 3

Medeival!Leon Kennedy x Fem!Reader

Summary: Lady Ada shares a few words with you, leaving you with harsh words and feelings burning the tip of your tongue. Meanwhile, Leon recalls the night he spent with Lady Ada and plans a way to explain what had happened.

Tw: Mentions of pregnancy, coercion into sex, sa(??), abuse, violence, angst

Please be careful reading this if you're easily triggered by these things and still want to read.

READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!

Enjoy!

☆*: .｡.☆*: .｡.☆*: .｡.☆*: .｡.☆*: .｡.☆*: .｡.☆*: .｡.☆*: .｡.☆*: .｡.

The garden has always been your place of peace.

Flowers of all kinds lined in rows and rows of different shapes, colors, and patterns. Large, well-kept, luscious trees planted sporadically all around the space. Bushes shaped like bunnies, horses, and lions.

For once, your mind has a moment to rest after this horrible week.

You'd spent most of your days locked away in your rooms, ignoring everyone's attempts to coax you out.

Albeit, by the third day your mother had had enough.

She'd stormed into your chambers, demanding you to get out of your head for five minutes and think about how you're going to win the prince back.

And that had caused you to spiral even further.

You abandoned indoors and took to the gardens, seeking the comfort of fresh air and solitude.

So now you sit on a bench, embroidery the only thing keeping all of your screws from falling out.

Your concentration is so deep you don't even hear the footsteps nearing you.

"Your highness."

You instantly recognize the voice, hands pausing the delicate work as you slowly look up.

Lady Ada offers a curtsy, much less deep than the one she'd done for the King.

She doesn't respect you.

You take a deep breath, setting the embroidery aside. "Leave us."

The guards, save for Jill, leave immediately.

"Lady Ada... To what do I owe the pleasure?"

A smirk spreads across her red lips, posture straight as an arrow as she rests a hand on her small belly. "I merely seek conversation with the princess I am to coexist with."

You try not to sneer as she gracefully sits beside you on the bench. "Apologies, I'm sure you don't mind," Her proximity makes your skin burn. "My God, this pregnancy sure is doing a number on my feet."

Your fists ball, your eyes unable to hold hers. "I'm sure."

She seems to notice your anger, smiling in a way the Devil would approve of. "Surely your highness isn't intimidated by me... She wouldn't think that I could take her place-"

You stand, turning and looking down your nose at her in disgust. "It would do you well to remember your place, Lady Ada." You bend to grab your embroidery, pausing when your lips near her ear. "You may carry his baby, but you do not carry the other half of his crown. Always remember that."

And with that, you turn on your heel and walk away, Jill three paces behind you.

☆ Leon ☆

Read. Flip. Sign.

He can feel his gaze.

Read. Flip. Sign.

He sees him flinch in his peripheral.

Read. Flip. Sign.

He clears his throat.

"What are you waiting for?"

His posture straightens, avoiding eye contact as his chin angles high. "Permission to speak freely, your highness?"

Leon waves a hand. "You always have, Chris. Do not fear me now."

Chris, Leon's personal guard, sighs as his body relaxes. He steps closer to the desk and leans his hip on it. "Why don't you just tell her what happened?"

Leon gives him an obvious look, causing Chris to glare at him. "I know what the King said, but you love her. She loves you. I'm sure her highness will understand-"

"Loved."

...

"She loved me."

Chris scoffs. "Do not be ridiculous. You two spent years sneaking beyond your palace walls just to see each other and you're to tell me she just... stopped loving you?"

Leon exhales, dropping his pen and slumping in his chair.

He needed to think.

The effects of that night... The possibility of a bastard child...

A mistress.

It wasn't even him. He never wanted this. Never wanted her.

If only he'd stood his ground...

But now, it was too late.

-

"Father... I can't. It wouldn't be right."

Dim candle light illuminates the chamber, casting a dark shadow over the King's face.

He'd never been the type of monarch that accepted the word 'no'. Anyone to do so were immediately thrown into the dungeon and left to starve to death or until they realized how much they needed their King.

"And why would it be wrong? A King is not tied to a woman, son. A woman is tied to a man. You need not hold yourself for her."

Leon shook his head. "I've promised myself to her. I will only bed Princess-"

His words are cut off by a hand around his neck.

His body is slammed into a nearby wall as the King towers over him. Tension builds as Leon fights for air, clawing at his father's hand. But he doesn't let go, heaving heavy breathes as he grits out his words. "Listen to me boy. I will not have a child in the body of a man for a son. You will not be a man until you have bed a woman."

Black shadows form in the corners of Leon's vision, breaths coming out in shortened gasps. But the King isn't done. "So make of your mind Leon. You either bed the woman I've set for you, or am I going to have to make an example of that pretty little princess of yours?"

Leon's eyes widen, shaking his head as best he could with the hand around his throat.

Not her. Anyone but her.

He doesn't have time to think about his decision, only worried about what he could do to you.

His answer comes out pathetic, a whisper that leads back to a broken heart. "I'll- do it-"

The King let's go instantly, inhaling deeply as his fist clenches. "Excellent."

He ignores Leon's coughs and gasps for air, clapping his hands. "Bring her in."

The doors open and the skirts of a deep red dress embroidered with black flowers flows gracefully into the room.

The woman drops deep into a curtsy and grins at the prince. "Hello, your highness."

That night was not one that Leon would ever forget. His father watched every second. Up until the end, after Lady Ada had been escorted out. After the lights had all dwindled and melted wax pooled at the bottom of candelabras. After Leon had wiped his tears and sat in the bed with slumped naked shoulders.

And then, The King stood from his chair to leave. But not without saying these words.

"You will not tell anyone. Not even your mother. If you do, you can kiss your princess goodbye." He'd placed a hand on Leon's shoulder.

"You are a man now. Congratulations, son."

-

☆

"Ouch! Nara Vella!"

Your sister grimaces and loosens her grip on your hair. "Oh, sorry (y/n)! I've been practicing but I just can't get this braid right..."

You sigh, gently taking the braid from her and demonstrating how it should be done. "Over, under, untangle. You can do it Nara, just repeat those actions."

She gives a determined nod and this time, completes the braid just as you showed her.

"I did it!" She places the braid over your shoulder so you can see it. "Do you like it?"

You hum, smiling gently. "I love it, little sister."

Nara Vella giggles, throwing her hands up in triumph.

A knock comes at your door. Jill's uncertain voice a moment later. "Prince Leon, Your highness."

You roll your eyes, undoing the braid and grabbing a hairbrush. "Tell him to leave, Jill."

Nara Vella's eyes dart between you and the door, wringing her hands to ease her uncomfortability. "Um, perhaps I should come back another time...-"

The door burst open.

You look in the reflection of the mirror, eyeing Leon as he struts in like a King.

"We need to talk, (Y/n)."

"No. I don't believe we do."

A tense silence falls over the room. The two of you glare at each other in the reflection, both waiting for the other to say something.

Nara Vella clears her throat, lifting her yellow skirts and giving Prince Leon a clumsy curtsy. "I will take my leave now... Your highness."

She leaves, only smiling awkwardly in your direction before practically running out of the room.

Jill frowns apologetically and closes the door to give you privacy.

You huff a breath, continuing to brush the braid from your hair. "I would appreciate if you'd stop forcing my guard to obey you."

He steps closer. "We need to talk."

You hum. "So you've said."

"I want you to listen to me."

"And I wanted to be your first."

Leon's expression falls, something close to guilt overcoming his features.

"Though I suppose we can't all get what we want."

You put down the brush and stand, walking forward until you're right in his face, looking up into his bright eyes. You try not to drown in the weight of his gaze."...Do you regret it?"

His eyes flash. "More than anything."

You lick your lips, forcing the burning tears away. "Then... why did you?"

He reaches for your hand, but you're quick to yank it away. His brows furrow, breaths hollow and desperate. "Are you willing to let me explain?"

Are you?

He waits for your answer, both breathing the other's air. Your lips are close enough to share a kiss, something you'd normally kill for...

But you aren't ready to get your heart broken again.

You inhale, about to give your answer.

But then you see it. In his eyes, a flicker.

Pain. Desperation. Worry. Fear.

Love.

You'd once told him his eyes were like oceans. And it didn't help that his emotions hid poorly within those seas.

You could read him like an open book. It really wasn't hard.

Before... You suppose you didn't want to know.

You answer.

"Yes."

☆

Words would never be enough to explain how you felt.

Horrified doesn't even begin to reach it.

You'd welcomed him into your arms as he rested his head in the crook of your neck, spilling the secrets that'd plagued his mind for years.

And by the time he's finished, you still can't get the disgusted look off your face. "Leon- That's-... I'm so-... Great Gods, I wish you'd told me earlier." You gently run your fingers through his hair. "I feel like such an ass. I'm so sorry for not hearing you out, my love."

You coax his head from your neck and hold his face, thumbs caressing his cheeks. "You are a man. To me, and by definition. It wouldn't have mattered if you had bed a woman first or not. I will never see you any different." His eyes begin to water and his lip wobbles. "Your father, is a fool to see you any different."

Leon sighs, removing his hands from your hips and placing them over yours. "And... You still love me? Even though I didn't save myself for you?"

You shush him, brows furrowing. "Of course I do. That wasn't your decision." You look him deep in his eyes, placing a hand over his heart. "It wasn't your fault."

His eyes close. "It wasn't my fault."

"It wasn't your fault."

Relief.

Relief so strong his shoulders slump and he nearly falls to his knees.

You're quick to catch him, sliding your arms under his and clinging to the back of his shirt.

His arms wrap around your waist, holding you close as shuddered breaths pass from between his lips.

The truth will set you free.

☆*: .｡.☆*: .｡.☆*: .｡.☆*: .｡.☆*: .｡.☆*: .｡.☆*: .｡.☆*: .｡.☆*: .｡.

Did anyone see that coming? I know for a fact y'all didn't lmaoo

This isn't the end! We have 2 more chapters, me thinks.

Will Lady Ada continue to live in the Kingdom of Duevaula? Will anyone else ever know of the Kings harshness toward Prince Leon? How would the Queen react to such news? Do you still have the chance of becoming Queen?

See you next chapter!

-Via 💕

[hantenguclonesimp-minuszoha]

Strange creatures... | Odd human...

Synopsis: The very first thing he wondered was why he wasn't burning under the sun. The second being why he wasn't in the Infinity Castle when he was mere moments ago. Why was he in a forest? The air smelled different and even this location's energy felt different... What was that giant creature? Why was the woman next to it not running away?

Warnings: N/A.

Content contains: Kimetsu no Yaiba + Steven Universe.

Upper Rank/Moon Four, Hantengu - Aizetsu.

Blue Diamond.

Blue Pearl.

Term meaning:

Minka -> traditional Japanese house.

Note: So, I've started with this little idea of mine. Been motivated but am currently keeping my mind off requests, which is also why they're closed! This is a 'start' to this post and just a little bit of fun really. Might write up the others, might not. Anyways, enjoy! + I apologise for shitty translation, Google translate is my only option since I'm a little lazy to look for more. I FOUND A BETTER TRANSLATOR (I HOPE IT'S BETTER)

This is not a guaranteed project.

I am by no means a Steven Universe fan, however, I have seen some clips of the show and the one that I chose was when Blue Diamond visited Earth to talk to Pink Diamond's shrine thingy.

Aizetsu looked around cautiously, trying to detect any sort of danger or enemies. However, he seemed to have found none. This is entire place was not... where he was from. His homeland. He's surprised to even call it that. It didn't feel like Japan and it didn't look like it either. There were no minkas and everything he saw, even felt was too advanced for him to comprehend. The air smelled different in a way he could not understand. It didn't smell like the fresh air he was used. It smelled... corrupted almost. He didn't know what it was but it made him uneasy. Aizetsu began to wander around a bit, trying to find out where exactly he is until he was stopped by a distant voice which he heard due to his sharp hearing.

"Oh, Pink..."

Instantly, Aizetsu turned to the direction of the voice, ears twitching as he picked up more of the voice he had heard. It was soft, feminine, compassionate almost—sorrowful like him. He didn't know how but he just felt something about this voice. Simply by what he assumed is a woman, he could tell that she understood his feelings, pathetic as that might sound especially from an Upper Rank like himself. He found himself instantly drawn to the voice but remained cautious thinking it was a trap to lure him in. Using his flesh manipulation, he summoned his yari and slowly walked towards the direction of the voice, hyperaware of his surroundings as he did so.

"I'm sorry.. I'm so sorry..."

Aizetsu then stopped, trying to process the words only to realise that he did not understand a word she had uttered. How odd. Suddenly, he was extremely tense, ready to dodge at even the slightest sign of danger. Nevertheless the demon approached until he was met with a few bushes. However, it weren't the bushes that had caught his attention, the bushes were the least of his worries. It were the things beyond it. His eyes landed on a sort of pink shrine and a very large, blue cloaked figure which appeared to be hunched and alongside the figure a blue-skinned woman, hair clearly covering her face and dressed in a strange outfit which had a skirt he could only describe as water. The grip on his yari tightened more if it were even possible, Aizetsu had his Blood Demon Art on standby should the creature notice him to attack. However, from what he's heard alone, he can tell it possesses some intelligence.

"I should've done more. Yellow says it'll all be over soon."

Aizetsu hated that he couldn't understand what she said. He needed to know what this woman was saying—he needed to know if he was in danger.

"I wonder what you would think of this. This is your planet after all. I still think it is..."

The demon then crouched behind the bushes, forming a plan in his mind to try and figure out what exactly this being was and if it were a demon of some sort. The idea that a creature that large could be a demon did not seem impossible, but one weaker than an Upper Moon very much so did. Unfortunately, Aizetsu was so consumed in his own thoughts, he hadn't noticed that the slight crack of a nearby bush thus drawing the attention of both the woman and the bigger creature.

"What are you doing over there?"

He was instantly snapped out of his thoughts when he heard her voice turn into that of a questioning tone. He crouched lower, yari gripped tightly as he heard the footsteps of the woman. The closer she got, Aizetsu felt compelled to strike her with his yari and just when he was about to, he stopped himself, noticing that neither the woman or creature had noticed his presence. "I thought I heard someone." He got a got a closer look at her and in the process was able to take in her scent. "I think we're not alone." He immediately noticed that the woman herself was no human and neither demon. This fact confused him and he couldn't help but stand up to try and observe both creatures better. Unfortunately, that act immediately exposed his location as the blue-skinned creature turned around much to his dismay. "Pearl?" His eyes snapped towards the direction of the bigger creature, instantly alert of its every move before his attention was once again directed towards the blue-skinned woman who suddenly made a sort of hand gesture before bowing. "My Diamond, I have a found a native." What were they saying?! It frustrated the demon that the words weren't even being comprehended at that point and he was almost tempted to attack. Nevertheless, he remained calm, observing both creatures keenly.

"... Bring it here."

The woman then began to walk, however, quickly stopped when she realised that Aizetsu wasn't following. This confused her as she then gestured for him to follow. Aizetsu refused, believing it was a sort of a trap as he then took a step back and narrowed his eyes at both of them. "Inochi ga oshiinara, jisei shiro... [Restrain yourself if you value your life...]" Aizetsu warned, not expecting them to understand but did so anyways as he then raised his yari slightly. He assumed she would get the hint and back away but it seemed as if she didn't and tried to approach him once more, this time reaching an arm to grab him. Aizetsu reacted by slicing off her hand faster than she could react as a warning and remaining quiet, simply giving her a sorrowful glare. The woman yelped in pain and stepped back in shock and a hint of fear. "M-My Diamond..." She seemed to retreat towards the creature he assumed was her master and remained vigilant. "Where is it?" The creature then turned around which revealed to Aizetsu a large rather curvaceous woman who appeared very sad. He could sense her sorrow and almost pitied her. Almost. Her gaze immediately landed on her companion who quickly bowed down and seemed to be apologising.

She then redirected her gaze towards Aizetsu, curious and a bit offended. "How did a human manage to do such a thing...?" The woman then stood up and approached Aizetsu with a few steps. Aizetsu in turn backed away, yari prepared and ready to use his Blood Demon Art. "Stay still..." He noticed that she was attempting to grab him but before she could take even one step closer, he disappeared from her eyesight leaving her and her companion confused. "What is this?" The creature would be surprised by a rather firm energy trust near her neck. She looked to her shoulder with wide eyes as she once again saw Aizetsu before he once again disappeared faster than she could react. This time, he was right before them once more, clearly displeased. "Jibun no namae, jibun ga nanimono ka, soshite kono basho ga nandearu ka o noberu. [State you names, what you are and what this place is.]" They both looked at him, confused at every word he had just uttered and simply stood there. "It does not understand us. We're scaring it, Pearl." Aizetsu listened intently on what both of the individuals said, trying to use the tones of their voices as cues on what they might do next but ultimately failing due to it not changing.

His eyes were trained on both individuals, noticing even the slightest twitch they make as he remained quiet. The giant creature then knelt down, remaining a safe distance from him before extending her hand, gesturing him to approach. However, Aizetsu remained stubborn and even backed away, a nasty glare painted on his face as he did so. "Do not be afraid. I won't harm you." From what he had tried to understand of what she said, he assumed that she won't harm him. He assumed she'd try to hint at that as a means of luring him in, but then he heard a name that he could translate into his own language. "I am Blue Diamond, human. I'm merely here to visit what was once hers." The giantess had shown no signs of malicious intent but Aizetsu refused to lower his guard. He did, however, decide to state his name and nothing more. "Watashi wa Aizetsu... [I am Aizetsu...]" The giantess seemed to have partially understood what he said before smiling softly. "Aizetsu. What an odd name. I've never heard anything like it..." Aizetsu noticed her observing him as he then tensed again. However, like the other times, she showed no signs of malice.

She then frowned softly before asking him a question, not expecting him to understand. "Do you grieve too, Aizetsu?" The expression he had, the furrowed eyebrows, deep blue eyes which with strange characters inscribed into hiis pupils, his frown. All of that gave her subtle hints at what he might feel. "Iya... [No...]" He simply responded, shaking his head, almost as if he understood the question. It almost felt like she asked if he grieved. What and why would he grieve? The humans so unfortunate enough to ever come across him and his clone brethren along with the past humans who have and have died various gruesome deaths? No. He could pity those creatures. He could only pity them for their weakness, that they are not as powerful as him. How do such weak things live?

At the moment, however, Aizetsu was thinking only one thing and so was Blue Diamond.

'Kimyōna ikimono da… [Such strange creatures...]'

'What an odd human...'

Note: That was a fun little experiment.

Divider credits:

Bubbles

Gradient and blue divider by rookthorneartistry

Taglist: @hawnkoii @fallstreakfeathers @dreamcorechild @lumitylovepill @hantengus-fuckass-clones @sunbrokenswords @georgette-mademoiselle @hearts4mitsuri @star-dust-wanderer @shytastemakerthing

[hoshizora-the-yume]

I am really happy and grateful to be the first one to request here ehehe

I would love to see the short romance story of the duke paxley aamon x my oc😋... which will be about my oc being stalker who follow whereever he go.. but He knew about it and wanted to tease her ✌

𝐀𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐱 𝐎𝐂

A/N: This is rather lighthearted in tone since I thought it would fit your request, Anon. Honestly, this is my first time doing requests so I hope this didn’t turn out too bad

SFW, Oneshot

Nonchalant as they come, Delrae was a girl who appeared as though she had not a care in the world. With an inscrutable face and a vacant gaze, she barely, if ever showed interest towards anything… All except for one thing, or in this case, person.

Aamon Paxley, the strikingly ice cold Duke of Shards. Like a rose surrounded in thorns, his beautiful visage belied a sharp tongue and sometimes, callous disposition.

This man had a certain mystique to him that even Delrae couldn’t resist. At first, it was mere curiosity, a slight urge if you will. But as time went on, it grew stronger and stronger until it evolved into an obsession.

Despite that, Delrae was too bashful to actually face him herself. Perhaps, it was a fear of rejection but she would always stand back in the shadows as she admired Aamon from afar. 

“T-There he is…” While hiding behind a tree, Delrae let out a small squeal at the sight of a certain duke. A certain duke was out and about on his daily morning walk, just minding his own business as he got his daily sunlight in the forest. 

Delrae was trying her best not to get caught, though the burning desire to just jump out and introduce herself was hard to suppress. If just for a second, she could reach out and touch him…

“Is someone there?” Aamon turned around to take a look.

In a panic, Delrae dived into a nearby bush, falling on her stomach. Before she could let out a yelp, she bit her lip to keep her voice from escaping. 

“Huh… Must have been a woodland critter.” 

Had Delrae not hid herself just in time, she would have been spotted for sure. If Aamon saw her, how would he even react? Just thinking about that made her heart rate shoot up.

Amidst a myriad of anxious thoughts, Delrae failed to realize that Aamon was already gone. By the time she did, she became frantic. “Where is he now?”

Although it took quite a while, Delrae eventually did find Aamon. As usual, he was attending to his duties as a Duke. 

From a distance, Delrae observed Aamon as he talked to an elderly woman. It appears that the Duke showed up to dismantle a conflict between neighbors. 

Despite being an outsider to the nobility class, Delrae knew enough about their responsibilities. However, most nobles didn’t own up to these duties. Thus, she found it unusual that Aamon would go out of his way to show up at a commoner’s house. 

Seeing a side to the man that she had never seen before, Delrae felt herself become more and more enamored with him. Her heart raced quickly, as heat rose to her cheeks. 

Delrae was, however, saddled with slight guilt. Whenever she thought of Aamon as merely a cold-hearted man, she didn’t feel as bad about what she was doing. But after she saw a more earnest, soft side to him, it allowed her to see him in a different light. 

That’s why… When Aamon left the place, Delrae just let him go this time. Instead, she walked away and towards the town square where she sat on the ledge of a fountain. 

Although Delrae ultimately decided to steer clear of Aamon, a part of her wanted to see him again. Regardless, she was afraid to face him as she was, leaving her to sigh and ponder. 

Delrae was about to leave until she heard a voice. When she turned to see who it was, she was filled with surprise—though her expression didn’t show it.

“What are you doing here all alone, young lady?” Before her, Aamon seemed to be speaking directly to her. “This fountain is a bit decrepit, so I advise you not to sit there.”

The Duke emanated an aura of authority. As if on cue, Delrae removed herself from the ledge of the fountain. “Sorry.”

“You didn’t answer my question yet.”

“Oh yeah. I’m just, well, thinking.”

“I suppose I can accept that explanation.”

If Delrae wasn’t frozen in place from nervousness, she would just get up and run away right now. It was almost as if Aamon’s gaze was the one keeping her frozen.

“Your name is Delrae, am I right? Young lady.” At the mention of her name, Delrae’s poker face broke. 

“How did you know that…?”

“Asking me questions like that when you’ve been stalking me these past days… What audacity.”

Now, Delrae was really sure that she’s cornered. Aamon knew all along, he was just feigning ignorance. 

“I-I…” She scrambled for any sort of explanation, but to no avail. Giving up, she just said this. “You knew?”

“I’m no buffoon, of course I would.” Aamon shook his head. “However… I let it be, because you were intriguing to me.”

“Intriguing? What do you mean by that?”

Hmmm… I can’t put my finger on it, but something about you is rather cute.”

“C-Cute?”

“Delrae, I want to know more about you.”

[chrissymorgan9700]

So...

I have been thinking of an angst/tragic Bowuigi AU, but I don't know how to write it.

Picture it: Bowuigi, but a Prince of Egypt crossover.

The Koopa Kingdom has already taken over the Mushroom Kingdom and everything else but Sarasaland when Mario and Luigi are separated

Mario arrives and meets Princess Peach while she is in hiding in Sarasaland.

Bowser meets Luigi after he falls in the Darklands and soon they start falling for each other.

Cue wholesome Mama Luigi and Junior moments

Mario and Peach find a way to tell Luigi about what's really going on with Bowser's rule. Luigi is in denial.

Luigi finds out on his own and runs away, also going to Sarasaland.

Bowser's heart is broken.

Luigi is told to convince Bowser to let the Mushroom Kingdom go or face serious consequences (Burning Bush: Stars/Grambi/Rosalina)

Bowser and Luigi reunite, enter Kamek and Kammy (Playing With The Big Boys)

Luigi fails to convince Bowser, Bowser feels betrayed. Double angst

Consequence #1: Water turns to Lava (Water to Blood Plague)

"The Plagues", but replace 'brother' with 'lover'

Bowser & Luigi reunite during darkness plague and have a heart to heart

They love each other still, always have and always will and Bowser is almost convinced.

Enter Junior. He missed his Mama and wants him back, but is also scared of what's happening.

Bowser : "I will not be dictated to. I will not be threatened. I am the morning and evening star. I am Bowser! King of the Koopas!"

Luigi : "Something else is coming, something much worse than anything before. Please, let go of your contempt for life before it destroys everything we hold dear. Think of our son!"

Bowser is hardheaded.

Luigi tells Mushroom Kingdom & others to put a sign on their doors (a star/mushroom/what have you)

Enter Plague 10: Death of the Firstborn

Plague takes every firstborn child in the Koopa Kingdom

Cut to Koopa Castle as one last soul is taken.

The sounds of parents screaming in grief echo through the smoke-filled air.

Out of all the weepings and wailings in the Koopa Kingdom, Bowser and Luigi's are the loudest and most heart wrenching.

Bowser tells Luigi that Mushroom Kingdom and all other kingdoms he's enslaved are free while hunched over their son's dead body.

Luigi: *reaches out hand*

Bowser: *flinches away* "Leave me!"

Luigi leaves, Bowser silently cries as he watches him go.

Luigi starts bawling once more when he gets outside.

Has to keep it in to tell Mario and friends that Bowser is no longer in control of their kingdoms anymore.

Everyone is celebrating, but Luigi silently mourns

If any of you take this idea, please, PLEASE tag me!

[thezombieprostitute]

Sparks Fly - Part 4

Summary: After working as an engineer for Wilford & Gilliam Trust for several years you find evidence of seedy dealings and burned books. After turning in the evidence you find yourself in danger and seek help. You're taken into the protection of a mob family where you run into your high school best friend, Mace.

Word Count: ~1200

Warnings: Implied violence and attempted murder. Please let me know if I missed any.

Part 3 -- Part 5

Series Masterlist

“DC,” Mace whispers between kisses. “DC, we gotta stop.”

“What? Why,” you whine as he gently pushes you away.

“You’ve had a roller coaster of a week,” he explains. “Your emotions have been, understandably, all over the place. I want to make sure you’re in the right state of mind, that I’m not taking advantage of you.”

You can see the pain in his face as he says this. It’s clear he wants to keep going but he’s putting your emotional needs first and it makes you want him more. But you know he’s right. You hug him tight and ask, “can we still cuddle on the couch? Make out some more?”

“Absolutely,” he breathes, making you giggle. “Want to do that now,” he asks.

“Gotta finish the fries first,” you tell him, moving back to your seat. He chuckles and nods, “okay. I submit to french fry superiority.” You giggle and he continues, “we probably should use this time to talk about what’s going to happen during and after your testimony.” You sigh but nod in agreement. “I’m currently waiting to hear back if I can be with you at the courthouse but I’m hopeful. Between GBH, Barton and maybe Fowler we’ll have at least one person outside the courtroom and one inside. The third would most likely be outside the courthouse."

“And you trust them,” you say more than ask. 

He nods in affirmation, “absolutely. They’re really good at keeping people alive.” You pause your eating and he thinks, “there’s probably a better way I could’ve worded that. Sorry.” 

“It’s okay. I know what you’re trying to say.” You resume eating your meal so he continues. 

“As for after your testimony, I know from previous experiences that you’ll have a few options. One of them is your standard Witness Protection. We’ve got some connections with the Federal Marshalls and we can get you to them. New name, new city, and some protection. The other version of that is we set you up with a new name and enough money to start a new life in a new city. One of the primary differences being we could get you set up in another country all together.”

“What if I don’t want to leave?” 

“What?”

“I worked so hard to get where I am, I don’t want to just drop everything and leave.”

“DC, these people are trying to kill you. What’s the point of holding onto everything if it just leaves you dead?”

“I’m going to die eventually, regardless of whichever option I choose. I might as well choose the option that makes me happy. What makes me happy is living here, being with you again.”

“I…I don’t know,” Mace admits. “I’m not sure how much protection we can actually offer if you’re not working for us. You’re doing everyone a huge favor by testifying, of course, but…”

“Will you at least look into it as an option, AC?”

He thinks for a minute, eyes never leaving yours. “Let me call Teach,” he finally says. “If there’s a way, she can find it.”

“Thank you, Mace. I really appreciate it.”

“Mace,” Teach says over the phone, “I’m gonna need you to put me on speaker for this.”

He quickly pulls the phone away from his ear and puts it on speaker so you can hear as well. “Done,” he tells her.

“Ms. Y/L/N, can you hear me?” Teach’s tone is very serious. 

“Yes, Ma’am,” you’re quick to reply. 

“I’m going to ask you some questions and I need you to be completely honest with me. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Ma’am,” you nod, even though she can’t see you.

“What is your primary reason for wanting to risk your life by staying in this city?”

You pause. She’s not beating around the bush at all. “My life is going to be at risk in any of the scenarios I was presented with. It’s just a matter of to what degree. The relocation options would certainly make it difficult for me to be found, especially the international one. However, the people who might occasionally check in on my safety have no investment to do so other than pay obligations. Additionally, I’d never know if I could actually trust anyone. I wouldn’t be living beyond going through the motions. I’d spend my life looking over my shoulder with minimal support.”

Looking at Mace, you continue, “whereas if I stay here, I have people I can trust. People who are invested in my safety."

“Will you accept one of the other options if we are unable to provide you the protection and means to stay?”

“I…I don’t know.”

“One last question,” Teach says. “Is your primary interest in staying because of Mace?”

You hold Mace’s free hand, fingers interlacing with his, “I’ll admit he is a major factor. But, as he pointed out recently, we’ve only been back in each other’s lives for a couple of days. I have a life here that I’m not willing to just give up without a fight. Or at least exploring all of the options. I understand your organization may not be able to offer more than this one time protection and one clean slate and I accept that. But I have to try.”

Teach is quiet for a moment, “okay. I’m gonna need a copy of your resume. Mace will know how to get it to me. In the meantime, please make sure to take care of yourself. You’ve got your testimony in just a couple of days. Which reminds me, Mace?”

“Yeah, Teach?” Mace moves closer to the phone.

“You’ve gotten approval to be in the courtroom but you are not allowed to actually be in proximity. Huffman needs to make sure none of our people are seen too close to her or the Defendant might be able to claim witness tampering.” 

“Okay,” Mace nods. “That makes sense. Just so long as someone tells me what room to be in and when I can go in on my own.”

“And Ms. Y/L/N?”

“Yes, Teach?”

“You’ll have to be careful to not make too much eye contact with Mace. I understand you want some emotional support for this, but we have to be careful to make sure your testimony isn’t dismissed.”

“I understand, Ma’am.”

Teach hangs up and you curl up against Mace. You work with him to get a copy of your resume to her quickly.

“Do you think she’ll be able to find something,” you ask Mace after he sends the file.

“If anyone can, it’s her,” he assures you. “She’s quite the fighter, especially when she thinks it’s for something that’s right.”

“I hope she finds something,” you whisper.

Mace nods, “in the meantime, we should make sure to get you ready for your testimony. Like she said, I won’t be able to be with you but you’ll see me. I promise.”

“Thanks, AC. I’m gonna need all the help I can get.”

Part 3 -- Part 5

Series Masterlist

Tagging:

@chibijusstuff

@jaqui-has-a-conspiracy-theory

@rebekahdawkins

@texmexdarling

Please let me know if you'd like to be tagged.

[nikkisheep]

Let Me In

Daryl Dixon x female reader

Warnings: ANGST, daryl will not let anyone close to him, sad daryl, crying, right after the fall of the Prison (season 4), walkers, near death, hurt reader, twd elements, reader gets shot by an arrow, reader is from the south but can be from wherever you want it to be but she has an accent, mentions of Sophia

GOING TO BE A SERIES IF YOU ALL ENJOY IT

Summary: Being left in a cabin with only Daryl, the man you love, he pushes you away.

Fire. Woods. Trees. Walkers. All you could hear was drowning out the screams from the prison. You were shot in the side, bleeding as you ran from the burning, overrun prison that you once called your home. Pain runs through your body as you stab a walker when it walked right up to you.

The swarm of walkers were getting bigger and bigger as you looked for safety. You take the knife that you had killed the walker with and cut it open, rubbing the nasty bodily fluids on yourself to shield your being from the herd.

Walking for what seemed for hours, you hear a twig crunch under very heavy boots. You pull the sword from your back and hid in the bushes from whoever or whatever was approaching. Sure, you were covered in walker blood and guts but walkers were not the only thing you had to fear. You watch as a dark figure walked right up to where you were just standing. It was a man.

The man bent down to look at the foot prints and when he turned around, you saw the very familiar vest with angel wings on the back. You put your sword back and climb out of the bushes which might not have been the best idea. Since it was dark and you were covered in walker blood, Daryl fired a shot at you without realizing that it was you. Hitting your side where you had already been shot before.

"Daryl!"

"Shit!'' Daryl says when he recognizes you and your voice.

"What the hell ya covered in walke' blood? Why ya in those dam' bushes?"

He felt bad, really bad. You whimper in pain as you grab the arrow, pulling it slightly. Daryl picked you up and carried you to the nearest place he could find, a cabin deep in the woods. The place was covered in wire and stakes to keep off the dead. He cleared the place just in case and then brought you in where there was two beds.

"I'm gonn' pull it out. Bite this," He hands you his belt, placing it in your mouth for you.

He grabs the arrow, gently pulling it out until he realized that the end was four pointed, snagging on the outer part of your body. He grabbed his knife and saws off the pointed part and the arrow slips out of your body. You scream into the belt as tears came to your eyes.

You whimper while he wraps your side up and looks like he was going to cry. He fills a tub with cold water that the two of you found and you clean the walker guts off of you. Coming out, you noticed that Daryl was standing by the door.

"Daryl, I'm okay. I'm alrigh'." You say as he looked at your side.

"If this is what ya think this is alrigh', then I'm a damn rooster."

"Daryl, damn it, I am fine. I promise."

"I shot ya, I could have killed you."

He shook his head and walked away.

"Where are you goin' huh? If yer think this is over then it ain't." You yelled.

"Why do you care so damn much, Daryl? Huh? Why?" You ask.

"Because I nearly killed ya and I already lost everyone I fuckin' cared about and I can't lose ya too. What do you want me to say? You want me to admit how I can't even protect you because I nearly killed you like I killed that little girl," He yelled, tears falling. You hardly ever saw Daryl cry and you felt like you were going to cry too.

"Daryl, what girl?"

"Sophia. Carol was countin' on me and she walked out that barn, she wasn't Sophia anymore. All I had to do was track better and I would have never lost her,'' Daryl says, hands coming to tug his hair.

"Daryl, Sophia was not yer fault. You did everythin' ya could. That's why I love ya. You never quit 'cause you care."

His face contorts to shame? anger? sadness? You couldn't tell. You walked up to him, grabbing your side, pressing a hand to his cheek. He leans into your touch before moving away. You follow him.

"Get away from me,'' He orders.

"No! Not until you finish talking to me."

"Why do you care? Why do ya love me when I literally could have killed you?"

"But ya didn't."

"I could have."

"But you didn't. I am fine."

"Yer side is bandaged because of me."

"It was my fault for hiding and then scaring you," You reason.

Tears pour down his face, you wipe them with your thumb. You had your own tears and his heart broke.

"I love you, Daryl. Let me love you. Let me in."

"I don't deserve yer love," Daryl says with a broken voice.

"You don't get to decide whether or not I love you.''

He lets out a sob that wracked through his body, falling to his knees. He hugs your legs while you softly run your hands through his hair.

"I should have don' something. I could have stopped that damn man. I could have done somethin' to that man before he killed so many of us.

You knew he was talking about the governor and your heart ached for him. You wanted to tell him it wasn't his fault. You wanted him to realize that. You wanted him to see that the prison was not his fault. You were not his fault, he saved you. If he didn't find you, you could have died from the gun shot wound you had.

-----

The sun and the sound of walkers were outside. You opened your eyes and noticed that Daryl was gone. You started to worry. You didn't know how long he had been gone. If he left you here completely. You watched the window and door for a while but then gave up. You went outside, killing all of the walkers around the cabin. You wanted something to do. You needed something to do. You went back inside to clean up the little house, wanting the place to look nicely. You weren't sure as to why but you wanted it to.

You cleaned the windows, pulled the weeds from around the house and trees. You gathered firewood, careful of the healing wounds. You were taking medicine that you found for pain and you were doing a bit better these days. You started to sing one of your favorite songs that you listened to before the fall. You smile at memories of your family telling you to shut the radio up in your room because they were tired of hearing the song over and over again. You missed your family.

You opened the wallet that you carried in your jeans, carefully opening it up to see the pictures of your family. Your siblings, smiling at the camera before your dad had thrown water on you all. Your mom smiling at your father with so much love in her eyes. That's what you felt when you were with Daryl. You felt the love your parents had for each other for the archer.

Hours passed, you weren't sure how many, before Daryl comes back. He walks in, moonshine in his hand, stumbling to his chair.

"Daryl, where were you?"

"Went out Mom," He slurred, obviously drunk or buzzed.

"I am not your damn mother. Where were ya? Are you hurt?"

"No ma'am," He groaned.

"I am tired of this Daryl. I want you to let me in without running away," You sigh, moving to him.

"Get away from me."

"Damn it, Daryl. Stop bein' like this."

"Just let someone care for you. Let me care for you,'' You started begging him to just let you care. To let you care about him. To love him.

"I can't let anyone in, darlin'."

"Why not, Daryl?''

He looks up at you with tears, "Because I am broken and not deservin' of love."

[inuhiime]

:: 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 ! ──── ⪩⪨ 𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐇 𝐓𝐎 𝐍𝐎𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄

' fear is a premonition. if you ignore it, it's bound to cause even worse disasters. '

' brace yourself. there's gonna be an ugly battle. '

' your death now belongs to me, and so does your life. '

' there is no place in this world for kindness and tolerance. '

' as long as you still want to shout and hold your head high, you have the right to fight. '

' let go. this time, it's my turn to protect you. '

' the faithless, the insincere, the dishonest-- their souls do not return. '

' for someone like me, dying here is the easy way out. '

' you were born to wreak destruction. '

' you have already seen the truth of the world. do you still want to head towards the deep end? '

' it's incredibly easy to kill a person. too easy. '

' no matter how you try, you will be forever mired in blood. '

' don’t you want to destroy everything? '

' those who fool others have no place to turn to. '

' the fires of rage may burn out, but i am their fuel. '

' i'm not your enemy. '

' no matter what you're doing, no matter what they say, i believe you. '

' you idiot! how could you put your life on the line like that? '

' look at you, scared to death. '

' thank you for always protecting me. '

' neither love nor hatred matters anymore. '

' along this path, many have come and gone, and i am one of them. '

' don’t die in a place like this. '

' as long as you need me, i'll always stay by your side. '

' the fraud believes in what they think is true, and therefore feels that they can manipulate everything. '

' don't give me that crap. answer my questions. '

' the deluded take refuge in the dark. '

' you don't care about the lives of ordinary people anyway. '

' stop beating around the bush. my patience is thin. '

' you have nothing but that violent power of yours. '

' the stronger you get, the more you are doomed to failure. '

' don't back away. we have to fight. '

' i will crush every enemy with my own hands, and i will do that by whatever means i can find. '

' i'm really sorry, but this is the only way out. '

' we aren't friends and can't be friends. it was doomed from the start. '

' if you had the slightest idea what real tragedies looked like, you wouldn't think to defend the sinners. '

' better be careful if you're their lapdog. '

' in the face of a massive disaster, all the pride of human beings is ultimately vulnerable. '

' i will always be grateful to have met you. '

' don't lose control of your emotions. '

' this is our duty; we must continue, even if it's a losing battle that we're fighting. '

' the answer's not out there, it reflects from within. '

' i can't make you stay even if i want to. '

' come on, you can always trust yourself '

' don't hold onto your little secrets and lock yourself up. '

' our city was never built on peace. '

' all is well as long as you're safe, no? '

' sorry, i may not be able to survive much longer. '

' how much have you given up and how much evil have you done for that false hope? '

' i'll bury your body when the time comes. '

' you cannot accept it, and you cannot forgive. '

' you'd rather burn it all down and destroy everything than run away or compromise. '

' fulfill my most frantic loneliness. '

' there are questions you should never ask, and there are unspoken rules you should never challenge. '

' that future you kept talking about, it doesn't exist. '

' it's not going to end. everything is completely rotten, but no one is going to end it. '

' don't get overprotective. i'm not that weak. '

' you don't really have a purpose, nor a destination. '

' do you want to stop here? '

' i'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe. '

' is your body feeling stiff? how about i help you reassemble it? '

' come on, show me how you're going to torture me this time. '

' we all live, bleed, and die. what makes you think we're any different? '

' i'm all alone again... this is for the best. '

' don't lose... and don't lose to yourself. '

' are you monitoring me? or do you need someone to protect your safety? '

' don't go, please. '

' i'm sorry for leaving you there alone. '

' the wheel of destiny has begun spinning sooner than i thought. '

' you've tried hard to search for a way out, tried hard not to fall into the abyss. '

' blind idiot, all is vanity. '

' someday, you'll be mercilessly abandoned, too. '

' you're thinking you must go back, aren't you? '

' sorry, i took the liberty of judging others. '

' you never stop moving forward, that's the way you've always been. '

' i'm sorry, it's all my fault... i messed up things for everyone. '

' good luck, i'll be waiting for you. '

' don't come back. it's not worth it. '

' you wish to dominate all, but will perish a servant. '

' you've done your best. leave the rest to us. '

' in the end, i've been able to protect nothing and no one. '

' protect yourselves and get your freedom. this is an order. '

' if there's any danger, do not risk it. you can't die here. '

' they don't know death. '

' if devils did exist in this world, i suppose they would be as stubborn and shameless as you. '

' never underestimate the darkness lurking beneath the city. that's a lesson that's cost me everything. '

' i won't betray you. so... don't betray me either. '

' don't bring up all that crap from the past with me. '

' your path will not be easy from now on. '

' may you spend every day in peace and happiness. '

' this world will punish you. '

' if something bad happens, i can't save you. '

' don't you want to be human? '

' you've already lost one companion, you can't lose another. '

' why are you so stubborn? why can't you just let go? '

' let me feel that i still exist. '

' this kind of attitude won't do you any good. '

' you see something that i can't. if what you see is hope... then go and fight, and i'll protect you. '

' i'm better at using people than you are. i make the most of each of my pawns. '

' if you have so many doubts about me, why don't you just kill me? '

[kirua9]

The truth got into my eye –

"Yes, humans are certainly fragile. Although,  the thing is — they are valuable to us. You've been in despair, am I wrong? Tell me, Laito?"

Laito has been awfully unlike himself this time. Everyone caught this in the eye but only Reiji had an effort to try dealing with him because he was intimidated by his younger brother sometimes, as he was unpredictably chaotic.

– I don't wanna talk about this girl... I don't know why. After I got with her, I felt that something was changing in me – Laito rubs his eyes, frowning, hiding his face from Reiji.

***

Both of them went to the mansion's garden, filled with blooming smells of rose bushes. After reaching the live hedge, they stopped in front of the small field, where something like a ditch could be seen.

– Could it be, perhaps... Her grave?

– It is...

– It's unsettling how you left it. Please, make it at least not a hole in the middle of this field.

– I... You see, haah... I wanted to do it... But I couldn't bear it anymore!

Laito stepped aside and completely turned away. Reiji frowned and came closer to the pit. He only winced.

   Yes, it was that young girl, a sacrificial bride Makoto who was sent to the manor a few months ago. She quickly became the triplet's interest due to her appealing look and durable... mind.

Reiji recalled, how he always scolded her for not matching the norms of etiquette or just her loud manner of speaking, but she never failed to appear upset by his words. She was very easy-going and light-hearted, and sometimes her irritating behaviour was even soothing.

She became intimate with almost everyone in the manor in a very short time and it felt as if she always existed there...

Now Reiji was looking into her muted blue eyes which has always been a definition of what lively eyes are. It was a striking sight, although there was no room for sympathy toward a human girl.

– Do you regret that you killed her?

– Now I don't get a thing about what I feel, Reiji.

Two green fireflies have almost burned Reiji's soul with their teardrops. He got an ominous feeling.

– Please, calm down, Laito. If you don't know what's going on in your mind, then try to rationalize it. I see that you are in.. pain, however, you reached me despite the urge to keep everything in secret. Your actions talk instead of you. Then, tell me how did you do that... – And Reiji gave a gaze to the grave's side.

***

She quickly became Laito's victim as did many girls who appeared in the Sakamaki family.

   Laito was interested in her at the beginning of the assumption that she is the kind of girl who seeks attention. He partially got it. But only partially.

 She was chatty about herself, she was quick-aid and looked like a creature that was always on the lookout for danger.

  "You know, Laito, my uncle never loved me. I was a burden to him and after his death, I still feel he is looking after me. it's like a trace on my soul that he left after he passed away.

The feeling of grief, the regret was eating me out for days after that car accident because I always acted infantile and selfish towards him, I have never behaved. Then I felt my guilt. But you know what? Two weeks passed – and I was enjoying my solitude, playing video games and skipping school.

Am I a nasty person? Am I cynical? What do you think?"

Laito wasn't happy with that frankness. He wasn't in the mood for all of these debates.

"Fu-fu, you really sound shallow bitchy girl, you possess an open mind. But I'm getting bored of you very quickly... Let's have a nice time without those chit-chats... Let me drink your blood instead."

And his long arms wrapped around her body, she was drowning in this weird pleasure, as she was losing her blood but she didn't care for it, because she had nothing to lose. Blood loss didn't make a thing to worry about. Any physical damage didn't bother her anymore. 

"How can I enjoy the moment if I always think about what type of bruise and where I have it? It's unnecessary bullshit! It ruins the whole mood! " – she said once.

"Your body isn't rejecting my fangs, but I hear this lying whisper, begging me to stop. All you women are the same damn sweetest thing..."

"I just want you not to be bored, because I don't want to be unwanted. I don't like this feeling. It's suffocating, you know?"

***

After those times they both got satisfaction, got fed with each other – he with blood, she with attention, – Makoto didn't want to be quiet. She always wanted to talk with him.

"Tell me about your parents, will you? "

"Huh... But why are you interested in it? I think it's unnecessary to know for you."

"Why not? We're close enough to share the time, I simply want to know you more.."

Laito glanced at her. There was an irresistible willingness to learn. Something ached inside him, he couldn't figure out where exactly.

"Not everything is worth mentioning, my little human girl.~"

He told it as always with a smile on his lips. She grinned in response but not as she usually did it. Now there was arrogance in the corners of her mouth.

A sparkle of tension rushed through his body. "What's with that face?" he wondered.

"Laito, do you know, what type of a person I am? You surely could realize it, because you're so wise. When I appeared here for the first time you said that everything is written on my forehead. You said I must have been quite lonely. And now. Now, what am I to you?"

He smiled again, but his eyes didn't. He was observing her face, trying to stumble up on something... Something that changed?

   He finally caught it.

"How hadn't I noticed this before... This girl wants to know everything, she appreciates only the... "

– "My name means "Truth", by the way! And yours... Laito, yeah? What kanji do you use to write it?" — the sparkle of memories appeared rapidly and disappeared at the same rate.

"She only wants to know the truth."

The vampire bit his tongue. He was the one who enforces on his victims the reality he wanted them to comprehend. Now, what's that? He felt very icky about her statements. And she – she was like she was! Definitely had no fear.

***

Laito undoubtedly loathed, despised his brother Ayato's directness and honesty that he had, unlike Laito himself.

The young man subconsciously discovered how he was... morally weaker than Ayato, but he accused his brother of it, thinking that it is all his stupid fate to be a scapegoat made those priorities.

This jealousy didn't let him go. And now he had to deal with a woman who resembles his brother a lot. The best thing he could desire is to see how Ayato suffers and now – also Makoto.

"Looks like this human girl is begging me to test her durability. Don't worry, Little Bitch, I'll make you rue this.. I'll make you get down in the very core of agony"

***

They continued having their time together. Earlier, things were rather promising: she appeared to show some resistance to his actions, yet also didn't deny that her body felt pleasurable from all those teases.

  However, the humility in her, which the vampire could watch over due to her obvious physical weakness towards him, started fading away.

    He began to see something else in her bright blue eyes. From the very beginning, she had an open, bright glance, she rather looked curious but also frightened somehow.

Now there was sort of an audacity and it grinned his gears.

But... he didn't know why actually?

"Weird... I feel so weird when I look at her. As if I'm losing my perception?.. Or worse?.. What's that aching feeling in my chest?.."

He remembered her image, he thought she was pretty... At the same time, he didn't understand what keeps his interest in her: the desire to destroy or to make her his possession.?

***

"You told me that you know everything about me. How come? Is it the power of vampires? I honestly never thought vampires were able to read thoughts... Tho I didn't know vampires do exist, sorry.

But Laito, I don't understand you... Yet, I want to. Your eyes look like two mirrors, they reflect me in them and plug me when I want to learn about your soul. Why do you do this to me? You see, I want to be closer to you... I have no one to be with me..."

She never told him, that she loves, only likes... Laito was distracted by how that simple person doesn't say simple words, she says something tricky instead, but without any hint in her voice which would mean — she only acts down to earth. But she didn't have those hints.

***

Once she came to him, looking as if she cried. She couldn't hide her feelings. She didn't even try.

When he saw her red face and looked into her eyes – they became even bluer in comparison to the skin swelled with blood.

"Why are you crying? Tell me, who hurt you?"

He felt concerned but didn't know why.

He held her face with both his hands.

"It's the truth, nothing else." — was heard in response.

Laito clenched his teeth. She looked at him nervously.

"What fucking truth? I don't want to hear this damn word. Tell me who made you cry and I'll cut their head off..."

Makoto gulped, her knees were trembling.

"I asked your brothers... Why are you always acting so strange... I've never understood you... You never wanted to tell me... And they told me what your mother did to y–"

She suddenly felt how his fingertips pushed her cheeks...

Laito grinned atrociously. He tilted his head a little down, closer to her forehead. His cold breath horrified her to the bones.

"Do you cry because you perhaps pity me? Do you think I'm pathetic? Don't you? And you wanted to know all this crap because you wanted to be closer? You just wanted to flare my weaknesses.."  – he talked desperately, he was on the edge of madness.

She leaned her arms around his arms, maybe intending to wake him up from rage with touches.

"I'll drink you to death, till your body dries if you lie to me about what's on your mind. Have you heard it? Now tell."

She sighed deeply, as for the last time.

"Laito... I never lied to you... I value the truth... more than anything else in this world... And I think a person has to know their reality, their fate... And accept this to..keep going further in life... But.. Ayato said, you don't want to hear it, you didn't want to hear the facts... And see... And feel your true feelings... And I also felt that you're not okay with yourself... I thought that a person who can't accept the verity of his own life... can't feel... happiness..."

  Laito was unable to listen to this shit.

"Cut the crap or I cut you instead!" he shouted, then started mumbling something unrecognizable.

He was hurt, hurt again. Everyone tends to hurt him, he can't make up another way to protect his inner world... Everyone likes destroying, humiliating him, they want to break the facade just to prove to themselves that they are so good and so kind.

"You were hurt, Laito... But... I'll be with you... I'll help you to overcome this because I see you in myself, I felt the sa..."

Laito didn't hear. He grabbed her throat, his long fingers pressed on her skin tightly, and he started strangling her.

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Wither already!"

As she was suffocating, she tried to speak but instead, there were only murmurs. 

"You never take control over me! You never overlord ! "  he yelled.

"I'm suffocating..."

She was done. A huge purple bruise around her neck... Lifeless body. Warm soft skin.

   Laito was covered in gloom. He was crying and didn't feel relief as he expected he would... Seems like he didn't find the solution...He made things even worse.

  ***

He dug a hole in the field and put the body in it. He couldn't make himself close her eyes, he couldn't stand this stare.

***

   Reiji sighed.

"The familiars will bury her properly. And for you, Laito... I doubt I'll satisfy you with any advice."

Reiji managed to leave him alone. Honestly, it was the best thing he could do.

"Reiji... do you have something like a poison? I know you have, I know you have everything in your lab..." his voice still had some nervous echo in it.

The older vampire didn't even turn back. "Good grief. I have to admit, she had the truth in her words. You'd better think about it." he said.

***

After this accident, everyone felt how Laito acted downcast. However, nobody had the nerve to soothe his pain.

Ayato kept silent, as he probably figured out why the girl was killed...

Laito ignored Ayato for some time but after a few months, he started acting the ae as usual. A new girl arrived at the mansion, a new cycle started...

However, sometimes during the dawn time, Laito visits Makoto's grave. It's nothing more than an unnamed gravestone, to tell you the truth. He sits nearby the grave, sometimes he cries, who knows why, although. Maybe he figured out whom she was to him? Maybe he was up to way accepting his reality? Or he just regrets that he killed her so he would never play with her again?

Only Laito knows that.

[dennydraws]

The art of slowing down

Hello, hello! Good morning :D It's time for another art related blog post that I'm surprised to find people following and enjoying? \o/ I want to be consistent with these cause over the past year or so I started to feel less and less connected to my art or art in general and talking about art related things does help me get back into that mindset!

And today I wanted to ramble about .... slowing down.

I recently working on a personal piece and while completely enjoying the process I reached the background part. As usual my first idea was - ok I'm not drawing this grass or bushes or whatever, surely I can find a brush somewhere. Long story short I spent more time looking for a brush than working on my line art, got upset and started drawing my own grass. And as I was drawing the grass I got completely sucked into the process, I was actually enjoying it? Why was I in a hurry to get the background done anyway? So I could post it asap? Why?

(Behold! My very much self painted and slightly burned grass :D)

I'm pretty sure I rambled about this before somewhere... or here and I have a need to ramble about it once more xD;;

It feels like nowadays we're so bombarded with fast content. Even looking on youtube for art videos you keep being fed with - draw faster, improve better, complete X for Y days etc ... and I was in that trap too. My first idea all the time is how do I get faster? But now I'm starting to replace it with - how do I get comfortable. If the process is comfortable, then it doesn't have to be faster, does it?

Thanks to beloved algorithm and social media trends we are taught that our art is worth 5 seconds on the platform's dash, so yes why should I invest hours and hours into a piece that will go into the endless scrolling void in 5 seconds? Yes, my mutuals will see it, but they will also see my blorbo scribbles that I did in an hour or less. It feels like the current climate online doesn't want you to slow down and enjoy the process of your own art and instead invest in quantity over quality.

That's not good for your brain, or mine. I've always been one to enjoy the process until recent years where I found myself constantly stressing over how fast I draw or what's the point when something easy can get me seemingly same results - just how a grass brush would seemingly get me same results - it didn't. I felt way happier with me drawing the grass myself. Will anyone notice or care? I don't know but it made me really happier that I did it.

I can't help how people like or dislike my art, I can only help how I feel about it and I rather go back to loving the process even when it's slow and even when a couple of brushes will 'solve' my issues. I'm not saying hey ditch all the brushes, no I think they are wonderful mean to enhance your piece! I only used it as comparison cause it made me, personally me, say wait, hold on... why am I not drawing the grass myself? When did I stop enjoying the process?

But yes, thank you for reading my little rambles, dear reader! All inspired my me drawing grass :D;; I need to post the said piece later on, I was really happy how it turned out too! \o/ But with that said, I don't want my rambles to get way too long so, I hope you have an inspiring and great rest of the week!

[whatsjenniupto]

Fourth Time's the Charm

March 2020: "Have you booked your flights for this summer yet?" No, I'm still deciding how much of Portugal I can justifiably see this summer. Two days later. You know.

Summer 2021: The Czech border wasn't open until after we canceled the summer program in Plzen. No Europe trip for me.

May 2022: I'm doing it! I'm going to Portugal. Two days later, can you teach high school for a year? Portugal.

Summer 2023: I'm going to Portugal. I need to recover from teaching high school. No one talk to me about anything else. I'm not listening. I'm going to Portugal.

First up, Lisbon. Which was lovely. Beautiful architecture. Beautiful azulejos.

Great public transportation -- even if I had to keep paying 50 cents for new navegante cards when I didn't feel I should have to based on my research, but whatever.

But...that's all I got. No epic stories. No huge memorable moments. It was...fine. The closest tale I have is when I decided to go from the Cemitério de Prazeres to the Aqueduto das Águas Livres. Let's sum this up with the fact that GoogleMaps should really come with a sketch factor for their walking trips.

After wandering around the Cemitério de Prazeres, I loaded my directions to the aqueduct. I knew that there was some sort of switchback hill involved, but this is Portugal. Everything has some sort of switchback hill involved. I looped around the outside wall of the cemetery, crossed the street, and started down the hill -- immediately thinking if someone jumps out of one of these trash covered bush piles, I am -- nope, don't go there. It's fine. This is fine. We're fine. Totally fine.

I looped back and forth down the hill, each turn a little more covered in trash than the last, cut between two tennis courts breathing a sigh of relief that there seemed to be a group planting a garden to my left, cut through a row of apartments, and located the bus stop. There was a woman standing there and I let out a sigh of relief. Ok, not as sketchy as I thought. Just covered in trash. Alright, 10min until the bus. We're good.

Toothless woman comes up asking for a cigarette. Three people walk by in dirty pajamas. A vast number play chicken across the six lane road to avoid using the flyover. ...Or maybe this place is about as sketchy as I thought. But the bus came, I made it to the aqueduct without issue, and the following day, I would be right back at this same bus stop transferring to a different bus on my way down to Belem. Not a location on most tourist's itinerary, but apparently a very convenient one for me.

Two highlights from Lisbon:

Americanos from Copenhagen Coffee Lab: it was beautifully cool in the mornings, so a hot americano was perfect to start the day.

Torre da Igreja do Castelo de São Jorge: I decided to climb a church tower that was not a part of the main tourist drag and discovered it came with a free glass of wine. Lemme get this straight, I don't have to stand in line and you're going to give me wine as a reward for climbing stairs?

And a lowlight:

Carmo Convent: Negative 1 - I had to stand in line under the hot Lisbon sun and burn my shoulders. Negative 2 - half of it is under construction currently making taking any cool pictures a gigantic skills test. Negative 3 - I had to pay five euros to be epically disappointed. Positive: This was the one and only line I stood in during my two week trip. Primarily because I tried to avoid anything that came with an entrance fee after this or booked a ticket online in advance.

Originally, I had planned on seeing more in Lisbon on my way from Sintra to Óbidos...but I didn't. I opted to stay in my guesthouse in Sintra, lounging in yoga pants and catching up on Masterchef Australia instead.

Do I feel my time in Lisbon was bad? No, not at all.

Did I eat amazing pasteis de nata? Of course. I even found a gluten free version. It was delicious.

Did I ride the iconic trams? Of course. Guess what -- they're a tram. Do they look cool in photos? Of course. Did I pester my waitress for an hour about when the tram was coming up the line I was eating next to so I could get the perfect shot of my partner and do test shots of her on four different chairs before settling on the best angle? NO. (Seriously, like the waitress has any control of a tram coming by. And FYI, I would prefer not to photobomb your lunacy. Please keep me out of your shot. I'm eating here.)

Lisbon was fine. Just fine.

[brennamonette-blog]

"Blood Bond" Dhampir OC X Percy De Rolo III Part 3 (Rewritten)

As I take first watch, I look into the woods, a little anxious from leaving the mansion, but also relieved that I am free of being isolated. I look into the woods and gasp as I hear something shuffling in the shadows, standing, I put my hands up, read to cast Thunderclap. The shuffling comes closer before a tiny Dire Wolf pup emerges from the bushes. I slowly visibly relax and kneel, the wolf pup, sniffing the air freezes, knowing that it has been spotted. "That's it, I'm not going to harm you, young one. You just smelled this, didn't you?" I slowly grab my rabbit meat from my plate that was left over and lean towards the pup. The pup sniffs the meat and comes closer cautiously until it comes right at my knees. Scratching the meat before it chows down, the pup keeps its eyes locked on my movements. I smile and reach down to pet its head, but it growls and quickly grabs the meat with its teeth before dashing back into the bushes, leaving me disheartened.

Frowning, I sit back down, sighing, before in the corner of my eye, I see everyone fast asleep but Percy begins to thrash in his sleep, whining and whimpering. I furrow my eyebrows and walk over quietly, trying not to wake him abruptly and violently. I kneel to his sleeping form, but he keeps thrashing and sweat covers his face. "Percival? Percival, wake up." I gently put my hand on his bare shoulder before he wakes up, pointing The Lis at my face, his eyes wide and breathing heavily. "It's me, Charlotte, Percival. You're safe." He visibly relaxes and lowers The List, closing his eyes and putting his other hand on his head, sighing, levelling his breathing. "I'm fine, it's just a nightmare, nothing serious." He takes his hand off of his face, before shivering. "You can take your hand off me now. You're a little cold." He looks away from my gaze, his cheeks lightly dusted with a shade of pink. "O-Oh, I am sorry. I forgot." I pull my hand off his shoulder as if I touched a hot stove and he looks at me with a small sad smile.

Frowning, I stand up, not looking at him. "It might not mean much to you now because you are used to the pain. Don't think about lying to me, because I am familiar with trauma and I have sleepless nights now and then, but please do not treat it as nothing, it makes it worse in the future." I look at Percy and I have a flashback of my maker, his crimson red eyes glowing in the dark of the alleyway, his brown hair with grey streaks illuminating in the moonlight. He grins and lunges, making my vision go white, before I blink, seeing Percy again. "You obviously have people that care about you and you do not need to be stubborn about asking for help." I smile sadly and start walking over to my spot near a tree, before Percy sees my puncture scars from being turned, his eyebrows furrowed. 

When second watch begun, I walk over to my bedroll, going into a meditative state. Being on watch, Percy looks at me meditating, before he puts more wood into the fire. Sneaking a glance at me, he realizes that I have no blanket. He smiles warmly and walks over, draping his trench coat over my meditative form. As he drapes it over me, he notices a book with the words "Invention and Chemical Formulas" scrawled on the cover. Letting his curiosities take control, he opens the book and looks at the first page. "How to treat various living ailments".  He smiles and carefully closes the book and puts it in my bag, out of sight. "You're full of surprises, aren't you?" He walks back to the fire and sits down, tending to it. My eyes open slowly and I look down at the trench coat over my shoulders. Letting out a dumbfounded sound, I smile at Percy's kindness and clench the coat closer to me, going back to my meditation.

During my meditation, I suddenly feel an excruciating burning on my left cheek. My eyes shoot open and I pull my hood over my face, the blistering on my cheek starts to dumb down to a faint pinch as my face begins to heal. I hiss in pain and I hold the part of my face to help with the pain, my other hand clenching in a fist. "You alright?" Scanlan comes over to inspect my wound and lifts my hand from my face. "Yes, it is just a burn. I am lucky that I caught it in time. A few more moments and I would have poofed to ash." I shrug with a smile and he smirks. "I don't want that pretty face to disintegrate to ash, you're already hot." I deadpan, then chuckle, pushing him off of me playfully, "Pff...is that your best pick up line dear Gnome? twenty years and still no decent ones." Scanlan snickers and gets up with a look of surprise on his face, "Huh...usually that works, except Vex. You're something, girl. Impervious to my flirting is a massive feat. Not many can resist my sexiness." He shrugs and laughs, walking back to his bedroll, packing up his things and joining the others. I shake my head and chuckle, opening my mini cooler and popping two frozen blood droplets in my mouth, letting them dissolve and drip down my throat.

"There that is better. Now, where are we off to everyone?" I walk over to the group after I gather my things, before Vex speaks up. "We are going to Emon since we killed the dragon, I think we all need a drink." She smirks and pats me on the back. "We're going to your house?" I ask, intrigued. "Yup, can't wait to have some more drinks!" Grog squeals and I laugh while we walk to their house. When we arrive in Emon, I look around in awe, seeing the city buzzing with life. "Wow, is it always this lively?" I ask the group. "You really don't get out a lot, do you?" Vax looks at me pitifully and I frown , shaking my head. "Don't worry, it is the city of change, you'll fit in just right, Charlotte." Pike quips, opening the door of their house with ease

For a few hours, we are just relaxing, I am sitting at the dining table writing in my book and Vax and Grog are playing some Ball Tag. Before we are all interrupted by a knocking at the door. "Uh, Vox Machina? Are you here?" The sound of Allura from the council walks in and we head to the entrance. "Lady Allura, welcome." Percy says with a polite smile. "We must put our best foot forward." Allura looks at all of us and I shrink down in embarrassment. "Right...which one is that?" Grog asks, looking at all of us confused. "Lady Allura, we appreciate the gravity of the situation. and will present ourselves with the utmost dignity." Percy sighs at Grogs question before Vax punches Grog's crotch, smirking. "Good one...seven to five..." Grog holds his crotch and wheezes out, making me snicker. "You see, the rules of Ball Tag are as complex as they are beautiful." Scanlan explains with a proud face. "I-I shall brief them on royal etiquette and manners, you have my word. Nothing will go wrong." Percy, in a panic, reassures Allura as Grog falls to the ground, wheezing out, "My Balls..."

I look at Percy when Lady Allura leaves, "What was that all about? Did I miss something?" I raise an eyebrow, confused. "We are being invited this evening to a feast in our honour in Dressig for killing the dragon. The Council has found our courage something worthy." I furrow my eyebrows, "But I was not in the fight. I doubt the council will allow me at the table." I chuckle nervously before Vax smirks, "Technically they said our group, you're one of us now, Charlotte. Besides, we're telling them that you incapacitated it while Grog delivered the final blow." My eyes widen and I take a step back. "Lying to the council? Do you all have a death wish?!" Most of the group shrugs and says "It's what we do." Vax and Percy walk forward. "After what you're willing to do with us, it's our way of initiation. Getting black out drunk with us!" Vax punches my shoulder playfully and chuckles, walking into the other room. "You've been through enough. Have a night of fun for once in your undead life...did I say that right?" Percy asks and I chuckle, booping his nose, slowly coming out of my shell. "Close enough. Thank you, Perciv-Percy. I really appreciate it." I catch myself and say his preferred name, making him chuckle and smirk.

[lucygraysboy]

“did  you  see  that?  and  there  i  was  thinkin’  i  was  fightin’  for  my  life  discreetly,  like  a  true  gentleman  without  disturbin’  my  lady,”  he  muses  playfully,  his  eyes  still  glossy  and  complexion  a  bit  more  rosy  than  usual  from  the  fire  that  came  with  that  one  bite.  he  laughs  softly  at  being  called  partner  and  shakes  his  head,  letting  out  a  dramatic  exhale.  “i  couldn’t  wait  to  try  it,  didn’t  think  it  was  that  hot.”  he  leans  back  in  his  chair  and  sticks  his  tongue  out,  waving  a  hand  in  front  of  his  face  to  cool  down.  “yeah,  the  oldest  magic  trick  in  the  book  —  waitin’  and  stirrin’.  how  could  i  forget?”  strangely  enough,  he  finds  it  adorable  how  she  cares  about  him  enough  to  scold  him,  teach  him  how  to  prevent  burns.  he  picks  up  his  spoon  once  more  and  follows  lucy  gray’s  instructions,  the  oats  swirling  in  his  bowl.  “thank  you.”  he  gleefully  accepts  the  apple  slice,  biting  off  a  half  and  chewing  it  thoroughly  with  a  sweet  smile  on  his  face.  apples  have  never  tasted  quite  this  good.  “oh,  yes,  the  covey!  i  can’t  wait  to  meet  them,  but  can  i  ask  a  favor?  can  we  keep  this,  my  past,  a  secret?  i  know  it’s  a  lot  to  ask,”  he’s  basically  asking  her  to  lie  to  her  friends,  people  she’s  known  longer  than  a  day,  “but  the  fewer  people  know  about  who  i  really  am,  the  better,  right?”  he  doesn’t  want  to  imply  that  one  of  her  friends  could  tip  off  the  sheriff  for  monetary  gain,  but  that’s  what  he  worries  about.  “if  i’m  a  peach,  then  you’re  a  cherry,  smaller  but  even  more  cute,”  he  muses  with  a  laugh,  omitting  the  figure  of  speech  and  taking  the  compliment  in  a  literal  way.  

“thank  you,  means  a  lot  to  me.”  knowing  she’ll  pray  for  him,  it  really  is  a  different  kind  of  intimacy  between  souls.  he  eats  the  other  half�� of  the  apple  slice,  trying  to  keep  his  mind  occupied  so  his  cheeks  don’t  turn  rosy.  “great,  then  we  got  that  settled.  spirit  and  sundance  are  spendin’  the  day  at  the  lake  with  us.  i  have  a  feeling  they’ll  love  it,  and  you’ll  love  it,  too.  we’ll  go  slow,  no  galloping  off  into  the  sunset  so  don’t  worry.”  he  hasn’t  yet  figured  out  if  they  should  take  one  horse  and  ride  double  since  it’s  a  short  distance  and  wouldn’t  be  particularly  challenging  or  bad  for  the  horse’s  back,  or  if  they  should  take  two  and  ride  more  comfortably.  after  all,  horses  tend  to  follow  other  horses  so  an  inexperienced  rider  following  another  horse  and  a  more  seasoned  rider  shouldn’t  be  a  problem,  unless  her  horse  decides  there  are  some  tasty  bushes  along  the  path.  well,  he  still  has  some  time  to  figure  it  out.  “do  you  think  it’s  cooled  down  a  bit?”  he  dips  his  spoon  into  the  bowl  and  gathers  the  top  layer  of  oats  with  sugar  and  a  piece  of  strawberry,  blowing  some  air  on  it  before  reaching  across  the  table  and  offering  it  to  lucy  gray.  “i’ve  already  burned  my  tastebuds  off  once,  i’m  not  doin’  that  again.  will  you  try  it  for  me?” 

"you be careful. slow down, partner. or your eyes will be sweatin' a lot sooner." she laughs while scolding him at the same time, he really needed to slow down or he'd end up with awful sores and burns in his mouth and down his throat. "stir it around a few times. like this." hand swirled her spoon around in her bowl, letting the heat escape better that way. "eat your fruit while it cools." she picks up an apple slice, handing it to him to keep his stomach distracted with that so he won't be eager to burn his mouth.

"that will mean the world to me and the covey." he is something else, wanting to do everything and anything he can for her. and that's true, not only will she appreciate it but the covey will too since they really could use help with preparations. "it's true, you are a peach." his mama really did raise him right, he was unlike anything she'd ever seen before in a guy. she sweetly laughed as the ticklish tap to her nose randomly came then tapped his nose back in return before chewing a strawberry,

"so will i, darlin'. so will i." that's probably the sweetest and most precious thing yet, being in someone's daily prayers. "i was gonna say walk. but... i guess it wouldn't hurt to squeeze in horseback lessons while we're at it." lord, she hopes it won't hurt. what if one senses her fear and throws her off and she lands terribly on her head? she was too brave to be so scared of a horse. especially the ones she knew. but still, they were mighty intimidating. was billy good with them, like he claimed he was? she just had a lot of irrational anxieties for some reason, probably from the way she'd been condition most of her life.

[idontknowwhattonamethis011]

Vent to vent

I can't tell what's really true or not. Which sounds weird, but I can't tell if my parents really truly like me. I complain about something they've done, and I become dramatic. They complain about something I've done, and they become an overworked parent who needs support. 

Which is fine. I can't even tell if I'm just being a moody treenger, or if this is an actual thing. Like, in twenty years from now will I look back and wonder what I was thinking? When my mom dies will I wish I treated her better? 

I don't want to make any mistakes, but I also don't want to constantly let myself feel how I feel now. Like nothing I do will really be all that good enough. It just sucks, because I think I try to impress them with school. My grades and all, but they don't care about that. They care about who I really am as a person, and I don't think they like who that is all that much. No amount of good grades makes up for that. 

So, I live my life beating around the bush. One step away from slipping out of a room, rehearsing what I say before I do it, desperately trying whatever mask I can to improve. To become better. More outgoing like my brothers. Less clingy like my brothers. More independant like my brothers. My perfect brothers. Who could burn the house down, and yet I would still somehow be the one to clean the ashes. 

It's stupid to compare myself to Cinderella, because In no way are my parents abusive. At all. They would never really give me a broom and force me to sweep some mess my brothers have made. 

Cinderella was not just a maid, but a daughter. Sometimes I cannot help but feel that I am that girl who is destined to be confined to the attic. 

The outskirts of the house, or better yet, the family. 

At first, it didn't bother me. I would watch with pleasant content as my family would joke, and ignore my attempts to talk to them. Take a sip of water and pretend like my cheeks weren't red with shame that my words had gone not unheard, but disregarded. Held my tongue when my brothers spoke, because facing their anger never turned out in my favor. 

Then, somewhere along those memories, that content blurred into anger. 

There is not one memory in my head that pinpoints where this anger, this disappointment, began. It simply began to bubble, rising in the pan until it overflowed. 

When my mother first told me I looked too fat for a shirt. Only to conveniently “forget” when I bring it up years later. 

When my dad first told me he could never love me as much as he loves his wife, for the Bible told him so. He doesn't know that I cracked his code, but I do. I know that's his excuse, a way for me to understand what he means in his heart without truly saying it, but who am I to say anything against the “Bible”. 

Even when my brothers leave me alone. I'm too childish, too girly, I could never understand what they go through. Annoying, thoughtless, bitchy, whiny, Incontent with my life, stupid, I can't pay attention, fat, ugly. 

Then its fine. My mother tells me she loves me as she tackles me onto the bed, our laughs filling the room. My father will joke about the world, and we'll talk for hours. I'll have deep conversations with my brothers about life, and finally I understand, because they let me. 

I'll feel like an idiot, like I've imagined everything that's happened. Did she really say that? Did they really do that? 

It confuses me, but makes it hurt all the much more when I realize that they did do that. That they will continue to do that. And so I'm stuck in this cycle. 

I ignore it. I pretend that it's not there, and when it's so bright that I can't help but see it, I pretend it doesn't bother me. 

But it does. Nothing haunts me like my family. Like my friends. 

My friends who keep me around because I technically haven't done anything to them for them to drop me. 

That doesn't mean they like me, just that they can't throw me away. 

But throwing someone away doesn't always mean you kick them from your life. Sometimes I think it's when two people make faces at each other when you speak. Look away when you wave at them, so they don't have that obligation to wave back. Stare down at the floor when you pass, because oh so suddenly, it's much more interesting than you. 

I'm not sure what about me is so boring, so that even the floor is more endearing. 

I've tried every makeup in the store, every joke in the book, and something about me doesn't add up. Like there's this tiny piece hiding inside me, that's defective. 

And it reminds me every time I look in the mirror. When I look at myself, I don't see my blue eyes or my blonde hair. I see my mother, my father, and my brothers. I am the spitting image of the the people I so desperately want to impress, but for whatever reason, that does not bring me joy. Instead, it's a reminder. 

That although I bear their looks and their name, I am not them. I will never be them, or who they want me to be. 

Some people are haunted by the supernatural. Ghosts and vampires sneak around them in the night. 

Me?

At night, I think about my friends. My family. 

That is what haunts me. I lay awake thinking over every decision I have made that day. Every action, every word. 

Because if I can find that one action, that one word, than maybe I can find that one piece of my brain that's so defective. 

I can finally fix that piece of me that's so determined to be broken.