#i tried to make it interesting with the bloody smooching

[gurokiitty]

Three words here me out:

Strade

Wedding

Angst

a/n: i'm listening, anon !! 👂 👂 👂 ren is here too becoz why not

JUST THE THREE OF US

{ strade x ren hana x f! reader }

word count: 1.4k

warnings/tags: angst, forced "marriage", physical and psychological abuse, tongue mutilation, blood, forced intimacy (kissing), may be kinda ooc for strade?

As the morning dawned, a single ray of light sneaked through the boarded-up window, casting a thin strip of illumination across the dusty floor. It travelled slowly, like a silent, ethereal intruder in the otherwise shadowed space. You watched it crawl up to your legs, highlighting the bruises and scars marking your skin, as well as the bandages wrapped around your foot— a mocking beacon of faint hope in the dim room.

Beside you, Ren sat stiffly. His usual poise was marred by anxiety, evident by the way his ears flattened against his head each time his gaze darted to the heavy door.

Soon, the sound of footsteps approached and the door creaked open. Strade entered with a twisted smile, holding two garments. For you, a faded white dress— obviously a thrift store find— yet it held a semblance of what could have been a bride’s traditional attire. For Ren, one of Strade's old suits, dusty and unworn.

"Time to get ready," he announced, his voice echoing slightly in the cramped space. "Don’t take too long. We wouldn’t want to keep the big day waiting." His smile widened as he tossed the garments onto the bed, pausing briefly at the doorway to give one last look before turning to leave.

As the door clicked shut behind him, you exchanged a brief, fraught glance with Ren, his eyes mirroring your turmoil. The preparations were mechanical; the simple acts of bathing and dressing became an attempt to maintain a shred of normalcy.

In the small bathroom, you sat in the tub and cleaned yourself carefully below the neck. Each stroke on your skin felt like an attempt to erase the gruelling memories of the past days. The water ran pink, mingling dust and sweat with blood— a stark reminder of the reality you couldn't completely wash away.

The ordeal felt more surreal as you dried yourself and slipped the dress over your head. It hung loose on your frame, the soft material grazing your skin in unfamiliar, almost comforting touches. You looked into the fogged mirror, wiping away the condensation to see yourself. Your reflection was simple yet transformative, and for a fleeting moment, you recognized a shadow of the person you once were.

Stepping back into the room, you noticed Ren standing before a full-length mirror, smoothing his hair. He turned his head slightly as you approached, his suit hanging loosely on his frame. The mismatched fit would have been almost comical if not for the gravity of the situation. You caught his eye through the mirror and his ears perked up slightly.

His gaze lingered before he forced a smile and turned to adjust the collar of his ill-fitting suit. "It doesn't quite feel like a celebration, does it?"

You approached him slowly, the fabric of the white dress whispering against the floor. "No, but we'll get through this. Just like we've gotten through everything else." You replied, your voice steadier than you felt.

"I know we will. It's just..." His voice trailed off as he met your eyes in the mirror again, searching for an assurance neither of you could truly provide.

You reached out, placing a hand on his shoulder, feeling the coarse fabric under your fingertips. "We'll find a way out. Together." It was a promise, a thin thread of hope you both clung to, even as doubt whispered in the back of your minds.

The ceremony that awaited you was nothing short of a macabre performance, orchestrated by Strade for his twisted enjoyment. As you descended the stairs, the ceremonial charade Strade had set up in the living room revealed itself. A crude altar stood at the end, draped in an old tablecloth and surrounded by a few flickering candles.

Strade's presence, polished yet sinister in a crisp, red suit, only heightened the surrealism of the moment. His hair was neatly styled, transforming him into a figure vastly different from the one you knew. Yet, as the candlelight danced across his face, it illuminated his familiar smile while he puffed on a cigar; the smoke curling around him like a visible sneer.

"You two clean up nice," he mused, a sinister melody in his voice. "My beautiful bride and my handsome groom, all dolled up for our big day." His smirk widened as he exhaled, the cigar's scent mingling with the stale air.

Then, Strade stepped forward, positioning himself by the makeshift altar. "Let’s begin, shall we?" He said, taking the cigar between his fingers and clearing his throat.

“Während manche sagen, dass es zwei braucht, um eine Ehe zu schließen, / While some say it takes two to make a marriage,” he began, "Wir drei sind ein Leben lang verbunden. / The three of us are bound together for a lifetime."

His smile twisted further as he concluded in a chilling tone, "In life and death, our fates are forever intertwined."

As you stood there, facing Strade in his unnervingly handsome guise, a mixture of dread and despair settled heavily in your stomach. His eyes, sharp and calculating, skimmed over you and Ren, taking in every detail of your forced readiness.

“Now let's get to the good part, huh?” his voice dropped to a husky whisper as he closed the distance between you; his movements poised yet predatory. He reached out suddenly, gripping your chin with a firmness that made your heart skip.

“A little token to commemorate our day,” he murmured before his lips pressed briefly against yours. His touch was cold, his fingers clamping your jaw as he pulled away.

Before you could react, Strade's hand moved to your mouth, prying it open, his fingers pressing against your lips. Dread washed over you as he withdrew a small knife from his suit pocket. The sheen of the blade caught the flickering candlelight as he unsheathed it, his eyes never leaving yours. You could feel Ren's gaze burning into you, a silent plea for mercy mirrored in his expression.

Strade's grip on your chin tightened as he brought the blade closer to your trembling lips, positioning it at the center of your tongue. Without hesitation, he made a long, deliberate cut down the median sulcus, the cold steel slicing through the soft flesh. Pain seared through you as blood began to pool in your mouth, spilling down your chin in thick rivulets, and staining the white of your dress.

You could hear Ren's sharp intake of breath, his own fate mirrored in the cruel twist of Strade's lips. The room seemed to spin, the weight of your shared agony pressing down on you like a suffocating blanket.

Strade then turned to Ren, who had watched the ordeal with horror etched deeply into his features. Ren’s attempts to protest were muffled by Strade’s swift and brutal actions, repeating the gruesome act. The immediate flow of blood now tied your pains together in the most visceral way possible.

With a monstrous grin, he forced you and Ren to face each other, pushing you two into a proximity that felt both intrusive and intimate. "Now, kiss," he commanded, his voice low.

You reached up, your hands trembling as they framed Ren's face, your thumbs brushing against his cheeks. You could feel his muscles tense under your touch.

Reluctantly, painfully, you leaned towards him, the coppery taste of blood mingling as your lips met. The kiss was soft at first, almost hesitant, but you pressed closer and your wounded tongues touched. The pain sparked again, more intensely, as you both stifled a groan. Blood mixed with saliva, creating a bond that was as real as it was enforced, painting your lips and trickling down in a slow, warm drip that met the front of your dress.

You could feel Ren's breath hitch, his hands coming up to rest hesitantly on your hips, his touch light, as if afraid to cause more pain— or perhaps more connection. The kiss deepened slightly, not out of desire but out of a desperate need to find solace in your shared suffering.

“This is what binds us together,” Strade remarked, “Not just some vows or rings, but blood, pain, and fear. You two are mine, in every way that counts.”

Finally, you pulled away, and the string of blood that had connected you broke, leaving only a sticky residue on your lips.

[the-s1lly-corner]

Leaving lipstick marks on various CRPs 2/2

i need to stop drinking coffee but ooooouuugh it tastes so good was going to include bloody painter and puppeteer but this post felt too long... maybe ill give them their own posts one day characters: eyeless jack, laughing jack, jeff the killer, nina the killer, jane the killer notes: reader is GN and wears makeup CWs: none

EYELESS JACK

the best youre going to get is kissing on his mask since he doesnt like taking it off that often

on the chance you kiss his actual face, his entire body is going to be stiff... he doesnt know what you think of him, despite you pressing your lips against his face... many times

doesnt like how the lipstick feels on his skin so the marks dont last long, hes going to clean them soon after you stop and get off of him

hes more interested in non kissing physical affection such as cuddling

sometimes his eye tar gets in your mouth... does not taste pleasant... you try not to make a face so the mood doesnt die

LAUGHING JACK

to the surprise of no one, hes giggling the entire time youre kissing all over him

wears makeup as well so hes going to totally cover you in marks too... you envy him, his makeup doesnt seem to smudge at all! how does he do it!

wraps his arms up all around you, being able to totally encase your body and pull you against him while you both pepper each other with smooches

lightly swings and sways you around during the entire time

looooooves when you do stuff like this, and hes going to keep the marks on him for... a long while... you may need to convince him to clean them off

JEFF THE KILLER

more open to it so long as hes not already busy with something else

doesnt much like the clean up after though since sometimes the makeup can get stuck up in his mouth scars... plus knowing him hes probably using a paper towel so hes just smudging everything around

loves the attention though, especially if youre telling him how pretty you think he is between kisses

usually these sessions are short lived, he still sometimes thinks love and affection is icky

JANE THE KILLER

hardly ever takes her mask off around you due to the scars on her face- many seem to forget that jane was burned

shes not exactly ashamed of her scars but looking at them makes her seethe because it reminds her of what happened.. if you end up kissing her actual face instead of her mask it at least takes some of that anger away momentarily

not very big on affection however she doesnt push you away when you want to initiate... if anything shes more awkward since between losing everything and trying to find jeff.. she hasnt found much time to date anyone

very soft and tender rather than high energy and lighthearted, you tend to kiss gently all over her face and affirm how much you love her

NINA THE KILLER

loooooooves kissing your face and getting kisses on the face

youre both left in marks- and if you let her shes going to change her lipstick between kisses under the guise of "testing them"... so your face is going to be a mess of different colors

likes keeping the lipstick on her face and knowing her, if its possible, she tries to incorporate it into her makeup- whether keeping them in tact of smearing and blending them

because of this your marks stay on her face the entire time

giggling and bouncing in her seat the entire time

[etaindelaserna]

So I found this around, can I ask for Draco/ Hermione or Kakashi/ Sakura?

♥ Send a ship and I'll give you who:

- Gives nose/forehead kisses

- Gets jealous the most

- Picks the other up from the bar when they’re too drunk to drive

- Takes care of on sick days

- Drags the other person out into the water on beach day

- Gives unprompted massages

- Drives/rides shotgun

- Brings the other lunch at work

- Has the better parental relationship

- Tries to start role-playing in bed

- Embarrassingly drunk dancer

- Still cries watching Titanic

- Firmly believes in couples costumes

- Breaks the expensive gift rule during Christmas

- Makes the other eat breakfast

- Remembers anniversaries

- Brings up having kids

Thanks for choosing two of my all-time-even-when-I‘m-as-old-as-solar-systems-ships✨Let‘s see…

- Gives nose/forehead kisses:

Nose? Definitely Hermione and it drives Draco mad, because it’s such a silly gesture and he doesn’t really understand it because WHY THE BLOODY NOSE of all places but secretly he loves it. Forehead? Draco. He almost overuses it. It’s a no-nonsense gesture, a “I’m a hopeless romantic deal with it” declaration, a “You’re safe with me” assurance and a “I adore you more than I have words for” love letter.

- gets jealous the most:

Draco although he doesn’t show it. But there are signs. Hermione can tell. The eyebrow twitch, the love bombing once they’re alone, the overcompensation with grand speeches and display of luxury but the most telling one of all: Draco is making an utter fool of himself—no matter how calm and collected he looks doing it.

- picks the other up from the bar when they’re too drunk to drive:

Draco. He acts as if he’s annoyed by it but he’s satisfied that she calls him to pick her up, that she feels safe with him. Also: drunk Hermione is very funny and cute and entertaining and he teases her about it when she’s sober again.

- takes care of on sick days:

Draco. By the time Hermione listed her symptoms he has already owled for potions and healers and plans to buy enough groceries for at least a month just in case. Hermione doesn’t want him to make a big fuss about it but he basically declares it a national emergency and makes sure she really recovers. Meaning: she is not allowed to read or research while sick.

- Drags the other person out into the water on beach day:

Hermione. Because what’s the point of going to the beach if you don’t go into the water but of course Draco argues, that it’s called “beach day” and not “swim” or “ocean day”.

- gives unprompted massages:

Hermione. It’s her way of easing things up between them. A physical way for her to express she is there with him, that she listens.

- drives/rides shotgun

Hermione. Jump in. We don’t have time for questions.

- brings the other lunch at work:

Draco. Proper nutrition isn’t one of Hermione‘s top priorities. She skips meals on a daily basis because she is too focused on her work. Also: it gives Draco an excuse to stop by and steal some smooches.

- has the better parental relationship:

Hermione.

- tries to start role-playing in bed:

Draco. He read in a muggle magazine, made the quiz that determined whether that’s something he could be interested in and tried it the first chance he got. Needless to say it ended in them almost dying of laughter.

- embarrassingly drunk dancer:

Hermione. And she forces Draco to join in.

- still cries watching Titanic:

Draco. Being the hopeless romantic in the relationship, it’s right down his aisle. Although he slightly sympathises with the rich and therefore get’s smacked by Hermione.

- firmly believes in couples costume:

Draco. It’s one of the few benefits of being a couple and he is fully committed to see it to its full potential.

- breaks the expensive gift rule dusting Christmas:

Draco.

- makes the other eat breakfast:

Draco. Hermione is not allowed to leave the house until she’s had breakfast. Just coffee doesn’t count.

- remembers anniversaries:

Both. Although Hermione remembers a lot of personal and small ones like the first time he smiled at her.

- brings up having kids:

Draco. Every chance he gets. There’s no point in postponing because they love each other, they are settled and he wants a minimum of two. A boy and a girl. Three if he’s lucky and Hermione plays along.

- Gives nose/forehead kisses:

Kakashi. For appearing so aloof all the time he does use kisses and touches as his main love language and once Sakura got used to it, she realised how much she actually needed this kind of affection from a partner.

- gets jealous the most:

Sakura. Kakashi is a beautiful, respected man and Sakura was used to being treated indifferently and always being the second fiddle. Noticing other women glancing after him makes her want to explode.

- picks the other up from the bar when they’re too drunk to drive:

Kakashi. Sakura is a clingy and honest drunk. So it’s quite amusing but for the most part he doesn’t trust anyone else with picking her up.

- takes care of on sick days:

Sakura. There is no debate. Kakashi isn’t allowed to leave the house and is fed chicken broth and at least 3 litres of tea. And he is not allowed to complain.

- Drags the other person out into the water on beach day:

Sakura. Kakashi isn’t a fan of the cold water but can’t say no when Sakura wears that large sun hat and green swimming suit and has that huge smile on her face when she starts a splashing war.

- gives unprompted massages:

Kakashi. After a long day in the hospital or on a mission her shoulders and neck are so tense and although she never complains or asks, he can see that she is uncomfortable. He can’t stand it. Within a few minutes she falls asleep.

- drives/rides shotgun:

Sakura.

- brings the other lunch at work:

Kakashi. Although Sakura knows how important a nutritious meal is, she is too exhausted to meal prep. It gives Kakashi a sense of fulfilment knowing he can do this little thing for her.

- has the better parental relationship:

Sakura. But Kakashi was basically adopted into the family by day one.

- tries to start role-playing in bed:

Sakura. She convinces herself it must be something Kakashi likes because he has more experience and because of the Icha Icha books and she doesn’t want to be “bad in bed”. So she tries it and Kakashi humours her but makes it clear he is not into it, especially if Sakura doesn’t enjoy it.

- embarrassingly drunk dancer:

Sakura. Kakashi can’t decide if it’s cute or funny or oddly attractive but Sakura has moves he has never seen before.

- still cries watching Titanic:

Sakura.

- firmly believes in couples costume:

Kakashi. It surprises Sakura just how committed he is. She has to admit it’s actually quite fun.

- breaks the expensive gift rule dusting Christmas:

Sakura. Her gifts are a combination of expensive and thoughtful. She has a vision in mind.

- makes the other eat breakfast:

Sakura. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. End of story.

- remembers anniversaries:

Kakashi. He makes sure to remind Sakura what’s so special about each anniversary: the way she looked, how she smiled, something she said. Those moments are precious to him.

- brings up having kids:

Sakura. She never thought about it before but with Kakashi it just makes sense.

[joz-yyh]

Blight kisses!! Not Bigby covering Damian in smooches 💚

Tardif/Damian is cool as well! Thinking about it now, Damian has *very interesting* standards, boy is always seeking out for the danger, or is the danger seeking out for him? Who knows really!

him dating the most intimidating men in the Hamlet /hj

Love your art always!

They're exchanging vital life essence! It's necessary for survival. Stack those blight tokens boys! 

Yay, glad you like them too! Whenever I am faced with a difficult decision, I always choose both! Death itself covets Damian afterall. It's a revolving door of one seeking the other. Lol, imagine dating the grim reaper, literally a spirit almost everyone fears like it's no big deal. 

Thanks, I love you! 😭🙏💕💕💕 Sorry, it's not art this time, but here's more of my Bigmian Role Reversal AU~ (They're on a first name basis!) XD

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

“Um, my name's Bigby, what's yours?”

The creature idles there, as if it's never been asked it's name, having no need for words until now.

“Can you speak,” the monk asks gently, understanding of their language barrier, “it's OK if you can’t.”

An idea comes to light, the creature shuffling over to one of the large boulders that form a thick perimeter around its den. 

Long bloody nails draw a series of rigid lines, scrapes that Bigby can hear, but can't see taking place, poking his head around trying to follow along from where he's standing behind him. 

The carving stops, the wechuge's lanky hooves stepping aside to reveal the extent of his efforts.

There, etched into the gray rockface, is exactly what the little human asked for. 

- D  A  M  I  A  N - 

The monk sounds it out, one dark brow raised.

“Da-mi-an? Is that your name?”

The creature huffs, nods.

“Suppose it's nice to meet you. Um, so you want to be friends?”

The religious boy tries not to look as scared as he feels, because if this creature truly wanted to eat him (not for lack of trying), it would have done so by now, right? 

More carving ensues, continuing alongside his name.

- Y E S -

Bigby releases a breath he didn't know he was holding, his chest filled with relief. 

“Guess that makes it official. Friends it is.”

The unlikely pair fidget, unsure of where to take the conversation from here, standing there awkwardly until one of them figures out what to do next. 

Bigby is first, having the advantage of speech, fumbling nervously to fill the silence. 

He assures himself that this situation was no different than it would be if he was with anyone else, the same general rules for introductions apply, regardless if it was a cannibalistic beast or one of his fellow monks. 

“Well, since we're friends now, we should probably get to know each other better. So, uh, what sort of things do you like? I like tea and books.”

A pause while the wechuge chisels out his reply. 

- H U N T  M E A T -

This is not a topic Bigby wishes to die on, swaying the subject matter in another direction before Damian decides to hunt him for meat. 

“How old are you? I am 25.”

- U N K N O W N - 

“Oh, that must be hard, not knowing. Maybe, you're around my age?”

- O L D E R -

“How can you be so sure? Thought you said you didn't know? Maybe, you're younger.”

He's getting just a little sassy at being treated like a grade schooler, Damian tapping the word, ‘older,’ again in confidence.

Along with embarrassment, this exchange demonstrates the immediate flaws in such primitive methods of communication.

“We're going to run out of stone if you keep answering my questions like this.”

The resourceful monk muses for a moment, finding a patch of soil and a stick nearby, Damian watching him curiously. 

“Here, come draw it in the dirt.”

Chains rattle as the tortured beast kneels down, residing next to the human, an illustration taking shape as the monk draws a stick figure with horns.

“That's you,” Bigby explains. 

If the wechuge had eyebrows, surely they'd be quirked at such simplified depictions.

“And this is me.” 

Another stick figure, the two appearing to hold hands in camaraderie with twin smiles on their faces. 

The wechuge shifts, capturing their height difference more accurately by redrawing himself with longer legs. 

“I get it, you're tall, I am short,” he sighs, not the crucial point he hoped to convey, but taking the critique nonetheless.  

“What should we talk about next?”

As Bigby embellishes his artistic vision, adding flowers, grass, and a sun, a red glow emanates from Damian's bloody claws.

It instantly grabs the monk’s attention, watching as symbols appear, what looks like runes scorching the very air around him, bright and smoldering like a branding iron.

“Wow,” says the mystified monk, “I didn't know you could do that.”

Usually, only acts of divine intervention display themselves this clearly, which leads him to his next inquiry, “It doesn't drain your energy, using magic like that?” 

More runes manifest, translating into words he can recognize. 

¬  N O  ¬

“Can I touch it?”

He's already reaching out, fingertips tingling, passing through their ancient figures despite the hellfire they're crafted from.

“What else can you do?”

The words come pouring out of his mouth before he can stop himself, utterly fascinated because it was a rare thing,  finding one with powers like himself. 

Damian is more than happy to oblige, vines growing from the center of his palm, creating winding sprouts and tiny leaves, a tiny flower unfurling at its peak.  

“So pretty.”  

The monk smiles, mindful of his touch, tracing out their shapes. The roots are strong and coarse, the petals soft and delicate, as close to the real thing as he can get. 

“Thank you for showing me.” 

He leans a little closer to Damian, the monster fixated on him, returning the bloom back inside his ghastly flesh, freeing up his hand to write. 

¬ YOU ¬

“Me,” the monk sounds surprised. “Oh, is there something you want to ask me?”

¬ WHY HERE? ¬

“You want to know why I was in the woods? I was summoned. A nearby parish said they had urgent need for me. I just hope they're alright.”  

Suddenly, Bigby is burdened by guilt, knowing it was Damian’s fault he never arrived, but still seeking solace in the creature's rags, worried for what tragedy befell those crying out for help.  

[sea-of-dust]

When their like their Collab counterpart totally not x reader

Another RAS x Reader I swear....im gonna be the face of the RAS x reader community aren't I.... Wtf is a RAS x reader community. I gotta stop writing about bandori-

LAYER/Rei/Banji

Rei with the personality of baji....arf..i mean very interesting

Expect her to be a lot more passionate to say....like not to go down the tr tumblrs level of unseiso but there's a lot more kabedoning and her being a little possessive

She might be a little more aggressive too. Not towards you but to opposing gangs you happen to have friends in

"Why are you talking to y/n leave them alone before I kick ur ass" "we were talking about a project we were assigned to together..." "Oh..."

Oh indeed

Wait why did she pull up a seat...oh my God she's eagle eying ur friend now

she looks like the chairs bought to be used for another purpose

Expect ur friend to complain about a "visit" from ur girlfriend

Shell get jealous more easily too. Talking to someone else? "Where were u" "I was walking my friend home" "...uh huh" "....u thought we did something when we walked home didn't u" "Nah idk mamas" "(wtf kinda pet name is mamas)"

She walks you home after that even sleeps over your family loves her

Expect her to try and trick u into having small naps with her

If PAREO ever interrupted you and Rei she would just look at her with those murder eyes and then continue what she's doing to u

"LAYER-san chu2s call-" Reis pinning you to wall for another make-out speedrun "...ill come back later..."

Shell have more hair ties on her

Shell be very roughed up...like real bad she's in a gang and a band, those two things are bound to leave the average person a Twitter user

Ur her personal nurse and she definitely pays you in something other than cash if u catch my drift 😏

She pays you in kisses....smooches...perv but in ur defense I made u think like that...still a perv

Overall Rei with the personality of Banji will turn me into her dog- I mean is gonna a be a doozy...now wait till she catches you and the homies saying something werid

"Yo u land this ill suck-" "Y/N..." "I'll buy u an ice cream!...."

MASKING/Masuki/Draken

Nothin changed....shell be a lot more responsible when it comes to you and Chu2 (since Chu2 = Mikey)

Shell be less of a tease to Chu2 too

Masuki def tries to keep you as far from gang violence as possible

Shell ask how was ur day act normal and then u two get into her room instant tackle

The brothels gonna love you "ahh masuki you got a new plaything?" "Can it [side character 190]" "fu fu"

She would take you out at night to watch stars

Masuki might tease you at times and when you get mad she just hugs you giggling a bit

"I'm sorry I'm sorry it was kinda funny tho" "....." "I'll make you somethin" "....fine"

Expect her laugh to be a lot more proud

If you ever saw her fight (let's say like bloody Halloween in the show) shell look at you panicked worried if she traumatized you

"Ah shit y/n did you see anything- oh God why we're you even here... Leave I don't want you to get hurt"

When she gets home she looks tired and a bit beat up but when she sees you it's like her wounds went away and as soon as she relaxes they re open but hey at least she got to see her s/o

As soon as a movie she was really excited for is out,she runs over to your house and drives there almost instantly calling you the whole time

"IM COMING OVER BE THERE IN FIVE" you can barely hear her over the wind and like a minute later "IM HERE" and u just hear Pastel*Pallette blasting

She made a joke about beating up the mf you seemed a little comfortable with...it was ur sibling-

She would accompany chu2 to fast food stops with you

Speaking of food if your ever at a public place Masukis gonna find you and just stare at you from the window your sitting next to with the face she does before saying your cute but scarier

"You should have came to me" you can hear her say that from outside

If you ever went on a date with her in public she's gonna be surprisingly polite and using fancy words bros even wore a suit

"Yes may I have the [idk make it up] and my lady would like [f/f]"

It's an inside joke between you two now

She's told you ligma while you laid on her lap she would just randomly look down at you and just go "ligma"

Moral of the story bunny masuki

LOCK/Rokka/Takemichi

She's gonna cry a lot

Shell visit you a lot leaning in for a small kiss before greeting you

"(Y/n you're just so kind how could someone every resent you)" cu <3 "Good Morning to you too Rokka"

She would ask you what u would think of her in 10 years and you would say "you would still be my beloved"

Her heart would flutter and she would cry a bit embracing you

She would never tell you about Toman and never wear her uniform around you

She's embarrassed she's in a gang

When she time travels back she always has the things you gave to her on her body

She would fall for amongus backwards

If you ever flattered her or did her hair for her she would be so shy

If the gang asked she would flex about it

"An Rokka you got a new hairstyle it looks nice" "ah y/n did it for me" "they've got some skill" "mph~ they're the best"

She wound crawl into your arms randomly while you two would be on the couch

"Rokka..." She's just digging her face into your chest mumbing about how she's gonna save everyone. You feel something wet hit your chest and you hug her

If you ever do catch her while she's with the gang shell try to make something up

"Y/n! What are you doin here haha...why am I wearing this? Oh it's a costume party next door! Why am I tied up? I lost a bet!"

If she comes to your house with an injury she's gonna say she fell coming over.

Don't admit you know about Toman she wants to feel as if she's protecting you

Don't question what she's doing with your brother or why he says that "Rokkas gonna save you!"

PAREO/Reona/Chifuyu

She's a lot more calm and dosent really care about Chu2 as much

She's more concerned about Rei

She still puts you over Rei but that's because you're her s/o

Shell buy you little trinkets sometimes

She knows everything about you stuff you never told her like your blood type, how you like your drinks, your type kinda women...some freaky shit

She carried you bride style once when you joked about her having lean muscle and she was like ".....bet"

"You got some lean muscle u ant no way you beat people up on the daily" "come here" "what are you gonna-" she lifts you a little too easily

Rei thinks highly of you and tells you to take care of PAREO.

She likes painting your nails as she goes over her day

"Yeah so we had an exam today...I beat the brakes off of a mf" "what" "I mean I beat someone in a race don't think about it too much y/n"

She would pinch your checks sometimes when sneaking up on you

Small kisses here and there whenever there's a fight it tends to be a little longer

She tries to cook with you sometimes

Not that she's bad it's just that they always come out looking cute....how tf did she make curry into stars it's a liquid-

She likes sleeping on top of you while listening to a playlist she totally didn't make up of your most listened to songs

She def taught you a bit about medical stuff and told you that whenever she was unconscious and Rei was injured or also unconscious you should take care of her first she cares about you and rei more than her own life

You responded by telling her you would save both of them.

She was astonished

Chu2/Chiyu/Mikey

I send you prayer

"Y/n~" "Chu2.." "Lets go outside! I wanna buy some Dorayaki" "it's 3 am...."

Chu2 is gonna be the worst one she wines like a lot

Even if you ignore her (bad idea) shell get up in your ear from behind and beg for you to do what she wants

What's worse is that she might try to climb you

She might bite your ear if ur unlucky

Shell tell you she loves you more often like 4 times per day

"Y/n" "I love you too Chu2" "hehe~"

She's so mischievous she would prank you sometimes like scaring you in front of the door

If you went to a fast food place she would be able to sniff you out

"Heard you got food without me" "I didn't even tell you I was here" "u got any games on yo phone?"

She wouldn't be secretive when it came to you knowing about the gang but would still try to keep you away from violence

She's also crazy strong now- and can ride motorcycles-

She would tell you about how she kicked people's asses and how she would do it like they insulted you!

"And I just pretend they said something bad about you then I punch em!" "That's nice chu chu-"

You and Masuki are the only two that call her chu chu

The whole band gets to tease her tho

She retreats behind you and if you join the teasing? She's still gonna hide behind you

She would bring flags around for food

"Chu chu why tf did you put a flag in fucking soup" "that shit ant gon taste good if I don't" "seriously-" "yes"

Shell be a little more intimate at night

Like shell tackle you to sleep with her

She likes watching you go to sleep and then waking up in your arms. she thinks it's gonna giver her super strength one day. one punch Chu Chu

She would ask you to tie her hair for her. Not because she can't do it herself but she likes your fingers in her hair.

If you give her trinkets she's gonna keep them forever even when Rokka time travels to see her shell have them all on even if she outgrew them

"Chu2...." "LOCK...you we're my only friend in this world..." "What about y/n-" "they didn't buy my merch i divorced them"

She didn't divorce you.you just went grocery shopping

Moral of the story....i smell gum u got gum

Might write one where the Tokyo Revengers cast acts like RAS-. Send requests I beg I need something to do 👩‍🦲

Parting words

[unnerving-presence]

What would happen if Pyramid Head and Nemesis had a crush on the same person, maybe the reader is a survivor.

One thing is for certain, it’s not gonna look pretty when they both find out that there’s someone else taking your attention

There would be constant fighting. When they’re both in the same area as you, there is no longer peace, and there will probably be some blood on the floor.

They would silently challenge each other each day. Who could make you blush the most? Whose gifts would you like the most? Who are you the most affectionate with? It’s petty and stupid, but they both don’t realize nor care.

Nemesis isn’t very familiar with how to court anybody, so he essentially has no idea what he’s doing. He used to be a human, so he knows you need some sort of sign shown to you that he has taken interest. It’s pretty easy to catch on really. You’ll notice that he’s almost always hovering over you, growling at anybody that even tries to get near you. He’s quite literally breathing down your neck half the time, occasionally letting a tentacle caress your arm before you go to smack it away.

Pyramid Head isn’t as overbearing as Nemesis, but it doesn’t make it much better. He constantly puts himself in your path to get your attention. He’s really just like a stray dog that’s taken a liking to someone that happened to feed him a few times too many. He won’t hesitate to take you to his realm himself if you try to ignore him. He wants attention dammit! He may not know exactly what he wants, but you made him feel this way, so you must know what you’re doing.

You may just have to get them both to tell them that they’re gonna have to share. They may not be too happy about it, but they will reluctantly listen and won’t fight too often. I’m sure you’ll see the occasional fist fight that will not doubt end in both of them nearly covered in blood when they decide to use weapons. It can be a bit.. overwhelming. Don’t worry, it’s all worth it when they both submit to you. They’re big boys that are big simps and they don’t know what to do with themselves.

It’s a guarantee that they will never fully get along. They may get used to each other’s presence, but they’ll never be happy about it. Like I said before, they pretty much listen to anything you say. So if you don’t want them at each other’s throats, just say the word and they’ll like.. glare at each other from afar.

Cuddling together!! I imagine you will of course be in the middle while they’re both at your side with a hand at your hip. They hate the fact that they’re both slightly touching each other, but they both also love the affection that you’re giving them. Nemesis can easily forget about his disliking for Pyramid Head when you place a hand on his cheek and give him a lil smooch on his disfigured nose. Mr. Cone Head here will always have a slight attitude, even when your fingers are lovingly tracing his biceps, your other hand taking the large helmet within your grasp and kissing the bloody pyramid. Red may feel very loved right now, but that stupid tentacle porn mother fucker is still here, so he’s still mad. Please spoil this stupid whore with more kisses or he will never be happy when he’s near Nemesis

[elizabeethan]

The Swan and her Handler

Emma Swan was cursed, and the only way to break it is with True Love's Kiss. Try breaking a curse with True Love's Kiss when you're a damn swan.

Yes, it's true, I've written a CS AU based on Walnut the Crane, a crane who fell in love with her handler. I'm ashamed at how idiotic this is. It’s by far the dumbest thing I've ever written in all my life. It’s nothing more than crack written in about an hour, un-betaed and barely edited. Sorry, and you’re welcome.

Rated T for language

~2000 words

Read my other stuff

Read on Ao3

These damn idiots can’t get anything right. It was bad enough when Emma showed up on their doorstep with perfectly clear care instructions that were completely ignored, but now they keep trying to get her to reproduce as if she’s some kind of zoo animal. 

  Of course, given her current living situation, it does make at least a tiny bit of sense. 

  Ever since the curse, Emma has been stuck in a wildlife refuge and has been unable to get any of her stupid caretakers to figure out how to help her. She knows exactly what she needs, but unfortunately, no one here speaks swan and she can’t exactly hold a pen. Her care instructions were translated upon her transformation, so the one thing that could have helped her now looks like chicken-- er, swan scratch. 

  ���She needs a mate,” one of the jack asses points out. “She’ll probably want to mate for life.”

  True, she thinks, although, not with any of the stinky fluff balls you have sent my way.  

  First it was Neal. He tried to mate with her, so she killed him. Last week, they put Walsh in her enclosure, and she pecked at him violently until they took pity on him and sent him to the medical unit. 

  Although today seems different, because her newest caretaker has shown up, and she realizes that he just might be exactly what she’s been looking for. 

Emma Swan, unfortunately very appropriately named, requires a mate who can break her curse, True Loves Kiss the only thing that can bring her back to her truest form as a human adult woman. And when the new dark haired, stunning eyed veterinarian comes strutting into her enclosure, she hurries towards him to get a closer look at his name tag. 

  He jumps away, making some comment about her being fiery , and she blushes, squawking at him as she tries to get closer. Killian , it reads, and if she had lips and not a bill, she would smile. 

  “We think she’s depressed,” the stupid one with the big eyes says. “She’s killed every mate we’ve tried to pair her with.” 

  Good, she thinks. I must have done more damage on Walsh than I initially thought.  

  “You’re just misunderstood, aren’t you, love?” the angel-man asks, making her squawk in agreement. She thinks she could make this quick, this man obviously understanding her horrible twist of fate, so she lunges for him once more, trying hard to kiss his hand and hoping beyond hope that it will transform her back into the woman she's supposed to be. No more feathers, she prays. 

  He exclaims again, jumping and complaining of his hand hurting as she pecks him, so she rolls her eyes and squawks angrily. “Alright, darling,” he says with his hands up, his smooth, accented voice making her heart flutter inside her chest. Her breast? She knows very little about swan anatomy, despite having been turned into one. “Perhaps she’s stressed about her environment. Have you tried giving her a dark, quiet place to nest?” 

  “Not yet,” the dumbass admits. 

  The handsome one, Killian, a name she could get used to rolling off of her tongue, steps away from her, so she hurriedly follows. “Perhaps here in this corner will do.” 

  I would love to spend time in a dark corner with you, she thinks, giving the man what she hopes is a salacious smirk. She watches appreciatively as he sits down, crossing his legs as he starts to fiddle with some sticks as if she would be interested in them. Rather than helping him to make a nest out of the twigs and leaves, she plops herself right in his lap, nestling herself into his crossed legs and gazing up at his beautiful features, earning a smile from him. 

  “There we are, love,” he says happily, clearly surprised that she chose to plant herself upon him, although he shouldn't be. Just look at him, for god’s sake. “Comfortable?” 

  She squawks loudly, making him cringe, then fluffs her feathers in an attempt to gussy herself up for him. If she’s going to earn True Love’s Kiss from this perfect specimen, she’s going to have to work for it. The man chuckles as he looks down at her-- is he gazing? -- and lifts his hand slowly, placing a finger gently upon the top of her head and petting back down her neck, sending a chill down her spine, at least she thinks it’s her spine. She pushes her head towards him again, demanding more attention in an effort to get him to fall for her. It shouldn’t take long; she’s very enchanting. 

  “She’s never been this calm,” the dumb one says, making her snap her head towards him with a glare, shouting at him in disapproval. Killian shushes her soothingly, his finger softly stroking along her stupid feathers once more and making her shut her eyes. 

  “She just needed a bit of attention, it seems.” 

  “We’d best be careful,” someone else says, the bookworm who always thinks she knows everything about swan science. Of course, she probably knows more than Swan Emma. “We wouldn’t want her to imprint on you ,” she seems to joke. 

  “That’s quite alright, isn’t it love?” he asks her, essentially giving her permission to fall in love with this handsome bastard. 

  He comes by a few times a week for the next several months, each time sitting with her in her tiny, dirty nest and not seeming to care that his pants get soiled. She’s always careful to do her business elsewhere, making sure that her prince can sit in comfort when he arrives. She gets angry with him when he brings someone new, a sickly looking male named Graham who she assures is not welcome, so Killian gives up trying to get her to mate with someone. For some reason, they're concerned about her procreating, but she can assure everyone that she will not be giving birth to a damn swan baby while she’s under this curse. 

  One day, when Killian visits near the end of his shift, he’s finally alone, leaving behind the dumb one and the book worm and giving her all of the attention she desires as his strong hand softly pets along her soft feathers. She can’t wait to get rid of these stupid feathers. 

  “You’re quite funny,” he remarks as the sun starts to set. “Unlike any swan I’ve ever met.”

  She squawks at him-- I’m not a damn swan-- and he smiles. “Quire the personality. It always seems like you’re trying to communicate with me.” 

  Yes, you stupid handsome man, that’s exactly right! She tries to nod, lifting and dropping her head in quick succession and making the beauty laugh. She nudges her head against his hand in demand of more pets. 

  “What is it you want me to know, darling?” he asks gently, his voice soft and soothing and deep. 

  She groans, a sound that comes out like a pained cry, and his face shifts. “Are you alright, love?” 

  In pure frustration, Emma drops her head against the man’s chest, likely assaulting him with how badly she smells like bird shit, and he chuckles again, letting his hand run along her feathers some more. “There, there. I know life as a swan must be difficult. All you seem to want is for someone to listen.” 

  She looks up, hoping that her expression conveys her complete and utter irritation at the fact that he’s literally hitting the nail on the head and yet he has no idea. 

  “Such a personality,” he says again. “I’ve got to head home now, love. I’m looking forward to having Chinese for dinner. Perhaps I'll bring you an eggroll tomorrow, or is that insensitive?” 

  She squawks, half because she’s laughing, and half because she would quite literally kill another potential mate for an eggroll. Wanting to beg him not to go, she gives him her best sad face through her inability to emote, and nestles her head against his palm one more time. 

  “I’ll sneak you one, love,” he laughs, and as he does, he finally, finally , leans down towards her, and plants his stupid, dumb, lucious lips upon the top of her stinky bird head. 

  Cramps start to run through her whole stupid bird body, the same ones she felt when she was cursed on Halloween decades ago. He stands, not seeming to notice her pain and discomfort until he’s a few steps away, and he turns back around. “Swan, are you alright?” he asks, as if she could answer, and she shouts back at him wordlessly. 

  She praises whatever gods might be listening as she feels things start to change, her feathers shedding as her skin is exposed to the chilly fall air. The webbing between her toes retracts, her legs turning flesh colored rather than that horrifying orange. Her bill turns back into her nose and mouth, preparing her to smooch her savior rather than peck at him. Finally, she’s back!

  “Bloody fucking hell,” Killian breathes as he stares on, Emma transforming back into her old self, laying in a heap on the ground as she brushes off the dirt and twigs and leaves. 

  “You did it,” she praises before clearing her throat, raw from misuse after all these years. She grins at him as she’s been wanting to since they met, and is met with a horrified, shocked look on his face. His jaw is gaping, his eyes wide as they catch the light of the setting sun. “I knew you would.” 

  “What the fuck?” 

  “You broke the curse,” she says happily, standing up and exposing her nude form to him, cursing the lack of feathers although she vowed she never would. Immediately, he removes his jacket, despite his shock still clearly running through him, and hands it to her. 

  “I did what now?”

  “I was cursed. Why do you think I was such a miserable swan?” 

  He’s looking around, his mouth snapping shut and dropping open in succession as he tries to process the fact that there was a swan in the enclosure just a second ago, and now there’s a frankly beautiful, naked woman standing before him. “You were cursed,” he says doubtfully. 

  “Yes, I was. An evil witch cursed me on Halloween decades ago and I've been stuck in that infernal bird form ever since. All I needed was True Love’s Kiss to break it, but imaging trying to fall in love with someone as a damn bird.” 

  “So you… you fell in love… with me…?” 

  “Obviously,” she smiles, taking a step towards him on shaky legs, tripping and falling into his waiting arms as he catches her, careful not to grope her, although she isn’t sure she would mind. “And you broke the curse, so… Do I have to tell you what that means?”

  “I-- I’m having a lot of trouble processing the fact that I've evidently been in love with a swan for months.” 

  “Well, my name is Emma Swan, so you can be in love with a Swan for the rest of your life, if you’d like.” 

  “Emma,” he murmurs, staring into her eyes and smiling when he seems to recognize her. She’s never been able to see herself in the mirror, because the book worm was worried she would attack it, but based on the way he’s staring, she would guess that the evil witch let her keep her eyes. “Do you know it just happens to be Halloween tonight?”

  “Kismet,” she says softly, gazing up at him. He lifts his hand like he did while she was planted in his lap, and she’s finally able to feel his calloused finger along the skin of her cheek, then of her neck, just as he had done before. 

  “Aye,” he agrees. “The spirit of the holiday does make this whole thing a bit easier to accept.” 

  “Yeah,” she says dismissively. “Now take me home. I was promised an eggroll and I haven't eaten anything but grass and stale bread in almost thirty years.”

~~~~

Tagging (with apologies):

@courtorderedcake @kmomof4 @stahlop @klynn-stormz @laschatzi @emelizabeth88 @lfh1226-linda @kday426 @elisethewritingbeast @timeless-love-story @captain-emmajones @gingerpolyglot @ebcaver @ilovemesomekillianjones @teamhook @superchocovian @itsfabianadocarmo @tiganasummertree @gingerchangeling @jrob64 @onceratheart18 @xhookswenchx @winterbaby89 @swampmedusa @ultraluckycatnd @dancingnancyy @love-with-you-i-have-everything @shireness-says @snowbellewells @hollyethecurious @ouatpost @daxx04 @the-darkdragonfly @donteattheappleshook @therooksshiningknight @eeteeaytay @xsajx @itsfridaysomewhere @alexa-fangirl-forever @jonesfandomfanatic @wefoundloveunderthelight @qualitycoffeethings @rapunzelsghosts @spaceconveyor @badcats-andmice @batana54 @sailtoafarawayland @deckerstarblanche @zaharadessert @xarandomdreamx @pirateprincessofpizza @captainswan21 @hookedmom @lostintheskyfaraway @undercaffinatednightmare @strangestarlighttree

[argisthebulwark]

What would the members of the thieves guild be like and do when they are interested in/having a crush on ldb and how would they let ldb know about it when they feel the time is right?

oh i love them all so much, gross little sewer rats <3

Vex would just flat out tell them. She’d be assigning them a job or taunting them about getting caught once and just. tell them. like “haha, yeah, try not to get caught this time. also i have feelings for you.” tld would be shocked for a moment but vex would just return to whatever she was doing. if they tried to ask her about it, she would say “we can talk once you’ve planted that necklace.” 

Rune would take a lot of work to get him to admit it. he would be the ‘friends to lovers’ type of dude, like he wouldn’t feel comfortable telling them about his feelings until they had a solid friendship built. he would tell them when they returned from a job, bounding through the cistern toward him. “hey, good to see you!” he’d say and they’d just wait, watching him work up some courage. “i think i’m in love with you.” 

Thrynn would probably pretend it was nothing beyond physical for a long time. he’s used to moving around, never staying in one place or putting down roots. he would be the type of dude who would gaze longingly at tld, on the brink of a full admission of love, then give them a high five to break the tension. 

Karliah would be tough. She would still have a lot of guilt about having feelings for someone other than Gallus. she would take a lot of time to work up to a relationship, trying to sort out her feelings for tld while still honoring Gallus’ memory. she probably wouldn’t tell tld anything until after the whole twilight sepulcher thing. after tld interacted with him in the sepulcher and she felt he approved of them, she would ask tld for a moment alone. tld would be ready for some lengthy conversation but karliah just. smooches them. 

Delvin would think that tld was cute, maybe be flirtatious with them, but he would only fall harder for them when they began improving the guild. he would see their dedication and hard work, working with brynjolf to rebuild the guild and taking extra jobs on the side. he wouldn’t say anything committal until they were guild master, not wanting them to feel pressured due to rank. 

Niruin wouldn’t pay them much mind at first. brynjolf has tried other schemes and brought in new recruits before to breathe some life back into the cistern. but when they start changing things, making things exciting again, then he would be interested. he would want to hear about all of the weird things tld has done - walking out of sovngarde, fighting a dragon, killing an emperor. he would find himself entranced with how different they were and offer them safe passage if they wanted to accompany him back to valenwood. “hopefully the young woman i was once betrothed to has moved on at this point,” he would tell them over a bottle of wine, “or things could get messy.”

Sapphire would be difficult. She would want to talk to tld and be around them but she’s not good at interacting with people without teasing or insulting them. she would only feel comfortable telling them once they stopped asking about her history. she’d need to know that they really want to be with her, they aren’t just trying to pry out her secrets. 

Brynjolf would have a difficult time with it at first. he’s the one that recruited tld in the first place, he’s the one to stand up for them and help them every step of the way. he wouldn’t want them to feel pressured. so he would flirt with them from time to time, never committing to anything more. but when they return from snow veil sanctum, bloodied but somehow alive, he wouldn’t be able to contain it anymore. he’d spill all of his secrets about being in love with them as soon as they walked in. 

[germvity]

RISES THE MOON

leon s kennedy x reader // 8 // two-way mirrors

"ah..!" he sighs, letting you off as you swallow. "good boy. you feel okay?" you ask softly, fingers tracing lines on his outer thighs. leon nods, drowsy from his intense peak. "good, this trial will probably last for a little while longer and i wanna see how many times i can make you cum." you grin as leon whimpers.

tags: protective!reader in this one, david being a bully 3.0, fighting (physical and verbal), leon being a sub part 2, smooches, he's a simp for you pls

warnings: fighting (physical and verbal), mild smut, hurt/comfort

sorry this chapters late i was writing a lot theres like-- 7 drafts in here 😭 enjoy!

---

you wake up with leon curled around you. memories of yesterday came back to you, and you can't help but smile. leon was truly smitten with you after it, clinging to you like butter on bread. "leon~.." your voice is soft as you comb your fingers through his hair. the blonde mumbles slightly, nuzzling your collarbone as he exhales slowly. "come on, wake up for me. trials will start soon." you purr, gently tapping his cheek. "mmn. y/n?" leon yawns, tightening his hold on you. "be a good boy and wake up for me." you tease, watching leon's ears turn red as he whines. "stop..."

you giggle, kissing his head softly as he stretches. "sleep well?" you grin, letting him kiss you before nodding. "i haven't slept like that in years." he jokes, his nose kissing your neck as he cuddles into you. "i'm not surprised that you slept so well, you went for about 4 rounds." you tease as he makes a small embarrassed noise. "what? you don't like being my good boy?" you tease, and he shoves your shoulder slightly. "shut up.." leon pouts, and you chuckle, kissing him sweetly.

melting into your lips, leon hums into your mouth as he tilts his head for you. "good boy." you smile when you pull away, admiring his soft blush and slightly parted lips. "knock it off-.." he huffs, sitting up and shuddering when your fingernails traced soft lines over the hickeys on his back. "you did so well for me." you breathe, and leon hums softly, back arching into your touch. leaning forward, you kiss one of the hickey's softly, making him jump. "sorry, you're too tempting." you smile, kissing his shoulder.

leon's back is to you, but you can just tell how flustered he is at your attention. "aww, is my baby embarrassed?" you tease, and leon groans slightly as you press down on one of the hickeys. "please-.." he mumbles, but you tut. "not now, we have to get ready for trials." you smile, kissing his neck softly. "you're so mean." he fauns hurt as he leans back onto you, placing his forearm over his eyes dramatically. "oh hush, you might get a treat tonight." you grin, kissing his jaw.

leon seems satisfied with your answer, getting up to get dressed. a bell tomes, signalling that trials will be beginning shortly, so you join leon in getting ready. "need anything?" you ask, rummaging through your items. "no, i'll be alright." leon smiles, grabbing your hand to get your attention. "for good luck?" he asks, and you catch on immediately. smiling, you give leon a soft kiss as black fog rolls in to collect you both.

unluckily, the two of you start separated. in fact, all of the survivors were separated. cursing, you step over to a generator, starting it up carefully. a yell catches your attention, and you stand slightly, turning to look over your shoulder for the source of the noise. silence. sighing, you turn back to your generator, connecting the wires carefully. nea finds you, giving you a small smile as she crouches next to you. "y/n, long time no see." she teases, and you glance at her with a polite smile. "yeah... how is everything?" you ask, not really that interested in knowing about the survivor camp. "eh, same old. david's still a tyrant." she sighs, falling silent before murmuring a small. "and i miss you."

you sigh at her confession, not knowing how to respond as your dull eyes stare at the belly of the generator. "will you ever come back if we manage to knock david off his pedestal?" she asks, trying not to seem hopeful. "i can't... i'm sorry." you sigh, falling silent once more. "oh.." she mumbles, and it was clear she still had feelings for you. "i just... really miss you." nea breathes out, and you nod. "i know... i just... me and.." you take a breath and turn to nea. "i'm seeing leon.." you whisper to her, and she seems so hurt. "what?" her hands are trembling and you're nervous she'll fuck up the generator.

"i'm sorry... he just.. cares for me, a lot." you sigh, looking back to your hands. "and i don't?!" the rebel yells, standing from the generator. "shh..! i'm sorry! it's just... we weren't official, nea." you huff, standing to soothe her. sniffling, nea storms away, and you sigh. "nea wait..!" you want to go after her when another yell comes from around the corner. furrowing your brows, you decide to leave your gen, not caring that ruin was currently eating away at it's progress. upon following the source, you see david standing over leon, a foot on his throat and a bloodied stick in his hand. "leon!" you yelp, charging david off of him. "you fucking whores! i hate you both!" david snaps as you struggle to get the heavy stick from his grasp. "you ruined everything!" the fighter growls, pushing you away to try and hit you.

quickly, you evade his swing and snap a sharp piece of metal off of a nearby hook. "david, please." you try to reason, arming yourself and not caring if it cut your hand. "y/n..!" leon rasps, trying to get to you. "stay there, leon." you demand, keeping david's focus on you. "you fucker, i swear. all you had to do was not say no-!" he swings, and on instinct, your sharp metal finds his throat. spluttering, david drops his weapon and grabs the metal, falling to his knees. you gasp, ignoring the way his blood had splattered onto your face as david collapses. the fighter gurgles, and you glance at leon, seeing his broken form. grabbing the stick, anger fuels you as you bludgeon david brutally.

gasping at the small whimpers, your attention shifts to leon, his hazy eyes are fluttering closed as he looks away from you. "leon!" you scramble to his side, cradling him in your arms. an ugly bruise blooms on his throat as he coughs sharply, blood seeping down his face. "y/n..?" he mumbles, clutching you tightly. "hey, it's okay, you're okay! tell me what happened, baby." you smile, ignoring your shaky hands as you hold his hand tightly.

"i was working on opening a chest, and he just-..." leon pauses to cough again, and you hush him softly, rocking him carefully. "he hit me, and tried to choke me and-." leon can't finish as his eyelids flutter. "hey, hey..! open your eyes for me, it's okay..!" you breathe out, your tears dripping onto his face and mixing with his blood. "it hurts.." he admits, managing to keep his eyes open for you. "i know baby, i know." you sigh, looking around for nea. the rebel stood nearby, clearly terrified of the situation, but she clutched a med kit tightly.

"nea, please help him!" you beg, and she sighs softly. moving over to you, nea crouches and unzips the med kit. "i can't stay mad at you... i'm no monster." she smiles, pressing some antiseptic onto his gash. leon whimpers, and you hush him, easing your rocking so nea could heal him. the antiseptic gives him a bit of oomph to sit up slightly, letting nea bandage the gash on his forearm where he had defended himself. "you poor thing.." you gush through tears, gently stroking his face with your hand. nea's hands freeze at your words, but she keeps going despite her own feelings. "thank you so much nea.. i owe you big time." you sigh as she presses a small needle full of red liquid into his arm. "yeah, you do." she smiles despite her watery eyes.

"i'm sorry that we didn't work, but despite us being separate.. can we still be friends?" you ask softly, and nea nods. "of course." she smiles, wiping her tears away as she hugs you tightly. "thank you.." you smile, hugging her back despite leon being squished between the two of you. heartbeats pick up as the killer approaches, and nea pulls away. "shit.." you mumble, grabbing leon's hands. "can you stand..?" you ask softly, and the officer nods slightly. "i think so.." he says, still holding you tightly as you help him stand. "come on, we gotta go." you usher leon away from the scene, but ghostface cuts you off.

"jesus christ, what happened here?" he laughs, voice modulator crackling. "leon, stay behind me." you mumble, stepping in front of the blonde protectively. "damn, relax cutie. i'm in a good mood today so i'll give you time to run." the killer is masked, but you could tell he was smiling. quickly, you push leon the other way, staying behind him as he runs. footsteps gain on you, and you grunt as the ghostface's knife slashes against your back. you split up from leon, vaulting the killer shack's window adeptly. "fuck, i hate this place." the killer grumbles, climbing through the window clumsily. "good! get used to it!" you snap, darting out the door.

you keep him there for two gens, and he huffs, leaving agitated as the third one pops. you sigh, resetting the shack pallet carefully before heading off in the other direction. "y/n!" leon calls, and you turn to see him ushering you over. "leon, are you alright?" you ask, jogging over as you cup his face with your hands to inspect him. "i'm feeling better yeah, those syringes are good shit." he chuckles, and you smile, giving him a soft kiss. "i'm glad you're feeling better." you say, grabbing his hand to lead him to another generator. "come on, let's try and get out of here." you say, crouching before the generator.

"i saw you looping ghostface.." leon trails off, and you glance at him. "it was hot." your blonde grins, and you laugh slightly. "thanks, maybe i can teach you a thing or two." you chuckle, grinding on the generator as nea pops danny's ruin. "let's go!" you smile, letting go of the gen to kiss leon lovingly. he gasps, letting go of the generator too. "y/n..!" he whines, grabbing the wires once more. "sorry, but letting go of a gen every now and then feels good." you smile, brushing his hair out of his face.

finishing the generators was easy as nea now keeps the aggravated killer on her tail, and you lead leon to the gates. luckily, your spine chill managed to carry you in small bursts to 99 the gate, and the two of you wait for nea to find you both. "so.. while we wait-..." you tease, pulling leon's jacket to kiss him. "open the fucking gate!" nea calls, and you look over to see her hauling ass towards the two of you. "got it!" leon calls, opening it quickly and pushing the two of you to safety.

the three of you cheer as danny storms off, angry at his loss. "take that you tosser!" you yell through the thorns as leon pulls you into him for a kiss. "gross..!" nea fake gags, and you roll your eyes. "hey, before we split... are we good?" you ask, and nea nods. "as long as we can kick ass in trials, we're good." she smiles, hugging you once more before waving and heading off to the survivor camp. leon seems confused, going to ask you what was going on but you cut him off. "come on, let's go relax before any more trials." you smile, pulling him along to your shack.

[dialovers-translations]

DIABOLIK LOVERS MORE, MORE BLOOD Vol.12 Mukami Ruki [Track 1]

Original title: あの方より

Source: Diabolik Lovers More, More Blood Vol. 12 Mukami Ruki [CD not owned by me]

Audio: Here

Seiyuu: Takahiro Sakurai

Translator’s note: Another MMB CD where the hourglass ends up in the hands of the MC. However, this one seems to play out a little different from Yuma’s because (at first glance) Ruki seems ignorant to time rewinding. I do have my suspicions about this though, and I actually do expect him to reveal that he realized all along at some point. He definitely is cunning enough to hide such a thing, unlike Yuma who would blow his own cover right away. xD I also feel like Ruki is a little more sadistic in this than I expected, but I guess I’ve become soft from translating Bloody Bouquet & Para-Selene CDs. ;w; The part where he tells the MC to eat her food off the floor had me going ‘OOF’. 

Track 1 ll Track 2 ll Track 3 ll Track 4 ll Track 5 + Epilogue

→  LIKE MY TRANSLATIONS? SUPPORT ME ON KO-FI!

Track 1: From that Individual

*Cling*

“Hm...”

You approach Ruki.

“Oh? It’s you. No, it’s nothing serious. I was simply lost in thought. You don’t have to talk while standing there (1), take a seat next to me.” 

You nod, sitting down next to him.

*Rustle*

“You seem curious. Are you that interested in this thing?”

*Cling*

“Blood red sand...Its decorations are beautiful as well. It would make for the perfect interior piece. However, this hourglass is beyond my powers. Even though it is something which was gifted to me by Karlheinz-sama...”

You seem surprised. 

“Did I not tell you? I was visiting the Demon World with my other siblings up until the other day. That’s when I received this from him. It contains magical energy.”

*Thud*

“It is a mysterious object, don’t you think? As you can see, the sand does not drop down even if you flip it over like this. However, if you turn it around while making a wish, the sand will fall. At the same time, time will rewind.”

Your eyes widen in shock. 

“Aah, right. Time will go back according to the wishes of its user. Furthermore, it is not a simple rewind. If they so wish, the user can return to the past with their memories intact. It can be a terrifying tool.”

*Cling*

“Why did he give this to me? He might be testing me, curious to see how I will use this. Or perhaps, he is simply playing with me? Worrying about it will not lead me to the right answer.”

Ruki turns his head towards you. 

“How would you use it?”

You point to yourself. 

“Yes, you. If you were able to rewind time, how would you utilize it?”

You ponder for a second before suddenly raising your head. 

“Seems like you thought of a way to use it. I feel like a rash person such as yourself would do a much better job at utilizing it than me, who always overcomplicates things. It might not be bad to give it a test. I shall leave this in your care for a while.”

You seem hesitant.

“I am interested to see how you would use it. For one, I doubt I would remember if you were to rewind time. ...Use it cautiously, okay? If you accidentally trigger it by a slip of the hand, a punishment shall not be the only thing waiting for you.”

Ruki tries to hand it to you and it nearly falls from your hand.

*Rustle*

*Cling*

“...!!”

The hourglass falls on the floor.

“...Haah. That was close. I doubt that was enough to break it though...”

*Rustle*

“Listen. Don’t ever let it slip from your fingertips again, okay? Grip onto it tightly.”

*Cling* 

“You made me break out in a cold sweat. I also dropped the book I had been enjoying. You must really love burdening me.”

You immediately move to pick up the book. 

“Do not panic. I do not mind if you pick it up, but when you rush like that...”

*Rustle*

“Hm...Take a look at your feet. What are you stepping on?”

You look down, immediately stepping back in surprise. 

“You claim to want to pick it up, yet you trample all over the book instead. Such a fearless thing to do, knowing it is one of the favorites amongst my collections. I cannot call that a very smart move to make.”

You apologize.

“Your words of regret are of no value. If you wish to make it up to me, there are other ways to do so, no? Let me tell you right now, buying a brand-new copy is impossible. They stopped printing a long time ago after all. Furthermore, a refund is beyond your financial capacities as well. Which means...There is only one way you can atone for your crimes, right?”

Ruki suddenly pins you down.

*Rustle*

*Thud*

“You did not let go of it this time, did you? Look at you go. I was fullly expecting you might just throw it into the air the second I pushed you over, but it seems that for a livestock, you at least have something going on in that head of yours. However...You made a blunder. You have to be punished for that.”

*Rustle*

“I am giving you a chance to atone. Why not rejoice? Well then...Where would you like my fangs? Try pointing it out yourself to lower the burden on your Master.”

You shake your head. 

“You can’t? Seems like you are a bad learner, no matter how many times I discipline you. I am fairly certain I should have taught you that the punishment will only become more severe, the more you fight back?

*Rustle*

“You leave me with no other choice. Tonight, I shall take my time to re-educate you thoroughly. I shall give pain to these mannerless feet. No, I suppose that is not enough. I shall discipline every part of your body one by one. Until you are covered in my bite marks from head to toe.”

You beg for his mercy.

“You are the one who messed up, no? If you can cower in fear now, become a little more clever instead. Things always turn out like this, because you are unable to do so.”

*Rustle*

“How about I pierce through the palm of your hand first? What do you say? Shall I sink in my fangs deeply, puncturing your skin?”

*Smooch

You flinch.

“Or perhaps...Do you prefer if I bite your fingerstips one by one? I assume the pain would prevent you from holding anything for a while. When you’re having a meal or trying to get changed, your fingertips would throb in pain...Don’t you think it is perfect to make you realize your own foolishness?”

You protest, claiming it would be highly inconvenient. 

“What are you saying? It would not be troubling at all. If you want to eat that badly, you could simply get down on all fours and eat it off the floor. I’d be so kind to put your plate there. Ah, but I would not want to be responsible for having you drop the hourglass because of it. I suppose I shall spare your hands for now. Hm...”

*Rustle*

“Instead, I shall make do with your arm instead. Look closely. This is training. You better regret the blunder you committed.”

Ruki bites you.

*Sluuuurp*

“Mm...Nn...Haah...Heh. For being frightened, you sure cry out sweetly. Finding enjoyment in punishment means you are even below livestock, but I bit you stronger than usual, so I assume the pain must have been intense as well? Blood keeps on oozing out...”

*Smooch*

“...Your scrunched up face is not a bad sight. However, you don’t think this is the end, do you? ...I should have told you. That I shall train every part of your body one by one. Let us take a look at your feet next. This is the one which stepped on my book, right?”

He grabs your foot.

“Thursting my fangs inside at once will not teach you anything. I shall do it slowly, moving around different spots as I bite you. I assume the ankle or the shin would be quite painful. If I bite the back of your foot, you should even have a hard time walking. A perfect way to discipline you.”

*Smooch*

You squeak. 

“Is that your attempt at resisting? Utterly pointless.”

You clutch onto the hourglass.

*Cling*

“Hm? What are you doing? ...!! Don’t tell me...!”

You flip it around.

*Tick tock - Tick tock - Tick tock - Tick tock*

ーーー

“You made me break out in a cold sweat. I also dropped the book I had been enjoying. You must really love burdening me.”

You seem surprised it actually worked.

“Oi...! Are you listening?”

You mutter that time rewinded.

“What are you talking about? What rewinded?”

You start to panic a little. 

“What a strange girl you are, suddenly making a fuss like that. Of course, this is not the first time your actions have left me puzzled. More importantly...”

Ruki picks up the book.

*Flip*

“It has not been damaged, it seems...While it happened as I tried to catch the hourglass, it was still careless of me to drop the book.”

*Flip*

“If you had somehow stepped on it, I would have not forgiven you so easily.”

You look at him, dumbfounded. 

“What’s the matter? You are making a weird face.”

You ask Ruki if he really doesn’t remember.

“What’s with that vague question? You are talking almost as if I am forgetting something. When exactly is this ‘earlier’ you speak of? What have I forgotten?”

You shake your head. 

“It is rather suspicious how you suddenly take back your words...Oh well, whatever. It’s you we’re talking about. Even if you are trying to keep a secret from me, I know you will give something away eventually. If you do not want me to find out, you better try your hardest to avoid any slip-ups. ...Or if you are thinking of using that hourglass, you better think the exact timing through. Understood?”

You nod.

“Well then. Let us get started with preparations for dinner. Before Kou and the others start quibbling. You should go get everything ready for tomorrow. Don’t come crying to me because you forgot your textbooks.”

ーー TO BE CONTINUED ーー

Translation notes

(1) The Japanese language has this convenient term 立ち話 or ‘tachi-banashi’ which means talking to someone while standing.

[jaskierswolf]

Could'st we get some English major Valdo and performing arts major Jaskier? Por favor? 💖🥺💖

Comfy!! Of course you can my darling. 🥰

Rated E

CW: public sex, butt plugs, anal sex, top Jaskier, with a side of humiliation.

Jaskier wanted to tear his hair out. The whole fucking play had been his idea. He’d been spitballing ideas with Pris and Essi on the green outside the canteen on a free period, and he’d come up with a rather marvelous idea: a valiant battle between monster slayers and monsters, an undertone of what really made a monster, a side helping of tragic backstory for the lonely yet incredible handsome protagonist, and, of course, a gay as fuck romance story. It was fucking fantastic, and Essi had helped him act it out on the grass. They’d just been messing about, but he hadn’t noticed the spy lurking by the trees.

Valdo fucking Marx.

An unreasonably attractive, yet equally annoying, English major who had a habit of stealing Jaskier’s very best ideas. Well, not a habit exactly, this was the first time it had happened, but the bastard was getting all the credit! Not to mention that he’d taken out the gay as fuck romance and replaced it with something so drearily heteronormative. Jaskier didn’t have a problem with Yennefer, the lead actress, but he’d really been hoping that he’d be able to swindle a smooch with his long term crush and fellow thespian, Geralt Rivia.

The man was completely dreamy; tall, brooding and built like a house. There weren’t many men that were taller than Jaskier, and certainly not many who could throw him around like Geralt could. Jaskier was completely smitten.

But no.

Valdo just had to steal his idea and sell it to the theatre studies teacher before Jaskier could pitch it. He’d taken something utterly brilliant and made it unremarkable. It was pandering to the masses, taking out the gay romance to make it less ‘controversial’. It was bullshit, absolute fucking bullshit.

Jaskier sighed, tugging at his costume. It was itchy and cheap as fuck, instead of the fancy silk the bard character would definitely prefer. Dandelion was a nobleman, a bard, a poet, a troubadour. Dandelion wasn’t limited by the college costume department. It was devastating. Jaskier’s whole vision was falling apart. Even the witcher’s armour was scrappy and ill-fitting. Poor Gerald wouldn’t be able to fight a dog let alone a wyvern. Of course, for the next three scenes, Gerald would be off having adventures without Dandelion, because Valdo fucking Marx had butchered his script. It was supposed to be him and Geralt, sorry, Dandelion and Gerald, for the whole play. The bastard English Major had known exactly what he was doing, the cockblocking little prick.

Fuck.

He really needed to get laid. It would wipe that smarmy look off of Valdo’s face, and Jaskier could go back to being the phenomenal actor that he was. He sighed again and peered out behind the curtain. Valdo was sitting in the auditorium watching the dress rehearsal, his bloody shirt barely done up, his long dark hair bunched up in a bun on the top of his head revealing the undercut on either side.

He was really unfairly hot.

Which gave Jaskier an idea. It was as stupid as it was ridiculous but he was horny and he wouldn’t be onstage for ages. Everyone else was on the stage or busy getting changed. He had at least fifteen minutes on his own… he’d have to be quick, but he was a master of seduction, even if it was his nemesis.

He waved Valdo down from the wings, delighting in the obnoxious way the English Major rolled his eyes. Jaskier was going to have so much fun taking him down a peg or too. He licked his lips, and ruffled his hair up a bit, going for a roguishly handsome look. His cock was already started to fill out at the thought of fucking his rival backstage where they could be interrupted at any moment. Maybe it would even be Geralt… and Geralt would join in…

Shit. No.

Focus.

“What is it, Julian?” Valdo sneered, but he didn’t have time to say anything else before Jaskier had him pinned up against the wall.

“You stole my play, Marx,” Jaskier murmured in his ear, pressing their bodies together so that Valdo would be able to feel his erection.

Valdo scoffed. “And you get off on plagiarism now?”

“I get off on wanting to fuck someone that I hate,” Jaskier growled, running his nose under Valdo’s jaw, inhaling the musky scent of his cologne. “If you’re down? We won’t have long though?”

“What?! Now?”

“Shhh, quiet. Yes, now. Problem?”

Valdo smirked, his smile almost sinister. Fire burned in his eyes as he licked his lips, his gaze taking in Jaskier’s appearance like a hungry dog. “No, no problem. Just unexpected.”

“Brilliant, turn around,” Jaskier snapped, releasing Valdo just enough so he could spin the English Major so that his chest was pressed against the wall. He ignored the protests of the man beneath him, “and be quiet.”

“Bastard, Pankratz,” Valdo hissed. “You better make this good.”

“That’s not being quiet,” Jaskier growled in Valdo’s ear, fishing a condom from the other man’s pocket. “how predictable, do you have lube too?”

“Other side,” Valdo grumbled, unzipping his jeans and pushing them down along with his boxers. He took his cock in hand whilst Jaskier fiddled with the condom and searched for the packet of lube, grinning when he found it.

Jaskier was about to slick up his fingers when he noticed the pretty green plug stuff into Valdo’s hole. “Oh you little whore, how often do you wear this?”

“I thought we didn’t have much time, shut up and fuck me, Julian.

Kissing Valdo’s neck, Jaskier worked the plug free. It came loose in no time, lube glistening around the ring of muscle. Valdo moaned quietly as he tried to muffle the sound, biting against his own hand. “How long have you wanted me, Valdo?” Jaskier purred his rival’s name in his ear, sultry and low.

They both groaned as Jaskier pushed inside. Even with the plug, Valdo was tight around his cock, and it felt completely divine. The thrill of people so near to other people was intoxicating, lighting a fire at Jaskier’s core. He could hear the sounds of Geralt and Yennefer running through their lines on the stage, some stupid argument that hadn’t been in Jaskier’s original plan. Of course, Jennefer had been Gerald’s best friend and confident in Jaskier’s version, and Dandelion was the love interest.

He fucking hated Valdo Marx.

“Why did you change it, Marx?” he hissed through gritted teeth, nipping at Valdo’s earlobe. “It was perfect, it was mine.”

“It would never have been allowed,” Valdo gasped, half moaning as Jaskier pounded into him at a relentless pace, one hand wrapped around his rival’s cock. “The idea was too good to waste.”

Jaskier grunted as he bit down on the tender skin of Valdo’s neck. He hadn’t realised he was this wound up but he was close already, his mind a foggy haze of arousal. Geralt and Yennefer’s voices sent shivers down his spine. They were so close, only a curtain’s width away, and that was so fucking hot. He never thought he would fuck Valdo Marx, the infuriating bastard, but like this, not even able to see his face as he used him for his own pleasure...

“Fuck,” Jaskier groaned, losing any witty retort he might have had. His only thought was for his own release, movements getting erratic. Jaskier barely bit back a moan as he grew ever closer to cumming deep inside his rival.

His hips bucked forward, pinning Valdo against the wall. The angle must have changed because the obscene moan that Valdo let out was absolutely sinful. Jaskier barely managed to stop his thrusts, both men freezing as they struggled to keep their breaths. Panicking, Jaskier threw his hand across Valdo’s lips.

“Careful, you whore,” he hissed.

“Oh like you didn’t want that to happen,” Valdo spat back, pushing back onto Jaskier’s cock and guiding Jaskier’s hand on his cock. “You wanted me, Julian, not the other way round.”

“Shut up!” Jaskier whispered, pressing them closer to the wall, unable to stop himself from rocking into Valdo.

The play hadn’t stopped. Geralt and Yennefer were still verbally sparring, with the occasional interruption from their director. They’d gotten away with it. Jaskier let out a shaky breath and continued his movements. The pleasure began to build again, quicker than before and it didn’t take long for sparks to fly as he felt the all too familiar twist at his core. He bit his lip as he came, burying his face into Valdo’s shoulder. Valdo whimpered and gasped alone a few moments later, spilling over his hand.

Jaskier pulled out in a hurry, wrapping up the condom and tossing it in a nearby bin as he pulled up his trousers. He was pleased to see Valdo still panting against the wall as he tried to regain his composure. Jaskier chuckled, swatting Valdo’s arse as he went past. The forgotten butt plug was lying on the ground next to the wall so Jaskier picked it up. He pressed it into Valdo’s hand. “I think this is yours.”

“Fuck you, Julian,” Valdo stammered.

“Maybe next time, Marx, I have a play to finish.”

[yamithediaperdork]

A simple misunderstanding (Harry potter)

In many ways what happened on may 19th, the one year anniversary of Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter having started dating could of been avoided.

Had either of them ever admitted they're full fetishes is just one example. If Harry hadn't of just gotten too curious to see what was the big surprise and snuck into Draco's room while the latter was out to snoop was anther example. (the boys had a bedroom they shared but each had their own study/room for just themselves that the other technically wasn't suppose to enter..But Harry had never really been one for staying out of trouble.)

Of course If Draco hadn't mentioned a big surprise and then went tip lipped about it then harry might not of been prone to trying to snoop, but sadly Draco just loved how childish harry could act when he wasn't in the know.

In any case, what follows was above all else.. a simple misunderstanding that somehow escalated.

Harry knew he had to be fast, Draco had only gone out for a pint with some of his old friends from slytherin and wouldn't be gone for too long since he wasn't much of a drinker.

He wasn't worried about triggering any of the detection spells or minor traps Draco had put up in his private room due to having to dispel much worse and much stronger at his own job.

In comparison to his own study, Draco's was tidy and clean though Harry suspected a house elf was behind it while his own was tidy and had papers and books stacked everywhere.

The house elf wasn't around though so Harry didn't worry about that and figured his best bet for finding Draco's surprise was a chest that had almost perfectly been covered up with a active invisible cloak. But as muggles say: Almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.

One small spot on the left front bottom corner was showing and so Harry tugged the cloak off and after studying the locks for all of 12 seconds, used a simple spell and the tap of his wand to unlock the chest.

He had mulled over what the present could be, Knowing Draco wasn't found of muggle electronic gaming devices and the chest wasn't big enough for new broomsticks. what was in the chest brought a blush then a smile to Harry's face.

"How the bloody hell did he find out I'm a daddy dom?!" Harry asked softly, looking in the chest that was stuffed with baby powder, wipes, bottles, dummy's, stuffies and lots and lots of DIAPERS!

Harry had gotten into to teasing and babying other boys after his first time coming to the Wesley household where all the boys were still in nappies when home. It was Mrs.Wesley's way of helping them relax and the twins took took it with delight while Percy had declined that year, and Ron had tried to beg off in front of Harry.

Harry himself was offered nappies but expressed more of a interest in helping with the babying and well from then on he was hooked. He had never even hinted at those feelings with Draco, having figured there was no way his blond prince would ever wanna be a helpless little guy.

'He must of gone to Ron for help with a gift idea! Heh.. Can't say I mind....For the most part.' Harry mused mentally, noting that the nappies were all plastic disposable ones while he was more of a fan of terrycloth and rubber pants. 'Still, I'd have to be a awful git to refuse to put him in them since he's gone to all this trouble'

Closing the lid and resetting the locks for now, Harry adjusted the cloak back to where it had been exactly and made his leave of the room.

'I wonder if he's a full on big baby, a diaper boy or just trying this out for me? that was a awful lot of nappies for just a trial phase.' Harry mused, never once thinking there could of been anther explanation.

Draco chuckled as he made his way back from the market. After all this time and Potter could still be fooled with such a dumb lie. Draco would of never gone down to a pub for a pint, if he was going to drink it would be something more to his standards and taste. Still, it was a good go to lie and Harry fell for it every time and if it wasn't broke, don't fix it.

under his one arm was a larger then normal self assembling high chair that would have restraints built in and be big enough for Harry or himself for that matter,

He had of course known all about the Wesley's being nappy boys, and a normally vengeful Ginny had been delighted to till Draco all about how much Harry loved being a big baby.

'Heh, she likely thought it would scare me off.. still pining for him.' Draco thought.

No, if anything, finding out Harry like to be teased and humiliated in nappies just made Draco love him even more, he had after all inflicted more then a few cases of nappy humiliation on students at Hogwarts. (ironically Raven Claw made the best blushing and submissive big babies, hufflepuff's just made it clear they'd report you since they didn't have anything to lose, being in the worst of the four houses.)

Still having a boyfriend with a great job, a awesome house and was a rocket in the sack that he could also tease and dominate in nappies? Uh, yes please!

the thought that Ginny might of been lying to him never crossed Draco's mind and he made use of a magic breath mint to give him breath a touch of ale on it as he came home.

"Hey luv, I'm back." He called, not seeing Harry in their shared living room or the kitchen, taking the chance to stash the box in the closet.

"Already? Harry called, then appeared as he came into view from the hallway that lead to the studies. "What happened, Crab started chugging beers again? I know how uncomfortable that makes you." Harry added, coming over and wrapping his arms around Draco.

"Someone's in a good mood." Draco chuckle, then returned the hug and added a smooch on Harry's lips, making the more strait edge wizard pull back a little.

"Brush your teeth then get a nap in luv, I have a feeling it's gonna be a long night~"Harry coo'ed.

'Heh, you don't know the half of it~' Draco thought but then out loud gave a little pout. "Awww, a nap? alone? sure you don't wanna join me?"

"..That can be arranged, but first, your teeth. I think I'm getting a buzz off your breath." Harry said and pulled away, and then slapped Draco's butt.

The slimmer blond blushed, but didn't say anything and headed for the washroom.

After a little something to tired them both out the pair of wizards conked out in each others arms, a alarm set for 5 pm sharp which meant they would have in theory a 3 hour nap.

Of course in practice it was actually Harry who would wake up first with use of a little charm he had cast on himself to wake him up 20 minutes sooner and as he slide out of bed he both shut off the alarm and used a sleeping sleep to keep Draco dead to the world.Leaving Draco sprawled out in the bed Harry went and gathered up their clothes they had left on the floor before the love making and found to his amusement a recite from a bondage shop in town for a high chair.

"Oh my, you don't do anything half ass do you my love?" Harry chuckled, though the only response he got was a soft snore from the snoozing blond.

Moving from the bedroom after donning his clothes Harry's first move was to check in the closet by the door, the only place that Draco could of hidden the high chair and grinned ear to ear as he found it and removed the pieces from the box.

Apparently whoever gave the command for the high chair to set up would retain the control over it, control only shifting if it was ordered to dismantle again.

"Simple enough. Set up time." Harry said and watched with mild amusement as the white wooden pieces quickly fitted themselves together. "Blimey, I'll have to see if they got a crib.. this kind of magic would save A LOT of time."

Setting the chair up by the dinning room table, Harry made his way back towards Draco's study and once again let himself in with ease as he went over to the chest.

Peering inside and tapping his chin he had a bit of unexpected trouble..Draco had chosen so many cute outfit's Harry was having a hard time picking what to put him in.

"Well I suppose a pair of those locking booties and mittens, a nappy and bib will work for now. we are gonna eat right away and little guys are SO messy when they munch." Harry said, fishing the items out and chuckling softly then noticing a pacifier gag. "Oh Draco, you ARE a kinky one~"

Coming back into the room and setting down a pair of green mitten and booties with dark gold frilly trim on the ankles and wrist and a bib with the same color scheme plus a cartoon snake on the front forming a S, harry still had the thick white nappy with a nursery print and the paci gag in his hands when he looked at Draco and almost squealed.

the little blond cutie pie was nursing away on his thumb and had a line of drool going down his chin! the only thing keeping him from replacing the thumb at that very moment with Draco's paci is once he did that he would of wanted to get him fully dressed, and Harry still had to get the baby food in the chest out and get a ba-ba of formula ready.

"Truly, Heavy is the burden I bare."

Draco was dreaming about spanking Harry with him over his lap, till the boy who survived was bawling like a baby and had tinkled all over Draco's lap.

Draco was in the middle of scolding Harry in his dream then suddenly his mouth stopped working right, his words muffled! Looking down Draco saw that a dummy had been popped in his mouth and it was Harry now who had him on a giant changing table and was dressing him!

the more dream Draco tried to fight this attack off the bigger dream harry got till he towered over Draco as if he was just a real 2 year old and one solid swat to his rump stopped his fighting in a instant.

'No! this is just a dream! wake up!' Draco willed to himself, and poof!

His eyes were opened, and he went to relax..only to find his mouth was still gagged.

"Mmmmph!?" Draco tried to asked what, but the fat nipple of the dummy filled his mouth even as he looked at Harry in shock.

"Welcome back to the land of the living little guy!" Harry chuckled and leaned down kissing Draco's forehead. "I was getting worried my sleeping charm was too strong."

Draco felt himself being picked up and stood up on his feet and knew even before he was stood in front of a mirror what he would see, his face going crimson as he heard the crinkle, felt the bulk between his legs and could feel his hands and feet encased in the soft cotton of the mitten's and booties.

"Aww is somebody all shy? It's ok Draco, Daddy is SO happy you decided to be his widdle guy for our special night!" Harry was saying and then kissed his cheek.

Draco opened his eyes, turning his head to glare at harry but then caught his reflection and stared in shock. He want's JUST in a nappy, from the looks of it Harry had gone and put in at LEAST 3 of them! he hadn't felt the bib before and naturally couldn't of known which of the booties and mittens Harry had picked out but now he could tell and assumed it was because of the green dummy in his mouth, with the dark gold straps that went around his head to hold them in.

He turn his head fully to Harry know and tried to tell him off, but all it did was make him mumble and drool flow down his chin.

"Hmm, what's wrong buddy?" Harry asked, raising a eyebrow then smiled. "Ohhh I see."

'Thank god, the stupid git figured it out! I'm the da-' Draco was thinking but Harry interrupted his thoughts.

"Your mad because you wanted to surprise me. I get it. Daddy WAS a bit of a bad boy huh?" Harry chuckled.

'...Fuck my life.' Draco mentally groaned as harry droned on.

"Welll I just couldn't help myself from looking around , and I just couldn't believe you found out how much of a daddy dom I am, and you were willing to play along. I never pegged you as a little so wasn't gonna bring it up."

'...Mistakes have been made.' Draco thought and suckled fast.

Clearly Ginny HAD been telling half truths,and with Harry being the snoop he is Draco was paying for it BIG time.

"I know I got carried away with the nappies too, but I just love a thickly diapered baby boy..Plus when I found those poopie pills in the chest as well.. your gonna be making me a BIG present soon and I didn't wanna leak a leak."

"MMMPFFFH!?" Draco cried out into his gag, eyes going wide as they could.

there HAD been a dull pain in his backside but Harry had been highly spirited during their love making and just figured that had been it. He could even feel them starting to work now, a cramping starting up and Draco whimpered and shook his head no over and over.

"ah ah ah, you were gonna be my little stinker anyways, I'm just making it happen sooner. what can I say, I love feeding a smelly boi~" Harry chuckled and kissed Draco's cheek then scooped him up, carrying him with Draco's front to Harry front as the unwilling big baby tried to think of a escape.

Sadly, without his wand he was pretty much SOL.

Harry was loving how much Draco was playing the unwilling baby when they both knew the truth. Like, why else would of Draco had all of this ready to go?

truth be told Ron had been his favorite big baby out of the Wesley boys because of how embarrassed and unwilling he was to have Harry babying him and if anything this cemented that Ron had clued Draco in.

'I'll have to send him a thank you basket.' Harry mentally chuckled.

Patting Draco's bottom he knew any second now his amazing boyfriend would be loading his nappies to the brim.The packaging on the pills had claimed one was enough, but harry wasn't going to chance it and had used three of the large pills, musing how easily they had slid into his love's backside.

Coming into the dinning room/kitchen, Draco took one look at the high chair and then looked back to harry and shook his head no over and over again, which was just frankly ADORABLE!

"Now now, your the one who brought it, I'm just helping out." Harry said, getting ready to set Draco in the high chair when Draco's struggles managed to get the blond big baby free of Harry's arms.

of course this just meant that Draco fell on his rump on the floor, though with all the padding he had on Harry wasn't too concerned.

"Well what are you gonna do now? you can't get that outfit off yourself, and your free to run out into the yard dressed like that." Harry said, stepping back and crossing his arms. "I'm sure we'll be the talk of the street."

Draco whined and glared up, then turned pail, a ominous rumbling coming from his tummy.

"Oh Present time already?" Harry asked.

The cramps had been getting worse and worse, but what Draco knew that harry didn't was the highchair had a unadvertised extra feature in it. Anyone who was restrained in it was looking at a HOUR minimum stuck in it!

It had been Draco's own little added feature and he was about to get to enjoy the fruits of it, unless he could SOMEHOW get out of this, or failing at that..convince Harry to change him before being strapped in.

He knew there was no way in hell he could get to his feet and waddle to his study, when he MIGHT be able to write out a message to Harry...But maybe if he swallowed just a smidge more pride he could maybe avoid much much worse.

Getting on all fours he had the idea to crawl to his study but the act involved basically presenting his puffy nappy clad rear to Harry who was chuckling in amusement.

Operation: crawl for freedom also died right then and there as the movement had pushed his cramps to the limit, Making him push his forehead to the push and jut out his butt as all hell broke loose.

As the contents of his bowels (and a few bones and/or internal organs from what it felt like to him) pushed out into the seat of his diapers Draco suddenly realized why all those Raven claw students had broken down crying.Filling a nappy to the brine didn't exactly feel all that nice if you weren't into it.

'Karma is a fucking bitch!'

On a scale of 1 to 10, Draco was a total 100 at playing the big stinky nappy bitch game, and despite the horrid smell that filled the house Harry had little hearts in his eyes.

the nappies had to of been enchanted, there was simply no way they would of held up THIS well as the back of the diapers ballooned out like you'd see in a cartoon.

'I'll have to get the brand name from him I can totally see this happening more and more often.' Harry cheerfully thought, then chuckled. 'Good thing I didn't put him in a onesie though.. the buttons would of flown off and might of taken out a eye!'

when he judged the mess to be over after about 15 minutes (mostly from Draco just laying there panting, eyes glazed and and beads of sweat dripping off of him, Harry helped the stinker up.

He was going to wait to remove the dummy gag until he got the big baby in the chair, but with such a cute display he just couldn't wait.

Draco wasn't even aware as the gag came out, though there was a soft steady mutter of 'da da da da da' escaping from his mouth. wiping his chin with bib, Harry then mouth in and gave Draco a hot kiss, shocking Draco out of his stupor but not fast enough as Harry pushed Draco back into the chair and cried out resistant as he did so.

instantly the tray came up and over Draco's head, sliding in and locking in place and pinning Draco's arms under the tray instead over in the arm restraints though his feet were locked in.

The feeling of landing on his muck butt had stopped whatever Draco was about to say, at least till he was secured in place.

"I'm sorry, you were going to say something?" Harry chuckled, about to turn and get Draco a bowl of baby food.

"POTTER YOU BLOODY GIT!! THIS WAS ALL FOR -YOU- TO WEAR!! I'M A TOP!" Draco bellowed.

Harry froze in his tracks and locked eyes with Draco, it was pretty clear this wasn't big baby regrets.

"Ummm..Oops?" Harry said sheepishly. "I'll um.. just get you free an-"

"I'M STUCK IN HERE FOR A BLOODY HOUR YOU WANKER!" Draco growled and then as he went on ranting, Harry couldn't help but think of two things.

1. He had screwed up BIG time and maybe should stop snooping around and

2. since he was already in the dog house, maybe popping the dummy gag back in till he could release Draco might be a good idea.

The end.

[helloliriels]

Prompt #2: Allergies

February 2021 Johnlock prompt challenge, hosted by @ohlooktheresabee. Daily entry by 🐝 @helloliriels🐝 *** 🐝🐝🐝 Gonna have to cheat on this one, down sick, but since bees & allergies go together, here it is. Enjoy! 🐝🐝🐝 ***

Do Bees Kiss? or just Sting? 

Q: Do bees "kiss"?

             Why do bees "kiss"?  I went to Wikipedia.

A: When bees "kiss" they are actually passing nectar to other bees.

*******************************************

Sherlock kisses John.

It was early morning. And John was getting ready for work.

Sherlock bloody Holmes of course, pays no attention to people's privacy or morning routines, and can't be bothered to explain why he's standing in John's way as he makes his toast and goes about his business...  but there he is. Every place John needs to be. Waiting for something.

John is just about done and ready to head out the door - No thanks to Sherlock for making him late again - when he gets the shock of his life.

Sherlock kisses him.

A small peck on the lips. Almost chaste. Like those kisses you give to your crush in kindergarten. Or to your mum. When she insists.

John thinks it's an experiment. He knows it is. 

It must be. 

He gives Sherlock a 'you done now?' look, then goes around him when he gets no reply. 

Sherlock heads off to do his own morning routine. John sighs. Dropping the butter knife in the sink with a loud clank. Exasperated. He doesn't have time for this shit. 

Why do I bloody put up with it? 

He fumbles with his keys and jacket. Noting now that the genius has decided to get OUT of his GOD damn way of course, he is twice as late!!

He heads out the door in a rush. Slamming it, just a little in revenge on the way out.

***

Talking to Greg later that evening - around the corner from a crime scene where Sherlock is currently arguing with Anderson - he tells him about it off-hand. Confession of a sort. Get it off his mind. Greg will think it's damn funny.  "Pompous git, gave me a kiss earlier..."

"Wha???!!!....," Greg mouths a mock 'O' in awe as he turns to look at John, eyes wide in amazement...  a look that fully says, 'finally! It's going down!'

"I know right?" Playing it up, John laughs it off. Great joke. Were not a couple! He shrugs.

"What else happened?? What did he say?" Greg was dying to know now, taking his hands out and shaking John for more details. The man wanted details?! John could see this was the happiest moment of Papa Lestrade's life. It was almost a bummer to have to disappoint him...

         🐝   ***REST UNDER THE CUT***   🐝

"No, no, nothing like that." John reassured, "God I wish!" (It came out before he had time to stop himself). And Lestrade looked taken aback.

He added a little "Haha," like he had meant it as a joke after all.

He really didn't.

         Sobering thought.

Thinking better to explain himself, he added - "Hey, don't tell Sherlock I just said that?... by the way. Bit not good. It was just an experiment after all, I'm sure. You know how he is."

Greg was still just... flabbergasted. A balloon deflating. Open mouthed staring at John. No words.

John's half sad-smile said more than he probably intended. Shouldn't have mentioned it after all, he thought. "Well!" He added cheerfully, slapping Greg on the shoulder. "Was a fun case tonight. Sherlock will be happy. Solved it in under 5 minutes!" He prepared to leave, and shot off a parting, "See you round." With a half-smile. He bowed his head and walked off to follow Sherlock who was now leaving. John had his hands in his pockets now. Quite unlike him. Shuffling along. 

Greg watched as John kicked some debris in his path in frustration, mindlessly, as they left. He had never seen the man looking so downtrodden...  

At least, not after such a brilliantly resolved case! John was usually on cloud nine after watching the curly haired genius work. It was rather embarrassing really. The puppy eyes that looked up in worship at Sherlock as he dished out deductions, it was almost criminal. But lately he was getting more and more moody... Greg wondered.

And here, with this new evidence, Sherlock had managed to...   He stopped. Shaking his head. Unbelievable. Just unbelievable...

Greg took one last look over his shoulder at their retreating forms, before heading out himself. 

 "Unbelievable."

*** 

The week goes on.                       

Sherlock continues to kiss him, Randomly. Small pecks mostly. But sometimes a smooch. Nothing more. No explanations. Just kisses.

Experiment.

Must be. John kept telling himself.

Experiments require further data. It was the only possible explanation...

Sherlock had never shown any signs of wanting... relationship in his life. Mister 'girlfriends aren't his area' and 'married to his work', and... 'alone protects me'...  had never expressed any interest in any men either (that John knew of?). Hell, he'd even turned down some of the most bloody gorgeous ones they had met so far, both men and women. So John doubted that he was interested in that sort of thing. Some people just aren't.

The only really odd thing about it, is - Sherlock isn't saying anything to address the kisses.... 

It must be like having toes on the kitchen table, to him. John thought. A dummy hanging itself from their rafters. Or penicillin growing in the bread box. I'm just a thing. A dummy for this latest experiment.

At that last thought, a realization dawned on John. A horrifying, terrible realization. How had he not seen it sooner?!

Was Sherlock going to break out some rare dye, or some insane chemical powder he'd concocted - to dust and test John's lips for lip prints left at a crime scene next?? John could just see himself going to work with purple lips and a chemical burn that would take weeks to heal. Perhaps even suffering an allergic reaction...

All because Sherlock did not realize the exotic stuff would not COME OFF!!! and was actually quite dangerous.

He pinches the bridge of his nose at the thought. Exasperated. 

His brain hurts now. 

    This was happening a lot lately. 

The thought of what he was going to be subjected to next....the worry. Was almost worst. Well, it is worse - than the kisses, John thinks.

The kisses. 

Damn. Need to stop thinking about this.

John did his best to push it out of his mind. Not wishing to upset the equilibrium of their friendship. Crazy as it might be right now. At least this is one way, he was getting what he wanted? Or something like it. Gift horse and all. One doesn't ask...

He is tempted to ask however, about how you would go about setting up a mind palace? Just so he could keep the memories locked forever away in there to return to. But that would be more than telling.

So he just closes his eyes most of the time, when he knows it's going to happen; and stores it in the best way he knows how. Memorization. Skills learnt in public school. Repetition. 

Sherlock was certainly giving him that. 

John smiles despite himself. He gives it about a week before the worst will come out.

           He isn't wrong.

***

The height of ridiculousness comes one morning, almost exactly a week later. 

John is there in the kitchen, fork in hand - eating his breakfast, and reading the paper out of the corner of his eye. Completely non-plussed, while Sherlock continues to dive in for a small kiss. Between. Every. Single. Bite. The paper rattles a bit each time. 

John isn't even looking at him anymore.

Or acknowledging that this is happening.

At all.

He's got his back to the cabinets, facing out. And his slippered foot keeps tapping away.

Sherlock, as anyone watching would have seen - was acting as childishly as could be imagined. Not unlike when you see two kids who won't stop hitting one another, while say 'I'm not hitting you". If he hadn't been the recipient of it, John might have thought it was quite funny.

He wasn't sure how long this was going to go on. And clearly had decided to take the saint's role and be above it all; when Sherlock dives in for one more kiss. 

This time, he presses in deep, and opens his mouth a little. Holding it there. Breathing his air. 

  Waiting.

  Watching with a perplexed furrow of his brow,

                  for John's reaction.

Oh god. John thinks. Feeling the warm breath, and the warmer lips pressed up against his own.

What is now a very REAL, albeit awkward, kiss.

Sherlock does not have much experience in this area, after all.

John's breathing stops. He swallows hard. Tries to remember not to drop his fork.

His heart has just jumped out of his chest. And is now screaming at him. Pumping and pulsing like it's running a marathon. And his eyes scan around the room, as if someone might materialize from thin air, who could help, or at least explain all of THIS to him?!!!

     ...WHat the HeLL wAs GoiNg On??!!!

Lips still connected, breath shared, he looks up at Sherlock at last. Unable, really to avoid it at this point. He makes eye contact. 

His eyes full of fear, his eyebrows raised in question.

And showing... Honestly showing something else entirely, he hadn't meant to show at all.

Longing.

He looks like he is about to cry. He is about to cry. This. THIS. Is too much.

Sherlock can't have THIS from him. Not without a relationship. 

He pulls away. And turns his head, his lips out of reach. Closing his eyes. His signal, that he is DONE.

Done with this bloody experiment. Done with his stupid, unfeeling, selfish flatmate. Just done.

***

He feels, more than sees, Sherlock grin his way out of the kiss. Backing off just the slightest bit. But still not going away. 

When he looks back a few moments later, having calmed down his own breathing. And collected his feelings. Sherlock is still standing there. Looking down at him. A wicked grin on his face. At that look, John is stunned. Has this all been a JOKE to the man?!! 

He has only a moment to think before Sherlock's lips are on his again.

John drops everything this time. Throws, more like. Literally - newspaper, plate, fork, all of it - down. And pulls down on Sherlock's neck, forcibly dragging him closer. If Sherlock wants to kiss, then GOD DAMN IT, he is going to get fucking KISSED! And John releases everything that has been pent up inside of him, all week. All month. All of the years he has known and been in love, with Sherlock Holmes.

Sherlock was now holding onto him also, arms wrapping around his middle. Keeping him upright, somehow. While John was snogging him senseless.

That should teach him. John thinks as he pulls away. Completely out of breath and panting with the exertion he had just enforced. And glares up at his flatmate. Absolute daggers.

But Sherlock...  is now blushing, and looking pleased as punch. The response John sees, is also the kindest, and gentlest look in his eyes.

More love than he has ever dared to hope for from anyone, let alone, from his companion. More love than John thought the man standing before him, was capable of feeling. 

Contrary to everything Sherlock had tried to tell everyone, loudly, since the day John had met him. This was Sherlock being human. 

And it was all for him.

It was like a wall had come down. And the great genius' emotions were laid bare - exposed before John, for what they really were. Insecurity. Inexperience. He was offering himself up as a gift to be taken. A student to be taught. And John had... Oh.

Oh.

John blushes. He had just taught. Hadn't he?

Sherlock smiled. Glad to see John finally catching up. A puzzle at last, solved. 

A sweet little shrug of, forgive me? but this was the only way I know how... accompanied his smile. And John found himself laughing with relief at the expression. Giddy with it.

He pulled Sherlock back in to himself, gently this time. And gave him more of a sweet, first-date kiss.

With Sherlock's permission, it deepened it into a full, gorgeous, lovers kiss - His hand gripped tight in the expensive fabric of Sherlock's shirt, to keep him in place. Buttons be damned.

This kiss was;

Full of all the things John had wanted to say; 

Full of all the things Sherlock had been trying to say;

Full of all the things they had both held back for so long.

When it ended, John felt Sherlock lick a tiny bit of honey off of the corner of his mouth. Humming as he did so.

A little like a buzz.

🐝🍯🐝 Not unlike a bee.🐝🍯🐝

John shivered in anticipation. As Sherlock led the way...

If this was what loving Sherlock Holmes was going to be like... Watson smiled, then sign him up as beekeeper.

***************************************

posted on AO3 by helloliriels

More great fics and daily updates under the February 2021 Johnlock prompt challenge from ohlooktheresabee on AO3

[june-louise]

The Telephone Call

Another drabble, Elizabeth/Philip. Set while Philip is away on tour in season 2 of The Crown. Might be continued. 

...

Elizabeth sat in the sofa; one leg crossed over the other as she listened to the reports coming from the television a few metres in front of her. Her mother was as per usual having her dinner next to her, joined by Margaret sitting across from them. Elizabeth had already had dinner, for once having shared the meal with the children who were now in bed.

Ever since Philip had left for the Royal tour, she had felt the need to spend more time with the children, surely to compensate for sending their father away for months on end. Philip had always been the more natural parent of the two, the one spending more time and playing with them. To Elizabeth, playing with the children had never been her favourite activity and with all her work she rarely spent much time with them during the weekdays.

Of course, she loved her children more than anything, but she had never felt like a natural mother as other women seemed to. With Philip gone though, she had felt the connection with Charles and Anne to be something of a comfort personally while she very much wanted them both to be happy and content. So, she had made it into a habit to join them in the playing room, listen to their talks and share more meals with them and help put them to bed. She even read books for them and tried to do silly voices as Charles called it. Because Philip usually did, and the children loved it.

“Your Majesty,” a voice said and interrupted her thoughts. She looked up to see the court martial approach her. “A telephone call for you, ma’am. The Duke of Edinburgh.”

Elizabeth raised her eyebrow in surprise and felt the eyes of her mother and sister on her, they obviously surprised as well. She felt a smile spread on her face and could not help the excitement building in her stomach. She had felt quite low lately, finding herself missing the company of her husband more than she had thought she would. Ever since Philip’s speech on Christmas and the film from Antarctica, the emptiness she felt had grown worse. Laying eyes on him after so many weeks and reading his handwriting had made her heart ache for him, and it had not stopped since.

Quickly shrugging the surprise off of her, she spoke to the man. “Thank you.” Standing up, Elizabeth turned to the other women and excused herself. She tried best she could to not let the other two see her vulnerability, holding herself together and making an effort to contain her smile. She knew they both loved Philip, but they had never quite understood him like she did. And her feelings for him had therefore also many times made Elizabeth feel misunderstood, and she had found she sometimes had to act down on them in order to keep their comments to a minimum.

Walking toward her study, she felt the tightness and nervousness grow in her chest. She knew it was a slight anguish she felt, a fear of him not being there on the other line. The last time Philip called the reception had been bad and the line was broken before she had a chance to speak to him. She tried to prepare herself for the disappointment that it would happen again.

“Hello,” she said into the phone, clearing her throat and taking a deep breath to calm herself. She saw the doble doors close behind her and as she finally heard the voice of her husband on the other side of the line, she beamed.

“Hello, darling,” Philip said and she could almost hear his smirk and tried to picture him there on the other side of the world.

“Oh, it’s working,” she let out in surprise.

“Yes,” he said in his sleek voice and she imagined he was leaning against some kind of furniture where he was, making himself more comfortable. She did the same and rested against the wooden desk. “These bloody telephones actually do work from time to time.” He laughed and she chuckled, feeling herself relax.

“It’s so good to hear your voice,” she said and got somehow more serious, feeling her eyes water slightly. This small gesture, a phone call, had her feeling as if there was a huge weight lifted from her shoulders, warming her heart.

“Are you admitting to actually missing me,” Philip said in a lighter voice, always the one to lift the mood. Elizabeth did love that about him, how he could make her smile and how life was far from boring when Philip was with. Many times, people around them showed their annoyance at his sarcastic comments, and she sometimes felt that way also, but deep down she knew she could never live without any of it. And she had missed hearing his voice immensely lately, finding herself imagining in her head what his replies would be and smiling to herself while everybody around her was oblivious.

“What if I am,” she replied and soared as she felt their familiar banter come alive. “And what about you, having the time of your life in all corners of the world?” She asked the question in a somewhat playful voice, but also felt nervous about the actual answer.

Ever since Philip had left, she had not heard much from him at all. A failed telephone call, a few telegrams mostly including updates on their whereabouts and well-wishes for the children, but not more than that. Except from the footage from Antarctica, where he had been surprisingly heartfelt.

Philip sighed. “Well, even though parts of the tour is surprisingly interesting and the places we’ve been has been quite incredible, I, too, must admit to missing my wife.” He paused, and she desperately wished she could see the look on his face. “Lately, a bit more than I imagined, actually,” he admitted truthfully.  

“You have,” Elizabeth asked, her voice quite emotional revealing more vulnerability than she was comfortable with.

“Yes,” Philip started in a determined voice, “are you that surprised?”

“I don’t know. Maybe, but mostly happy to hear that I am not the only one feeling that way. Five months is incredibly long when all you want if for them to pass by, really. Did you get my letter,” she continued in an attempt to change the subject. 

“Oh, yes.” She could hear him smile into the phone. “Made me think that I should grow a beard more often,” he chuckled.

Elizbeth blushed and cleared her throat, finding herself feel a bit embarrassed. “Really? I wonder what the reactions would be it you came home like that,” she said with a smile as she imagined the scenario. Her mother would be beside herself; Margaret would find it incredibly funny and Michael would uncomfortably try to work out how best to convince Philip to shave. “They were all quite surprised to see it, whereas I thought you looked like an explorer.” She smiled and added, “a very handsome explorer.”

“Five months really is a long time,” Philip sighed, and she felt her fingers go to the pearls around her neck. His words made the conversation shift, and she felt her chest tighten, her pulse quicken. “Trust me, it’s not only the sharing of bed I miss, but I’d really do anything to be with you right now.”

“Philip,” she said in a surprised voice, while blushing more, suddenly very aware of her most private parts. She shifted on the desk, leaning one leg over the other.

“What,” he said innocently. “Can’t a husband share his desires for his wife? I am alone here, aren’t you?”

“Yes, yes,” she quickly said, voice shaky. “I’m alone.”

“That’s it then, good, no worries. Wouldn’t want anyone overhearing this conversation, now would we,” he smirked.

“Philip,” she whispered and felt the need to sit down. Her breathing quickened and she pressed her legs together as she sat on the chair by the desk.

“You sound tense, darling. If I was there, I’d give you a big smooch, but since I’m not, what can I do?”

Elizabeth swallowed, “Philip, we can’t.”

“Why not?”

Her eyes searched the room, even though she knew no one was there. “You know why not. And besides, I can’t.”

“You can,” he reassured her, like he so often had done when she needed help to escape her up tightness. “Now, if it’ll make it easier,” Philip said, and she could not help but roll her eyes at his determination. “Tell me where you are” he started. “And what you are wearing,” he added before, she imagined, leaning back into his seat and with amusement waiting for her reply.

Her face felt hot and she was sure there was a visible blush on her neck. Though she gave in. “I’m in my office,” she started and looked around at the familiar surroundings. She spent much of her time in here, and often had different people come to her with various notifications.  She sincerely hoped that no one would get the idea to enter anytime soon, hoping the call from the Duke would keep them out until she gave them a sign that she was finished. She continued to play with the pearls around her neck, a nervous habit she had. “And I’m wearing my usual clothes, in blue.” As she spoke the words, she felt quite dull. Not much surprise there.

“Oh, blue, one of my favourite colours on you,” Philip said, seemingly not finding her dull at all, and she relaxed a bit. Philip always made her feel more comfortable, somewhat making her feel sexy through her shyness and sometimes up tight behaviour. “Like those gorgeous eyes I adore.”

Elizabeth shifted in her seat and felt a bit braver. “And you? Where is that handsome husband of mine?” She raised her eyebrow and wettened her lips, eager to hear his reply.

“Well, I’ve abandoned the suit onboard Britannia where the bloody phone does not work. Now in the Falkland Islands, we have loaned a quite nice house with a big garden. I’m in my room, supposed to rest after a whole day of shaking people’s hands and cutting ribbons.”

Elizabeth chuckled and then questioned, intrigued. “And what are you wearing?”

Philip laughed and spoke with playfulness in his voice. “I am wearing my robe, sitting in bed.” She imagined he knew he was teasing her, knowing how she was one of the people who knew he secretly preferred to sleep naked, even though he rarely did it at home in Buckingham palace anymore.

“And you just decided to give me a call before going to bed?”

“I did have a dream about you, actually. And have been thinking about it the whole day.”

“Yeah, what about?” Elizabeth felt warm inside, happy to hear that she had been in his thoughts.

“Traveling together. Yesterday we were greeted into this house and I was reminded of the house we stayed at in Kenya, before your father’s passing. Where we visited Treetops.”

Elizabeth smiled, remembering the wonderful time they had had there. Before their whole world changed. “That was a wonderful trip, before, you know. I was so happy and so in love with you.”

“Me, too. It was just us there, our own special place of the world.”

“It was.” Elizabeth suddenly laughed. “Remember when you saved me from that elephant?”

Philip joined her laugher. “I did do that. It was quite terrifying.”

“It was,” Elizabeth concluded, and gave a sigh. “I miss that time.”

“Yes,” Philip agreed, and a quiet understanding consumed them both. It had been a time before life as they knew it now, with duty and obligations – a time where they could be more of a normal couple. As normal as they could be anyway, given their circumstances. Elizabeth still remembered the incredible loss she had felt, and guilt, for taking away her and Philip’s wonderful life even though she knew it had not been her fault. She seldom let herself think about the what if’s, or imagine what their life could have been. It was not constructive. And there was no going back. They had both signed up for this life together, and in many ways, it was also an incredible life. Only different.

“Philip,” Elizabeth said after a while, interrupting their walk down memory lane, and when he made a sound to let her know he was listening, she continued. “I know I don’t say it much, but I do still love you very much, adore you even. But you must know that, right?”

She thought she could hear his smile over the phone. “Yes, I know,” Philip said, his voice soft and reassuring. Elizabet had never doubted her love and adoration for her husband, she did not remember a time not loving him. The love had never been the problem, even though it might seem like it for anyone else. Maybe she should say it more often, she thought. Yet they were both not very emotional people, and they rarely exchanged words of affection. So, Elizabeth was glad he knew how she felt about him.

Philip continued, maybe also finding that the distance of the telephone made the words come easier. “I feel the same way. Even though I sometimes act like an idiot, I have always loved you, Lilibet. And I believe that it is my destiny that I always will.”

[imaginejamesandsirius]

Okay! I really like the Slytherin!Sirius x Gryffindor!James stuff and also I love how you write Regulus so could we have something like Regulus and Remus being friends and trying to get their idiot friends/brothers on a date?

Regulus knew, intellectually, that his parents cut him a lot of slack. He was the second son, so they didn't have to worry about all the decisions he made that they didn't like. He was in Ravenclaw, which wasn't bad, but it wasn't Slytherin like they would have preferred. He was the only living Black family member to not be in Slytherin. He was friends with people who were in Gryffindor, which they certainly didn't like, but for the most part, they kept their mouths shut about it and gave Sirius pointed looks over tea. 

So yes, Regulus knew, logically, that his parents didn't come down as hard on him as they could have, but it didn't feel like it. He still hated them. He still tried to impress them, failed, and got embarrassed about them so he could swing back into hating them and telling himself that he wasn't going to try and give them any attention. It was a cycle that he didn't enjoy, but there was a terrible sort of comfort in the fact that whatever he was dealing with, Sirius had it worse. Merlin and Morgana did Sirius have it worse. Sirius hated their parents. Not the same way Regulus did, where he swung back and forth and sometimes told himself that maybe they weren't as bad as he remembered; Sirius hated them, hated everything about them and what they wanted him to do, but he did it anyways. 

Regulus wasn't under any delusions as to why that was. He was protecting Regulus. Like he always did. Regulus wasn't brave; he couldn't stand up for himself and take away the weight Sirius was bearing on his behalf, but he could do something for Sirius. Something to make him feel better. A little less miserable. He wasn't brave, but he could do that much. As it just so happened, he had the perfect plan in mind: he was going to get Sirius a date with James Potter. 

It wasn't an idea from nowhere. Regulus's best friend was Remus, who in turn was best mates with James. Remus had complained a couple dozen times about James talking about how fit Sirius was, and Regulus had noticed the way Sirius allowed his eyes to linger on Gryffindor's star Quidditch player from time to time. Sirius had a stupid amount of self-control though, and he wouldn't even admit to Regulus's face that he thought James was fit, let alone that he fancied him. All it would really take to get Sirius and James together though, would be a few pointed moves by Regulus and Remus and voila! Victory-- and happiness for the smooching couple, but that was like, a secondary thing. 

"I have a proposition for you," Regulus said, out of the blue as far as Remus could tell. They were in the library doing Charms homework when Regulus got around to remembering the idea at the same time that he was around Remus. 

"Hm?" 

"We should get James and Sirius together." 

"Please tell me you're joking," Remus said. A beat. "You're not joking." 

Regulus shook his head. "It's brilliant-" 

"I doubt that very much." 

Regulus flicked a broken quill at him. "As I was saying," he continued primly, "it'll get James to calm down enough that you can stand being around him, and it'll get Sirius to relax. I think we both have vested interests in those consequences, wouldn't you say?" 

Remus stared at him. Blinked. "You're so weird," he muttered. 

"So you'll help me?" 

"Of course." 

*

"You sure that's what you want to do, Regulus?" Sirius asked, looking straight at him. He wasn't fooled for an instant, and Regulus got the distinct impression that he'd live to regret this if the date didn't go well. 

"Relax mate," James said from the other side of the table, "it's just butterbeer. It's not like he's trying to cop some firewhiskey from Madame Rosmerta or summat." 

"Exactly," Remus said, then grabbed Regulus's arm and dragged him away from the table before Sirius could make Regulus rethink his choices. 

"You realise they're not coming back, don't you?" Sirius said, turning towards James with an eyebrow raised. 

"Why wouldn't they?" he asked, frowning. 

"All signs point to this being a misguided set-up between the two of us." 

James blinked. Sirius would be lying if he said it wasn't adorable-- those big doe eyes behind his glasses and half-hidden under a fringe of hair that couldn't be tamed. Regulus had noticed Sirius looking (if not for years, then at least he picked it up sometime in the past few months), but James had missed it entirely, judging by the surprise on his face. "What? I- Remus?" His face flamed, and he looked for his runaway friend. "I'm going to bloody murder him," he muttered. 

"What happened to 'it's only a butterbeer'?" Sirius couldn't help but ask, raising an eyebrow. 

"That was when I thought they were coming back," James hissed. 

Sirius snorted, then clicked his mug against James's. "You going to enjoy your drink or are you going to stage a heroic retreat?" 

At the word retreat, James's face set stubbornly. If he hadn't already been sitting, he would've done it right then, just to prove a point. He took a sip of his drink, staring at Sirius all the while. 

Wow. Sirius couldn't have planned that better if he tried. Maybe he should give Regulus some slack for his too-obvious methods at the start, since clearly he'd had some clue for what would happen if he could get both of them here. "So is this you admitting that a date with me wouldn't be the worst thing ever, or are you expecting for me to be the one to run off so you can save face?" 

"Saving face is for people who don't have the bollocks to back up what they say." 

Sirius was horribly charmed by that the conviction with which he said that. Of course, he had a bad habit of being charmed by everything James did that didn't immediately annoy him-- and even then, it was something of a toss up that was mostly based by Sirius's mood and little else. "I feel like I should keep you talking to see how true that is." 

"Alright." James took a swig. "What do you want me to talk about?" 

"Your little group of friends." 

"The Marauders," James said. 

"Yeah. Does it not strike you as a little silly to have come up with a group name?" 

James narrowed his eyes. "Are you picking a fight, Black?" 

"I wasn't, but if you call me by my last name, that's exactly what's going to happen. Between you and me, I don't think you'd come out on top," Sirius said, more bite to his voice than he meant for there to be. He leaned back after noticing how he'd started to go over the table as he talked. He cleared his throat and took a sip. "Maybe this wasn't a good idea." Before he could stand, James's foot knocked against his-- light and purposeful. 

"Stay," he said, tone tinged with pleading, even if he wouldn't admit to it aloud. Hell, he couldn't even make eye contact right now, but the fact that he cared enough to try at all was reason enough for Sirius to stay. 

"Fine, but I want the good stories. None of the sanitized stories you tell to Evans." 

"You think Lily is a lot more innocent in these proceedings than she is." 

"For the sake of her position as Head Girl, I'll pretend that I didn't hear that," Sirius said with a smirk. Honestly, he'd thought that James would be a bit more reserved telling him anything, let alone details that could get another precious Gryffindor in trouble. James and his little group was one thing, Lily Evans was another. "Didn't you two date for a while?" 

James made a face. "I wouldn't call one month 'a while'." 

"You only dated for a month?" Sirius asked incredulously. "Bloody hell. I thought it was more like a year." 

"A year?" James repeated, raising an eyebrow. 

"Yeah." 

"She'd never be able to put up with me for that long." 

"Your mates seem to have put up with you for several years and still want more." Sirius knew that he definitely wanted more, but to be fair to Evans, he'd mostly been watching from a distance. Talking in class didn't really count as spending time together-- unless it was someone he buggering hated, in which case class time was far too much. 

"Yeah but that's friends, not dating. Trust me, they'd get tired of me pretty quickly if we were dating." 

"Maybe you just need someone made of stronger stuff." 

James opened his mouth to retort, probably to say something about how Evans was plenty strong, but he must have caught the look on Sirius's face, because he stopped. Blushed a little and said, "Maybe. Got any volunteers?" 

[merryfortune]

What Flavour is Rainbow, Anyway?

Fandom: Yu-Gi-Oh! Vrains

Ship: Aoi/Miyu

Word Count: 3.4k

Rating: T

Tags: Alternate Universe - Cakeverse, Canon Retelling, Bittersweet, Fluff & Angst, Minor or Implied Disordered Eating

Synopsis: When Aoi remembered Miyu, she began to get a craving for rainbow flavoured ice-cream cake.

   Aoi’s stomach dropped when she realised that she had forgotten something so precious. She also realised that she was really craving rainbow flavoured ice-cream for the first time in ten years when she realised that she had forgotten something so precious as her first friend, Sugisaki Miyu.

   Aoi had been a sullen child for many reasons. Her mother had been widowed when her birth father passed away from cancer. Then she remarried in the virtue of an interview and Aoi felt intimidated by this new family she was a part of. Then, just as she climatised to her new big brother and her step-father, her mother and step-father were killed in an accident and their greater family refused to take them in and took their money too. So, they were homeless and broke for a very long period of time. And, to truly top it off, the cherry on the cake was that Zaizen Aoi was a Fork.

   A Fork was someone who was born unable to taste things that weren’t sweet. Everything else tasted bland. She could smell and have her mouth water of a fine delight of savoury things but the moment she would eat that sizzling steak or crisp, salted brusselsprout, it would all but turn to dust or sand on her tongue. She could drink espresso coffee and be utterly unaffected by the experience until it was diluted with cream and sugar. It was a difficult but not impossible condition to live with; she had a special cherishing of what she could taste. Ice-cream, chocolate, and other sweets were her greatest weakness but like many Forks, there was something especially alluring about cakes.

   Big cakes, small cakes, frosted cakes, sugared cakes, chocolate cakes, vanilla cakes. Aoi could hypnotise herself on the hunger that she felt unto cakes. But not all cakes that Aoi was permitted to taste via the strange phenomenon she was born with were the type of cake that could be found in a patisserie’s window, oh no, some Cakes were human.

  Some Cakes had big smiles and fluffy hair and steel blue eyes. Sugisaki Miyu was one of those people. One of those Cakes who was all human and no pastry. And Miyu was the only one that Aoi had ever tasted.

   Just as there were tell tale signs that a Fork had been born a Fork, there were tell tale signs that a Cake had been born a Cake. Although, these signs were easily scuffed off as coincidence but Cakes tended to bruise or cut more easily; their flesh underneath their skin also seemed not quite as dark - or sometimes, darker than usual - compared to their Fork or Plate counterparts. But on the whole, the general wisdom or convention was that a Cake could go their entire life without realising they were Cake unless they happened to be kissed, licked, or otherwise tasted by a Fork.

   Aoi blushed as the memories of her friendship came rushing back, so sweet and bitter. She licked her lips and that desire for ice-cream, and a very specific flavour and preparation of ice-cream, came back to her mouth. To her tongue. 

   Miyu was just six years old when she had discovered that she was a Cake and that was an age younger than most. It had been an accident, of course. Most discoveries of alignments of being either a Cake or a Plate were accidents. Not the kissing part but the parts which had led up to the kissing part.

   They had been playing in the park, as per usual. Playing chaseys, pretending to be airplanes as they zipped around and were just little children in general. Miyu had gotten clumsy and bold at one point. She made a sharp and sudden turn and sent herself flying into the ground. Luckily though, she didn’t fall face first. She went down knees and hands first. She had jarred her wrists and scraped her wrists but as Aoi drew in closer, fretting, Aoi assured her that she was alright.

   Alright and bleeding. Aoi plopped down beside her and Aoi wiped the blood off. It was candy apple red. It glistened even when smeared in an effort to tidy it up. Aoi stared. Wide-eyed and almost enamoured, licking her lips. She didn’t mean to but there was something odd about Miyu’s scrape. Something about it leapt out at her in a way which made her stomach tighten but not in disgust but in hunger.

   “Somethin’ the matter?” Miyu asked, innocently, blinking.

   Aoi shook her head and she played into being extra concerned to hide how peculiar she felt all of a sudden.

   “A-Are you okay?” Aoi blurted out.

   “I’m fine. It just stings a li’l.” Miyu replied.

   “Let me kiss it better then.” Aoi murmured.

   Miyu laughed. “You’re so sweet, Aoi-chan.”

   Aoi smiled. She put her hands on her knees, kneading the fabric of her green pinafore, and she leaned in. Miyu kept her knee propped upright so Aoi didn’t have to lean in that far. Aoi closed her eyes and she kissed the scrape. Her mouth watered and her nose translated the smell of dirt and blood, though scant, into something else. Into something sweet and delicious and mouth wateringly good.

   “Thank you, Aoi-chan.” Miyu said.

   Aoi reared back and she felt as though she now saw the world in a different light. No, a different taste.

   “Miyu-chan…” Aoi murmured. “A-Are you a Cake?”

   Aoi’s heart pounded in her chest. She remembered being even littler and even younger than she was now and her mother trying to explain her diagnosis to her for the first time. Whilst being a Fork was integral to her understanding of the world, others weren’t quite like that. Some, adults especially, she had been told, liked to keep things like the alignments of Forks, Cakes, and Plates under lock and key, out of the restaurant table, and especially in regards to children because it was “gross” and ruined the sanctity of innocence. Though, not quite in those words, her mother had explained it.

   Aoi feared that Miyu - or at least Miyu’s parents - would be of that stripe.

   “A Cake…?” Miyu asked, quizzical in reply. “I don’t know. What’s a Cake?”

   Aoi could have laughed. Dark and deep and bitter. “Let me explain it to you then…” she said. She got up, too, and extended her hand to Miyu.

   Miyu beamed, ever curious, and she accepted Aoi’s hand. Aoi pulled her up, struggling slightly as she was a little bit weak, she could never do the monkey bars, for instance, but Miyu managed to get up. Aoi looked around and decided this was a conversation for private ears.

   Just like they had had a very dear conversation in the cement tunnel, Aoi decided they could have this conversation there as well. She and Aoi settled inside of it, where it was cool and in the shade, even downright cold like a freezer. 

   Aoi explained to Miyu what it meant to be a Fork and what it meant to be a Cake. Perhaps her information was a little bit addled with inexperience but Miyu got the general gist. She thought it was interesting and exciting. So, as far as she knew, her family was a family of Plates and Plates alone. She felt happy to know she had something special or unique that the rest of her family didn’t have and she wanted to make Aoi feel special and unique as well since it had to suck jawbreakers majorly hard to not be able to taste food - and people - who weren’t sweet.

   Miyu initiated the kiss. She kissed Aoi, all but unthinkingly.

   They had to make sure, of course. It could have just been a fluke that Aoi thought Miyu’s bloody knee tasted sweet. 

   It was to be expected as it was a kiss between young children. It was a messy smooch of a thing. Lips puckered out hard and far. Miyu closed her eyes until her eyelashes crinkled and Aoi stared, eyes wide and glistening, as she was kissed suddenly and without recourse.

   But it was a kiss that tasted like rainbow ice-cream cake. Aoi was certain. Tasting Miyu tasted like the cotton candy and swirls of caramel and chocolate and vanilla. She had a bubble gum aftertaste, complete with a creamy sensation of something slowly melting. She tasted all the bizarre and elusive notes that could only be described as the flavour of rainbow ice-cream. Aoi could feel the temperature drop around her as she all but got brain freeze as Miyu kissed her until she could kiss no more.

   She held the kiss until her lips and her lungs ached. Miyu gasped and panted for air when she broke the kiss. Aoi stood still, in complete awe of Miyu, who smiled.

   “So?” she asked. “Am I? Am I cake? Oooh, what to do I taste like?” 

   Aoi couldn’t find her words but she watched as Miyu tried licking her hands, the dried blood that she had smeared away crackled and she stuck her tongue out.

   “Blegh… yuck…” she murmured to utter disdain.

   “You’re not.” Aoi managed to pipe up all of a sudden. “You - You taste like rainbow ice-cream cake.”

   “I do?” Miyu cooed, eyes going wide and she shone even in the dim light of the cement tunnel they were crammed inside of. “I’ve never had rainbow ice-cream cake before, I’m gonna ask my Mum if you can come over sometime and that she buys some and we can have rainbow ice-cream cake together. Doesn’t that sound fun?”

   Aoi smiled gingerly. Meagerly. It did and it was a shame that such a sweet and flavourful promise could never have come to fruition as Aoi would later realise that Miyu asking such a request of her mother would come to crystallise why her mother found Aoi and, by extension, her brother suspicious rabble rousers. Not to mention the Lost Incident and the debacle of losing the ring would also loom not too far off this moment in time in the cold, cement tunnel.

   Aoi felt something all but pierce her as she came to the ends of these ruminations. It hurt Aoi’s heart - and her stomach and her sense of taste - to have forgotten these precious, precious memories. She grimaced as the blush in her cheeks faded and her body cooled again after warming up so much.

   How could she have ever forgotten? Her fingers curled in against her palm, hard, until her knuckles turned white. Actually, she did have a pretty good idea as to why these things would fade from her and not just because ten years had passed. That moment in time had been traumatic for various reasons - her parents dying, the insecurity of food and money, and more - but also because of her older brother, both distant and overbearing.

   Akira was a Plate. A Plate was someone who was not born able to taste what made Cakes unique nor were they born tasting uniquely sweet. Plates were tentatively called the majority population as there was an unknown number of Cakes who had never realised they were Cakes and assumed they were Plates.

   Still, Aoi was willing to bet that it was Akira’s fault - for better or for worse - that Aoi had forgotten all about her first experience with a Cake as a Fork had been suppressed by him. A decade later, they were the nouveau riche and for a while, one of their biggest interpersonal woes was how difficult it was to get Aoi to eat. At the height of his nervousness to make sure that Aoi was getting all her vitamins and nutrients, she was seeing three different dieticians who specialise in helping Forks. 

   It wasn’t intentional, she knew that deeply, but it did make Aoi feel worse about her status as a Fork. She remembered how when she was six and he was sixteen, homeless for the first time, that Akira had to bribe her with lollipops and gumdrops, sitting outside of convenience stores, trying to get her to eat sandwiches with chicken and salad. She still carried that guilt of being an extra inconvenience in their trying times. 

   So, possibly, the joy and thrill of what made being a Fork fun had been lost underneath all that. 

   Even now, unearthing these memories of what joy of tasting a Cake, were sullied by the knowledge that Miyu was currently suffering. The Light Ignis had to pay, that much Aoi was certain, so she linked up with Aqua. To bring Miyu back - and maybe kiss her again, too, that would be nice, sweet, Aoi thought.

   Unfortunately, good intentions were all well and fine but spoiled quicker than Aoi imagined. 

   She tried her best. She got further than she had in the past. But it turned all for naught as once more the burden fell to Playmaker. Bohman was a seemingly insurmountable and indomitable force; Aoi had duelled to the best of her ability as Blue Maiden, with Aqua by her side, but together, they had fallen. They had failed. And once more, Playmaker had to take his allies’ losses upon his own stead and continue on even as his own heart wailed in the sour agony of it all.

    At least it turned out alright in the end. Aoi just wished she could have been there for it. For that moment when Bohman was defeated and all could sigh in relief. At least she could have been there, when it rained gold, and all could grin that it was finally over. 

   Yet Aoi kept waiting… and waiting… and waiting. Aqua never returned. Ai did, however, but he was in such a state of grief that he was unwilling and unable to divulge a thing but it became starkly apparent to Aoi that Aqua was gone. Likely never to come back. And that notion harrowed her harshly.

   She and Aqua had made plans with good tidings to return to Miyu’s bedside together. Now Aoi would have to do it alone. But she wanted to see her sweet Miyu again so badly but it was so terrifying.

   What if Miyu was nothing like how Aoi remembered?

   What if she was nothing like how Miyu remembered?

   What if…?

   The thoughts were spiralling and endless. They left Aoi unable to leave her room for a couple days. Unable to eat little more than ice-cream and extremely sweetened yogurt to her older brother’s vast displeasure but he knew that she needed some space and comfort. So, he tried his best and treated her fragilely until Aoi was finally able to emerge from her room, all her teardrops cried, and she put on something nice to wear.

   She had a hospital visitation that she needed to make. She just hoped that Miyu would still be there, at that place that Aqua had found her when she had first entered the human world to find her Origin. She also hoped that it would be just like when she had woken up from her own coma with days and days of observation and remission and doing nothing in the wake of.

   Aoi stopped to get flowers on the way. She thought it would be a kind or thoughtful gesture. She never received any flowers when she got out of the hospital. A statement reading that she had no close friends and that her brother saw too much of the big picture and not enough of the small details as flowers were prone to wilting so what would be the point?

   Aoi thought so long as they were vivid and vibrant, wondrously fragrant and sweet, for just a moment that would be enough. She had a feeling that Miyu would feel the same so Aoi purchased a bouquet of white flowers encased in light blue cellophane before continuing on with her journey to Miyu’s hospital which was out of many of the precincts and boundaries that Aoi visited in Den City. It was strange to think they were so close and yet so far but the city was big and sprawling, all lit up with electric lights.

   Multiple people flashed her a smile when they saw her carrying the bouquet. Those smiles all existed on a continuum of happy and sad with the sadder smiles, quietly empathetic, had become more frequent as Aoi entered the hospital as compared to those unknowing, bright smirks that she had collected closer to the florist or at bus stops. At the hospital, it was cold and quiet. She said hello to the receptionist and she made an interview to see if she could visit Miyu and she was in luck.

   A room on the third floor and in the sixth room, it really wasn’t that hard to find yet Aoi was breathless by the time that she had arrived in front of that door. There was a whiteboard marker plaque with Miyu’s name on it but Aoi, strangely enough, didn’t feel the need to knock. She knew she would be welcome so she pushed open the door.

   Miyu’s head turned immediately. She had been sitting up with a pillow against her, watching the television mounted on the wall across from her. At first she was on edge, nothing was scheduled for right now but that single second of apprehension dissipated when she saw that face. Those eyes. That hair.

   “Aoi-chan…” she gasped breathlessly.

   Miyu sounded so elated. Her eyes were wide with wonder and magic. Aoi’s heart leapt to her throat. She almost dropped her bouquet but she made sure to hold onto it tighter as she broke one of the golden rules of hospitals: no running in the halls or the rooms. Ten years of feelings - some she knew, some she did, and some zany and miscellaneous - simply exploded inside of her and she was propulsed forward.

   She collapsed at Miyu’s bedside and she leaned over to hug Aoi. Aoi buried her face in the sheets at Miyu’s stomach and she cried. They both cried. It was messy and cathartic and Aoi lifted her head first. Miyu looked so beautiful in her disbelief. Her steely blue eyes were wet and shining with tears and love.

   “I-I’m so sorry.” Miyu stuttered out. All the rehearsals in her head vanished. “I should have… I should have done something. Y-You were so brave, Aoi-chan, thank you so much. I - I wish I could have been as brave as you.”

   Aoi was heartbroken to hear Miyu say that and so, she blurted it out, “I know about the Lost Incident.” she said. “And you are so, so, so, much braver than I ever could have been.”

   Miyu froze. She looked as though she had been caught in a deep freeze of dry ice. 

   “H-How do you know about the Lost Incident?” Miyu stammered out.

   Aoi began to get up off her knees. She sat at Miyu’s bed side and she caressed the side of Miyu’s face. She paled suddenly but her round cheeks were soft. Aoi tucked a strand of Miyu’s long, straight hair behind her ear.

   “We have a lot to talk about.” Aoi confessed. 

   “We do.” Miyu agreed, her voice going a little high. “Where to start, ain’t that the question?”

   “It is.” Aoi replied.

   “But I know where I want to start.” Miyu said and she lifted her face to Aoi. “I want to know if you still wanna have that ice-cream date after all this time. Like, what kind of flavour is rainbow ice-cream, anyway, huh?”

   Aoi giggled. There were bigger and more pressing issues at this bedside but it heartened her to start soft and comforting rather than starting dark and disconcerting. 

   “It’s tasty, that’s what it is.” Aoi murmured. She leaned in and she let Miyu kiss her again.

   Aoi sighed into the kiss. She closed her eyes, relaxed, and she was taken by the dulcet taste of what Miyu had to offer her as Cake before a Fork. The salt of her tears that had dribbled down to the edges of her mouth tasted like sugar. She possessed the flavour of sublime nostalgia: of halcyon, summer afternoons and ice-cream eaten with a grin, with it dripping down over her hands. She was delicious. And Aoi kissed harder, trying to eat her Cake and then some, making Miyu moan and paw at her, wanting to be eaten.