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estro-gem · 11 months ago

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Zooble x Pomni (Platonic): Build the bridge to burn another.

Author's note:

Friends! Friends friends friendsfriendsfriendsfri-

Okay, now that that's out of my system, I present to you; probably the most unpopular pairing to exist in this fandom! In this AU, I've always seen them being very good friends that will insult each other to their hearts content. Neither backing down or holding back and definitely no false pretension.

I might be one of the few who supports this pairing. Zooble has no time for bulsh*t and Pomni is continuously losing her sh*t.

It's perfect, I tell you, PERFECT👌

And finally, Caine is mentioned in more than two sentences. I'm not going to go beyond what I'm about to say: It's a slow start. Interpret it any way you want. :)

That is all.

Warnings:

Not recommended for minors or readers that are sensitive about mental illness, psychotic episodes and existentialism. This story also contains ANGST:

Psychotic episodes

Dissociation

Depressive episodes

Suicidal thoughts

Triggers

Foul/suggestive language.

Fun fact: I almost sent myself down a very dark, familiar hole while writing about Pomni's mindset. I'm ok, though!

SUMMARY:

Pomni is having a hard time after an interesting and revealing conversation she had with Caine. To make matters worse, the jester is pushed to her limit by Zooble's shameless, apathetic mannerisms. She would never understand why they suddenly wouldn't leave her alone, after weeks of receiving the cold shoulder.

BUILD THE BRIDGE TO BURN ANOTHER

Pomni was frozen in place as she desperately tried to wrap her head around the situation that she found herself in.

It was a tough morning leading up to this point, having had little-to-no sleep the night before. It was odd; everyone kept telling her that she technically didn’t need sleep and sustenance, but she felt tired. She was exhausted to say the least. It came to a point where her new life was just floating by with each passing moment, as if she was a mere spectator.

At least, it made things easier to move along, only to start off with the next thing.

The night before, Caine, the ringmaster himself, pulled Pomni aside. She didn’t know if she’d ever get used to the fact that he looked like a pair of glass eyes that were accidentally misplaced in a set of dentures, but beyond that; he had thoughts and opinions, like a human had. It was hard to believe that he was one of the few individuals that she interacted with daily, that weren’t human, but advanced A.I.

While it was miracle, he was horrifying, like a monster from an episode of Courage the Cowardly Dog.

How did she recall a television show, but not her own name?

“Pomni! How is our newest member of The Amazing Digital Circus adjusting to her brand-new life in the Digital Plain?” He enthusiastically spoke, like the showman he was programmed to be.

“Uh…” poorly.

There was no question about it; she was adjusting poorly, but she didn’t trust him as far as she could throw him, “I’m alive… I guess?”

“Why wouldn’t you know… you are right!” Caine triumphantly bellowed, before leaning in too close for the jester’s comfort, “At this rate, you just might beat the record of characters who held out the longest without dying when they first arrived.”

“Wait a minute!” the fool interrupted him just before he could say anything else, “We can die here? Like, pushing up daisies? Final breath and all?”

“Of course, you can! Once your health bar runs empty, you die.” Caine said with an inappropriate amount of chipper.

Pomni felt something foreign rise withing her chest. It felt like hope, with an overwhelming, bitter aftertaste of mind-numbing dread. She found her mind darting to a very dark place – a place she never thought to find herself in. If death was an outcome in this world… and others have died before her…

Did she find an escape, after all?

“Don’t look so disturbed, my dear.” Caine’s light pat on her shoulder ripped her back into reality, as his touch, although artificial, left her flinching into herself. He seemingly paid her reaction no mind. “It will only be a for a few moments! After that, you will respawn and stumble your way back into the position you were before you died – or well, sometimes you’ll respawn a few feet away from that position, but my point still stands!”

The foreign feeling within Pomni instantly dissipated into a bland numbness. Of course, there was a respawn mechanic; how could she ever believe otherwise? In her excitement, she didn’t even consider the logistics of the other characters still being there. Caine’s statement about ‘’holding out for the longest’ suddenly made more sense, but she didn’t like that it did.

There truly was no escape from The Amazing Digital Circus.

Caine’s interrogative questions didn’t end there, but she couldn’t remember much anyway. She vaguely remembered that the ringmaster asked her if her room was to her liking and if she had made any friends so far. His questions were interluded with a monologue following each short answer she gave. She was sure to answer whatever it took to get away and hide in her room as soon as possible.

As it came to be, the jester soon realized that it was foolish for her to have thought that she would be able to keep up a normative façade for that long.

It was an effort to swim through the stale molasses that her mind had become in such a short time.

At one point, she didn’t bother responding, but for a moment, something had her believe that Caine’s tone eventually lost its enthusiasm and greatly decreased in volume. Maybe, at one point, he just stared at her with some unseen form of disdain, but she wouldn’t know – she was too far withing the depths of her mind’s molasses; drowning.

Drowning with the inability to die, forever preserved in the heavy sludge.

Unable to swim up for air. Unable to degrade into the depths.

And yet…

Caine somehow managed to pull her back for brief moments that were long enough for her to have a series of small, fleeting, but coherent thoughts. It was ironic that the showman managed to gain the most attention when growing silent and unenthused. If Pomni had known any better, she would believe that he was being empathetic; helplessly dragged down by the jester’s empty husk that simply chose to stare back at him.

But Pomni did know better.

The ringmaster was probably programmed with a series of reactions and animations in response to people not following the prompt that he gave. She didn’t care at the time, and she doesn’t care now. An A.I. couldn’t feel anything… and at that moment, Pomni hated the fact that she could empathize with Caine too.

She couldn’t feel anything.

SHE COULDN’T FEEL ANYTHING.

It took a moment for Pomni to realize, but Caine was suddenly gone. She couldn’t tell how much time had passed, but she found herself alone in the uncomfortably large common area. It should have been unnerving just how quiet it suddenly was, but the numbness clung to damper the little fool’s emotions.

She looked down at her hands and flexed her fingers before her mind could command them to do so. It was as if she was separated yet housed within her own body as a spectator. Her legs started moving, but she didn’t know or care where they were taking her. She just knew that she was moved by her body’s own tuition.

The hallway leading to their rooms slowly came into view. It was small, but a comforting feeling gently caressed Pomni’s otherwise distant heart. She was finally able to collapse in her room!

She walked down the hall with no thoughts beyond whatever came into view.

The sounds of struggling and inhuman screaming didn’t phase her too much, until her slow mind comprehended that Jax was fighting and thrashing in retaliation for being intimately intwined with the ribbons of Gangle.

The jester had never seen the smug rabbit act as he did then. He was beyond himself – as mindless as a brick – and desperate. It was unmistakable that he was desperate as he relentlessly fought and reached for the door in front of him. His pupils were blown, and his jaw was slack, causing only the tips of his teeth to gleam in a menacing taunt. The rabbit’s body was practically bulging as the limbs fought against the mighty restraints, but only able to occasionally have his claw nick the door before him.

The door was littered with deep gashes that left small trenches within the sold wood. There were splinters and wood shavings laying at the foot of the door, while long, spindling spirals sprouted from the flat surface. Additional to the craving into the wood, the profile hanging on the front of the character’s room was also assaulted.

Three ugly gashes ran down Ragatha’s face.

It was only a matter of moments before the fighting evolved into the quiet sound of panting and incomprehensible, murmured whispers.

Finally… FINALLY, the confusion sparked Pomni’s mind back into action and she was met with Gangle’s displeased reaction upon spotting her. She dragged Jax down the hall to disappear into her room, followed by Ragatha leaving her room to inspect the damage to her door as if nothing was wrong. The conversation the girls had, was only effective in highlighting two things that Pomni already knew.

Ragatha was delusional beyond help.

Pomni had enough for one day.

While sleep didn’t claim her that night, the little jester’s quiet, dark room was welcoming.

…

Morning came too soon for her liking, and while her mind was clearer than the night before, Pomni’s motivation to get up and leave the confines of her room was unfounded. She did eventually leave to find herself idly waiting in the main area, but she couldn’t understand why.

There was no aim – there was no goal.

There was no end and there was no point in anything. She never thought that she would long for the privilege to say that she would simply live until the day she died. There was no end. She would live this life day after day, for eternity, with no purpose.

It was an endless desert with no end to its borders. Only the merciless sun in the empty sky, with sand dunes that stretched into the ether of the unseen horizon. Growing taller and taller, the dunes loomed over Pomni, who was sinking into the golden sand.

It was then, when a soft voice shook her to her core, effectively ripping her out of her own mind. Pomni was left frozen in the situation she found herself in.

“You really opt to live on the edge, huh?” Zooble spoke with a bemused tone as she stood behind Pomni, with her weight shifted onto one leg.

The jester didn’t mean to, but she swung around so fast, that she lost balance and stumbled forward. She knocked into Zooble before they could react, and they both ended up sprawled out on the floor. Profusely apologizing, Pomni got to work. literally picking up the pieces of Zooble, who’s only complaint was an eyeroll. The little fool’s mind was rushed into a blind panic. She didn’t know how to comprehend the situation; if the abomination fell apart on a regular basis or if it was painful? Traumatic?

“I’m so, so sorry!” Pomni said, cringing as she held the arm and leg out to Zooble, hating how they still wriggled and resembled someone’s touch despite being severed from the body.

“Ugh, would you quit it?” the Zolo-being scoffed, “You totally ruined the vibes-”

“I know! I- I don’t know what came over me, I just lost balance and-”

“Ok, first of all…” Zooble cut off Pomni’s rambling as they stood up having been reassembled once again, “…you don’t interrupt me. You got that, pipsqueak?”

Pomni nodded, “I’m sorry, I-”

“I’m still not finished.” the colourful character interrupted again, with an annoyed, yet even tone. At that time, Pomni reluctantly kept silent as Zooble continued, “Second of all, I can’t be mad at you being a klutz when I literally fall apart every day. Forget about it. Lastly, the vibes I was referring to, was the depro schtick you got going on before. I was digging it, and you went and ruined it.”

There was a silence that stretched for a moment, as Pomni left enough room for Zooble to add whatever they wished without risking being interrupted again.

“Earth to Pomni?” The Zolo-being waved a hand in front of Pomni’s face, “You good?”

“May I speak now?” Pomni spoke without thinking – her tone a little too hostile for her own liking.

The creature huffed a laugh, “Yo, I like this! Do more of this.”

“More of what?”

“You! More of you!” Zooble shook their head while seemingly getting lost in thought, “You actually have a personality beyond ‘I’m sorry!’ and ‘Woe is me!’”

Something about what Zooble said flipped a switch in Pomni. It was an ugly switch.

Pomni felt the fright and frazzle melt into bitter distaste for Zooble’s implications. Before she could count her words, it just slipped out without warning. She noticed her surprising and unannounced sarcasm a bit too late after the words left her, “Oh geez, thank you! That’s such a thoughtful thing for a rejected arts-and-crafts project to say!”

“Wait, WHAT?” Zooble cried out like a kid in a candy store, before laughing with genuine glee, “Depressed AND sassy? Girl, where have you been?”

Pomni pushed away the urge to apologize for what she said before. Instead, she was dumbstruck with just how… happy Zooble seemed with the situation, “…What is wrong with you?”

This place was demented! These people – if she could even call them that at this point – were all insane. The jester had enough. She didn’t want to be there anymore. Things just HAD to continue in the Digital Ciircus, didn’t it? The show must go on, mustn’t it? Well, Pomni didn’t want a part in it! She just wanted to be somewhere else. She wanted to be something else.

She’s had enough.

She decisively turn on her heels and walked away to spare whatever sanity she had left. It felt good to be MAD. She had reason to be ANGRY and it felt GOOD.

“Wait, Pomni wait!” Zooble stopped her laughter to catch up on Pomni’s strides, “Where are you even going?”

“Anywhere that’s far away from all of you!”

“And you think I’m gonna pass up a chance to ditch?” Zooble walked beside Pomni, who refused to look up at her, “Why are you so triggered anyway?”

Pomni rolled her eyes when she left the tent and sighed in exasperation at the sound of Zooble hot on her tail, “Oh, am I supposed to thank you for calling my personality one dimensional?”

Pomni had no idea where she was going, but she was going somewhere.

“The ‘woe is me’ thing? You know I mentioned two things, right? So that would probably make you…” Zooble sounded much too pleased with herself for Pomni’s tolerance to stand, “…2-dimensional?”

Pomni stopped the throw Zooble a filthy look before eyeing them up and down, “You are unbelievable.”

“And you’re more chill than I thought.”

“What about me WALKING AWAY and wanting to BE ALONE, makes you think that ANY of this is ‘chill?’”

“Well, for one; you are finally done hiding behind that meek little mask of yours.” Zooble said almost accusingly, causing Pomni to stop, but not turn around to look back as Zooble continued, “You grew a pair to finally show just how DONE you are with this place.”

Pomni turned around, “What does it matter? Whether I try to be nice… whether I’m angry or sad – it doesn’t change anything! We are trapped here, and you people just go about your day singing kumbaya?”

“Who knew you’d be this spicy.” Zooble said with a taunting smirk, watching Pomni pour her heart out like it was a comedy show.

“You are insufferable!” Pomni accused, walking up to the Zolo-being and poking them harshly in the chest to emphasize her point. When Zooble didn’t react, she growled and walked off as she did before. She still didn’t know where she was going, but she was too overwhelmed to stop.

Stubborn, as always.

Much to her demise, the character walked after her, unbothered and silent, as if they were simply enjoying a stroll in the green, rolling hills. The jester didn’t bother looking back again. There was no way to leave this realm, anyway; and she highly doubted that Caine would leave her roaming as she pleased for an indefinite amount of time. She was sure he would just summon her at will.

Until then, she would allow herself to breathe.

In any other scenario, Pomni would have allowed her thoughts to drift along the rolling hills she was walking among, but she was too distracted by her outburst. She was climbing a hill, not knowing what she would find on the other side, but she also didn’t want to stop either. Her own resilience was like a puzzle with jagged pieces for her to put together. She was driven to push through obstacle after obstacle, even though she knew – she knew – it was pointless. She was standing with the weight of the world pulling her down.

Why?

The little fool didn’t receive and answer, but she did make it to the top of the hill she was climbing. Standing under the smiling sun, Pomni looked over the vast landscape beyond her vantage point. Her eyes were spoiled with the sight of a great, but quiet lake. She couldn’t remember what real lakes looked like, or most things related to nature, but sight before her felt like a blessing to her overstimulated eyes.

The jester felt her knees buckle, so she sat down in the grass that looked too green to be realistic, while her sights trailed along the silver lining that danced along the water surface. The small waves rustled onto the generous, sandy banks - Pomni’s ears were filled with the sounds of them trickling along the edge and she found the sights and sounds drowning the desperate screeching of her racing mind.

It wasn’t a moment of quiet, but it was a moment of peace that she desperately needed.

“So… you found the lake!”

…and the peace was ruined.

“Yup.” Pomni said with a hopeless sigh, “I said I wanted to be alone. This is a big area – did you HAVE to decide to be in MY space?”

“Is it really YOUR space?” Zooble countered apathetically, “If anything, it’s Caine’s space.”

Pomni regretted ever dreading any form of silence.

“I don’t think I’ll ever understand any of you.” Pomni shook her head in disbelief, “There is nothing for us here. Everything here is as endless as it is pointless.”

“Uh-huh.” Zooble stumbled beside Pomni, also fixating her eyes on the water surface.

“And yet you guys just keep… going… but you all aren’t even trying to make things tolerable for each other! You guys are a bunch of judgmental, two-faced jerks. On purpose!”

“Yeah.”

“Is that really all you have to say?”

“Uh-huh.”

“You seriously have no regard for your own self-respect?”

“No, everything you’ve said is true.”

Ponmi was struck by the statement Zooble threw to her head. Finally, there was silence, but the jester didn’t enjoy it this time. She turned to look at the abomination with shock. Zooble didn’t seem phased at all. They just kept sitting beside Pomni with a frustratingly difficult face (or lack thereof) to read.

“W- What?”

“You’re right.” Zooble simply says, “It’s torture. Not even abstraction is an out – you just get thrown into a black hole. There is no end to life here.”

The fool stayed silent as a morbid curiosity egged her on to listen. Zooble shifted meet Ponmi’s eyes as they spoke evenly.

“There is only an end to us.”

Time ticked away with the ripples of the water crashing onto the shore. The creature’s words blown into the fool, like a calm breeze. The words tumble and toss in Pomni’s mind, considering the seriousness and honesty Zooble used to deliver them. She finally understood what was meant with the statement.

While one person will live on, even after abstraction, the group will not. With someone already gone, the group that was situated had already been changed – it was no longer set. It no longer existed because someone irreplaceable was already gone.

It hurts to think like that.

“Okay.” Pomni said, glancing at the water once again, “But do you all have to act so demented? Hostile? Jax makes it his personal mission to make you guys into pin cushions. Gangle is either eerily quiet, obnoxiously giggling or crying her eyes out – no in-between. You don’t care about anyone except for Gangle, it seems? Kinger’s just… gone, until he’s not and Ragatha is so delusional about this place that she’s probably crazier than Kinger.”

“Fair enough to say that.” Zooble mused – her tone as dismissive as ever.

“Why?” Pomni pressed, eager to understand. Just a little bit of understanding would do her wonders.

“We all do what we have to do.”

Pomni sighed heavily, not at all understanding, “…Ragatha said that too. What’s with that?”

“Maybe she’s not as delusional as you thought.” Zooble jabbed back with more bite than Pomni expected. The jester reigned back a bit, while Zooble rolled their eyes at Pomni’s display.

“I doubt it,” she boldly disagreed, earning an interested look from Zooble, “…but she’s probably the only one who doesn’t hate me. It doesn’t even make sense that you would sit down to have a conversation with me while Gangle runs at the sight of me.”

“Why would Gangle’s opinion on you gatekeep whether I can hang out with you?”

“She’s your girlfriend!”

“Exactly.” Zooble states, as if hitting a nail into wood, “I’m not her parent, nor is she mine. She’s a grown woman who can make her own decisions, as am I. We are our own people with our own lives, we just want each other in them.”

Huh.

“So… what?” Pomni asked carefully, “Are we hanging out now, or what’s happening?”

“We chillin’, that’s it.”

They sat in a beat of silence before a wave of awkward tension built up within Pomni. It was supposed to be comfortable, she supposed, but it felt wrong to just leave the conversation as it was.

“So you don’t hate me?”

“I preferred it when you were pissed.” Zooble sighed, rolling their eyes for what felt like the thousandth time that day – and it was still morning, “No one hates you. We are just $%&($ terrified.”

Pomni furrowed her eyebrows, while the creature beside her reluctantly explained themself, “We lost one of our own and you just magically appeared on the same day. Can you blame someone for thinking that you seem like some type of replacement for someone who started asking too many questions? Do you know what Caine is capable of?”

Pomni shook her head as the words sunk in.

“Well…” Zooble huffed, leaning back on their palms that was planted behind them, “Welcome to the club, Harley Quin! Neither do we.”

The silence stretched longer this time. The air felt heavy, but Pomni began to see the strange method to her Circus members’ madness. She didn’t fully comprehend it all, but it felt comforting to have had the conversation – a real conversation, without hiding under false pretenses. Zooble saw her true colours – when she was at her worst.

The abomination didn’t even flinch, they went above and beyond to chase her down, delighted.

It was a relief.

Pomni huffed, leaning back onto her palms to match the posture of her new companion, “Harley Quin, huh? Was that the best you could come up with, Jumbo Blocks?”

Zooble sat up, leaning towards the jester with a mischievous sparkle in their eyes.

“Oh, it’s on, you %&@($ air balloon-cosplaying @$&@(!”

Unrestrained laughter chimed in the air as two freaks stared into the unforeseen horizon. For Pomni, the her ways of viewing her place in the circus, was ripped from beneath her feet in a single conversation. She was left on unstable ground.

Sand.

But for that small, precious moment, she was just happy to bicker with someone. They probably weren't enough to be considered friends, but they were together, sharing a space with no hidden intentions. She wasn't bothered with standing tall.

She was too short for that anyway.

Fanart kinda relevant to this story: (CLICK HERE TO SEE)

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sasha199 · 4 months ago

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Gale/ Wyll drama pt. 2

Y’all…this game hits different when your Tav is a stand in for yourself.

My sister and I are playing a multiplayer as ourselves, as sisters. I was romancing/flirting with both Gale and Wyll. I made a move on Lae’zel too but THAT ended in tears. Sister is pulling both Astarion and Shadowheart.

My sister finds me hiding behind Shadowheart’s tent, “Your boytoy wants to talk,” she says, squatting next to me.

I hadn't gone to breakfast this morning, and had overheard Gale pointedly remark about my absence. I wasn't in the mood to confront my feelings about, well anything, yet, so I decided to continue to make myself scarce. But it's hard to hide from a rouge.

“He’s not my boytoy.” I'm drawing with my fingers in the white sand, trying to make the frowny faces and squinty eyebrows of my stick figures evenly spaced. I hate how sullen I sound.

“Oh? Did someone else take that coveted title last night?”

I shrug, he hadn't used that term. Marlie looks at me a while longer, but when it's clear I have nothing more to say, she slips away.

Shadowheart peaks out from the back of her tent, "You know I have a perfectly good stool if you'd prefer to use that," her voice is as sweet and melodious as always, "I wouldn't mind the company."

"Thanks," I mutter, embarrassed, "but I'm, uh, drawing."

"Really?"

"Yes, look."

She doesn't. "Sasha, you're not that kind of bard."

I sigh, "I'll see you later." I scrub out my stick figures before I leave.

I half run, half crouch across the camp. Astarion might hide me...but he'd definitely mock me. I'm not in the mood to be mocked.

I dismiss Lae'zel immediately...we're not exactly on speaking terms after what happened at the creche. That leaves only one option.

“He won’t talk to me.” Marlie's voice is practically in my ear.

“What?” I ask breathlessly, I put my hand to my heart to quiet it's pounding, I'd just gotten settled behind Karlach’s tent. I can see fiery outline through the canvas.

“He only wants to talk to you.”

“I don't believe this.” A million butterflies take flight in my tummy.

She shrugs, “All he would tell me is that he’s been spoken for.”

“I didn’t speak for him.”

“What happened, Sasha?”

I hesitate. I'm not even sure. Gale had seemed to only want to talk about one thing since that terrible conversation with Elminster. I didn't want to hear him wax on about his "sacred duty" anymore, and I'd had enough conversations about Mystra to last me a life time. “I have to talk to Wyll.”

Marlie looks genuinely surprised, “Wyll? ‘Daddy’s boy’ Wyll? I didn’t know you needed a knight in shining armor, sis. Every time I see you you’re always drooling over the wizard’s monologues.”

“Well he won’t be monologuing much more when he triggers that orb.”

Her face goes soft, "You really think he’ll do it?"

"Everything always comes back to it." I feel hot tears prick in my eyes, "I don't know what to do anymore. I'm starting to think I just have to accept-"

“What are you two doing back here?” Karlach has discovered us, she's holding a singed teddy bear under one arm.

“Hiding,” Marlie answers unabashedly, “It’s my thing.”

“Well you’re usually a lot better at it. Sasha, Gale is looking for you.”

I blink until the tears dissipate. “I know.”

“Everything alright with you two?” Karlach puts a hand on my shoulder, I cover her hand with mine. “I know things are fraught right now, but he does care for you. I’ll never forget that “stimulation” speech he gave mid battle-“

“I’ve been trying,” Marlie says smirking, “who was it that told him to just ‘put it out there’ Karlach? ‘See what happens?’ “

“It’s good advice,” Karlach looks a bit redder than usual, “time is not on our side. Be brave, go get em, soldier.” She smacks me on the back.

I sigh and walk out from behind the tent. Marlie is right behind me, I don't see her when I look around, but I know she’s there.

I feel like I'm on display as I cross the camp. Shadowheart is kneeling at her tent entrance, head bowed in prayer, but I'm not fooled. As I cross the small rock bridge Gale looks up expectantly. I see him hitch in breath to speak…but I keep on walking…right next door and duck into Wyll’s tent…

#bg3 #gale romance #baldurs gate gale #bg3 fanfiction #bg3 tav #gale dekarios x reader #gale of waterdeep #baldur's gate 3 #baldurs gate smut #bg3 gale #wyll with a y #wyll ravengard #wyll romance #bg3 wyll

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fandomanimatic-tournament · 1 year ago

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Fandom song animatic tournament: Bracket 1 Side B

Saint Bernard - Lincoln

"Hung pictures of patron saints up on my wall To remind me that I am a fool Tell me where I came from, what I will always be Just a spoiled little kid who went to Catholic school"

Line Without a Hook - Ricky Montgomery

"Baby, I am a wreck when I'm without you I need you here to stay I broke all my bones that day I found you Crying at the lake Was it something I said to make you feel like you're a burden, oh And if I could take it all back I swear that I would pull you from the tide"

Remember that we're voting on how Iconic they are for ANIMATICS, not for the song itself. In order to make things fair, the tone and mood of the song should not affect how iconic it is (for example, a serious song should not be considered more iconic than a joke song just because it's serious)

Propaganda and animatic links of the songs under the cut:

Saint Bernard - Lincoln

Propaganda:

Its got that sick clapping for smooth frame changes, and it's got all the applications babeyy. Low self esteem hero? Sure! Sympathetic villain? You got it! Morally grey character? Come on in. "Make me love myself so that i might love you" can be about god, friends, a partner, a found family, you name it. "Dont make me a liar cause i swear to god when i said it i thought it was true" can be about anything. Your best friend is evil now? A betrayal?? A disillusioned hero??? "Neither of us will be missed" girlies i am peeing from how good this song is for angst.

"the st. bernard sits at the TOP OF THE DRIVE WAY" makes for a very cool and sexy shot transition. you seen the beau lionett animatic set to this?

tik tok picked up the audio a bit cause the drop into distortion is great, but also the vocals and imagery as they stand are excellent. there's at least four ace attorney ones alone and they all focus on different characters (Blackquill/Sahdmadhi, Klavier, van Zieks, and Edgeworth) and the van Zieks one was posted shortly before the official localization was released. also idk if it's on youtube but there's also one for bass.exe on tumblr which is also excellent

Animatics with the song:

Omori

Five Nights at Freddy's Michael Afton Animatic

3rd Life Impulse Animatic

DSMP Revivebur Animatic

The Owl House

Line Without a Hook - Ricky Montgomery

Propaganda:

This is song genuinely feels me with such raw and powerful emotion; I know it's kind of annoying to say a song "makes you feral", but. this song genuinely makes me feel feral. Pairing up a song that already makes me pretty emotional with ships/blorbos that already make me emotional is such a good mix that leaves me crying on my bedroom floor

Animatics with the song:

Ace Attorney

BNHA Kiribaku Animatic

Omori Hero x Mari Animatic

Adventure Time Bubbline Animatic

The Owl House Lumity

Please be cautious and read the title, description and warning cards on the animatic videos if you decide to watch them. If you've got specific triggers I'd recommend even more caution when watching animatics of fandoms you don't know, since sometimes canon-typical themes don't get warnings.

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#fandom animatic tournament #tumblr poll #tumblr tournament #tumblr tourney

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kiss-my-freckle · 4 months ago

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Full Episode Commentary

2x5: Kill or Be Killed

Gif posts relevant to this re-watch:

Stelena's argument 1x4 parallels

They open this episode with a flashback of Mason. Katherine pushed him to trigger his werewolf gene, and she did this similar to the way Damon set up Tyler's fight in 2x2. The important thing to know about this flashback of Mason and the truth of what Katherine did to him… is Damon's realization that he's no different than Mason. He ruined himself for her when he was just another toy. He's no different than Mason and Trevor. That's why Damon is done with Katherine. 2x1 was the full-blown scale of this realization, that's why he broke wide open and killed Jeremy. He didn't need Katherine to tell him that she faked her death for him to know that he died for nothing. Katherine levelled his ass. He became a vampire for nothing just as Mason became a werewolf for nothing. It was all for Katherine and whatever use she found in them. Damon's entire existence was a lie. So this is where things start to get interesting for Damon.

"He kept coming at me. He got in his head that I was sleeping with his girlfriend." Mason has absolutely no idea Katherine spearheaded his kill, but he is describing vampire compulsion while telling Tyler this story. Katherine not only got him to trigger his werewolf gene, she used his friend to do it. She had Mason killing his own friend in self-defense to trigger his gene. Like wow. She sent 26 of her friends to their deaths for the sake of faking her own, and she admits to doing it without blinking. She gets Mason to kill his friend in self-defense to trigger his werewolf gene. This woman is no joke. She doesn't care who they care about, she only cares about herself.

"On every full moon, I lose control. If I don't sedate myself and chain myself down, I'll kill anything in my path. You have to be careful. All it takes is an accident, a car wreck. Any death at your hands, and you'll have a lifetime of this. You don't want it Tyler, trust me."

So yeah, it's painful to watch Mason because you're getting Damon's truth at the same time. That's what makes this gorgeous. Damon has already reached this realization. Mason hasn't. Tyler continues to hide the moonstone because Mason lies like Stefan does. He's lying about why he wants the moonstone, so yeah… Tyler's keeping it for now. They cut to Jeremy and Elena. He's gonna be the reason Mason loses his moonstone because Tyler's gonna run his mouth to Jeremy. Jeremy and Elena are talking about Tyler being a possible werewolf. They don't know much about werewolves, so they're not sure what to think about him right now. Jeremy tells Elena it shouldn't be hard to figure out.

"There is no us. I said that I wouldn't keep things from you anymore. That doesn't mean that I want you involved in it. This is dangerous, Jeremy. You have to stay out of it, okay?"

What Elena wants and what Jeremy wants are two different things. This is "do as I say, not as I do" hypocrisy. That's why I love it when Jeremy leaves Elena's room just so Stefan can enter it. It's do as I say, not as I do hypocrisy. What Stefan and Elena are doing is dangerous. And if they think Katherine won't find out, they're nuts because she puts Stefan's stalking abilities to shame. She basically infiltrates Elena's house the way Damon infiltrated the council.

Stefan: Okay, how about this? Today, when we're fighting, if I say "I can't do this anymore, Elena", what I'll really mean is that I love you. Elena: And when I say, "Fine Stefan, whatever", well that means I love you too.

This scene of Stefan and Elena basically shows how most of their argument is real. Because yeah… the easiest way to fake an argument is to have a real argument. It feels less scripted that way. Look at me telling ya'll how to lie lol. They're basically pulling a Damon repeat through Katherine. When Jenna stabs herself, it parallels Damon force-feeding Elena his blood. "Fool me once, shame on you." Since I'm on the subject of lying, this is now the second season Stefan and Elena spend lying to someone. First season Damon, second season Katherine. So yes, Elena gets very good at lying. "You're gonna pretend to be a mother?" Caroline is such a bitch to her mother, but these are my favorite storylines for her… the ones with her parents. "You know, there's pretending to be a mother and then there's reality. Let's not push our luck, okay?" I can't believe this came out of her mouth. Like damn.

Whenever I consider Damon in his human life with Elena, I consider all of these Mystic Falls events. "I think you're the one that needs to watch his back." This scene Stefan has with Mason is similar to his scene with Logan. In threatening Damon, Mason threatened Stefan because they're brothers lol. Mason basically does to Stefan what Damon did to him. He shakes Stefan's hand, then prepares the attack… only Mason is intent on taking down both brothers. If he takes down Damon alone, he knows Stefan will kill him. That's why he involves Liz. Suddenly, the guy that doesn't involve himself in council business involves himself in council business to get rid of the Salvatores. Mason is actually risking himself in the process. All either of them have to do is open their mouths to Liz about him being a werewolf. Damon doesn't because he plans to kill Mason himself. The one thing you don't wanna do… is try to kill Damon's brother a second time and have him actually be there for it.

"Stefan, please tell me you don't seriously think a hand shake just solved our problem."

Stefan is pissed that he can't see Elena out in the open as he has been, that Katherine is affecting his relationship so much that he has to see Elena in secret. That's why he acts as if Katherine is Damon's problem when she isn't. Katherine forcing them to see each other in secret isn't Damon's problem. "So thank you, because we don't have enough problems." That's why I consider this comment from Stefan self-serving. Katherine isn't Damon's problem, and he's putting his issue with Katherine over Damon's issue with Mason. He doesn't care that Mason could kill them with a single bite so long as he can see his girlfriend out in the open, that's how ridiculous he is.

Katherine isn't Damon's problem. Not yet anyway. Stefan is just pissed that he can't see Elena out in the open. He's gotta be secretive about it. So what's gonna happen is Stefan is gonna help Damon with Mason and Damon is gonna help Stefan with Katherine. Then yeah… they're gonna combine for Jules to save Caroline. Damon doesn't consider Katherine his problem until she has Jenna stab herself. Then he's gonna be like… yeah, we gotta deal with her. Damon likes Jenna. I think it's her equal part responsible parent and equal part fun that he likes. Anyway, they're gonna switch. Damon will help Stefan with Katherine and Stefan will help Damon with the werewolves.

"Stefan, please tell me you don't seriously think a hand shake just solved our problem." I can't stop laughing at Damon. He knows.

They cut to Jeremy at the Grill. He's about to push the werewolf issue with Tyler. It's insane to me that Aimee considers Jeremy damaged goods. This girl knew Matt had a girlfriend and still chose to hit on him. And when Caroline showed up, she decided to make out with Tyler because she couldn't hook up with Matt. So no, I consider Jeremy too good for her. As I was saying about Mason… he treated Jeremy like a dick at the mayor's wake. He and Tyler were bonding over their dead fathers, and Mason totally interrupted. Now that Tyler is on the outs with Mason lying to him, Jeremy is about to get some intel. True as it should be, people prefer honesty. I feel that's ultimately why Mason blames himself for Tyler when he returns in Ghost World. He lies to Tyler the way Stefan lies to Elena. You don't get to pick and choose what truths to tell. You're either honest or you're not. Tyler hosts a four person party. Him, Jeremy, Aimee, and Sarah. Sarah is totally hitting on Jeremy.

I find it odd that neither brother thought to make a move with Mason despite knowing he'd try to kill them. They actually gave him time to make his own move. So because he's dealing with two vampires and it's not a full moon, he's involving Liz. "I just thought that we were stronger than that." Elena is hilariously lying, and I'm like... is your love strong enough that you're willing to lose your Aunt Jenna? If so, carry on. As much as I love Katherine in season 2, this entire storyline is too much teen drama for me. Fake fighting just so Mama Katherine can have her man all to herself? Come on, you're 500 years old. Just wait til Elena dies in the ritual, then you can have Stefan all to yourself. I have a seriously problem with teens acting this teenish because this 500 yo acts teenish.

Damon buys Liz's problem with Caroline, so he has no idea about her problem with him being a possible vampire. But it's a good way to separate the truth from the lies. This show gets pretty tricky in that department because Elena is carrying on two separate relationships with two brothers. Just as Stelena keeps secrets from Damon, Delena keeps secrets from Stefan. Different in the fact that Damon knows most of what's going on because he's not stupid. It's hard to keep anything from him. Yes, her and Caroline had a moment, but she's lying without lying because it's easier that way. She's basically hiding her moment with Mason behind her moment with Caroline. So you get this fake Stelena argument where most of it is real. It's the best way to lie as Liz just did to Damon. Because Damon had his own moment with Elena that Stefan doesn't know about, he picks up on it and lies to Stefan about how he knows. It's a bit hard to explain, but it's the reason Damon pulls two separate responses. I've included my Stelena argument gif post for this scene. Every scene in this episode has an opposite scene. Damon and Caroline are beautiful in this episode. They basically rehash their carnival moment.

Caroline tells Elena that talking to Stefan is a bad idea. It's a bad idea because of Katherine, but in choosing that moment to argue with Stefan, Elena outs herself to Damon. She literally just confessed her undying love for Stefan to Damon in 2x1. Now she's, "Fine, Stefan, whatever." She should've known Damon wouldn't buy that. He also knows Katherine is the root of their fake drama because she was outside the Grill for their first fight. Damon drops it because he wants nothing to do with Katherine and he's not gonna admit to Stefan that he tried to kiss Elena. Stelena's lies have to push so far that Jenna stabs herself. Then Damon will get involved. It's not like Damon is gonna lose sleep over Stefan and Elena having to see each other in secret. They're the ones choosing to be stupid. Jenna isn't about the knowing, she's about the consequence. Elena's issue with being a doppelganger reignites. She wants to know if Stefan is using her to replace Katherine. He just got done spending the day with Katherine, and he never once called Elena to tell her, so yeah... it's an issue for her. "How could you hate her and be in love with me?" Knowing why he hates Katherine will allow Elena to see if he's using her to replace Katherine… for the things he hates about her. "You're reaching." Elena isn't reaching… just like Damon wasn't reaching when he told Stefan that Mason is supernatural. It's important to look at terminology to understand where all of this leads. Know what it means to reach because Elena knows exactly what she's asking. "I'm not… I'm not Damon." A contradiction because Stefan is the only one that hated Katherine. They both know Damon loved her very much. But like always, Stefan tries to use Damon to deflect. I'd rather just skip over this argument because I already did a gif post for it. Damon slams Stelena because they suck at communication.

They cut to this four person party. Jeremy is trying to figure out if Tyler is a werewolf. Jeremy is good at drawing, but he's not Klaus. Klaus is really good. Tyler is so startled by the werewolf drawings that he lures Jeremy into another room. He considers it a personal assault, so he assaults Jeremy. Their scene is written like his carnival scene with Damon. This is exactly how Damon would react to someone learning his truth. Damon and Mason are hilarious. Wow… Mason really screwed himself with this one. Had Damon not been distracted by the argument Stelena just had, he would've known that Mason roofied the drinks. Yeah, Damon is pissed. Liz realizes that a member of her vampire-killing council is a vampire lol. Like yeah, he totally killed vampires to sell himself as a human lol. I love Caroline's moment with Elena here, admitting she's not a good friend at all. She then notices something's up with her mother. Damon is pissed more than before because of the vervain, and so pissed that he's not thinking straight. He's acting impulively, which is what Mason wanted. He wanted Damon and Stefan storming him at once because he's the bait. It's like the easiest thing to do to an impulsive person. Get them to not think, to just follow you. Liz and two deputies. They inject Damon and Stefan with vervain. Because Damon has yet to build a tolerance, it's enough.

So the difference between Mason and Damon is clear. While Mason would stab Damon in the front rather than the back, he's not strong enough to take on Damon because it's not a full moon. So yes, he has Liz getting her hands dirty for him. It's really a cheap shot if you ask me. He literally has a woman doing his dirty work. Tyler tells Jeremy that Mason is a werewolf, but he's not… yet. He basically explains the process on how to trigger his gene. Tyler views Mason the same way Stefan views Katherine. He's not here for him, he's here for the stone. He doesn't consider two birds, one stone. Like duh.

Insane that Mason has Liz and her deputies taking Damon and Stefan into the Lockwood cellar where he turns into a werewolf… and she has no idea he's a werewolf. If she did, he'd be down there with them. "Old slave quarters from the original Lockwood house." The reason I was disgusted with Tyler when he took Aimee down there to make out with her. Mason tries to stay because he wants to make sure they die. He made a big mistake walking away lol. "Well, I'm guessing that he only has to worry about that during a full moon. Otherwise you're not as strong, am I right? Or you would have killed Damon by now." When Stefan confronted Mason, I knew what was gonna happen. It only takes one vampire to take him down. What I like about this episode is how Mason is written opposite Jules. The only way to drag it out painfully, is by hitting Damon's humanity. That's the only way to truly torture him. What makes this extremely uncomfortable for Damon, is knowing that Liz could have tortured him by threatening to stake Stefan to get her answers.

It's sorta like this… John and Anna repeat, only it's Liz and Stefan. I love what this does to Damon. He's not just gonna kill Mason, he's gonna enjoy it. Damon could use Caroline to connect with Liz, but he refuses to. That's another thing I love about this scene. He won't tell her that her daughter is a vampire. That's Caroline's truth to tell. Poor Caroline. She doesn't want her mom to find out about her, and Elena's like… I'm going in there to save them by myself then. Yeah, Damon is refusing to use Caroline to connect with Liz. He's hoping their friendship is strong enough. It's not… Liz hates vampires. She's literally getting ready to stake them when Elena comes in. "Mom." This is why I love Caroline's storylines with her parents. They're so insane. She just killed Liz's deputies right in front of her to save her friends. "Damon's right, you know. If there's ever time to break your diet…" I love how Caroline contradicts herself in her hate for Delena. In 4x7, she tells Elena that Damon is never right. Damon is right most of the time. The animal diet makes it take longer for Stefan to heal. It weakens every aspect… compulsion, healing, strength, even speed. That's why I'm so frustrated with season 4 Stefan. He's gonna go on the human diet to handle Katherine, but expect Elena to defend herself against Connor on the animal diet.

Mason tainted what Damon had. The ability to at least imagine Liz accepting him as a vampire. Because of Liz and Caroline, Elena now knows how Stefan can hate Katherine but be in love with her. He can't love vampires. She's watching Caroline out herself to Liz the way Katherine outed herself to Stefan. Liz's compulsion will follow, so that's included along with Katherine's compulsion on Stefan. Yes, Elena sees the full scope of things through Liz and Caroline. "I can't take this. Kill me now." Liz hates Caroline so much that she begs Damon to kill her. "Relax guys. No one is killing anybody." lol…

Jeremy: Why didn't you give it to him? Tyler: Because he wants it. I'm a dick that way. It's important to him for some reason but I don't trust the guy so I'm not just gonna hand it to him.

Tyler talks to Jeremy about this moonstone. I'm pointing out this part of their conversation because Tyler and Damon have a great deal in common. That's why Damon wanted the Gilbert device. He wanted it because John wanted it and he couldn't trust him. Sarah is the kind of girl I wouldn't party with. Tyler and Jeremy almost lose their shit because she falls down the stairs and plays dead. Some girls are cool to hang out with, but they get too stupid when they're drinking.

Damon is so sweet to Liz. The cellar may not be the Ritz, but she's getting star treatment. He's as particular about his sheets as he is about his clothes. "You have no idea how wrong you are about that." Two birds with one statement. What's beautiful about these scenes is that they're written opposite the carnival. Damon basically admits he was wrong for saying what he did when he tried to kill Caroline. A moment of technicality on Damon's part. Even though she is already dead, she's not gone. Damon is more than honest about vampirism, and he makes sure people know it. Now he regrets it with Caroline. It's kinda like his comment to Jeremy in Denver. Jeremy calls Rose a dead vampire, and Damon tells him that's redundant because vampires are dead lol.

"He can hear us wherever we are because he drinks this." Just so you undertand where I'm going with this... Damon can hear Stelena argue because he's on human blood, but Stefan can't hear Delena talk because he's on the animal diet. It's because of this, Damon is left with another secret to hold onto. It's because Stefan can't hear Damon and Elena that he's blind to the truth of her feeding him.

"Hey, Stefan didn't drink the people blood, if you were curious. But he needs to, and deep down you know that." I'm just gonna say it right now... everything you saw of Stefan feeding in season 1 matters in season 2 lol. As romantic as Stefan might think this moment is, she's basically feeding him because Damon just told her to. Imagine Damon telling Elena to feed Stefan her blood to survive Frederick. That's basically what I'm telling you, but you have to view it scene for scene as compared to the first season. That's why they argue at the fridge that Stefan still has stocked full of blood bags. And yes, they do repeat the Miss Mystic pageant. That's why Elena ends up at the stairwell in 2x8.

So yes, picture Damon telling Elena to feed Stefan as she did here. And yes, Damon knows that in order for Stefan to maintain, Elena will have to feed him. He can't moderate his blood intake drinking from blood bags, and they both know it. Elena is pissed, but she has to accept this truth.

Fans aren't gonna like what I'm about to say, but... this is every reason why Damon and Elena end up together. Damon doesn't need to sink his teeth into Elena to drain her, and people are consumed in different ways. Damon is pushing Elena darker just by pushing her into that room to feed Stefan. He's basically bleeding Elena of her humanity, slowly and gradually until she becomes a vampire. He is her death and her life, the problem and the solution. She argues with Stefan but listens to Damon because they have that connection. They simply build from friendship to romance. And yes, they've always been like this. He persuaded her to Atlanta, persuaded her to bait Noah, persuaded her into the tomb with him... because they have that connection. Their trust and understanding is at such a level that not even Stefan can understand it. Damon is simply able to get through to her in ways that Stefan can't.

I love this conversation Elena has with Caroline. She can't even go home, that's how scared she is of Katherine. Mason tries to contact Liz, but gets her voicemail. He's gonna find out soon enough. Tyler walks in to give him the moonstone because in order to let go of it, he has to let go of all of it. He's done letting it consume him. "I heard." This is Damon's way of telling Elena that he heard because he's on human blood. He wants her to know that he overheard her argument with Stefan.

It's important to know that Stefan's diet isn't the only important part of their argument where Damon is concerned. "Katherine took a little vervain every day and built up a tolerance to it. I could do the same with blood." Damon overheard this and started building his tolerance to vervain. That's why Jules' friend has a hard time dropping him. He got hit with vervain by Stefan in 1x4, hit with vervain by John in 1x22, and just got hit with vervain by Liz. He's done getting hit, put it that way.

So you get this loop back to 2x1. "It's you and me, Stefan. Always." Suppose I should point this out now. Damon and Elena are written in 2x1 and 3x1. Stefan and Elena are written in 2x5 and 3x5. Stefan stops being her always when he rips into her. That's why "always" comes into this scene when she feeds him. Elena's love for Damon is written opposite her hate, so she falls for Damon on her birthday.

Mason has no idea he's giving Katherine the werewolf sacrifice and the moonstone for Klaus' ritual. Something he won't realize until he watches from the other side. "What was that stunt today that you pulled with Damon and Stefan Salvatore? I told you to stay away from them." Katherine knows everything, and she's not happy about it.

The open and close of an episode. They hold off on Katherine until the end, until they're ready to reveal her connection to Mason.

I think it's funny, some of their full circle stuff in this episode. How is Stefan gonna vervain Damon and try to desiccate him for 50 years when the sheriff wants to kill them both lol

#Bite Me

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starynightcreator · 11 months ago

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It's Not All Bad

Chapters: 6-8

Characters included: Eddie Munson, Nancy Wheeler, and Steve Harington

Word Count: 4,352

No use of Y/N

18+! May be triggering to some!

Contains: Fluff, Angst, Kissing, Shy/ Anxious Reader, Sweet/Protective Eddie, Jealousy, Cursing, Alcohol use, Yelling, Heartbreak, Betrayal, & Friends To Lovers.

Summary: After a betrayal from your best friend and boyfriend, you find comfort in the arms of eddie.

Please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. This is my first story and I'm a little nervous.

!Must give credit when re-sharing/ sharing. Don't take credit please and thank you!

PART SIX:

As you hear them rambling in the background you just keep looking forward and walk out.

You know they are just trying to earn your forgiveness to feel better about themselves and that hurts more in some ways. You’ve done so much for them and you’ve given them your heart, support, trust and more just for them to do this. You couldn’t breath, you couldn’t think, you just couldn’t. You had to do everything you could not to look back or you’d cry more. But where was Edds? Eddie couldn’t do much not right now at least he wanted to go make sure to be there for you but not without saying something first. “You both had this coming and you both are awful people. That feeling you feel right now I hope everytime you kiss you feel that way and ask was this worth losing someone so important.” Steve tried to reason with Eddie but Eddie wasn’t stupid. “Come on Eddie you know I make her happy-” “Save it man because guess what you don’t. But I will give you both some advice. Stay away from my Star. Don’t ever bother her with your bullshit again.” What Eddie didn’t know was that you had come back. You didn’t want to but you did and you did to get him even if you had to see Steve and Nancy. But when you got to the door you heard a commotion so you looked through the window. You always loved how he cared for you and it’s not anything new to you but as soon as he said “My Star” time seemed to stop until you felt cold rings grab one of your hands. “Let’s go home Star.” And with no hesitation “Okay Edds.” You finally get home and ask Eddie to wait in the living room. You were so quick Eddie didn’t even get the chance to sit. You finally return to the living room and you were no longer in that dress or any of the things you had on before you had switched into a T-shirt, shorts, and you had pulled your hair up. Normally you’d not do that till the guest left but you were sad and you felt comfortable around Eddie even if he decided to laugh you were okay with that. You finally looked at him and caught that he had already been looking at you but so warmly. So you decide to tease him a little. “Edds?”“Hmm?”“What are you looking at hmm?”“Umm nothing.” You then start walking in his direction “Oh didn’t know I was nothing.” Eddie’s face just starts to burn red “Hey wait Star you ar-” You then walk past him and sit on the sofa “No it’s okay I get it Edd’s.” “Stop that.”“Stop what?”“Teasing…” “Ha, you're cute. But…NO” “Ugh.” You then held up your phone then shook it as a way to change the subject. “Music?”“Star?”“Yes?”“Are you ok?” You play the music anyways before answering “Edds honestly no i’m not. This past month they have been treating me like trash making me feel like I did something wrong. Every Time you tried to cheer me up Steve got mad and fought with you and knocked me back down. Then Nancy would either just stand there or make things worse by adding fuel to the fire as if she enjoyed the fighting. And then tonight I just wanted to forget about them completely and enjoy myself and I was until that. I hate parties and this is just another reason to hate them honestly. Then I made a fool of myself ugh. Why couldn’t they just be honest. Like why couldn’t Steve be like look I'm sorry I still care about you but Nancy and I seem to still have strong feelings for each other and we’d hate to hurt you. But noooo they did the whole sneaking around thing.”“They never deserved someone like you in their lives and karma will kick them in the ass so hard they won't be able to sit for years. I’m sorry they did this to you, they are awful people. Wait, if you hate parties then why’d you invite me to this one?”

#eddie munson #steve harrington #stranger things #nancy wheeler #eddie munson angst #eddie munson fluff #eddie munson x reader #eddie x reader #angst #fluff #friends to lovers

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elexuscal · 2 years ago

Note

Protective prompt: “He(/she/they) said what to you?!” Murderbot & Pin-Lee. Who’s being protective? Up to you!

When movement triggered outside the door to Pin-Lee's apartment at 3am, local time, a full five days before she was due to return from a planet-side trip, I assumed the worse: i.e. GrayCris or other potentially hostile agent attempting a break-in.

0.2 seconds later-- long enough for me to be on my feet and formulating a response plan-- I registered the figure I was seeing as Pin-Lee herself, and settled back down.

Unexpected, but preferable.

Stil, once she was inside, I asked a message to confirm if she was okay. Pin-Lee waited a worrying long period of time (over five minutes), to respond with a curt 'fine'.

That rung my bullshit meter, but it wasn't any of my business, and also I didn't care. So I wasn't going to ask about it.

And I didn't ask her the next cycle, either, even when she gave my drone this really weird look.

And no. I didn't even ask her three cycles after that, when she ran into me unexpectedly within the halls of the Preservation Alliance government building, and she visibly flinched.

Flinching was fine. I could handle flinching. Flinching was just a thing people did, around SecUnits.

I wasn't going to say anything about it, and I didn't expect her to either.

Three hours later, she sent me a message: [I noticed you turned your drone off.]

I hadn't turned it off. It was in low-power mode. It would fully activate if/when certain key phrases/sounds were detected.

I didn't say anything about that.

Pin-Lee said, [I'm getting the sense I better apologise.]

[For what?] I said, before I could stop myself.

[For flinching like that, when I saw you in the hallway earlier,] she said, and then there was a 7 second pause before her next message. [It's not because I'm scared of you, or anything. I promise.]

[No one said you were.]

My drone was in hibernation, so I couldn't tell if she sighed or not. [I'm just in a weird head-space right now and you surprised me. I flinched and fucked up. Sorry.]

[Okay,] I said.

There was a long enough pause that I thought this conversation was over, and I had gotten back into my book. Then Pin-Lee said, [I got into a fight with my parents.]

[A fight?]

[Well, they called it an 'intervention'.]

[An intervention for what?]

[They said I was bot-drunk.]

They said what? [They said WHAT to you?]

[You heard me.] Pin-Lee stood up and started pacing around her office, which I could see, because I'd turned her drone back on.

Bot-Drunk was a Preservation-specific bit of slang, but most CR languages and cultures had their own equivilents, ranging from 'whales' to 'silicon sluts'. (Gross.) It referred to anyone who got sucked into an obsession with a chat bot, ComfortUnit, or other artificially-constructed personality, coming to view it-- and the supposed relationship attached to it-- as real.

[Wow.]

"They said," Pin-Lee ground out, "that I was working too hard. That I needed a break. Which, okay, fair, maybe I was! But that was why I came down to visit them, like they asked! And then they wait until I'm settled in, and all my childhood friends are there, to say hi, or so I assume. But then I come home one day and they're all gathered in the living room and…" She spluttered in a sort of wordless rage, which man, I kind of wish I could pull off. It looked cathartic.

"And THEN they sit me all down, and they remind me of the AI boyfriend I had when I was twelve, TWELVE. And they say that I'm falling into old traps again. And that they know that 'chat programs can be very convincing', but that 'a layer of fake skin might make you seem more realistic, you still need to keep some perspective on what really matters'…"

[My skin is fake? Could of fooled me.]

"Your emotions, too, apparently," she said, bitterly.

"Huh. Guess I can stop feeling so fucked up about them, then."

She laughed. Then she stopped, abruptly. "I'm sorry. I'm making this all about me."

I shrugged, remembered she couldn't see me, and said, [It's okay.]

"It's not. It's fucked up. It's fucked up that they'd treat you that way, that they'd talk like that to my face."

It was fucked up. But they weren't my family, so I didn't really care.

Except for the way they had very clearly fucked Pin-Lee up, I did. She didn't just look mad; I had seen Pin-Lee mad. Pin-Lee wore anger like armour, or a cape. It made her look distinguished and powerful.

This made her look… bad. It made her skin look blotchy and her eyes look red and her body look shaky.

Okay, yeah. Now I was pissed, actually.

[Want me to go down there? Then they can for themselves just how made-up I am.]

She laughed. It was a long, ugly, bitter laugh. "Don't tempt me, SecUnit. Do not fucking tempt me."

#murderbot diaries #flash fiction #fanfic

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phantompoguefangirl · 1 year ago

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WRAPPED AROUND YOUR FINGER

CHAPTER FIVE: FINDING OUT

I admit I'm a bit of a fool for playing by the rules. But I've found my sweet escape when I'm alone with you -Disconnected by 5 Seconds Of Summer

A/N: I messed up Mikey's hair color timeline so I picked a random color for this chapter. Also I own none of these songs or the movie mentioned. Just using them for the fanfic. And because it's fanfic we're gonna pretend this song is by Mia and not Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. Also TRIGGER WARNING:MORE ABUSE MENTIONED

*Flashback*

MIA P.O.V.

Michael and I seemed to just click from the moment we met and in the span of a few shorts weeks we became the best of friends. When I was with him or even thought about him, I felt a sense of joy and warmth that I had never felt before in my life.

When we started spending time at his house with Ashton, Calum and Luke the joy and warmth intensified. They were simultaneously the goofiest and sweetest boys in the world. Ashton and I clicked almost as much as Michael and I did and sometimes if Michael was busy or Calum and Luke had wrangled him into a fifa tournament I hung out with Ash. I found out Luke secretly loved shopping so sometimes if I was able to go, I'd text Luke and ask him to go with me. This became our thing very quickly. Calum and I mostly played videogames or watched movies together. All in all, it wasn't long before the band house, and the boys themselves, began to feel like home to me.

Of course, I only hung out with them when Jesse was at work or out with his buddies and made sure to always be home before he got home. He didn't really allow me to have friends unless they were also his friends so I had to hide it from him. I hated sneaking around because I did love Jesse and I was terrified of him finding out but I savored those few hours away from everything.

He almost figured it out when my song was released. It kind of sounded like it was about falling for someone but it was really just about Michael pulling me in and making me want to get to know him better as a person. However, I'd accidentally mentioned his green eyes and stuff like that and that was what set Jesse off. We were at home when the song was released and he hadn't heard it till then because he was always too busy. Myself and the studio execs told him it was a really good song and he said to release it as soon as possible. But when he heard it, he lost his shit and started beating the crap out of me, demanding to know who it was about and why I was cheating on him. I ended up having to play it off like the song was about Jesse and how I felt when we first met, which was believable because his eyes were hazel like mine but looked more green a lot of the time. He accepted that after a bit but he stormed out saying he needed a drink and he might be back late or maybe in the morning.

I tried to hold it together but failed as I called Michael as soon as I knew Jesse was gone.

"Hey! I just listened to your song and-" Michael started babbling excitedly, answering on the first ring.

"Michael can I come over? I don't want to be alone right now," I managed to choke out through my sobs.

He turned serious immediately. "Mia, are you okay? What happened?"

I couldn't tell him what really happened so I went with a loose version of the truth.

"No, I'm not okay. Jesse and I got into a f-fight and it was bad," I explained, sniffling as I spoke."He stormed out, probably to go to a bar and get drunk."

I heard him mumble something under his breath that sounded angry but a seconf later he spoke in a soft voice. "Do you want me to come get you or do you want to meet in our usual place?"

"Um, can you actually come get me this time? I just really wanna see you," I said. It wasn't a lie, I did desperately want to see him. But I also was feeling very weak and sore and I didn't think I would be able to walk to our place in this state.

"Text me your address. I'll be right there." He said as I heard his car starting in the background.

"Thank you," I said.

"Of course. Any time," He said before hanging up.

I texted him my address, then slowly got up and made my way to the bathroom. I looked at myself in the mirror. I was in a tank top and my usual skinny jeans and I was covered in bruises. Mostly only in places that clothes covered, like my arms, wrists, legs, stomach, back, etc. He was careful about that. Though sometimes he hit me in the face and he had to get me special makeup to cover it so nobody noticed because of course we can't stain his image or reputation. Today was one of those days, so I got out the special make up and applied it to my face. I'd long since learned how to make it look like a basic foundation, eyeliner and mascara look so nobody suspected. Once I was done with that, I threw on an extra large Rolling Stones pullover sweatshirt. It was Jesse's and he was tall and very broad so it was huge on me and covered everything nicely. I put on my converse, grabbed my phone, keys and bag, and waited for Michael to arrive.

He got there in record time and I winced as I pushed through the pain to hurry out to his car. His hair was now a couple different shades of purple and he wore his usual band tee and black jeans with a denim jacket. He looked perfect as always.

"Hey," He greeted me with a gentle hug. I leaned into his chest and let out a shaky sigh. "Do you want to talk about it?"

I just shook my head against him, holding onto his jacket for dear life.

"That's okay. You don't have to," He said, rubbing my back. "Why don't we just go back to my house and watch a movie?"

I nodded and he let go of me so he could drive. He turned on the radio and A Daydream Away by All Time Low began playing. I quietly sang along as I leaned on his shoulder while he drove home.

MICHAEL P.O.V

I had been antsy all day waiting for Mia's song to drop so I could hear it and once I finally got to, I was speechless with emotions.

"All I knew

This morning when I woke

Is I know something now, know something now I didn't before

And all I've seen

Since eighteen hours ago

Is green eyes and freckles and your smile

In the back of my mind making me feel like

I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now

I just wanna know you, know you, know you

'Cause all I know is we said hello

And your eyes look like coming home

All I know is a simple name

And everything has changed

All I know is, you held the door

You'll be mine and I'll be yours

All I know since yesterday, yeah

Is everything has changed"

Mia's beautiful voice rang out from my speakers and I sat there in disbelief as I continued to listen.

"And all my walls

Stood tall painted blue

But I'll take 'em down, take 'em down and open up the door for you

And all I feel

In my stomach, is butterflies

The beautiful kind, making up for lost time

Taking flight, making me feel like

I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now

I just wanna know you, know you, know you

'Cause all I know is we said hello

And your eyes look like coming home

All I know is a simple name

And everything has changed

All I know is you held the door

And you'll be mine and I'll be yours

All I know since yesterday, yeah

Is everything has changed

Come back and tell me why

I'm feelin' like I've missed you all this time

(Uh-uh-uh)

And meet me there tonight

And let me know that it's not all in my mind

I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now

I just wanna know you, know you, know you

All I know is we said hello

Your eyes look like coming home

All I know is a simple name

And everything has changed

All I know is you held the door

You'll be mine and I'll be yours

All I know since yesterday, yeah

Is everything has changed

All I know is we said hello

So dust off your highest hopes

All I know is pouring rain

And everything has changed

All I know is a new found grace

All my days, I'll know your face

All I know since yesterday, yeah

Is everything has changed"

Mia wrote that about me? She'd told me I inspired this song but I had no idea how much till now. She probably didn't know this, but honestly every word was exactly how I felt from the second I met her too. I was smiling like an idiot and I couldn't stop. I yelled at the guys to come listen and they adored the song as much as I did.

"Look at your face!" Calum suddenly said, pointing at me."I reckon our little Mikey is in LOVE!"

I must have still been grinning, even though the music stopped playing.

"Ooohhh really?" Luke and Ash said together in a teasing tone.

"Very funny Cal," I said rolling my eyes. "She has a boyfriend, remember?"

"That doesn't mean you're not in love with her." He said, smirking.

"Yeah but I'm not, so why don't you do me favor and fuck off." I said the last part sarcastically, flipping him off.

"Yeah you keep telling yourself that, mate," Calum chuckled as he walked out of my room. Ash and Luke laughed as they followed him.

I rolled my eyes again as I turned back to my computer. I saved the song to my computer and my phone. I was about to call Mia but her ringtone, which was Don't Stop Believing by Journey(one of her favorite songs), started blaring from my phone before I could.

Her broken voice on the other end of the phone told me that something really bad had happened and I wanted to kick Jesse's ass for making her cry. I pushed my feelings aside and I was in my car before I even asked if she wanted me to pick her up or meet.

When I got to Mia's house, I was surprised to see that it was a fancy mansion near Sunset Boulevard. She wasn't famous enough to afford that quite yet, though I knew she would be soon. Her boyfriend must be rich or something. She ran out to my car and I could see the pain in her eyes so I just hugged her for a moment. She didn't want to talk about it so I just took her to my house.

She looked tired so I carried her inside to the movie room. She mumbled something about loving my hair which made me chuckle. I'd forgotten I dyed it again last night, but I was glad she liked it. I set her down on the reclining couch and told her I'd be right back. I ran up to my room, discarded my jacket, grabbed pillows and blankets and brought them to the movie room. I set everything up and put on The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride, which is one of her favorite disney movies. I snuggled with her and wrapped my black comforter around us. She rested her head on my chest and I brushed my fingers through her hair while we watched the movie. We both started dozing off around 3/4 of the way through the movie when Kiara and Kovu were having their moment while Love Will Find A Way started playing.

I was abruptly awoken by Mia jumping up from the couch and groaning in pain as her foot got caught in the blankets and she fell to the floor.

"Mia?! Are you okay?" I exclaimed as I went to help her up.

"I'm fine. It's just late and I have to-" But I was not paying attention to her words because standing up shifted her oversized sweatshirt off of her shoulder and revealed a dark purple and blue hand print shaped bruise on her shoulder/upper arm.

"Oh my god, your shoulder," I said as I grabbed her wrist to bring her in for a closer look but she made a pained sound so I quickly loosened my grip. Confused, I pushed her sleeve up and found more bruises on her wrist and arm.

"What the fuck is-" I started to say, but she yanked her hand away and pulled her sleeve down.

"It's nothing," she said, moving the top part of her sweatshirt back into place as well.

"That's not nothing. Did Jesse do this to you?" I asked, worriedly.

"I-um...just...don't worry about it, Michael. It's none of your business," she insisted, backing toward the door.

"None of my-...Mia, you're my best friend and I care about you. Of course it's my business!" I exclaimed as I looked at her with wide eyes.

"Well, I don't want to talk about it. I have to go before he gets home," She said, turning to open the door.

"No wait!" I said, bringing her back to face me. I noticed a very faint darkness around her eye under her makeup that could pass as sleep deprivation but I knew better. Motherfucker had given her a black eye. I was torn between rage and and worry. But I purposely kept my voice calm for her. "Don't go back there. Just stay here and we'll keep you safe. You know we will."

"Michael, stop. You don't understand." She said, pulling away from me and looking down. The broken voice had returned and I could see tears dropping onto her sleeves.

I lifted her face so I could look into her eyes. "So help me to understand."

She gazed up at me for a moment and her eyes flooded over as she spoke.

"It's not just about my safety. Jesse's a big executive in the music world and holds all my contracts. He controls my career. He controls my money. He controls EVERYTHING. He could probably even ruin your career if he finds out about you and I won't let that happen. I have to go back to him or I'll lose everything and you could too."

I stood there in shock for a minute, absorbing this information. That explained the mansion and her eyes darting around and the rushing to leave and everything. Her boyfriend was an absolute piece of shit who used his power to control and abuse her.

I pulled her into my arms and held her close. "Hey, shhh, it's gonna be okay. We'll figure it out."

I doubted this asshole could do anything to my career or the band. We got lucky and had a pretty powerful management and legal team. Actually, maybe they could help with this situation.

"Hold on, I have an idea," I said, explaining it to her and then taking her with me to find the boys. Turned out they were in the downstairs studio messing around with their instruments. Feldy was there too.

I had Mia sit with the guys while I talked to Feldy alone. He agreed to help and got on the phone immediately. It was actually not as late as we thought so he was able to contact the appropriate people fairly easily. When he was done we went back to the others and I let Mia know that the plan would work.

"What plan? What's going on?" Ashton asked.

"It's up to you if you want to tell them or not," I told Mia.

She debated for a moment before standing up and removing her sweatshirt. She wore a basic grey tank top underneath and her arms, chest and back were all discolored by different levels of bruises. There were yellowing ones under the fresh purple ones. she lifted her tank top a little to reveal more layers of violet, blue, green and yellow on her stomach.

"OH MY GOD WHAT HAPPENED? WHO DID THIS TO YOU?!" Ashton shouted, running over to her.

Calum and Luke flipped out too and started badgering her with questions.

Feldy remained calm but I could tell he was trying very hard to hold it together.

I just gaped at her in horror. It was painful to see her like this, like I felt each blow along with her. I worked to control my emotions while she explained everything to them. I helped her put her sweatshirt back on while I told them my idea and the boys were obviously on board.

We sat there planning for a long time, all the while reassuring Mia that everything would be okay...

@jetblackbritt13

#5sos #michael clifford #5 seconds of summer #michael 5sos #calum hood #luke hemmings #ashton irwin #michael clifford x reader #michael clifford fanfic #michael clifford hq #5 seconds of summer fanfiction

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observeowl · 1 year ago

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Right By Your Side | Chapter 2 - I'll See You Later

Summary: In the world where wearing glasses makes you a different person. You were forced to swallow a pill that turned you into seven years old. Now, you're living with your crush in a small form, what would you do? Who were the ones who brought this to you? And, can you change back?

Chapter summary: Separating from Natasha to investigate a suspicious activity, you found yourself in a precarious situation

Series Masterlist

I was slightly scared about the roller coaster, but nothing I couldn't take, it's just like jumping off a building right? The intense beating of my heart was increasing as the roller coaster slowly crept its way to the peak before dropping us down.

I looked at Nat as I felt her hands on mine. My mind momentarily forgets that we were on a roller coaster but the next moment the roller coaster dived and I squeezed her hands by reflex.

"I would think you are okay with roller coasters when you're the one who brought me here." Natasha said as she helped me out of the seat.

"I am! I'm fine! I just lost some strength." I said as I tripped on my own foot, disproving my point there.

"Right... some strength." Nat reached out her hand and I took it, pulling me up to my feet. I dusted myself off before finding another ride to join the queue.

I didn't buy the fast pass because I wanted to spend time talking with her. There isn't always a chance to be speaking to her without any distraction, excuses that she has work to do, mission or other agent needing her help. She's just too popular, everyone wants a piece of her.

We continued on for a couple more rides until it was dark. It was just unfortunate that the first ride we took knocked it out of me because I was fine the rest of the day.

"We should probably head out, the theme park is closing." Natasha suggested after getting out from the last ride.

"Yeah okay, I'm starving." The sun had already gone down and there were only a handful of people walking around or headed towards the exit. I pressed my lips together trying to suppress a smile on my face. I had actually managed to spend time with Nat without any disturbance.

"Should we head back to the compound first?" Nat asked as she took out the keys to her car. However, I was looking at something else that caught my attention. "Hey Y/N, what are you looking at?" She looked at the direction I was facing but found nothing.

"Huh? Nothing much. Why don't you head back to the compound first? I'll see you later!" I ran off without giving her a chance to stop me. Well, she was on the other side of her car.

"Hey! How are you going to get back?" I heard her shout.

"Don't worry, I can manage!" I replied. Waving my hand at Nat and running across the road.

What I saw was someone dragging a man into an alley. I couldn't tell if they were friends or in trouble. It could be big, it could be small but I didn't want to make a fool out of myself when it turns out to be nothing.

My hands went to my back where my gun would be placed, except it wasn't there. I remembered taking it before coming because we were supposed to be spending a relaxing time and they wouldn't allow loose items on rides.

"Shit." I mumbled under my breath. I should have taken a gun from Nat's car.

I crept quietly, making sure not to step on pieces of glass and rubbish on the floor. I tried to find traces of the duo, which wasn't hard as it was the only sound coming from the alley. I rounded the corner to see a tall long silver hair man pulling out a gun from his jacket and pulling the trigger on the defenseless man. Blood splattered out and before I could react, I was knocked out from the back of my head.

My eyes threatened to close as I laid on the floor. I didn't see his partner sneaking up behind me.

"Gin, what are we supposed to do? She saw us!" The guy was slightly shorter than the silver haired man said.

"Vodka, relax. The organisation just gave us a new drug, this is the perfect time to test them." He calmly took out a silver container from his pocket to reveal a red and white pill. "This is supposed to kill him and the autopsy result won't show anything."

He turned me around so I was facing him. I tried to resist but my limbs have no strength. I could only watch as they placed the pill in my mouth before pouring water and closing my mouth shut, forcing me to swallow the pill.

"Let's go, they should be found in the morning." Gin ordered Vodka to get away.

Second POV Natasha had been waiting in the compound for hours but you were still not back. While having dinner with the team, her mind was elsewhere. It was not like you to not report where you were if you were running late. She was getting more worried as the time passed, no longer having the appetite to eat as she pushed the food around.

"I'm sure she's okay Nat." Steve spoke up, not liking to see his friend feeling down.

"I can't sit here and do nothing. I'm going to find her." Nat stood up and took her jacket before running off.

While driving, she tried to call your phone but you weren't answering. The first place she went was where you left her. She went in the direction she saw you running, going into the alley, making left and right turns before stumbling upon the dead body.

Immediately she rushed towards the corpse and saw the state of it, a bullet hole straight through the middle of the head. Initially, Nat thought it was because you killed a man so you went into hiding, but she clearly remembered seeing you keep your gun in your room.

She called the cops anonymously before going back to find clues about you again. She was almost certain the crime scene was what caused you to disappear. She searched high and low in the vicinity for any clues before the police arrived but she was unable to find anything other than your phone on the ground. She decided to take it with her because she didn't want you to be one of the suspects. But without your phone it would be harder to track you.

Feeling like she hit a dead end, she tried to find your friend. No one else knows about him other than Natasha. Just like how only you knew about Natasha's sister, Yelena.

She went back to her car and made her way to your friend's house. You didn't have many friends because you were busy with your work and it's hard to decipher one's intention of making friends when you're Avenger. You never know if they were taking advantage of you or planning to hurt you.

He however, has been by your side for as long as you can remember. He was your father's friend.

Series Masterlist

#natasha x reader #natasha x you #natasha romanoff #black widow 2021 #mcu #Right By Your Side #my writing

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lovegodmurderexplosiondynamite · 5 months ago

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Hi!! I wrote this for a writing contest. I am posting it here to see if anyone would read it.

prompt's:

"it's not true that I had nothing on. I had the radio on."

And photo #2 from all the photo options.

Oh yes, also, trigger warnings!

death, harsh(ish?) words, just things like that. So be warned.

enjoy my story!

'Cause it's true love,

High school sweetheart,

She's an angel from above,

She's a shooting star,

It's true,

Here's to the prom queen."

"Has anyone ever told you, miss Layla, that you're eyes look just like the sun?"

"no? What a mighty shame. Its the truth. From now on, you're the sun in my life. If you'll agree, of course."

Meeting.

Me and her were friends from a young age. Actually, I think I was one of her first.

At least I think so. I'd be honored if she did too.

Layla bentonite.

she was just as beautiful as the sun, and just as warm as it too. You could look into her eyes, and see the sparks of it itself shine brightly, just like flames. You could almost feel it radiate off of her.

Ever since the day I had met her, I truly admired her. Her outspoken personality, her smile, her laugh, everything about her seemed to charm me.

We met one day, due to our fathers knowing each other from work. Our lives clearly weren't easy, and yet as I laid my eyes upon someone so perfect and just absolutely graceful, I couldn't deny, my life grew some sort of purpose.

I felt some sort of spark flow through my body. It's something that went right to my soul.

it filled my lungs with a burning fire, and it absolutely left me speechless. It's like I couldn't even say a word, nothing would ever be good enough for the girl before me, and somehow fate fell in my favor that day.

"Well, you must be the bakers son, am I correct? My name is Layla, Layla bentonite. It's a mighty fine pleasure to meet you." She had said, smiling at me all worth the while, lifting the hem of her dress just slightly, going into a curtsy bow before me.

It intrigued me, yes. But at the same time, I couldn't help but feel at a loss for words. She was so polite, and absolutely gorgeous. How could someone like that bow for someone like me?

I mean, my father worked for hers, so she was above me. Why was she being so polite to a person below her? It was like I couldn't breathe, and yet at the same time I felt myself boggling together words for her.

"Ah— yes. It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Bentonite. My name is alastor baker. But no need for formalities, especially coming from you." I tell her, holding out my hand, reaching for her own to help her steady herself.

She takes it.

I pull her up, making sure not to hurt her, as it would be far too much for me if I ever did.

"Oh, again, same with me. No need for formalities. Just call me Layla, and I'll call you alastor." She says as she gently squeezes my hand just a bit. It sends a sweet shiver down my spine. How could someone be so kind?

As I watch her take her hand back, I can't help but look into her eyes, they look beautiful. They are golden yellow, and I can't differ if they remind me of hay, or the sun. But, as the light shines over her, I can definitely tell now.

"Has anyone ever told you, miss Layla, that you're eyes look just like the sun?" I can't help myself, my words flow through my mouth just like a fool. It's a little childish, isn't it? I feel like I'm in my younger years again, even if I'm only sixteen.

"Ah— do you really think so, alastor? Your words are highly appreciated. I must say myself, you have a wondrous mind. But alas, even so, you are the first to say. Feel honored, especially since I like the compliment so much." I watch as she raises her hand to her mouth, covering it just slightly as she laughs a bit. God, I'll never get tired of hearing it. Seeing her with so much joy on her face. She truly is wonderful.

"no? What a mighty shame. Its the truth. From now on, you're the sun in my life. If you'll agree, of course." I can't help but say, mostly lost in a trance as I study the features of her face, just delighted I had even made her smile.

"Oh? Well sure. Of course. I'd be just delighted to be you're sun. As long as you will be my moon."

I'd be anything, just for her. My Layla bentonite.

Midnight swim?

"Layla? What are you doing here?" I say, a little dazed since it was so late at night. I was coming to my usual spot, my mind had been racing earlier today. I just needed some time to myself.

And yet I had found Layla here?

"What are you doing at the pond? Isn't it too late for a girl like yourself to be out. Do you're parents know?" I ask her, bending down to the edge of the pond, facing her.

I won't deny it, she looked beautiful though. Even if I had worries at this time, she looked gorgeous. The moonlight was shining on her face as she turned to face me. I must have caught her off guard due to her expression. I mean, it was the middle of the night of course. And she was the only one in the pond. Of course I had shocked her.

"Ah— alastor? What are you doing here though?" She says, swimming over to the edge of the pond to look up at me. But, she was clearly avoiding all of my questioning, and I wasn't going to let it go so easily.

Call me stubborn, but I worry for her safety. I'm a fool, I suppose.

Her fool.

"Ms. Layla, please just tell me what you're doing here. My concern is much more then my curiosity at the moment. So, tell me." I say, not wanting to let this go. I didn't want to seem like such a burden to her, and yet I wanted her to reply to my comments earlier. And yet, my mind wouldn't stop the haze surrounding it, focusing on her beauty. Her smile. Her eyes.

"What did I tell you, drop the formalities. Just because my father is a prune, it doesn't mean you have to obey him when not in his presence. But alas, I can't say no to you, darling alastor." She laughs at her own comment. She would always love to tease me with her words, and I could never seem to tell her how much it had actually meant to me.

"My dear alastor, don't focus too much on such worries. Sure, my parents do not know I am here as I speak, but you shall not worry. A daring prince has come to my rescue. He shall protect me till I'm home. And do you know who that is, my dear?" I watch her speak those words. A mischievous grin spreads across her face. One in which I am not too pleased to see. I can already tell she's plotted something.

"And who is this prince, Layla? He must be quite a charmer, and strong of some sorts if you have put all you're faith into one man." I roll my eyes at her words. It was clear that she was being sarcastic, and yet I wish she wasn't at the same time.

I wanted to be that man for her. Someone she could lean onto, and put her strength into my hands. Ones that loved her so dearly, and would hold her with such care.

And yet I'm just a mere' boy. I'm not a man yet. I'm not ready for her love. I'm clearly foolish, and lost on daydreams. But it gets so hard to not see them as I look into her eyes.

"Well, it should be obvious, of course. But I must think, not everyone is as quick as me, don't you think dear?" Before I could even retort her shameless remark, I felt a hand touch my arm. It had surprised me quite much.

And then, all I felt was the cold water soak into my clothes, and surround my body. I was completely under water.

And yet her touch had grounded me. She was still holding onto my arm, it was firm and yet there was so much ease and love into it. It surely took me for a surprise though.

It got even worse when she looked at me, and for a second I could have sworn, she had the look of love on her face. It felt like my body had completely froze as I looked into her eyes, watching her smile.

She had brought her hand up to my face, and pressed it against my cheek so gently, tenderly, just setting it there before her thumb had begun to run across it. And boy, it sent my daydreams for a rush. I would never, not remember this memory. The touch of her hand, it sent a warmth throughout my body, even as we were surrounded by the cold waters of the night.

But just as I had felt her touch, it felt like mere' seconds, she had retrieved her hand, and grabbed mine, pulling us to the surface of the water. We both gasp for air as we make it up.

I'm not sure how long we had been under for, but the amount of air I was forcing into my lungs clearly said something. The air filling my lungs, it was like a burning sensation. And even then, as I felt her hand squeeze mine underneath the water, it burned there too. The squeeze so gentle, and yet it had reassured every single bone in my body.

"S-so— you wont.. berate me for ruining you're clothes, will you, my dear alastor?" She had said, gasping for air herself. Of course she was joking, and yet it seemed like there was a hint of worry scampering across the glint in her eyes. Did she truly feel bad for what she had done?

"Layla.. no, I shall not. I suppose I'm a fool, even as my clothes are wet, I can not feel anything other then pure joy.. if it's you're hand against mine, or the fact you are soaked too, I don't not know which one." I say, laughing just a little bit. This truly did seem like a perfect moment. I loved it so dearly. I'll probably cherish it, just like my dear Layla.

"Wow, someone is feeling emotional tonight, aren't they?" She says, pulling her hand away, and covering her mouth, just laughing.

I hated it when she would cover her face. I truly did wish to see her laugh. To see her pure enjoyment fully. I didn't want to be a crude, and yet I couldn't help myself. Gosh, aren't I selfish?

I grab her wrist, softly pulling it away from her mouth. She's clear taken back by what I had done, and so am I. But sometimes, it must be okay to be selfish, isn't it?

"I'm sorry.. I just, wanted to see you're smile. Excuse my selfishness. My dear Layla." I had said, pulling my hand away from her wrist. All I have to offer is a sheepish smile, I feel far too nervous, more than I'd like to admit.

"Oh—.. well, my dear alastor. Do not freight, I understand.. I guess, being selfish is good for you sometimes. You're a good boy, and you deserve it. Even if it's my mere' laugh, I suppose that's the least I could do for you." For a second, it looked like I could see a sort of blush form on her face, but I must be seeing things.

Someone with her grace could never like someone like me.

"Mm, thank you, Layla. Truly."

Happy birthday.

July 12th. It was my dear layla's birthday. She was turning 16 this year, so it truly was a special one, all of us thought so. She is such a sweet and kind girl, nobody would ever hesitate to make her day a special one, to show her how she had weaved her way into our hearts.

She especially did mine. It felt like our two hearts were intertwined. Day by day, they would beat for each other.

Or perhaps I was just a little foolish, and I was the only one beating.

Either way, today, I had to give Layla a good day. I had agonized over this for days, wondering what I should have gotten her.

I tried every book, every pastry, every single thing she had enjoyed. I always mentioned it to her, going, "My darling Layla. Your birthday is coming up, isn't it? What would you like to have?" And even with my remark, out playful little names for each other, I truly was serious behind it all. I wanted to make this day for her perfect.

"Ah, my dear alastor, please do not freight with such issues as those. For now, focus on matters of the heart, cause all I really want is truly you!" She had placed her forearm infront of her eyes, sighing even more then dramatically. She had always done this.

at this point, it felt like it was my turn to sigh.

"Layla— I'm being serious here!" I follow after her as she had walked away. My luck, she was being her so called funny self again. Running from issues I truly wanted to discuss!

welp. That's how I had got stuck, trying to figure out her birthday gift myself. What could I ever give her? Nothing will ever truly be good enough for her. She was beauty in a lost world, nothing could ever be enough for this girl, not by me seeing so.

But I shouldn't worry for now, I have to go and see Layla now anyways.

Layla's father always disliked me since me and his daughter were so close. I couldn't blame him though, a boy of my sorts should have never been able to hang around a girl like her. Her grace was truly admirable, and she was just adored for everything she did.

So, that's how I found myself sneaking out at dawn, grabbing the gift I had bought for Layla, and running down to the old diner we would hang out at after school.

It wasn't much, but this was the best I could do. I had also grabbed my allowance mother and father had given me. I had hoped this would be enough to cover everything.

I got to the diner earlier then Layla had, that was my plan. I had ordered something, to make it seem like I wasn't just going to sit there like a scoundrel. And that's when Layla came inside.

She looked absolutely beautiful. Her hair was neatly thrown back into a ponytail, and she wore this dashing yellow dress with a white sweater. She looked absolutely gorgeous.

But who was I kidding? She was always so beautiful, no doubt about it.

"Ah— there you are alastor! Sorry it took me so long, I had to make sure I didn't wake mother nor father before I left. Heaven forbid I would have, they would have been out of their minds!" She tells me, making her way to the booth I was sitting at. She sat down infront of me, and lord above, it took me all of my strength not to reach out and grasp her hand.

"Oh, no worries Layla. I get how Mr. Bentonite can be. And plus, Mrs. Bentonite is always so worrisome, yes such a kind lady. I would never want to worry her, bless her soul." We both let out a chuckle at that fact, it was true. But no matter how worrisome Mrs. Bentonite could be, I saw her like a second mother, I would never wish to worry her.

"Haha, I know!— especially father. That right there would be worrisome. But, now lets move on to lighter topics! What'd you get me alastor? Tell me, tell me!" She says, a glorious smile painting her face. She was so beautiful like this.

"Ah— you have to wait, Layla. You haven't even—" Before I could speak, a waitress had showed up to the table, setting down a plate in-front of Layla.

"Hm, I guess it's not a surprise anymore. But you haven't even had you're cake yet. I ordered you red velvet." I tell her, smiling, hopefully she knows how much I care. I had gotten her favorite afterall.

"Oh.. alastor, thank you so much, but you didn't have to do all this! I know— I know times are tough for your family. I dont want to be a burden—" I stop her right there.

"Layla, dear, you could never be a burden. You are always such a delight, I promise. I wanted to do something special for you're birthday, especially since you and Mr. and Mrs. Bentonite have done so much for my family. But even then, thats not why I'm doing this. I'm doing this because I appreciate you, Layla. You are absolutely stunning. The way you rant about books, I know about every author under the sun because of you. The way you are so polite and always reach out a loving hand. You deserve a good birthday, Layla. And I'm glad it's me who wishes you it first. Happy birthday, my darling Layla."

I tell her, before I grab something out of my pocket, and slide it infront of her. I had saved up all my money for this, so I truly hope she would love it.

I watched as she grasped it into her hands, being so careful and yet gentle as she had done it. She had opened it, and as she had, a shocked gasp had escaped her lips.

"A-alastor! You— I can't have this! It's.. its so much! This money should go to you're family! Not.. not to me!" She speaks frantically to me her eyes wide as she sits there, processing what I had given her.

This time, I reach out and grasp her hand, calming her down.

"Layla, my dear. please, take this. I want you to have it. It's my eternal gift to you. Truly showing how dearly I appreciate you. I need you to take it, please darling."

I tell her, my thumb gently stroking her hand. I really want her to take this. I had picked out this necklace especially for her.

It was a beautiful ruby red necklace, and it shone, just like her eyes. It was truly beautiful. But never, oh God, never more beautiful then her. She will always be the most beautiful gem, stone, rock, anything there is to offer. She will always be the most beautiful.

"Oh— my dear alastor. Okay, I will take it. Just for you. I just.. thank you, truly. This has already been the best birthday I could ever ask for. You are an amazing friend, and I cherish you and you're soul. Now, if you wouldn't mind, will you help me put it on?" She says, laughing just a little bit. I could tell she was nervous, and yet she was excited too. She had that certain gleam in her eyes. It always excited me.

"Ah, yes. Of course layla."

I help her put the necklace on, and as I sit back down, I cant help but take in the sight. She was truly stunning. It complimented her perfectly. I truly loved it for her. I..

I still can't admit it to myself, can I?

Despite my thinking, we have a perfect early morning. Just enjoying the glorious day. Just enjoying layla. That was mostly my part, but still. Layla eats her cake, and we laugh and talk until sunrise.

This will be a moment I remeber for the rest of my life. The gleam in her eyes, the smile on her face. And I know it's all because of me.

Happy birthday, my lovely Layla.

Roses.

"Layla? Layla? Where have you gone? Jeez, you always seem to scamper off whenever I actually seem to need you—.." I had practically muttered to myself. Me and Layla were just walking around her estate, until she had disappeared off somewhere. It would always bug me when she did. I couldn't have her in my eyesight, it worried me.

But, it didn't take me that long to spot her again.

"Layla?.." I had whispered out. My eyes wide as I walk into this foreign part of her estate. I had never been around here before, so it was surprising to see such beauty myself.

"Ah— alastor? I would have assumed it would have taken you longer to find me. But, I guessed wrong." She chuckles to no one but herself. She knew alastor had not found this funny, and yet it amused her in a way she didn't know could be.

"Yeah. It took me pretty long, at least I think so. I've never been in this part of the estate, so." I say, as I take in the world around me. This truly was a beautiful spot to be in.

Looking at Layla though, this place would never even shine close enough to her beauty. Her beautiful blonde hair, her sun like eyes. All of it. It would always shine much more beautiful than any other artwork, or any other flower. She was the word perfection itself.

"Shocking, isn't it? It's been around 1 year since I planted these, I'm pretty sure. I had just met you around that time, so I could never forget, my dear alastor." She says, as she picks a rose from the garden surrounding her. She had all kinds of flowers. Tulips, roses, all sorts of things.

"These truly are my favorite. They are so beautiful, and yet prick anyone that deems to come near. As long as you are gentle and careful enough though, you can.. get through to them. It's truly amazing, isn't it alastor? How nature can show us the grace of it's fruits. Give us lessons of life." She says, smiling down at the rose. And I couldn't help it, I has begun to form a smile myself.

"it truly is magnificent, layla." I say and take in the sight around me. She truly is so beautiful, just like a rose itself.

But, I sadly couldn't watch the sight for as long as I had wished. Layla let out a shocked gasp, and I rushed to her side. She had gotten pricked by the rose.

"ah— Layla, are you okay?" I say as I pull out my handkerchief, and softly dab away the blood that had pooled on her hand. Jeez, she seemed to always be getting into trouble. My layla.

"It's.. it's fine, alastor. It's my fault for not being careful enough, so you should not worry for me." She tells me, trying to calm me and put me at ease. I could tell. She always tended to others even when in distress herself.

"No no, it's not you're fault. It'd never be, my Layla." I say, and pull her hand into mine, bringing it up to my lips, and kissing it oh so gently. I'd never want to hurt her, that's a promise I'd always make to myself. "Nothing is ever you're fault. You always care for others, even when hurt yourself. I admire you for that, and yet you should take care of yourself. I want to watch you prosper, my Layla."

I tell her, as I look up into her eyes. Her beautiful eyes that I could never, ever, get tired of. She would never bore me, as long as I'd live. She'd be the movie I would watch on repeat. I wish she knew that. And yet, she didn't deserve a poor boy like me, I was not worthy of her love.

And yet, I craved her. Every inch of her being. My actions always went before my words. I could never control myself when matters came to Layla.

"Oh.. my dear alastor. I'm flattered by your words. Truly.."

She says to me. And for a moment, I could swear I saw her face flush. My perfect Layla.

Please, Mr. Bentonite.

Honestly, I would have rather not done this.

But I had to. I had no other choice, I had to come to terms with my feelings, and sadly enough, Layla's father.

He was a respected man all across town, and to my own father especially. Layla's father had given mine a job when he was out of luck, and I'll always thank him for that. We were on the brink of bankruptcy, when he had brought my father in. Honestly, we owe everything we have now to Mr. Bentonite.

And so, I had fallen into a whirlpool of feelings that consumed my mind. I felt selfish. I mean, I was asking even more of him, so how would this even go?

I knew he didn't like me that much. Sure, he had helped my family before, but only because of his dear wife. She was the heart of their relationship I suppose. She was the one that had truly cared to extend my family a helping hand in our dreaded time of need. She truly was a Saint, just like Layla.

So, with my heart in my hands, I had left my house and took my old Ford up to layla's estate. She was not home, of course, I would not dare to face her with my heart in my hands like this. I shall do that for another day, if her father sees so.

My my nerves on the fence, I had walked up to the door and knocked on it. My hands were sweaty, and my stomach was thrown for a loop. I was so nervous, this would decide the fate of basically everything.

Layla was my everything.

I was sharply shaken from my thoughts though, as someone had opened the door.

"Ah uhm yes— oh! Well it's the bakers little boy! Come in come in, how's you're father? Mother?" Mrs. Bentonite had said, moving away from the entrance to let me inside. I could never get tired of her enthusiasm, she was a ray of sunshine. My nerves had somehow calmed, and I could walk again.

I stepped inside. I followed Mrs. Bentonite to the kitchen, she was busy as always.

"Yes, hello Mrs. Bentonite. I'm sorry to intrude on such a fine evening." I told her as I sat on one of the kitchen chairs, watching her scurry around her kitchen, just baking and mixing things for her family. She was a great mother, I'll give her that.

"Oh it's no worries dear! No worries at all. But I must tell you, I'm surely sorry, Layla isn't at home right now. If you'd like, you could wait for her—" She had told me, as she was stirring some sort of brown mixture. Was she making brownies? I loved her brownies.

jeez, now is not a time to think of brownies.

"Oh, no no, I am not here for Layla, ma'am. I'm here for her father." As soon as I had said that, she looked at me wide eyed, and I couldn't blame her, I'd be like that too if I was her. Her husband was feared and respected, so why was a boy like me asking for him?

"Ah.. my Johnny? What do you need from him? Is it something for you're father?" She says, putting the bowl down and walking over towards the chair I was sitting in.

"No, it's not for my father ma'am. I'm here about Layla." My nerves were growing again, and I couldn't seem to halt them in their path. How I wish they would just settle down.

But they only seemed to get worse.

"And what do you want, with my dear Layla?" Mr. Bentonite had stepped into the kitchen, smoking his pipe as he always did. It was just like him. Even if he was a busy man, a respected man, he still always reeked of smoke. That's how you knew he was near. Surprisingly enough, I had not caught him this time.

"Oh— Johhny, what are you doing out of bed? You are supposed to be resting for now, you had a long day and such—" And as quick as that, Mr. Bentonite had snapped his fingers, and the Mrs. had quieted down. It was sad to see, and yet we all knew she was love struck on Johnny, her high-school sweetheart.

"Now I'll ask again, what do you want with my daughter? Better make it quick too. I have no time for such foolishness such as this. I'm a busy man, you're father knows that, as should you." He had said, sitting down in the chair in-front of me. Jeez he was always an intimidating man. So full of power it had practically seethed through him.

"Oh— uh, yes sir. I know you are a very busy man, so I promise I shall be quick. Now, with you're daughter.." I had begun to speak, my mind racing. I was actually going to be truthful, and set my intentions. That was rare of me, of course. I had always been unspoken around Mr. Bentonite.

"Sir, I am in love with you're daughter. I know I'm a mere' boy. And yet, I can't help but love her. I love her eyes, such things remind me of the sun. Her hair, her smile, her laugh. Everything captivates me. I know I only have so little to offer, but please, let me take her to prom. I want to ask her, and show her the same love she had offered me when I was just a child. She has been my best friend since forever, and I plan to marry her. I know, I only offer my heart on my sleeve, but you must understand, my heart beats for her. My lungs fill with breath, all for her. My body, soul, and mind is devoted to her. Please, I beg. Let me take her to prom."

And as I said such things, Mrs. Bentonite had such an expression. I couldn't tell very much, but her face was filled with fear and worry. That was not a good sign, and yet her eyes had a glint of love in them. Maybe she truly believed I would take care of her daughter, and I was just willing to put her faith to the test. I would give my life for sweet Layla, I was sure of that.

"Son.. listen here, you ain't gonna take Layla to the prom. And you know why? I'm gonna tell ya'. Even if you say such things, there isn't a promise you can hold, if it's only said by words. How can you promise all of that for my Layla? I want her to be taken care of when I'm gone, and I won't let her fall into the hands of some boy who has nothing to offer other then a truck. So I advise, get outta here, and start a life. You won't get Layla, and you won't get to take her to prom." Mr. Bentonite had said, grabbing his cane to stand up once again. He must have figured the conversation was over as soon as that.

"But— but please. Mr. Bentonite, try and understand. I love you're daughter. I would give my life for hers. I want to give her a good life, by any means. I'd take any job, any risk, just for her. Please, I beg you sir. Just let me take her to prom. She has given my life purpose since the day I met her. I truly love her with my whole heart. Her body, mind, and soul. I have fallen for it all. Just please, give me one chance." I had said, standing up from my chair. My heart was beating fast, and teats threatened to escape my eyes.

Just one chance. That's all I need.

"And what did I tell ya? It's a no. Now leave my property at once, fore' I call you're daddy on ya." Mr. Bentonite had said. I could tell he was angry, and yet I just, my heart sunk. It truly hurt.

But I could not attest. My father worked for his, and I didn't want to get in the way of the job my father had worked so hard to attain and make his own. And plus, the look on Mrs. Bentonite's face just screamed pain. She had to stand by, and watch her Johnny turn into a bitter old man. I could not make her face even more than she had today. She was a kind woman, she didn't deserve any of this at all.

"Please. Excuse me, Mr. Bentonite, Mrs. Bentonite. I hope you both have a good rest of you're evening. Hopefully I did not ruin it for either of you. Excuse my actions, I did not mean to upset either of you. Truly." I had barely managed to mutter, before I left their house.

My heart was broken as I got in my old truck, and drove away. I searched out into the fields as I had went home, looking for any spots of sunlight. Any ray of hope. And yet, it was dark, the sky filled with clouds. Just as my heart was.

Different.

"Layla, what's been up with you? You seem.. different. More than the usual. What's wrong, my dear?" I say, trailing behind her. Lately she's been more quiet, and I have surely taken notice. Before, she would talk about anything. My days were always void of boredom when she was around.

But now, it was not the case.

It's like she had basically shut down, and I don't know why. For now, I was just trailing behind her, following her to the favorite tree she had. We would always lay underneath it when the days were hot. Our time would simply cease, at least that's how I would always feel like when with her.

It bugged me on how much she had changed. It'd only been almost a week since I had went to talk to Mr. Bentonite, my heart was still in the gutters too, I must admit. So this was just making me frustrated.

"It's nothing, alastor. Just— just don't worry about it. I'm fine." She had told me. And yet, the fact was she was clearly not. I hated when she would lie to me like this.

Me and her finally make it to the tree, just standing around underneath the shade of it. It truly was a beautiful old oak tree. She surely did find the most beautiful places, even if the mood would always be dark. So I didn't get what was going on now.

"No, Layla, you are clearly not. Now I don't mean to pry, but if you would please just tell me what's wrong, then I could try and soothe your worries." I tell her, as I reach for her hand, just to hold it, and nothing more. I grasp it against my own.

And yet she pulls away.

I look up at her face, and into her eyes. I can see a sense of hurt and pain in them. Why? Why was she upset? So frustrated? I could see tears clear as day try and escape her eyes, and yet I knew I couldn't reach for her face, and wipe them away. She would most definitely just push me away again. She was always stubborn when it came to crying and being upset.

"You wanna know so badly then? Fine. Alastor, some guy from high-school asked me to prom. Daddy made me say yes. But.." She tells me, her voice cracking as she brings her hand up shakily to wipe away her own tears. "But I wanted to say no. Don't you.. think I should have said no?"

She says, looking into my eyes, her lips quivering, the tears nonstop. Why was she crying over such a thing?

"..I think you made the right decision. As long as the guy is right for you, my dear." I tell her, trying to stifle down my own emotions. The own tears that threaten to escape my own eyes. It felt like a knife had stabbed me in the chest, and I just. I couldn't. And yet, I had to lie.

I had to.

"alastor, what are you saying?! Was.. was all of this just nothing to you?" A broken out sob escapes her lips, and my heart just shatters. "Do you not understand? Or do you just not seem to care.. I thought, just. I guess you don't care anymore." She says, turning away from me, sobs and gasps escape from her lips. And yet, my heart hurts, but how dare she accuse me of not caring?

i care for her. Every single second, every single minute. My whole life I have always adored her. It frustrated me to hear such words come from her mouth, the one I had loved the most.

"Care? Care? Layla, do you just not get it? Layla I obviously care. Every minute of my life, I care about you. I care about you're future. Sure, if it means that you find a nice guy and go out with him, then I'm fine with it. I just care about you're well-being. What do you mean, I don't care? I care." I tell her, the words slipping out of my mouth before I can even begin to understand them myself. I was infuriated, and hurt. All of this was so much, and yet I couldn't help but feel sorrow for her. She looked so distraught.

"No, no! I don't want to hear it, baker. Because you are too foolish enough to understand. How could I care about a foolish boy like you so much. You don't understand. I thought that since you are my closest friend.. we could have gone together. I wanted to go together. We would have had fun, and yet i find myself now, expressing my feelings, and understanding how foolish of a girl a really am. I.. I don't want to see you anymore, baker. You are just a farm boy. And I was foolish to think otherwise. Goodbye, baker."

And that was that. Years of friendship, and the love I had adored for her, she just, didn't want it anymore. She wanted to go with me? Then why didn't she just say that? Well.. I would have had to turn her down anyway. Maybe this was for the best.

I'll never be able to love her.

And she can find a good man to love her.

After-all, I was just a foolish farm-boy in her eyes.

that's all I shall ever be, isn't it?

Just a farm boy?

It's the day of prom.

Me and Layla have not talked since we had the fight underneath her oak tree.

what am I supposed to do? She's the light of my life, and yet we are separated now. I've been down since then, and it's started to affect my home life too.

"Ah, alastor? what are you still doing home? Isn't prom tonight? Shouldn't you be getting ready?" Mom had told me, as she starts cleaning up the kitchen from earlier today. She was a hard-working woman, and I loved her a lot.

But sometimes I just didn't want to talk. And yet, I have to, don't I? Maybe it'd be better to just get it off my chest.

Tell her about the fight.

Tell her about how much I love Layla. It's painful.

"Yeah. I was supposed to go.. but, mom. I love.. I'm in love with Layla. I always have been. I've loved her since the moment I met her, and I truly wanted to marry her." I begin to speak, my voice shaking a little bit as I do. I know I seemed weak, and yet my heart hurt without her. Without her smile, without her words, without everything that I've become accustomed to.

"I still do, I suppose. I truly believe she's the love of my life. I went to the bentonite's the other evening. I asked for layla's hand. Mr. Bentonite had said no. I left that house, my heart crushed as where he had stomped on it. And it all makes me think, do I truly deserve Layla? Me.. and her had fought, and she cried. So now, I'm thinking not so much. Maybe I don't deserve her, maybe I'm destined to be alone, caught in an unrequited love. Ma, am I just a foolish farm-boy? That's what everyone says I am. Even my dear Layla. I don't deserve her." I finish, and close my eyes. I'm sure mother would attest, saying I need to get my head out of the clouds.

I'm just a farm-boy.

I will never become someone as great as Layla. I'm sure of it. I'm just a boy, I do not deserve her love.

"My my, son, where did you get such ideas from?" Mother laughs as she comes down to the dining table, sitting in the chair next to mine, resting her hand over mine.

"You are not just some farm-boy. You are much more. I've seen it with my own two eyes. Hunny, you're going to be so much more then what you see now. You're growing into a wonderful man, and I'm sure Layla will agree. She.. you can't give up on her just yet, son. Go, you must see her. Go ask again, and this time, do it with you're heart and soul. If you do, you're darling Layla will feel it. Will wait for you." She tells me, laughing gently as she does. mother was always so gentle, and I loved her so much.

"Thank you, ma." I say, getting up from the table, heading back to my room. But I stop, turning to face her.

"I love you, mother."

I say, and walk back to my room to get ready.

I will always love my mother.

Johhny.

I close my truck door, and run up onto the bentonite's porch, and I knock on their door. My heart was way more than just on my sleeve this time. I couldn't care less though, I needed this to work.

"Mrs. Bentonite, please. Let me in, I need to talk to Mr. Bentonite!" I say in a matter of a rush. I guess my voice had caught her attention as she came running to the door, opening it for me. Her and Mr. Bentonite step out onto the porch, walking into the evening air that surrounded them and myself.

"What do you want, baker?" Mr. Bentonite steps out in-front of his wife. The same pipe in his mouth as always. He never did truly change, didn't he?

"Sir, please. I need Layla. I love her. Please just give me one chance— one. That's all I'm asking for." I ask him, completely desperate at this point. I wont be able to handle a no. I wont take it for an answer.

"Boy— I already told ya. You are not getting my Layla. how many times do i have to tell you? And even then, it's already near sunset. Prom has already started, and she's with the man I see fit for her." He says, grabbing the pipe out of his mouth, and looking down at me with glares of a million souls. Honestly, terrifying. Not as terrifying as not getting to love my Layla. My dear layla.

"Sir, please. I can't take no for an answer. I love her, and I will love her till the day I die. I would stand up to the gods for her, give my soul so that way she would never have to see the life I have had myself. I'd fight anything I had to, crawl and scrape, just to get my way home. She is my home. I'd fight hell and heaven just to be by her side, and I'm prepared to go against you. I love her. I always have, and I always will. Her existence must be crafted by the gods themselves. And even then, I know her better than anyone else. Her birthday is July 12th, she loves red velvet cake, not chocolate. She can tell the difference, and would say it even if she was in a room full of people. She loves roses, especially the ones from the corner near our high-school. She loves that big ol' oak tree down in you're field. It's her favorite spot. It's mine now too, I can never go there without feeling her presence. I crave her and the memories that we have had, that we have shared together. I would fight just to keep them for myself, even if I seem so selfish. But that does not matter, I'd be a greedy and selfish man before I would ever let Layla go. I beg of you. Please. Johhny. Let me love Layla. That's all I ask of you."

I tell him, finally finishing as my breathing is heavy. But I couldn't stop myself. I would speak until my lungs gave out if I truly had to. Its like my love for her is intertwined with my soul, and I can't help but love her. I have to speak it, I have to tell him. I have to tell everyone. I love this girl, and would fight the gods to death, just to keep my memories. She's my other half. My eternal flame. I can't deny it anymore. I was a fool for ever letting these dreaded thoughts get the best of me.

Even if Johnny has such a scowl on his face, I could not care less. I know I'm way out of my bounds, saying such things to him, and yet I couldn't take it anymore. My love for her has wrapped itself around my heart, squeezing it until it flows out into my blood and into my lungs. I breathe out the love I feel for her. I live to love her. To serve her. To give her the best life, to give her my whole heart and soul and anything in between. I am layla's.

Let heaven forsake me.

Let hell deny me.

I shall always belong to Layla, and her alone.

She is my one saving grace.

"Now boy, what in the hell has gotten into you? If I must say so myself—" Before he could say anything, Mrs. Bentonite had stepped in, in-front of him, and sent me a warm smile.

"Of course, you may love Layla. Go to her, and tell her." She tells me, and I can't believe it. I finally had somewhat of an acceptance. I stood there shocked.

"Now Caroline. Who said—" She cut him off as he started to speak.

"Johhny, I have had enough! Alastor loves Layla, and you can see how true he feels about her. Just leave him alone." She says, and shoots him a glare. I would have never believed it, in any of my days, Mrs. Bentonite had actually stood up to mean old Johhny. It was truly amazing.

"Go, alastor. Good luck."

And with that, I high-tailed it back to my truck, and slammed on the gas as it started.

I needed to see Layla.

Prom queen.

"Now now, folks, just calm down. It's time for prom queen and king. Are you ready?"

The announcer had spoken, and the whole dance had screamed. They were way more then ready to find out who had won. It was the highlight of the night.

"Alrighty then. I'll be happy to announce.. Mrs. Layla bentonite, and Mr. Zyon Pritchett. And what a lovely couple they are, huh? They've come together tonight, what love birds. Come on up, Layla and zyon!"

My heart was beating rapidly as the announcer said my name. Zyon had looked at me, taking my hand, leading me up to the stage. None of this was going how I had imagined.

Sure, zyon was sweet, but he just..

He wasnt alastor. I didn't feel for him, what I had felt for alastor. Even if alastor didn't see me that way, I just couldn't do this. I couldn't hold this man's hand, be called lovebirds, when I didn't even love him. None of this felt right.

As we got closer to the stage, he had looked back at me, and smiled. I couldn't even return the smile. Before I knew it, I had let go of his hand.

I can't do this without alastor. My dear alastor.

I had turned around, and ran as far as my feet could take me in these stupid heels. My feet hurt so badly, and yet I couldnt stay there. I ran and I ran, as far as my feet could take me. I couldn't breathe, it hurt, it burned.

I had run so much, tears steaming down my face, I didn't even know where I was.

In the rain.

just hold on Layla. I'm almost there. Please just wait for me.

I say, as I turn on the radio. I wanted to see if the high-school was announcing the prom king and queen like they did every year, and yet all that was on the channel, was (Here's to the) Prom Queen. It was layla's favorite song. She would listen to it with me at the oak tree with the hand held radio she had newly gotten. She would always joke about me being king, and her being queen at prom.

how ironic.

as I pulled up to the stoplight infront of the school, I looked into the pouring rain.

Layla? What was she doing out there in the rain? My God, she was soaked.

Me and her locked eyes. I hit the pedal as soon as the stoplight had turned green. I needed to get to her.

And yet, I didn't.

My dear alastor.

"ALASTOR!!"

I had screamed out. My own throat in a sudden harsh pain as I did. I didn't care though, that was the last thing that had even crossed my mind.

I couldn't believe what had just happened. In the matter of seconds, daddy's car had come out of nowhere, and it had smashed into the side of alastors car, flipping him over. My eyes widened as I watch it all, and my heart sunk to my stomach.

I watched as alastor's car had rolled, leaving it grounded on the roof.

Who was I supposed to go to?

and yet, my feet went running before my mind.

I soon found myself at the side of alastors truck, crying and screaming, begging for him to be alright. That's all that I would ever want. Please, just this one thing.

High-school sweethearts.

I felt my body growing cold. Glass had went right through my chest, a big chunk of it. Who knew my prized possession would be the death of me?

Warm blood had rolled down my body, dripping onto my face as I was hanging upside-down. And yet, the cold rain had made my body shiver.

Was it the rain? Or was I dying?

I couldn't tell. I started shivering, and yet my breathing was slowing down. All I could see, was Layla.

When I first saw her, and she bowed to show me gratitude. To someone like me.

Thank you, Layla.

When I saw her at the pond in the middle of the night, the moon shining on her face.

beautiful, that's what you are.

her birthday. The smile she had. The gleam in her eyes. How she was truly so gentle.

so gentle. Just like a flower. My flower.

When I saw her in the rose garden, and she had pricked her finger. And yet, she still saw the beauty of the rose.

My angel, aren't you? So kind. So sweet.

And even as she cried under the oak tree as we fought, I could tell she still cared.

My dearest Layla. I wish I could take such cruel things back.

And even now, as I saw her bend down onto the road, in her prom dress. I could hear her screaming my name. But all I saw was the necklace around her neck.

I love you, Layla. You are so gorgeous.

I guess you're life really does flash before you're eyes before you go. My life was layla's. Thats all I saw. All I would ever see.

"Layla. I.. I wish I could have taken you to prom. Layla I love you. I love you so much. I'm sorry I had never told you until now. As you have to watch me go. I'm sorry. You deserve better. And still, my soul is your's. Eternally."

My vision had quickly faded after that. But, I saw her with the flowers that had scattered across the road. The roses from her favorite flower shop. I'm glad, even if they are damaged, I'm glad she still got them. Even if she got them as she was crying. Grieving for me. My death. She shouldn't cry for somebody like me. She should be happy. I hope she finds that without me. Even if I wanted it to be with me so much.

Even if this is goodbye, Layla, do not cry so much for me. I'll watch over you, so please don't be scared. Alas, even so, at least I can hear you're favorite song as I go.

'Cause it's true love,

High school sweetheart,

She's an angel from above,

She's a shooting star,

It's true,

Here's to the prom queen."

To the prom queen. My dear Layla. Goodbye, for now.

Her song.

"it's not true that I had nothing on. I had the radio on."

I was listening to my sweethearts song.

sorry if that's confusing, I've gotten that my endings to my stories are confusing before. If you would like me to explain or anything, then feel free to ask, just don't sit there confused, that's the least I would want to happen!

Anyway, I'm new to tumbler. Like, idk what I'm doing. I just want someone to enjoy my writings, so I'm posting my stories to new places to see if anyone would like them, so yeah. I don't even know if im posting this right lmao. If there's any tips, they would highly be appreciated. Thank you!

Also, sorry the format is a little wonkey. I just copied and pasted it.

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pt-disconnected · 2 years ago

Text

With the Dark World seeming to crumble around them, the Player was honestly terrified- as were their allies. Everything seemed out of place- the Card Castle was falling apart as parts of it were replaced with rooms that were from the school, collapsing in on itself. And the Knight was there, laughing. "You fools... so focused on a pawn that you forgot to block the checkmate! And now the game is over!" he said, grinning madly.

The Player looked around, trying to find something- anything- that would get them somewhere. And as they saw a path into the Light World, they grabbed hold of one of the Ralsei variants. "Hold on, guys!" they said, triggering a split-second reaction for the six to grab each other, and Lancer of course. Lancer, trailing at the end, also gave a warning. "G- guys?! That guy is chasing us! What'd you do to make him this mad..?! What's happening to the castle?!" the prince said, confused. But the Player didn't look back. "No time! We'll try and explain soon!" they said, before pulling the six out of the Dark World and into the Light World- without them turning into their respective objects.

This terrified the Ralsei group. Lairse, for one, was enraged. "This... this isn't supposed to be possible! The darkness is merged with the light- no fountain, light or dark, should be able to do that!" he shouted, albeit still in the line led by the Player.

The Player, however, had a focus on their goal. "We need to find Kris. Odds are, they might be able to put a few pieces together. And with what we learned from that guy- I'm not even gonna bother with his name- we might have a shot at figuring out what we need to do."

The group nodded, including Lancer- though he was a bit exhausted. "H- hey, lemon-lime..? C- could I just tag along in your pocket..? I'm not really... the running type..." he said, panting some. The Player sighed. "Yeah, that's fine. I can't be losing you in this mess- Susie would kill me." they say, to which Lancer ran over (conveniently regaining enough energy to do so) and hopped in. Seems the inventory logic of the Dark World had blended through as well.

With Lancer tucked away, safe in the Player's pockets, the group of seven made their way to Kris' house via the Player's lead. Around them, monsters and Darkners of all kinds were panicking, with humans emerging from the rifts connecting the Dark World to the Light World. But these seven were focused on the task at hand.

As they approached the house in question, three figures emerged. Kris, Toriel, and then one more who looked surprisingly like the Ralseis- to his complete confusion. Kris and Toriel were also a bit shocked- especially Kris, as Ralsei was currently in the Light World, something that shouldn't have been possible.

The first one to speak was Kris. "P- Player, what are you doing here?! And what's with Ralsei and the others?! You all should still be in the Dark World- especially them!" they said, referring to the Ralsei group at the end. But the Player shook their head. "This is a massive emergency situation, Kris. Things have gone haywire on both ends. We need to get Susie and Noelle... and probably Berdly as well. I'm not sure what's going on myself, but this is a very bad situation, and that's best case. Worst case... this could be the end of your worlds. And, possibly mine if things go really south."

Asriel spoke up. "Um, sorry to interrupt, but who are you..? And why are there... uh, six more of me?!" he said, completely baffled. Toriel sighed. "Azzy, there's a lot to explain. I'm lucky to have been filled in on the situation myself, especially when things weren't so sudden. We should find Susie, Noelle, and Berdly first, then we can try and sort things out..."

Ralsei nodded, as did the rest of the Asriels- including, well, Asriel himself. Asriel, for one, was surprised at the synchronicity he had with them, but shrugged it off. "Okay. We'll need to split up to find them- but I think we can handle this." he said. "But we also need to ensure everyone's safety."

Kris looked to their adopted mother. "Mom, you know Mayor Holliday, and she trusts you. You'd be best to get Noelle." The Player, in turn, looked to Kris. "Okay, Kris, you might be able to get Susie. I don't know for sure how well it'd go- but you should be able to find her best. Here- take Lancer. That should be enough to prove the intensity of the situation." they say, pulling Lancer out of their pocket (to the shock of both Toriel and Asriel). Lancer just looked around a bit, and chuckled. "Wow, nice castle you got, Kris! Maybe someday I can see what kinds of holes it's got!" he said, before Kris just smiled a little, putting Lancer right into their own pocket.

Looking to Asriel, along with his six other selves, Player sighed. "Asriel, we'll need you to ensure this place is safe. These six should be able to help with that- just make sure this place is safe for when we get back." they say, to which Asriel just looks toward them. "...How do I know I can trust you, though..?" Both Kris and Toriel, however, nodded some, with Toriel speaking. "You can trust them, Azzy. It might be crazy- but there's something different about them. And they've proved themselves. So just work with them."

Asriel sighed, and nodded. "Okay. I'll do my best." Though, Kris spoke next. "Wait, what about Berdly? Who'll find him?" they asked. The Player sighed. "I'm gonna have to try and find them. I'm not sure, but they might be in the library- I just hope that they're all safe. But we need to move, and we'll need to move fast. There's no telling what might happen."

The group all nodded, and began working on their respective tasks. Kris began making their way towards the general apartment complex in the town- and odds were, Susie would be out and about with the chaos going on. Toriel made her way towards the Holliday residence. The seven Asriel variants began work on a sort of base, trying to make the Dreemurr house into a decent place for them to keep themselves safe. And, the Player was making their way towards the library of the town- where Berdly would hopefully be.

But on the way, they wound up plowing face-first into a large, admittedly fluffy monster. They fell backwards, and upon looking up, found themselves staring straight at a startled, albeit armed, Asgore. They immediately put their arms up. "Wait! I don't mean any harm!" they said, knowing how the Light World residents saw the humans. Asgore, however, was just confused. "Wait, what..? Human, what's going on? Tell me now!" he said, starting out confused but quickly getting his weapon, a gardening rake, readied. The Player nodded some. "Okay, I can try to tell you... it's gonna be a bit unbelievable but I think with what's going on you might be willing to believe it... heck if you want I can get you to a safe place, but I need to get to someone- it's a long story, but please, PLEASE believe me. I'm not trying to hurt anyone..."

Asgore glared into eyes of the Player for a few moments, before sighing and allowing them up. "Okay. I believe you. Tell me where to go, and I will meet you there..." he said. The Player got up, slower than they would have normally. "Go back to Kris' place... they should be able to explain when they get back. It'll be a crazy story but this is already crazy as it is. I'll be back soon..." they said, and Asgore's only reply was a nod, before he started to run towards the house. Out of the corner of their eye, the Player also noticed Kris with Susie, as well as Lancer piggybacking on Susie's shoulders. That was good timing.

So they continued on their way to the library- but what they saw honestly terrified them. It wasn't entirely a library anymore- a tree that looked straight out of a pop-up book had grown through the roof, with Berdly on one of the branches. Upon seeing the Player, he called down to them. "Player! Help! I'm not used to this! I don't want to be a normal bird right now!" he said, admittedly getting a small chuckle out of the Player, before they refocused on the situation.

They quickly tried to find something that would break the fall- before noticing a nearby Darkner that was conveniently just an oversized pillow. As such, they quickly approached. "Hey, I need your help really quick. I know it's strange, but you need to break my friend's fall- are you able to do that safely?" they asked. Shockingly, they nodded- turns out they had been doing that for other Darkners too. As such, they went over to the spot where Berdly would probably land.

Unfortunately, it wasn't just that easy. Berdly was still clinging to the branch, not wanting to let go. "I can't fall that far down! I'd PERISH! This isn't the Dark World, where a single pillow would nullify all the fall damage!" he said, clearly afraid of heights. The Player just sighed. "Berdly, there's no distinction between the two right now! Whatever it is that's going on has messed up the rules of reality! Think of it as a glitch- fall damage isn't working right because of it!" they said. So Berdly gulped, closed his eyes, and dropped right onto the pillow-Darkner. Getting up, he looked at himself, and let out a sigh of relief and did a fist pump- before the Darkner asked for him to get off of them, which he did.

With Berdly back in the group, the Player now chose to make their way back to the Dreemurr house- Berdly not far behind. As they approached, the two could see Asgore and Toriel, actually talking. It was strange, but it seemed that the dire circumstances were allowing them to interact... somewhat normally. And with Toriel back, that meant Noelle had arrived as well. But to the Player's surprise, there was a second one there with her- another reindeer monster who seemed to be just a bit older than Noelle, and dressed in an outfit much like that of Noelle's Dark World outfit, except it was a light blue instead of white. She seemed to be talking with Noelle, as well as Susie and Kris, and when Susie saw the Player approaching, she pointed them out. Kris quickly went over, with Noelle and the other reindeer monster staying back for the time being.

Kris looked to Berdly. "Berdly, you got any idea what's going on?" The bluebird shook his head. "Not in the slightest, aside from the obvious. Why? You don't know either?" Kris shook their head. "Just checking to see if we needed to explain. Regardless, now that everyone's together, we need to get a sort of plan. Dad was worried for Mom, and Dess wound up finding out about things because her outfit changed, so they're getting an explanation of things from before."

The Player sighed. "Okay, once those explanations are done, I think me, Ralsei, and the rest of Asriel's alternate selves have some stuff to explain too. Turns out that the Knight had us all fooled. I don't know how we could have stopped him in the first place anymore."

Kris groaned, concerned but clearly not wanting to think on it too much. "Okay. Tell us later. Right now, we've got a lot to work on. At least we have another two in our team for now. I don't know where we'll go from here, but... I think once Azzy and the Ralseis finish getting the house fortified more, we can get things hashed out more calmly. For now, we should just get you introduced to Dad and Dess. That way, they don't mistake you for one of the other humans who seem to be... not as happy about what's going on."

The Player simply nodded. "Got it. Let's get that done."

Whoa, what's this? Part 20?! And I hadn't even done a Anon Asks yet!! Seems that things really have gone into chaos. And this is a nice, larger part too. I personally am unsure of the quality of it but if you guys all enjoy it then that's what matters to me. I certainly want to aim for quality as well in the end. So now we've had two parts in the span of one week (not in terms of a calendar, I mean two parts in seven days), and honestly I'm happy about that. I have a few ideas for where to go from here, and those vary wildly in all honesty. Depending on how I can work with Azzy being part of the story, as well as the new additions (hehe!) we might be seeing a variety of things. Could be new stuff, could be rewritten old stuff, could be stuff happening in the background of old stuff. There's even another option that you might be able to figure out if you hunt it down. Pgp lkwbak isow mqgba abj wep, xxnr zme isrbpn waabec penrxnm ezp isr zga. Qkz bbnpaan lka nzptpe fg lka dtqu uip rexmo abj bouznn royew nu mp. Md do ritnazzm vwzm pgc yafigapne pso htwe, tobp pso lmeeyo abj opzcg mqbpnjp. Hopefully you all enjoy this additional part of the story, and whatever else is soon to be! I'll see you all in whatever comes next, be it the next Anon Asks, or another part should I manage to pull more motivation out of thin air! Previous Part | First Part | Next Part LynxGriffin's Paper Trail Comic (Whoa, a completely original segment! Shocking! Check out the comic anyways though, you might find something that might be intriguing- there's all sorts of stuff in there that inspires these story segments!)

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darkdevasofdestruction · 4 months ago

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Chapter 7 - Eternal Torment

As Kitsune felt the calling of her very being pulling her towards the spiraling stairway towards the Attic, she cautiously walked, step by step, all the way to the Attic. There, she was met up with a door, and on the other side, through a small gap, she noticed a man with monochrome hair and lovely, vibrant purple eyes, smiling sleepily at the woman. His outer appearance made him appear welcoming, warm and friendly, but Kitsune knew - She could feel the blank emptiness of that smile of his, and the screeching hatred which triggered as soon as he looked upon her form.

"I knew you were the one person who'd be able to find me." he says simply.

"How long have you been here?" Kitsune asked, ignoring his previous statement.

"That's a good question. How long has it been now, I wonder? Well, one thing I can say for sure, I've been in here for a very, very long time." he explains, in anger.

"Are you a demon?" she asked, suspicion arising based on the Emptiness highlighted by the Seventh TSL Lord.

"Don't be ridiculous! Just the thought of being one of them is enough to send a shiver down my spine. I'm a human, just like you" he declares, as if offended.

"So you are a liar and a fool, yet somehow, you are rather well informed." Kitsune chuckled dryly. "An imprisoned human would not be able to speak the words you have just spoken to me."

"Look, a demon imprisoned me in here long ago, and I've been stuck here ever since. It was Lucifer. I'm guessing you've met him. Well, that demon is the one who locked me in here." he scoffed in annoyance.

"Yes, I can see him doing that, I'm not surprised. I wonder the reasoning behind this, though." she crossed her arms to her chest, seizing him up with her gaze.

"Kitsune, I'm begging you. You've got to get me out of here. I'm asking for your help." he pleaded in desperation.

"How do you know my name? I have not introduced myself to you." Kitsune pointed out. "I was wondering if you knew I was a human because you knew demons were unable of coming here, but now I am not so sure."

"That's -- That's not relevant, is it? I may be trapped here, but I still hear things. I'm not entirely cut off from what's going on." lies, deceit and half-truths.

"So you admit to being a demon, then? Belphegor, Avatar of Sloth?" his eyes widened slightly watching her wicked smirk, only to let out an amused breath.

"Alright already, you got me. Yes, I am Belphegor. You're pretty perceptive for a human." he finally admitted.

"I am not a human, Belphie. I am a kitsune. A fox spirit of sorts, though, I suppose, not quite de spirit that your kin is familiar with. Well, I digress, there is no need for unnecessary details." Kitsune hummed.

"So Diavolo had an exchange student program, but he brought the two least human humans that he could find. Ridiculous." the man spat, looking away in disgust. Someone certainly wasn't on the same wavelength as the Little Prince.

"You do not seem to be warming up to do exchange student program... Nor the idea of human kind." Kitsune pointed out, fixing him up with her gaze. "The Lord of Corruption imprisoned The Lord of Emptiness for rebelling against him. Was it because you did not want humans to be roaming freely through Hell?"

"You couldn't possibly tell me you just pieced all that together just from our talk." Belphegor asked incredulous.

"As a matter of fact, I did, yes. At a certain age, it is far easier for any living being to catch up on important details and hints based solely on the interaction with another. The fact that I am an Esper helps also, of course." the woman chuckled emptily. "That and... I have just binge-watched The Tale of Seven Lords."

"If you say you're not a human, then it shouldn't matter to you, whatever my past prejudice might have been against their race. So, will you help me?" the demon pleaded, though begrudgingly and outright desperately.

"How may I help you?" Kitsune asked, listening attentively.

"That's what I'm about to tell you. Make sure to listen closely. Now, you can't open this door. Neither of us are capable of that because it's sealed with a very powerful sort of magic. In order to break the seal, you need the consent of Lucifer and his Six brothers. But they're not exactly nice folks. It's not like all we have to do is ask politely and they'll lift the seal. You must already know that, right? But you're a special case. You can make them do it." he is so rude, even speaking about his own brothers. So condescending, so patronising.

"Is this something that relates to... Uh... Pacts?" the man smiled, nodding his head.

"You have the power to bend demons to your will. Basically, you should make pacts with these demons, yes. All of them. You've already got Mammon and Leviathan under your control, right? Well, doing the same to the rest of them will be just as simple." he states, which makes a certain level of bitterness grow inside her. How dare he speak like that about her friends? And how does he know about the pacts? Do demons feel others' pacts?

"I do not like the way you speak about your brothers, as though they are nothing but tools. I may not have been here for long, but I assure you, I have grown to see some of them as precious friends of mine." Kitsune scolded the man.

"What matters is that I'm counting on you to come through for me, Kitsune. You're the only one who can help me now. You're my sole ray of hope in this bleak, bleak world. You've got to start by gaining their trust. And if you want to do that, you can't tell them you came here to speak with me. Whatever you do, don't mention that. Let's see... You should probably start with... Beelzebub. Yes, he'd be the best choice. You need to get close to him. I have faith in you, Kitsune. I know you'll get me out of here. So then, we have a deal. I'm counting on you, Kitsune." Kitsune looked at him with disgust, a sneer on her face.

"I am appalled by everything you have said. Beel is the one who is most depressed and missing you, yet here you are, speaking about him as though he is nothing more than a means to an end. You do not deserve the friendship of such a heart-warming man." she scoffed at him. "Besides, if Lucifer imprisoned you here for rebelling, and you hate human-kind, you would just kill me once I rescue you. I would rather not die like that, thank you very much." Kitsune turned around, ready to leave.

"WAIT, YOU CAN'T GO! KITSUNE, TURN BACK, I NEED YOU! KITSUNE!" he kept yelling in rage after her, but she did not listen. She exited that place before someone saw her and made her into tomorrow's soup.

After such an encounter, Kitsune found all possible drowsiness disappearing, so she decided to go to the library and hopefully find some nice book about beginner magic spells so she could continue her practicing. It was the first time she stepped into the chamber, and she had to admit, it was far bigger than she expected - And if the library from the House of Lamentation was vast, she couldn't help but wonder how enormous the one from the Academy could be.

Still, because it was so huge, Kitsune had no idea how to start looking for what she needed, and because of this, she had to stumble around blindly, until she found some kind of device that looked very much like the laptop she was gifted at the beginning of the year. The only problem was... Kitsune used that laptop as a stative for her flower vase. It was difficult enough getting used to the D.D.D. to begin with, and even that, she hadn't properly mastered. She needed someone technologically-savy, much like Levi, to teach her the ins and outs of this device. For now, however, she could only stare pitifully at the bright screen and the inviting writing that almost seemed to taunt her because of her lack of knowledge in this department.

"Can I help?" the familiar, friendly voice of Satan called out of nowhere, stepping next to her with an encouraging smile.

"Yes, please. I wanted to find some kind of spell book so that I could practice what we have been taught so far. It is just that, uh... I have no clue how to find something in just an endless room." Satan nodded his head in understanding and put one hand around her shoulder, and with the other, he showed her how to navigate the touchscreen device.

"Alright, so, this is the main screen. You can use this simply by touching on words. Here, you click on Categories and a list of types and genres will unfold. Here - Access the Academy category." the man urged her to search around herself. He watched as her hand approached the screen reticently, and with an uncertain finger, she softly tapped on that category, uncovering another list of subcategories. Then, before Satan could continue instructing, she tapped on Spellcraft and then Beginner. The cover of three books appeared, each of them with a short summary, and it showed where each of them was, with precise row, shelf and order.

"Magnificent. To think it was actually so easy to navigate such a device... Technology truly has come very far." she stared in wonder at the screen before Satan guided her through the library, showing her how to easily find books. There, on the first bookshelf that was as tall as it reached the ceiling, so much that it must have been at least four or five times her height, there was a mobile ladder. Kitsune wanted to climb up, but the demon stopped her.

"No need to bother with ladders. They can be... Rather fickle. Or cursed. I would advise you not to use them. Instead, I will teach you a simple spell so that you can call the book you focus on and summon it into your grasp." she nodded eagerly as the blond broke down the incantation for her, teaching her how to pronounce it, and demonstrated how to do it. After her third try, Kitsune also was able to call the book she needed.

"Thank you dearly, Satan. I truly appreciate your help." she said, holding the heavy tome to her chest. "In fact, would it be alright to ask if you could help me out with practical aspect of my studies? I, uh... I do not know who else to ask, and you seem the one best versed with anything that touches the intellectual aspect of life."

"I wouldn't trust Mammon to teach me anything either. In fact, I would fear for our lives." Satan chuckled lightly. "I'd gladly help you out, of course. Whenever you need, I'm available for you. Even now, in fact."

"Truly?" Kitsune's eyes widened adorably. "It is so late, I couldn't possibly waste your time at such an hour!"

Satan chuckled, cutely shaking his head dismissively. "Not at all. Anything that involves knowledge brings me joy." he then guided her toward a study table. Thankfully, nobody was there - Not that, considering the personality of the rest of the brothers, she expected anything else.

As they say, time passes at such a swift pace, to the point that, should they have been in the human world, the Sun would have already risen up on the sky. So much for a good night's rest, Kitsune thought to herself bitterly, but at least she didn't regret her time spent with Satan. It was always such a good time, whenever they were together, and she especially loved how patient he was with her, as it was so quick to learn things with him, as opposed to many of the teachers. She couldn't really blame them, though. The demons were supposed to know all this by know, considering they have been in RAD for centuries, if not, thousands of years now.

Since it was already well into the morning, and Satan was on cooking duty, Kitsune decided to help him out with all the breakfast meals, as a thank you for all the aid he's given her. When the rest of the brothers came over to eat, Lucifer too was there, and he decided to greet the woman and tell her about his great experience listening to the TSL soundtrack.

"I have to say, I enjoyed last night immensely. I listened to that record over and over... I can't tell you how many times. And because of that, I'm running on far too little sleep today, but I'm in a good mood." Lucifer chuckled in what seemed to be happiness, and his radiant smirk made her mood brighten as well, and her tiredness disappeared entirely.

"I suppose there is no use in telling a demon to exercise caution and temperance when indulging in something that he is so passionate about, so instead, I am simply going to say that I am glad the record was to your liking. However, I hope the lack of sleep will not be hindering you on today's activities." Kitsune offered a tender smile, amusing the eldest brother.

"I am a demon. A few hours less from a day of my usual schedule won't prove to be much of a hassle, unlike for you, humans." he hummed in levity. "I see you're up late today, though. I take it you didn't get much sleep either. Did something happen last night to keep you up?" he asks, narrowing his eyes suspiciously, making Kitsune nod an acknowledgement.

"Yes, in fact, Satan was kind enough to teach me not only how to use the technological system from the library, but also he helped me practice the spells that we have been taught so far at the Academy. Before we knew it, morning already arrived, so we decided to start making breakfast. There was no use in even attempting to catch that spare hour of sleep." she explained, garnering a chuckle from the raven haired man.

"Haha, I see, that's great to hear. Knowledge has always been a means to achieve power." Lucifer nodded with a soft smirk. "Now, if you don't mind, I have to go attend to council matters. Goodbye, Kitsune." he nodded goodbye at her.

"Thank you for you time, Lucifer. Do take care and be careful not to overwork yourself" finishing her breakfast, her and Satan went to the Academy, but they had to part ways, as they had different classes for the moment.

Instead, she had Mammon and Beel there, and despite how much she wanted to fall asleep on the desk, she couldn't because of all the yelling ensued because Beel was eating Mammon's food. Even when she was being shaken out of her tired trance, she did not care to interact with them, and when Simeon and Luke came over to greet them, it came without saying, the Greed Avatar had to tease the little Angel, who obviously got excessively angry at him. When finally, Simeon was able to calm the waters, they were invited along on a camping trip with the three inhabitants of the Purgatory Hall.

Thankfully, the classes ended pretty early, so Kitsune was able to rush back home and get some well-deserved sleep. Comfortably wearing her nightgown, she got under the covers and hugged the pillow, allowing a deep sleep to take over her, despite it still being barely late afternoon. Her sleep didn't last until the next morning unfortunately, as the annoyingly loud ringtone tune made her jump in her skin with a shriek, and she cursed technology with all her heart. It was Mammon, calling her to the kitchen with great urgency. Did he get himself in trouble or what?

"Took ya long enough. Listen, when I call you-" he began, only to stop upon seeing her exhausted glare.

"This better be a life or death situation, otherwise, I am going to rip your throat out." she sneered, making him shudder in fear.

"Y-Yeah, wh-whatevs,uhh... Let's have a look inside the fridge and see what we can find." Mammon looked away from her meekly, before rushing to the fridge. "Ugh... There's nothin' good in here. Oh! Looks like a custard! Here, eat this. I need an accomplice. I don't wanna be the only one in trouble." he speaks in a rushed voice, handing her a cup of custard, with Beel's name on it. "Come on, do it! Eat it! I'll admit you have guts if you do!" Mammon tried to provoke her, but no chance.

"Accomplice? Mammon, in case you forgot how to read, this had Beelzebub's name written on it. It is also expired. I would much rather not die." she scoffed, forcefully handing him back the dessert.

"Were you even listenin' to what I said? If I'm the only one eatin' this stuff, and I end up gettin' caught, then I'll take all of the blame. You're already an accomplice in this. You were from the second you agreed to meet me here. So, go on, eat it!" he said that, yet he kinda forced it down her throat.

"That was absolutely disgusting and I am very upset that you forced me to eat Beelzebub's dessert. In fact, I am very, very upset on you. I am going to tell on you because of that." she slapped his hands away, wiping her dirty mouth. "I will not get in trouble because of your foolishness."

"Don't woorrryyyy, nothin' is gonna...! D'AH...! Beel! Wh-What's the big idea, sneakin' up on me like that? How long have you been there...?" Mammon asks, slowly inching away to the door.

"...Did you eat my custard? Did you actually eat my CUSTARD?! Answer me, Mammon!" Beel's ominous voice sent shivers down his spine.

"Mammon just forced your custard down my throat. If you want to kill him, you have free reign. I am just as upset at him as you are." Kitsune declared, bothered by what just happened, only to see Beel turning into his demon form - Mammon squealed in sheer fright, hiding behind Kitsune and clutching on the thin material of her nightgown.

"You...ate...my...CUSTARD!!!" Beel roared in rage, and the next thing Kitsune knew, the sixth demon brother lifted the large fridge and threw it at the pair. Mammon squeaked and picked the girl under his shoulder, running away from there. Unfortunately for her, the fridge went through the walls of the kitchen, and landed in her own bedroom, destroying it.

"My flowers!" Kitsune exclaimed, squirming in Mammon's hold. "Damn it, Mammon, look what you have done! This is all on you! I hope you are proud of yourself. I am calling Lucifer." burning away at the man's grasp, she quickly dialed Lucifer's number and called him over immediately, running away and slipping from the Greed demon's grasp, as he desperately tried to yell at her not to tell Lucifer. Jokes on him, Beel, still heavily angered by having his food eaten, came running after them, and they had to collectively run towards the elder brother's room and hide behind him. Lucifer was the only one who could stop Beel from his rampage.

That is exactly how they ended up in Lucifer's own room, getting scolded by the elder who was glaring at them for creating so much trouble, especially at such a late hour into the night.

"You never give up, do ya? But whatever, it doesn't have nothin' to do with me anyway, 'cause Kitsune is the one who ate it!" Mammon yelled, making Kitsune turn to him, angered enough to have her fox features appear unwillingly.

"Blaming your own wrong-doings on me, I see. So much for a friend, Mammon. I hope you realise I am through with you and that I will never stand up to anyone who is going to treat you badly." she gnarled at him like a feral animal, enough to make him yelp and hide behind Beel.

"I knew you were the one behind this from the beginning, Mammon. Don't blame Kitsune." Beel threatened Mammon, who hid behind Lucifer.

"Now, hold on a second here. Wow, you don't trust your older brother even a little, do ya? ...I mean, I knew you didn't, but still." Mammon tried to appear gloomy, but they all knew he was playing.

"What in the world happened that the whole House of Lamentation shook to the core?" Lucifer's dark voice pressed them as he grabbed Mammon by the jacket and threw him away from him.

"That traitorous craven over there, who cannot take responsibility for his own actions, disturbed my sleep in the middle of the night and called me to the kitchen, saying he is in trouble and needs some help. Afraid for his life, and completely fooled by his lying, I go see what was going on, only to have him force Beelzebub's dessert on me. Of course, Beel got there in time to see that happening, and went on a frenzy. Lifted the fridge and threw it at us, and consequently, destroyed not only the kitchen, but my bedroom also. And I called to inform you of all this and because we needed your help greatly." Lucifer let out an exhausted groan of disbelief, pinching the bridge of his nose in exasperation.

"Now listen, and listen well. First of all, you--" Lucifer began, but those two started grumbling.

"Ugh... I can tell this is gonna take forever." Mammon sighed in annoyance.

"It's not fair. I'M the victim here." Beel whined again.

"Both of you, keep quiet. And you, especially, have no right to open your mouth anymore." Kitsune threatened the Greed Avatar.

"Thank you, Kitsune. Now, to begin with, your recklessness has impacted not just Diavolo, but also...." Lucifer began, only to get quickly cut off by the woman.

"Forgive me for interrupting, Lucifer, but I need to point out the biggest problem here is the fact that I have nowhere to sleep, and we should find a solution for that inconvenience. Not only that, but I strongly suggest having donkey-brain here pay, with his own hard-worked money, for all the reparation needed to fix the house. And take his credit card back. Make him work to earn his money, then have it all spent on the reconstruction." Lucifer felt the corners of his mouth twitch upwards, and he nodded in agreement.

"I strongly agree with you, Kitsune. For the time being, I want you to stay in Beel's room." Lucifer suggested.

"WHA?! Now just a second! Why're ya puttin' Kitsune in HIS room?! I mean, there's enough space in MY room, isn't there?!" he threw a tantrum, but she scoffed and looked away from him.

"I do not room with traitors." Lucifer chuckled at their quarrel.

"This is a trivial matter, Mammon. Don't get jealous over it. It shows immaturity." Lucifer spoke with amusement.

"Wha... Jealous?! Wh-Wh-Who're ya callin' jealous?! As if I'd be jealous... PFF! Anyway, Kitsune has a pact with me!" Mammon tried to reason, but she shook her head.

"Take it back or break it, for all I care. If you could betray me, it shows it matters little to you." Mammon whined like a little, sad child having his toy taken away.

"Your pact is irrelevant. Also, if I'm not mistaken, there's an extra bed in Beel's room. Do you understand, Beel? This ISN'T a request." Lucifer ordered, making the younger brother nod.

"Yeah. I understand." he stated simply, taking her to his room, which was decorated in two different colours, a half red and one purple, symbolising the Day and Night, probably.

Kitsune admired the room, though she had no clue where to settle. The Avatar of Gluttony told her to use his own bed, the one on the warmer side of the room, while he should take the couch. Basing the night-themed half of the room, Kitsune guessed that was reserved to Belphegor, the sleepy demon. That was ultimately confirmed once Kitsune protested about stealing his own bed, but he was a gentleman and couldn't allow a lady to stay on the couch while he's comfortably lounging on his fluffy bed. He told her the other bed was his twin brother's - Belphegor, though he thinks he is in the human world, as an exchange student. So everyone else had no idea he was stuck in the Attic. It made more and more sense.

Beel knows that Belphie had a falling out with Lucifer because of the exchange program, and that is why he was sent to the human world. If only he knew. Still, Kitsune sat on the edge of the bed and patted the spot next to her, which the man took. She urged him to tell her more about his brother, as it was obvious how much he cared for the younger one.

"Well... We're not alike in any way. Still, Belphie and I always got along. We used to have a little sister, Lilith. So the three of us were always together. But... That was a long time ago now." he hung down his head.

"Used to... Huh." Kitsune muttered, disheartened, as she put her hand on his back, rubbing comforting circles. "I understand, Beel. I, too, used to have someone dear to me... But he was taken away from me." killed. He was killed. But she hadn't the strength to admit to it, not even to remember, save for her plaguing, tormenting nightmares that never ended.

"Sorry, I don't feel like talking about her right now. When Belphie returns to the Devildom, you'll go back to the human world... Which means you two are never gonna meet each other." he stated, which made her nod in understanding. "But... It's comforting knowing that someone went through the same thing. Thank you."

"Thank you for being so kind and telling me all of these. I appreciate it. It is obvious how much you love your family, Beel. I am sure Belphie misses you infinitely. It is fine, the year will pass by very fast and you will be reunited." though she tried to reassure him, she realised that the lying demon up in the Attic hadn't been trapped for that long a time. How amusing.

"Thank you, Kitsune. Talking about it made me feel better. Now, let's go sleep, we have classes tomorrow."

Though she was able to fall asleep, Kitsune's mind kept wondering about Belphegor and his approach to life and the feeling he harbours for his family. If Lucifer trapped him there, surely, he must have had a good reason - That he was untamable in his hatred towards human kind, perhaps. She cared about her life, and she cared about the human realm, and if Belphegor proved to be a threat to both, there was little she wanted to do with him. Despite all this, she couldn't help but feel emotionally affected by Beel's depression and melancholy when it came to the Seventh brother and how much he misses him.

Belphegor told her not to mention to anyone that she met him, as it would only garner problems... And considering the little lie Lucifer fed them, she can understand, if they found out the truth, a huge war between them was going to ensue. Not only that, but she had the misfortune of unintentionally eavesdropping on a conversation between Lucifer and Beelzebub about Belphie - The Glutton was so upset that it broke Kitsune's heart. He tried, in vain, to convince Lucifer to send him as an exchange human instead... If only the poor man knew. Unfortunately for her, the traitorous Greed demon found her and dragged her away, in fear they would get caught, and ended up in the dining room, where he told her tidbits about their time as angels in the Celestial Realm and how much Lucifer changed over the years since coming to the Devildom, prioritising Diavolo's wishes, despite having to walk all over his own convictions. Considering Kitsune had no clue that all of them, sans Satan, were angels prior to all this, he had to explain a little about the Celestial War and how they fell from grace. When she mentioned Lilith and how Beel spoke a little about her and her demise, Mammon sighed pitifully, and told her not to mention her again, as it was still a sore spot, even so many thousands of years later, and they all were still mourning her. She understood completely. It had been almost five centuries since she had lost her reason for living, and yet, she was still in denial and griefing. She couldn't blame them.

Still, the greatest issue was that even Mammon himself ended up agreeing with Beel when he said that perhaps, if only they had a little chat together, Lucifer and Belphegor might make up and things would turn out differently. Suddenly, Kitsune started feeling bad for Lucifer - Not only was he stuck taking care of everyone, but he constantly had to become the bad guy in everyone's eyes, to make things right in the end... But the question arose... Who was taking care of HIM? Not only that, but the way Mammon spoke about Lucifer's devotion to Diavolo made him sound almost like a servant... A... Slave? Could demons make pacts with each other? Because, if possible, it wouldn't surprise her if Lucifer made a pact with Diavolo, to have him and his brothers accepted in hell. After being cast out by their own father, their own kin, they had to stay somewhere, to adapt to their new life as demons and... Have the demons accept them also. It was definitely no easy feat, and they had to suffer a lot through the years.

She knew that better than anyone. A kitsune without a name, born a fox, cast aside by her own kin, raised by animal foxes until she reached a hundred years of age and gained her second tail, only to be able to turn into a real human - Seeking shelter as a little child, naked, alone and afraid, being hunt down by humans who hated yokai, who were terrified of a child with fox ear and tails... Starving, shuddering in the freezing cold, being attacked, being assaulted, running away from the terrifying oni from the mountains... She was all alone... All alone for so long...

Until she reached adulthood and she gained her fifth tail, was she able to properly control her powers... And it was then that she met him, one fateful night, as she was dancing on the sheen of a lotus pond, fireflies flying mystically around her, and shikigami blazing bright blue around her. Her five tails were swaying slowly in an elegant fur fan behind her, and her short, seductive, provocative kimono hugged her curves so deliciously. He was attracted by the sound of her melancholic flute tune, and he remained, mesmerised, watching the falling flowers of the wisteria trees surrounding the lotus pond, as they danced in the gentle breeze to the melody she created. The man was completely enchanted by the beauty in front of him, though he knew she couldn't be human - No human was as beautiful and magic as she was, nor could humans walk on the mirror of the water, or illuminate so gently the lotus flowers floating around.

He was the single person who had accepted her, and integrated her into his ranks - Him, the Lord of Owari - Her warrior, her most beloved warlord, the only one she ever loved, the only one to whom she pledged her very heart, soul and being. If only he hadn't been taken away from her, she could have lived as long as he did, and once he died of old age, she could have ended her own, and ascend to the skies together, hand it hand. But the hopeful dreams of romance were stolen away from the maiden, and she was forced to watch him being slaughtered before her very eyes, as she ran away like the powerless coward that she was.

How could she ever forgive herself for allowing the only man she ever loved die? Weak, powerless, incompetent, craven. Those were the only words that swam through her head and heart, for centuries on end. Yes, she helped reform the Shogunate, and she participated in wars to aid the side that her beloved was on while alive - She wanted to make his dream come true, but also, to throw away all the rage and wrath she felt for having her soulmate butchered. But it was not enough. It never was enough. Nothing could replace him, and nothing could take away the torment she was constantly drowning into.

Realising that violence wasn't working, she took refuge at the shinto shrine nearby, where people knew her and accepted her, grace of her beloved, and they taught her about meditation and divination powers that only spiritually powerful miko had. Thus, with time, she became the most powerful priestess, and in turn, was awarded the ultimate title of the Kitsune Guuji. Once the warring period stopped, she was able to travel the unified country and govern as the head of all Shinto Shrines, conducting all sorts of rites and rituals, and engaging with humans, for the first time, as being worth accepting - A kitsune was being revered as the ultimate Priestess, the medium between the earthly realm, and the celestials.

Despite how absent-minded Kitsune was for the entire next morning, she woke up from her over-thinking as soon as she received a text message from the Chihuahua, asking her to come to the front of the House of Lamentation and meet him. Considering Beel finished his classes also, and they were rooming now, he, too, joined her in meeting the whiny and very loud child.

"I'll get straight to the point. Please, I'm begging you, let me in your room tonight!" Luke pleaded desperately.

"You are being so loud, how about you lower your voice?" Kitsune shushed him, as the two brought the child over to his room.

"Hey, this isn't your room! Why are we in Beelzebub's room?!" he asked in a loud voice, making both Kitsune and Beel look at each other with gloomy faces.

"My room was destroyed, so it is unavailable currently." Kitsune explained, ruffling her hair in disdain.

"You're too loud. If you don't want the others to know you're here, you'd better keep it down." Beel warned simply.

"WHAT?!" Luke yelled in desperation.

"I don't remember asking anyone to pick up a DOG from the street and bring it back here, not to mention one that never stops barking." Beel whined, afraid of getting in trouble.

"Hey! Don't compare me to a dog! Anyways, I came here of my own free will!" he yelled, and the next thing she know, they were talking about sweets and cakes and whatever.

"I do not care about that. I want to know why exactly are you here. Did you have a fight with Simeon?" Kitsune asked, hitting the nail on the head.

"This is all his fault. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for him. He's getting way too chummy with these demons. We are angels, proud inhabitants of the Celestial Realm! And what's more, we report directly to Michael the Archa-" he kept yapping, which only made her groan.

"You have a lot of guts, insulting the very beings that you are seeking the help of, you know? You are a guest in the home of demons, you should act with more respect." Kitsune scolded him, making him whine again. "Let me guess - You argued with Simeon and now you are far too prideful to apologise and return - Am I correct? How childish."

"I also think that's the case." Beel sighed, trying to be the mature one.

"Well... Yes. I strode out of Purgatory Hall, which is our dorms, and... You can imagine I can't go back because of what I did. I can't face him!" Luke complained. "So please let me stay here!"

"Even though you hate demons?" Beel asked seriously.

"Well, what choice do I have? This is the only place I could think of to go." he pleaded, and Kitsune raised her head up to Beel.

"I see...Okay, Luke can stay here. I do owe him for giving me that cake, after all." Beel shrugged, despite looking sharp.

"Wh-What, really?!" Luke chirped in happiness.

"Just make sure that my brothers don't find out about you. If they knew I was sheltering an angel, they'd kick me out of the dorm." Beel warned the kid, but... He just wouldn't listen.

"All right, got it! Leave it to me! I'll make sure no one ever finds out! You think I'm about to let some demons find me?! I DON'T THINK SO!" he yelled so loud that it made me cringe.

"In that case, do us all a favour and be quiet!" Beel whisper-yelled, glaring at the kid.

"Now I understand why Simeon cannot stand you anymore..." Kitsune muttered to herself, making Beel chuckle in amusement.

And so, a very long night awaited Kitsune and Beelzebub, trying to babysit the ever-yapping Chihuahua, and during morning, it was just as tragic, if not, even more. The two of them had to find some way to bring food back at their room, unless they wanted a whiny, starving child, but of course, it garnered a ton of attention from the other brothers, who suspected they were sheltering some kind of animal. The demon had to say they were taking care of a dog, but only momentarily, until they found his rightful owner. To think that Simeon became a dog-owner was hilarious.

Once they returned to their now shared room and brought the food, but neither Beel nor Kitsune were feeling good after undereating for so long. Unable to keep himself starving any longer, Beel went down to the kitchen to bring some more food for the two of them, fearing her paleness. In the meantime, Kitsune laid tiredly on the couch, lounging like a lazy princess and leaning on the arm rest, as Luke sat on the floor next to her, telling her tidbits about how much he used to admire Lucifer, during his time as a Seraph, and he was the strongest and most beautiful of all angels, sporting six pure white wings from which light radiated divinely. The boy was blushing hard as he admitted all that, including the fact that he liked Lucifer more than dear Michael - But once Beel returned, he had a concerned look on his face, informing them that a surprise inspection was going on at the exact moment. Lucifer must have heard the dog-rumour somehow and started looking for it.

The two freaked out, having no clue how to get out of this mess, how to hide Luke from Lucifer, considering how Lucifer knows literally everything. The only place to hide the child was in the closet - Extremely obvious and the first place that the eldest will check... Though incredibly, Luke disappeared, and Lucifer's search proved futile. The only problem was that neither Kitsune nor Beelzebub had any clue where Luke could be, he was nowhere to be found. Things were awful.

The next day during class, Beel and Kitsune were engaged in intense discussions on what strategies to adopt finding the angel child, only for Simeon to come out of nowhere and thank them for taking care of his Chihuahua. Kitsune had sent him a quick text the day they accepted him, so Simeon wouldn't worry, but now she regretted her benevolence and wondered how to get out of this mess.

As soon as they returned home, they started searching around, and in their detective work, they uncovered a doll house which oddly resembled the House of Lamentation, and with this, they discovered a secret tomb which could be open when the message written on it was spoken in the language of angels. It was a riddle - And the answer was their lost sister, Lilith. Entering the place, Beel explained it was an exact copy of Lilith's room from the Celestial Realm, and he immediately felt his heart shattering.

"She's our little sister... But she's gone now. She died in the Great Celestial War. Do you know about it?" he asked, ready to explain everything.

"No... Not too much." she said softly, looking up at him.

"Lucifer incited a revolution against our father, back when we were angels, and we aligned ourselves with him. Those who followed our father fought against those who followed Lucifer. That was the Great Celestial War. In the end, our father crushed the rebellion and cast us out of the Celestial Realm. During the battle, my sister Lilith's wing was pierced by an arrow. Both Belphie and I saw it. It happened right in front of our eyes. She fell down out of the heavens and... Died. Just before Lilith was shot, I saw angels from the opposing side draw their bows and aim at both her and Belphie. I couldn't save them both... The three of us were too far apart. I knew I'd only be able to get to one of them in time. Then suddenly, Belphie's eyes met mine... And just like that, I rushed over to him and shielded him from the attack." hearing this story, Kisune didn't realise her eyes were stinging with glimmering tears.

"Beel..." she manage to call his name barely audible.

"I wasn't able to save Lilith. She died. And it was my fault." he was close to crying himself, so Kitsune wrapped her arms tightly around his form.

"If you continue blaming yourself, you are going to upset Lilith. She would not want you continuing to feel guilty over what happened, would she? She loved you too much to see you so upset." she felt his body stiffen up. "I understand what you went through... Trust me, I do. I was a craven, I ran away while the love of my life sacrificed himself to save me from an army. It has been less than five centuries, and I am still blaming myself for being unable to save him... I cannot imagine what you feel... But Beel, you were able to save Belphie. I am sure that Lilith would be very happy, knowing that at least you were able to save him."

"Everyone tells me that. You couldn't help it. That's what they say. But none of them saw what I saw. They didn't see how Lilith looked at me as the arrow pierced her wing in the split second before she fell. They didn't see that look of despair. Belphie hasn't ever come out and said it, but I think he blames me for not being able to save Lilith. I know he wanted me to save her instead of him. In

fact, I knew that at the time, but I chose to save him instead." Beel sighed, putting his arms around her, seeking comfort.

"That is simple survivor's guilt, Beel. If you had saved Lilith, she would have felt guilty for living, instead of Belphie. It is what it is - At the end of the day, it is impossible to split yourself in two and save two people at once. What happened was a tragedy, but please, do not blame yourself - Instead, praise yourself for being able to save your brother. Please, Beel. It is going to be difficult, accepting this, being comfortable with the notion, and I know that the griefing will not stop... But she would not want to see you so upset on her behalf, instead of being happy and living you life." the man sighed, resting his chin on the top of her head, his whole body trembling softly, trying his hardest not to break down and cry.

"Were you able to come to terms with what happened?" his voice was so vulnerable, so wavery.

"No." she admitted bluntly. "It has not been until I arrived here that I have come in contact with certain situations and conversations that had opened my eyes and lit up a new path to me. I am not yet sure whether I can continue following down this road, but... I suppose only time will tell."

"What would you have done, if you were in my position?" he asked, only to hear a sardonic chuckle.

"Have I not told you? I ran away. You did not. Already, you are a far better man than I will ever be." the self-hatred from her voice only seemed to bring another sad sigh from the man.

Suddenly, her phone started ringing, and she picked up, seeing it was Mammon, though she was a bit irked for having the bonding moment ruined. Unfortunately, it was an important call, considering Mammon found Luke in the underground Tomb, and things were bad, because Lucifer was there too and ready to tear the angel apart. Beel quickly grabbed Kitsune's wrist and they ran all the way down to the tombs. Lucifer was incredibly angry, and for the first time, Kitsune felt fear when looking at him. The argument was over a certain book, which Mammon informed was a Grimoire, and that idiotic Angel was clinging onto it dumbly. Why would he take a book if he had no clue what it was all about? This tome had the power of controlling a demon to do anything the wielder wanted, even if it went in direct violation with a pact.

"Luke, you are an angel and you pride yourself with reporting to Michael. Why, in the world, are you so muddle-headed that you would pick up a book that you do not even know what is about? It is not the library, nor is it your own possession. Put it back from where you got it." Kitsune's angry voice boomed with authority, making the boy tremble just as bad and throw the Grimoire back on the pedestal from where he got it.

"Okay but how did the dog get in here? No one else but us has access to this place! So how'd you get here?" Mammon tried to speak in a calming voice.

"I-I don't know! Y-Your guess is as good as mine! I tumbled down out of the closet in Beelzebub's room and found myself here! And then-" hearing Beel's name made Kitsune slap her face so hard that it resounded loudly throughout the tomb.

"I have never met a more idiotic being in my entire life." the woman spat in annoyance.

"Beelzebub's room...? Did I hear that correctly...? Did you just say the words BEELZEBUB'S ROOM?!" Lucifer's low voice gradually became a booming rage that induced sheer fear in the hearts of everyone present.

"Uh-oh...this is bad..." Mammon muttered, as Lucifer literally screamed Beel's name as loud as demonically possible.

"Were you hiding this angel in your room? Did you allow him access to the House of Lamentation? This angel would try to steal that grimoire?" Lucifer's voice was like boiling water, and despite Luke muttering excuses, Mammon was smart enough to make him shut up. "You to had better be ready to face consequences...!" the tone was so scary that both victims who stood next to each other were obviously shaken up.

"I was not aware that it was forbidden to have angels over in the House of Lamentation. It is a fault on my part, Lucifer, so if you want to punish someone, do punish me. Luke had a fight with Simeon and asked to spend some time over with me, and since my own room was destroyed, I brought him over in Beel's room while he was down in the kitchen getting food. When he returned and informed me that angels were not allowed in here, and that you were on a grand inspection, I shoved Luke in the closet, only for him to disappear by the time you checked it. I do not know how he got transported here, but Luke did not have the intention, nor the knowledge that the book he touched was important to your kind." Kitsune stepped defensively and with a calm sense of dignity in front of the trembling Beel and Luke who were clinging onto each other.

"Out of the way, human! Or do you want to DIE here?!" Lucifer threatened, looking down at her as if though she were trash, but he was still restraining himself not to do something rash.

"Would you truly be able to kill Diavolo's precious human exchange student? What about all that nasty paperwork? And your tarnished reputation as the not-so reliable right hand of the Prince himself?" she spoke with such confidence in the face of danger, that Mammon was tearing his own hair away from shock and fear for her life.

"Stop it, Kitsune...!" Beel put his hand on hershoulder, but she only shrugged it off.

"C'mon, this is serious! He's gonna kill you for real!" Mammon warned again, genuinely worried.

"A human risking so much to defend a demon and an angel... How very interesting... Well, if you want to be a hero, you're going to have to choose one of them to save. Beelzebub, or Luke? It's one or the other. Make your choice!" his appearance was so condescending, as if she was facing the God of Death himself. Kitsune couldn't help but scoff at him, her eyes narrowing in anger as she, too, transformed into her mystical form. If he wanted to be intimidating, so will she be. "I am not a hero, nor will I listen to that silly talk of yours. There is no choice to be made, but to ensure that no one gets punished in my stead. Why should they take the blame for my mistakes? Men must live with the consequences of their own action, and therefore, since it was my wrong-doing, I am willing to accept your punishment - But you leave them out of this."

"Oh? You want to choose both...? Do you actually THINK I'm going to allow a lowly human that choice?! THAT YOU CAN HAVE WHATEVER IT IS YOU WANT?! NO...!!!" Lucifer yelled in pure anger, suffocating dark mist darkening the dimly lit tombs, whilst purple zaps of pure evil energy were crackling like whips all around them.

"You are being pathetic, Lucifer!" Kitsune's voice rose for the first time since she arrived in Hell. "You want to be a person of authority, yet your sense of fair judgement has been tainted and blinded by your rage." at once, Lucifer created a beam of energy which channeled to destroy the woman, only to be met with her own powerful light-blue divination fire, which was able to keep the blackness from approaching her and the two she was shielding. The Avatar of Pride had tremendous strength, and Kitsune found herself sweating with strain from the first time whilst using her shielding powers. "WHY DO YOU WANT TO GET YOUR OWN BROTHER THROUGH THE SAME TORMENT HE WENT WHEN HE WAS FORCED TO WATCH LILITH DIE?! WHEN HE WAS FORCED TO CHOOSE BETWEEN BELPHEGOR AND LILITH, AND LIVE WITH THE ETERNAL ANGUISH OF UNCERTAINTY AND GUILT?! WHY FORCE HIM TO RE-LIVE THIS TRAUMA AND GASH OPEN AN ALREADY FESTERING WOUND?! IF YOU TRULY LOVED YOUR BROTHERS, YOU WOULD NOT BE TRULY HURTING THEM, LUCIFER!" Kitsune quickly had to take the gohei wand and the suzu bells from her sleeves, feeling the power output getting tenfold more pressuring, to the point that thorns of pitch black fog were going through and breaking the serene shield she made and coiling in perfect swirls up her arms, to her shoulders and all the way down to her feet.

"HOW DARE YOU SPEAK OUT HER NAME, YOU FILTH?!" Kitsune felt her blood boiling inside her steam, and she could feel vessels pop, flooding her lungs. She was suffocating, yet she wasn't sure if it was from her own body breaking, or from the endless power that the most powerful demon was so ruthlessly throwing at her.

"YOU ARE GOING TO REGRET ALLOWING YOUR ANGER TO TAKE OVER YOUR SENSES, LUCIFER! SEE REASON BEFORE YOU DESTROY EVERYTHING YOU HAVE WORKED SO HARD TO ACHIEVE!" she cried out, feeling two areas of her flesh searing hot with pain, and though she couldn't see, she was sure her two pact sigils were flashing brightly with their respective colours, and though it was hurting, it also felt as though that area was protected from the affliction from Lucifer's corrupting power.

"I WILL RIP YOUR VILE TONGUE OUT AND REVEL AS YOUR WHOLE DISGUSTING BODY DISINTEGRATES TO DUST!" he wasn't hearing anything that she was saying, nor that his brothers were yelling at him to stop. Kitsune's shield was breaking, and her hands were already being succumbed to the torturing, crippling energy of death.

"LUCIFER, STOP RIGHT NOW!" all of Kitsune's pain stopped as someone threw his strong arms around her body and shielded her from her death sentence. She felt safe, for the first time in centuries. Protected, even. It was warm, and darling, and she could feel her body giving up, and her consciousness slipping away. Were it not for everyone gasping out Diavolo's name, she wouldn't have known who her saviour was, though it wasn't difficult to guess either way. "You've done enough, Lucifer. Go to your room and cool your head." little by little, Lucifer's roars dimmed to grumbles, and he stormed out of the place.

Kitsune felt herself being held up and cradled in Diavolo's arms. "You've got to stop being so brave against those stronger than you, little fox. Don't you know to call to me when in need? I am your Little Prince, aren't I? And though the Little Prince from the book had to leave the little fox... Well, there is no way that I would leave you. If only you allowed me to tame you, as much as you have already tamed me." she wasn't sure where she was being taken, but if her body could just awaken the same way her mind was, she would laugh at him and thank him for saving her.

By the time she was placed on the bed, she heard Diavolo telling Beel to take care of her and announce him as soon as she awakens. It was so difficult, having to swim up through the darkness of this void, feeling as though, no matter how much you try, you are stuck in limbo. The bottomless pool of shadow tendrils were pulling her down further and further, shackling each of her limbs, and making her drown... Her body felt so heavy, yet she couldn't even see it anymore, she could feel, she couldn't breathe... She was just a mere conscience, something out of this world, forever to be chained at the bottom of the void, from an abyss with no salvation, a purgatory with no heaven or hell.

"Kitsune...?!" someone gasped. "Ah, you're awake!" somehow, the next time she blinked in that pitch black, she found herself in a bright look, and gazing down at her, she saw a familiar orange haired man. "Here, get some water... I've been here watching you. I thought you might never wake up, since humans are so fragile. I'm really glad you're awake now... Do you... Remember what happened? You made Lucifer REALLY mad when you stepped in to protect Luke and me. You almost got yourself killed. If Diavolo hadn't come running up, you'd be dead right now, you know? He managed to stop Lucifer." Beel's upset expression turned into a light one, as she could only stare at him blankly, feeling still trapped a bit in that darkness. Yes, she remembered, though she needed a little bit of time to get better and muster up the strength to speak. "You saw how Lucifer looked back then, and yet, you stepped in front of me and spread your arms to block him. It was like you had a death wish. You need to go to Lord Diavolo and thank him for saving your life." he kept talking, as if to keep her awake and make sure she doesn't fall asleep again.

"Are you hurt, Beel?" she managed to speak in a whisper, not moving from her position.

"I'm fine, but is this really the time to be worrying about me? You almost died, you know? A human stepping in to shield a demon from harm... I've never even heard of anything like that before. As for Luke, Simeon came and took him back to Purgatory Hall. He was pretty shaken up after what he experienced." Beel continued.

"I am... Glad you're both okay..." she said tiredly.

"Luke didn't do anything wrong. I'm the one to blame here. I'm the one who hid him in the room and I'm the reason he disappeared. I'm the one who failed to calm Lucifer down and ended up putting you in danger. All of that was MY fault." Beel took the blame on himself, and with the power she garnered, Kitsune lethargically place an awkward palm over his entire face, confusing him.

"If you play the blame game again, whilst in my presence, I will personally kill you." she sneered at him. "I have had enough self-hatred and guilt of my own. You needn't experience the same thing. What I told Lucifer applies to you also."

"Y'know... When you stepped in to shield me from Lucifer, I was pretty shocked. I mean, why would you go to those lengths? You're not a demon or an angel, and your powers aren't yet that strong. You're just a frail human. So why... Did you try to protect me and Luke?" he asked, gently taking her hand away, holding it in his own large ones.

"I feel connected with you, after our conversation regarding the loss of our beloved, and how to cope and accept that it was not our fault... Well... I have never had anyone to whom I could relate so much. It feels... Therapeutic." she explained, trying to get in a sitting position.

"So...I'm your friend. As I watched you there sleeping, as I looked at your face, I couldn't help wondering... If the situation had been reversed, would I have stepped in to defend you? I wanted to do something to make it up to you, to thank you for saving me. I'm going to make a pact with you... But I would like to know why do you keep making pacts with us." Beel asked with his eyebrow arched.

"No, you would not have defended me, and I do not hold it against you. You have gone through enough, why should you sacrifice your life for a person you hardly know? Regardless, there is no reason why you should make a pact with me, unless you want to. And to answer your question - Mammon and Levi came to me with the proposal, it was not me came up with that idea. Truth be told, nobody told me what pacts actually mean, so I took them as friendship bonds." she shrugged, already feeling her body getting better.

"With a strong personality like yours, it's hard not to get attracted and want to make friends." Beel chuckled softly, understanding now why his elder brothers wanted to make a pact with the new human. "I wish Belphie will get to meet you one day. You are a great friend, Kitsune." thus, Beel put his large hand over her arm, right where her biceps was. "You are very strong, Kitsune. Mentally, physically, emotionally - If you were brave and strong enough to defend us from someone vastly more powerful... To stand up to Lucifer himself... Then you are truly stronger than anyone I have ever met." as he spoke, her skin felt as though it was being carved open, and the large sigil that covered the entirety of her arm, from her shoulder to her elbow like a tribal tattoo, flashed a powerful crimson red, with a soft tint of bleak purple. "I hope one day I will become as strong as you are, Kitsune..." he admitted, a smile on his face. A smile of acceptance, not only of the past, but of himself also. "Also... If you were to die... We would be sad. I, Mammon, even Levi. So if anything happens... I will protect you." Beel raised her face up to look at him, which made her smile back at him.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Beel. It means everything to me." with some help, Kitsune was able to get up on her feet. "If you do not mind, I have to go thank Diavolo for the lucky save. I think I will be sleeping over, but I will text you, just to be sure. Sweet dreams."

Though her body was still aching, Kitsune was able to get out of the House of Lamentation and quickly transformed in her fox form, feeling natural as she ran around through the park, all the way towards the Castle. Though she had to open the large entrance door as a human, it was still as a fox that she ran up the stairs, and bolted in front of his study door. With a playful smirk, Kitsune rose her front paws on the wooden door and started scratching at it mercilessly, hoping it would make enough of a noise to alert the Prince. Her plan was a success, as the door opened, and Diavolo exclaimed in surprise, seeing not his butler, but the tiniest, most adorable little fox, smirking at him like the devil himself. The little fox rose up again, dragging her sharp claws down his knee, and further down, as that was as high as she could reach.

The Prince laughed mirthfully and crouched to lovingly pull the little fox into an embrace, only for it to transform into her human form. "I have to say, I wasn't expecting such a surprise, when I knew you were resting back at the House of Lamentation." he declared, sitting on the couch with her over his lap. His fingers found her arm and trailed the invisible sigil of her pact with the Avatar of Gluttony. "I see Beelzebub wanted to thank you for defending him."

"Yes, I suppose that is one way of saying it." she chuckled lightly. "Thank you for saving me. It must have been quite the long sprint, from the Academy, and to our home. Are you not tired?"

"When it comes to saving you, I can't tire." his hand found itself caressing her face.

"You were in your demon form, weren't you?" he nodded. "I did not get to see it. What a pity. I bet you look outstanding."

Diavolo made a cute puppy smile. "I will show you with the next occasion."

"I heard what you said." she declared in a whispery voice. "Was it true? Have I tamed you, Little Prince?"

"I thought you already knew that." Kitsune looked down, those long locks of carmine hue hiding her face.

"Beel made a pact with me because we share a similar kind of heart ache, and through this, we have bonded." she took a deep breath, shocked herself that she was speaking about it for the first time.

Diavolo's fingers delicately pulled her hair behind her ear, revealing the softest peony painted on her warm cheeks. "Are you sure you want to tell me, Kitsune?"

"If I have tamed you, then it is only fair that I allow you to do the same, is that not true?" her whisper sent shivers down his spine. "I have denied you out of heart break, and out of denial. Guilt and self-blame have made me wish for death, out of grief and hatred for those that were able to have what I did not."

"And what is your most burning desire? The one thing without which you cannot continue living, whose absence makes you beg for the sweet release of death?" it seemed as though the Prince's voice dropped an octave, so velvety, so sultry.

"How can I ask you to become my reason for living, when the only thing that I have been seeking my entire life was my soulmate?" Diavolo's eyes widened, and it finally dawned on him - Of course she couldn't ask him for something of this magnitude! How stupid of him, insisting so much when he had no clue what she was feeling. He felt awful now, as though she made her relieve her deepest traumas. "There is nothing more selfish in life than to trap a man into such a situation. The only way to live, is to find the love of my life - How can I ask that of you, when we have just met? You must have been acquainted to millions of people, and many more." that melancholic smile only made Diavolo wish to hold her so strongly in his arms and kiss away all of her anguish.

"Your kin is very much like humans in that regard - You meet that special someone, and you live by their side for the rest of your lives, though humans don't have much of a lifespan compared to us, do they?" the man frowned, his hand absent-mindedly caressing her hair.

"How many thousands of years have you been alive, Little Prince?" her question was rhetorical, he realised. "You are demons. You fall pray to temptation and sin - It is how you were created, I do not blame you - But I could not possibly ask another to live an eternity by my side and rob away their freedom. It is egotistical. It means that you do not cherish that person." she explained.

"That's not entirely true, Kitsune." his other arm wrapped itself around her waist, pulling her flushed against his chest. "Demons make pacts, and they create a permanent connection with the human. Making a pact is like handing over control of your life to someone else, it's not something you just do on a whim. We connect with one single person at all times, that is it. It means that person has to be very special. Most demons haven't done any pacts, such as myself or the brothers. It is an extraordinary feat, meeting a special human like that, to the point that we'd risk our lives for them." Kitsune frowned, straightening her back to look at him.

"That sounds an awful lot like human world marriage. Or, at least those forged out of love, that is." she pointed out, earning a chuckle from the Lord. "Still, for demons, the life of a human is nothing but the blink of an eye. When that person dies, you can go to another. But if that person is immortal, you are stuck forever under their control. Does that not sound terrifying?"

"We don't see it that way. You're over-analysing it too much." he smiled tenderly at her. "You were right, I have met millions upon millions of people of all races and kinds, but there was none who could catch my eye so easily, and flirt with me, without regard for my royal status. You saw me for who I am, from the very beginning. It made me very happy."

"That is because I am a Princess myself." she blurted, before gasping and slapping her hand over her mouth. "How could I say something so atrocious. I am ashamed of myself. Please, forgive me and forget I just said that filth. I was not born a Princess, therefore, I hold no royal blood. How ridiculous of me to say something like that. I should have my tongue cut off." she reprimanded herself so harshly that it made the man think a little.

"Was your lover a Prince, then?" he asked, amused at the coincidence.

"No, he was not, though he had noble blood. He, uh... He was a warlord, and one of the main unifiers of our country. He fought for peace and equality his whole life." Diavolo watched Kitsune clear her throat and look away, clearly embarrassed like a maiden to be speaking of her past heartthrob. "As soon as he met me, he fell in love. He named me a Princess and brought me to his castle to rule the country by his side. I would aid him during war councils, and ride in war by his side." it was clear to him that the more she spoke about him, the more torment her heart felt, quivering and tearing itself apart to ribbons and shards.

"Kitsune. Look at me." Diavolo put his hands on her face, tilting it so she would look at him. Her pained green eyes stared deep into her golden gems, so hypnotising, so enchanting, that she thought she was swimming in a sea of honey, so delicate, so sweet, so soothing. "I cannot claim that I will become your reason for living - That is something that only your heart can decide - But Kitsune, I meant it when I said, I wish you will allow me to court you. I can feel how deep your pain goes, but your loneliness is overshadowing your anguish. I can see how desperately you wish to be saved from your own self. Allow yourself another chance. Remember how much your beloved care for you, and ask yourself - Would he want you to throw away your life, out of grief?"

Kitsune gritted her teeth in pain, trying desperately to hold back her tears. "He died to save me. If he saw the pitiful state I was in, he would be so upset. It makes his sacrifice be in vain... But for so long, the only thing I wished for was to die already and have my soul reunite with him... I do not even know if a kitsune soul goes to the same realm as human souls. Ah, to be immortal and fall for a mortal, in the fickle times of war. He was so young, so strong... And he died before his time."

"If even he wants you to live, why deny his last wish? Allow yourself a second chance at living, at happiness. Allow your heart to open again... And perhaps you will see that your reason for living is right in front of you." though her face looked tormented, she found herself smiling wryly.

"You are right. I know you are. I realised it today, speaking to Beel, as I told him the exact same thing you told me. Funny how we can give others the advice we need, yet we do not follow it ourselves." she sighed, shaking her head before running her fingers through her hair. "I need a little time... To accept this reality. I need to accept the inevitable... And once I do, well... I suppose there will be nothing stopping me from being tamed."

A bright, charming smile, resembling the warm sunlight from the human world graced Diavolo's beautiful features as he found himself kissing her cheek. "And when you do, I hope to see that beautiful smile of yours brightening up my days for as long as you'll have me by your side."

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