#if they aren't what you wanted - please let me know! | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

flowersforthemachines · 11 hours ago

Text

Some facts about Lucanis (and also Spite and the Crows) gathered from the banters

I went through all companion banters on DanaDuchy's channel after playing the game to write down all facts about companions/the world that I haven't seen brought up anywhere in the game as a writing reference (and for funsies).

Note: the list isn't 100% exhaustive. I may have missed something or didn't write something down because I had heard about it before or considered it common knowledge. If you think there's something that can be added to the post, please DM me or send an ask! (do specify what banter the information is coming from)

Other characters' posts: Bellara, Davrin, Harding, the rest to be added later this week

About Lucanis:

Family and the past:

Lucanis learnt to cook while helping the kitchen staff at the villa when he was a little boy. One of his motivations was learning how to make churros

Side note: Lucanis mentions that cioccolata calda was his favourite drink when he was a baby, and he serves churros to a romanced Rook who picks cioccolata calda as their favourite drink. It’s all coming together!

Lucanis wanted to be a Crow when he was a child (at least most of the time)

All of Lucanis's relatives were Crows as well, and all of them were killed by a rival Crow house

Lucanis says Caterina would be proud of Illario hiding his plans well, as well as killing her

Lucanis says that the hard part about setting Illario free would be convincing Caterina

Lucanis says that nightlife was more of Illario's thing, and he never got out as much

On Crows and Antiva:

Viago still stares daggers at Lucanis for throwing his (Viago's) pet snake out of the window in a dream

Lucanis doesn't like it when people confuse murder and assassination ("Murderers are hobbyists, we are professionals")

Lucanis has taken contracts in Orlais

Lucanis doesn’t know Treviso as well as he once used to

Heir didn’t train Lucanis

Lucanis says he has never killed an innocent “by his count” (other people may disagree)

Lucanis doesn’t think of the Crows as a “big organisation” (unlike the Inquisition) because they stab each other too much

Lucanis became a mage-killer at Caterina’s behest (she wanted to tap into new markets)

The nickname “The Demon of Vyrantium” came from Tevinter news-sheets, though Lucanis thinks Viago started it

Lucanis says that there aren't any special tricks to killing mages. Though, if nothing else works, you can try pissing them off, as that could attract a demon that would eat the mage

Lucanis once killed half a dozen venatori while stuck inside an elevator

Lucanis doesn’t consider himself a gentleman assassin, manners are less important than getting the job done

Lucanis sometimes spares his targets. He mentioned letting go of a servant who killed her master, as well as a 14-year-old boy. He thinks it’s wrong to kill people so young because they still have time to change

Lucanis doesn’t accept contracts without merit, and the merit is decided by the talon of the house

General:

Lucanis can make bread

Lucanis has never been to Ferelden

Lucanis isn’t interested in killing wyverns, just looking at them :)

Lucanis has a pet snake

Lucanis stays awake at night by cleaning his gear, exercising, studying Orlesian and knitting ("it’s just another kind of blade work")

Lucanis doesn’t understand a lot of things people find attractive

(In a conversation with Harding) Thinking about cooking was one of the things that helped Lucanis stay sane in the Ossuary (the other was thinking about killing his enemies)

(In a conversation with Davrin) Lucanis survived the Ossuary by shutting down and not thinking about anything except escaping

These two points sort of contradict each other. Either an inconsistency or Lucanis describing his experience differently to different people.

The Wetlands ruined at least one pair of Lucanis’s boots

(If Rook chooses to save Treviso) Lucanis offers to pay for any supplies the Shadow Dragons may need

Lucanis doesn't get a better bed because he's afraid of accidentally falling asleep

Lucanis can identify the killer’s weapon and the height difference between them and the target just through the blood splatter left at the scene

Lucanis considers Grey Wardens dangerous

Lucanis doesn’t like necromancy, because bringing people back to life is a waste of hard work

Lucanis finds the ice coffee from Minrathous offensive (Harding describes it as “snow, but made of coffee, sweet, and with cream and toffee sauce on top”)

Lucanis had never been in a romantic relationship before Rook/Neve

Relationships with other companions:

Lucanis gets into reading Bellara’s serials (very passionately - they chat about it a bunch)

Lucanis is outraged that the Veil Jumpers don’t get paid for their work and offers Bellara his contract negotiator

Lucanis made biscuits for Assan

Lucanis is sceptical that the griffons will be safe with the Wardens

Lucanis think that Assan shouldn’t go soft (referring to the time he took care of a halla) because he is a predator at heart

(If Emmrich becomes a lich) Lucanis offers to hold a funeral for Manfred

Lucanis and Harding talk a lot about dreams (mostly silly things like showing up naked for the job, getting chased by someone/something etc.)

Lucanis thinks Harding is deadly with her bow

Lucanis offers to pay Harding for being his lookout/aide at the rate of 6000 gold per contract

Lucanis offers the help of his contract negotiator to Neve after he finds out she doesn't have one

Lucanis made deep-fried peppers for Taash

About Spite:

Emmrich can hear Spite even when he doesn’t take over Lucanis’s body (at least from a close distance)

Spite is impartial to Emmrich, believing him more than Lucanis

Emmrich says it’s impossible to separate Spite and Lucanis without killing them

Emmrich encourages Lucanis to read to Spite to bring them closer. Lucanis agrees to let Spite pick a book

(If Emmrich becomes a lich) Spite asks if he and Lucanis can get rid of their skin too

(If Manfred is revived at the Necropolis) Spite asks Emmrich to teach him how to use fire magic. Lucanis isn’t thrilled by the idea

Emmrich sets up wards to prevent Spite from leaving the room when Lucanis is asleep

Spite no longer sleepwalks after “Inner Demons” because he apparently understood the concept of space

By the end of the game, Spite has agreed to stop sleepwalking completely

Spite controls the wings (confirmed in banter with Harding)

Spite wants to try swinging off the astrolabe at the Lighthouse

Spite is very excited about Manfred having hands and feet (Curiosity. Has. Feet!)

Spite finds the wisps in Neve’s room unnerving (as do Lucanis and Neve)

Spite likes to play with whetstones Bellara got for Lucanis (Bellara got them from the Irelin who supposedly got them from somewhere in Arlathan)

Spite wants to try eating self-lightning candles at Blackthorne Manor

About the Crows:

Crows frequently visit Nevarra and have received 20 contacts to assassinate the king. The King has been poisoned 7 times

Crows get a lot of contracts for Divine Victoria

Some seers in Rivain are powerful enough that there are contracts on them as well

Caterina once killed a man with a thimble

When Crows kill someone, most of the time they want others to know it was them (rather than presenting the death as an accident)

The crows buried six different Eight Talons and rarely take contracts in Ferelden after the Zevran fiasco

#dragon age the veilguard #dragon age #veilguard spoilers #lucanis dellamorte #neve gallus #caterina dellamorte #emmrich volkarin #spite #lace harding #datv banters #meta #references

189 notes · View notes

witherby · 1 day ago

Note

More mermaid please! Pretty please! With sprinkles on top!

With sprinkles? Can't say no to that, can I 😏🍦

Human!Damian x Mer!Reader, part 5

The previous part is Here!

The locks to the tank entrance have changed. When Damian tries his key, it doesn't turn, which nearly takes him to his knees. His fists clench, the flesh of his palms soon littered with crescent moon indentations, and he storms away from the gate to your enclosure.

He's been separated from you for two weeks and it's taken a toll on you both. You were sedated too heavily from your tank escape to perform the next day, so your exhibit was closed, but when you were aware enough you absolutely refused to come out from your castle spire.

Clark, the on-staff physician in charge of general animal welfare at the aquarium, is unable to treat your scrapes and other wounds from beaching yourself. Getting too close to you ended in him rushing out with gashes in his arm and cheek, bloodied from your razor-sharp talons. He promises Damian he doesn't hold it against you, knowing how much you adored the youngest Wayne and how big of an upset his absence caused.

Your new primary handler was trying his damndest to bond with you, but the first time you surfaced to the top of your tank and didn't see Damian, you shrieked and splashed him, then refused to come up again even for your feedings. They've had to resort to dumping the food into the water for you to fetch instead, and even still you barely pick at it.

Bruce can't get anywhere near you. When you catch sight of him, you bellow and try to breach the tank to hurt him. Damian doesn't feel particularly upset by this when he's told about it.

You only show yourself when Damian leads tours through your part of the Aquarium, pacing around the tunnels and dragging your claws against the glass, otherwise you are never seen. Concerned customers ask about your missing scales and why you seem so desperate to get to him, but he can't do anything except grit his teeth and give them the pre-approved answers per his script.

You're also starting to exhibit depressive symptoms: aimless spinning through the water when you leave your castle spire, discoloration in your tail and fins, lack of appetite, and large bouts of lethargy are the biggest signs.

To put it simply — you miss Damian so much the stress is hurting you. If there's no serious turnaround soon, it's going to turn into a medical crisis.

Damian waltzes into Bruce's office without fanfare. The older man doesn't look surprised to see him, just holds up a finger and continues speaking into the phone on his desk.

"Yes, that's fine. Let me know when you can send both down here to look at them. Alright. You too. Goodbye."

He puts the receiver down and heaves a sigh, rubbing his temples.

"Yes, Damian?"

"I want to see them."

"No, Damian."

"They're suffering, father!" He snaps, arm cast wide. "Visitors aren't buying the excuse that they're getting over some bad Tail Rot. They won't play or engage with the new handler. They're not eating! Let me see them!"

"That's being taken care of." Bruce stands up from the desk and walks around it to address Damian face to face, arms crossed. "I just got off the phone with a veterinary clinic that specializes in Mer care. They're sending a behavioralist and doctor to come examine them properly in the morning, and help us make a care plan to get them healthy and properly readjusted."

He leans down a little to emphasize his point, gaze imploring.

"They're going to be okay, Damian. I need you to trust me when I say that this separation is what's best for you."

"It doesn't feel that way," Damian scowls. "It feels like we broke their trust by taking away someone that's supposed to care for them, and now they're justifiably lashing out. This was a reckless move, even for you, father, and now our mer has to suffer the consequences."

Bruce sighs. "Tadpole —"

"No!" The boy whirls around and jams a finger into his father's chest, relishing in the wince. "You don't get to do that! You don't get to talk about how wonderful Gotham Aquarium is to me, offer me a job here when I turn 18, let me finally do something that brings me joy and then rip it away while you give me useless platitudes and childish nicknames! I've had enough!"

"Damian —" Bruce tries again, a note of warning in his tone.

"Spare your breath. If you won't let me check up on the mer then we have no more business here." Damian turns, fists clenched, and marches out of the office and down the hall. His father calls out for him but doesn't chase after.

Good.

He only keeps up the angry act until he enters the employee locker rooms, then opens his fist to stare down at the key he swiped from Bruce's pocket during their confrontation, and smirks.

"Don't worry," he whispers, pulling out his wetsuit, "I'm coming."

#damian wayne x reader #mermaid au #batfam x reader #damian wayne #damian x reader

181 notes · View notes

namism · 3 days ago

Note

zoro or law accidentally falling into readers chest 👀👀

(you can skip this req if this is to suggestive)

turbulent seas, turbulent confessions | trafalgar law

➳ categories: canonverse, afab reader

➳ warnings: suggestive

➳ word count: 952

➳ summary: Law decides that he doesn't want to enter the New Year sad and single, so he finally mans up and confesses to you. Unfortunately, chaos ensues.

➳ notes: thanks for the request, and happy new year! wrote it as a little suggestive scenario instead for law since i got too many zoro requests 😟

➳ cross-posted on ao3

"Would you please explain to me why you brought me to the janitor's closet 23 minutes before New Year's?"

If you told a young Trafalgar Law that he would grow up to be a single anxious man, he would believe you. That's why he was sweating buckets from the moment he asked to speak with you in private to the moment he weaved through crowds and locked the both of you inside the Polar Tang's janitor's closet, panting heavily and almost nauseous.

Law is currently wordless as he surmises a decent answer to your question. He was expecting it to begin with, so he prepared an answer beforehand—but the thing is, his nerves got the best of him so he doesn't remember what he even rehearsed in the first place.

"I have to tell you… something," he answers instead. "How do I say this?"

"If it's about Bepo's sweet tooth, don't even bother. I told Penguin to monitor his sugar intake."

"That... That wasn't it," he murmurs.

You blink. "Huh?"

Law sighs. His shoulders fall as he places his head in his hands in distress. You look at him worriedly.

"Captain?" You hold his arm. "What's the matter?"

"Ugh." He groans lowly. He can't believe he's doing this, but Law has a mission to accomplish. "What do you think of me liking someone, (Y/N)-ya?"

You freeze.

He likes someone? You think to yourself. A sharp pain shoots through your chest. Great.

Your hand drops to your side. Chuckling to yourself, you mask the hurt in your eyes.

"If you wanted to ask for advice, you could have just said so." You look around the dim room, nose scrunching up at the musty smell of age-old cleaning products and wet mops. "I would have appreciated it if you didn't take us to this stinking closet. It's so tight in here, and I can barely breathe."

Law grows sheepish at your complaints. He didn't think much about the venue of his confession. He's just had enough of waiting that he grew impatient and suddenly decided that today was the day. It was the final day of the year, and after 26 years of living, he grew tired of having zero luck in romance. If he can't ask you out, or worse, tell you what he truly feels today, he won't know what to do with himself.

"Sorry," he mumbles. "Well? What do you think?"

You lean on the wall across him. You like Law, but who doesn't find their charming crew Captain that way? You aren't deeply in love with him, but it does make you jealous that he's asking you things meant for someone else.

"I think... it's good for you," you answer simply. "Whoever it is, you should shoot your shot."

"Then what do you think of me liking you?"

You shake your head. "What?"

Law steps forward, almost leaning in.

"I like you." As he looks at you intently, his eyes dart from your eyes to your lips, then to your eyes again. "I'm into you, and I would like to take you out."

"U-Um..." you stammer. Law waits for an answer, but his stare pressures you. "Captain, I—"

Suddenly, the Polar Tang tips to the side as the sound of explosives ring about from the upper deck of the sub. Law jerks forward and stumbles into your smaller figure, the abrupt movement of the ship causing him to fall on his knees disgracefully. He tries to hold himself up, but buckets upon buckets scatter about in the closet, restricting his movement.

"Captain, you're, uh, you're pretty heavy—"

"I know, let me just—"

Law tries to stand on an empty bucket once he has a firm grip on the wall, but the submarine tilts a second time and he loses his balance. Your hands fly to his arms to catch him, but Law falls face first into your chest and groans. You moan, but it comes out as a combined sound of pleasure and disbelief as your body heats up in shame.

"Fuck," Law cusses under his breath as he kicks the buckets away and find some leg room in the tiny space. He scurries off you immediately and regains his balance.

"I-I'm going to kill them! What the hell are they doing outside?! It isn't even midnight yet!" you yell out of annoyance as you grip your chest protectively with your hands. You look at Law sheepishly. "Jeez, Captain. You got a free feel, but no offense, it kinda hurt my—"

"Enough!" Law hisses, covering his face with his hat. His cheeks are bright red, and you swear he's physically overheating.

He admits to himself that he enjoyed it. He secretly thanks the commotion outside for giving him an excuse to be that close to you, but he also feels disgusted that he's easy to please.

"I'm sorry. We should continue this another time," he eventually apologizes, deciding it's the best option at the moment. When you don't respond, Law reluctantly reaches for the door.

However, you stop him just in time. You splay your fingers across his broad shoulders, and standing on your tiptoes, you slowly kiss his cheek, then his jaw, then his neck, the skin closest to his Adam’s apple.

"I like you, too," looking up at him, you whisper. "I think it's great that we see eye to eye, Captain."

Law sucks in a deep breath, his mind going numb at your kisses and sincere eyes.

"My room, after we handle this," he orders. "We're going to talk. Got it?"

Smiling to yourself, you nod. You lead him out of the closet to handle the chaos outside, excited for what's to come afterward.

#one piece #op anime #law one piece #law x y/n #law x you #law x reader #trafalgar d law x reader #trafalgar law #trafalgardwaterlaw #trafalgar law x reader

211 notes · View notes

norizzsainz · 21 hours ago

Text

🌶️ DADDY — CARLOS SAINZ

bf!carlos x fem!reader | wc : 0.5k words | content : possible grammar and spelling mistakes, lowercase intended, established relationship, fluff, humor, lots of petnames, a tinge of suggestiveness towards the end | loki's lines : mom i love him

"carlitos, look at what the fans are saying!"

you grinned, turning your phone as you showed your screen to your boyfriend so he could see.

carlos squinted his eyes at your phone, shaking his head. "too many words, mi amor. what does it say?" he asked, too lazy to read what you were showing.

he sunk into the sofa, eyes closed, as he tried to go back to the nap he was having. you brought the phone closer, reading what was in the article.

"carlos sainz now dubbed daddy sainz. f1 fans come up with a new nickname after seeing—"

"eh?!" the brunet shot up from his seat, eyes filled with panic as his head snapped towards you. "what are these people saying?!"

"they say you are daddy." you repeated, stifling a laugh as his eyes widened. "it's like saying—"

"who wrote this?!" carlos shook his head. "mi vida, please know this is not true. i don't know who said this is true, but it's not."

you couldn't help but frown, wondering why the nickname was bothering your boyfriend. he was mad, and it was very evident as you looked at him.

before you could ask him what the reason was, he held your hands, kneeling on the floor of the living room of your shared apartment as he looked at you.

"i am not a daddy, y/n. you are my first love and only love. i never in my life—i promise i don't have any children, mi amor. i am not a daddy."

your face fell as you heard his words, finding your boyfriend's gesture absolutely precious. you kneeled next to him on the floor, pouting as you held his face in your hands.

"oh, you adorable thing. gosh, i love you so much." you pecked his lips, smiling widely. "they aren't accusing you of being a dad, my love. it's a nickname your fans gave to you."

"but how is daddy..."

"daddy is a slang word of sorts. it means someone who is very sexy and attractive and also has good qualities associated with protection and care — basically, someone like you!"

carlos stayed quiet, and you let him have this moment to himself. a minute passed before he looked at you again, this time with relief in his eyes in contrast to the shock that was in them before.

"this english language is very difficult." he sighed, shaking his head. "i don't know how you do it."

you chuckled in amusement. "english to you is exactly how spanish is to me." you shrugged.

carlos smiled, his hands around your waist as he pulled you closer, capturing your lips in his. you let out a surprised gasp at his sudden action, only making him smile wider at your reaction.

"so, does this mean you agree with the fans?" he asked as he pulled away, making you raise your brows in question. "that i'm very sexy and attractive?"

you chuckled at his words. "way to ruin the moment, carlos." you couldn't help but feel your heart skip a beat, seeing the look of adoration on your boyfriend's face as he looked at you.

"actually, you don't even have to answer the question." he shrugged, a confident smile on his face. "i can just find out tonight and see what you call me when you are full of my-"

"carlos sainz vázquez de castro!"

not really sure who to tag bc this is just a small carlos drabble i had lying around, do let me know if you want to be included to my normal (non-smau) works too!

#[📝] works #f1 x reader #f1 #carlos imagines #carlos scenarios #carlos sainz imagines #carlos x reader #cs55 x reader #carlos sainz x reader #carlos sainz drabbles #f1 drabbles #f1 imagines #f1 scenarios #f1 carlos #carlos sainz #carlos

94 notes · View notes

just-some-random-blogger · 15 hours ago

Text

Hello I'm gagged what do mean this fic ENDS I KNOW I AM SO SELFISH TO SAY IT FUCKING HELL THOUGH ON NY HANDS AND KNEES BEGGING FOR MORE 😭

Again I have to start by singing you praises for the way your write. Incredible. Beautiful stunning. Its a movie love. ITS A FUCKING MOVIE I SAW IT PLAY OUT REAL TIME IN MY HEAD EVEN THOUGH ITS BEE YEARRRSS SINCE IVE SEEN ANY HARRY POTTER FILM

Now. Not to be annoying but I have to requote your work because I loved it I love you that's how it works I don't make the rules

But that didn't quite explain the bone-deep anxiety clawing through your skin.

No it does you don't want to mess up chill mama you got this

“Yeah, Bill’s not so bad. You aren't scared of us, are ‘ya? So there's no need to be scared of him,” Fred added, bumping your knee with his.

Freddie fasbear my babie boy you are so cutie but ur not very bright. This is literally like saying I'm hot my brother is also hot. No that's not how that works. I would know. I'm hot. My brothers are average at best

Bill Weasley was, objectively, terrifying. He had none of the softness of the twins, none of the jovial ease of youth. He was dressed in a white button down with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and charcoal trousers, traces of magic glittering along his forearms.

Smash. Send reblog. I'm sorry it's so stupid of me to literally just say that BUT THAT'S WHAT I GOTTA SAY I FELT IT IN MY WOMB YOU KNOW HAHAHAHAH

Standing at least a head taller than the twins, he had long copper hair and sharp cheekbones, deep scars across the left side of his face that only enhanced the striking beauty of his features. His green eyes were arresting, challenging in the way they swept across the hall before settling on you.

Blah blah blah proper noun whatever you say beautiful. I literally don't remember anything about him in the film other than the fact domhnall gleeson played him and I was immediately 😍 THE SCARSSSSSSSSS BABY WHI HURT YOU ID LIKE TO PERSONALLY THANK THEM COS GWORL YOU LOOK FOIIINNEEE

“Freddie,” Bill said, extending a hand to his younger brother with an expression you could almost call warm.

❓❓❓ a handshake for your brother???? 😭😭😭🤣 Who let this man have a meeting I'm crying

You laughed nervously. “Yeah, I suppose. Though I've studied your curse-breaking work extensively. A curse and a blessing are two sides of the same coin, and we can learn a lot about the workings of one from the other.”

When YOU SAID SHE WAS WHIP SMART I WAS LIKE INCHRESTIN NOW I SEE IT UGHHH THIS IS BEAUTIFUL I LOVE THIS SO MUCH I WANT TO SLURP THIS UP IN TO MY BRAIN

Bill’s expression shifted slightly, his eyes narrowing and skimming over your face, and suddenly you knew what it felt like to be one of his artifacts.

😳😳😳😳🫣🫣🫣🤪🤪🤪 your honor I do not know how I feel am I as a woman cursed to be ogled by a man albeit it being bill Weasley but then again he does this for a living which somehow makes it equally worse and romantic all at once. Im tryna say please let my lipstick be good I'm tryna get this man to kiss me

“Yep!” Fred and George chirped in unison, and Bill slipped back into his office. The twins gave you a big thumbs up and you gave a nervous chuckle, waving them away before following Bill into his office.

No wait don't go I love you please can I have them both and bill ☹️ idc it's all fiction anyway and the answer will always be no but I want it to be yes pls 😢 single tear streams down my face

You shook your head. “Not at all. They just needed a different perspective. They did the work themselves.”

She's so darling. BILL FUCKING FALL IN LOVE WITH HER I WILL SKIN YOUR SHINS TO MAKE A BELT

Bill shook his head, giving you an amused smile. “You already showed that your head and heart are in the right place, and I trust my brother’s judgement. If they like you this much, there must be a reason.”

SMKSJSK NOT TO BE NITPICKY IM KINDA WILLING TO BET THIS IS A TYPO BUT "BROTHER'S" INSTEAD OF "BROTHERS' " IS SO FUNNY TO ME. oh yeah I trust George but not Fred is AHHAAHHAH. IM NOT MAKING FUN OF YOU I MAKE WORSE TYPOS AND THIS IS LITERALLY THE ONLY ONE YOU HAVE EVER SO LIKE PLEASE IM NOT MAKING FUN OF YOU I PROMISE PLS KEEP BEING ENDEARED BY ME

“Aren't I?”

The three of you jumped, turning to find Bill leaning against the wall beside Rumi’s seat. He looked exceptionally handsome this morning, his hair tucked behind his ears, a single strand falling over his eyes, dressed in finely pressed white shirt and navy trousers.

YN I know exactly what you are. You 🫵you are nothing but a whooooooooooooo-

lly smart girl who got herself an amazing internship cos she slays

Fuck no, you were not developing a crush on your boss. Get it together, you chastised yourself.

Don't be an idiot like Fred's girl. They could have been getting freaky .01 secs into the fic but nooooooooo 🙄 (I'm just tryna be funny that fic still lives in my head rent free)

“Oh?” Your heart began to beat a little faster, eyes fixed not on the box containing the object, but the way his deft fingers handled it with such a care.

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-

SuDDENLY IM A BOX

“So, she saw something in common that we didn't have before,” you observed, moving to jot some notes down on a piece of parchment in an attempt to stay on track despite the frustrated look on his face. “What do you see?”

RATTTTT IM GONNA SHAKE HIM PLEASE I NEED TO KNKWSS EHAT DO YOU MEAN NNNNN KMOSJNG MT MIND OLSEseen NOOOOOOOO DONNTTTT END IT LIKE THIS. cus on one hand I'm like yeah he's in love with her on the other hand that's her boss HELP ME SLEDGEHAMMER TO FRONTAL LOBE

Despite yourself, your ill-advised attraction to him only grew as he loosened up around you. But that's all it was, you told yourself over and over again. An attraction to a handsome, accomplished man.

Like I said ehh power dynamic but who the fuck am I kidding I eat this shit up in fics like chocolate eclairs. Also girlie it could be worse you could be in love with an ugly jobless bum

Oh I lost the part with 🤢waylan🤢 idk if he's a canon character but idc he's probably ugly and bald

He smirked at your pout. “Do you doubt me?”

..................................

A pulse of heat curled around your spine, warming your lower belly. “No, sir,” you replied, intending it to come across as teasing, but you saw something dark flash in his eyes, something hungry, and your heart began to race.

HELLOOOOOOOOOOOO MISS MAAM DOWN BADDDDDDD

Bill paused, sensing your fear. “You can do this,” he said, offering you his hand. “I'll walk you through it.”

KDJJDJDJDJSJ TALK ME THROUGH IT

With a wave of his wand, he opened the box. The curse spilled out of it, clawing and twisted, and you immediately felt the blackness start to tug at the edge of your vision, its cold talons digging into your flesh.

Girl again you write so beautifully I see this omg I SEE IT IN MY HEAD ITS A MOVIE IN A MOVIE STARRR

“Yes, good girl! Keep going, push it all the way back into the axe.”

😃good😃girl😃 GOOD NIGHT

I cannot believe this fic ends I'm hoping praying p2 is already up if not I will be patiently waiting and gnawing at the bars of my enclosure as I do

Magic Lessons | B.W.

Part One

feat. Bill Weasley x intern!reader

SUMMARY: Your best friends Fred and George convince their older brother, Bill, to give you a shot at a coveted curse-breaker internship position at Gringott's.

CW: age gap, boss/intern, fem!reader, reader is whip smart and sweet, dark curses and magical artifacts, men being shitty, hurt/comfort, dark academia vibes

AN: inspired by an ask I accidentally deleted (im so sorry) about Bill tutoring Fred & George's best friend. It spiraled into this.

part 2 coming soon!

“You're going to be fine,” George soothed, wrapping an arm around your shoulders.

“Yeah, Bill’s not so bad. You aren't scared of us, are ‘ya? So there's no need to be scared of him,” Fred added, bumping your knee with his.

You were sandwiched between them on a hard wooden bench in Gringott's, just outside their older brothers office, his name emblazoned in gold on the fogged door window. The twins, two of your closest friends from school, had secured you an interview for a coveted internship in the Ancient Artifacts Department, and you hadn't slept in a week leading up to it.

This was your dream job, a real stepping stone to the career you'd always imagined for yourself. You couldn't screw this up.

But that didn't quite explain the bone-deep anxiety clawing through your skin. It felt like you were standing on the edge of a cliff, one foot hanging into empty space.

Then, a shadow crossed the fogged mirror, tall and broad, and you shivered.

“You've got this,” George murmured at the same moment the door handle turned. It swung open, and your heart fell through the marble floor.

“Bill!” Fred said, jumping up, and Bill’s demeanor immediately shifted into something friendlier.

“Freddie,” Bill said, extending a hand to his younger brother with an expression you could almost call warm.

“Bill, this is our friend, y/n,” George said, getting up to shake his brother's hand, and you rose to your feet, hoping he didn't notice the slight tremble in your knees.

“Pleasure, y/n. I'm Bill Weasley, Head of the Ancient Artifacts Department here at Gringott's.” He extended a hand to you, calloused and long-fingered, a golden signet ring on his middle finger.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Weasley,” you said, placing your hand in his for a brief shake. He was gentle, but you could feel the undercurrent of strength in his movement, the intention he had to put towards being soft.

“Fred and George have told me a lot about you,” Bill said, glancing at his brother's. “You’re interested in Blessed Artifacts, correct?”

You nodded. “Yes, primarily magical items created with the intention of offering protection or assistance,” you answered, fighting the nervous heat climbing up your neck.

The corner of his mouth lifted, scrunching the scars across his cheek and eyebrow. “The opposite of what I do, hm?”

Bill’s expression shifted slightly, his eyes narrowing and skimming over your face, and suddenly you knew what it felt like to be one of his artifacts.

No wonder he never crossed a curse he couldn't break.

“Step into my office, I have a few questions before we discuss terms of the internship. I'll see you two this weekend at the Burrow, yeah?”

It was nothing at all like you expected. Two enormous windows filled the back wall, spilling grey light across the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves along the left wall. The shelves were overflowing with tomes and littered with artifacts, more than you'd ever seen outside for a museum or Dumbledore’s office. They perfumed the air with the scent of parchment and sandalwood, the warm musk of incense.

The carpet was plush under your feet, a mesmerizing pattern of deep maroon and teal, and overstuffed furniture rested against the right wall, a couch and two arm chairs framed by more loaded shelves and a gallery wall of shifting art.

But most surprising was his desk. It looked like it belonged in a research tent in the desert, not a gold-plated bank. It was covered in tools and stacks of paper, open books and deconstructed items, half-drank mugs of tea and a spilled ink pot.

“You look surprised,” he mused, following your eye.

“I didn't realize you still did field research,” you admitted sheepishly. “Now that you're head of the department.”

Bill shrugged, grabbing a mug and a stack of papers from the table and gesturing to the furniture against the wall. “I prefer the hands-on approach. Please, have a seat. Can I get you anything?”

“Oh, no thank you,” you answered, sinking into one of the arm chairs. It was so comfortable, you had to force yourself to sit upright. You could smell his cologne on the leather, vetiver and black pepper, and it made your chest warm.

He sat in the other armchair, bracing an ankle on the opposite knee. “So, how did you come to befriend my brother's?” He asked, taking a sip of tea.

“Fred needed some help in Charms,” you said, crossing your legs. “Then George needed help in Potions. And we just worked well together. They're good friends.

“So you're the reason they didn't flunk out, hm?”

You shook your head. “Not at all. They just needed a different perspective. They did the work themselves.”

Bill nodded, shuffling the papers in his lap. “Have you ever worked with curses directly? Beyond Defense Against the Dark Arts?”

You shook your head. “I don't have a lot of experience with curses, but I can read magic well, and have an eye for detail. I know I'm not the most qualified of the candidates you've probably met with, but this is my dream, and it would be such an honor to learn from the best— ”

“It's alright, y/n,” Bill stopped you with a small shake of his head, his low voice demanding acquiescence. “You're clearly bright, and determined to learn. That's more valuable to me than anything else.”

You exhaled in relief. “I appreciate that, Mr. Weasley,” you said, offering a small smile.

“Bill,” he corrected. “Bill is fine.”

Your heart gave an excited thump, and you nodded.

“So, for this internship, you'd be working directly with me, mostly archiving artifacts as they come in and out of the bank. You'll be spending a lot of time here and in the vaults. The pay isn't great, but if you do well over the six months term, there's potential for full-time employment.” He passed a contract to you, a quill floating over from his desk and into your hand. “And you're welcome to conduct supervised independent research whenever there's downtime.”

You blinked, shocked at the employment contract in your lap. “You don't—you don't have any more questions for me?” You asked.

“I—thank you, sir,” you said, a grin breaking through as you signed your name on the line. The ink blazed gold before settling back to black, the contract magically binding.

Bill rose, extending a hand to help you to your feet. “Welcome aboard, y/n.”

The first few days of your internship were spent with members of Bill’s team, taking lengthy tours of Gringotts and the Archives. You quite liked Rumi and Kira, two of the lead archivists, but had a difficult time with Waylan, the Collector, as they called him, who seemed to have it out for you.

You waited with bated breath for your first project with Bill, but you'd barely seen him since you started. You brought it up to Kira at breakfast one morning, and she chuckled.

“He's around, I promise. Hardly goes anywhere else. But we usually only see him if he needs something.”

“Or when we fuck something up,” Rumi added, and you chuckled.

Kira rolled her eyes. “They're being dramatic. Bill's not nearly as scary as he looks.”

“Aren't I?”

“Well you are when you sneak up on people!” Rumi laughed, and Bill cracked a smile.

“Apologies, mate. Y/n, ready for your first assignment?” His eyes met yours, brilliant as polished jade, and your tongue forgot how to function.

“Oh, uh, yes, sir!”

“Sir?” Kira snorted. “Are we supposed to call you ‘sir’?”

Bill shook his head. “I’d rather you didn't, but maybe you could use a lesson in manners from this one,” he teased, stealing Kira’s croissant. “Come along, fledgling,” he said, his deep voice resonant and rough around the edges.

The nickname jolted through you like a lightning strike, heating your blood to a simmer, and you nearly gasped, hiding your reaction by taking a final swig of breakfast tea.

Fuck no, you were not developing a crush on your boss. Get it together, you chastised yourself.

You got to your feet and hurried after him through the dining hall and into the wrought iron elevator. He held the door for you as you scurried in. The grate rolled shut, and the machine heaved off the ground with a metallic groan.

“Glad to you see you're getting along with the team,” he remarked, eyes trained up to watch the pulley system.

“Yes, they've been very welcoming,” you said, resisting the urge to stare at the hard angle of his jaw, the reddish stubble dusting it and spreading down his throat.

“There's a lot they can teach you. They're some of the best in the business,” he said, glancing down at you as the elevator came to stop. The doors rolled open and he strolled out, his long legs taking him a third of the way down the hall before you managed to get your knees to unlock.

You caught up to him at his office door. “What are we working on?” You asked, excitement building as you followed him to his desk.

He moved around it, stopping in front of a black velvet box. Carefully, he lifted the lid. “Waylan brought this back last month, and I hadn't been able to crack it until our meeting.”

“Oh?” Your heart began to beat a little faster, eyes fixed not on the box containing the object, but the way his deft fingers handled it with such a care.

He turned the box around, revealing a stunning necklace, dripping with black sapphires and diamonds, the chain a thick and luscious gold.

You gasped, covering your mouth. It was the most beautiful piece of jewelry you'd ever seen.

He smiled at your reaction before catching himself, returning to neutral, if a bit curious, expression. “I hadn't considered that it might be a blessed object until our conversation.” He gingerly lifted the necklace from the box, the luxurious stones creating a stark contrast against his laborers hands. “And if I read the magical signature correctly, it should be a chameleon charm. To make any spectator see what they want to see in the wearer.” He came around behind you and you lost your breath, his closeness overwhelming your senses.

There was something about him that tilted the axis of the world, bending everything to center around him. He had his own gravity, his own magnetic force that you were struggling to resist.

“May I?” He asked, and you nodded, holding your breath as the cool stones kissed your clavicle, his fingertips ghosted the edge of your throat.

With a small click, the necklace was fastened around your neck. You could feel the magic in it, warm and buzzing as it spread through you.

Bill stepped away, moving back around to your front, and his brow furrowed.

“What? Did I grow a horn?” You joked, trying to dispel the tension winding tighter between you.

He shook his head, stepping back to ring a silver bell by his desk, a small plaque reading ‘Kira’ beneath it. There was one for each of you, you noticed.

A moment later, Kira walked in. “What's up, boss? Oh, did you change, y/n? I absolutely love that designer in Hogsmeade. His work is stunning,” Kira praised. “Sorry, can I help with something?” She said, turning to Bill.

Bill’s frown deepened as his eyes skimmed over you. “That'll be all, Kira. Thank you.”

“Oh, uh, okay. Let me know if you want to go shopping sometime, y/n!” She said before stepping back out of the office.

“You can take it off. I need you to decode the magic signature yourself, archive the piece and charm accordingly, and see if you can replicate it on something else,” he directed, turning away and rustling through some pages on his desk.

“Sure, no problem.” Carefully, you unclasped the necklace and set it into its velvet case, confused by his sudden shift in demeanor, both the absence of the necklaces magic and his sudden distance leaving you cold.

What did he see in you?

He conjured another chair for you and sank into his own, turning his attention to what appeared to be a wooden horse.

Uncertain, you sat down and pulled the necklace towards you, along with the parchment and a quill, and got to work.

The uncertainty dissolved as the minutes turned to hours, both of you working quietly side by side to solve your own puzzles. The only sounds were the rustling of papers and scratch of quills, the soft music playing from a record player in the corner, and you felt a wave of peace settle over you.

Being able to work at your own pace, in a quiet, peaceful environment was all you'd ever wanted. And finally, you felt like you found a place that allowed that.

You glanced over at Bill, finding him scribbling something with his black feather quill, completely zeroed in on his task, and you felt a rush of gratitude for him, and a determination to ensure he didn't regret his decision to take a chance on you.

You turned back to the necklace, eager to uncover it's secrets.

The rest of your first two weeks passed the same way, you and Bill with your heads bowed, working on separate projects. He'd come over periodically to check your work, but mostly left you to your own devices unless you needed help, which he provided without judgement or reservation.

You and Bill seemed to work together well, both of you preferring the quiet so you could focus, with the occasional conversation about your findings during your lunch break or afternoon tea.

You were only human, after all. Who could blame you?

On Friday, Bill had a meeting with the Board and left you in his office to work. You were more than happy to occupy his space, enjoying the comfortable quiet as you reviewed your notes on the artifact you were working on.

A knock pulled you from your work. Waylan walked through the door, a long, thin wooden box in his arms.

“Oh, hey Waylan,” you said, getting up. “Bill is in a meeting—”

“I know, but this can't wait.” He dropped the long box onto the desk with a thud, scattering your meticulously organized notes, and a prickle of irritation climbed the back of your neck.

“What is it?” You asked, already sensing the dark energy permeating off of the box.

With a pry bar, Waylan cracked open the box, a putrid smell wafting out of it.

“Are you sure we should be doing this here? Surely a vault would be safer—”

“It's fine,” he snapped, and you cracked your jaw shut, irritation growing to full on anger. “This is a cursed executioners axe,” he said. “And the curse needs to be broken now.”

“Waylan, surely—”

“I thought you were qualified?” He bit. “Isn't that why you got the job? Or was it because your friends with his brothers?”

You grit your teeth. “What's the nature of the curse?”

“You tell me.”

You moved to look at the axe, it's blade dark and stained with gore, the handle black wood. Tiny notches decorated it's expanse, and your stomach turned imagining what each notch represented.

Carefully, you held your hand over it, coaxing the magic to reveal itself, but couldn't focus properly with Waylan breathing down your neck, the magic slithering through your fingers like a sieve.

Suddenly the room went dark, all the light and air sucked from the world around you until you were staring into the void, cold dread dripping down your spine.

“Waylan?” You called, fighting the urge to panic. You tried to lift your arms to feel around, but found that you couldn't move. “Waylan?!” You cried, a little louder.

Something white, a delicate, vaguely human shaped mist floated by you and you screamed, unable to move away from it. Then another appeared, slightly more formed like a person, then another, until you were surrounded by spirits. Terror split your skull, your heart pounding so hard it made your vision shake.

“No, please,” you croaked, fighting your body to move even an inch away from them. “Let me go!” You shouted, but they only moved closer. “Let me go!”

Suddenly you slammed back into your body, the bright light of the room blinding you. You were on your back, staring up at the ceiling. Bill was leaning over you, his mouth moving like he was speaking.

“—m’right here, you're alright. It was just a trick, just a little curse. Wake up, love. Come back to me,” he murmured. “There we are, that's it,” he shushed when you began to shake, his grip tightening on your shoulders when you tried to sit up.

Your body was still tingling with numbness, nerves prickling painfully back to life. “Bill,” you gasped, clinging to him as you came fully back to consciousness.

“Are you alright? Does anything hurt?” He asked, helping you sit up slowly, one hand braced on the slope of your ribcage, the other supporting your head.

“No, no. I--what happened?” you asked, looking around the room. You noticed Waylan then, also prone on the floor, eyes staring wide at the ceiling. It seemed Bill made no effort to wake him up.

Bill glanced at Waylan as well, shaking his head. “He was trying to scare you. Prove you didn't deserve the position. And apparently was too stupid to realize the curse would affect him too.”

“Will he—”

“He'll be fine. Are you okay?” He repeated, catching your eye so you'd look at him.

You nodded. “I think so.”

Waylan groaned, stirring on the carpet, and you saw a flicker of anger in Bill’s eyes.

“Wait for me in the lobby,” he said, helping you to your feet. “I'll deal with him.” There was no question in his words, and you obeyed without thought, collecting your things and slipping out of the room.

As the elevator doors started to close, you heard Bill shout, “I should have you sent to fucking Azkaban for pulling—” The groan of the machine cut off the rest of his words.

You did as you were told and waited in the lobby for Bill, busying yourself with people watching and admiring the expansive marble floors.

Twenty minutes later, Bill appeared from one of the elevators, holding Waylan by the scruff of his neck, a box of his stuff in his arms. You jumped up, alarmed when a few security guards rushed over to them.

“Waylan is no longer permitted on the premises, my orders. I discovered him tampering with curses,” Bill directed. “He's a threat to Gringott’s security.”

Your jaw dropped when the security guards nodded and dragged Waylan away without question, effectively tossing him out onto the street of Diagon Alley.

Bill stepped up beside you, concern over your frowning face drawing his brows together. “What is it?” He asked.

“Did you—you fired him?” you stammered.

“Absolutely. I can't have someone on my staff that doesn't take curses seriously. It puts us all at risk,” he said, without an ounce of hesitation.

You nodded, you supposed that made sense.

He started walking, beckoning you to follow with two fingers, and you fell into step beside him. “Come on, I'm going to teach you how to dispel that curse.”

You froze. “What?”

He turned to look at at you. “You heard me, fledgling. I need to make sure something like this won't happen again.” His voice was firm, but not unkind, and you found yourself yielding despite your trepidation. “I'll be with you the entire time, okay?” He said, a bit softer when you returned to his side.

“And if we both get knocked out?” You scowled.

He smirked at your pout. “Do you doubt me?”

Surely you imagined it, you told yourself as the two of you descended into the vaults. There was no way you could be affecting Bill the same way he was affecting you. He was Bill Weasley, and you were just some intern that got a lucky break. He would never be interested in you, not to mention how wrong it would be for a boss to be romantically involved with his subordinate.

So, why did that thought make your pulse spike?

He guided you to a private vault, the heavy door unlocking with a wave of his hand. The inside was dank and poorly lit, permeated with that same rotten smell as before. The axe rested on a table at the center of the room, encased in glass.

You hesitated at the door, that cold, deathly sensation crawling over your skin again.

Bill paused, sensing your fear. “You can do this,” he said, offering you his hand. “I'll walk you through it.”

You placed your hand on his, focusing on his warmth, his steadiness, as he led you into the vault.

“You can feel it, right? The energy of the void clinging to it?” He asked, his voice low.

You nodded. “Feels like death,” you murmured.

“That's what this curse does, makes you feel like you died. It was used by an old Ministry executioner to subdue prisoners before their deaths. Kept them from trying to escape.” He cast his eyes to the axe, a somber look on his face. “Waylan was supposed to leave it here until after my meeting. They just unearthed it this morning.”

“That's awful,” you said, finding yourself counting the notches along the handle. There had to be at least two hundred, maybe even five hundred.

“With every kill, it got stronger, until it eventually took the executioner himself. It was buried with him, until some unfortunate muggle grave robber dug it up and nearly killed himself.”

“So, how do we dispel it?” You asked, hating the tremble in your voice.

“Take your wand out,” he instructed, and you obeyed. “I'm going to open the box. Stay focused on your breathing, the ground beneath your feet. When I open the box, you'll feel it start to pull at you, to drag you under.”

You nodded, lifting your wand and squaring your shoulders, forcing your lungs to take big, deep breaths despite the rotten smell.

“Good, when you feel it pull at you, imagine your wand is an axe itself, okay? You're going to cut the tether of the curse reaching towards you. It will resist, but I promise you can do it. Ready?”

You grit your teeth. “Ready.”

“You can do it, fledgling. I know you can. Fight it,” Bill encouraged, somewhere to your left.

You pushed back against the darkness, refocusing on your breathing, the stone beneath your feet, your wand at the tips of your fingers. You slashed through the air with it, imagining an axe cutting through thick, black tendrils, and suddenly the tugging sensation vanished, the blackness receding from your vision.

“Yes, good girl! Keep going, push it all the way back into the axe.”

You did, pushing with all your might against the dark magic until it began to retreat, sinking back into the blade of the axe. But it wouldn't go all the way in, resisting your quickly depleting energy, when you felt something akin to a warm breeze blow over you: Bill’s magic. It joined your efforts, making the final push to force the curse back into the axe.

“Now hold it for me. Just like that,” Bill said, moving around the room. “I'm going to try a counter curse, but it may not take. Are you ready?”

“Ready.” You nodded, a rush of excitement pulsing through you. You were actually doing it. And doing it well.

With a flourish of wand movements and a string of words you don't understand, a beam of white light blasted from the end of Bill's wand and towards the axe, blinding you.

Something gave a godawful shriek, echoing off the walls until rubble rained over your head, and you heard a thunderous snap, followed by a whoosh of screaming air.

The light suddenly vanished, leaving you and Bill alone in the dark room, silent besides your ragged breathing.

“Lumos,” Bill muttered, and the torches along the walls relit, revealing the room around you. The axe lay on its side on the table, splintered in half. The rotten smell, and the curse, were gone. The handle was now just smooth wood, no notches in sight.

You exhaled, a giddy laugh bubbling up, and Bill smiled, crossing the room to you.

“Let me see you, you alright?” He asked, taking your hands to inspect your trembling fingers. The touch sent a zing of energy under your skin. “It didn't hurt you?”

You shook your head, dizzy from his unexpected tenderness and the after effects of using so much magic. “I'm okay,” you murmured, a little breathless.

“Okay,” he said, releasing your hands, though for a second, he seemed reluctant to. “I'll clean up here. Go home and get some rest, yeah?”

“Yes, sir,” you said, dipping your chin obediently.

His eyes searched your face for a moment longer, his jaw flexing, before he nodded once and turned back to the axe, dismissing you.

You slipped out of the vault and returned to the surface, reckless hope burning in your chest.

Thanks for reading! 🫶🏻

#harry potter fanfiction #bill weasley #bill weasley x reader #bill weasley fanfiction #bill weasley imagine

245 notes · View notes

accio-victuuri · 1 day ago

Text

now it’s time for me to scream and cry about the lrlg post. it’s been so long! and the fact that it came to us in the new year, welcoming 2025 with good vibes! this is the perfect start. even if the conversations are random ( as they usually are ), it’s so comforting to read about. even if just for the sake of fiction. this is fitting cause earlier today, there was a screenshot going around of another celebrity’s assistant and she was using a bjyx related merch (nye show). so it’s either this person is a bxg or they know someone who is and they borrowed the bag. so yeah. we may have people who see and hear things. that was the point of the fake rumors from the start, those who know stuff can share.

which leads us to lrlg. my fave tho is the visibility of yibo’s staff. some are even assigning who’s who based on the nye photo that was shared. this is his inner circle and per the convos, they are also close to xz. to those who are confused, in the original text his staff are assigned different emojis. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

we have talked before about how important it is that their staff is coordinated. i really like how wyb is able to just leave xz with them and he can hold his own. it’s crucial that they can be open to a certain group of people and just be themselves.

• the part about accessories and reimbursement & the latest model didn’t make sense to me when i first read it. but then fans explained it as WYB gave each staff member a latest top-end iPhone (should be 16) and asked them to choose the accessories themselves and all the parts would be reimbursed. wow. such a generous boss! i mean, that’s usual for WYB. can i please apply? lol.

• this part. it’s so sweet i wanna slap them! how xz wouldn’t eat without wyb. it’s such a normal thing to do, but so important for them.

🟢 "Why aren't you eating yet?"

🔴 "It's only five minutes, you should be back in fifteen minutes."

and how yibo was like, why don’t you eat and he joked that it’s different when you are with your family member.

• how he was calling yibo dog because when he fed him his “gloves” were bitten through. how he also called him a pig ( which has it’s own lore ) . lol. they really love to clown each other. but yibo is his puppy tho, gouzaizai! and the fact that xz is feeding him. it’s not enough that xz will wait for him to eat together. he will also hand feed wang yibo. i mean. i hate it here. 🥹🥹🥹🥹

• there was mention of puppy printed pants and some are saying it could be this. well, let’s see who will wear something similar first.

• wyb asking if they ordered fruits, most likely for xz. he knows that xz loves it! he is so attentive!

• i was very interested in what they were eating. a fan said it’s most likely beijing roast duck. and it makes sense why xz had to wash his hands, why he was wrapping the food and feeding it to yibo. making sure they eat well is still a top priority on both sides.

• at the start of the convo, wyb was talking about buying gold jewelry for xz and it’s funny cause fans are saying it’s a fitting gift. we all know xz is the god of money and he is someone that seems to be very aware of finances. so the gift is not only in a romantic sense, but also practical. wyb knows this and it’s why he chose that.

i saw someone say it may be this. the gold is real.

• the part when wyb’s staff said xz is his (wyb’s) boss 😂😂😂😂 it reminded us of that cpn, when wyb’s bodyguards are looking and guarding xz instead of him.

• this ⬇️⬇️⬇️

🟢 "I'll pick you up in the afternoon"

🔴 "No need to worry about what time I'll be back"

🟢 "Call me when you're done"

yibo is so boyfriend i wanna cry. this is such a normal thing to do considering they have all the resources. but yibo still wants to do it himself. yibo the driver is here!!!!!

that’s all. maybe i missed some stuff and we may understand some of these better as the days go by. depending on the other clues that will be available to us in the future. again, you don’t need to believe any of this. don’t take it too seriously. bjyxszd. 💕

#yizhan #bjyx #there is no science here i’m just clowning like i always do #it’s hilarious that my main motivation to finish work in my time blocks is so i can clown 😂😂😂😂😂#xz and wyb is my motivation

98 notes · View notes

remedyturtles · 1 day ago

Note

10 with Leo and Raph would be so interesting. (Thought I can't really picture either of them saying somthing that mean to eachother, so maybe mystics are involved?)

I hope you have a nice day!

great minds think alike y'all. thanks @bluemoonsymphonies and anon for the prompt! i hope u both enjoy....

wordcount 1k, pre-movie

10. "Please... what am I doing wrong?" "What aren't you doing wrong?!"

Leo’s throat hurt.

Just add it to the list of bullshit that Raph was doing to him. Because there was absolutely no reason that Raph had to come and interrupt him while he was snoozing on the bean bag. Like, this lecture could’ve totally waited until later. Maybe after Leo had gotten some fucking sleep.

“You’re not taking this seriously!” Raph said.

“You could not be more of a broken record if you tried, Rapha.” Leo hadn’t gotten up from the bean bag and suffocated a yawn into his fist. He was tired of the grating arguments and he was tired, just bone tired of the fighting for no reason. And tired in general. Because his head was so loud and when he laid down to sleep there was just… screaming there too.

“That’s because you’re not listening to me.” Raph poked him right between the eyes. “I gotta drill it in that empty head somehow.”

Leo twitched. That was a bit harsh, especially since it wasn’t a gentle poke. He was feeling a little ganged up on and crawled out of the bean bag to stand his ground, crossing his arms. “Yeesh, tell me how you really feel.”

“I think you’re lazy and unmotivated.” Raph scoffed. “We’ve got so much we could be doing and you’re sleeping in the middle of the day.”

Leo… paused. Stared at his brother with a bit of hurt shock. He was really coming at him, no holds barred. He held up his hands in surrender and said, “And wow, I think you’re a huge jerk. What the hell, dude? For your information, I barely slept last night, so get off me.”

Something flickered in Raph’s eyes. But it didn’t stay. He scoffed again, louder and more derogatory, raising up his lip to sneer with his snaggletooth. “You’re not even trying.”

“Wow.” Leo repeated. Hands still raised, skin goosebumping, a chill from the undisguised scorn. This was different from the usual annoyed arguing. This was … mean. “Okay. Please, let's hear it. What am I doing wrong, then?”

“What aren't you doing wrong?” Raph spat back, chest heaving. Genuine anger sung hot and heavy.

Leo stared. This sounded a lot like the inside of his own head. Which didn't make sense, because that wasn't Raph. He pushed and he pushed but he was never like this. Not his Raph. Not his lovable big lug of a brother who truly only wanted the best for all of them.

“Nothing to say?” Raph tilted his head to the side. His eyes were rather blank, now that Leo was making painful eye contact with him.

“Are you feeling okay?” Leo prompted.

Raph blinked rapidly, surprised, then shook his head. “What are you talking about? You’re the one who's a problem here."

"Yeah, something is definitely wrong." Leo stepped forward, cataloguing other symptoms as he went. "You give me a hard time, you piss me off, and you nag me. But you're never, ever mean. So what gives?"

Raph was sweating. Not any of his usual sweat, not a scent Leo could pinpoint with scary accuracy. Something unheard of. When Leo got closer, he could see the pin-pricked pupil and too-quick breathing. He practically growled at Leo as he got close.

"Relax." Leo smiled, charming, getting another step closer to the lion's den. Flickering his gaze over Raph to try and find some kind of clue. "I get you, I know you want me to try, etc etc. But you wouldn't just brush past me telling you I hadn't slept, because you know I hate being honest about that. You'd be beating my ass with a pillow to go to bed then and try again in the morning. So either you've been possessed by a demon or cursed. Which is it?"

"I'm not –" Raph lurched forward.

But Leo had already spotted it. He pinched the little bug between his thumb and forefinger and pulled – a parasitic scarab bit down into the skin of his neck. The moment it left Raph's body, the little pincers wiggled agitatedly in the air, and Leo surveyed the bug with a distasteful eye.

Raph inhaled sharply, hand flying to his neck, and took two staggering steps backwards. He breathed, "What the fuck."

Leo waved the evil little beetle at him. "Did you piss off someone? Maybe walk through a magical rainforest?"

"I – I – " Raph's face morphs into one of pure horror. "I'm so sorry."

"Aw, buddy." Leo opened a portal and flicked the beetle through it, sending the fucker to the moon. Then he waved it away and opened his hands in offer. "It's okay. I know you better than that."

Raph scooped him up in a hug so tight it took his breath away. He squeezed and squeezed and Leo bore it with the patience of someone who'd been a teddy bear for this man many a time.

"It's okay." Leo mumbled to him.

"Not really." Raph replied, miserable.

"You didn't mean it." Leo shrugged.

The arms around him tightened. Raph shuddered a breath.

"Okay, maybe you meant it a little bit." Leo amended, because it wasn't like this conversation was new. Just the vitriol at which he spat it. "But bud, I know you're not coming at me to hurt me. I'd never think that. You're literally doing this because you want me to be my best. I'm not stupid. I'm just really, really good at acting like it."

Raph pulled back enough to show his red eyes. "Then why won't you work with me here?"

Leo couldn't say, because I'm scared my best isn't good enough. Instead he pat his big brother's arm and said, "Let's get you checked out and make sure that beetle didn't cause any lasting effects, hey?"

"Leo–" Raph growled.

Too late. Leo eeled out of his grip and danced away, waving over his shoulder. "Come on, chop chop, I don't have all day you know."

Raph… sighed. And followed, shoulders hanging.

#rem askbox #ask game #rem fic

71 notes · View notes

cr-aspec-fest · 2 days ago

Text

CR Aspec Fest - Info & FAQs!

The Critical Role Aspec Fest is a month-long fanwork fest (with a prompt for each week) celebrating aromantic-spectrum and asexual-spectrum experiences!

Schedule and Prompts

WEEK 1 (Feb 1st-7th): Aro-spec

WEEK 2 (Feb 8th-14th): Ace-spec

WEEK 3 (Feb 15th-21st): Unconventional relationships

WEEK 4 (Feb 22nd-28th): Free week! Whatever your heart desires.

FAQs

(if something isn't answered here, please feel free to send an ask or message!)

Can I make something about a character being demisexual or demiromantic or (insert other label)? Can I make something about a character who's straight?

Absolutely - please do! Aspec is a very broad umbrella term, and this event is all about celebrating a variety of experiences that aren't well-represented in media. If it feels right to you, go for it. I'm not going to exclude any works from the fest just because they aren't relatable to me.

What types of fanworks can I make for the fest?

Anything! Be that fanfiction, fanart, meta, gifsets, edits etc. - everything is welcome! If you're writing fanfiction, you're encouraged to post to the AO3 collection here.

Which Critical Role characters can I make fanworks about?

Anyone in anything they've streamed - so the main campaigns, EXUs, Candela Obscura, Daggerheart or other oneshots!

Do I need to be aspec to join?

Definitely not, as long as you're coming in with the mindset of being respectful of our experiences. For one, I'm aromantic but not ace-spec - so making works about ace-spec experiences is naturally going to be more difficult for me, but entirely doable with a little bit of research! I think it's a great way to learn about others.

Why February? Why a whole month?

Yes, there are plenty of aspec weeks hosted in other fandoms, which are great and the inspiration for this event! But personally, I am both slow and busy, so making just one thing per week is much more achievable for me. I chose February because Aromantic Awareness Week is the week after Valentine's day, and this fest was originally going to take place during that time. I'm also unaware of any other fandom events happening in February (although please let me know otherwise, just for my own interest!). The fact that February splits so nicely into 4 whole weeks is an added bonus!

Would you like people to share around the existence of this fest?

(Okay, maybe this one's a bit of a cheat.) Yes please! Even if you don't plan on taking part, getting eyes on the existence of this event would be wonderful. This is the first fandom event I've ever hosted, and I don't have a huge platform among fic writers, who are likely the largest contingent of nerds (lovingly) who'd be interested in taking part in an event like this.

Other Rules

Please don't bash any ships or headcanons you don't like! Part of the fun of fandom is seeing the broad range of possible interpretations, and I'd always rather foster a sense of community rather than opposition.

Suggestive, NSFW and whump content is fully allowed, but must be tagged correctly for whatever platform you're posting on.

Fanworks should be focused on aspec experiences or characters, but other topics or characters can totally be included, and these experiences don't have to be super clear or well-labelled in-text (gods know that real-life experiences are often opaque and confusing) - it's your intention that matters. This is up to your discretion, really. As with the rule of thumb for AO3 tagging - if someone was viewing this for aspec content, would they be disappointed? If so, you can always rework it, or post it outside of this fest.

This account will be reblogging every fanwork made for the fest - just remember to tag us, and use the #CRAspecFest tag! If you don't have a tumblr account and want a post about your work to be included, send a message.

There'll be more posts on this account with ideas for how to approach the prompts, plus reminders at the start of each week, tagged #CRAspecFestPosts. All submission reblogs will be tagged #CRAspecFestWorks.

#CRAspecFestPosts #critical role #fandom event #critical role fanfiction #critical role fanart

57 notes · View notes

beef-brisket · 1 hour ago

Note

Lilith smirked: I see. You must be mourning the fool! Oh yes, I heard about his death. It sounds fitting, doesn't it. He always was a coward-.

Lucifer: Shut. Up. You don't get to speak of him.

Lilith: Let me guess. You didn't want him to die~. You're as much of a fool as him! It was only a few hundred years ago that you wanted to end him yourself!

Lucifer: I never meant it-!

Lilith: Sure you didn't, love~. Everything I did to that bastard was for you. For us! Why do you care if he got hurt? You're the one who always said he deserved it!

Lucifer: ENOUGH!

Lilith jumped back. She's never heard Lucifer yell before, especially to her.

Lilith: I-I don't understand! You hated him! He attacked Charlie! Killed our people! Why now are you defending a dead man?!

Lucifer: Because he's not dead! And he means something to me!

Lilith: He's... what? Adam's alive...? Oh, my god- and you're having a relationship with an ANGEL of all things?! Ha! Well, you're welcome to my beach home~. Oh wait, you're banished from Heaven, aren't you darling?

Lucifer smiled: He's not in Heaven. In fact, I believe he's upstairs right now. Looking at paint swatches. I've given him your end of the house to do what he pleases with~.

Lilith: You... he's... how DARE you! I am Hells queen! You dare move that PIG into my house?!

Lucifer: This hasn't been your house in seven years- you have no claim to it! And your title is officially forfeit! Hell only has its king. Its old queen was off playing house in Heaven of all places.

Lilith: You won't get away with this Lucifer. You're too weak, you're heart always gets in the way-! You can punish me all you want- but you'll come crawling back! My daughter will find out- and you'll be begging ME for mercy!

Lucifer glares: Not this time.

Adam has no idea how long he's been wondering the green house. Everywhere he looked, there was another pathway.

He was sketching some plants into a little notebook he found lying around. It's been a long time since he felt safe somewhere. He wasn't worried about an angel cornering him or someone demanding his presence.

Adam followed a path that was completely shaded by large trees and thick flower bushed. The silence was getting to him, his mind playing tricks of hearing the flapping of angelic wings. But he focused on his drawing, which calmed him quickly enough.

Lucifer pushed open the doors to the greenhouse. He was feeling emotionally exhausted from dealing with Lilith that he craved Adam. Which is something he never thought would happen.

Lucifer: Addie?

He couldn't see Adam anywhere, but he could sense him.

Lucifer walked off through the winding pathways. He doesn't know why he made the layout so confusing, maybe he wanted to get lost?

He was near the tulips and lily's when he heard the softest singing.

Lucifer smiled, knowing who it was.

Rounding a corner, Lucifer spotted Adam sitting on the outside of one of the small ponds Lucifer had made.

Lucifer: ...Adam...~.

Adam jumped and looked over to Lucifer, a wide smile on his face when he saw it was actually him, and not his mind playing tricks.

Adam: Hey! All finished with your work?

Lucifer shrugged before walking over and sitting next to him.

Lucifer: For today, I am. Wow, did you draw that?

Lucifer leaned over and smiled at Adam's notebook.

Adam: Fuck- yeah... their lame- it's been a while.

Lucifer: It's not lame. I think it's beautiful.

Adam blushed: Yeah? Well... thanks.

Lucifer: Anytime~.

Adam: This place is amazing. It's like an escape, I actually forgot... I was in Hell... for a second anyway.

Lucifer: That's why I made it. An escape. And a reminder.

Adam nodded: I had a garden too. It wasn't anything like this, but it was mine. I uh... stopped going to it.

Lucifer looked up at him: Why?

Adam: ...A few angels came to see me, and when I didn't answer the door, they came in. Saw it through the kitchen window, and went to look for me... they tainted the only place I had left. It sucked too much to go back there, so I just put some curtains up and locked the door outside... fuck, that sounds depressing. Just uh... a bird shat on me while I was out there, too.

Lucifer gave Adam a soft smile and rubbed his leg, doing his best to be comforting.

Lucifer: I'm sorry both of those things happened, Adam. If you'd like, we could put in your own greenhouse.

Adam perked up: Really?! Fuck yeah!

The Sin of Adam!au.

One more quick au before I fall asleep.

Adam falls to Hell after his death. But he doesn't wake up in Pride. He wakes up in Wrath. Adam is completely pissed off and just itching for revenge.

In this, Adam conquers each ring of Hell, growling stronger until he's on the same wavelength as Lucifer, power wise.

Lucifer has no idea what's going on. He's slowly losing contact with the Sins, and everyone is in a state of panic. That's until he returns home from a few days away, trying to find the Sins, that he sees his daughters hotel, and Pentagram city destroyed.

Thankfully, Charlie and her friends are fine. But what she explains is unbelievable.

Charlie: It was Adam, dad!

Lucifer: Adam? He's dead Charlie- I buried him myself.

Charlie: I thought so, too! He was looking for you! He's alive!

Lucifer gets his daughter to hide. Everything is in a state of chaos. He can't find Adam anywhere.

Until he returns home and sees someone sitting on his throne.

After a long, destructive fight, Lucifer realizes that Adam only absorbed the Sins. Their not dead

Adam has literally been taken over by the powers of Hell.

Can Lucifer contain and find a way to get Adam and the Sins back before he destroys Hell and everything undead thing in it??

How will Lucifer get Adam back??

Who knows 🤷

Adam: You can't defeat me now Lucifer!

Lucifer: Oh yes I can! I'm going to fuck the sins out of you!!

Adam: Wait what?

Ozzie inside: YEAH BABY!!

Sorry I'm feeling a little silly lmao 😂

122 notes · View notes

contentloadingandstuff · 22 hours ago

Text

Breaking Up With Them - Beidou & Eula X Male!Reader

A/N: It's been a long time since I did one of these. I hope I didn't lose my skill for writing angst.

CW: Unhealthy relationship dynamics, ambivalent fault (Beidou), alcohol abuse, foul language, not proofread.

Beidou is a free spirit. Strong, self-sufficient, witty and, most importantly, independent. For years now she has been the one at the helm, steering her life towards any waters she, and only she, feels like. That doesn't matter; she still forms attachments, of course. The ship, the whole fleet, her crew, the Traveler, Kazuha and you are all examples of nice things she holds dear.

Yes. Nice things.

You loved her for her freedom. She decided for herself and walked on her own path, allowing you the same space to do your own thing. You were partners - equals in this relationship. There wasn't a thing she could do that you couldn't. Going out drinking? Allowed. Sleeping over at a hotel or a friend's house instead of your shared corner of Liyue Harbour or the ship? If the situation demands, why not? It's safer than coming back drunk through the streets. Hanging out with pals without the other half? Sure, it's not like you're out cheating. Both of you accepted this and thrived in this setup. You trusted her with your heart, just like you did with your life many times before.

Months went by, then years. You lived a life of adventure, merrymaking and seamanship by her side. This was nice, but just warming her bed wasn't enough for you. She was beautiful, brave and kind. You loved her, you wanted more. But Beidou wasn't keen on talking about marriage. It was always “later” or “we’ll figure it out”, followed by a date that you just knew would net you the same answer. You couldn't honestly say you understood her. Twirling her engagement ring to-be in your fingers, you wondered why. What was making her turn you down? These doubts ate away at you, and soon enough, you wanted to confront her. But she was faster.

—

“Still holding on to that thing, aren't you?”

You jump, closing your hand the moment you hear a familiar, strong voice behind you. Head turning away from the window and back at the newcomer, you spring up from the chair. You lay eyes on none other than the capitan herself.

“Beidou?” You say, a bit of embarrassment in your voice. After all, being caught like this didn't scream “tough guy”. “Knock first, please.”

She is leaning on the doorway, arms crossed over her chest. “Why should I? You're not playing with yourself here, are you?”

Beidou chuckles, relaxing her arms and walking over. “Besides, I'd gladly join you if you were~” She plops herself next to you, placing her hand on your thigh.

“Mhm…” You muse, gently stopping her hand from going where it's not ladylike to go. “Do you have any business, or did you come here just to fluster me, hun?”

Her face turns to an expression of mock disappointment for a brief moment. “Aw, you're not fun.” Beidou sighs and motions at your closed hand, covering the small, golden ring. “Yeah, I have something to talk about. This, specifically.”

Your heart stops, before beating again at twice the speed. Is she… No, can't be. But, maybe…? You relax your grip, revealing the ornament on your open palm. Both of you look at it, before raising your eyes to meet the other’s.

Much to your chagrin, Beidou doesn't lift a finger.

“Give it a rest, Y/N. Let's not hurry with our relationship. We have a nice thing going between us, and we could ruin it if we're going too fast, you know?”

You furrow your brow. “You always say that. You've said that for the past year.”

“Why won't you just let it go?”

“And why won't you accept it?”

Silence. Beidou bites her lip. There's a spark in her eye, the same that announces she's had enough. You swallow.

“Because I don't want to marry you, alright? I don't want to settle down, I don't want a husband, I don't want children. That's it.”

Your heart doesn't stop. It doesn't even slow down, or flinch, or react with the slightest of movements. Even though her words are not what you ever wanted to hear, the reasonable part of you was prepared for the news. She continues.

“Listen, Y/N, babe, hun, darling.” Beidou takes your face in her calloused hands, touching your cheeks with the gentleness you've grown accustomed to. This time, her touch felt… pointless. “It's not about you specifically, alright? I love you, I still do. Nothing has changed about that. I just don't want to become a house hen, let go of the life I have-”

“But none of this will happen! The only thing that will change will be the rings on our fingers…” You say, but your confidence wanes. Beidou smiles, shaking her head.

“No, babe. That's not what you, or what my children would deserve. You deserve a commited, stable relationship. You deserve a wife and mother at home, and stable land under your feet.” A sigh escapes her lips. She brushes her finger across your cheek, as if wiping an invisible tear from your eye. “You don't deserve the burden of a dangerous life away from home. Remember - a single bad storm and we're fish food.”

“Beidou, listen, I-” You pull back, but she tries to cup your face again. Your pulse rises as you swat her hands away. “No, don't play sweet with me! You…”

Unable to take it, you stand up. Deep breaths, you think, looking for the right words in your head. Finally, they come, but you can only utter them through your teeth. Your head, your chest, your cheeks and hands feel hotter by the second.

“Seven years… We are a couple for seven years now, and you've never told me this…”

Beidou frowns, scoffing. “What? Nope. I did.” The gentleness in her demeanor fades, replaced by a tone of disappointment. “I've given you more than enough clues. It was obvious from the first time you asked.”

“Obvious? Not really.” You point an accusatory finger at her. “Why didn't you tell me outright?”

“Pfeh! I didn't think you'd fail to catch on. Besides, I care about your feelings. It would be a major blow to our relationship.”

“What do you mean “major blow”? Then why are telling me this now? Is it any less major?”

Beidou feels her pressure rise. Why are you this stupid? You press on.

“You appreciate honesty, right? Then how come you weren't honest with me yourself? Hypocritical of you, Beidou!”

“For fucks’ sake, Y/N! Shut up and let me speak for a moment!” You go quiet. She never raised her voice on you before, but Beidou is too agitated to care. “Archons! Sorry, I didn't account for you being a retard I guess? Look, the point is that my answer is no. And my answer will be no, every single fucking time you ask me. What we have now works for me, and if you can't understand it, fuck off.”

Thick silence fills the room. Beidou is red on the face; her eyes are sharp, chest raising and falling with her faster breathing. She points at the door of her cabin.

Unsure, you look back. This… Well, this had to end someday. Even so, you can't make the steps to walk out. It's as if your feet were frozen to the planks below.

“I'm sorry. It's just… I can't really keep this going. I don't want to give you false hope. So, uh…”

Beidou looks down, suddenly unable to face you.

“You have the keys, right? Pack up and go. Don't look back. It will be best for both of us.”

You sigh. Perhaps she is right. But it still hurts to let her go. But regardless, you need time to think, and she needs it as well. Maybe it is for the best.

“Right. See you, I guess…”

Beidou doesn't respond. You press the handle and step over the threshold, turning your head to catch one last glance of Beidou. You hope to see tears, hope to hear her plead for you to come back. But only a vague grimace rests on her face.

You step out, and never come back.

Eula’s life was a tough one since the day of her birth. For the first half, she struggled with the demands of an aristocratic upbringing under the unwavering scrutiny of her parents and relatives, and her reward was equally unrelenting harassment and ostracism for the other part. Even the strongest of people would struggle to go on like this, so it's no wonder that Eula picked up a few coping methods throughout the years. Embracing the role of a stereotypical Lawrence through speech and mannerisms, while certainly never helping her reputation, did give her a sense of belonging in the liminal world between her pedigree and the whole of society. Inevitably, the main temptation in the Nation of Freedom pulled her in, and Eula soon became a regular at Angel's Share. Thus, a perfect regular she became - the captain always left loads of Mora at the tavern while having the capacity to never become a nuisance, no matter the amount of alcohol in her veins.

When the first wave of hate sizzled out thanks to her deeds in the Knights and Amber befriended her, Eula's coin pouch suddenly felt heavier as less money was spent on drinks. She opened up to people, and in return, they lowered their guard. She could buy things again, people (most of them anyway) stopped throwing her hateful glances and spitting at the mention of her name. Somehow, the opposite sex stopped resenting her enough to not only stop calling her “the Lawrence whore”, but also show a bit of interest in her as a woman. Just a tiny bit. But clearly, she improved her relationship with the men of Mondstadt sufficiently to become an interesting person in your eyes. And what a guy you were - willing to spend time with her beyond what's absolutely necessary, and enjoying every minute of it. A romantic, a wonderful dance partner, a stalwart companion she could lean on - you were each of those things. She fell in love, and as mutual lovers do, you soon slipped the rings on each other’s fingers.

And yet, this moment of her life, undoubtedly the happiest at the time, became a spark that ignited a new storm of issues. Her family, while already dissatisfied and looking at the young woman with suspicion, now became disgusted with her. She married a commoner, a commoner that wasn't even rich. Your status as a simple baker was enough to push them to start actively harassing you and your business, for no other reason than that you were “corrupting” the Lawrence bloodline with that street filth they thought was flowing in your veins. Eula, of course, instantly took up the glove and started fighting them in courts and in dark alleys, helping out whenever she could. You were one of the few that treated her well, and she could never let anybody hurt you. Especially if it was because of her. The fight was not so simple, however, as the distaste towards her name returned, now spreading on you as well. People mocked you, called you “the Lawrence fucker”, they harassed you and her, also occasionally attacking your bakery. Broken windows, graffiti, false rumours and allegations - that had to be fought against as well. As your wife, it was her duty to defend you, especially if who they really wanted was her.

But it was a war of attrition, and no matter how hard she fought, she needed back up. Eventually, the comforting embrace of hard liquor was too powerful to resist and Eula made the first step back on that slippery slope of a path. But this time, she had much to lose.

—

Nine. Ten. Eleven.

You reach under the desk, scanning the area for more. There they are, you think, grabbing the neck of another bottle of wine, filled only with the ever present dust. With a frown of disgust, you kneel on the floor, sticky with… something.

Twelve. Thirteen. Fourteen. Fifteen. Sixteen. Seventeen. Eighteen. Nineteen. Twenty. Twenty one. Twenty two.

The bag, clicking with every added bottle, is becoming unbearably heavy. It's getting heavy, but you wanted to get it over with quickly - another three or four couldn't hurt your back that much.

Twenty three. Twenty four.

The front door opens, marking Eula’s arrival. She was late, indicating the obvious. Nonetheless, you remain dedicated to your task - her room was starting to resemble a gang hideout, and the smell and dust were starting to spread across the house. It was unhealthy to be in it, let alone sleep there. Your wife could at least let you wash the duvet and pillows more often. You gave up on hoping she could do it on her own some time ago.

Twenty five.

You close the sack and twist the end, lifting it up and heading for the basement. These bottles weren't worth much by themselves, but sold back to the Winery in this quantity, would net you some extra Mora. Maybe you could finally buy a new vacuum cleaner battery from the Fontaine merchant this month - the house could really use a dusting, but you've grown thoroughly sick of sweeping.

“Good afternoon, dear.” You say as you pass your wife in the corridor. Every part of you is focused on keeping the bag as still as possible. If you'd manage to act fast and inconspicuous, maybe she wouldn't turn her eyes towards you. You really weren't in the mood to talk to her.

She doesn't respond, walking past you to the bathroom. A little haste, enabled by the ability to be loud without consequence, leads you to the storage and back in seconds. You wave another bag, spreading it out for the task to come. However, by the time you're back on the cleaning’s frontline, she already finished up and returned there.

Seeing Eula in her underwear, sat down on the unmade bed with her clothes discarded in the corner and a book in her hand, makes you stop in your tracks. Her silence tells you she's in a foul mood, and regardless of the reason, you would not want to interact with her now. Still, the cleaning wouldn't do itself. You clutch the bag and go in.

Keeping your eyes glued to the floor and your step confident might be overkill, but you really don't want her to question you. She doesn't seem to mind you cleaning her room, luckily.

Twenty six. Twenty seven. Twenty eight. Twenty nine.

You get up and look at the bed. The messy, dirty lair was where Eula spent most of her time - no wonder, given that the desk was stacked high with tomes, bottles and trash at all times. You notice a familiar shape on the windowsill.

Thirty. Thirty one. Thirty two bottles of wine and one miniature of Snezhnayan Fire Water.

“I'm not done with that. Give it here.”

You freeze just short of putting the small bottle in the trash bag. On closer inspection, there indeed is some clear liquid left inside. Without looking at her, you pass her the bottle. With the corner of your eye you see Eula down what's left and put it on the ground, amongst the dust, hair and dried wine. With a slightly tense hand you pick it up and place it in the bag.

Turning around to look for the rest, you hear her voice again.

“Why are you here? Stop cleaning and get out of here. I want to be alone.” She turns her head just enough to look at you sideways. Her eyes are cold and bitter, a far cry to the feelings you saw therein years ago. “Don't you understand that?”

“I need to tidy up here. The dust spreads to other rooms, and I think you could use some more space”, you say, as confidently and casually as you can, continuing to place bottles in your bag.

Thirty three. Thirty four. Thir-

A creak of the bed makes you spin around. Eula's book is on the floor, a torn off wine label used as a bookmark. You sneak a quick glance at her face to asses her mood, finding a displeased grimace on her face. Her normally pale complexion has a fair bit of colour to it now.

On no, no no no. Barbaros no. Please no. Not good. Not good.

“You can tidy all you want when I'm on duty, not now. I come here for peace and quiet, not you plunging this room into chaos with your nonsense. Is that so hard to understand?” Her breath reaches you, and your nose instantly picks up a hint of alcohol amongst the smell of unwashed teeth.

Your lips tighten. This really needs to be done, maybe you could grab at least one more-

Eula’s voice grows louder. Her hands find her way to her hips. “Are you deaf? Or just dumb? Besides, it's late and you should be in bed. Fuck off to sleep.”

It is eleven in the evening, and you were usually in bed - if you weren't, your slightly drunk wife would stumble into your room and kill every light source without a word. But this phrase was nothing new to you, and it always spelled incoming anger each time. When drunk, Eula was a ticking bomb - recently, even the slightest annoyance could push her into a frenzy of bitter accusations and foul language. You weren't about to provoke her.

“Okay, I'll leave. I'm sorry.” You turn around, and head for the door. However, you feel a strong hand grip your wrist, holding you in place. “Y-yes, honey?”

Eula’s face is the same, unchanging frown. Her eyes are misty and unfocused from the alcohol in her system. “Don't honey me. What's the deal with you lately? You either beg me for money or act like a retard.”

Swallowing, you think of an answer. Asking her why she said so was pointless - in her eyes, even the smallest of things could become proofs of infidelity or some flaw of character. But the only thing occupying your mind is her state. Without much thinking, you quietly answer. “Eula, I-I think you're drunk… Can we talk about this later?”

You flinch when her grip tightens. “Again with that bullshit? I told you, I'm never drunk - I know myself, and I know how much I can drink. I am never drunk, and I am not a drunk. Got that?”

A meek nod from you makes her brow furrow. “Look me in the eyes when I speak to you. Do you understand?” She clenches her hand further, eliciting a quiet gasp from you.

“Yes, Eula. I understand. You're never drunk. I'm sorry for saying that.” Nothing matters in your mind now except appeasing her. You don't want to be screamed at, not again. Hesitantly, you look up at her. “Could you let go? It hurts…”

She does so, and you immediately rub your wrist. It's red and aching, and Eula doesn't seem to care. “So why do you keep asking for money huh? Are you spending it on your whims, Y/N? Or maybe on hookers? The money I gave you was always enough in the past.”

“It wasn't. I always had to chip in too.” You reply, sounding a bit defensive. You can't help it - your income is not great compared to her, but you work hard for it. It's only natural for you to defend yourself, but you instantly regret it when you hear her tone raise.

“You're lying. I know how much we spend. Don't bullshit me.” She snarls.

“Eula, please calm down. The sink broke, a-and we needed to change the toilet seat, and I had to buy winter clothes. I'm asking because the floors would really use a make-over, the walls are a bit dirty too… I could paint them, if I had the money.” There was always so much to do around the house, but Eula usually ignored it. She wasn't about to fix anything herself, and you would do it no problem, but you needed Mora to buy the necessary items. More than you could afford on your own.

“You have the money. You're trying to make a fool out of me again, huh? What, stuffing your mouth with what we have at home doesn't suffice anymore? You wanna eat out?” You try to talk back, but she cuts you off. “Don't you dare try to say anything, you fat, sneaky asshole. You just want to pocket the cash! That's why you married me, huh?”

It's not the first time you hear these words, but they hurt all the same. How can she say those things to her own husband? What did you do to her? “Eula, why are you like this?”

“What? Why am I not taking your lies, you mean? Because I'm not stupid enough to fall for your puppy eyes.” She places her hand on your back and pushes you towards the door. “I've had my share of your shit today. Get out.”

You don't say a word, stumbling slightly as she forces you out. When she's done, Eula leans on the doorway for support. You know it's not right. You know it's toxic. Usually, you would bow and take it. But something in your heart, a small flicker of dignity, bubbles up to the top.

“You're abusive Eula. You shouldn't treat me like this! I c-clean the house, I work hard, I do everything-”

Eula scoffs in response. “How dare you. I give you money, I give you a roof over your head, I keep you safe from the people, I love you, I care for you and I get this in return. How dare you, you ungrateful bastard!”

She lounges at you.

“No! Please, Eula, I-” You say, but the words die in your throat when she grabs your collar. Then, with the alcohol clouding her self control, she throws you towards your room.

You fall on the floor, hitting your head on a drawer. Hand clutching your head in an attempt to shield it, you look back. Eula, her stance wobbling a little, grabs your work bag, opens it, and dumps all the tools and items on the floor. She tossed the empty container at you.

“Pack yourself, mister. You're no husband of mine. Beg on the street, where you belong - I don't care.” Upon seeing the shock on your face, she stomps her foot and shouts. “Move!”

Scrambling to get up, you pull open your drawer and frantically scoop up everything inside. Watching you, Eula crosses her arms, using the wall as a support for her blurry world. Once the mass of clothes reaches the top of your pack, she approaches you, causing you to leap towards the door and run. She tries to kick you, but is not coordinated enough to do so. Still, she pursues you and watches as you turn around.

“Out!”

You shut the door.

Eula looks at it for a minute with unfocused eyes. Her heart beats rapidly, her body is hot, but there's still some sober though in her mind.

She turns on her heel back towards her room. After snatching a full bottle from the wardrobe, Eula pushes all the clutter on her desk aside and sits down. She gulps down a third of the bottle in one breath, indifferent to the warmth spreading in her throat. The bottle is slammed down on the desk with a loud thud.

Her head soon follows.

She falls into empty sleep, your terrified face burnt into her memory. Forever.

Thanks for reading.

32 notes · View notes

captn-trex · 1 day ago

Text

200 follower celebration event !

thank you so much for 200 followers!! very super cool of you guys for following me and interacting with the work I put out, it seriously means the world to me :)

to make it a little fun, I'm going to be writing song inspired fics, because music is definitely something that inspires me and my writing a lot! and also I like to know what other people are listening to because I'm nosey hehe. please make sure to read the rules !!!

this event will be running from today (jan 2nd) to jan 31st, ending 11:59pm GMT (may be subject to change)

how it works

please add all this information to your request :)

step 1: pick a clone, any clone

step 2: choose a dialogue prompt from the list below (or two, you can just give the prompt number)

step 3: give me a song to inspire the vibe/story of the fic

step 4: note any extra information you feel is important (such as any specific lyrics you love, tropes, story ideas, sfw/nsfw etc. etc.)

dialogue prompts

fluffy prompts

1. "I can't remember the last time I did this with someone"

2. "here, why don't we share?"

3. "I've missed this"

4. "you could stop staring now." / "oh no, absolutely not."

5. "read to me"

6. "come here sweetheart"

7. "you're just the cutest" / "you're the only one who is allowed to say that."

8. "give me your hand"

9. "come lie with me. let me hold you"

10. "look at that, your hand fits perfectly in mine"

angsty prompts

11. "did you really have to be that honest?"

12. "can we start over?"

13. "of course it meant something!"

14. "that isn't what I meant and you know it"

15. "everyone else might be buying it, but I'm not"

16. "I can't keep acting like I don't see something is wrong with you"

17. "we need to talk about that little stunt you pulled earlier"

18. "don't you ever wonder why I get like this?"

19. "what is your problem?"

20. "do you want my help or not?"

hurt/comfort prompts

21. "when's the last time you actually slept?"

22. "you're safe now"

23. "stop pretending that you're fine! you need a medic"

24. "I'm not leaving, okay?"

25. "how are you feeling?" / "will you stop asking me that"

26. "take these meds, they'll help"

27. "let me help you this time"

28. "I'm sorry" / "don't be sorry, it's not your fault"

29. "take your time, I'll be here when you're ready to talk"

30. "promise?" / "of course, I promise"

flirty prompts

31. "don't try to charm your way out of this" / "you think I'm charming?"

32. "bite me" / "I thought you'd never ask"

33. "why didn't we do this sooner?" / "you were too busy pretending you hated me"

34. "this isn't over" / "oh, I'll make sure of it"

35. "I can't help it, you're fun to mess with"

36. "why not tonight? I'm even wearing something pretty"

37. "you know... you're kinda cute when you're mad"

38. "were you always this pretty?"

39. "do you have a name or can I just call you mine?" / "does that line usually work for you?"

40. "hello beautiful, you alone here?" / "...we came here together"

smutty prompts

41. "hmm, you're not very patient are you?"

42. "can you kiss it better?"

43. "that's my good girl"

44. "you can do better than that sweetheart"

45. "I could make you feel better"

46. "is that a threat or a promise?"

47. "can you feel how much I want you?"

48. "staying quiet was never your strong suit, was it?" / "make me shut up then"

49. "louder. let me hear you pretty girl"

50. "can you be good for me?"

misc/extra prompts

51. "it's the middle of the night, what are you doing here?"

52. "I told you to knock first!"

53. "don't look at me like that" / "like what?"

54. "is that the best you can do?"

55. "I've been wanting to kick your ass all week"

56. "is that really necessary?"

57. "what are we?" / "you're asking me?"

58. "I can feel you staring at me. You aren't being very subtle, you know"

59. "do you have a crush on me or something?"

60. "you're so jealous it makes you look stupid"

request rules/guidelines

if your request goes against these, I will not complete it, so please read this carefully before requesting!

this event is exclusively for clone x fem/gn reader pairings, just because that's what I write for, but you're welcome to give suggestions like jedi!reader, medic!reader etc. but no clone x reader x clone

make sure to mention whether you want it to be sfw or nsfw !!!

I have the right to refuse any request if I'm just not vibing with it for whatever reason, or particularly if it's something I'm not comfortable with (non-exhaustive list incl: noncon & dubcon, aforementioned clonecest, AU stuff outside of the context of the star wars galaxy — like modern AU type stuff, motherhood/pregnancy/kids etc.)

abide by the request template; I want to keep all fics in this event within the same parameters

I will only be accepting requests between the given dates, any received afterwards will not be counted

if you don't plan on reblogging, don't request from me :)

extra info

I'll have anon requests on, but this is a follower event after all, so I'd prefer if you didn't use the anon function — the basic requirement is that you follow me and have interacted with my blog

feel free to message me if you have a more elaborate idea/want to discuss/clarify/bounce ideas off each other!! I'm always down for that anyway, so don't be shy :)

clones I'd like to write for if you want to take that into consideration: fives, wolffe, tech, echo (tbb), kix

alrighty! that's everything :)

as a reminder: this event is running until jan 31st so make sure to send in your request before then!

all works in this event will be tagged under #trex's 200 follower celebration, and will most likely be added to a masterlist at some point

I can't wait to see what you guys send in ! thank you again and happy requesting :)

— lia <3

#trex’s 200 follower celebration #the bad batch #the clone wars #star wars #clone troopers #clone x reader #the bad batch x reader

33 notes · View notes

my-autism-adhd-blog · 1 day ago

Note

I'd like to understand the nonverbal side of autism. Can people who are mainly verbal have nonverbal moments? There are times it feels like I can't say anything, like something is stopping me or feel shutdown which leads me to not speaking. This can be a problem especially when I need to stand up for myself. So maybe this is a just a confidence issue.

Also, I'd like to understand the experiences of those who are nonverbal. What does communication look like? I'm sure there are different support needs. What does that look like and what are common challenges? What are common displays of independence? Maybe common isn't the right word since everyone has different experiences. My husband used to work in health and human services and a few of his clients were nonverbal. Due to privacy I don't know much other than clients used their hands to sign.

I hope my questions aren't considered rude or offensive. That's not my intent at all. I'm truly curious and want to learn more. Please let me know if there is a better way to bring up this topic.

I’m not nonverbal myself, so I wouldn’t know.

Maybe my followers can share their experiences?

Thank you for the inbox. I hope you have a wonderful day/night. ♥️

#inbox #inbox reply #inbox is open #nonverbal communication

39 notes · View notes

littlefankingdom · 2 days ago

Text

Kind of frustrating how many posts there are criticizing Bruce's parenting in Batgirl (2000), while Barbara is getting barely a slap on the wrist for her parenting.

The thing about Barbara and Bruce in Batgirl (2000) is that they both do something bad that is projecting yourself on your kid (no, Bruce doesn't see Cassandra as a weapon, stop saying that shit), however only Bruce is getting call out for this by y'all, and I think there's two reasons why:

Bruce is so easy to criticize. Everything he had ever done has been criticized to hell and back. Damn, he is criticized if he dares parent his kids and tells them no or something (literally read a fic where he was painted as the bad guy by the batfam, the writer and the reader for... saying no to another dog Damian decided to adopt without telling him) Somehow, he is always in the wrong with y'all. Even when he is nice or right it's "well, actually..."

The way Barbara is doing it is very normalized in western societies. Bruce isn't projecting something we are used to, he is projecting his crusade and how he dealt with his pain by kicking criminals' asses. Barbara is projecting ideas about womanhood and life that a lot of mothers do, but that doesn't mean it's not wrong.

"What is Barbara projecting on Cassandra?" Her sexuality and her interests. She wants Cassandra to go flirt and date boys, to dress more sexy, to love reading, even tho Cass doesn't want to. She forces Cassandra into situation she is very uncomfortable in (being viewed by men as sexy) because she enjoys it herself and misses it. There is NOTHING wrong with that last bit, but projecting it on Cass and ignoring it until Cass has a breakdown, that's not okay. (Cass keeps communicating she isn't comfortable in the bikini, and it's only when Cass runs away from the situation that Barbara accepts that Cass is uncomfortable) Cass tries to force herself to be more like Barbara to please Barbara, she puts on her suit and goes out, but she is so uncomfortable. Tim's comment about her body, and the heels, she can't. And then, there is the library scene, where Barbara yells and insults Cass for not knowing how to read. It is more difficult, as older as you get, to learn a new language. It is easier if you already speak multiple, but if you have never spoken ANY language before, and you just learned to understand one NOT EVEN A YEAR AGO, learning how to read is going to be hard. It is so ableist and unacceptable for Barbara to call Cass "stupid" for not knowing how to read. It doesn't matter if Cass hasn't been training enough, she literally should have helped and not let her do it alone (in the cases of children who, like Cass, didn't learn a language as a child because of their environment, they only improve with love and care in their teaching. If you give them a book and tell them to learn on their own, they will not succeed. Reading is a concept taught to you, not in you, and they need to learn it from another human.) And the reasons why Barbara gets so frustrated are just that, reasons, not excuses.

I'm going to be sincere, the reason why I'm criticizing Barbara is because I had a mother like this. I'm asexual and afab, and I was forced into uncomfortable situation because "girls are supposed to like flirting with boys". My mother got really frustrated after a couple of years because I never had a boyfriend, and that wasn't "normal". She would force me to see myself in a sexual way, to attract boys, because that's what "a normal teenage girl wants". And that was nightmarish for me. But also, my mother is a big reader, and I'm not for multiple reasons. My mother would often diminish my intellect because I don't read novels, and especially not as much, like her. Reading a lot was associated with intellect in our home, and it was extremely harmful to my self-esteem. They are different kind of intelligence, people aren't stupid if they don't read a lot. That's the classicism talking, because it was literally badly seen for working class folks to read not so long ago and so, only the rich did so only the rich were smart. And having an education, which I have, is not the same as being a reader.

This is also probably why I have seen queer afab folks identify with Cassandra, because we experienced the "you should be flirting with boys" pressure when you don't want to.

The other thing is that, not only is Barbara projecting herself on Cassandra, she is also living through her, which is bad. That's something you can hear a lot about for children stars, where their career and success is for mommy, who cannot be a star anymore. Barbara wants Cassandra to date boys and "have fun" because she thinks she can anymore because she's disabled.

And I'm sure a lot of y'all don't understand what is wrong with what Barbara is doing. But it is forcing amatonormativity and her sexuality on Cassandra, it is ableist, it is forcing Cassandra into uncomfortable situation because she would have enjoyed them. Cassandra doesn't want to wear a bikini, it's not ok for Barbara to force Cassandra to wear a bikini because SHE enjoys it.

In no way I'm trying to say that Barbara is a bad parent. What I'm saying is more that y'all are very hard on Bruce when both him and Barbara are doing the same thing. They both fuck up and learn to do better, because they love Cassandra. They are both wrong about Cassandra, but also right sometimes (example: Bruce is right about letting Cassandra fights because that's what she wants to do. Barbara is against it and she is shown she is wrong multiple times) Y'all are calling Bruce a bad parent to Cassandra in Batgirl (2000) and not Barbara because he's forcing on her his bad copying mechanism of sacrifcing your life to save others, and she is forcing on her amatonormative sexist and ableist norms of our western societies.

#barbara gordon #cassandra cain #bruce wayne #batgirl #oracle #batman #batfam #dc comics #my ramblings #Barbara fucks up hurt a lot as someone who went through that it hurts it's not okay #especially when she called her stupid for not knowing how to read I was so mad omg #no Bruce doesn’t view Cassandra as a weapon he literally offers her a birthday gift without knowing her birthday #Any writing of Bruce seeing someone as a weapon is wrong anyway especially a hurt child #I do have issues with Batgirl (2000) writing because Bruce believes in rehabilitation and infinite chances that is literally his thing #so no he would not see Cass as a criminal or murderer for ONE KILL she did as a child he would see her as a victim #especially BECAUSE SHE WAS A SMALL KID

47 notes · View notes

vulpixisananimal · 11 hours ago

Text

[A:3 C:65] [Alex] |Jasmine|

“You, y-you . .” [Perci drew his swords, and was looking at you, eyes full of rage.]

“I could teleport us out, but I'm not prepared.” [Merlon was back to back with Perci, and their light was already crackling.]

[You and Odile were facing Perci, and the rest of the party faced Merlon. You grinned.] “Don’t tell me you’re getting cold feet you stray.”

[Siffrin let out a chuckle as Merlon shot you a dirty look.] “No need for name calling now!”

“Oh, oh there is quite a need for name calling.” [Despite his damaged appearance, Siffr-Asterion was able to smile.] “my good binary star.”

“Stop that, Stargazer!” [They snap back.] “Who raised you to be so rude.”

“And who raised you to be such a, a CRAB!!” [Mirabelle yells.]

"My!” [Odile chuckles.] “You’ve even got Mirabelle up in arms. You’ve really done it now.”

“Fine.” [Merlon tapped her foot.] “If we need to fight you, then we will. Right, Cici- Perci?”

[So they noticed it too. Perci had gone quiet. He was staring at you, teeth gritted, breathing shallow, and his hands. . . They're shaking.]

“Perci, Cici, Percival!” [Adversaries forgotten, Merlon turned and shook Perci’s shoulder.]

“Uh. . .” [Isabeau stands at ease.] “Is everything alright?”

“Really, big guy? Asking the big bad if everything's alright?” [Nille gives him a look.]

“What! It's only poli-”

(Do it again.)

[Wh- what was-(WHAM WHAM WHAM!!)-BLINDING! What is--]

(I-I'm sorry I'm sorry I-I-I won't WHAM WHAM WHAM WHAM!!!)

[You grip your head and stumble back into the table. S-stars those aren't, your thoughts, they're, ah, how are you. . ACK--]

[Odile glances at you.] “Headache?”

“No.” [You shake-(No use lying. Again.)-your head Nille said you could now, but you hadn't until, now.] “I think I'm, hearing his thoughts.”

“Cici it's not real, it's not real you're okay. You're here with me, listen to me.” [Merlon puts a hand on his.]

(Please, no, more-)

[Perci snaps back, gasping and stumbling back. (Not real, not real, not real not real not real.)] “. . . I'm fine!”

“You are not!!” [Merlon keeps a hand on his as they turn to the other half of the group.] “I will transport us out of here-”

“NO! No.” [Perci slipped the mask of confidence back on and leaned back, whispering to Merlon.]

“. . . . . . . . . Weren't we gonna fight?” [Bonnie asks, annoyed.]

“Give them a second, Bonnie.” [Odile huffed.] “I'm sure the conversation is very important.”

[The two stopped whispering and Perci turned back to you, smiling.] “A bonded couple's argument, I'm sure you understand.��

“D-do you need a second? Or are we good to fight now.” [Mirabelle asks.]

“No no no! I’m alright now. Sorry about that.” [Perci chuckled, clearly covering for a slipped mask.] “Please, continue.”

“Well now that you're back to your senses. Ahem.” [You gesture dramatically to Asterion.] “Mind repeating yourself for the class?”

[Aster laughed, face softening.] “Oh I was just commenting on these binary stars!”

[Perci made a face.] “Why do I feel so. . . Attacked?”

“I believe it’s an islander insult, Cici.” [Merlon huffed and turned back.] “And it is, unfortunately, devastating.”

[The Monets glanced at each other, then both took a combat stance, Perci glared at you.] “Let’s just get this over with.”

[Odile pushes up her glasses. Odile analyzed the enemy!] “Percival Monet. Scissors craft. A highly advanced mind craft user, he’s reading your thoughts as I speak. Assume any plan of attack you have, he already knows about it. And for expressions sake don’t let him touch you!”

[You gave Odile a smug look and adjusted your glasses. You studied the enemy!] “Merlon Monet. Paper craft. Somehow, they have found a way to weaponize wish craft. Don’t take them lightly, or you’ll end up dead. She does have one weakness, eventually the wish craft will wear her out, and they’ll pass out.”

[You’re not fully sure how you remember all that, but right now it didn’t matter. Perci looks back to you, then his frown turns back into a smile.] “You want to fight so bad? Fine. We’ll fight!”

[In a smooth motion reminiscent of a dance, the Monets swapped places. Stepping to each other's left, Merlon turned to you and extended a wave of dangerous craft energy, while Perci rushed at the rest of the group.]

[You dived into Odile, both of you hitting the floor as the crackling energy passed above you. In a quick response, Odile held out a hand for [Scissors III]. Despite being defended by that light, Merlon stumbled back just a bit.]

[You get up off Odile and hold out your own paper sign. [Bramble Ramble!] And in a moment whisper rose brambles wrapped over the battlefield, that should slow them down.]

“Paper?” [Odile stands back up.] “You're not a paper type.”

“But I know paper moves.” [You reply, staring Merlon down.] “Why so surprised?”

[Merlon chuckles. Odile glances at her.] “Finding something funny, are we?”

“Oh yes, very funny.” [They waved a hand.] “I won’t spoil it.”

“How polite.” [Odile huffs, extending her sign. [Paper III]]

[Whatever hand waving Merlon did, their shields of light were now much stronger as Odile’s attack did almost nothing. You grumbled and rushed in, pen-knife in hand. You strike, only to stop an inch away from Merlon's body, that light shielding them.]

“Stars. . !”

“Are you quite done yet?” [She reached forward and flicked your head with a finger. With a spark of light, you flew back, crashing into the table.]

[Starsdammit, you’re way underleveled. You struggle to stand as Odile gets in front of you.] “I believe we’ve never properly met each other, Merlon.”

“No, we have not.” [They hesitantly bow.] “Merlon Monet, as you very well know.”

“Odile.” [She bows back.] “No last name necessary. Now that we’re properly acquainted I can ask just how you’re able to use wishes in combat like you do.”

“Oh you know I can’t just pass out such secrets, Miss Odile.” [She puts a hand to their chin.] “But, let’s just say I’ve had many, many years of practice.”

“Is that so?” [Odile glances back as you finally stand again.] “So it’s no different from the wishes than any other person could do?”

“The only theoretical barrier is one's knowledge and willpower, Madame.” [She holds her hand out to the side.] “I’ve met none who have been able to match me, Madame, and it’s very dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. So don’t try.”

“Oh trust me, I don’t plan to.” [Odile held out a hand, and you heard what could only be described as a thunderclap. Odile use [Craft Break Δ!!!]]

“How-!” [Merlon stumbled back, that light dissipating for a moment. You take the chance, and rush in again, taking a stab with your pen. You connect!!]

[Merlon stumbles back, clutching their side.] “You, how did-”

[They’re cut off by Mirabelles scream from across the room.]

“HE’S WHAT?!?”

<<<

(Siffrin) {Mal Du Pays} <Null> |Asterion| [Loop] [(Saffron)]

|Perci rushed right at you, a wild smile on his face that told you all you needed to know about this fight. You raise the katana in both hands to block his attack. Mirabelle lunges from the side but Perci twists one of his swords to block her, too. Now locked between two swords, Nille came rushing with her hammer.|

|He jumped back at the last second, and all three weapons struck thin air. As soon as Perci landed, he ducked just in time to avoid Isabeaus fist on the back of his head. He spun and slashed at him back. Before dancing back and kicking you in the gut as you went to strike him in the back.|

|Stars. . .|

“You’re a nimble crab aren’tcha!” |Nille yells.| “They weren’t kidding about knowing what we’re about to do.”

“Of course, Pétronille.” |Perci chuckled.| “I’m an expert, after all.”

“Don’t talk to him, Nille!” |Mira yells, jumping in to strike.| “He’ll just get under your skin!”

“Oh my!!” |He blocked the attack and swiped back.| “Don’t worry, I’ll keep Nilles tales of Mwudu secret~”

“Shut your mouth!!” |Nille ran in again to smash him down, only for Perci to sidestep her attack and strike her in the gut, thankfully, with the flat of his blade.|

{Tag out. In a swift motion you switch from sword to dagger and jump in, Perci raised his sword to block. You were locked, blade to blade, and you saw his expression change from smug, to confused, then to pained as you punched him in the stomach.}

{He stumbled back.} “. . . Hah, HAH! You tamed your sadness?”

“Tamed?!?” {Isabeau steps to your side.} “It’s not some wild animal, Perci!”

“Oh really?” {He grinned. Looking at you.} “By all metrics, it is! And you trust it? Enough to share blood with it?”

{Isa glances at you. You nod, and he shows his palm, a faint scar on it that is almost imperceptible.} “I’d trust it with my life, Perci! That’s why we’re gonna beat you!”

“Cute.” {Perci smiles, and takes off a glove, showing his own palm with a similar scar.} “I could say the same.”

{In a twist, Perci extended his scissors sign, and slashes of lightless ink shot at you and Isabeau. You block, yet the craft passes right through you.}

{A blink later, Perci was swinging at you. You go to block it, and the swing disappears. Only for you to feel a sting in your leg.}

“MAL!!” {Mirabelle rushes to your side, and Nille passes you to strike at thin air. Then suddenly Perci is at your side! And then is gone, then, Isabeau is holding his head, kneeling. Oh. You shake your head.}

{As Mirabelle uses her healing craft, you point to your head then hands together, then wave over your eyes. “A trick, a veil over the eyes. Illusion.”}

“You’re seeing things?” {She asks, you nod.} “Got it, can you switch out?”

{You sigh, but nod. Some protector you’ve been, perhaps it’s not in your nature. You close your eye.}

|After a brief headache, you’re back. O-oh. . It’s too hectic to focus properly, or switch easily without pain. Stars, you’re only mostly sure you are. . . You. Your eye snaps open to see Nille barely holding Perci off, and Mirabelle tending to Isabeau. You switch dagger for sword and run in again.|

|Perci jumps back from your swing. You hold out a fist.| “I will not let you win!! |You used [Cries of the Lost!] Tears drip from your fist, then fly at Perci. He deflects some, but others catch his legs, taking him to a knee.|

|And that was the golden moment for the frying pan wielding savior to run in and smash Perci in the head. He didn’t even see Bonnie coming, stumbling back and holding his neck, and watching the kid run back behind Nille.|

“. . . Haa, you’re all quite tricky, you know.” |He stands up, relaxed.| “For one I wouldn’t think being plural would be so helpful in the middle of a fight!”

|You don’t reply, don’t talk to him. He looks at you, and smiles.| “Cat got your tongue? Or do you not like someone poking in your head.”

“STOP TALKING CRABFACE!!!!” |Bonnie was barely holding themself back from attacking him again.|

|Perci glanced at them, then you.| “. . . Why are we even fighting, anyways.”

“Because you're trying to take over our minds!!” |Mirabelle rebuked, having helped Isabeau recover.| “We can stop fighting, j-just as long as you stop using mind craft!!”

“A chance to change my ways?” |He laughed, sheathing a sword and shaking his head.| “So is that the same offer you gave your once-enemy now-friend?”

“Ramos?” |She huffed.| “They only did the things they did because of you!!”

“Oh no no!! I don't mean Ramos.” |He smiles.| “I'm talking about Asterion here! Unless. . .”

|Your eye goes wide.|

“Unless you don't know who he is.”

|You rush at him, metal clashing against metal, he blocks and strikes back. You rush again, and with one hand he keeps you at bay.|

“Oh? Why so aggressive!! Did I hit a nerve?” |He pushes you back.| “After all, I may tell half-truths, but you're the one stabbing them all in the back!!”

|You hear Mirabelle behind you.| “. . . A-asterion? What does he-”

|No no no NO NO!! You rush again. You need to shut him up, shut him up or, o-or do something!! You swing, but he effortlessly sidesteps you, and hits you with the hilt of his sword. You collapse to all fours.|

“Aster!!” |Isabeau runs to get to you, but Perci cuts him off.| “Leave him alone!”

“And why would I do that?” |He twirled his sword.| “I've always wanted to commit regicide.”

“Wha. . ?” |Isa steps back.|

“R-regicide?!?” |Mirabelle hesitates.|

“Crab you mean?!?” |Nille grips her hammer tighter.|

“. . .” |And, Bonnie. They're just, looking at you.|

“Why, exactly what you think I do~” |He looks back at you, no nononononononononono--|

|You're shaking, you're shaking, you can't breathe.| “P-please, no-”

“Shall I tell them for you, your majesty?”

|You're frozen to the spot.|

“HE'S WHAT?!?" |Mirabelle screams.|

“LIKE CHANGE HE IS!!” |Nille yells and runs at Perci.|

“Oh trust me, he is.” |He dodges.| “I can see it all over your face, you know it's true.”

“SHUT UP!!”

“Asterion. . ?” |Isabeau is looking at you. You're crawling away, slowly. You can’t, you, you can’t look at him, you can’t look at any of them, you feel, pale, you feel cold and, numb. Your breathing stopped, you can’t focus you can’t, c-cant-|

|You grip your hair, close your eye, you can’t can’tcan’tcan’tloopbacloopbackloopback-|

“Well I don’t care if he is!!” |Mirabelle joined Nille on the offensive, stabbing relentlessly at the historian.| “If he really is the King, he’s already proven to us multiple times that he’s changed!!”

“Mirabelle’s right.” |Isabeau sounded like he was right next to you. Opening an eye, he is. He’s holding a hand out to you. You took it.| “When I first met him he didn’t even know who he was or what to do. So we’ll deal with that later. AFTER we deal with YOU!!”

“Interesting.” |There’s a pause in the fight, Perci breathing faster.| “. . . And what do you think? Boniface?”

|Glancing over, Bonnie’s. . . Still, looking at you.|

“Tell me, Bonnie, why does your mind feel blank?” |Perci chuckles.| “Why is it that when puppeting Ramos, I mistook you for the islander I was looking for?”

“. . Bonnie. . ?” |Nilles voice. A moment later, she was crouched down in front of their sibling.| “Bonnie what’s he talking about? What’s-”

“SHUTTUP!! GO AWAY!!!” |Bonnie yelled, pushing Nille away and stepping back.| “YOU DON’T KNOW ME YOU CRAB!!!”

“B-BONNIE?!?!?” |Nille was taken aback, Bonnie was crying.|

“Interesting! Tell me, Bonnie, did you make a little wish?” Perci was practically gloating.

“SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP!!!!” Bonnie clamped their hands over their ears. “I DID NOT!!!”

“Oh! You clearly did.” His smile was venomous. The fighting from the other half of the room was making its way over to yours. “And if I had to guess the wish, it’s something to do with. . . memory~?”

“N-NO!! NO!! SHUT UP!!!”

“Odile is very observant, you know, and thus now I know. It was only a matter of time before she told everyone what she found-”

“NOTHING IT’S NOTHING IT’S NOTHING!!!!!”

“B-bonbon, Bonnie, Boniface please.” [(The Carpenter crouched down in front of the Kid.)] “It’s, listen whatever it was it’s okay I just-”

“SHUT UP!!!!” [(They’re crying. You cling tighter to the Fighter, eye wide.)] “JUST CRABBING SHUT UP!!!! I JUST WANTED TO BE HELPFUL!!!”

[(The scholar laughed. You looked at him.)] “That’s no way to talk to someone trying to help you! Here, I’ll say it for you”

“NO-”

“You remember. Don’t you.” [(He chuckled.)] “You remember all the times your traveler has looped back.”

[(The Kids head snapped to attention, they’re crying and can’t stop. Their bottom lip is trembling. The Carpenter gets closer.)] “Bonnie. . .”

“E-every. .” [(The Housemaiden was keeping the Scholar at a distance.)] “Every, one?”

“That’s something to ask them.”

“Okay! That’s enough!” [(You bolt from The Fighters arms, smiling to yourself as you lunge at the Scholar, no care for your own health. He blocks, but you’re relentless.)]

[(Eventually, he pushes you away from him.)] “Ah! That’s our cue to leave. Mimi~!”

[(You hear a snap, and move back just in time to avoid the explosion at your feet that somehow, leaves the ground without a scratch!)]

[(The Sage joins The Scholar, both near the exit. The Sage smiled.)] “Bravo, Cici.”

“I told you I’d get us an exit, Mimi.” [(He chuckled.)] “Saviors! I bid you all adieu, don’t try to follow, I’ve spoiled two secrets tonight, pray that I don’t spoil a third.”

[(He backs up towards the exit, you see The Trainee start to chase him before The Researcher catches their shirt. The Housemaiden is at your side. You can see she wants to chase as well. You stand, and go to chase, but another grabs your cloak before you do.)]

“JUST GET OUTTA HERE YOU, Y-YOU CRAB!!!” [(The Kid yells.)]

[(The Scholar bows, and exits, the Sage pauses a second, looking at you before they follow.)] “. . . Perhaps that’s something you can learn from Perci and I, saviors; communication.”

[(They leave, and the doors slam shut.)]

[(. . . . . . You, breathe out.)]

[Mirabelle is now level- oh you’re not doing all that. You shake your head, and fall back onto the ground.]

“Stars above. . .” [You close your eye and breathe. Bonnie’s crying, Nille is worried, everyone’s wounded, and Ramos is. . . Stars. . .]

“A-asterion?” [You hear Mirabelle crouch down next to you.] “Are you-”

“Wrong headmate, Housemaiden~ Try again.” [You giggle, exhausted.]

“O-oh! Loop are, you alright? I-I’m guessing you, just switched in?”

“Correct. . .” [You’re still breathing heavily.] “I think the other three all got a bit. . .”

“Overwhelmed?” [Isabeaus voice. You open your eye a crack, he’s smiling down at you.] “I wouldn’t blame them.”

“I can see the battle replaying in my head.” [You laugh a little.] “Overwhelmed I think is an understatement.”

“Hey!” [Ramos- hmm, voice was off. You sit up.] “Let’s head home everyone. Rest up, deal with everything later. Alright?”

[There’s general agreement around the room. Mirabelle and Isabeau both help you up. Nille was carrying the crying Bonnie, and Odile and. . . “Ramos” led the charge home.]

[As she passes you, her younger siblings face buried into her shoulder, Nille gives you a look.]

[Stars. . .]

32 notes · View notes