#if only because he knows his brother is still alive on whatever earth he was born on

[breesperez139]

Dc x Dp Prompt #6

“I’m a twin”, Damian said one night. He could feel the narrowed eyes of his family drilling holes on his back in disbelief. Not that he could blame them. Damian had never so much as implied being raised with a companion, much less a sibling.

“I had a brother”. Damian paused to recollect himself. He had not said his brother’s name out loud in over 8 years.

“His name was… Danyal”. Damian hated the way his voice wavered, but he could not help it. Danyal was everything to him, his other half. Their heart beat as one and when one heart stopped beating, the other one died with it. At least until his family put his heart on metaphorical life support without ever realizing.

“Where is he now?” His father asked, voice filled with knowing grief and a hint of betrayal. It had in fact been 6 years since Damian first showed up on his doorstep.

“Up there”. All eyes shifted towards the specific star he was pointing to. “Right before he died, he promised me he’d guide me from the stars. Unfortunately, the stars are not visible in Gotham, so my brother is unable to be of much help unless I leave the city.”

“Your brother is Polaris, the North Star?” Tim questioned warily, most likely in attempts to not offend him. Damian was aware of how stupid it sounded, but Danyal had promised, and his brother never broke his promises.

“Yes. Danyal is with the stars now, just as he always wanted”

[llamagoddessofficial]

I choose to believe that fae au farmtale Papyrus is still alive somewhere, possibly in the faewilds, and that Sans hasn't seen him in a few centuries because of the timey-wimey tomfoolery between the feywild and earth. Like those stories where when you exit the feywild you were only in it for a day but you come out 100 years in the future.

Aaahahahah, ok, since people seem genuinely concerned about fae Farmer's brother, here's the tea.

Papyrus really really likes humans. He wants to keep them safe. He worries that as humans lose their magical knowledge over time, they'll be more and more at risk from bad-faith magical creatures. So he travels the land helping people. He works on a small scale; he undoes seemingly unbreakable local curses on people and places, putting water back in dried-up wells and growing veg in 'dead' soil. He gifts magical items, doles out fantastic advice, makes friends and moves on. He specialises in rescuing humans from fae-related traps and trickery - he's the mysterious friendly stranger in the fairytale who finds the hero/heroine lamenting their impossible fate, and gives them the key to escaping whatever predicament they're in. He'll be the one telling you Rumpelstiltskin's name, or carrying you across an impossible river, or gifting you three mysterious objects that inexplicably help you along your journey.

Farmer refers to him in the past tense so people don't ask too many questions. He knows his brother is alive and well, doing what he loves. They'll probably see each other again in a few hundred years anyway.

[mannequinreligi0n]

Hello obscura, would you be open to writing something about the Sparda brothers quietly in love with the reader (or the reader not so interested/doesn’t feel the same way)? I’d love to read more about them…aaaarghhh 😭

OFC ! i love psychoanalyzing these two to pieces, so thank you for this <3

There are a multitude of similarities in how the twins would pine over someone. The most glaring to me is that both Dante and Vergil would only fall for someone they have a personal connection to (aka demiromantic). Both have been through insurmountable trauma, and letting someone even remotely close to them would be a huge trigger due to their multitude of losses. It would take a lot of hard work from the person of interest to even form and maintain a friendship with them, let alone a relationship.

If it came down to them developing feelings for someone and the person didn’t reciprocate, I don’t think they would take it well. Both twins are extremely self-destructive and don’t know how to regulate/control their feelings (mostly because of trauma, though perhaps we can also blame the impulsivity and intensity of their devil genes).

Specifics for each twin below. ⬇️

Dante would very much brush off the rejection - playing it cool and coughing out a self-deprecating joke to soften the blow. He would maintain the friendship with the individual and act like he never said anything, but it would eat him alive, day in and day out. Every lingering glance, every laugh from the person would chip away another part of him. Dante is also very much an avoidant attachment; he constantly keeps everyone at arms length to “protect” them and himself. The rejection would only solidify in his mind that he can’t let himself get close to anyone, that putting himself out into the world would only create more problems for him - and he has enough problems. He would still hang around the person and chop it up, but behind closed doors, I think his reliance on alcohol would see an uptick. Drinking himself dumb in order to sleep, only sober when he’s out on a job (if even that). Dante has a terrible habit of deflecting. Deny, deny, deny. He’s incredibly intelligent and can read a room like no other - he knows exactly how to act to make people believe whatever about him. The way the person of interest would figure out how badly he’s taking the rejection would be if they happened to stop by his place late enough, catching him knee deep in whiskey bottles and neglected of all his needs.

Vergil, on the other hand, would rather eat glass than confess his feelings to someone. And it would take months, if not longer, for him to truly feel safe enough to conceptualize loving someone outside of his family. His feelings would not be revealed willingly - it would probably be accidentally blurted, or exposed when/if the person of interest confronts him about it. In contrast to his brother, Vergil is an anxious attachment, through and through. He is constantly in a state of fear, worried the person will turn their back on him or forget him entirely. As a result, he unknowingly will cling to them like his life depends on it - checking in on them constantly, frequently asking their opinion of him and whatever he’s doing. It could be overbearing and anxiety-inducing, which could lead to the mentioned confrontation. Regarding rejection, Vergil would shut down entirely. Think of a small child being yelled at by a parent: they’ll run and hide, crying in a dark corner of their room until someone comes to find them (if they come at all). He would shut that person out entirely, too embarrassed and ashamed to even show his face to them again. I see him locking himself away in his room for days, only having enough energy to cry and write. If not that, he’d just disappear entirely, practically falling off the face of the earth until he’s pushed down the ugly feelings enough to return. He would behave coldly to the person there after, even if it internally killed him.

[dyns33]

Strange way of life

No, it's not about my sweet Pedro (I'll let Silva be happy with his cowbow), it's a new Cooper Howard story, yaaaaaay !

Her cousins ​​had gently teased her when the name had appeared on her wrist on her eighteenth birthday.

It was nothing unusual, it happened to everyone, even if what was once a joy was now the memory of a lost world. It was very rare for two soulmates to be in the same vault, very rare indeed. Legends.

And unfortunately for Y/N, she was no exception.

If Lucy and Norman were snickering, it was because of her reaction when they read the name.

"… Cooper Howard ? My soulmate is the actor Cooper Howard ?! The famous Cooper Howard ?!"

"Uh, no, I don't think so."

"He would be over two hundred years old. Sorry, Y/N, but he's long dead. Maybe he's his descendant, or a guy with the same name."

"But I love Cooper Howard ! I've seen all his movies ! That would make sense !"

"Not really, no." Norm said, visibly a little sad at his cousin's excitement.

Sure, maybe the great Cooper Howard was still alive, in a hibernation chamber, in another vault, and waiting for her.

But even if that was the case, there was little chance that they would ever meet. There was no indication that it would be possible to come out soon, and so the rule was to ignore names when choosing a partner.

If not, humanity would have died out long ago.

Unfortunately for Vault 33, most of the young people were quite romantic. Her brother could try to be reasonable, Lucy stopped mocking to hug her cousin, saying that it was wonderful that she was destined for such a wonderful man.

They had been fans of the cowboy since childhood. At the same time, there weren't many other movies to watch.

A few years later, Lucy had her name, which wasn't that of an actor. At least, not a known actor in the vault, even if it was special. Titus Maximus.

Norman noted that it sounded like a name from Ancient Rome. He joked that his sister and cousin probably had soulmates who could travel through time.

While Y/N wanted to wait as long as possible before making a decision about her love life, Lucy sadly accepted that she would probably never meet Maximus, asking to meet a man from Vault 32 to get married. This pleased neither young Norman, for security reasons, nor Y/N, for emotional reasons. Besides the fact that he could be a dangerous cannibal, ugly and mean, there was nothing to say that Lucy and him would love each other. She could wait for her Titus.

"No, I don't want to wait anymore. I want love, real love. I can't keep dreaming and having fun with Chet…"

"Chet ? Your other cousin ? That's disgusting, Lucy !"

"I know ! That's why I need a husband. And if I ever meet Maximus, I could always divorce him. You can wait for your Cooper if you want, cowboy or whatever. I understand and I don't judge you. So don't judge me either."

That wasn't enough to prevent the massacre that followed. It was only because she had retreated to her room that Y/N escaped death, not seeing Overseer MacLean being kidnapped either.

More than this idea of ​​marriage, she found that leaving the shelter to go looking for him was very bad. She had never really loved her uncle, finding him strange. Her parents had also always been wary of him, even more so after the death of her mother's sister who they followed here before the plague.

But Y/N loved her cousins, both Norm and Lucy, and so there was no way she was going to let her go alone.

The poor widow drugged Chet because he would have been a burden, she already knew that her little brother would only help her get out, and when her cousin insisted on coming, she couldn't say no.

They were probably among the smartest, bravest and most skilled people in the vault. Together, they had a better chance of surviving outside.

However, nothing could prepare them for this devastated world. It was nothing like what their teachers had said. The sun was hot, the air full of dust, the earth barren, and the people rude.

The worst was that mercenary in the city of Philly, who started shooting at everyone while laughing, ready to kill Lucy because she was defending the poor man whose leg he had blown off.

Y/N didn't really want to get involved. She admitted that the treatment inflicted on the one who seemed to be a doctor and his dog was not normal, and that in other circumstances she would have intervened.

But they were not there for that, and if they wanted to find Lucy's father, it was probably better to avoid trouble.

This misadventure was not in vain, however. Because not only were they saved by a man named Titus Maximus wearing a huge sparkling armor, but they also recovered the doctor's head which could be used as a bargaining chip against Henry MacLean.

And above all, they had crossed paths with this ghoul dressed as a cowboy, exactly like in Cooper Howard's films, who spoke exactly like in Cooper Howard's films.

Since the atomization, meetings between soulmates were very rare. So double meetings ? Impossible.

Until a monster ate the head, Lucy kept jumping up and down like a child, terribly happy, immediately forgetting her failed marriage and a little bit about the reason for their presence near this radioactive lake. Even if she hadn't had time to give Maximus her name, there was little risk in saying that their savior was made for her.

"It's him ! I know it's him ! I only saw his face for a few seconds, but he's so handsome, so brave ! Did you see how he didn't hesitate for a second to jump in front of us and take the bullet for us ?"

"Yes, I did."

"I wonder why that horrible mercenary wanted to take that poor man, and what he was going to do to him. Do you think he has a soulmate ? Oh, do you think the doctor had a soulmate ?!"

"I don't know." Y/N sighed, trying to convince herself that it wasn't because the mercenary looked and talked like Cooper Howard that he was the actor, or her soulmate.

She could have asked him the question, when he caught up with them without too much difficulty, while they were wondering how to get the head back. Because without the head, there was no way to save Lucy's father.

Her poor cousin tried to explain it to the Ghoul, while he plunged her again and again into the water, while Y/N could only watch and beg, tied to a pole.

The plan he had put in place to attract the beast worked well, too well, and in the end, in addition to losing what he was looking for, the mercenary had his bag snatched, which obviously contained important things.

"Fuck… Fuck !" he yelled, pointing his gun at Lucy, as if the poor girl was responsible.

He didn't shoot. Visibly changing his mind, he took them both, forcing them to walk without water or food for days, to an unknown destination.

Several times, Y/N hesitated to give her name, to see his reaction. When he asked them after putting a bullet in Roger's head, her cousin answered first and he jumped, not giving Y/N time to speak.

He had understood that they were cousins. He must have thought that they had the same name, MacLean. Not Y/L/N.

She could have said it. Several times. But saying it was getting an answer, and she didn't know which one she wanted.

Either this man wasn't her soulmate and they were going to die. Or they were destined. And Y/N couldn't believe that this abomination, this heartless monster, could be for her. Even less that he could be Cooper Howard, the good sheriff who punished the bad guys and saved damsels in distress.

No, it couldn't be him. She was almost certain of it when he cut off Lucy's finger with a smile.

Arriving in front of the Super Duper Market, it was a surprise to be untied. Then he announced that he was taking two women in more or less good condition, in exchange for vials.

He hadn't killed them, just sold them.

No, he couldn't be her Cooper.

It was totally impossible.

But as Lucy walked through the store trying to stay dignified, holding back her tears, Y/N couldn't help but turn to the Ghoul. If she was going to die, she had to know.

He frowned, waiting to see what she would say, probably in an attempt to gain his pity.

"Are you Cooper Howard ?"

The question surprised him for a moment. Something flashed in his eyes, indicating that it had been a long time since he had heard that name. But he quickly resumed his closed demeanor.

"Not anymore, sweetie."

"I'm Y/N Y/L/N."

The doors of the Super Dupper automatically closed before Y/N could say anything else or see his face. It probably wouldn't have made much difference anyway.

[mrderofcr0ws]

ROTTEN FRUIT

summary: aegon targaryen survives the attempt on his life at rooks rest. burned and broken, he suffers agony there is little relief from. with each day that he grows stronger, aemond lurks ever closer. his brother is hell come to claim him for the sin of being born their father’s son and all those that he has committed to cope— but something else comes for him, too. someone else.

warnings: 18+, hotd season 2 spoilers, violence, abuse, humiliation, threatening language, suicidal thoughts and thoughts of self-harm, light targcest.

word count: 4,000+

Rot.

The incense burning by his bedside meant to calm him only reminded him of rot.

The lavender and jasmine wafting his way turned his stomach. He could recall so vividly how — alongside the smell of it — the stench of his father’s decaying body burned his nose. The incense had only made it worse. The sweet smell of flora turned pungent when paired with the aroma of Viserys Targaryen’s walking corpse.

His father was dead now.

In his stead, he lay broken and decaying in the very same bed with the very same fragrance floating around his head.

He stared at the ceiling unblinking. His vision was blurry. Milk of the poppy had lulled him to sleep hours prior but the pain woke him. As he stared up at the intricate designs on the ceiling, he wondered how many times his father had done the same.

Had Viserys Targaryen wished they had let him die sooner than he had as Aegon now did?

Everything hurt.

It all hurt.

It always hurt.

Worse and worse each day, it seemed.

The burns on his face itched and itched. They itched so badly that the Grand Maester wrapped Aegon’s hands in bandages so that he could not rip at his skin. Every breath sent a sharp pain through his chest. He’d suffered a broken rib— many, actually. Who knew how many for sure. A broken femur, too, but that wasn’t the worst of it.

The worst of it was the pain in his heart.

Every time he closed his eyes he could see it. The fire. The fall. Him. His brother set on destroying him to ash and bone. He could recall the way his chest swelled with relief upon seeing his brother's eyepatched face.

How quickly it turned to fear.

“Dracarys!”

He hated that word. He had always hated that word. That word held too much power. Aegon had never liked power. He was afraid of power.

Burns and broken bones were the price to pay for power.

Power he didn’t want.

To be bathed in fire was an inescapable baptism. Except, it had not cleansed him. It only rose the rot that festered below his skin to the surface for all to see. The burns on his face stripped him of whatever beauty he had had— if he had any. The burns on his side stripped him of autonomy. The broken leg stripped him of any means of escape.

Perhaps his broken leg was the worst of it, come to think about it…

Even with his eyes open as he stared up at the ceiling, he could recall it all too vividly. He swallowed around the tightness in his throat. He could hear Sunfyre screeching even now. He could still feel the acid of his dragon’s boiling blood spray across him and worsen what fire had seared.

Aegon could not recall what it felt like to hit the ground like a meteor falling from the sky— but he could remember the terror of watching the ground close in on him.

Sunfyre had done so well. Aegon was alive because of his beloved golden boy. He had blocked the worst of the flames with his wings. He had thrashed in the air to keep the flames from catching worse to his rider's body. He hit the earth belly-first so as to not crush his rider like a grape.

Aegon bit the inside of his cheek and closed his eyes. Grief made him ache in the very marrow of his bones. Sunfyre. He wanted to see Sunfyre. He wanted to know if his beloved mount had made it. He needed to see him again.

He needed to apologize.

If Aegon could take it all back, he would. Not just Rook’s Rest, either. He would take back all of it. Every last second of his life, he wished he could take it all back. He wished he had never been born.

If he had never been born, no one would have to suffer.

His little son’s face flashed behind his eyelids and a sob escaped him. He opened his eyes in an attempt to rid his mind of the boy. He couldn’t bear to think about his baby now.

If Aegon hadn’t been born, his children need not suffer.

His son never would’ve died because he’d’ve not suffered a life at all if Aegon hadn’t been born.

He’d lost them both, hadn’t he?

His son and his dragon.

Aegon held few things near and dear. Very, very few things. There was little to live for— and yet he’d lived for his little four treasures. His son had been one. His dragon had been another. His wife and daughter were the remaining two.

Truly.

They were the only two that remained.

They were the only thing left of his heart after all this. They were the only reason his lungs took in air and his heart pumped in his chest…even though he wished it would not.

He wanted them now.

Licking his chapped, burned lips he tilted his head down to catch sight of the door. Across the room, it taunted him. It was a reminder of all that awaited him that he could not even begin to reach for. He wished they would come to them now, his wife and his daughter. He could not call for them even if he tried. He could not call for anyone. His voice was not strong enough.

He was entirely and completely alone.

As the seconds crawled on, his pain crept in. Each breath was a searing pain that made him groan. The burns on his skin began to sting and itch. His leg throbbed so intensely he figured it may burst. His head raged with pain that made him squeeze his eyes shut and bear his teeth. His stomach gnawed at itself. It had been so long since he’d eaten a proper meal.

If he ever left this bed, he’d be nothing but skin and bones.

A husk of the man he’d once been.

A ghost.

A walking corpse just like his father.

The door opened with a creak and Aegon felt relief. He whimpered helplessly like a wounded animal. He could not bring himself to open his eyes. The pain was too blinding. It was too white hot and consuming. He wanted nothing more than for it to end.

Whether it was milk of the poppy that brought relief or a knife in his hands so he may be done with all this bother— he simply needed it to end.

“Is the pain severe?”

Aegon’s heart stopped in his chest.

Slowly, he opened his eyes. His throat was so tight he could hardly breathe. His blood had turned to ice in his veins. His pain was forgotten as he met the singular blue eye of his brother.

His killer.

Aemond.

“Yes,” Aegon muttered, his voice pathetic and weak. Hoarse and gravelly. He sounded nothing like himself.

“Mn,” Aemond hummed, stepping closer to his bedside.

Aegon tensed instinctively which shot pain through every nerve in his body. He gasped almost inaudibly as he tilted his head back to fight a cry. Oh, how he wanted to cry. He wanted to cry and scream and shriek.

Help.

Help me.

Help me. Help. Help me.

Aemond Targaryen had killed Aegon Targaryen.

He’d killed the pieces that mattered most, at least.

Aemond had killed his son.

With his own hands or not, Jaehaerys’ death was through fault of Aemond. Whether he meant it or not, it had been his actions that led to Aegon’s little son’s head being cut from his neck.

Aemond had killed his dragon.

Aegon knew not — truly — whether Sunfyre lived or died. No news had come to him yet. He was sure they hid the truth from him. Yet, there would be nothing to hide if Sunfyre had lived.

He must be dead.

He must be dead and Aemond was the one to kill him.

Aemond had killed him.

All the parts that he had liked about himself— tried to like about himself were gone. Melted to the muscle. He was charred as black as coal in some spots and as red as raw meat in others.

His face.

His hair.

His arm and leg.

His cock.

Him.

He had seen himself only once in a small hand mirror. Once was all he could bear. To see himself the way he was now had made him want to break the glass and shove the shards into his eyes. Into his throat. Into his wrists. Straight into his heart.

He may as well be dead even if he drew breath now.

He was rotten fruit.

Past his expiration date, he rotted more and more each day from the outside straight to the inside.

“What do you remember?” Aemond asked lowly. His voice was like a knife to Aegon’s throat.

“Nothing…” Aegon whispered. He opened his eyes and looked up at his brother who loomed like The Stranger over his bed.

Everything.

I remember everything.

Everything.

“I remember nothing,” Aegon promised weakly.

I remember everything.

Aemond reached above Aegon’s head to rest his hand on the headboard. Aegon turned his face away as Aemond drew closer. He shook his head. He closed his eyes to spare himself the horror of seeing the malice in his brother's only eye.

“I warm your throne until you are well enough to take it once more,” Aemond whispered solemnly.

I don’t want it.

I never wanted it.

Take it.

Take it. Take it. Take it.

Aemond sighed as he took in the sight of his brother, shaking his head. “You must regain your strength, my King. The Realm needs you.”

Aegon cried out in agony. His eyes shot open as Aemond pressed the Small Council marble that belonged to him into his burns. He groaned breathlessly as Aemond leaned into him, pressing his arm into the burns on his belly.

“Agh!” Aegon choked, tears dripping from his eyes. “Please— plea…please stop.”

“Shhh, shhh…” Aemond whispered. He smiled fondly at his brother but it did not meet his eyes.

Aegon struggled as Aemond grabbed his burned, bandaged hand. He made Aegon grip the marble. He winced as his mangled fingers were curled around the cool surface of the stone. He blinked rapidly, tears rushing down his face.

“Why?” Aegon dared to ask. His voice shook in his throat and he choked on his own breath. “Why would you have not let me go then at The Sept to flee…only to torture me for it now?”

Aemond stilled at the question. He tilted his head and pursed his lips. He seemed to enjoy this question. He savored the answer on his tongue like candy. It made a chill trickle down Aegon’s spine. He did not want to know the answer.

The answer itself was pain.

“It’s yours,” Aemond whispered under his breath. He pressed on Aegon’s hand and drove the marble harder into his burns, prompting a helpless cry from the elder. “You are the first-born son of the King and it’s always been yours.”

Aegon squeezed his eyes shut as his brother’s lips pressed to his forehead. He whimpered as Aemond kissed his burns. Lightly and repeatedly, he kissed Aegon’s brow.

“Rhaenyra? Myself? Helaena? Even Daeron…” Aemond shook his head and pulled back to look down at his brother. “As children of Viserys Targaryen there was only one of us who ever had any claim to the throne. And it had always been you.”

“That’s why I dragged you by your hair back to our mother.” Aemond hissed, his fingers curling around the roots of Aegon’s hair. “So you could claim what was rightfully yours despite never being worthy of it.”

Aegon bared his teeth and grabbed Aemond’s wrist with his good hand. He dug his nails into his brother's skin and groaned through his teeth.

“And you think you are?” Aegon scoffed through his agony.

“I’ve always been,” Aemond said venomously.

“Perhaps before,” Aegon agreed. He grunted as Aemond let his hair go. He still had his burned hand trapped around the marble that Aemond was crushing against his chest. ���But not now.”

“You are the worst kind of monster, Aemond. You prey upon your own flesh and blood like a rabid wolf. Our nephew. My son. Now even me, too.”

“Who will be next? My wife? My daughter? Our mother? Or will you drive the damn dagger you’ve stolen from me through my heart and finish it now?” Aegon hissed through clenched teeth as he tried to get up.

Aemond forced him down into the bed. Grappling as best he could, Aegon tried to claw at him. He groaned as Aemond squeezed the burns on his arm. Hissing swears at each other, nails dug into wounded flesh. Aegon tried to rip off his brother's eyepatch and dig his fingers into the scar on his face.

The marble fell onto the carpeted floor with a dull thud as they struggled.

“Get away from him…”

Aegon and Aemond stilled at the sound of her voice.

He blinked away tears to see her clearly. His breath was rapid in his lungs at the sight of her. He could’ve wept like a baby.

Helaena.

“Get out.” She whispered, pointing to the door without looking back at it. Her eyes were as misty and far away as they always were, but her balled fist at her side was evidence enough to show her anger.

Aemond spared Aegon a glance before stepping back. He departed without a word. When the door clicked shut, Aegon sobbed. Covering his eyes with his good hand, he sobbed and sobbed.

The bed sank under her weight as she crawled onto it. She nuzzled against his good side and placed her hand over his chest. Aegon turned his head towards her and wept into the warmth of her neck. She kissed his forehead with a feather-light delicacy.

Her kisses were medicine to him.

“He won’t hurt you again,” Helaena murmured against what was left of his hair.

Aegon felt the tension in his muscles dissipate. As her fingers laced through his hair so gently it made tingles run across his skin, he was calm. As calm as he could be without milk of the poppy dulling his senses.

“You know this for certain.” It wasn’t a question.

Helaena nodded and tilted her head down to meet his eyes. “I do.”

Aegon believed her.

He was inclined to believe everything she said. He had doubted her for so long. Her strangeness was much more than ramblings. She knew. She had always known. Everything. All of it. She had dreamed it. She had seen it.

Aegon believed her faithfully.

After the death of their son, he had no other choice. She had warned him about the rats. She confessed that she was afraid and he should’ve listened. He shouldn’t ve trusted her. Truth was that Aegon always listened but he’d never learned to trust her…dreams. Whatever they were.

If he had listened to her then maybe — just maybe — Jaehaerys would be with them now.

He would’ve given anything for his son back.

He’d hung every rat catcher in the fucking city for the loss of his son because hanging himself was not an option.

“I’m so sorry, Helaena,” Aegon murmured as she spread the salve over his burns.

She hated to see him in pain. She had retrieved the salve from the bedside table that the Grand Maester used to soothe the skin and applied it to his face to soothe the itch. She had done this many times before.

She visited him often.

It was one reason why he began to ween off milk of the poppy. He wanted to be able to recall these moments with his wife. Her tenderness. Her care. Her devotion.

Her love.

He needed it more than ever.

He needed her more than ever.

“Do not,” Helaena said softly. Her voice was always so dreamy but right now it was rough around the edges. She met his eyes and shook her head. “I’ve told you before, we cannot change anything even if we wish to.”

Aegon swallowed around the tightness in his throat. His dreamer knew all. His dreamer had seen it. His dreamer knew, too, that there was no escaping it.

She had known the boy would die.

She knew there was nothing she could do to stop it for it had not come to her clearly. Very little of what she dreamed ever came clearly. It was always abstract. It was never linear.

Aemond losing his eye.

Meyles bursting through the floor on the day they’d been crowned King and Queen.

The death of their little son…

Helaena had seen it all at one time or another. In a dream. In a memory. In a fleeting thought. Never concrete. Always slipping through her fingers like sand.

A blessing; mayhaps, to be able to see what happens before it does.

A curse, too, for there was no way for her to navigate it.

Truthfully, there was no way to fully understand it.

But he believed her now.

“Did you know?” Aegon dared to ask, his voice a whisper in his throat.

Helaena said nothing. Carefully, she leaned in to kiss the burned, tender corner of his mouth. When she pulled back, he could see the sorrow in her eyes.

She knew all.

She’d seen it all.

“Aemond…” she stopped herself before she started. Biting her lip, she shook her head.

Aegon exhaled lowly. She did know. He knew not if it were a relief to have her know or if it hurt worse. The worst thing about believing Helaena’s dreams was accepting there were no ways to stop them.

Perhaps, then, her knowing was a relief. If she knew he would end up this way, it was a testament to her devotion toward him. She chose to stuck by him now. She need not tend to him. There were Maesters for that. She need not worry for him. Their mother did enough of that. She need not spend any time at all with him. Larys would creep in even when he was most unwanted.

But she did.

She did all of it.

And he loved her fiercely for it.

Aegon brought his fingers to her chin and clasped it gently. She came willing as he tilted her head down. He placed a soft, lingering kiss on her mouth.

Salvation.

The pain faded into the background as she kissed him. She hadn’t needed to. He would’ve settled for one— but she pressed her lips right back onto his when he tried to pull away. Tenderly, they kissed. His arm hooked around her and he embraced her against his good side.

He truly, truly loved her.

His odd, clumsy younger sister.

His gorgeous, gentle wife.

His kind, curious Queen.

The loving, attentive mother of his babies.

As they pulled away from the kiss, Aegon looked into her eyes. She stared right back at him. It made his heart swell. Helaena so rarely held eye contact with anyone— but he wasn’t just anyone. He was her brother. He was her husband. He was the father of her babies. They could say so much without saying anything at all. He knew her like the back of his hand.

“I miss him…” He admitted it to her like a sin.

They spoke little about their boy despite Jaehaerys always being on their minds.

Helaena hesitated to meet his eyes. Her breath stilled in her chest. The look on his face made her eyes well with tears. He tried so hard to remain stoic but his lips trembled. A soft, weak cry escaped him as he thought of their boy.

“Where is Jaehaera?” He asked before she could say anything at all about their boy. He raised his good hand to wipe his cheeks and cleared his throat. “Is she well?”

“I think so,” Helaena whispered. She, too, wiped at her eyes. Sniffling, she nodded her head. “She misses you.”

Aegon couldn’t help but smile. To know his daughter missed him was like salve to his soul. He closed his eyes and conjured her face in his mind. She looked so much like him. Her smile. Her nose. Those tiny ears.

Jaehaerys had been his mother's son.

Jaehaera was her father's daughter.

“I will bring her to you if you wish to see her. She asks for you all the time. She does not understand why she cannot come read with you.” Helaena frowned, stroking his silvery wisps of hair.

“No.” Aegon refused. His voice was firm and his expression was hardened now. He met his wife’s eyes but ultimately looked away.

“You fear you’ll scare her.”

Aegon closed his eyes. He could only nod. Pathetic and afraid, he only nodded.

He was afraid to scare her.

He was no longer the father she knew. No more young-faced Aegon who made silly expressions to make her laugh. No sweet-smiled daddy that tucked her into bed each night and sang her to sleep.

He was what she’d be afraid of at night if she saw him now— and she wouldn’t be able to run to him for he was the monster.

“She will not be afraid of you,” Helaena whispered. She reached for Aegon’s hand and stroked his knuckles. “Let me bring her to you. It will make you feel better. It’ll make her feel better.”

Aegon said nothing.

But then he nodded.

His stomach churned and his throat was scorching from how dry it was. His heart was hammering in his chest. Hard enough he could feel it. Loud enough he could hear it. He wished it would stop. Just for a moment. Just for a moment so he could find his bearings.

As the door creaked open, Aegon struggled to keep the worry off his face as she cautiously approached. Sitting up in bed covered in bandages and burns, he must’ve looked frightening to his daughter.

His only daughter.

His only child now.

She was a sweet sight. He fought not to cry at the sight of her. Holding her mother's hand, Jaehaera came around to his bedside. Helaena kneeled beside it and ran a gentle hand over their daughter's head. She looked from the young girl towards Aegon, whose expression was full of heartache.

He scared her.

The sight of him had to have scared her.

He feared so deeply the sight of him scared her. His baby. His blood. His heart. His truest, dearest love.

He did not want to scare her…

“Daddy?” Jaehaera asked in a whisper as she stood on her tippy toes. Her little hands touched the edge of his bed, inching towards his bandaged hand that rested there.

Aegon spoke softly, gently, sweetly. It was his hope that his voice would comfort her if his appearance did not.

“Hello, my darling.”

Jaehaera looked up at him. Her face was pinched with confusion. With hurt. She was young but smart like her mother. His injuries were bad. By the look on his little daughter's face, she could tell he must’ve been in pain.

“Ouch.” She murmured, pointing to his face.

“Ouch, indeed.” Aegon agreed, nodding his head.

Jaehaera turned her head and looked at her mother. Helaena wiped tears off her cheeks and tried to smile. With a trembling breath, Jaehaera started to cry, too. Seeing her parents in distress affected her deeply. As her mother cried, she began to cry.

“Oh, baby…” Helaena whispered, picking the small girl up.

Aegon winced as he tried to sit up more. A sharp pain shot through his ribs like a spear. It winded him. It frustrated him. He wanted nothing more than to get up and comfort his wife and daughter. He wanted to hold them in his arms.

“He is hurt, Mummy.” Jaehaera cried into her hands. She sniffled uncontrollably as she sobbed.

“Your father is okay, sweetheart,” Helaena whispered, trying her best to console her.

“Come,” Aegon beckoned softly. He extended his good arm and waved her over. “Jaehaera, come sit with daddy.”

Helaena placed Jaehaera down on the end of the bed as she turned and reached out. Aegon couldn’t help but smile. The small girl crawled across the duvet toward him. He reached his hand out to wipe her tears off her cheeks.

“Do not cry, my love. There is no need to cry.” Aegon said softly, tucking loose hair behind her ear.

“But you are hurt, daddy…” Jaehaera frowned at him, her eyes welling with tears.

“Does it scare you?” Aegon asked gently, his lips twitching with a frown.

She shook her head and his heart lightened. He realized then that she truly was distraught because he was injured so severely. It warmed his heart. As much as he wanted to take her worry away, it was endearing that she felt so deeply. She was like her mother in that way.

Perhaps like him, too, though he’d never admit it.

Aegon fought a wince as she nuzzled into his side. Despite there being no burns where she laid her head and cuddled up to, his ribs were still tender. He didn’t have the heart to ask her to move. He even shook his head at Helaena who reached out to move her.

“You, too.” Aegon requested. He smiled faintly and flicked his head. “Come on.”

Helaena hesitated only for a moment. She could not deny him— or herself. As she climbed onto the bed, she sat close to him. Her arm carefully hooked around him and her chest acted as a pillow. He smiled as he heard her heart thump behind her ribs. Such a comforting noise.

They were comforting.

Sitting in bed with his wife and his daughter was more healing than any medicine the Grand Maester could’ve fed him. He could not only relax in the comfort of his wife’s arms but he could let his guard down. Stroking his daughter's silver hair, he felt entirely whole.

Everything that mattered to him was in his hands now. His wife. His daughter. They were the blood in his veins, the heart in his chest, and the air in his lungs. Whispering stories to his daughter as his wife's fingers laced through what was left of his hair, he knew it was not possible.

To have made something as beautiful as Jaehaera — who was so sweet and so pure — he knew it could not be possible.

To be loved so deeply by Helaena — who was so wise and empathetic — he knew it couldn’t be possible.

Aegon Targaryen was not rotten.

Burned and broken, but not rotten.

thanks for reading ^—^

credit for the pictures goes to the original posters on pinterest <3

if you enjoyed my writing here then don’t be shy to check out my ao3 :) you can find me on there as mrderofcrows

xoxo

[fishysaltine]

Honestly I’ve always seen Bloodbath (or the kill Zara quest) as Illario’s final desperate attempt to be swayed form his plan. It kind of reminds me of Solas and Varric’s note of him in the beginning of the game “he just needs someone to give him a different option”

Like Illario is genuinely upset about this whole thing. He thought Lucanis was dead, and we see that he was such a chronically depressed alcoholic yapper after Lucanis’ death that even though he did give the hit, he at least regretted it or it didn’t sit well with him. (I have no doubt Zara manipulated him to some extent into it, since she has her eyes on Lucanis after the Wigmaker job anyway, but neither Zara or Illario are actually explored in game). But when Illario is taking us to the boat, he makes note of saying Catarina didn’t tell him because “I would have tried to save him.” The way he says that line is in a COMPLETELY different tone than anything else he says. It’s stern and to the point, not condescending like after Illario takes out Zara and talks down on Lucanis, telling him he’s a danger and liability.

If Illario knew Lucanis was actually alive, he probably would have killed Zara earlier. And Zara obviously KNEW THIS because she didn’t tell Illario Lucanis was ALIVE for that very reason. Illario never knew about Spite. He never planned for the Ossuary. He never meant for that to happen! Zara knew that whatever Illario and she had going on would never even be close to the bond Lucanis and Illario have, and Illario would put that over power every single time.

Almost every single time.

Because he knows what he did, and he still goes out for coffee with Lucanis and the weirdo rando that saved him. And then he tries to convince Lucanis to stay away from Zara, because he knows that Zara is capable of and how not only she can, but has hurt Lucanis. (She turned his big brother into an abomination!)

WAIT A MINUTE WHO ELSE DOES THAT? Lucanis does! Except Lucanis is more direct about it. Says that Zara might come after him. Illario tries to convince Lucanis she’s in fuckass land, get him out of the situation ENTIRELY involving Antiva, the Anntam, First Talon. Yeah, there’s probably a selfish motivation, but in Wigmaker Illario is so fucking scared Lucanis is going to essentially fling himself off a cliff, there’s a genuine “heyy can you take a holiday? Can you stop being passively suicidal for me, your little cousin? Can we stop with the ‘death is my calling’ shit?”

Of course Illario can’t just go “uhh I’ll take care of it dw bro” because to Lucanis the beef with Illario and Zara isn’t merely as personal as he (and Spites) beef with her. They really just want to protect one another and get their dues.

Illario killing Zara wasn’t so much for him. I mean she kind of played him, but whatever, it didn’t necessarily affect Illario in anyway, it was for Lucanis. A way to try and appease the guilt of something that he never intended to happen to his older brother. That’s why Illario wants to be there during Bloodbath. “It’s Crow business” aka ‘WHY ARE YOU TAKING WEIRDO RANDO 1 & 2 OVER ME? I deserve to be at your side, I’ll follow you to the ends of the earth and back, why won’t you let me anymore?’

So Illario meets Lucanis and his rando friends on the rooftop. Lucanis asks him what he’s doing there- and Illario says he wants to go. He’s so desperate to go, to prove his alliance to his big brother cousin. But that’s not all. Lucanis has been gone for a year, and then left immediately. Killing and missions, being Crow’s is one of the main ways Lucanis and Illario bond.

Illario has never felt good enough. For his grandmother, for Lucanis, for anyone. That’s why he started this mess. Zara tells him Lucanis doesn’t think he’s good enough, he never will be, until he does the most Crow thing ever and cuts him out of the family line. Then finally, maybe, when his cousin’s eyes are glassy and corpse empty, will they be filled with approval.

But Lucanis is right here (with two randos)! And Illario asks him to involve him, just looking for that smidge of approval. And Lucanis says no. Ok. Cool! Maybe he just wants you safe. Fine, whatever. But you’re capable- at least you think you are.

So you ask the damning question. “You think I’m not good enough?”

And your cousin, your big brother, simply says: “Are you?”

While surely a good natured jab from Lucanis as siblings do, had Lucanis’ answer been anything even close to praise or more concern, I think Illario would’ve been fine to step out of the way. ALL he needed was Lucanis’ mild assurance/approval. Just a ‘oh no, you’re good enough. I just don’t want you getting hurt is all’

But he doesn’t say that. He simply feeds into the very insecurity that sent Illario to selling him out, the very one that Zara told him but he never quite believed until the words came from Lucanis’ mouth. ‘You’re not good enough to stand by my side anymore.’ And potentially ‘I’ve replaced you with rando 1 & 2, I don’t need you anymore’

So then he doubles down. No more playing nice cousin or big brother little brother. If Lucanis doesn’t want Illario by his side anymore- fuck it, Illario doesn’t need him. Lucanis saying Illario isn’t good enough isn’t just a blow to his ego, or self confidence/self esteem, it’s a flat out rejection. So he takes the kill from Lucanis, and essentially tells him to get the fuck out of dodge or else, and then tries to strong arm first Talon.

Lucanis never quite gives Illario “the different option.” Illario throws their bond away not because he necessarily wants to, but because he thinks Lucanis’ threw it away first, and that he’s just folding onto a frayed rope (not even mentioning how Illario crosses out Lucanis’ name in the family line, showing how he just… almost doesn’t exist. He’s gone to Illario. Illario’s so hurt by everything he just wants Lucanis gone at this point, come hell or high water.)

Lucanis quite literally says that the only way Catarina would be proud of Illario is if he kills her, and if that extends to Lucanis, so be it.

[hahskeleton]

Goodbye Sundrop

First drabble for my Sun Before Solar AU!! :D

Word count: 1,895

Read time: ~7-10 minutes (depends on your reading speed)

Content warnings: Agonized yelling, crying, robotic blood, choking, abuse, death,

Writer’s note: This drabble is a little explanation for my Sun Before Solar au and shows exactly how Sun went and Solar stayed. If you are severely upset over any of the content of warnings, please don’t read this (there isn’t a whole lot of some stuff above). Also, if I’ve made any grammar mistakes, please tell me!! I’m running off a shot of espresso and an hour of sleep whilst writing this sooooo-

Moon bursted into his home shortly followed by Solar, who quickly trailed behind him, saying as little as possible. Moon was heard grumbling angry sentence fragments about Ruin and how much he hated him. It was a little wild considering for months, nobody but Eclipse had suspected Ruin to be the mastermind behind all the hype and excitement.

As the two animatronics rushed through the house to the room where Sun and Ruin were, Moon’s speed became more rapid, only to thrust open the door and find Sun standing in the corner as far away from Ruin as he could get.

“Moon!” He gasped, relaxing a bit as Ruin shifted in the bed he sat on.

“Sun, are you okay? Solar and I came as soon as-”

“Ah, yes, Solar.” Ruin interrupted, crossing his legs slowly as if to intimidate them. Moon looked back at the eclipse-themed bot and shrugged, his monotone expression shaking lightly, unbeknownst to what Ruin had planned. “You know, you should be gone right about now.” Ruin gave a sly smirk, closing his eyes like he was worry free, though he was far from that.

“What?” Solar rung in, taking a heavy step further into the room.

“You should really be thanking me that you’re still here.” The mixed animatronic swiftly raised from the bed to properly face the three family members, grinning widely at them all.

Solar scoffed, “What on earth would I want to thank you for? You’ve caused nothing but trouble!” In the corner, Sun clung helplessly to Moon’s arm, utterly afraid of what Ruin might try to do.

“Why, because you’re alive! Why else?”

“Why do you keep saying that?!” Moon yelled furiously, clenching his fists aggressively.

Ruin giggled like a child, walking over to the window that stretched from ceiling to floor, “Because, dear Moon, if it weren’t for a little messing around I had done, you dear friend Solar, here, would be gone! Dead! In the afterlife!”

Moon looked surprised over to Solar, who’s expression was just as shocked as his and Sun’s. When nobody reacted verbally to whatever Ruin was getting at, he decided to elaborate and make things clearer, just for his entertainment.

“You see, the way this universe works is… different. Now, a little while ago, with the way everything is set up, Solar would have died. But then I realized something that could be beneficial to me!” Ruin rambled, the mention of him killing off his family made Moon’s blood boil. If he had blood, that was.

“I decided, why let Solar die, when there’s Sun?”

Moon’s head flashed immediately to his brother, who had gone almost white at Ruin’s words. Sun shook uncontrollably, tearing up with black oil-like teardrops in the corner of his eyes. “M-Moon…”

Ruin snapped at Sun, “I’m not finished talking!” He barked, standing up straight, “So I did a little messing around and worked with your codes, and, well, let’s just say what I’ve done will take effect…”

Sun suddenly clenched his stomach area in pain and choked back a yell of agony.

“Right about now.” Ruin smirked as he watched Sun begin to have his life sucked right away from him.

“Sun!” Moon cried, taking him by the shoulders and looking him firmly in the eyes, “S-sun, just get a grip, okay? Hold on, y-you’ll be okay…!” Moon panicked, looking to Solar for help, but he was just staring, dumbfounded about everything happening that seemed to go by in a flash.

Tears dropped from Sun’s distressed faceplate as he began to feel… funny. He took a moment to take his hand away from his stomach and watched it in horror as it began to turn to nothing like dust being blown off a desk. Moon said nothing at first, his words taken right from him as he watched his brother’s life come to an end.

“Moonie…”

“Sun, no no no no, you can’t die! You can’t, y-you can’t!” Moon quivered, taking Sun’s hands and squeezing them as he began to cry too. A few of Sun’s rays began to fade away as well, and all anyone could really to was sob.

“Moon, I-I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to see you again, but…” Sun shook, speaking through rivers of oily tears, “I love you, Moon, and- and- I’m going to miss you…!” Sun took his brother into an agony-filled embrace and Moon began to yelp with sadness.

“N-no, this isn’t the end of you! You’re not going to die!” He yelled, squeezing Sun, not believing his own words as they left his silicone lips.

“Moonie… I’m going to die…” Sun whispered, nuzzling his face into Moon’s shoulder. The lunar animatronic began to wail like there was no tomorrow, and Sun savored the last moments he could have with his brother.

It all went by too fast to process, but within the minute, Sun was gone. Moon had collapsed onto his knees, crying into what was left of his brother; his wrist ribbons were held firmly in Moon’s hand as he sobbed endlessly into them.

“SUN!!!” He screamed, hoping in any way, his brother, his beloved twin, would come back to him.

“A fragile thing, life.” Ruin cocked from the other side of the room, who was absentmindedly fiddling with his fingers.

Somehow, Moon had managed to forget Ruin was even there. He sprung up suddenly from his knees and stormed over to the mix-matched animatronic he had foolishly trusted and grabbed him by the neck, thrusting him against the wall violently.

“You’ve made a huge enemy today.” Moon growled, tightening his grip firmly on Ruin’s neck.

“I-I’m su-sure I have!”

Moon swung his fist and punched Ruin across the face countless times before beating him elsewhere all while he choked in his hands. Solar hurried to Moon’s side and stopped him before he could officially murder the cruel animatronic.

“Moon, be rational, what will killing him accomplish?” Solar yelled, only partially pulling him out of his violent rage.

“For one he’d be FAR away from where Sun is now!” Moon hissed in response, ripping his arm away from Solar and punching Ruin more and more, beating him until he could barely move.

“Moon!” Solar yelled again, holding him back by both arms and dragging him to the other side of the room. The lunar animatronic squirmed in Solar’s arms as he fought to get back to avenging his twin.

Ruin coughed, grinning despite his terrible condition, “You really are funny, Moon!” He cackled, rolling onto his side with an aching groan. Thick, blood-like oil leaked from multiple places on the destroyed animatronic’s body, even some trickling from the corner of his eyes and his mouth.

Moon shuffled to get out of Solar’s grasp more at the sound of Ruin’s aggravating voice. “I’M GOING TO KILL YOU, RUIN! YOU WILL BURN IN HELL NO MATTER WHAT!” Moon howled with anger and agony, becoming weak from using all his energy to escape.

Finally, Ruin’s eyes turned black, and he fell limp, either dead or out of battery. Solar released Moon, and he fell to the floor again, crying for his brother. Solar bent down and hesitated to hug Moon, but it was probably what he needed at a moment like it was. Moon cried and cried until he couldn’t anymore, and at that point it was well after dark, and morning was nearing. Both Solar and Moon had ignored a number of calls from Earth and Lunar.

When he had finished, Moon had stood wearily and staggered out of Sun’s bedroom, knowing he’d never be able to walk back into that room ever again without a huge wave of dread washing over him. Solar walked out as well as he watched Moon flop onto the couch and lay miserably.

“Moon, what should I do with R-”

“Leave him. I’ll deal with it later.” Moon muttered, his voice cracked and broken from crying.

Solar frowned as he walked out of Sun’s former room, closing the door behind him. Sun’s cats ran below his feet, making him watch where he stepped as he wandered into the living area. “I- uh- I can leave if you’d prefer it.” Solar suggested, dithering to sit.

“I don’t care what you do right now.” Moon hissed, clearly in the worst mood he could be in.

Solar’s insides ached as he was given the nostalgic feeling of when his Moon from his dimension would hiss and scold him like that. It made him feel like a burden, so he left. Lord knows what Moon did with the rest of his night, but Solar knew someone was going to have to tell Earth and Lunar the sad news.

When he arrived at the daycare, Earth and Lunar rushed to him as if he was on fire. “Solar! We were so worried! Where’ve you been?! Where’s Sun and Moon?!” Earth asked, hugging the eclipse-themed animatronic.

Solar could barely speak, and it wasn’t like he wanted to anyway. He wasn’t the right person to tell them the truth, but Moon certainly wouldn’t be fit to do it either. He stumbled over his words, trying to find what to say, but it was so hard to say anything after what he’d just experienced.

“S-sun he’s… he’s- not here…” Solar managed to say, watching as Earth and Lunar exchanged confused glances.

“Where is he?” Lunar asked.

Solar figuratively swallowed a lump in his throat and felt the guilt rise. There was so much he could have done to prevent that, right? “He’s… he’s dead…”

Earth’s shoulders fell and Lunar shook, “He’s what-?” Earth sniffled, grabbing her shoulders for support.

“He’s dead. He w-was killed by Ruin…”

Lunar fell to the floor, tears rapidly falling as well, and all his sister did was stand and shake. Stand, shake, and cry. “He’s not! He can’t be- n-no, not Sun! Never!” Earth denied it all, throwing herself against the desk and sobbing into her arms.

“Not Sun! No! Please, this is a joke, it has to be!”

Solar walked up beside Earth and wrapped his arms around her, but unfortunately comfort wasn’t his strong suit. “Earth, I know it’s sad, but-”

“He’s dead…” Lunar squeaked from the floor behind the two. Solar cocked his head to face him, dark shadows ominously covering his face. “He- he can’t be dead…” Lunar’s hands began to shiver as lightning started to appear.

“Lunar, calm down…” Solar whispered, slowly walking up to the small animatronic. Lunar flung himself to his feet and started to pace back and forth, the lightning getting dangerously wild. Earth looked up too, spotting the fit Lunar seemed to be having.

The only thing that you could hear in the entire daycare was the crackle of Lunar’s lightning, and him muttering, “he’s dead” over and over again until he forced his hands to his temple and began to cry violently.

Earth and Solar hurried to him and took him into their arms, hugging him closely as all three began to wail together.

“Sun… my brother… m-my last original brother… he’s gone…” Lunar whispered, so many tears slipping down his cheeks.

“It’s okay, Lunar…” Earth whispered, choking back ugly sobs and hiccups. Lunar shook his head, “No… it’s not.” He gasped through huge sobs.

“We didn’t even get to say goodbye…”

[middleearthpixie]

The Ties That Bind ~ Chapter Nine

A/N: I know it’s been a while since my last update, but I’ve been dealing with some nagging, somewhat serious health issues that will (hopefully) be resolved real soon, and on top of that, I started a new job at the end of September, so I am one tired pixie most nights. It might take me a bit longer than usual, but know this story WILL continue to be updated. So, as always, thanks so much for your patience… :)

Summary: Although Erebor is his once more, Thorin knows there is still a great threat to the peace of Middle Earth. Azog is gone, but another has taken his place and has sworn to finish what Azog began. Erebor is back, but it’s sadly lacking in protection and as much as he hates the thought of it, Thorin knows there is one thing that will guarantee the safety and continuation of his line.

War is coming and all Eirlys of Mirkwood wishes to do is fight alongside her brother Legolas and the other elves, united with Men and Dwarves in their attempt to quell the renewed tensions between them and the orc army of the north. But, her father, Thranduíl has other plans. Unite his kingdom with the newly reestablished kingdom of Erebor and use the power of both to defeat the orcs.

An arranged marriage that neither side wants, but both sides need. But what happens when the two sides realize that maybe—just maybe—being together isn't quite as bad as they'd thought...

Pairing: Thorin x ofc Eirlys of Mirkwood

Warnings: None

Rating: T

Word Count: 2.8k

Read on AO3

Sleep mocked him. And after all of the wine he’d had? He should be sleeping the sleep of the dead. He should be so soundly asleep, it would take Dís and Dwalin to rouse him come morning.

Instead, Thorin lay there in the darkness, staring up at the ceiling—if one could call the mass of woven vines and branches above him a ceiling, that is—while everyone throughout Mirkwood most likely snored away.

Now, walk me back and then, if you wish, you can go and sneak off with your bride.

Sometimes, he wished his sister wasn't so good at reading him. No one else had that same ability, and no matter how hard he tried, Dís was rarely fooled by anything he said or did. She saw through him. And she had no shame in calling him out on it, either.

Worse still? She also was never wrong.

He wasn’t wide awake because he was nervous about the coming morning. This was his duty, of course, and what was in the best interest of his people, and he found he rather liked Eirlys as well, so it wasn't that he dreaded it, either.

No, it was because he wanted to see her.

Because he couldn't stop thinking about her.

But he didn't know why he couldn't stop thinking about her. 

No, that wasn't entirely true. He knew why. He simply did not understand why. It was but one  kiss, after all. 

One kiss that lit something of a fire inside him.

Mahal…

With a low sigh, he kicked back the light coverlet and slid from the bed. The room was quiet, except for the occasional chirp of whatever creatures came alive at night in the woodlands just beyond him. 

The wood beneath his bare feet was warm as he padded out onto the terrace, where he leaned against the railing. Though his eyes were well-adjusted to the darkness, he still could make out little through the foliage. 

Now, walk me back and then, if you wish, you can go and sneak off with your bride.

He smiled, imaging Eirlys’ reaction, should he show up on her terrace. He didn't know her well at all, but had the feeling she might hand him his head if he did any such thing. 

But what if she didn’t?

It was only unfortunate that he didn't know where her room were in relation to where he was, otherwise the temptation to go and find out might be too much to resist. 

The wood beneath his hands was cool, as was the night air that wrapped about him. There was peace in the darkness. It made him think of Erebor, especially of the ramparts on a summer night. He often went up there when he needed time away from everyone else, time to think or clear his head. 

This was the first time in Mirkwood that he hadn’t felt uncomfortable or completely out of place. The first time had him seeing the inside of a dungeon cell. The second, he’d been treated with more respect, but Thranduíl had also been more than bit aloof.

But this time? This time, Thranduíl treated him as an equal. And yet, Thorin still didn't feel as if he belonged.

Except for when he was with Eirlys. 

“Thorin?”

He jumped at Dwalin’s soft-for-Dwalin voice coming from behind him. He turned to see him in the doorway leading out to the terrace. “What are you doing here?”

“I had a hunch ye’d still be up. Nerves getting to ye?”

“Hardly.” Thorin turned toward him, sinking onto the edge of the railing, hands clasped between his knees. “What brings you here, though? I should, by all reason, be fast asleep by now. And so should you, by the by.”

“Because I know ye, is why,” came Dwalin’s blunt reply, his boots thudding dully against the floorboards as he joined Thorin on his railing. “I know ye always brood when faced with a life-changing moment.”

“Brood, eh? I suppose I am brooding a bit, to a certain degree. After all, this is a moment I knew would come and yet thought it never would at the same time.” 

“Understandable, given the last few years.” Dwalin’s brow knit. “Are ye having second thoughts?”

“Not at all,” Thorin replied with a shake of his head. “I’ve never had second thoughts about it. It must be done. What is there to have second thoughts about? If I don’t marry Eirlys, I’d be marrying another.”

“Well, Eirlys is an elf, to begin with.”

“I’ve noticed,” he replied dryly.

“And our history with the elves is a bit… rocky…”

“I am all too well aware of that as well. But what would you have me do?” Thorin shook his head. “We need the promise of aid, of the support of the Mirkwood army, should Gundabad start making noise once more. Yes, Azog is gone, but I’ve no doubt he has a successor and that’s why they’ve been venturing this far south again. I’ve a feeling the new leader will present himself sometime between now and our return to Erebor. We have no idea what we might face, only that it is a threat serious enough that Thrandy is allowing his only daughter to wed me, so that she will be safe as well. So, this marriage is one of convenience, mostly. Erebor counts the power of a military alliance with Mirkwood and Mirkwood counts on their lineage continuing as well, even if it is mixed with dwarven blood in the end.”

“Besides,” he offered Dwalin a long look, "it would hardly be fair of me to hold that against her, would it? Her being elven is not exactly something she can control.”

“No, but I know yer dealings with that prissy woodland king have been less than positive at times.”

“Again, it would hardly be fair to take that out on her as well. The past is exactly that, and that is where it should stay.” 

“So, why the sleeplessness then?”

Thorin let out a rueful chuckle. “I wish I knew.” 

“But ye know it has nothing to do with tomorrow?”

Thorin bobbed his head. “I’m certain of it.”

“Are ye and Dís arguing again?”

“Not at all. Although, speaking of arguing,” he gave Dwalin another long look, wide-eyed this time, “if I were you, I’d find some way to make up to her for whatever it is you’ve done.”

“I would, if only I knew myself what it was I’d done. I know yer sister’s peeved with me. I just don’t know why she’s peeved.”

“How is that even possible? Dís plays no games and only holds grudges for a short while.”

Dwalin shrugged. “I mean it when I say I’m absolutely lost. One minute, we were fine and the next? She’s giving me the cold shoulder.”

“So go and clear the air with her. That’s what she’s always telling me to do when I’ve a problem with someone else.”

“Clear what air, though?”

“I don’t know. Just apologize and promise you won’t ever do it again.”

“How can I do that if I dinna know what I did to begin with?”

Thorin bit back a sigh. “Whatever it was you’ve done doesn’t matter. What matters is that you just tell her you’re sorry.”

“And if I do it again?” It was Dwalin’s turn to offer up the long look. “Because without knowing what I did, I am certain to do it again. And then she will be twice as angry.”

“At least then you’ll know what it is you did.”

That earned him a glare. “For all the good it will do.”

“Dwalin, listen,” Thorin rose from the railing, “just tell her you are sorry. If nothing else, at least she’ll speak to you again.”

“Until the next time I put my foot in it.”

“No doubt.” 

A heavy, rough sigh rose from deep within Dwalin’s barrel chest. “Do ye suppose she is still awake?”

“Dís?” Thorin nodded. “I think she might be. And if not, and you’re contrite enough, she would probably not mind you’re interrupting what is most likely a restless sleep.”

Dwalin moved around him to step down from the terrace onto the narrow, somewhat rutted path. “I’ll take my chances. The reward would be worth the risk.”

Thorin rolled his eyes. “Try to remember, she is my sister.”

“Ye should go pay yer bride a visit.” A toothy grin accompanied Dwalin’s words. “If nothing else, ye’d know what to expect come tomorrow night.”

Now, Thorin grinned. “I don't mind being surprised.”

Dwalin just stared. “That so?”

“I don't think I’ll complain,” Thorin shrugged as if the anticipation of his wedding night hadn’t been swirling through him on an almost hourly basis the last two days, “so I’ll not disturb her this night.”

“True.” Dwalin’s heavy, iron-gray brows wiggled. “That way she’ll be well-rested for ye to keep up tomorrow night.”

“Exactly.”

“Sleep well, then.” Dwalin threw a wave in his direction before starting off the path into the darkness.

“You do the same.”

“Eventually.”

With that, Dwalin disappeared around the bend, and when he did, Thorin let out a slow sigh and sank against the railing.

His wedding night. He looked forward to it in a way he hadn’t looked forward to anything in a long time, and every time he caught sight of Eirlys over the last few days, he couldn't help but wonder what consummating their marriage would be like. Couldn't help but find himself trying to imagine the scene, which usually sent fiery tingles spiraling through him, to the point where he had to distract himself before his thoughts became apparent to anyone else. 

Curiosity over the woman to whom he’d bind himself crept stealthily through him, for all he knew of her was that she was strikingly pretty, with eyes that were a deep blue and hair that reminded him of mithril fairy floss. She was tall and lithe, with high cheekbones and pale, flawless skin. Not a chin hair in sight, and while he’d always thought he’d marry a dwarrowdam with a full beard, her lack of one did not take away from her stunning beauty. 

Tempting as it was to go and seek Eirlys out, Thorin thought better of it. He had no way of knowing how receptive she would be to a midnight visitor and he certainly did not wish to begin their life together with her being furious with him for overstepping so egregiously. So, with another—this time softer—sigh, he turned and went back inside. He should at least try to get back to sleep.

It seemed he’d no sooner closed his eyes when the sun rising through the tree canopy splashed into his chambers and he blinked himself up from a thick, heavy, dreamless sleep. 

His wedding day.

As he lay there, rubbing one eye, it didn't seem entirely real to him. A mere two years earlier, he was on the verge of death, run through not once, but twice, by the pale orc he’d thought he’d dispatched on an ice floe up at Ravenhill, the fortress to the north of the Lonely Mountain. Elven magic, combined with Óin’s skill, was how he survived, and without thinking, he brought his free hand down to the left side of his belly, to the still-raised scars only partially hidden by the crisp hair that had finally grown back. He winced. They were still too sensitive for his liking, offering up a near-daily reminder of a battle he knew he’d never forget, whether those scars remained sensitive or finally went numb. 

Shoving the unwanted memories from his mind, he drew back the bedcovers and rose to pad to the washstand on the far side of the room. He washed and combed out his hair, rebraiding the plaits at each of his temples, weaving into each braid the small silver and leather ornaments he usually wore in them. 

He dressed in heavy black trousers and a tunic of deep blue, embroidered with gold and silver thread in intricate designs that represented his family’s crest. His boots, polished by a member of Thranduíl’s staff, stood outside his door, gleaming and almost mirror-like in their shine, and when he’d finished dressing, he was almost immediately uncomfortable, as finery never truly suited him. None of this suited him, really. It had been too long since he’d thought of himself as a prince, never mind seeing himself as a king. Those monikers no longer seemed to fit him, for he saw himself still as Thorin Oakenshield, not as King Thorin II of Erebor.

Those days were behind him now, however. He no longer roamed Middle Earth, taking work wherever he could find it. He no longer dreamed of the days when he’d reclaim Erebor, although he did still have nightmares about what that quest had cost him—the battle with Azog, the agony of suffering from dragon sickness, the guilt over leading his company into war and nearly sacrificing all of them because of said sickness. 

He tried to push the uncomfortable thoughts from his mind as he finished readying himself and his heart gave an unexpected leap when Dwalin rapped on the door. “Are ye just about ready, Thorin?”

“I am, indeed,” he called back, stumping over to tug open the door, where he found his closest friend looking a bit more tired than usual, and he knew that Dwalin and Dís must have made up. “Do I wish to know how your evening went?”

Dwalin offered up a rare toothy grin. “Let’s leave it that I care not about how little sleep I had.”

“Enough said.” Thorin fought the urge to roll his eyes or gag. “And kindly remember, she is my sister and I need no details.”

“Agreed. So,” Dwalin gestured for Thorin to step out into the corridor, “are ye ready? Thrandy said the princess should be arriving within the half hour.”

A small flutter rippled through him and Thorin swallowed hard as breathing suddenly became a bit more difficult and his heart sped up. “I’m ready.”

“Good. Then let’s get ye to the Throne Room before Thrandy thinks ye changed yer mind.”

On the opposite end side of the palace, Madris stepped back and smiled. “You will leave your dwarf speechless, Your Highness.”

Eirlys stood staring at the full-length mirror in absolute silence, for the woman staring back at her bore no resemblance to the Eirlys she knew. Gone were the trousers and simple tunics she preferred and in their place she wore a flowing gown of elegant gold silk that looked almost liquid with the slightest of movement. The gown had an off-the-shoulder neckline, the bodice embellished with topaz and amber that sparkled in the morning sunlight, and filmy golden tulle overlaid the floor-length skirts, also dotted with topaz and amber chips and split up the middle to reveal the shimmering golden skirts beneath it.

Madris had pulled her hair up into an intricate coiffure, with a thread of gold and dotted with the same gemstones woven into the pale gold waves. A tiara of topaz, amber, tiger’s eye, emeralds, and diamonds sat carefully atop her head, the equally filmy pale golden veil anchored to it to spill down over her shoulders and along her back. 

She managed a smile as she whispered, “I wouldn’t recognize myself.”

“Nonsense. You are always this stunning, you simply choose to downplay it.”

“No.” Tulle swished softly as she shook her head. “I look like my mother and until today, I’ve never seen it so clearly.”

“You do resemble her,” Madris replied softly, “and she is with you today, even if you might not be able to see her.”

“I wish she was here. Although I wonder what she would have to say about my groom.”

“I think she would approve, Your Highness. Like your father, I think she’d feel that he will make you happy and I know she would be secure in the fact that you would be very safe in Erebor.”

“I always thought I’d love the man I married,” Eirlys mused without thinking. “And I never thought I’d marry for any other reason.”

“You may come to love him in time,” Madris told her. “You already know you are attracted to him and that’s only the beginning for most couples.”

“Madris!”

“What? You are. And you shouldn’t be embarrassed to admit it.” Madris smiled. “Now, shall we?”

Despite how her heartbeat sped up and her mouth went unusually dry, Eirlys nodded slowly, unstuck her tongue from the roof of her mouth, and managed to murmur, “Yes.” 

She took her simple bouquet of daisies, tiger lilies, and stephanotis, which was a bit heavier than it looked, and drew in a deep breath as Madris tugged open the door for her. She felt almost eerily calm, considering how her life was about to change and to her surprise, as they neared the doors to the throne room, her heart sped up and unexpected tears stung her eyes. 

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[detectivemaker]

my own idea for a bill redemption story

So it starts like a lot of others I’ve seen with Bill being to earth to try and make some progress, but with an extra executive, which each steps he takes in bettering himself, he gains one of his powers

When set of twins come back to find that the triangular nuisance of their existences is back in existence he’s regained the power of levitation and mind reading, he regained these abilities because he saved me from falling down stairs she’s pregnant and that counts as saving two lives

after soos talks

Ford down from blasting the triangle into re non-existence, melody suggests   that the younger set of twins and  bill go around town to find problems to solve

Only Mabel agrees to do this so she and Bill go around town doing little tasks, none of which spark any flair old Power into Billy boy,  eventually they get back to the shack  and decide to  stargaze

As they do so bill senses that Mabel  is trying to not think about something he inquires about what she's trying to keep from the Forefront and that causes the floodgates of both tears and anxiety thoughts about their parents impending divorce to burst  open

Bill consoles her about feeling like she's losing her parents and says that he can relate (cuz you know he literally lost his parents),   she continues to have sad feelings in her brain even after the tears are wiped from her eyes,   bill thinks of something to give her to give a spark of happiness again and in a proof it comes into existence, and with that he's weakening disability to just make things appear

During another trip into town to try and find little tasks to do the ambushed by a group of gnomes who are trying to kidnap Mable to be their Queen again,  dipper has accompanied them and whatever the Gnomes has a very dangerous looking stick, boo pushes the boy out of the way of the stick-wielding gnome and it's likely grazed in his place,  summoning a leaf blower he blows away many of the Gnomes except for the leader, he commands little creep to march his way to the knee was body of water and stick his head in, the gnome does so without any complaint, and just like that he's gained his ability to control minds again

Sometime later in the story bill and  stan get into an argument and he admits something that he's never admitted to anyone, he loves Stanford,   stan says he's lying and bill says in a serious tone he's never used in a long while

" you can call my bluff on a lot of things  stanley,  but when I say that I love your brother... I'm not lying"

And then you tell the ports to the guest room  he's been using as a bedroom, and he cries himself to sleep, something he hasn't done since the night after the distraction of his entire dimension

Breakfast the next morning is tense, and it's his turn to bring a plate down to Stanford seeing as he hasn't left his lab since he learned that bill was back, the ride down the elevator to the basement is quiet, he's half expecting an atom  destabilizing gun to be pointed in his face when the elevator doors open, but they're Stanford sits  lit by the overhead lights, he's writing down something,  he doesn't start her when Bill levitates and places the plate of bacon and eggs on to the table he's  working at

"  i've been thinking about us ", bill says  sitting tensed  on the wood of  stanford's work desk," and I just want to say i'm sorry", he doesn't have to say that  stanford doesn't have to forgive him it just seems to be something that's already known between the two

Bill knows you're probably be hit with a metal wall if he tries to peer into the man's thoughts, but somehow he knows that Stanford's been thinking about  them too, maybe even before he learned that he was still alive

He relaxes when a six-fingered hand placed itself a top his

" i've missed you" one of them says it doesn't matter which and was a exhale bill thinks about change

And that's when he is suddenly shapeshifts into a more human form causing the table he was sitting on to turn on to its side

That's sort of all I have for right now

[puzzlefaggot]

(professor layton and the golden witch au)

You might be tginkhgn:

What on earth!!! why is descole here. Well let me tell you. veeery light umineko ep4 spoilers and also layton spoilers

to start from the beginning at the end of ep1 layton does Not join the battle on beatrice in the meta world. I've been trying to think of this as a "what if umineko was a layton game" but it simply doesn't work if battler is not the protagonist which means in our hypothetical layton game level-5 makes the hilarious move of making layton just be some non main character for about 40 hours. he would still be an important character On the Gameboards but otherwise. Lol

once we get to episode 4 we instantly forget about making Umineko work because we get rid of ange. i know. i felt so bad about this which is why i made those layton style sprites of her earlier. instead she is replaced with desmond (gross!!!!). like ange desmond really misses his dead brother after 12 years and bernkastel offers to put him in the meta game. for him his condition is he can't tell anyone about his relation to layton but that's not really that difficult considering Layton Isn't In The Game

(more major ep 4 spoilers from here and also ep 5)

at some point during ep 4 (i have not thought this part through properly) desmond somehow communicates with layton on the gameboard and has a kind of similar scene to the one where ange died. i dont know how he does this. but i feel like theres precedent for it somewhere in umineko. IDK

in ep 5 bernkastel has TWO new pieces one being erika obviously and the other being layton. this is how he gets into the game. ive been thinking aaah he wouldn't be like battler in denying it so much BUT if you gave him a motive (his brother turning to flesh chunks in his arms begging him to come home alive) I Think He Would Do It

he also wouldn't really like bernkastel but again. brother dying jn his arms thing. also imagine how funny layton and erika as a pair would be

I also think layton would replace will in ep7 here. not only because layton needs more time here but also because he absolutely would "understand the heart" (and he needs a redemption after working with bernkastel for 2 episodes). i think him and lion would get along very well

(ep 8 spoilerss) ep 8 goes about the same ? but like makes less sense because layton wouldnt be the gamemaster? or he would be idk? 55 year old desmond sycamore learns how to deal with grief 50 years too late. Hoooray. i think his witch of truth (or sorcerer of truth. whatever. i think witch is cooler) outfit would be descole's outfit of course

anyway more layton style ange + dlanor i couldn't bring myself to finish

zen zen dame daze

[rorimoon9597]

Pt 1 Pt 2

----------

Lance turns out to be a huge help as Keith's right hand. When he's overworking himself, Lance is there to force him to bed. If Keith's having a bad day, then Lance is there as silent support.

It makes Keith fall in love with him even more.

And the fact that Lance was determined to keep up his game with his eye colour. Keith admired the dedication to keeping everyone confused. So much so that sometimes, when they meet with the leaders of a planet, his eye colour changes more frequently. The looks on the aliens faces when Pidge explains that Humans can't change their eye, skin or hair colour at will is priceless.

Keith begins to feel as if he will burst if he doesn't do anything about these feelings soon. It takes having to fight Lotor to do that.

They're all in the castle, resting. They were so, incredibly lucky that Lotor wasn't able to go into the Quintessence field, that they were able to stop him. Sure, he was dead now, but better for a tyrant to be dead than alive still.

Krolia had fussed over him when he got back. Romelle nearly cried and clung to him. Coran had hugged all of them.

Then, perhaps the weirdest part of the day, Allura was able to bring back Shiro. Who had one less arm again. Keith had cried with relief at having his actual brother back.

They were floating through space, resting after the fight, and Keith was never one for resting. Even during his self-imposed exile to the shack in the desert he'd had things to do.

So he decided to go check up on Shiro.

"Hey," he said. Shiro looked up from where he was glaring at the bowl of food goo he'd been given.

"Hey, Keith. Do you need something?" He asked.

"You... Could say that." Keith walked into the room and sat on the bed with Shiro. Kosmo, his wolf that would now only respond to that name that Pidge had given him, joined them, lying on the floor.

"Is something wrong?" Shiro asked. Keith sighed.

"I'm so gay, Shiro," he said. Shiro laughed. Keith glared at him.

"I knew that already."

"Uh, yeah, because I came to you and Shiro when I had a gay crisis and needed help."

"Why are you telling me something that I already know?"

"Because! My crush on Lance has gotten worse. I love him now, Shiro. It's not just a crush anymore." Shiro gave Keith a sympathetic look.

"That's the hardest part. Even for me, and I knew that Adam's gay, too." Shiro placed his had on Keith's shoulder. "Don't wait for too long, Keith, or you'll lose your chance. Trust me on that. I waited too long with my first crush, and he ended up moving away and I never saw him again. Tell him when you think that the time is right."

"How do you know all this? Didn't you tell Adam that you liked him when you were sleep deprived?" Keith asked.

"Not the point, Keith. I'm trying to be a good brother to you, and part of being a good brother is to give my younger brother relationship advice," Shiro replied. Keith rolled his eyes.

"Whatever," he said. Shiro moved his hand to ruffle his hair.

"Trust me on this, Keith. I have actually been in a relationship before." Keith can't help but smile at those words.

"I will," he agrees.

_______

They being their journey to Earth soon after that. On the way there, they pick up Matt, Rollo, Nyma and Beezer and tell them about the whole ordeal with Shiro.

"I knew that something was off! His hair floof and eyeliner were wrong!" Matt shouted triumphantly. Pidge just shook her head at her brother. Then she dragged him off to Green's hangar to start designing a new arm for Shiro.

They still had some pit stops before Earth. One of those was to pick up some of the Olkari, who were going to help with the defense system on Earth.

After they picked up Matt, Romelle asked the question that Keith had been expecting.

"What is up with Lance's eyes?" She asked.

"I have been wondering about that as well," Krolia agreed.

"We don't know, but we have a betting pool," Pidge replied. Keith rolled his eyes.

"You get far too much enjoyment out of this," he said. Then he turned and left.

He'd let them suffer if they really wanted to.

[svperluminous]

Some ideas from my Space Pirate Finnegrin AU

The premise of the story is that Callum needs to go somewhere or is looking for something (I still haven't figured out what he wants actually) but he's a prince and he doesn't want his parents to know what he's planning (both Harrow and Sarai are alive) so he hires an infamous space pirate who is known as a skilled pilot (one of the best pilots in the system, actually) and smuggler.

His crew are three of his crew from the show (the purple haired ram horned Earthblood elf I named Salma, the red curly haired human I named Rudy and the green haired tall and muscular Earthblood elf I named Theo) plus Elmer. Finn is more like their friend than their boss and he calls Elmer by his real name.

Thus begins their unlikely alliance. They do argue a lot in the beginning, Finn's ship breaks down at one point, they get attacked fairly frequently xD

At one point Callum's life is in danger because another pirate is pointing a gun at him and Finn shouts "you don't wanna kill 'im! He's [name]'s nephew!" and the person he name-drops is a pirate no one wants to cross. Finn later calls her and asks for a favor to pretend to be Callum's aunt. She's a Katolian and doesn't have any kids but her brother has some and no one actually keeps track of how many he has. She's not happy about it but she agrees. They later contact her brother, just in case. He immediately recognizes Callum as the prince of Katolis and gets super mad at Finnegrin for 1. getting Callum in trouble and 2. creating this whole charade. Finn doesn't understand why he's angry. Only later is it revealed that this is Callum's bio dad. He knows Callum is his son but for whatever reasons could not take part in his life.

One time they stumble upon a freshly killed Startouch elf and Finn's eyes see money! This universe still has magic and dark mages would pay looooooots of money for a fresh Startouch corpse! He puts it into the stasis chamber of his ship but Callum complains the whole way that this is wrong and that the body needs to be returned to their family. Finally, Finn caves in and agrees to bring the body to the closest Startouch embassy.

In this universe, Startouch elves live on a remote station and act like a sovereign nation. Aaravos lives on Earth, on the Xadian continent and is known as an eccentric rich guy. He doesn't like other Startouch elves but no one knows why (yet).

So it's the middle of the night and Finn and his crew, accompanied by Callum, are carrying the body wrapped in a rug through the sleepy streets xD well, Elmer is doing the carrying. They place the body at the entrance and are about to leave, when the door opens and a Startouch woman looks at them. They all freeze, Finn reaches for his gun but she tells them not to panic. She introduces herself as the dead elf's sister and tells them she saw them coming here in a vision. She knows they didn't kill her brother and she's just happy to get his body, so she can say goodbye and bury him.

She wipes her tears and invites them inside. Finnegrin is absolutely against it but she offers tea and cookies and Rudy and Theo just run after her. Finn follows them grumpily xD

The Startouch elf tells them how and why her brother was killed as well as about a conflict yet to come. A conflict in which they will take part. She breaks off a piece of her brother's horn and gives it to Callum, saying that he might need it at one point.

In this universe, dark magic is not necessarily evil and Aaravos can't control dark mages. If an ingredient was given willingly and the castor's intentions are good, then there's little to no damage from casting a dark magic spell.

I don't have everything figured out yet but the conflict is basically a Startouch civil war that Aaravos starts and our heroes just land smack into it and somehow help stop it xD Finnegrin learns to be less selfish by following Callum's example.

[meowierz]

Brothers In Arms!! SAMS AU

So Brothers in Arms won the poll!! Excuse any mistakes here, I'm on tablet with HORRID auto correct! Ill do my best to explain the AU!!

Basically, its an AU where Eclipse cares...to an extent. I made this up a LONG time ago, when Solar Flare was still alive so brace yourselves.

When Eclipse made Bloodmoon, he didn't want to just kill him because Eclipse still acknowledged that he was a weird robot being like him. Plus, he's the one who programmed him like that so it isn't Bloodmoons's fault. Eclipse thought that BM would be perfect for offensive and defensive but mainly it.

So, Eclipse made a new robot who would be better at getting into people's heads and simply less violent! Aka, Lunar! Of course, since he was made solely off of Eclipses nice thoughts, Lunar was way too childish. So, he also wasn't very obedient. But, Lunar of course had other uses so he didn't just discard of him either.

Finally, Solar Flare comes in. He's obedient, wow!! But, he's very monotone and acts like an actual robot which erm...is a bit nice. Well, whatever he's asked of he will do unless it directly harms his brothers. This will lead to him giving out secrets because "tf is sun gonna do? give us glitter glue?"

So, this is set during the Lunar and Eclipse Show ARC. Moon and Sun only know about Lunar because BM and Solar Flare are laying low. No KC or Earth YET, the wholesome stuff has to play out first. Yes, there will be drama but most posts abt this AU will be funny and/or adorable!! So, lemme explain everyone!!

.

Eclipse - Eclipse takes on an older brother role, since he is the oldest erm. He mainly acts like he doesn't care what they do, who they do it with, and what happens to them unless it directly affects him. But, he cares a lot (a bit too much since he's overprotective smh). He may groan and complain but he'll help with anything and everything his siblings needs. Random fact? Sure! He loves hugs but refuses them every time he's asked for one, bros tryna be an alpha male.

Bloodmoon - The twins are really hyper and full of energy but they try toning it down with their siblings. Just don't hit them too much. He's not overprotective like Eclipse, he'll probably forget about their siblings problem once a butterfly flys towards them BUT if the problem is in their face then all hell will break loose. Fun Fact? Okay!! He loves watching HTF, its a show he watches when he craves blood but isn't in the position to get it.

Lunar - Since this is past Lunar, he loves annoying his siblings. Especially Bloodmoon since he gives a bigger reaction. Even though he's a middle child, he acts like the youngest lmao. He loves playing games, watching TV, and just hanging out with his siblings in general! Goofy fact? Sure! Whenever Lunar has nightmares, he automatically goes to Eclipse. Tears and all (eclipse never gets sleep 😭🙏)

Solar Flare - He's very nonchalant and unbothered. He does care, he just doesn't know how to show it. Not to be confused with Eclipse. There's s differences between not WANTING to show it and not knowing HOW to show it. But, Solar Flare can get a bit quirky and annoy his siblings back. Because of his RBF and his robotic voice, anything out his mouth is always believed. So, he'll lie about teeny things randomly. "Hey, did you know that the sky can change color?" And they'll run to the sky to stare at it for an hour. Ofc, Solar Flare can't tell bigger lies than that lmao. Silly Fact? Okay! He has to wear glasses but never does because he knows damn well his siblings will bully him.

That's it for now!! Again, excuse any spelling and grammar mistakes unless its truly nonsense. I'm on a shit device RN 😭🙏

[ema0rsully]

TMNT 2012 x Gem!Reader

(You are a lapis lazuli. Your main purpose is to terraform earth and its inhabitants. But you are quite different than other lapides. Despite being created to terraform planets, you've come to realise the Diamonds weren't worthy of your devotion or your sacrifices. After all the things they've done to you.)

"So you don't eat?"

"Nor do you sleep?"

"Do you ever need to go to the bathroom?"

"Of course you would ask that."

"Hey! I can ask whatever I want!"

You stared awkwardly at the four creatures. You did not know what they were but Earth seemed to inhabit the strangest mortal creatures from all planets you had ever encountered. The only reason you have managed to differentiate between the four creatures was because of their coloured headbands. You find them quite entertaining, which is why you abandoned your duties to speak with them.

"Please, I apologise on behalf of my brothers. They lack mannerisms as you can see." The purple one says with an annoyed tone, still glancing at the red and orange. You only chuckle,

"That is fine, it is wonderful to finally talk to someone!".

Which is true, you never really get to talk to anybody on Homeworld. You do your job, accomplish your goal, return, get assigned to a new one and repeat.

"What's your planet like?" The blue one asked with an excited smile, ignoring the red and orange one's bickering.

"Ah, busy." You replied with no further information which only made the blue one tilt his head.

"Busy?" He raised a brow in confusion.

"Yes, busy. Y'know, colonising planets and turning them into resources for Homeworld." You explained which only made the red one turn his focus to you.

"Colonise? You're gonna colonise Earth?!" He accused in an intimidating tone.

You tilt your head. "Hmmm no. I find this planet enjoyable! The Diamonds can find other planets to colonise but I like this one." you say as you look at the night sky above them.

The four creatures gave a confused and sceptical look at you.

"Diamonds? Who are they?" The blue one asked you again.

"Our commanders. They're the ones who created us from the resources of planets they've colonised. We were made to serve them and devote our energy to them to help expand their colony and kingdom" you say with such passion, you won't lie, you sound a little deranged. But you won't lie about this as well, you still have a little admiration for the Diamonds. Especially your Diamond, Blue Diamond.

"Yeah.. totally not creepy. So, that's why you don't eat or sleep?" The red one crossed his arms and stared at you sceptically.

"Yes! I mean, what use would I be to my Diamonds if I were to slack off and take time for myself? I would be completely useless!" You chuckled at your joke but the other four did not laugh along.

"Huh, it's almost like you see them as your God." The purple one says which makes you tilt your head.

"Of course I do, they're the only purpose I'm alive." You cringed after the words left your lips.

It's almost like the words coming out of your mouth weren't yours. It's like it was programmed into you. To always praise the Diamonds. Love the Diamonds. Sacrifice for the Diamonds. It makes your throat itch. Your words earned a disgusted look from the red one.

"That's... fucked up."

"Raph!" The blue one glared at the red one.

"He is right. It is quite the mindset to have. But, it is accustomed to me that I don't know what to do without it." You said, giving a sad smile.

"Hey! Don't overthink it dudette! We got you covered! We'll help you through this." The orange one said reassuringly as gave you a side hug.

It was an odd feeling you felt in your stomach and chest. It felt, warm.

"Look, even tho we just met a couple of hours ago. You seem cool. Pathetic, but cool." The red one said with a smirk.

The blue one glanced at the red one and smiled at you, "Raph is right. You're cool and we liked talking with you. We should hang out more!" he said excitedly.

You looked confused. "Why would we hang? Shouldn't we enjoy the company of each other instead?" You asked which only earned you confused stares.

"That's what I-"

"That is it! You're coming with us." The red one swung a hand around you and led you somewhere.

"Was it something I said?" You asked nervously

"Nonono, we're just gonna 'enjoy each other's company' while we teach you common slang. You're part of the gang now. Welcome, the name is Raphael." The red one says with slight sarcasm in his voice.

The purple one catches up next to the both of you, "I'm Donatello-and Raph please be careful her gem- (Your gem is on your chest. He is worried Raphael's strong grasp around you might shatter your gem even tho it won't.). She did mention moments ago that their gems are practically their hearts and you should-"

"I know what I'm doing, Donnie," Raphael grumbled to Donatello.

A hand gently pats your shoulder.

"Leonardo. Don't worry, they mean well." Leonardo reassures you of his other two brother's behaviour.

"And if you ever get bored of these three losers, you can hang out with me! Michelangelo!" The orange one spoke with a wide smile.

Your blank expression turned to one of fondness and you smiled. This is exactly the interaction you wish to perceive back on Homeworld.

You just chuckled as the five of you walked out of the alleyway and onto the dimly lit streets to enjoy a nice group 'hang out' together with your new company.

[mountain-wire]

September.

Rise raph + Reader (yall are strangers, so.)

Warnings: Guitar.

I was listening to September by Sparky deathcap... enjoy, i suppose!

Im throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping it sticks with this one

~~~

Raph walked... and walked... he was lost, and in kraang territory. His shawl could only do so much to disguise him from the kraangs view...

It'd only been a year or so since the beginning, and he still wasn't as adapted to the apocalypse as much as he would like to say. It was taking it's toll on him, thats for sure.

He was lost, and his brothers should find him pretty easily with Donnies tech, but Raph wasn't sure what exactly he was supposed to do in this situation. There wasn't much to hide in, or to go to for sanctuary from the kraang in general. This place was flooded, and Raph was taking his sweet time trying to avoid these new dogs the kraang unleashed... they were freaky, to say the least.

Eventually, he stopped. In front of him was a wall of untouched trees. How...? It didn't make much sense. In fact, it made no sense. It was such a contrast, the burn land Raph was standing in, versus the lively green and brown of the treeline in front of him. Sure, quite a few of the trees were dead and also burnt, but a lot of the trees behind them were alive just as much as a year ago, being mixes of yellows and oranges and even some greens still. September...

Raph decided to test his luck in there, in the forest. Whatever was keeping the kraang out had to be better than the kraang itself... it was from earth, after all. Even that didn't make sense, why would anything from earth keep the kraang out? Nothing about this made sense.

The humidity retained by the trees and their leaves felt nice on Raphs skin, it was so hydrating after how long he'd fought in the kraangs fire.

There was another problem now, though. He was alone. Raph held onto the tails of his mask tightly, breathing in and out, in and out, to calm himself down. His separation anxiety had only gotten worse since the apocalypse started. He knew that he had to be able to be okay without his brothers, especially now, but it was hard. What if something happened to them? What if they got hurt?? What if he wasn't there to help??? Most of these scenarios involved the kraang finding them.

He leaned against a nearby tree, snapping a twig on the ground in the process. This made him feel worse. The kraang were drawn to noise as much as they were movement, he didn't want to have dogs chasing him through the forest. Even worse, what if one of the kraang itself heard and went to check out the snapping twig noise?? Not only would he be in danger, the forest would be too. The kraang would surely realize anybody could be hiding in the forests shadow, and then it'd burn it down! It'd be miserable, even in death, to think that because he stepped on a twig once the last remaining forest in the New York area would be burnt down.

Yeah his anxiety was working double right now. He pulled on the tails of his mask again, trying to ground himself. Get those thoughts out of his mind. He sat down with his shell against the tree, the spikes scratching it lightly.

He worked to calm himself, though it proved to be majorly ineffective.

He closed his eyes, squeezing them tightly together and imagining his brothers okay and looking for him.

But... a few seconds after he heard something. Something very definitively not kraang. A guitar. Who would play a guitar while the kraang were a thing now??? Especially outside! In the open, mostly, where the kraang could come up at any time!

He thought about it for a second, before slowly and quietly getting up and sneaking his way towards the tune. It sounded vaguely familiar... not entirely in a way where he's heard the song before, but just sort of in the way where it's something he used to know. Guitar, that is. Understandably, nobody dared to play anything anymore.

He peeked around trees, looking around to make sure the coast was clear from any incoming threats or dangers. This was a good way to keep his mind off of things...

Soon he reached the source of the noise. A person, sitting next to a tree, that was next to a small pond or something.

Raph stared at them from behind a tree, mostly out of confusion and concern.

They hummed along to the music they played, seemingly where words would have been if they were singing.

"...Hey." Raph said, trying to get their attention while also staying quiet.

They looked up, slowing the movement of their hands and fingers.

"Hey."

They stared at each other for a moment. This felt awkward, in multiple ways. They both were thinking for different reasons.

"You gonna... come out of the shadows, or...?" The shook their head as they spoke, feeling weird that they had to even ask this... stranger to do that. It felt like something out of a movie that had an odd vibe on purpose.

Raph looked around in every direction, along with listening at the same time. He had to make sure that it was clear to go towards the noise.

He walked forward towards them, until he was standing in front of them.

"What are you doing???" Raph questioned urgently, as if this were a total life or death situation. In a way it was.

The person with the guitar shrugged, looking back down at their guitar before putting it down next to them.

"Playing."

"Why??? It's dangerous!" Raph crouched down next to them, trying to be more on their level so that he could get through to them easier.

"It's less dangerous than you think. Relax." They said in return, gesturing towards the ground beneath them.

Raph stared at them with furrowed brows, not believing them.

They seemed calm though... and they weren't freaking out themselves... maybe he could join them for a moment. Just a moment.

He sat down, joining them on the healthy grass, though he didn't look particularly happy about it.

"How can it possibly be less dangerous than i think? The kraang will find you with you making that much noise."

"They follow noise, i know." They nodded as they spoke.

So they knew! They knew and made noise anyway. Did they want to die?

Raph had a bit of a dumbfounded look on his face, his hands resting on his thighs. He just stared at them in disbelief.

"So... you know that and you're making noise anyway??? Why would you do that?" Raphs concern came through his voice unfiltered.

"I've been watching them. I've realized things," they paused, looking to the pond beside the tree. "They haven't come into the forest yet, right? Despite the whole... apocalypse thing. They want to get rid of life, I know I know."

"They seem to be targeting the more populated areas right now... the city. Nip it in the bud, i guess." There was a good chance they weren't using that phrase right. They didn't seem to care, though.

Raph looked to the side, over to the pond that the stranger was looking at as well. He didn't say anything in response, he was surprised.

"My guitar means nothing to them while theres still life in that residential area. The sound doesn't draw them in... not yet, anyway." They didn't seem... bothered.

"I imagine it will soon, though. When most of the life over there is dealt with, they'll either move on to another part of the city, or they'll come here."

The concept of doom and the fate of the forest seemed to weigh uncomfortably little on their mind.

"And you're just... okay with that...?" Raph almost whispered, seeming shocked that anybody would just... be okay with that problem.

"It's not like i can do much about it. I have a guitar, and that's it. I can't fight em so I'm appreciating this while i still can." They leaned their head back against the tree, feeling the bark on the top of their head.

"Oh."

A few beats of silence passed.

"Can I stay here with you for a little...?" Raph questioned. Just speaking with this person seemed to get his mind off of the fact that he wasn't with his brothers.

As short as their conversation was, it did help.

"Of course." They responded, picking up their guitar again and starting to play.

Ah, that's why it was familiar. September by Sparky Deathcap.

This was one of the more positive ways to end the month.

[fnaftalexreader]

Headcanons for Fredbear on a picnic, please!

Fredbear x an unspecified reader on a picnic!

The entertainment era

How the hell did you get him out of the diner?!

If you're having a proper picnic with him outside, you either somehow got Henry's permission, or you kidnapped fredbear for this.

You're most likely having a pretend picnic at the diner, though.

Charlotte is definitely there, after all, Fredbear is her big brother!

All the food is Fazbear Brand. Pizzas, burgers, Fazfloats, etc.

He'd probably "eat" the ballpit balls, just to feel included. As he knows his dad would get frustrated if he gunked up his system.

He would also probably keep advertising the food as you eat.

"Good golly! That Fazaeroni Delux Pizza sure looks delicious! Bet that tastes great with the Foxy Flooded Ship cheese fries! I see people buying them together all the time!"

He probably would sing advertisement jingles if you're not convinced.

To add some angst, if you're having a "picnic" at the diner, it's probably because you're homeless, an orphan, or from a struggling family. Most likely, you'll be given a coupon for more food, to have "another picnic sometime soon!" Fazbears was made to be a beacon of hope, after Henry and William survived WW2 as kids. A place where no kid, or person in general would ever feel unsafe or unwelcomed.

Underground era

You're probably having a picnic in Lillygear Falls, as that's one of his favorite places to be.

It's most likely going to be takeout from Scraphouse, as fredbear "can't" cook.

That is in fact a lie. Fredbear is an AMAZING cook. He just didn't want to cook.

He'll be making puns every now and again, trying to annoy you as you eat, but it's all in good fun.

He'll probably be distracted, looking up at the glow worms on the roof. Pretending they're stars.

35 minutes in, he's going to fall asleep. He's always tired, as he doesn't really sleep well at night.

If you're really close with him, he might make you some food from his father's cookbook, but that would be pretty unexpected. He doesn't like cooking for people, despite his talent for it...

Era of grief

You're probably a fellow endodorian or a human fighting for endodorian rights in R.O.R.A (Resistance of Robot Abuse).

You're most likely in Fredbear's new backyard, or in lillygear falls again, as it’s too dangerous to go to an actual park.

Now he's actually going to cook, as he now has a daughter named Stellaursa at this point, and he's gotten more healthy habits!

Homemade sandwiches, soups, etc. All of them are his dad's recipes, right down to the bread of the sandwiches.

You'll probably hear a lot of gunshots and screams, but Fredbear would make lots of small talk, and use his old showman skills to distract you and his daughter.

He'll probably make you all go inside after a while, if things get too dusty outside. There he'll make you and Stella make pillow forts in the basement, until everything blows over outside.

Era of the Endodorian Empire

You're most likely a friend he made, years ago, or at a large group picnic that would be considered a religious ceremony (friendship is literally worshiped in endodorian culture, and their love for it only becomes more fanatic over the years)

Fredbear by now would be famous for having the most ideal cooking talent when it comes to recreating his father's recipes. He even is able to make his own, with the same style as his father, using the new animals and plants that grow on Toehasheolinmfe (new name for earth.)

He'll probably make you play with his grandkids, or great grandkids, or whatever grandkids are alive at this point. Endodorians can mature as fast as humans, or purposely slow their development, as their bodies need outside help to physically age, so depending on when this picnic tales place, he may have descendants millions of generations down his family tree alive while he's still kicking.

He'll have a lot more energy, and will sing songs just like he would have as a kid during his showman years. Though this time, the songs will be part of a religious sing along, leading to the lafyemalinmulowdielfly singing with him, in a large chorus. This would happen with any endodorian starting a group song at the picnic. The songs would all be about friendship, adventure, and-or never giving up. If he wants to make the king cry, he might even sing some show songs from the 1960s, that he still remembers.

At this point, he'd also be the most fatherly towards you, as all species inevitably mentally regress to being like children, so even if you're in your 60s, you'll still be acting like an excitable little kid.