#it speaks like a massive crowd in unison

[kismetmoon]

whenever i listen to my embarrassingly gigantic playlist filled with just completely random songs that i like and have been thrown in there, it likes to play ‘Taurnado’ from Centaur World every time without missing a beat

and every time i hear it i immediately think about how the Nightmare Realm might just be built on top of Bill’s home dimension with all of the burnt second dimensional corpses

and what if they could manifest themselves (via ‘left-over’ Nightmare Realm madness magic whatever) into a giant ghost or spirit type creature (akin to the Taurnado) - all working together as one giant organism - to just fuck with Bill for killing them. roaming around the waste of a dimension or appearing during storms (if they even have those there) or just randomly to scare the shit outta ppl

[Plain text ID: two digital drawings of an original Gravity Falls / Flatland crossover character named The Mosaic.

In the first photo, The Mosaic is depicted in it’s ‘line form’. It is a humanoid creature made up from various, small, monochrome shapes and lines and has a large glowing red eye for a head with a point on top and no pupil. It is holding out two of it’s hands to each side, while it's legs hang down loosely as though suspended in the air. A small depiction of Bill Cipher, a yellow triangle with a black top hat, and Kryptos, a teal rhombus, can be seen above The Mosaic’s right hand. The background is a very dark grey with a white circle that contains a light grey hexagon, a dark grey upside down triangle and an even darker grey line behind The Mosaic.

In the second photo, The Mosaic is depicted in one of it’s various ‘shape forms’ - as an isosceles triangle creature with limbs and a large centre yellow glowing eye made from smaller and monochrome shapes and lines. They are holding one arm slightly raised and a tiny depiction of Bill Cipher can be seen between their loosely pinched claws. The background is dark grey with lighter grey swirling patterns.

End ID.]

[jimsbeetroot]

(Never did a request, but there is always a first time) I would love if you could write a oneshoot about reader and Jim root where she goes on tour with them and there is just this cute interaction between Jim being on stage and reader watching them (just basically something fluff)

𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 ♱ 𝐣𝐢𝐦 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐭

fluffy! hope you enjoy!!

no warnings for this one!

-

The crowd roared like a living, breathing creature as Slipknot conquered the stage. You stood just off to the side, tucked behind a row of amps, watching the chaos unfold. It was mesmerizing—thousands of people screaming lyrics in unison, bodies thrashing in time with the pounding drums and snarling guitars.

But your eyes were on him.

Jim was a towering figure in the midst of the madness, his long limbs moving effortlessly as he shredded through the current song’s outro. He was a blur of black and crimson, his mask resembling a scary joker. The mask used to scare you, but it'd gotten better after he'd let you seen the whole process of getting ready and putting in the mask itself. And even after years of being together, watching him perform still gave you butterflies.

You tugged your jacket tighter around you, the chill of the outdoor venue creeping in despite the heat radiating from the crowd. Jim glanced your way mid-solo, his dark eyes catching yours through the slits of his mask. He tilted his head slightly, a silent acknowledgment that he knew you were there.

Your heart fluttered.

The song ended in a crash of cymbals and distortion, the crowd screaming louder than ever. Corey strode to the front of the stage, gripping the mic and pacing like a caged animal as he addressed the fans.

You watched Jim grab the hoodie, he'd usually wear after the show and throw it over his shoulder. He stayed near his station, playing a steady riff as a buildup for the next song. He stepped closer to the side of the stage where you stood, and to your surprise, he motioned you over with a nod of his head.

You hesitated, glancing around as if someone might stop you. The crew was too busy to care, and the crowd was far too focused on Corey to notice. So, you stepped forward, your sneakers scuffing against the stage floor. You were still standing at the side of the stage and no one could see you, but it was nonetheless an overwhelming sensation to share the stage with Slipknot, even if it was just for a few minutes.

As you reached him, you craned your neck to look up at his towering frame. At 6’6, Jim was already tall, but in his stage gear and boots, he looked absolutely massive.

“You cold?” he asked and nodded down to your shivering ahoulders. You smiled and shrugged. “A little.”

“Take the hoodie,” he said and turned his shoulder, from where the hoodie was hanging. You took it and mumbled a thank you, blushing over how considerate he was.

He leaned down, nearly folding himself in half so he could speak to you. “My mask’s digging into my face. Can you fix it?”

His voice was warm and familiar, even muffled by the mask. You reached up, your fingers brushing against the rough fabric as you assessed the situation. Sure enough, the straps had shifted slightly, pressing awkwardly against his skin.

“I have to have to take it off,” you said, your voice just loud enough to be heard over the music and Corey’s speech.

Jim nodded, carrying on with the consistent riff, nudging you to back up a bit so he was out of sight. People knew what he looked like by now, but it just wouldn't be the same if everyone suddenly saw his face at the show. He'd told you, how naked he felt without it on.

You gently unfastened the straps. You worked quickly, careful not to smudge the makeup beneath it. Once the mask was off, you saw the red marks where it had been digging in, and you pouted a little.

“Does it hurt?” you asked, brushing your thumb lightly over the irritated skin.

“Nah,” he said with a small smirk. “It’s nothing.”

Still, you frowned at him. “Hold still.”

You adjusted the straps, making sure they wouldn’t gnaw at his face again. But before you fastened the mask back on, you rose onto your tiptoes, cupping his face in your hands. Jim froze for a moment, his dark eyes widening slightly, and then he tilted his head down to meet you halfway.

You pressed a kiss to his lips, your heart racing as the crowd’s cheers echoed in the background. For a moment, it was just the two of you, the chaos of the stage fading away.

When you pulled back, Jim gave you a rare smile—small but genuine, the kind of smile he saved just for you.

“Better?” you asked, holding up the mask.

“Much better,” he replied, leaning down again so you could secure it in place.

Once it was fastened properly, Jim straightened to his full height, looking every bit the intimidating figure he portrayed on stage. But as he glanced down at you one last time before stepping back into the spotlight, you caught the soft gleam in his eyes as he mouthed a quiet I-love-you.

He returned to his spot just as Corey finished his speech, and the crowd erupted as the band launched into the next song. Jim’s riff sliced through the air, raw and unrelenting, and you couldn’t help but grin as you watched him come alive on stage.

Every now and then, he would glance your way, his head tilting slightly as if to check on you. And each time, you gave him a little wave, your chest swelling with love for him.

You stayed there for the rest of the set, your feet planted firmly on the side of the stage as you watched the man you loved command an ocean of fans. And though he was a monster on stage, a force of nature that couldn’t be contained, you knew the softer side of him—the man who let you fix his mask, who bent down just to kiss you, and who never missed a chance to remind you how much you meant to him.

By the time the show ended, your cheeks hurt from smiling, and your heart felt full enough to burst. As the band left the stage, Jim was the last to pass you, his long fingers brushing against backside and delivering a small smack, making you jump a little. You chuckled and you could by the way his eyes scrunched under his mask, that he did too.

“Wait for me,” he murmured, his voice low and filled with promise.

And you did, knowing that no matter how wild the night got, you would always have this—moments of quiet connection in the midst of chaos, moments that reminded you why you fell in love with Jim Root in the first place.

[danco110]

“Make way! Boss coming through!”

The crowd quickly parted to make way for the massive cruiser. Atop its flat platform roof was an entourage of aetherborn, all armed and surrounding their seated leader. Despite their raised hood, the nearby pedestrians could clearly see the trails of aether emanating from the boss’s face, signifying that their time was running short.

Finally the ride slowed to a stop, before the front door of a plain, nondescript building. Only when the guards crossed the threshold of the first room - the main room of a plain apartment - did they finally relax, taking seats among the rather ordinary furniture.

“So, boss,” sighed one of the attendants, “you handled all kinds of business today; ate like a king at the Prakhta Club, patrolled the night market, and even found one of those Consulate holdouts!”

The group’s leader nodded once, signaling for them to continue.

“So…Did you have a good time?”

The group’s leader chuckled wryly before speaking, in a weak voice with breaths that sent more aether into the air. “I did. But…well…when I said I wanted to ‘feel like a boss’? I was mainly just repeating something I’d heard from one of those ‘planeswalkers’ who’d helped save the city.”

“Oh no…”

“I didn’t mean a crime boss-”

“Oh noooo…”

Almost in unison, the entourage all groaned and put their heads in their hands.

“No, I mean, I still had a great time! Even if it wasn’t…in the way I was expecting. So, thank you all.”

“I take it you want us to leave?”

“Not because of today. But yes. See, in my free time, I like to raise plants!” The fading aetherborn opened the door to their back room, revealing a large potted plant with glowing pink flowers. “I think…I think I’d like to make sure they’re watered before I…go.”

“W-We can take care of-”

“No.”

The guards finally relented and left in a single file line. Their “leader” smiled silently to themself and entered the back, taking a watering can from a nearby table before closing the door behind them.

[Cmon wizards, print more aetherborn! Or do a return to Kaladesh! Or something! Also dang, Live Fast and Die Young, those two cards just pull at the heartstrings!]

[dimorphodon-x]

Sleep hasn’t been very easy the last few days so last night I wrote something silly.

—

—

The Decepticon higher ups weren’t entirely sure where to put him when they first took him in, but after his recovery, Razorfin was lumped in with a seeker team. Everyone was already aware of their roles in the upcoming mission, a relatively simple yet dangerous one.

Razorfin didn’t allow himself to react as red eyes turned to him, a rainbow of twitching wings signaling to neighbors in a silent language he never would be able to understand or speak. But from their faces he could assume they couldn’t make heads or tails of him either, the segments from his alt mode made little sense to them.

There were turbines on and behind his shoulders, those they recognized, but there were no obvious wings (“come now, you can hardly call those little nubs ‘wings’!”), and he had what they could only assume was a tail or weird rudder hanging from his back. Ugly.

The newcomer ignored the seekers scrutinizing stares as he took a seat and quietly waited. Razorfin could handle their stares, it felt familiar to him, and it was better than being alone anyway.

They didn’t need to wait long before the hatch opened, and the seekers poured out, Razorfin joining them. The fliers changed to their jet alt modes, flying in formation. Razorfin’s altmode joined in unison, tailing the jets.

[What the frag are you supposed to be??] one seeker sputtered over the coms, disgust laced in their tone. Razorfin groaned softly in mild irritation.

[Stay focused.]

He could almost hear their grumbles over the sound of the passing wind and explosions down below. He briefly glanced down at the battlefield, watching mechs fights. He didn’t recognize any of them, yet there was something rather foreign about fighting against familiar beings in such a violent battle. He didn’t like it.

However there was little he could do about it, and Razorfin turned his attention back on his teammates. They’d very soon send down a barrage of missiles to break the Autobot’s defenses, allowing the Decepticons to overwhelm them.

Of course not one of them would be going down without a fight, it was only natural. Their weapons were suddenly turned upwards, aiming for the biggest target.

An anguished song echoed from Razorfin as bullets showered his underside. His eyes widened and tail lashed in shock, panic tugged at his beating spark.

Trapped in the mind of a terrified beast, he could only try to swim faster to escape his pursuers. In the air or underwater, he was not safe. Spears pierced his hide and encouraging shrieks and cries from the crowds urged his predators to continue their sport until the beast fell from pain and exhaustion. He would be dragged away to be repaired, but he never knew if he’d survive to see the next day.

Razorfin wobbled in the air, a sudden realization striking him. He was not helpless as he was before. He had the mind to fight back.

A newfound anger bubbled up within his core as he turned his attention downward, the seekers having already scattered and abandoned him. He was not prey today.

Razorfin opened his mouth, wails and booming songs of vengeance spilling out into the air as he turned and dived. The pointed snout of his altmode acted like a battering ram as he plowed through the mechs that were shooting at him just moments ago, their frames exploding upon impact. Those who ducked ended up crushed underneath.

Pink showered his face and dragging underbelly. His tail slammed the ground, knocking those nearby off their feet. His thrusters slowed, leaving Razorfin beached on the ground, but he was still fighting.

He arched his back with a wailing cry, lifting his massive head and tail before slamming back down, crushing any who had gotten too close.

A shower of bullets from the air warded off survivors. Razorfin looked up. One of the seekers had returned and was circling overhead.

[Get out of there you idiot! We’ve done our part!]

With a huff, Razorfin shifted to bot mode, briefly looking around at the carnage before running from the scene. He needed a good jump to get back into the air, his tail grazing the ground as he climbed back up into the sky after the seeker.

They flew in silence for a while as they left the battlefield. The seeker then spoke over the coms.

[So… what is your alt mode? It looks… beastly.]

Razorfin grumbled. It took him a moment to remember.

[Fin whale.]

[That's an Earth creature, right? Why choose that form?]

Another grumble, air hissed from his vents [I don’t know. I think I’ve always had it.]

The seeker flipped over him, Razorfin allowed the mech to examine his form.

[A flying whale. How silly.]

[Tell that to the guys I just demolished.]

The remainder of their flight was silent.

[talltoontales]

High Rolling Spider-Man: Rushed

Prompt: This week kicked my $h1t in, and I forgot to write a story. You know who that reminds me of?

Prompt By: Me (ToonMan)

Started Writing: 06/22/2024 at 11:29 pm (Good Lord!)

|| || || || || || || || || ||

Two women, one brunette and one ginger, stand on the side of the road outside a busy restaurant. Surrounded by excited chatter, the ginger woman steps away from the crowd, pulling her phone out of her purse.

// // // // // // // // // //

Across town, Spider-Man flies back-first into the side of a parked car. Across the street, a man in a brown and yellow jumpsuit armed with metal gauntlets and a matching belt walks toward Spider-Man. Spidey starts pulling himself from the side of the car only to get hit in the chest with a blue ray fired from the thug's gauntlets.

“Oh no, don’t get up,” says the man, “I’ll make this nice and quick for ya. Won’t feel a thing!” The man fires another blast, but Spider-Man pulls himself from the car, flipping over it and using it as cover.

“Come on, Herman!” says Spider-Man. “Don’t you have anything better to do than take potshots at me?”

“Well, normally I’d be at work right now,” says Herman as he fidgets with the dials on his gauntlets, “but it turns out someone got the place shut down!” Spider-Man leaps upward onto a wall right as Herman fires a massive blast at the car, causing it to explode.

“Hey! I didn’t know you worked there,” says Spider-Man. “Besides, I did you a favor. You just got on parole. The last thing you needed was your parole officer finding out you were doing guard work for a known pimp!”

“An alleged pimp,” yells Herman, firing another blast at Spider-Man. “And it doesn’t matter anyway! He was the only one who would hire me in this stupid city, and without a job, I’m screwed either way!” Spider-Man dodges several blasts from Herman when he feels his phone vibrate in his pocket. He taps on the earpiece inside his mask.

“Who’s calling, and can I call you back?” asks Spider-Man.

“Peter! Where are you!?” asks the ginger woman.

“Heeeey, Angi,” whispers Spider-Man. “Don’t sweat it. I am on my way as we speak.”

“As Peter or as Spider-Man?” asks Angelica.

“Uhhh. One sec,” says Spider-Man. “Hey, Herman, do you mind if we pick this up later? I got something I gotta take care of.”

“Are you serious!?” says Angelica & Herman in unison.

“You think you can ruin my life and just brush me off like I’m nothing!?” demands Herman.

“No, I didn’t mean it like—” Spider-Man leaps over another blast only to get knocked higher into the air by a second blast. Herman proceeds to juggle Spider-Man in the air.

“No suit,” says Angelica, “that was the deal. I set you up with Betty, and for one night, Spider-Man does not exist. Do you have any idea how much I had to talk her into this?”

“Seriously, can I call you back?” asks Spider-Man, “Besides, you make it sound like I’m not that great of a person,” groaned Spider-Man.

“You’re not,” says Angelica and Herman, again.

“Look, I’m on my way. Ten—” Herman lets Spider-Man faceplant onto the ground. “…fifteen minutes tops. Just tell her I…uh…you know what, users’ choice."

“Who could have seen that coming?” mocks Angelica. “Once again, I have to salvage the remains of your social life.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, shocker, I know,” says Spider-Man.

“What did you just call me?” demands Herman. Spider-Man looks up to see Herman standing over him.

“Oh crap,” says Spider-Man.

\\ \\ \\ \\ \\ \\ \\ \\ \\ \\

Angelica winces as Spider-Man screams into the phone before cutting off. She sighs as she regains her composer.

“He’s not coming, is he?” Angelica turns around to see Betty standing behind her.

“No, he’s coming. He just got caught up in work,” says Angelica, “lost track of time.”

“Look, I appreciate what you’re doing for me," says Betty, “but I think I’m gonna call it a night.”

“No, Betty, come on,” says Angelica, “I promise, Peter’s coming, and by the end of the night, you’re gonna be thanking me ten times over for getting you out of that stuffy apartment.”

“He’s that amazing, huh?” asks Betty.

“I wouldn’t say he’s amazing,” says Angelica, “but he has his moments. Plus, would I drag you all the way here for a subpar night?” Betty rolls her eyes. “Exactly! Look, you don’t have to believe in him, but believe in me who believes in him.” Betty snickers, leading the two girls into laughing together.

“Alright, fine,” says Betty, “I guess I can hang out for a few more minutes.”

“Thank you,” says Angelica. “And who knows, Pete might shock the both of us…”

. . . . . . . . . .

(Holy crap, that was close!)

Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed the story! If you have any comments, critiques, or criticisms, please don't be afraid to let me hear 'em (as long as they're constructive (or comical)). Also, if you have some spare time, check out my blog for more stories like the one above. Stay safe, drink plenty of water, and be kind to yourself and others. ToonMan, AWAY!

[No joke, this week rocked me like I owed it money. Still working on week one's story, and for better or worse, it's getting posted before the end of the week. See ya then.]

[bite-of-witchcraft]

∇ - TOMBSTONE - who they are versus who they appear to be

Monstrous Headcanons

(Trigger Warning: Violent, Animal Cruelty)

-Crimson Forest, Drustvar Wilderness-

Various flora lay scattered about the large stone disc on the forest floor. Placed meticulously within symbols drawn with soil, some were ground to a powder while others were reduced only to their petals. Four crystals impaled the stone in carved-out holes, secured in their upright position by woven-together branches and wicker. A rabbit skull sat at the center of the stone, surrounded by five unlit candles.

As the moon above approached its zenith Amelia lowered the dark hood and with a shrug of her shoulders, the robe fell to the ground. The night breeze kissed every inch of her nude body as two fingers dipped into a foul-smelling fluid and proceeded to paint lines and ancient runes across her body. Down the arms, legs, and across her bare chest and stomach.

Amelia Spoke in tongues of a language long since forgotten by current civilizations as she worked, the five candles spontaneously igniting with a wave of her hand. The crystals cracked down their centers in unison as the soil-drawn lines began to glow with Drust magic, black and teal energy rising like smoke in the night.

Reaching into the cage at her feet, the witch picked up the black car by the scruff of the neck. Collecting the feline's hind legs together she twisted violently, snapping the neck bone and opening the flesh to let the blood pour into the carved channels within the stone. Chanting another verse in tongues the deceased feline was lifted, letting the anima trickle across her body as she entered the ritual circle.

The earth shook and split open, and an incorporeal being sapped the teal and black energies from the circle as it took form, donning the rabbit's skull as a mask.

Amelia smiled sinisterly as she stared into the empty sockets.

-Fallhaven, Drustvar-

The main street market bustled at midday. Farmers, traveling merchants, and city folk looking for unique items all crowded the center square of Fallhaven. A cacophony of barkers, criers, and children's laughter with parental shouting rivaled that of Boralus' harbor.

Amelia carried a basket in the crook of her elbow, filled with purchased baked goods, herbs, new cutlery, and sewing needles. Buried at the bottom beneath a deep green cloth, her true reason for attending the monthly market, was a silver dagger.

Two small children bumped into the back of her leg, the younger boy falling back onto the ground as the sister helped him up. Amelia turned around with an arched brow and a soft smile.

"Sorry miss!" The younger girl chirped. "Matthias don't always watch where he is goin'."

"Oh, that's quite alright." Amelia cooed, lowering herself to their level to inspect the boy's scraped knee. "Just a bit of friction rash, no broken skin. No worry of infection."

"It—" the boy sniffled, "—hurts like fira on the skin."

"Well ye know wot'll help?" Amelia said with a smile as she watched the children's brows perk. "A few sweets."

She pulled two large chocolate chip cookies from the basket which she had purchased from the local baker's stall. Offering one to each child.

"Oh, wow, thanks lady!" The girl squealed as she eagerly took a bite of the cookie and then proceed to speak with her mouth full. "These are from Gran's bakery! I can tell, only she uses these massive chocolate chunks!"

"Jenny!" The boy swatted his sister's shoulder. "Mum says not to talk with yer mouth full! Yer spraying crumbs!"

With a smile and a tip of his head, the boy collected his sister with a cookie in hand and the two ran off again.

[crissiebaby]

DiapOut: Chapter 30

DISCLAIMER: This series contains diaper usage, public humiliation, masturbation, hypermessing, sissification, WAM, mental regression, and other ABDL themes. If you haven’t read the first chapter and want to catch up, be sure to check out the link in the description. I hope you enjoy!

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

“Okay, Lelaya! Since the wetters are currently trailing, your team shall roll first,” said CassiRole, handing off one large, six-sided dice block to the Wetter’s eager first player. 

Raising the bullhorn to her mouth, Keelee interjected before Lelaya could make the inaugural roll, “When you roll the dice, make sure to step back so the camera can get a good shot of it!”

Bouncing up and down like an impatient toddler, Lelaya was thrilled that the wait was finally over. She cupped her hands around the single die and shook it around for a few seconds before blowing on it for good luck.

Unfortunately, the amount of time Lelaya was taking to build up her first dice roll wasn’t sitting well with everyone on her team. “Ugh! Jus woll awweady!” shouted Misa, too annoyed by Lelaya’s usual goofy antics that she forgot about her lisp momentarily. Thankfully, the crowd’s uproarious laughter was more than enough to remind her with her cheeks flaring up in response.

“Hold your horses! You know I have a ritual! Now, I have to start over!” responded Lelaya, causing a chorus of sighs to echo between the audience, crew, and players alike as they waited through another round of Lelaya’s lucky technique, “Mama needs a new pair of booties!” She launched her dice forward, letting it roll out onto the painted studio floor. Her cheerful expression faltered as she caught sight of what she rolled.

Curling her lips in to keep from busting a gut, Cassi spoke into her microphone, her voice a little shaky, “A one…pfffft…g-great start, Lelaya.”

“A one?! Afta aww dat?!” yelled Misa, unable to put a lid on her temper as she felt the compulsion to speak out, her heart fluttering a little as the audience laughed at her expense once again. She cupped her mouth with her hand but the damage was done as she was unaware that the hypnosis she had undergone had not only affected her speech but was also taking its toll on her patience and decorum.

Stepping forward as a team, Lelaya and her team stopped on the first, red square at the start of the game board. “The wetters have landed on a red square! You know what that means?!” said Cassi, her attention turning to her live-studio audience as they chanted in unison with her, “It’s punishment time!”

While Lelaya’s teammates grew immediately anxious over what the first of what was to be many punishments was going to be as this would set the bar for the rest of the round. Funny enough, the only person who was anxious was Lelaya, who was getting exactly what she wanted.

“Please direct your attention to the big screen as we figure out what poor Lelaya’s punishment will be,” said Cassi, drawing everyone’s eyes toward the massive monitor that had once displayed the timer for Round Two. On-screen, an animated, rainbow-colored wheel began to spin, going for about five seconds before slowing to a stop and displaying the result in bold, white letters.

Keep Your Hands To Yourself.

“What the hecky does that mean?” said Lelaya, confused by the cryptically cheeky title that was given to her punishment. Her confusion quickly dissipated, though, as one of the Iris bots rolled itself onto the set with a straight jacket neatly folded in its arms.

Watching as the Iris nanny approached Lelaya without so much as a hint of mercy, Cassi was happy to keep her audience up to date with her color commentary. “It means exactly what it says! And there’s no better way for a Little to keep their hands to themselves than by literally forcing them to hug themselves at all times,” she said with sarcasm baked into every word she spoke, something the crowd of onlookers couldn’t get enough of, “Completion of this punishment will earn your team ten additional points. I assume that you accept your punishment?”

“Oh, you bet your booty, I do!,” stated Lelaya boldly, offering herself up willingly to the Iris bot as she lifted her arms up and allowed for the straight jacket to be slipped over her brown t-shirt. She giggled as her robotic nanny made quick work of the long sleeves and various restraining straps, with Iris giving an extra tug on the belt that ran across the underside of her diaper. “Mhmm, this one’s even cozier than the one I have back at home,” she said, wiggling in her straight jacket to test its restrictive limits.

“Well, so much for this being a punishment,” scoffed Cassi, earning another round of jeers from her fans, “Have no fear, though. Lelaya got off easy with this one. We’ve got a lot more up our sleeves than a straight jacket. A deal’s a deal, though! Everyone give Lelaya a big hand!”

Regrouping with her team, Lelaya soaked up the praise that was heaped onto her. The reception of her fellow teammates, sadly, was nowhere close to as enthusiastic, earning a few odd looks from her closest allies. Not that she minded though, smiling contently as the Messers geared up for their first roll of the dice. 

“Alright, guys, I think I can do better than a one,” said Zeke snarkily, spending less time than Lelaya took to roll his dice. He fist-pumped the air as the die settled into place with five dots pointing toward the ceiling. Knowing that red spaces meant punishment, he looked down the board’s trail, breathing a sigh of relief as the fifth space was bright green. The last thing he needed was to give Cassi more ammo against him. However, while he was happy to avoid punishment, he had no idea what green or any of the other primary colored spaces had in store for him.

“Oh boy! Our first green space! That means it's time for our first betting mini-game!” shouted Cassi, garnering more applause as she pulled Zeke aside to explain what was going to happen. “Unlike other events where you complete tasks for set point totals, betting mini-games are your chance to wager your current point total for the chance to take a huge lead. Be careful, though, or you could lose everything.”

With her eyes going wide as dinner plates, Kyoko’s anxiety lurched upward at the thought of being sent back to zero. She cupped her hands around her mouth and yelled over to Zeke, remembering to keep her lisp up for the cameras, “Don bet too mush!”

“Hey now, no advice from the sidelines unless you want a timeout,” said Cassi, her tone both humorous and stern as she pointed a finger Kyoko’s way, “Sorry about that, Zeke. As I was saying, you can bet any of the 151.5 points you have at your disposal. How much will you risk for a sweet reward? Before you decide, though, let’s find out what your challenge will be!” Once again, all eyes fell upon the giant monitor as the same rainbow wheel spun with a flourish of vibrant colors before coming to a stop.

Buggy Baby’s Naptime Ride.

“Oooh! Yes! I was hoping to see this challenge pop up! Please follow me,” said Cassi, guiding Zeke across the studio to a cylindrical, glass chamber with cameras all around it that was built into the side of the CassiLand set. Inside the chamber was something tall and metallic, but the dim lighting kept it shrouded in mystery. As Cassi opened the door, the chamber lights turned on, revealing a CrissBaby Walker Pro at the heart of the cornerless room with an Iris bot parked next to it, “Come on in, Zeke. This is going to be your room until your next turn.”

Entering the round, glass box, Zeke could hear his heart racing as he took in the sound-dampening environment, barely able to hear the choir of murmurs emitting from the audience. The Walker Pro was basically a white whale to any AB or DL struggling with income, with its cost running well into the thousands for such a high-tech piece of equipment. He eyed the device hungrily, knowing that soon enough, he’d get the chance to ride the illusive Walker Pro for himself.

“I can see from that look on your face that you are very excited about your challenge. Trust me, by the way, with over fifty settings to play with, the CrissBaby Walker Pro lives up to the hype,” said Cassi, getting through the mandatory ad read before jumping into the juicy aspects of Zeke’s challenge. Meanwhile, a team of two PAs entered the chamber and began attaching bands with jingle bells on them to Zeke’s wrists and ankles, “The basis of Buggy Baby’s Naptime Ride is simple. From now until your next turn, you are going to be locked inside the Walker Pro with a set of jingle bell cuffs attached to each limb. I will then set the Iris bot to Naptime Mode with her audio sensor turned up to its maximum setting and leave you both within this soundproof chamber. Your challenge? Don’t let Iris catch you playing during naptime, or else there will be big consequences. Think you’re up to the challenge? And if so, how much are you gonna wager?”

Nodding his head rapidly, Zeke was already in love with the conceit of his challenge and it hadn’t even started yet. Taking a moment to think, he made eye contact with Kyoko’s pleading expression, reminding himself not to go overboard. “I am! And I’ll bet 20-no! 25 points!”

“Aww, and here I thought you were gonna go all in,” said Cassi, a hollow reverb backing her voice as it echoed out of the soundproof room through the open door, “25 points are on the line, so let’s not waste any time! Walker Pro! Activate!”

In an instant, the Walker Pro came to life with two large mechanical arms spouting out from the side of the walker. The arms quickly homed in on Zeke, who was standing in front of the machine with open arms, ready to be taken into custody by his new robotic overlords. However, as the arms dropped him into his seat, his expression instantly shifted from excitable to one of pure shock.

*BZZZZZZZZZZ!*

“GAH!” screamed Zeke as his body sunk into the stretchy seat at the heart of the Walker Pro. To his surprise, the seat instantly began to vibrate hard as soon as his body came in contact with it, causing a cacophony of jingling bells to sound off as he scrambled to escape the pleasurable sensations that were attacking his body. He stretched his legs toward the ground, finding it impossible to plant both feet without the hidden buzzy toy going frantic. Eventually, he managed to stop the buzzing as he shifted to standing on one leg with his tippy toes fully flexing. It was a painful position to hold but it offered him some momentary relief so he could figure out what was happening.

Luckily for Zeke, Cassi was standing by to explain every blushy detail, “Oops! I forgot to mention! There’s a pressure-sensitive vibrator tucked away in your seat. Don’t worry, it won’t buzz loud enough for Iris to hear it. Just try to keep those pleasure squeals to a minimum. Nanny Iris, please activate Naptime Mode.” She held a finger up to her lips and let out a long, exaggerated shush as she backed out of the doorway to the chamber and promptly shut it behind her, locking Zeke inside. 

Grunting through the shivers of horniness that traveled up his spine, Zeke should’ve known the challenge wouldn’t be as straightforward as Cassi was making it out to be, especially with Cassi at the helm. And judging by her condescending expression, she still had it out for him. His only saving grace was the fact that he only bet 25 points. It wouldn’t be a fun amount of points to 

“Naptime Mode Activated!” said the Iris bot, responding to Cassi's order dutifully, closing its eyes and powering down into a state of rest.

It was all a facade, though. Zeke knew that the moment he made even the slightest noise that Iris would spring back to life, ready to scold him for being such a naughty baby during naptime. And with seven turns to go until his challenge was over, he knew he was gonna be in for a tough ride. Grunting through the shivers of horniness that traveled up his spine, he figured that he should’ve known the challenge wouldn’t be as straightforward as Cassi was making it out to be, especially with Cassi at the helm. And judging by her condescending expression, she still had it out for him. His only saving grace was the fact that he only bet 25 points. It wouldn’t be a fun amount of points to but at least it could be worse.

“We’re only just getting started, folks! Up next is our Baby New Year, Mia!” said Cassi, hyping the audience back up after the lull that came from the time it took to get Zeke’s challenge set, much to Mia’s dismay, “Don’t change that channel! There’s a lot more blushy fun to come!”

Wetters: 156.1 points Messers: 151.7 (+/-25) points

TO BE CONTINUED…

« PREVIOUS l FIRST l NEXT »

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Edited by AllySmolShork

[saratogaroadwrites]

For King and Country (100/122)

For King and Country | saratogaroad rating: T total wordcount:  280,466 characters: Evan Pettiwhisker Tildrum, Roland Crane, Aranella, Batu, Tani, Lofty, Leander Aristidies, Bracken Meadows relationships: Roland Crane & Evan Pettiwhisker Tildrum, Aranella & Evan Pettiwhisker Tildrum, Roland Crane & Aranella, Batu & Tani, Batu & Evan, Tani & Evan, Evan Pettiwhisker Tildrum & Lofty, Rolander other tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Canon-Typical Violence, Mother-Son Relationship, Father-Son Relationship, Place Slowly Becomes Home People Slowly Become Family, Found Family, For Want of A Nail warnings: none

Pulled from his world by mysterious powers, former president Roland Crane finds himself caught in the middle of a coup meant to take the life of the young King Evan Pettiwhisker Tildrum. Joining forces with Aranella, the pair of them set out to aid Evan in making his dream of a kingdom where everyone can live happily ever after a reality.

But the road to peace is a long and treacherous one and there is no promise of success in a world where darkness spreads ever thicker with each passing day. If they are to stand a chance, they must stand together, for king and for country.

(A retelling.)

=

Dell had changed.

In the first few moments of dawn’s gray light, Evan took in the city that had once been his home. The cobblestone back roads and familiar houses and shops had been buried under more than a little snow as the storm had blown through, but even that cover couldn’t take away the sensation of wrong that hung over the city like a pall. He frowned, clutching at his chest with his free hand. Still clutching at his other hand, Tani shuddered.

“Does anybody else feel that?” She asked, peering out from under the archway that separated Kingsway from back road. “Like there’s something really heavy in this air?”

“I can feel it,” Evan said softly. He took a deep breath of cloyingly sweet air, already sour stomach churning. He looked up, half expecting to see some massive dark cloud hanging over their heads, but the only clouds up there were snow clouds. An ear twitched against the inside of his hood. “I think it’s the Darkness.”

“It is.” Leander and Nella confirmed in near perfect unison. They shared a glance, and a grimace. Leander adjusted his glasses and added, “A very thick Darkness. I doubt that Doloran could be the only cause of this.”

“Pah.” Batu sniffled, “Course he ain’t. Not with that rat king hangin’ about. We oughta—”

A distant sound caught Evan’s ears. They pricked forward, trying to trace it, but Batu’s voice was too loud. He turned, opening his mouth.

“Oi!” Lofty hissed before Evan could speak, no doubt reading his intention, “Pipe down, would you? Somethin’s goin’ on.”

The group went silent. As their voices died away, Evan was able to separate their breathing from the murmur within the city. It was distant, quiet, and could have easily been mistaken for the wind except the wind had also gone still. It wasn’t water; even the river beneath the bridge had to be mostly frozen by now. It was…people?

Oh. Public execution. His stomach churned and he tightened his grip on Tani’s hand.

“It’s a crowd,” He said, lifting his head. Now was not the time to curl up into a ball and cry, no matter how he wanted to. “I..think it’s the public part of the execution.”

“It likely is,” Nella agreed, looking at him sympathetically. “I wouldn’t doubt Mausinger having the soldiers rouse everyone to make a spectacle of this. They’re most likely in the plaza by now.”

“Then we’d better hurry,” Bracken said, eying the slowly lightening sky. “Dawn’s not that far off.”

So hurry they did; Batu and Nella took the lead, darting through the back roads. Evan didn’t stop to think as they ran through snow covered streets, the Higgledies struggling in the tracks they left behind. He didn’t think about how much his old home had changed, or about how cold the place felt in his heart. He didn’t stop to think about what would happen if they couldn’t stop this in time.

He couldn’t let himself go down that road. Not yet. Not while they still had a chance.

Lofty, bouncing alongside him, poured comfort through their bond. He drew strength from that, and from Tani’s hand in his, but even those two couldn’t entirely hold back the chill of fear that was threatening to swallow him whole. Up ahead, Nella leapt back as Batu rounded the corner, grabbing a mouse soldier in both beefy arms and pulling him into the alley. Evan felt a twinge of guilt as the poor soldier didn’t even have time to shout before he was out, knocked clean into unconsciousness by a blow to his head. Batu set him gently down, leaving Nella to peer around the corner.

To Evan, her hiss was as loud as thunder.

“N-Nella?”

She shook her head, gesturing them forward. Her hand skimmed across his shoulder as she pointed into the plaza.

“Oh, Gods,” Leander choked, sounding as if he were about to be ill.

Evan couldn’t blame him. He had to swallow back his own ill feeling, blood running cold as he processed the sight in front of them. It seemed as if all the citizens of Dell had gathered in the Plaza just ahead. None of them looked happy; clumps of Mousekind and Humanfolk huddled together, bundled against the cold and warily watching the soldiers that patrolled the roads nearby. Parents held children close, hands over their ears. Friends and lovers held hands, hiding faces in shoulders. None of them cast more than passing glances towards the castle, too busy trying to keep calm. Some, he saw, had faces streaked with tears. They were scared.

They didn’t want this. These people…they had to be aware of why they had been gathered, and none of them wanted it either. He looked up to Nella.

“We have to get into the crowd,” He said, “Get to the front and get these people back before they bring Roland out. We need the room.”

“Yeah, but where can they go?” Bracken piped up, peering over Nella’s shoulder. “There’s soldiers everywhere…”

“We’ll have to take them out,” Nella said. She looked at the sky, then back at Evan. “You and Tani stay here. We’ll take care of the soldiers. Once they’re out, we can get the civilians to leave and take it from there.”

Evan didn’t really like it, but there was no time for a better plan. Swallowing back his trepidation, he nodded once. It was all the answer they needed. With one last pat to Evan’s shoulder, Nella headed out first, turning a corner between two emptied shops. The other three adults followed in her lead, Batu’s normally thundering footsteps oddly quiet amidst all the snow. Soon, even those faded out of Evan’s hearing. He sighed a cloud of steam, watching the crowd.

“The flip’s ol’ ratface waitin’ for?” Lofty muttered, pacing back and forth between the two of them, “Got a crowd an’ the sun’s already halfway up!”

“Don’t jinx us, you,” Tani shot at him. “Maybe he changed his mind or something!”

“I don’t think so,” Evan shook his head slowly. “Mausinger was always very stubborn. Once he had decided on something, he would always see it through. He won’t change his mind unless he’s forced to.”

It was going to come down to a fight, wasn’t it? He had wanted so badly to avoid this, to not have to fight someone he had once seen as family, but…there was no choice anymore. He had waited too long, made the wrong calls, and now…

This was his fault. He had to fix it.

“Told you we shoulda just clobbered ‘im,” Lofty muttered, but his words were without heat. Evan opened his mouth, stopping as a sound caught his attention. It wasn’t the soft yelp of a guard being pulled away, or a voice, it was something creakier, metallic. Metal cringing in the cold.

He knew that sound. Door hinges. Large ones.

“The castle door just opened,” He said, taking a sharp breath. Someone was coming out. He peered around the corner; there were fewer soldiers now, but he could still see some patrolling the streets. There was no sign of Nella or the others yet. He turned to Tani. “I need to get into the crowd. I have to try and stop this!”

Tani searched his face for a long second, then shook her head.

“Not on your own, you won’t. Come on.” She peered around the corner. “Keep your hood up and—now!”

Honed by weeks of fighting side by side, he knew what she meant for him to do without explanation. Lofty bounced onto his shoulder before the pair of them bounded across the road, slipping between the skirts of a Mouse-matron and the coattails of a humanfolk at the edge of the crowd. Bodies shifted out of the way as they kept their heads down. Evan’s ears twitched wildly as a murmur began in the crowd.

“My dearly beloved citizens!” Mausinger’s voice brought them both up short, hidden behind yet more skirts. He didn’t dare look up; they weren’t at the front of the crowd yet. Neither could risk being spotted. “For days, a threat has walked among us all. A specter in the night, holding a blade to the throats of us all.”

Evan grit his teeth, slipping after Tani. A human man stepped out of the way with a grumble.

“This threat was sent to our doorstep by the tyrant, Tildrum! He has made attempts on the lives of many of your fellow mousekind, and on the crown itself!”

A gasp rang through the crowd. Tani had to skitter back, crashing into Evan’s chest as one of the noble-mice at the front stepped back with a near shriek. Evan looked around wildly. There had to be a way to get to the front!

“There is no need to fear,” Mausinger went on, “For he has been brought to heel, and now, he faces the justice he and his ilk so richly deserve.”

Over the mutter and murmur of the crowd, Evan could just hear a grunt and the sound of flesh impacting stone. His heart raced even harder, thumping against his ribs as his imagination sent horrible images skittering across his mind’s eye. He knew that voice. He looked up, seeing the backs of another dozen mice. They were almost there!

“This criminal has been found guilty of espionage! Guilty of assault against soldiers of the crown! Guilty of treason against the crown itself!” Mausinger paused to draw breath and then, “The sentence is death!”

The sound of metal sliding against a scabbard sent the crowd back another step, fearful for the own lives. In that same instant, Evan saw an opening between two portly mice nobles, and through that opening, to half of the plaza nearest the castle bridge. Three more guards stood watch, wickedly sharp halberds in hand, over a man on his knees.

Roland, ashen and exhausted, his hands clapped in irons in front of him, was kneeling in the snow with his head held high, his only half focused eyes full of a steely resolve. He had to have been terrified, but it didn’t show on his face.

Evan’s heart stopped its racing beat. The world itself seemed to stop for just a few moments, everything hanging suspended in that one, crystalline second. Mausinger, a pace or two away from Roland, had drawn his blade. Judge and jury and executioner, he lifted the blade at such an angle that one strong swing would cleave Roland’s head from his neck. Roland had no way to defend himself from such an attack; if he moved, the guards would be on him. He had no weapon, no shield, no chance of getting away.

Evan’s heart thumped back to life, racing once more. The world spun back up. The crowd started to scream, people begging Mausinger not to do it, to show mercy, to be better than Tildrum would have been. At his side, Tani elbowed her way wildly through a knot of Nobles who were stumbling back; her hand slipped from Evan’s and he threw himself forward. Lofty, unprepared, fell back into the crowd with a cry, lost to the rush. Two shrieking nobles stumbled backwards, dragging Evan back with them even as he managed to get between them. They were in his way and he couldn’t get through them fast enough!

He looked up in time to see Roland lift his head to greet the rising sun, his face peaceful. If he was going to die, that expression said, it would be with dignity. One last look at the sunrise was the best he could do.

He saw Evan instead.

Evan saw the panic flare to life on that familiar face. His eyes went wide, his skin somehow going even paler. He shook his head once, mouth soundlessly forming a no as he tried to get to his feet, tried to get off his shaking knees, but the guard that was standing nearest to him reached out and shoved him back down, holding him down despite his struggles. Roland tried to jerk free, but it was no use. Mausinger, either ignoring or heedless of the sudden shift in the air, closed the gap between them. His blade gleamed as he lifted it for the final swing.

In that instant, Evan was sure he had no way to get close enough in time. The mice were too thick, too terrified, too close together. He strained, pushing and shoving, but he couldn’t get through. He had no way to make it in time. No one, not even the Higgledies, was close enough to help.

He wasn’t going to make it. He was going to watch Roland die.

Roland knew it, too. He locked eyes with Evan, apologetic and panicked and so, so very scared. He tried to smile, mouthing something that Evan couldn’t see due to the tears flooding his eyes.

He was going to watch his father die. The thought struck with such clarity that his knees nearly gave out beneath him. He would have fallen if it hadn’t been for his grip on the skirts of the mice closest to him.

This couldn’t happen. Not again!

No. No! No, he wouldn’t let this happen!

“STOP!”

His yowl, the loudest noise he’d ever heard himself make, bounced off shops and houses. Everything stopped for just a second, and then motion. The mice and humans startled back, staring at him. He almost dropped as the two nobles blocking his view backed away in a great big rush, leaving him exposed and vulnerable. There was a kerfuffle behind him, and then Tani was at his back, spear gleaming in the watery sunlight as she brandished it to keep everyone back. Lofty, grumbling angrily, jumped up to his shoulder.

Evan didn’t dare take his eyes off of Mausinger, who had his sword so close to Roland’s neck that a single drop of blood welled up, rolling to drip down the tip of the blade. The mouse-king was staring at him with wide eyes that quickly flooded with rage, and hatred. Evan clenched his fists, holding his ground.

“Let him go, King Mausinger!” He called past the stunned guards. “Your quarrel is with me, not my father!”

A gasp went up through the crowd, but it didn’t matter. None of them mattered now.

“Father?” Mausinger scoffed. His sword rattled in his hand. “So, you would turn even on your own flesh and blood, replace even Leonhard himself?” He pulled the sword from Roland’s neck, taking one, stalking step towards Evan. Evan shifted his weight. “How very like you, Tildrum. You are a betrayer, just like every other member of your accursed line!”

“Mausinger!” Roland shouted, “Touch him and I swear I’ll—”

Whatever Roland’s threat would have been, no one heard it. One of the guards hit him in the side of the head with a gauntleted fist, sending him crashing to the ground. Tani shouted in alarm. Evan’s heart lurched.

“Roland!” He cried out, then jerked around and stared Mausinger down. The mad king was closer now; Evan reached for Lofty’s offered power and his arms band at the same time. “Mausinger, stop this! I didn’t come here to fight you—I don’t want to fight you! Just let him go—this doesn’t have to end in bloodshed!”

“Pah!” Mausinger scoffed, eyes wild. Flames licked down the flat of his blade, startling the crowd into scattering. Someone, multiple someones, called his name from within the stampeding chaos. Evan didn’t dare turn back to search for them. “You would dare speak to me of bloodshed? Have you any idea how much blood your people have caused mine to shed? How many of mine have died because of your accursed line?!” He was shrieking now. Evan grit his teeth and held his ground. “What is the life of one man worth after all of that?!”

“Every life has worth!” Evan retorted firmly. “It doesn’t matter who or what they are—each life is precious!” Baring his teeth he shouted back, “And I’m not going to let you take his!”

“I could not agree more.”

Without warning, Darkness exploded across the plaza. Any citizens reckless enough to have stayed during the yelling finally turned tail and fled, running for whatever cover they could find as the shadows seemed to come alive. Goos and Skeleplasms melted out of the ground, heading for any soldier unlucky enough to be nearby, and there, between Roland and Mausinger—

Doloran.

Evan knew what he was here for, but he couldn’t bring himself to care. Seizing his chance he turned on his heel and bolted for Roland. Across the plaza, Leander and Batu popped out of the crowd and were rushing towards him as well. By virtue of their longer legs, they got there first.

“On yer feet, lad!” Batu reached down, hauling Roland to his stockinged feet, “Can ye run?!”

“We can’t—” Roland shook his head; there was a red mark on his temple from where he had been struck, and he swayed forward. He would have fallen if not for Leander catching him first; Evan’s stomach flipped. This wasn’t good. “Doloran���s going to—”

“Leave ‘im, Rolly-boy!” Lofty yelled from Evan’s shoulder, “We gotta go!”

“Go where?!” Tani practically appeared at Evan’s side, spear dripping the remnants of Goo onto the stone. She gestured back the way they had come. “The crowd’s all tangled up that way! We’re stuck!”

“Not yet—” Evan leaned back on his heels, searching the crowd. This city had been his home for years. He knew where to go. “We’ll go to the Well and find another way out—come on!”

Snatching Tani’s free hand, he took off at a run. Behind him Roland let out a startled protest. Evan looked over his shoulder to see that Batu had slung him across his back like a sack of potatoes, quickly leaving Mausinger and Doloran in their wake. Soldiers lay scattered across the plaza, having no doubt been sent flying by Doloran’s magic, and it was obvious that Mausinger was on the losing end of the battle.

Still, he was trying. His swings were wild, his eyes wide and desperate. Whether out of fear for his own life or anger, he was fighting back with all he had.

It wasn’t enough. Doloran was easily fending off every one of his swings, and it was obvious that he was just toying with Mausinger, just waiting for him to summon Oakenhart.

Evan slowed down. He knew how this would end. Mausinger would summon Oakenhart and Doloran would snatch at the Kingsbond. Oakenhart, enraged and in agony, would attack the city. The people would suffer needlessly for the fault of their King.

Losing his Kingsbond is what Mausinger deserves, Evan thought viciously, and yet.

Was it what the Dellians deserved?

No. It wasn’t.

Gritting his teeth he slid to a halt, his hand slipping from Tani’s as she ran a few more paces before she realized he had pulled free. She turned on her heel, eyes wide.

“Evan!”

“Keep going!” He called back to her, calling his wand from his arms band. Already knowing what he was up to, Lofty poured his magic across the Bond. Evan’s cape and hair began to lift at the sheer power swirling around them. He just needed to distract Doloran. That was all. Maybe it would be for nothing, but he had to try.

With a shout, he let loose a tremendous fireball. It seared across the plaza, taking out an unlucky pair of Goos as it went. Evan watched as Mausinger caught sight of it, his eyes going even wider. With a shriek the mouse-king threw himself aside. Doloran whirled around, disappearing in a wash of shadow.

The fireball exploded against stone, showering anyone unlucky enough to be close in embers and shattered brick. He waited long enough to be sure that Mausinger was alive, watching for only a second to be sure he could get up, then turned on his heel and ran for the Well. Nella, waiting at the stairs, grabbed his hand.

“Quickly,” she said, “down here!”

Together once more, the group slipped into the shadows of Ding Dong Well.

[moonrisecalamityretreat]

The Second Awakening

……….

For the second time, you all rouse to consciousness in an unfamiliar room. At least, this time, you have the benefit of knowing the confused faces around you. Again, a few of you wake on couches and chairs, while others stretch their sore limbs from once again waking up propped against a wall or sprawled on the floor.

It doesn’t take long to realize you’re somewhere completely different. The decor has made a sudden spike into the lap of luxury, like you’re in a very expensive cruise ship.

But… Anyone who has that thought quickly realizes they’re wrong. Cruise ships don’t have floor to ceiling windows like that.

Not ones that overlook clouds slowly rolling by – beneath it.

You can’t help but crowd the massive window that has room to spare for all of you to get a look outside. Between the clouds that float beneath, you can spot some land. There’s no doubt about it; you’re in the sky. It looks nothing like any sort of airplane any of you have been on, and moves so smoothly that you almost can’t believe that you’re in any sort of motion at all.

But there’s no doubt about it. Somehow, for some reason, you’re all on some sort of airship. 

“Aaaaaa-hem!”

You spin around at the sound of an unfamiliar voice. … And then you look slightly downward, because rather than a person, two… creatures stand before you.

Maybe they’re supposed to be rabbits. One is pink, smiling widely with friendly eyes - you think - and the other is purple, glowering at you all. The pink one speaks first, little paws clapping together.

“Good morning, everyone! Please, please, make yourself comfortable! Welcome aboard!”

The purple one speaks next, deadpan and unimpressed.

“You guys look so dumb. Why are you so confused? You haven’t caught on yet?”

The pink one hops in place, nudging her fellow rabbit gently.

“Oh, Diabelle, be nice! We have to give them a proper welcome! Come on, like we practiced!”

Diabelle’s eyes roll.

“Ugh, I told you that was lame, Angeline!”

“One, two…!”

Angeline takes Diabelle’s paws in her own, and while the latter rolls her eyes dramatically, she strikes a mirroring pose, and they both look up at you all as they proclaim in perfect unison:

“Welcome to the Angeline Angel’s and Diabelle Devil’s super special killing game!”

[scintillasofbeomgyu]

➷ a star called you — chapter 6: “dear sputnik”

pairing: choi beomgyu x reader. genre(s): fluff, band txt, college au, smau (this chapter is semi). wc: 889. warning(s): none. an: last photo is suhyeon's pov !!

[01:01 pm] — haewon ushers you and suhyeon into the bleachers, where they had miraculously managed to find three empty seats amidst what they believed to be no less than 80% of the student body. heart thumping harshly against your chest, excitement practically pumping through your veins, you take your seat between haewon and suhyeon and clasp your hands together.

“this is insane, they make an announcement less than two hours before they perform and there are people here i haven't even seen before,” suhyeon snorts, glancing around where they sit.

your eyes travel to the centre of the stadium, where on the soft patch of grass that is the soccer field, instruments, a band stand and massive speakers are set up. you giggle at the sight of taehyun shoving kai playfully as they adjust their ear pieces. soobin and yeonjun are messing around too; you giggle once more when yeonjun grabs onto soobin's nose and wriggles it around aggressively.

spotting a mop of dark brown hair tuning a guitar, you gulp and your heart stops. his back is turned towards you, but before you could get a better look yeonjun's voice rings through the speakers, “seoul national university! are you ready?!”

hundreds of voices, including yours, scream a sea of cheers in response. you find yourself wondering what they will play today; not that it would matter much. semester stress and the fear of possibly flunked tests have long been tossed out the window. a completely different kind of anxiousness had now taken over you as you watch the boys take to their positions.

beomgyu's fingers strike the chords of his guitar, sending shockwaves which seem to rattle the ground and the stadium resting upon it, and the crowd falls silent. then come their voices in magnificent unison, a small group of five, echoing off the space existing between them and the crowd before kai and yeonjun come with the first verse.

they're singing "dear sputnik", a song kai had written for your show with the same name. a song about feeling lost and in despair before finding that one person, your sputnik, with whom to share the journey of the vast unknown galaxy. you hoped to be that presence for people who felt like they had no one, for you knew all to well what it was like to feel utterly alone – even when you weren't.

a smile curls onto your lips as you join the crowd in standing, pulling suhyeon and haewon up with you as you did. “i can't believe we got this lucky!” you attempt to speak over the screams and chorus, haewon offers an enamored grin and ruffles your hair before turning back to the performance.

suhyeon looks to you, then back down to the field where the boys putting on a powerhouse performance; charisma shining in their every fibre. “you're right...” they say, their eyes fixed on taehyun.

you feel your heart race once more as they get closer to the bridge, knowing beomgyu's about to take centre-stage. you take in the way he moves around the stage, a breath-taking smile spread across his face flashing his pearly-white teeth to the audience. the ends of his long, nearly-black hair are damp as they fall across his face, and even as they fall into his eyes, he looks ethereal.

he steps up to the microphone with taehyun, flicking his hair to the back, skin glistening and glittering under the noon light, his eyes glazed over with adrenaline search the bleachers. just before he sings, his eyes lock with yours and your breath hitches. your fingers clench into your shirt as time seems to slow down before stopping completely.

“in a crumbling world,

i found a star called you,

i need you, my love ”

his eyes left yours not once as his voice, like bittersweet honey straight from the dipper, trickles through every inch of your being and fills you up with each and every raw emotion it carries. haewon and suhyeon place a hand on either of your shoulders and your're pulled out of your reverie.

“are you breathing?” haewon asks with an amused look in their eyes, though you can just about hear them over the chorusing stadium. when you only blink in response, haewon chuckles before scrunching up their nose, “you're so in love with him it's gross.”

you glance back to the boys as they finish off their performance, and beomgyu's fingers dance across his guitar a final time before they all run down to taehyun in the centre and fall into a bow. had you imagined it?

the crowd roars for the last time, high pitched screams coming at the boys from every direction. as they pick themselves up, beomgyu's eyes find you in the crowd again. a warmth spreads in his chest and he finds himself smiling softly, completely unbeknownst to you, who is excitedly recounting the performance with your friends, deep shades of red tinting the apples of your cheeks.

an arm wraps around beomgyu's shoulders before loosely draping across them. he finds taehyun throwing him a thumbs up while the others jog toward them excitedly.

“you think it's a mission accomplished?” yeonjun asks, catching his breath before following beomgyu's gaze to the group of friends still sitting in the bleachers.

beomgyu grins, nodding his head fervently, “they're smiling.”

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[keewriting]

Cove x MC - One Shot #5 (request)

[Read on google docs to insert your MC's name]

You blinked your eyes open and adjusted to the blearly blue scenery. Your eyes stung, but weeks of practice made the pain bearable. A fish the size of your head swam past you swiftly. You recognized it as Gerald, the parrotfish that you became well acquainted with these past few weeks. Your coworkers helped you come up with the name after realizing how attached he was to the divers. He had a rough scar across his forehead that helped distinguish him from the other fish.

Gerald was one of many fish that lived in the mermaid performance tank. A dimly lit room with space for 60 audience members held the massive circular tank. Cove Holden would stand among those 60 people during the show this afternoon. His presence in the audience induced a mixture of nerves and excitement within you. Three years ago you admitted your feelings to each other but there was still an air of uncertain awkwardness between you two. Despite that, you invited Cove to watch your first live performance today.

You looked at the waterproof stopwatch on your wrist. One minutes and 37 seconds. Your breath-holding record was almost five minutes. Growing up by the ocean gave you years of experience underwater, but the divers at the aquarium taught you techniques to extend your lung capacity. It was enough time to last through the entire four-minute performance.

You swam around the tank, propelled by your finned feet. The tank decorations made it feel like you were exploring the ocean floor. Schools of bright tropical fish populated the coral structures. A variety of colorful aquatic plants shot up from the sand. The previous part-time job you had couldn’t compare to this one. You felt at peace in the water, and more connected to Cove, who you still suspected was a real mermaid.

The pressure in your head increased and you knew it was time to surface for a breath. You checked the stopwatch as you ascended. Four minutes and 49 seconds. A new record. The air filled your lungs desperately when you broke the surface. You had plenty of time to continue practicing before the performance in four hours.

Four hours later

The chatter of a crowd filling the room triggered your nerves. The secret entrance to the mermaid tank hovered above the auditorium out of the audience’s sight. You stood between your two fellow mermaids, gripping the railing to maintain balance on finned feet. You took a deep breath and focused on the ethereal notes of the ocean lullaby.

The show’s director held up a hand to count down from three. Two. One. You followed the lead mermaid into the tank with a graceful dive. The splash of the third diver behind you was your cue to open your eyes. Once again, your sight adjusted underwater. You thrust downward with your fin and pulled up into a full loop. The guidelines for your performance were lax— as long as you executed the main tricks the show would be a success.

Finding Cove in the audience became your first goal. The visibility was low in the tank, but you couldn’t miss his seafoam green locks. He was also the tallest figure standing among a sea of small children. You swam towards his side of the tank, flapping your tail teasingly. As you drew nearer, the features on his face became discernable. The refracting light from the tank reflected beautifully on his ocean eyes. He stared at you adoringly, his mouth hung open.

You winked at him and swam swiftly to the center of the tank to avoid lingering in one spot. One of your mermaid companions held out her hands to you. In unison you held each other’s hands and pressed forward. Your faces met inches apart. She smiled at you sweetly as her long mane drifted around you. The intimacy made you blush, but your mind still drifted to Cove. You both pushed apart from each other into a smooth underwater backflip.

You swam a lap around the tank, waving to everyone in the crowd. The glowing amazement on the children’s faces filled you with warmth. Your pace slowed as you approached Cove. He stepped forward and pressed his hands against the glass. His red cheeks were unmistakable and he looked as captivated as the children on either side of him.

You thrust yourself backwards with your arms pointed above your head. Your core tightened as you performed the drill spin. The spiralling motion made you dizzy, but you recovered and stabilized. You couldn’t resist stealing another glance at Cove. His smile was wide, the childlike wonder apparent in his expression.

The final act on your list was the beloved mermaid kiss. You steadied yourself in front of Cove with your arms outstretched. His eyes widened and he moved his face closer, nose nearly touching the glass. You placed your palms on either side of your mouth and moved them into the shape of a heart while blowing air outward. The burst of bubbles formed into a heart that traveled to the glass in front of Cove. You could hear the faint sound of children squealing, but your eyes focused on Cove’s reaction. His blush deepened and he beamed at you.

Cove's expression sent butterflies to your stomach. His admiration was addicting, but the pressure felt unbearable. Your lungs needed air. You gave one final wave to the crowd and swam upwards to the dock. Your mermaid companions followed suit. The diving assistants helped the mermaids out of the water and into the locker rooms. Too focused on breathing, you all remained silent.

Your mind was racing with thoughts on how you performed and Cove’s perception of you as a mermaid. Earlier this morning you asked him to meet you outside the employee locker rooms after the show. You couldn't wait to hear his thoughts.

After the assistants helped you out of the tail you toweled off and changed into casual clothes. Your hair was still damp, but meeting with Cove was more important than looking presentable.

You bounded out of the locker room offering a quick farewell to your coworkers. The hallway stretched onward with no sign of Cove. You walked forward, hoping that he didn’t forget your plan to meet. As you turned the corner, an out of breath Cove halted in front of you.

Cove: Y/N!

You jumped backward, startled by his enthusiasm.

Cove: Oh my God, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.

Y/N: It’s okay! I thought you forgot…

Your eyes lowered from Cove’s face to his hands. He was holding a colorful faux coral figurine and a dolphin balloon. You met his gaze again, one eyebrow raised quizzically. He sighed and offered the treasures to you.

Cove: People usually give bouquets of flowers after a performance, but the gift shop didn’t have any.

You didn’t speak, stunned by his thoughtfulness, but accepted the gifts. Your heart was pounding. Cove continued nervously.

Cove: I know coral isn’t a flower, or even a plant, but it’s pretty, and your performance was pretty. It made sense in my head. I hope it’s not stupid.

You wanted Cove to continue rambling, but he stopped and waited for your reaction. He clenched his fists at his sides. You couldn’t hold back a smile any longer. Relief washed over Cove’s reddened face.

Y/N: You’re seriously cute. Thank you for this.

Cove: It’s nothing, really.

His eyes darted away from you. With the coral in one hand and balloon in the other, you wrapped your arms around Cove. He gasped, but wiggled his arms out from your embrace and returned the hug. You nuzzled your face into his comforting chest. Your damp hair soaked into his t-shirt. When you pulled away you grimaced apologetically at the wet spot.

Y/N: Sorry about that.

Cove: No worries, a hug from a mermaid is always welcome.

He spoke with a hint of flirtation in his voice. You appreciated that Cove was trying.

Y/N: Soooo, what did you think? Spare no details.

Cove: Uh— I think I’ll spare some details.

He looked surprised by his own words, but continued speaking.

Cove: Anyway, I enjoyed it. The tank looked awesome, and the music was nice.

You stared intently at Cove, waiting for him to mention you specifically.

Cove: I thought Gerald did a great job. He almost stole the show.

That got a booming laugh from you. You told many stories to Cove about Gerald the fish and how he lingered near you during practice.

Y/N: I’m impressed you recognized him. Almost stole the show, you say?

You raised your eyebrows at Cove, who appeared like a deer in headlights.

Cove: It was hard to keep my eyes off you.

Cove paused, forming his next sentence carefully.

Cove: Your movement was fluid and mesmerizing, like a real mermaid.

You chuckled abruptly.

Y/N: A real mermaid? You mean like you?

Cove rolled his eyes and crossed his arms conclusively, not willing to speak anymore. You weren’t letting him off the hook this easily.

Y/N: I’d like to hear more of your thoughts. What was your favorite part?

Cove: Oh, hm.

He tapped his finger on his chin, pretending to think hard about the question. His words were a soft mumble.

Cove: The bubble kiss…

Y/N: Speak louder, Cove.

Cove huffed and hugged his arms around his body tighter.

Cove: I know you heard me, Y/N.

He groaned and hung his head. You stepped closer to him, the tips of your feet touching his. You whispered.

Y/N: Did you like seeing me as a mermaid?

Cove’s radiant eyes snapped upward. You stared into them intensely. Cove powered through your scrutiny.

Cove: Of course I did!

You burst out laughing.

Y/N: I tease you too much, don't I?

Cove: Uh-huh…

You squinted at him and stuck out your tongue.

Y/N: Or maybe not enough.

Cove: Is the interrogation finished?

You feigned indignation with an exaggerated scoff.

Y/N: Well if that’s how you see it!

You grinned mischievously and bopped his nose with your finger before stepping backward.

Y/N: If you’re lucky you might get another mermaid kiss someday.

Cove bit his lip, unable to hide that he wasn't unphased by your words.

Cove: I am proud of you. I know how hard you’ve been working.

Your expression softened.

Y/N: I appreciate that, Cove.

A wave of bashfulness consumed you for a moment. Cove’s sincerity wasn’t unusual, but it felt different this time.

Y/N: I’m glad you came to watch. Even though you were kind of a distraction.

Cove looked appalled.

Cove: What?

Y/N: To be honest, it was also hard for me to look away from you.

Cove: I wasn’t doing anything, Y/N.

Y/N: You don’t have to do anything to be a distraction.

Cove was silently pensive. You decided to be explicit for the sake of his brain.

Y/N: I like you, Cove.

His mouth fell open. You refused to believe that this was a shock to him

Y/N: But you already knew that.

Cove: You— agh. Can I take you somewhere for dinner?

The subject change caught you off guard, but you didn’t want to push Cove.

Y/N: Yes.

You hooked your arm into his.

Y/N: Lead the way, landlubber!

Cove chuckled and walked with you out of the aquarium. You felt proud of your performance, and thrilled about Cove's reaction. It was fitting that the way to his heart was through a mythical sea creature. You hoped Cove would be willing to continue the conversation about your feelings during dinner.

[bloodycassian]

 Cauldron Damned. 

Reader x Cassian + Feyre BFF

Prompt -  bestie bestie bestie a cassian x reader fic where reader helps feyre with the cauldron - not rhys and she ya know  like rhys did and cassian basically breaks down and it’s super angsty but rhys lives so the reader gets to aswell ig tag @ bellefleurs and @ eerievixen

Her hair was a mess and painted to her neck with sweat but you still held her. Still gave and gave, until you were out of breath. Until you could feel yourself slipping. "Keep going.... You're doing so good." You panted out, trying to put a smile in your tone. She was the Mother herself, forging that cursed Cauldron back together.  Rhys was breathing heavily behind you after being knocked out by Lucien. You had given the Autumn court son a look and he had known what you needed him to do. Rhys would be snarling mad when he woke, but you knew what you had to do. To save your home, to save the entire world. Feyre was ready to risk it all, fearless and full of hope. You had to save that hope for your Court. Better you than her, better the high lady and lord survive than just an officer. You smiled at the thought of what you'd told Cassian before this final battle. Before you knew it would turn into saving the entire world from the Cauldron's vengeance.  "You better make damn sure my memorial statue looks fantastic. No priestess, though. Make sure it makes my wings stand out." You joked on the flight to the base camp. Cassian danced around death like he was it's balancing point. Like he was in tune with each and every death or life dealt. He laughed at your abruptness on the subject.  After months of skittering around each other, of trying not to stare too long or acknowledge that pull you felt towards him... It was nice to finally be alone. To let that tension ease out with a few jokes. It was too easy to be with him, like you'd known him much longer in the year of preparation for this battle.  "And you better make sure my wings are bigger than yours on that sculpture." He banked around a large cliffside and you followed, like a magnet. Like you could read his mind, you turned when he did. He rose with you, compensating for the cool mountain wind.  You rolled your eyes dramatically, flapping a bit higher than him for emphasis as you drawled out "Poor War General, his wing size matters so much to him." He shrugged, circling lower and lower with you until you were on the ground together amid a clearing. The grass was soft, covered in early morning dew. "Some say wing size dosen't matter, you know." You said with a wink, making him double over with laughter. It made you begin laughing too when he started running out of breath.  Once you had both collected yourselves, You began building a fire together. Rather, a massive bonfire that was to act as the signal to the army for where to move. His face was grim when he threw the last of the logs together. You understood why. "The Kings army will be here before us." You said, voice low. He only nodded. You kneeled in the wet grass, one knee down the other one supporting your wrist bracer. He followed you silently.  You spoke in unison, the ancient words from all the Illyrian warriors before you: "Name me God of Death today. Let us bring that name to those who do us wrong." + Feyre muttered something you couldn't hear. The darkness crept further in on you. You could see some light between your blurred vision. You could see how her hands lit up the cracks in the ancient stonework. You could feel her practically vibrating with the strain.  Your tears dribbled on to her shoulder, knowing these would be your final moments with her. Your final moments in this world. There was no better way you'd spend it than saving her. Spending those last few minutes being able to tell her how amazing she was. You felt her smile when you leaned your head against hers. Your heart ached. You whispered what you hoped were encouraging words in her ear. A rupture of sound- a crack fully mended -and your chest filled with blooming pride at your friend.  There was something crackling, ripping. You weren't sure if it was inside you or if it was the magic Feyre was performing. There was a gasp behind you and rustling, but you dared not take your concentration away from her. Away from how she leaned back into you. Dared not speak a word to distract her other than giving her those little jabs of confidence when she started to shake.  "You got it, Feyre. You can do this." You managed, before that caving feeling in your chest seemed to give in. You were breaking, you knew that much. But she wasn't done yet. Your breath leaked out from you, like you were being squeezed.  "Make it all worth it, Feyre." You managed to whisper out before you could no longer hold yourself up anymore. You laid back, your legs wrapped around her, mirroring her own. You hooked a foot on top of hers and gave her what you could from where you crumpled.  Death was easy, slow. Like a soft lullaby taking you away. You knew what lay before your body, and only hoped you were enough to get Feyre to where she could mend the rest on her own. You gave her all of your soul, all your being. She had to make it. You let the wave of that soft lullaby take you under.  + Cassian didnt think before shoving his way through the crowd into the tent. Didnt consider what he might find there, and how his heart may be ripped from him at the sight of it. The death that crept at that tent was a feeling he wouldnt forget in a thousand lifetimes.  His best friends lying unconscious on the floor before the cauldron. He went numb, still like a cold glacier. Lucien frantically shook Rhys, attempting to wake him. Cassian's head roared and he was falling to his knees at your side. He took your head in his lap, gently. As if he could still hurt you. He didn't notice he was crying until he saw the fat teardrops on your cheek. He wiped them away, leaving dirt smeared there. Another yell of anguish, and Rhys was coming to. From the sound of the yelling or from Lucien shaking him.  Azriel entered the tent then, solemn. Then his eyes widened. Those shadows darted around the room, taking each member of the court into account. The shadowmaster rushed to Feyre, checking her pulse and sighing. He noted the way your leg tangled around hers. His heart gave a painful squeeze. He saw both his brothers in agony. And he swore on his life there would be no place for the cauldron to be found again. Cassian cradled his mate's head in his lap, rocking gently. Rhys' dark power cracked the sky outside the tent once he was conscious.  Rhys rushed to Feyre, scooping her in his arms. He brushed her hair back from her face. Azriel could practically hear the mental screaming coming from both of them. The shadowmaster laid a hand on top of yours, closing his eyes and letting his tendrils of power, of those whispering shadows reach out. They circled your head, slowly like a snake.  He felt that song then, singing back with his own. The essence of your soul, dancing around your aura.  His eyes flashed open in surprise, then a manic laugh rumbled from his chest. "Rhys-" He breathed, pulling his attention away from a waking Feyre. Cassian looked up in a flash at his brothers, watching them exchange looks.  "Bring my mate back now." Cassian growled at Rhys. The tone was utterly deadly. Promises of death from the Lord of Bloodshed if his command was not answered. Azriel's eyes darted between his brothers. As if he was expecting Cassian to attack. The high lord would have been gaping at him if he hadn't experienced the same pain of almost losing a mate. He nodded, pulling himself together long enough to enter your vacant mind. Then the cauldron was humming, as he dipped a mental hand into it as well. +  Rhys' commanding voice rang out over your land of lavender and sunshine. "She will miss you." His voice was soft, but the attention it drew was still there. The meadow you laid in was softer than any silk in Velaris. More luxurious than any chair made to accompany your wings. You sighed, taking in the sweet scent before he spoke again.  "Too much, I believe. Especially when she hears about what you did to save her." He appeared at the edge of the soft meadow, the grass around him waving like the sea. You sat up, dazzled at the sight of him here. In such a bright, lovely place. His tanned face seemed to glow with the smile he held for you. "I'm tired." You said, voice groggy. You wanted to lay back down. You closed your eyes, for just a second and when you opened again he was in front of you, crouched. He held a tattooed hand out, giving you a nod. "Just come with me and you can nap all you want." His eyes sparkled. Not with that starlit power, but with tears ready to spill over.  You took that hand and closed your eyes.  + Feyre's warm hand in yours was the first thing you felt when you woke. Rhys held her in the corner atop a pelt rug beside you. The brothers leaned against each other. Rhys played with Feyre's hair as she rested. The sight of them together, him protecting her so well made your heart sing in approval. you knew she always deserved someone as good as Rhys. The fire where the Cauldron once was made the tent cozy. There were no sounds other than the soft breathing and the occasional pop of wood on the fire.   Azriel sat at the door, sword on his lap. Ready to kill if anyone dared enter. Then, you looked to the softness that cradled you. Cassian's face was covered in dirt, blood and more. He looked exhausted. Like he had been beaten, lost and beaten again. You tried a weak smile at him.  Clean rivers ran down from his eyes, revealing the dark skin underneath. "I couldn't let you get a statue without me." He said, voice trembling. You smiled the best you could and reached a hand to stroke his cheek.  "How-" You began, but he shushed you. "Just..rest for now. We can talk in the morning." He brushed a thumb over a silent tear that trickled from your eye. You nodded, and let him pull the blanket more firmly around you. Lulling you to sleep with soft humming.

[ourlittleforever]

A Day at the Fair

thr.awn + thalassa

In which Thr.awn is bested by his toddler.

Just a cute fluffy piece :) featuring appearances from T.arkin, Yu.laren, and Pr.yce

I’m just going to check out those doll booths over there. I saw something a certain someone might like. You’ll be okay for a while, right?

Of course I’ll be okay, Thr.awn had said to his wife, Millie. He could keep an eye on their three-year-old, no problem. She was a toddler, and he was a grown man. Anyone could do it.

How wrong he was.

Thr.awn had set Thalassa down so he could take a break from carrying her around the fair. It was Family Day during Ascension Week, and the little family had decided to visit the Family Fair at one of the Empire’s massive convention complexes. Thalassa had never seen so many people; she eagerly babbled to anyone who got close enough. “Hi!” she squeaked. “It’sa fun day!” He didn’t realize she was gone until he noticed she hadn’t spoken in about a minute.

Thr.awn scratched the back of his head. He was a logical man; he couldn’t panic, even though the father in him was, by all accounts, panicking. She enjoys animals and dolls, he thought. I’ll start by visiting those booths.

He glanced behind him, spotting Millie over the crowd, and he could tell Thalassa wasn’t with them. He sighed, then set off into the sea of people ahead of him.

Thrawn wove through the crowd, trying to keep an eye out for his daughter. However, she was impossibly tiny, and easily blended in between legs and bodies. The Chiss frowned. Surely a Grand Admiral could find a toddler without resorting to yelling?

He saw Thalassa at a booth advertising Corellian dolls, but several officers with teenagers crossed between him and her. When they passed, she was gone again. Thr.awn gritted his teeth. He was surprised to find that he wasn’t upset with her – merely afraid for her safety.

Thalassa’s giggle echoed behind him, but when he whipped around, she was nowhere to be seen.

Thr.awn rubbed his temples. Millie would never forgive him if something happened to her… and he'd never forgive himself.

Up ahead, he noticed a stall advertising a loth-cat petting zoo, and he sighed in relief when he spotted Colonel W.ulff Yularen, Governor Ar.ihnda Pryce, and Grand Moff W.ilhuff Tarkin at the stall. Perhaps they could help him?

The three were looked down in unison, and as Thr.awn stepped out of the crowd and into the stall’s radius, he saw his daughter.

“I’m Miffalasshafish!” she said cheerfully. She held up three chubby fingers. “And I’m this many old!” Thalassa turned around as her father stepped up behind her. “Papa!” Her toothy grin made it impossible to be angry as he scooped her up and set her on his hip. Besides that, a part of Thr.awn begrudgingly admired her ability to evade him.

“'Miffalasshafish,' Grand Admiral?” Governor Pryce inquired, raising a brow. “I was under the impression your daughter had a proper name, not Fish. Certainly your wife wouldn’t have allowed that.”

“Mitth’alass’afis,” he explained. “Core name Thalassa. She still struggles with pronunciation, but I make an effort to practice with her every day.”

“Don’t tell me you’re making the girl do drills.” Yularen turned his attention to Thalassa, who was waving at him. He waved back before speaking to Thr.awn again. “No wonder she wants to run off and do whatever she wants without regard to others. Reminds me of someone else I know…”

Pryce piped in. “Thalassa, is your Papa mean? Does he make you practice a bunch?”

“Nope! My Papa’s the best!” Thalassa tugged on his epaulet as she spoke. “We play dolls. He plays Mister and I play Woman and Elbow. And, and… he makes me sammiches, and gives me juice boxes. And he helps me with my jammies.” She suddenly looked a bit crestfallen. “But I can’t see him when he’s workin’. I miss him.”

“Oh, how dreadful!” Pryce exclaimed in faux sympathy. “Grand Admiral, are you depriving your daughter of her father?”

If Millie were here, they would have politely but firmly ended the conversation then. Thr.awn, however, felt his political obligations weighing on him; he couldn’t be rude, not with Tarkin and Yularen standing there. “The bridge is dangerous. I would prefer my daughter remain safe.”

“Well, you’ll have to get a fun babysitter then, hmm?”

“Her mother takes care of her just fine.” Thrawn felt himself relax some as Thalassa kissed his cheek and laid her little head against his.

“Oh, Thalassa, are you enjoying the petting zoo?” Millie’s voice sounded from behind the group, and Thr.awn was instantly at ease as his wife came to his side.

“She hasn’t gotten to pet the loth-cats yet,” Thr.awn said. He carried his daughter over to the pen and set her down inside, both ensuring she could pet the fluffy beasts and that she couldn’t escape his clutches again. “There.”

Thalassa plopped down beside a massive sleeping cat. Gingerly, she reached out and stroked the loth-cat’s fur, her eyes widening. “He’s soft,” she wondered.

“That’s Mari, and she’s a girl,” the stall’s owner said. “She’s very sweet. Good with kids.”

That was evident, as Mari stood, stretched, then climbed into Thalassa’s lap. The girl squealed in delight and began petting the loth-cat with both hands.

Millie laid a hand on Thr.awn’s back and leaned into him. “You know, a loth-cat is a child’s best friend.”

“The Navy doesn’t allow pets aboard its ships.”

“Thr.awn, since when do you follow rules by-the-book? Besides, you could always say the cat’s pest control…”

The Grand Admiral glanced at his daughter, who hugged the relaxed loth-cat like a plushie. She pressed her chubby little face into its fur and made a soft little squeak of contentment. If Thalassa had a loth-cat, would it keep her out of trouble, or would she take the pet with her into her mischievous exploits?

She kissed the loth-cat on top of its head, then looked up and smiled wide at her father. Thr.awn felt a tug on his heart, and with a sigh, said, “...I’ll consider it.”

[heliads]

Lucky Number 6

Based on this request: “5 times Luke almost admitted his feelings to the reader (Julie’s BFF) and one time he actually does?”

masterlist

#1: The one time Alex and Reggie interrupt him

Luke’s heading over to Julie’s studio. It’s been a long day, and a pretty boring one at that. With Julie at school all day, he and the boys can’t really play as a band until the afternoon when she comes home. They had been distracting themselves outside the house, but Luke left to return back to Julie’s house because Willie showed up and he’s not really in the mood to watch Alex flirt with the skateboarder any longer. Reggie stayed behind, claiming that he was going to be a chaperone, but even that doesn’t really tempt Luke to stay.

When he shows up at the house, he notices that Julie is already inside the studio, talking to a girl who’s got her back turned to him. When Julie glances up and sees him, she gestures for Luke to join the two of them. “Luke! Good to see you! This is my best friend Y/N!” The girl- Y/N- turns around to face him, and in that moment Luke swears that time stops. 

She’s beautiful. No, more than that. Gorgeous. Her eyes are warmer than a sparking fire, and they draw Luke in like the opening notes of a guitar riff that he’s been dying to play. Her smile is infectious, and he feels himself start to smile in return. He barely manages to stammer out a sentence. “I’m Luke. You’re-” He’s cut off as Reggie and Alex poof into existence, and the two boys instantly start talking over him in their rush to speak to Y/N. The words die on his tongue. You’re really pretty.

Luke feels a slight pang of annoyance that his friends would interrupt him at this moment, but as he watches Y/N talking excitedly with them, he realizes that it might have been for the best. What was Luke going to do, anyway? Ask Y/N out on a date when she’s the only one in the world who can see him? Y/N’s turned back to him, now, and the intensity of her gaze makes Luke feel like he’s caught in a strobe light. “Luke, weren’t you saying something?” Luke just shakes his head. “Nah, forgot. Nothing important.” Nothing important indeed. This isn’t going to go very well.

#2: The one time Julie interrupts him

The setting is a fairly large jazz club, home to throngs of people milling about and listening to the music of Julie and the Phantoms. Julie’s killing it on the vocals, of course, and Luke feels like he’s coasting on the clouds as he plays along on his guitar. The entire club is full of people, but yet Luke’s gaze keeps returning to one person and one person alone: Y/N. Before he knows it, the song is over, and he’s bowing in unison with the rest of his bandmates before poofing out of existence along with his guitar. 

Luke notices that Y/N’s heading backstage, and so he poofs a few feet in front of her. She jumps, startled, then flashes him a grin. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that.” Luke winces. “Sorry! Keep forgetting that randomly appearing out of nowhere isn’t normal.” Y/N laughs, and the sound makes Luke want to make a thousand more jokes just to hear it again. “No worries. By the way, you were amazing out there! You guys sound terrific.” Luke can’t help but smile at her words. “Us guys?” She nods. “You.” 

Maybe it’s the pounding of the music overhead, or the adrenaline of performing, but Luke takes a step closer to Y/N. He watches as she tilts her head up at him, not backing away and maybe even intrigued. His heart feels like it’s pounding a million times per minute. “You know, Y/N, I-” There’s the sound of running footsteps behind him, and Julie jogs up next to the two of them. “There you are! I was looking for you guys everywhere!”

Luke realizes how this looks, the two of them inches away from each other, and he backs away quickly before Julie can realize what he was going to say to Y/N. What he’s been trying to say, but never got the chance. He scratches the back of his head awkwardly. “Well, we’re, uh, over here. Good work out there!” Y/N nods at this, congratulating Julie on the performance. Julie starts to lead her best friend away, but Y/N glances back one last time as if to apologize for not finishing the conversation. Luke can only stand there. How can he tell Y/N how he feels if he keeps getting interrupted?

#3: The one time when she’s into music too

Luke’s bored. School’s technically still in session, but he doesn’t have anything to do and so he shows up to Los Feliz High School anyway. Julie’s in the middle of a test, so he can’t bother her. Instead, Luke just wanders down the halls, idly making lockers open and close when he’s sure nobody can see it. As he rounds a corner, he hears something. It’s faint, coming from further down the hall. Curious, he follows it, and ends up finding himself in front of a closed door to a music room. It’s empty, except for one person seated at a piano. Y/N.

He can’t help himself, and Luke walks through the door to come to a stop in the room. Y/N’s bent over the piano, focusing on the piece at hand. It’s simple, certainly far less advanced than anything Julie’s been working on, but it’s beautiful and makes Luke stand still, watching with a slight smile on his face. A few seconds later, Y/N looks up, her hands falling silent at the keys.

Luke walks over, smiling. “I didn’t know you could play. You sound amazing.” Y/N grins, nervously straightening the sheet music in front of her. “I can’t, or at least not very well. Julie’s teaching me so I can accompany her if she needs anything. She says she wants me to learn because if I play her pieces, she can listen and find mistakes more easily. I’m not sure how much that really works, but I’ve been meaning to learn for a while so I figured I might as well go with it.”

Luke nods, heading over to the piano bench. Y/N scoots a few inches over, and Luke takes a seat next to her. He considers the sheet music propped up on the piano. “To be honest, I’m not that good at piano either. I was always more of a guitar kind of guy, but I’ll learn if you’re there with me.” Y/N beams up at him. “Sounds like a plan. There’s this one line, right here, that I’m having some trouble with.”

Luke nods, scanning the notes. He positions his hands on the keys, skimming just a few millimeters away from Y/N’s fingers. “I think it goes like this.” He plays a few chords, and she nods, brow furrowed in concentration as she tries it herself. Their hands move in tandem, his guiding hers to the proper places on the keys in a quiet dance to the music she’s playing. Luke realizes that Y/N understands the piece now, but he can’t quite convince himself to move his hands away. His arm is neatly wrapped around her shoulders, just a hair away from touching her.

The room is silent, and Luke realizes that she has finished playing the piece. He looks up at her, at the way her chin is tilted up just a few inches away from his own. He wants to say something, anything, but his mouth feels dry and he finds he can’t do anything but stay silent. Y/N blushes slightly, looking away. Just then, her phone rings, and Luke notices the caller ID displays her mother’s name. He unwraps his arms from around her. “I think you had better answer that. It looks important.” She nods, reaching for her phone. Is it just his imagination, or does she look just as reluctant as he does to end this moment?

#4: The one time he realizes he won’t be enough

Luke’s feeling determined. He has to say something to Y/N, to tell her he loves her. He’s been dancing around it for a while now, but he thinks at last he has the confidence to speak up. How is it that he can play with the band in front of massive crowds, but yet talking to a pretty girl makes his heart pound like a drum in his chest?

Y/N’s back at Julie’s house again, and they’re getting ready for another garage show. They hadn’t planned on doing any more performances at Julie’s house, considering that the Phantoms were so well-known that they could afford to play at larger venues, but Ray had asked and so the band would deliver. Y/N’s helping them set up, and Luke’s about to tell her how he feels. For real this time, no interruptions.

He rounds the corner of his house and sees her, the confidence in her stature and the smile in her eyes. It takes him a second longer to realize that she’s talking to somebody. Nick, that boy from school who’d had a crush on Julie. Guess he’d moved on. Luke hangs back, realizing that Y/N can’t see him from this angle. As he watches, Y/N laughs, hitting Nick playfully with the palm of her hand. They look so happy together, and get along so well.

There’s some difference here in the way she acts with Nick than with him, and it hits Luke like a ton of bricks. Nick’s right there, and he can be a regular, ordinary person with her. She can hit him playfully, can tap him on the shoulder, can take his hand and never let it go. Luke feels his ghostliness keenly in this moment, in a way he’s never felt it before. Will it always be like this, with him an undying outsider? Will he have to watch as she grows up and moves on from him, even when he can’t move on from her?

Y/N is starting to turn around now, and Luke quickly moves away before she can see him. So much for that conversation happening- he can’t see a future where she would ever want to be with him. Why would she, when no one else can even look at him?

#5- The one time there’s a miscommunication

There’s a crowded afterparty at Flynn’s house. Flynn had been proud of Julie and the band, and, not wanting Carrie to take advantage of the crowd’s high spirits, had hosted the party herself. Luke is here, although he’s not quite sure why. Nobody can see him anyway. In fact, the only reason he showed up at all is because Y/N had asked him to. He’d do anything for that girl, he knows that now. He doesn’t even know where she is, and he’s still here. Luke’s head is starting to pound from all of the noise, and he heads out to a quiet room out back to let his thoughts settle.

There’s a quiet noise behind him, and he turns to see Y/N standing next to the door. She smiles at him. “Not quite enjoying yourself?” Luke shrugs. “It’s kind of hard to appreciate the party when you’re not really there to everyone else.” Y/N smiles. “You’re here to me, Julie, and your bandmates. You can still hear the music. Isn’t that enough to make it different than most nights?” Luke smiles slightly in spite of himself. “You’re right. I apologize.” He looks at Y/N with an obviously feigned pout that makes her giggle.

Y/N considers the red plastic cup in her hands, then looks at Luke through eyes that have suddenly turned serious. “Luke, I’ve been wanting to talk to you for a while now about something.” Luke nods slowly. “Shoot.” Y/N sighs, letting her words spill out in a flood as if letting them churn inside her head for a second longer would’ve drowned her. “I love you, Luke. I think I have for a while now.”

All Luke can do is stand there. Is this really happening? He wants to look around for the distraction, for the inevitable interruption that always seems to happen whenever he tries to confess his feelings to her. This can’t be real. Why would she ever feel the same way about him? Luke comes back to reality when he realizes that Y/N isn’t looking at him with the same expression. In fact, she seems far sadder than normal. Her voice is barely above a whisper. “Do you not have anything to say?”

Luke’s eyes widen. “What? No, that’s not- not what I meant.” The door to the room opens, and Alex and Reggie bound inside, laughing. Y/N flinches when she hears them come in. “I guess I know how you feel. I think I’m going to go.” Luke reaches out his arm to her, panicked. “Wait! I-” She’s not listening anymore, already turning to leave. 

#6: The one time he actually does

Reggie and Alex glance at her, then turn their attention back to him. Reggie throws an arm around his shoulders, and Alex does the same. “Hey, guess what! Flynn thinks we should perform again. Come on, we’ve got everything set up.” Luke shakes his head, trying in vain to see where Y/N went. “I can’t, I’ve got to talk to Y/N. I think I really messed up.”

Reggie rolls his eyes, grinning. “You can talk to her later. Come on! We have to go. Are you really going to give up a chance to play with the band?” Luke looks at his friend apologetically. “Yeah, I think I am. Sorry, but I have to go.” With that, he shrugs off his friend’s arms, diving out of the room.

It takes him a while to find Y/N. He poofs in and out of different rooms, searching for the girl he loves. After a minute or two, he finds her. She’s standing alone in the garden out back, staring at the flowers with an expression that looks all shades of blue. She glances up when she sees Luke poof into existence next to her.

“Look, you don’t have to say anything. I shouldn’t have told you that, we should have stayed friends. You don’t have to come cheer me up, Luke.” Luke shakes his head. “I don’t want us to be friends.” Y/N looks taken aback. “What?” Luke just grins. “I love you, Y/N. I don’t want to be friends because I love you. I’ve been trying to confess for ages now but people keep interrupting me.” Y/N stares. “What? Then why didn’t you say anything when I told you?”

Luke grimaces. “Honestly, I’m not quite sure why. I think I was just so surprised that I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t realize how it would look until you left.” Y/N laughs, slight incredulity starting to tint her smile. “You’re serious? You really do love me?” Luke flashes her a grin. “Really do. Have since the moment I met you. I’m just glad that you love me back, or I would have been trying to confess many, many more times.” Is this really working out? Luke’s not sure what kind of cosmic luck he must have, but Y/N actually likes him back. Well, maybe the sixth time’s the charm for telling someone you love them.

[absolutepokemontrash]

Beach Day!

Masterlist~

As requested by an anon, The Half Demon kids get to have their beach day! Please enjoy!

‘‘Twas a summer’s day in the Devildom, and school was out for the next couple of months, what else was there to do other than have a fun little beach vacation?

“Do we have towels?”

“Check.”

“Umbrellas?”

“Yep.”

“Beach toys?”

“Uh huh.”

L!MC and Lucifer were running through the long list of items as the rest of the family loaded everything into their (several) cars. Mammon grunted and shoved one of three umbrellas into a gap in the piles of luggage, they were all packing the rapidly filling car like they were playing a game of Tetris from hell.

“Ya know, you two can try and, I dunno, help a little?!”

Lucifer raised an eyebrow and looked up from his list. “I am helping, Mammon. I’m making sure this doesn’t end up like the last family vacation we took.”

“What happened last time?” The soft voice of A!MC piped up, they were carrying roughly four different carryon bags into one of the cars.

“Mammon forgot to pack sunscreen during our last little visit to a human world beach and we all got horrifically sunburned. That’s why this year we’ll be visiting a proper Devildom beach.” Lucifer explained.

“That stupid mistake nearly cost me my perfect skin.” Asmo grumbled, A!MC patted him on the shoulder.

“Don’t feel too bad, dad. You look great!”

“Oh little butterfly,” Asmo patted A!MC on their head, much to the kid’s delight. “Go on~.”

“Hey pop!” Mammon’s head whirled around as he looked for the source of the voice. “THINK FAST!”

A duffel bag slammed into the side of Mammon’s head, knocking him into the side of the car.

“What the hell M!MC?!”

The little culprit gave their dad a fanged megawatt smile and shrugged. “I said think fast.”

“M!MC, he can’t think fast, he doesn’t have a brain.” Asmo smirked over at Mammon, who not so graciously flipped him off. A blast of water from wiped both the smirk and some of the makeup off Asmo’s face.

“Whoops,” M!MC lowered their water gun. “Misfire.”

Lucifer massaged his temples as he watched this complete and utter chaos unfold. This was ridiculous, he turned to L!MC. “I refuse to subject you to this, I don’t was CPS to come knocking. You are riding with Lord Diavolo and I.”

“Wooop!” L!MC cheered, then paused. “Was I not riding with you two before now?”

——————

After arriving and unpacking, everyone set out to the beach, per Lucifer’s totally reasonable beach rules, no cameras within eight feet of the beach. Asmo had to compromise and take his Devilgram selfies at Diavolo’s villa in the five minute window of time before everyone set out for the beach.

While the group made their way to the beach, M!MC proudly presented their shiny new metal detector to the crowd of not too impressed family members. Well, everyone but Mammon, he was hyped as all hell to try and find buried treasure.

As M!MC and A!MC lagged behind and chattered aimlessly, something flew right into M!MC’s face. Reeling at the sudden loss of their sight, M!MC’s hands flew to their face and peeled the thing off of them. A…piece of paper..?

No, not a piece of paper, it was a map! Well, half of a map!

“Woah… Pop! Check it!” M!MC waved the piece of paper in the air. “What if we use this to find treasure or something?”

Mammon’s eyes practically sparkled as he swiped the map from M!MC. “Kid, we’re gonna be rich. Not the lame kinda rich either, we’ll be… multiple yacht rich!”

“Oh geez…” A!MC murmured.

By the time the entire group had gotten to the actual beach, Mammon and M!MC had already had the layout of their fabulous Hollywood mansion planned out and were busily describing the kinds of cars they wanted to own. Armed with only half a treasure map and a metal detector, the two set off down the beach.

L!MC, Belphie, and Satan snickered like a bunch of kids as they set up their new pink unicorn floaty. It was just perfect for just slightly ticking off Lucifer. A!MC hummed happily as they unpacked all their sand toys, perfect for making a sand-empire! The rest of the adults set up the umbrellas and beach chairs and practically deflated when all the work was finished.

Hang on- where was Levi- OH! There he was. He had ran right into the water and was petting Lotan. Man… Lotan was fucking massive.

“Hey, Luke,” L!MC called out. “Why are you wearing water wings? You know those things don’t work, right?”

“H-huh?” Luke tilted his head in confusion. Like a chihuahua- “What do you mean?”

“Well, water wings aren’t like life jackets, water wings only keep your arms out of water. If you start to drown, those aren’t helping.” L!MC dutifully explained. “There are documented cases in the human world of kids drowning with their arms still afloat because of the water wings.”

Luke was having such a good day forty five seconds prior, now he was petrified.

——————

“Ah, this is the life, right Sea Monster Levi?” L!MC leisurely floated around on their giant pink unicorn floatie as Levi swam around them.

Levi couldn’t exactly speak, but the terrifying eldritch shriek of delight was enough of an answer.

“See, you should go outside more often, the ocean is outside, fresh air is outside,” L!MC continued to list lovely things that just happened to be outside until Lotan poked four of his heads above water. “Lotan’s outside,”

Levi grumbled and slammed his tail into the water, sending a massive wave over to L!MC.

“Fuck.”

Those were L!MC’s last words before the wave crashed into them and tipped over the floatie, leaving them angrily starfish floating in the water. “You fucking hikikomori.”

—————

A!MC carefully placed their bucket full of sand onto the ground upside down and slowly pulled the bucket away. Perfect! That made a great castle tower! The sand-city that A!MC had concocted could put any city to shame, there was a town hall, a bank, a museum, and multiple construction projects headed by Luke. Well, the chihuahua wasn’t doing too well with his castle-building.

“Aww…” Luke pouted as his castle crumbled. “I ruined it…”

“You should add a bit of water to the sand, Luke.” A!MC said as they carefully placed some seashell decorations around their castle tower. “It’ll help stop your towers from crumbling.”

Luke vehemently shook his head. “There’s no way I’m going near that water. Not after what L!MC said…”

“Luke, L!MC’s just being a butt, you won’t drown-” A!MC was unceremoniously cut off by Lotan rising from the depths of the ocean and L!MC’s squawk of protest when he began to bat their unicorn floatie around.

“Y-yeah… I won’t drown, I’ll be eaten by a sea monster…” Luke shuddered.

“A!MC, I’m living here.” Belphie laid his towel out a little ways away from the sand-city and collapsed into a snoring heap on the sand.

“Great! A new citizen!” A!MC smiled and clapped their hands. “Beel, are you going to join us?”

Beel took a large bite out of a watermelon and sat down next to Belphie. “Yeah, I’m going to live here too.”

“We’ve got a real kingdom now!”

—————

The metal detector beeped for the thousandth time that day and M!MC and Mammon were beginning to get tired. They had found a total of 45 cents and a bottle cap, not the heaps of pirate treasure their map promised.

“Alright old man, dig.” M!MC lazily motioned towards the spot in the sand where the metal detector beeped.

“Why do I gotta dig?” Mammon whined. “You do it this time!”

“I’m holding the metal detector!” M!MC snapped. “Lookit! This shit’s heavy!”

“UUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH.” Mammon dropped to his knees and began to dig, unearthing a second bottle cap.

“Have our intrepid treasure hunters struck gold yet?” The taunting voice of Satan wormed its way into M!MC and Mammon’s ears as they both rolled their eyes.

“Why do you care, Satan?” M!MC sneered. “Shouldn’t you be off waxing philosophical about the demon condition or some other pretentious shit right now?”

Satan scoffed and shook his head. “So you haven’t found anything, shocker.”

“Ya didn’t answer the question, Satan.”

“Fine, you two dumbasses forgot to bring water after you immediately ran to go find your treasure.” Satan chucked two metal water bottles at Mammon, both of which hit him in the face. “So where’s your little treasure map?”

M!MC grumbled and pulled the map out of their pocket. “Here.”

Satan raised an eyebrow as he looked over the map, then looked back up at Mammon and M!MC. “I’d expect this level of idiocy from Mammon, but not you, M!MC.”

“WHAT WAS THAT?!” M!MC and Mammon shouted in unison.

Satan flipped the map around so it was facing the pair, he pointed at the X. “You’re supposed to be going that way,” Satan pointed back towards where they had set up the towels and umbrellas.

“…shit.” Mammon murmured. “I swear if we just wasted two fuckin’ hours on this-”

“Don’t blame me! I’m a mathematician, not a fucking geographer!” M!MC hissed.

“Actually, cartographers are the ones that make maps-”

“SHUT UP SATAN!”

——————

“Ugh… I hate the ocean now…” L!MC trudged over to Lucifer and plopped themselves down next to him. “0/10. Next year, can we go somewhere with significantly less seaweed?”

Lucifer wordlessly pulled a clump of sea-gunk out of L!MC’s hair and dropped it on the sand next to them. The fucking gunk-thing then began to MOVE-

“…is that alive?”

“Probably.”

L!MC grabbed the thing and threw it as hard as they could into the water. “I’m not allowing that eldritch terror the privilege of evolving.”

Lucifer chuckled and shook his head. “This is karma for the unicorn floaty.”

“That wasn’t even all my idea!” L!MC hugged their knees to their chest and grumbled. “Where’s Belphie, Satan and M!MC’s karma?!”

“I’m sure it’ll come soon.”

“Now would be nice…” L!MC growled.

“If you’re going to go sit and whine for the rest of the day you can walk back to the villa by yourself.”

“Ugh!” L!MC threw up their hands and walked away. “So Belphie can angst all he wants but I can’t?! This is bullshit!”

“LANGUAGE!”

—————

A!MC’s burgeoning kingdom had grown in population in the last few hours; Barbatos and Diavolo had moved in and were gleefully helping out with the construction projects (well, Dia was gleeful, Barbatos was standing off to the side holding lemonade), Simeon had joined in and was making a moat, and L!MC was designing the flag.

“Our walls will be impenetrable!” Diavolo proclaimed as he continued to reinforce the sand-walls. “No one would dare invade us!”

“Where’s our sand-army? I call dibs on being sand-general.” L!MC raised their hand. “Luke, you can be a sand soldier.”

“Huh?”

“Here’s your sand-sword.”

“L!MC this is driftwood…”

“Hit a bitch with it.”

“There will be no hitting of any bitches.” Simeon gently took the driftwood from Luke and chucked it into the ocean.

“Lame…” L!MC rolled their eyes.

A little while into the kingdom building, A!MC surveyed their land with a proud smile. Every little building was adorably decorated with shells and pebbles, the roads were laid out perfectly, the castle was stable… Ah. Perfection!

A familiar trio sauntered over looking down at their map and occasionally back up at the surrounding beach until they stopped right outside the moat outside of A!MC’s kingdom. Satan, Mammon, and M!MC looked up at the group and pointed their shovel and metal detector at them.

“Hey kiddos, and… not kiddos. We’re gonna need ya to move over. There’s treasure in the area and we gotta dig!” Mammon proclaimed, standing up straight and putting a hand on his hip.

“Uh… no?” A!MC sat down on their beach chair, but to them, it was more like a throne. “We spent forever building this, we aren’t just going to let you destroy it.”

“Can’t you build somewhere else?” M!MC waved their hand to a place farther down the beach that was just littered with holes from M!MC and Mammon’s treasure hunting. “Couldn’t have taken that long.”

“Are you stupid or just ignorant?” L!MC hissed, protectively moving in front of the sand-wall next to Diavolo. “This took literal hours. You three can piss off.”

“L!MC, don’t be dramatic.” Satan rolled his eyes, then looked to the adults. “Come on guys, this may actually lead to something historical. Can you guys move out?”

“Uh… fuck off?” Belphie sleepily looked up from his towel. “We were here first. Finders keepers.”

“Yeah,” Beel paused his job of helping clean up the toys and buckets. “Belphie napped here, this spots been claimed.”

Barbatos and Diavolo nodded in agreement.

“A!MC has claimed this land, therefore, it’s their kingdom.” Diavolo said.

“Guys, this ain’t a joke! There’s actual treasure here!” Mammon waved the map in the air.

“That doesn’t matter. our sandcastles, our rules.” Luke crossed his arms and huffed.

“Oh bullshit! Move over! Money and treasure is under your city and we’ll take it by force if we have to!” M!MC crossed his arms and glared.

“Really now~?” L!MC cooed, slamming their fist against their open palm. “Fucking try us.”

————

A fight would have broken out if it weren’t for Lucifer calling for everyone to eat. Everyone sat down on their towels and angrily munched on their macaroni salad and sandwiches.

Team Treasure hunter (it was generous to call them a team considering there was only three of them) were forming a plan to try and get passed the much larger Team Sandcastle. M!MC and Satan bounced ideas off of each other while Mammon stole everyone’s potato chips.

“So, we need to lure at least some of them away… but how?” M!MC stuck their hand into the much reduced bowl of chips and took out a fistful.

“Mmm…” Satan murmured. “Well, there’s a thief in our midst…”

M!MC knitted their eyebrows in confusion, then began to nod in understanding. “Ah… and we have someone very quick…”

Both Satan and M!MC turned to Mammon, who was polishing off the chips and counting their metal detector money. He stopped mid chew and tilted his head.

“What are ya lookin’ at?”

Over with Team Sandcastle, L!MC carefully traced Belphie’s hand onto a piece of paper with a vindictive smirk on both their faces.

“What are you doing?” Luke asked as he bit into his kebab.

“It’s an official declaration of war.” L!MC quickly finished up the tracing and proudly showed the picture of Belphie’s middle finger to the assembled team. “I think it’s very clear and concise.”

Simeon slapped a palm to his forehead as Luke let out a gasp.

“L!MC! That’s so vulgar and awful-” Luke’s irate yapping went completely ignored.

“It’s a very nice picture.” Beel calmly observed, turning over the paper in his hands.

“Enough about the declaration!” A!MC stood up and put their hands on their hips. “We need to take action immediately! I’m not letting our sand kingdom fall into their hands!”

“We know that A!MC, but we need to at least give them some kind of warning that we’re going to beat them into the ground.” L!MC said.

“They got their warning. Now is not the time for being polite, now is the time for curb stomping.”

“Is it just me,” Belphie leaned over to Beel and cartoonishly whispered. “Or is A!MC getting really intense about this?”

—————

Team Treasure Hunter’s battle plan did not go as well as they thought it would. Satan and M!MC did not factor the fact that Mammon would be stealing something and then running in sand, and next to no one can properly run in fluffy beach sand, what this poor narrator is trying to say is that Mammon got football tackled immediately because he couldn’t run after he stole something as a distraction. Oh well… at least the sand was soft…

Team Sandcastle’s superior numbers meant superior ideas, and one of their ideas was for A!MC to politely ask some of the beach dwelling creepy crawlies to attack the other team. Well uh… toes were pinched that day…

“Fools,” A!MC sat straighter in their beach chair. “All of them.”

“I’m loving the supervillain vibes, A!MC, but-”

“But nothing!” A!MC cut L!MC off with a huff. “I’m not a supervillain either!”

“Sounds like something a supervillain would say.” Belphie snickered, only to be blasted in the face with a water gun. A!MC was turning on their own people…

“Alright, everyone who dares to doubt me gets the water gun.” A!MC sneered. “My kingdom won’t fall!”

The kingdom fell.

One giant wave caused by Lotan and Levi playing in the water nearby crashed onto the beach and absolutely flattened the detailed sand kingdom. A!MC slowly moved their hair out of their eyes and turned to Lotan and Levi in the water.

“You… you…” A!MC growled, a tick forming in their right eye. “YOU SHUT-IN PIECE OF [Hello, this is the narrator, I’m very sorry but I cannot repeat what little A!MC said here. I hope you all can find it in your hearts to forgive them for this outburst, their kingdom just got destroyed after all.]”

Simeon vaulted forward and covered Luke’s ears while the rest of the group on the beach stared in wide eyed shock as their sweet little A!MC cussed out two giant sea monsters. This was… not what they expected from their beach trip…

Beel quickly recovered from his shock and scooped A!MC up into his arms. A!MC didn’t seem to care all that much as they continued to kick and scream profanity at the giant sea monsters. Beel lumbered over to Asmo and handed the screeching A!MC to him.

“This is yours.”

“…Beel dear,” Asmo looked at the practically feral child that had managed to shift into their demon form, then looked to Beel. “Are you sure?”

——————

Ever the opportunists, Team Treasure Hunter managed to dig in the area where the sand kingdom once stood. After roughly an hour of digging, Mammon struck something… wooden. Hmm…

“Hey I uh… think I found somethin’!”

“Really?” M!MC exclaimed. “Lemme see! Let’s get it out!”

“Allow me,” Diavolo motioned for everyone to move away and leaned in. He yanked a massive treasure chest out of the sand like it was nothing and plopped it onto the beach. “Oh! It is a treasure chest! How novel!”

Mammon jumped forward and yanked the chest open, inside was an absolute mess of glimmering gold and jewelry.

“DON’T TOUCH THAT.” Lucifer’s booming voice stopped Mammon dead in place. Everyone’s heads swivelled to look at him. “It’s probably cursed gold, you idiots.”

“As much as I hate to agree with Lucifer, we should at least check before we touch anything.” Satan crossed his arms and grumbled.

The gold was hella cursed and basically useless. No one went back to the villa happy.

��——————

A!MC sulkily kicked off their shoes and flopped backwards onto their bed. They stared half-vacantly up at the ceiling, they were so tired despite the fact that they hadn’t even gone swimming… they had spent their entire day building that stupid sandcastle kingdom…

M!MC flopped down next to them and let out an explosive sigh. “Hey.”

“Hey.”

“Sorry about your sandcastle stuff…”

A!MC sighed and shrugged. “Yeah… sorry about your treasure…”

“Yeah… so far this trip blows.”

L!MC flopped down next to A!MC and practically deflated.

“What’s wrong with you?” M!MC asked, rolling over onto their side to look at their cousin.

“I’m in mourning…” L!MC grumbled, holding up a piece of pink stretchy plastic. “Lotan ate my unicorn floaty.”

“Aww… I’m sorry L!MC.” A!MC patted them on the shoulder. “Let’s go fight Lotan and Levi for revenge.”

“A!MC. I’m grieving, not suicidal.” L!MC said seriously, then their face melted into a grin as they began to giggle. “Dummy…”

“I’m not a dummy! I think we might have a chance!”

“Yeah, a chance of gettin’ eaten!” M!MC snickered.

“Okay… maybe…” A!MC giggled.

“Hey guys,” Simeon knocked on the door and poked his head in. “We’re making a fire for s’mores, you all better hurry up before Beel gets to everything.”

The three kids stuck their thumbs up and got ready to go. S’mores fix everything!

————

Author’s note: Okay, back in like… May, I promised I’d write a beach day episode for these characters, and it’s finally done!!

The whole sandcastle war is something that actually happened when I went to a summer camp ^.^

It was less about digging for treasure and more about who had the best sandcastles, and I shit you not, a wave slammed into the rival team’s sandcastle. It was funny as S H I T. HA! TAKE THAT RIVAL TEAM! MAYBE YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE MADE YOUR CITY SO CLOSE TO THE WATER!

[mandoalorian]

People Can See [Maxwell Lord x F! Reader] SMUT

Request by @luvzoria​: hey sweetpea! i have a req! you obviously don't have to do this but it's my birthday today and it gave me the idea of surprise sex? with any pedro character (personal favs tho : max lord, pero tovar, frankie, marcus moreno, and javier peña)surprise birthday sex 👀 in a risky public place maybe? public teasing? if you're okay with that!! again thanks hun!!

Rating: 18+

Warnings: SMUT— unprotected p in v, public sex, exhibitionism, creampie, Max has a daddy kink, a lot of teasing, fingering, and also mention of food.

Word count: 2.6k words

Authors note: Happy birthday lovey!​ Michelle, I'm sorry this is a few days late but this is for you angel! I hope it's okay and I hope you had a fab day all things considered. I send you all my love. Xx 

Masterlist

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you," the guests at your annual birthday gala hummed in unison as your favourite chef brought over your cake. Courtesy of your boyfriend Maxwell, it was a three tier chocolate cake with vanilla frosting and your name delicately placed on top in intricately detailed fondant.

"Maxie," you whispered, tears pooling in your eyes. You placed your hand on your boyfriend's thigh, rubbing it under the table. "This is too much. You shouldn't have." 

"Anything for you, my princess," he whispered, his warm breath fanning over the shell of your ear. Leaning in further, he pressed a kiss into your lobe, before giving it a small and teasing kitten lick. You grabbed his thigh even harder, your fingernails digging into his skin and giggled at your gesture. When he pulled away, he quirked an inquisitive eyebrow, as if to ask why are you giggling? He knew fine well. "Make a wish." he mumbled as he interlocked his fingers with yours.

There was no way you could possibly wish for anything. Dating Maxwell Lord meant that you could never want for nothing. He provided you with a beautiful home, lavish and luxurious clothes and jewellery, but most importantly he provided you with his love and warmth. You closed your eyes and wished that this happiness would last forever. There was no place you'd rather be, surrounded by your family and friends on your birthday— but most importantly, with Maxwell, the love of your life.

"You kept teasing me at the table." you muttered with a joking roll of your eyes. You and Maxwell were walking along the table filled with little bites to eat. Picking at the finger food, you both filled up your plates.

"Now sweetheart, you know that wasn't teasing," he chastised with a smirk. You nodded, knowing that he could do much worse. "Teasing could be you rubbing my thigh all night, huh? Did you think about that?"

As a matter of fact you had. Maxwell looked so handsome in his three piece tuxedo. The black pants and matching Armani jacket with the white button down suited him so well, but it didn't change the fact you desperately wanted to peel off that bow tie and have him gag you with it. You supposed it could wait until you got back to your hotel suite. You didn't answer, picking up a small item of food and shoving it into his mouth. He took it willingly, but stopped to wrap his lips around your finger, sucking teasingly.

"Maxie," you groaned wantonly. "People might see." He pulled off you with a pop.

"Let them watch." he shrugged casually before picking up another piece of food to go onto his plate.

Your birthday gala was a massive success, but you had no doubt it would be. Maxwell was always the best at hosting events. Your favourite part of the night was when he held you in your arms and you slow-danced to Can't Help Falling In Love by Elvis, which was one of Max's all time favourites. You rested your head into your boyfriend's chest as his arms held your waist, swinging your hips in time with the music.

"You look absolutely stunning in that dress," Maxwell growled in your ear. You recognised that lilt in his voice immediately. Leaning back, you caught a glimpse of that primal look on his face, as well as a glint of lust in his already darkened eyes. "So glad to call you mine."

His hand maneuvered round to the curve of your ass and you felt your cheeks begin to heat up as you slowly looked around the ballroom, hoping nobody had noticed Maxwell's sudden onset affection. Thankfully, they hadn't. Other couples were too busy gazing into one another's eyes, or feasting upon the buffet on the other side of the room. In a crowded room, all Maxwell could focus on was you, his drop-dead gorgeous girlfriend.

"I love you." you confessed with a happy hum.

"I love you too darling." 

The night was still young but it seemed most people had taken a break from dancing, filing back to their tables to chat some more. You were making your way around all the different tables, wanting to make sure to speak to everyone and thank them for coming and bringing gifts. You slid into an unoccupied seat at the Black Gold Cooperative table, a huge smile on your face as you began talking to your old colleagues, and Max's employees.

Max approached you, holding a tired Alistair in his arms. Alistair, his son, was hugging one of your balloons tight to his chest as he fell in and out of sleep. "I'm gonna take Alistair back to our hotel room, he's exhausted," Maxwell announced and you nodded in affirmation before gently pressing a kiss into Alistair's forehead. "I won't be long." he promised before walking away.

"Mr Lord is so sweet for doing all of this for you," Raquel, Maxwell's assistant gushed.

"You know you can call him Max when he's not here." you giggled and Raquel blushed.

"Well I remember when Mr Lor- I mean Max first met you. He changed almost instantaneously. Less miserable, more polite. We all think you made him into a better person." Raquel revealed.

"Really?" you questioned, your eyes going wide at her revelation. The rest of the table nodded their heads in unison, confirming your question.

When Maxwell returned, his bow tie was slightly wonky and his hair had fallen out of it's style. You tucked a loose strand back into place. "You okay?" you pouted, letting your fingers trace the buttons on his shirt. You pulled out a chair next to you so he could sit down at the table.

"Yeah, Alistair couldn't settle so I had to sing to him," he frowned. "You should've been there," he chastised you teasingly. "You're usually the one who sings him lullabies."

You giggled, resting your head on Maxwell's shoulder. "You're such a good daddy."

Daddy— it was the word that set a fire in Maxwell's stomach and you knew it. Everytime you said it, you said it deliberately. You said it to gain a reaction out of him. You felt his body stiffen up and you watched as his hand slowly glide over his crotch, covering his hardening cock. It was crazy how just one word spoken by you could get him going. The rest of the table cooed and awed in delight at how sweet you both were, but even Max knew that your intentions were far beyond sweet. He'd been teasing you all night at your own birthday party, but two can play at that game.

Maxwell stayed silent for the next few minutes as you laughed and joked with your friends, telling them about how brilliant your birthday had been. He fidgeted awkwardly, his dark eyes watching you intently as you took small sips of your champagne and fumbled with the gold rings adorning your fingers. You were truly the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He didn't know how he had gotten so lucky.

When you were deep enough into conversation with Raquel about the brand new 1984 Polaroid camera Maxwell had gotten you, he took his chance to slide his hand up the hem of your dress. He peeled back the thin glittering sheath and drew small circles into the inside of your thigh. His actions almost took your breath away but you kept your cool, acting unfazed, like it wasn't even bothering you.

It would be okay. His hand was under the table cloth and nobody could see anyway. If he just wanted to stroke the soft skin of your legs, that was fine too. As long as you acted normal, pretending like your boyfriend wasn't touching you in front of all these people. You were doing a good job of seeming unbothered, it actually irked Max. He was doing all of this to see your reaction. He maneuvered his large, ring clad hand to the apex of your thigh, rolling the pads of his middle finger and index finger along your slick wet folds. You were evil for not wearing panties tonight. He couldn't believe how soaked you already were from just the slightest of touches, but, to be fair, you two had been teasing each other all night. His finger inched up to your clit and he began to swirl it around in tight circles.

The gasp you let out was almost inhumane and you felt your cheeks heat up. Maxwell kept working at you, trying to hide the smirk that graced his lips.

"Are you okay?" Raquel asked inquisitively.

Before you could even reply, Maxwell slid one thick finger into your aching core, doubling down until you felt his knuckles against your skin. "Y-yes," you choked out, reaching for your glass of champagne. "Think I just need a drink."

Your boyfriend continued to pump his finger in and out of you whilst sitting at the same table as his own employees. You kept taking sips of your drink to try and hide the longing moans that escaped your lips as he stretched you out. You felt wonderful around him, and he couldn't help but slip a second finger in. You made a fist, bunching up the material of your dress in your hand. When you began to feel your walls flutter around him, you knew your orgasm was approaching and that you wouldn't be able to stay quiet for him. You grabbed his wrist and shot him a knowing look. Slowly, he removed his finger from your core and you groaned at the loss of his fullness.

"Want more?" he whispered into your ear. You nodded quickly and he took your hand, whisking you away from the table and into a dark corner.

You began to palm at him through his pants, already eagerly trying to tug off his tuxedo jacket and pull off his bow tie. "C-can we go to the hotel room?" you asked, giving him your best puppy dog eyes. You pushed your body against his as his hands stroked your bare arms, relishing the moment.

"Oh honey, but Alistair's up there sleeping," Max cooed, shaking his head. You furrowed your eyebrows together in disdain.

"Maxieee," you groaned, pressing your thighs together. "But I need you."

The three words made Maxwell's cock twitch. He needed you too. He could already feel his precum begin to leak out from the tip of his manhood, staining his underwear. He looked around the ballroom. Everyone was too busy dancing and talking to notice you and Max had even left the scene. "Do you think they can see us?" he asked quizzically, his voice low as he brought his hand to your breast. He began to massage it through the thin material of your dress, giving it the occasional squeeze.

You contemplated his words. You were under a canopy, in the shadows. They probably wouldn't be able to see you from where they were standing, but if anyone approached this area, you'd soon become visible. "Right now? No, I don't think so." you hummed, weighing the scenario out in your mind. Max nodded his head in agreement before bringing his hand to your face. Under the dim light, his fingers still shone with your arousal, from when he had fingered you under the table earlier.

He brought his index finger to your lips, tracing them gently before pushing it into your mouth. You whimpered, sucking on his finger (just like he'd done to you earlier), and lapping up all your juices. Your bodies were pressed together and you began to run your knee over his erection, earning a few strangled moans from Max. "Now now Maxie, what are we going to do about this?" you hummed around his finger before he eventually pulled it away from you.

He looked around the ballroom once more, astonished that it had been a few minutes and no one had yet to see you both. He placed his hands on your hips and pressed you against the wall, unzipping his pants and pulling them down to his knees, along with his black pair of boxers. Your eyes widened when you saw how hard he already was for you, how desperate his thick cock was for your pretty little cunt. You dropped your hands to the base of his manhood and gave it a small stroke.

"Ngh— no," Max shook his head as he choked out a groan. "Just need to be inside of you." he confessed.

He pulled up your dress so it was bunched around your waist and propped up one of your legs, wrapping it around him. He pressed the blunt head of his cock against your entrance and you gasped wantonly, spreading yourself as open as you could and running your fingers through his hair.

"People might see." you whispered, grinding your pussy along his cock in desperation. He kept nudging himself against you, teasing, as always.

"You're so fucking hot," Maxwell whispered, gently pushing himself into you. His hand snapped up to your mouth, trying to silence your moans of pleasure as his thickness stretched you open. "You're so tight for me, aren't you princess?"

You couldn't even reply, and instead just nodded as the lust clouded your every thought. He doubled back before pushing himself completely into you, enjoying the way felt around his manhood. He couldn't believe how lucky he was, having you all to himself, not having to share you with anyway. He couldn't believe was fucking you in front of hundreds of guests at your own birthday gala— and you were letting him. "You- fuck, you take me so well." he praised.

"Oh Max, I don't think I'm gonna last long." you admitted, digging your fingernails into his dress shirt as he increased his speed. He was hitting that sweet spot inside of you everytime. 

"I'm gonna make you cum at your own birthday party," he announced with a low, gravely chuckle. "Gonna cum around daddy's cock, aren't you princess?"

"Mm, yes daddy. Please let me cum on your cock— ah!"

You bit down on his shoulder as his hips snapped into yours and you felt your climax undo, nothing but pure satisfaction washing over you. As Max felt you quiver around him, it spurred him over the edge and he spilt ropes of his seed inside of you, painting your pretty walls.

You stayed there for a few moments, against the wall, both heaving and panting, until Max's cock eventually softened and fell out of you. He sighed, carefully dropping you back to the ground and tucking himself back into his pants. You smoothed out his hair and he used his thumb to swipe away any of your smudged makeup.

"Happy birthday princess," he mumbled, pressing a sweet kiss into your lips. "Are you ready to go back to the party?"

You nodded happily, kissing him back. "I am. I love you so much."

Maxwell took your hand and held you close, the both of you heading back into the light and walking over to the dance floor. "I love you too." he revealed as he wrapped his hands around your waist and began to slow dance with you again.

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