#it's funny though because if I had been into Lion Guard and looking at the fandom during seasons 1-2 I would have probably hated these two

[dawn-sunlight]

They silly

[teriri-sayes]

Reactions to The Incomprehensible's Chapter 330

New title - 42. Me?

Brief summary: Cale's allies waited for news of DHB. Raon introduces egg Eden to everyone. Cale explains to his allies about the game world, Eden's situation, and his plate.

==========

Today had lots of funny moments. First up was Eruhaben. He was thinking about how he always treated DHB as a kid even though DHB was the third oldest among Cale's allies. So Eruhaben decided that from now on, he should now treat DHB as an adult and an equal...

Imagine his shock when he meets DHB as... a dragon egg. 🤣🤣🤣 Eruhaben stood there for a long time, dumbfounded. 🤣🤣🤣

Sheritt was relieved to hear that DHB was saved, though we did not get to see her reaction upon meeting egg Eden. Meanwhile, the two kittens treated Eden as their new youngest. 🥰🥰🥰

And the way Raon introduced egg Eden Miru to everyone was like this Lion King scene:

Eden was so embarrassed at all the attention and affection he was receiving that the egg was shaking from embarrassment. 😂

When Cale explained about the game world, On and CH snitched on what Cale had been doing. 🤣🤣🤣

Cale: explains to everyone about the game world Eru: Wait. More than that-... Are you saying that you're called the Worst in the game? Cale: Umm... I didn't say that On: Yes, he's the Worst. HD: Interesting. I'll guard this place. I don't understand what you guys are talking about anyway. On and CH: He also has angel blood mixed in. Lock: Wow, he's an angel? CH: He also has demon blood mixed in. Currently, Cale-nim is the boss of the 3rd and 7th Evils among the Eight Evils. This will be of great help when fighting enemies in New World in the future. Eru: Sigh. Well, increasing your work is a talent too. Cale: feels wronged No, I didn't mean to? Cale: Really! It just happened on its own even when I stayed still, okay? Of course, I threatened the Vicious Dark Bear to get the 7th Evil. But the rest just happened without me knowing! Eru: Pfft. Narrator: Eruhaben didn't believe a single word Cale said. Cale felt wronged.

"Increasing your work is a talent too." 😂😂😂 Eruhaben stabbing Cale where it hurts. 😂😂😂 And Cale feeling wronged because "it just happened without him intending to"... 🤣🤣🤣 Cale, how can you achieve slacker life if you have a talent for increasing work? 😂😂😂

Lastly was Cale explaining on what happened to his plate... 🤣🤣🤣

Cale: I have no plate anymore. The heart and glutton inside me ate the plate full of dust. Of course, the life force of the world made this process easier. Eru: …Your heart ate it? Cale: *excitedly explains how his plate turned to dust and scattered into his blood, making his body stronger. Also how he will be fine as long as his heart was okay and his blood was flowing fine* Cale: You could say that it’s like my whole body has become the plate. Isn't that a wonderful thing? Narrator: Cale couldn't help but laugh. Cale: Hahahaha! Narrator: Then Cale laughed and realized. Cale: Hahaha…haha…ha… Narrator: That he was the only one laughing. For some reason, his allies's expressions were vicious. Cale sipped his lemon tea cautiously. And he muttered timidly. Cale: Umm, I got stronger.

Cale, I think you need to explain first about your ancient powers. I'm sure they're confused about your "heart" and "the glutton inside me" eating your plate... 😂😂😂

Then casually explaining that your plate broke so badly it turned to dust. Mila turned pale and had to be supported by Dodori. Eruhaben clenched his fist. And Rasheel looked like he was about to cry as he questioned why Cale was still alive then. 😂😂😂

Cale laughing out loud and stopping when he realized that everyone was looking at him viciously afterwards... 🤣🤣🤣 You'll be fine as long as your heart was okay and your blood was flowing? Who's the one who once stabbed his heart? Who's the one who constantly bled? You think everyone will be relieved to hear that "you'll be fine"? 🤣🤣🤣

Ending Remarks It seems the Aipotu arc is nearing its end. The glutton priestess eating Cale's plate though... Crybaby, why are you saying she's scary when you ate it too? Anyway, next chapter will be about Alberu's call to Cale. I can already imagine him saying "You're driving me nuts" once he hears what Cale had been up to. 😂😂😂

[syrupfog]

Law has been in the basement of the auction house for almost two weeks when the new merch is brought in. 

He KNOWS Doffy has kept him here longer than necessary just to drag out Law’s suffering. He’s surely going to get sold to a Celestial Dragon immediately, but the waiting…

The waiting, the uncertainty is getting to him. 

But at almost two weeks — 13 days, exactly — the new merch is dragged in. A collection of raggedy pirates, a few fish men, and one guy who, for some reason, doesn’t seem to have had his spirit broken yet.

And of course he’s the one who sits himself down right next to Law. 

At a glance Law sees the sea stone cuffs that designate a devil fruit user. He notes the ridiculous straw hat. He frowns at his grin. 

“Hey,” the guy says. “I’m Luffy, and I’m going to be king of the pirates.”

Law snorts. He’s cuffed to the wall, like this guy probably will be soon, so he can’t move away, but he closes his eyes. “You’re going to be sold to Celestial Dragons and die within the month,” he says. 

“No,” the guy— Luffy— says, sounding petulant. “I’m getting out.”

“Sure you are,” Law says, rolling his eyes. “Because unlike everyone else who’s come through these doors, you’re SPECIAL, yeah?” 

“You’re a jerk,” Luffy says, but he doesn’t sound too put out. “My crew will come for me, don’t worry.”

Law’s heard that before. “Uh huh,” he says. 

“They just gotta find me first,” Luffy muses. “I didn’t tell anyone where I was going. But I trust them!” He wiggles into a comfortable position and his chains rattle. “What’s your name? Do you have friends coming for you?”

“Trafalgar Law,” Law says, because he gets the feeling the conversation will continue with or without his participation. “And no.” 

“Oh,” says Luffy with a frown. “That’s okay, Traffy! You can come with us!” 

“Trafalgar,” says Law. “Not Traffy.”

Luffy laughs. “You’re funny,” he says. Then he frowns. “Do you know when we’re getting food? I’m hungry.” 

Law’s been getting one meal a day, from his estimations. There’s no windows to tell time by, just the changing of the guards. “It’ll be a bit,” he says.

“Awww,” Luffy says. His stomach growls in agreement. Pathetic. He’ll be crying within the day. 

… 

Luffy is NOT crying within the day. 

Luffy also will not shut UP. 

He quickly decides that “Traffy” is his best friend, much to Law’s dismay. He talks about EVERYTHING.

Law quickly comes to know the names of everyone on Luffy’s ship. Hell, he knows the LAYOUT of the ship. He knows Luffy’s favourite food (meat) and favourite drink (milk) and favourite seat (“the lion” whatever that is). 

Most of the others in the basement with them do get their cuffs chained to the wall, but the guards seem SCARED of Luffy for some ungodly reason, so he continues to sit practically pressed against Law. 

Law misses being alone. 

Although this is the most human he’s felt in weeks.

Also, Luffy cons several others out of their meals, in exchange for things like scratching itches they can’t reach, or just sneaking bites when people aren’t looking. 

He doesn’t touch the roll on Law’s plate until Law specifically tells him to take it, though.

Luffy is down there with Law for three days, and suddenly Law is dreading when Luffy gets dragged up to auction and Law is left alone again. He didn’t think he would care that much, but… it’s a sad, aching sort of longing that Luffy has quickly filled sitting with him and acting like Law matters. Like he’s not just a pawn in a game he can never win. 

So, for three days, Law grows comfortable with him. Familiar. Basks in Luffy’s odd light. 

He never should’ve let himself get that comfortable.

Law is lightly dozing when it starts, his head on Luffy’s. But suddenly Luffy is jumping up, and there’s— 

There’s an eye, blinking at them, having materialised on the floor between them. 

An eye and an ear. 

“Robin!” Luffy shouts. The posted guard looks over in confusion.

Lips appear, along with a hand that holds a finger to the lips, and Luffy, SHOCKINGLY, makes a motion of zipping his lips. 

Law didn’t know he knew how to DO that. 

Then the face, such that it was, disappears. Luffy looks to him with a grin. “I told you,” he says.

It’s only moments later when the door to the room slams open, falling off its hinges, and no less than SEVEN PEOPLE come rushing into the room in various states of arguing with each other. One by one they spot Luffy and start cheering, even as they’re making war with the guards.

Law feels the sinking in his stomach as Luffy runs to the front of the bars and a HUGE blue haired man — must be Franky, Law thinks — opens his hands to reveal smaller hands that tinker with Luffy’s cuffs. They drop to the floor without much of a fight and suddenly Luffy’s energy is BOUNDLESS. 

The green haired one — Zoro — cuts through two of the bars and Luffy slips out easily, suddenly engulfed in crew mates who love him even as they chastise him for getting caught. 

Law sits there, and watches freedom happen in front of him, just out of reach.

He’ll miss Luffy, he thinks, even as he tries to tamp down on that thought. That’s not the sort of fate he’s destined for. Cora tried his best, but Law’s never escaped Doffy’s grasp. 

Luffy’s crew starts back toward the door, ushering him along with warnings about a count down

And for a moment they really do disappear through the doorway, although the broken door means their voices are clear. 

And Law sits there, surrounded by others whose spirits are as broken as his, all cuffed to the wall as they can see the hole in the bars made by the swordsman.

He hopes Luffy does accomplish his dream. He hopes at least one of them does. 

And then, suddenly, startling him out of his thoughts, Luffy comes crashing back through the doorway, the blond and green haired ones in tow (and arguing about something).

Luffy points to Law and both of the others converge on him. Law shrinks back and grits his teeth, but all that happens is a sword hits one chain and a foot hits the other and suddenly he’s not attached to the wall anymore.

“Let’s GO, Traffy!” Luffy yells, grabbing Law’s wrist and hauling him upward. 

And suddenly Law is. Running. 

He’s barely eaten or moved in two weeks, but— L

uffy’s hand is around his wrist and pulling him forward. 

And Law grips Luffy’s wrist in return. Like a lifeline. 

He can hear Luffy laugh, the way he laughs through his teeth

And after a maze of hallways they’re out into the bright, bright sunshine 

And Luffy turns, looks at Law, grins at Law, 

Luffy is the sun. Luffy is freedom. 

“Come with me,” he says, hand still clutched tight to Law like it belongs there. 

And Law follows.

[alexfromjersey]

𝓒𝓸𝓷𝓯𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼 & 𝓐𝓻𝓰𝓾𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓼

jenna ortega x g!poc

summary: two months go by after the premiere of Scream 6. after not speaking for a month, Jenna finds you and has some intense news to share.

warnings: mature language, angst, fluff, mentions abortion

a/n: I'M NOT SCARED OF LIONS, AND TIGERS, AND BEARS...oh and I totally forgot that the Met was May 1 sooooo pretend it was a little bit later in the month. 3.7k words

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter | Series Masterlist

MAY 2023

Life has certainly skyrocketed for you after you released your vlog of the Scream 6 red carpet premiere. Everyone loved the funny moments between you and Davis and the cast appearances. The fans also noticed the interaction between you and Jenna, which blew up. You gained a lot more followers, going from 16.6k to almost 50k in a couple of weeks.

It was a tad bit overwhelming, having more eyes on you but it’s what you signed up for. You just had to adjust. 

“Chat, I got word that my special package is coming soon for the stream. I’m mad excited to show y’all this shit” You beamed. 

You sat back in your gaming chair wearing black basketball shorts and a black tank top. You had your reading glasses on because you were blind as fuck. You just finished playing the new season of Call of Duty and now you were talking to your chat for the last hour of your stream. 

Lately, you’ve noticed that you've lost focus a little bit. Ever since that night with Jenna, it replayed on your mind over and over again. The way her lips felt against yours, the sounds she let out when you pleasured her, and her beautiful body. 

You hate to admit it but you were starting to feel the actress. You’ve had your fair share of women, some that were relationships and some that were just for fun. But you never felt this way about a girl before and it kinda scared you. 

“When are you releasing new music? Whenever I can find studio time. On some real shit chat, I’ve been writing a lot more lately and I really wanna hit up the studio so anyone that can squeeze me in, DM me please” You spoke to chat. 

It didn’t help that Jenna stopped contacting you after a month and some change. You haven’t gotten any DMs, texts, or FaceTime calls in weeks. At first, you figured she was busy doing her job and she didn’t have any time to talk. A quick little text would be enough though.

But you had to remember that y’all are not together. No use of crying over spilled milk. Davis was upset when you told him.

You stupid motherfucker - again his exact words.

“I haven’t looked at my Reddit in a minute, let’s see what’s happening there,” You said and clicked to Reddit.

The first thing that popped up was a picture of you and Jenna at the restaurant. The caption said, “not Jah tryna rizz up MY WIFE!?!?”

You continued to scroll through the Reddit seeing nothing but edits of you at the premiere. There were some edits and pictures of you and Jenna with outrageous captions which made you laugh. You continued scrolling through and interacting with chat for the last fifteen minutes before getting off for the night.

Now you are bored and hungry. You threw on your slides and grabbed your accessories before leaving the apartment. You were craving a baconeggandcheese on an everything bagel from the bodega around the corner. 

( your outfit ^ )

You got to the bodega and ordered your sandwich, grabbed a soda, and some snacks for the rest of the night. About five minutes later, your sandwich was done. You bid goodbye to everyone in the store including the cat at the register before heading back towards your apartment. However, the loud sound of a horn can be heard throughout the night air. You ignored it, thinking it was not for you, and kept walking. But the horn sounded again and a heavy-tinted black SUV pulled up next to you. You were on guard now, you thought you were about to either get got or robbed. You freed your left hand just in case, you had to pull out the tool. But then the back passenger side window rolled down and a familiar face was seen.

“Yo Hollywood, word to you was about to get got. Why you roll up on me like that?” You questioned as you relaxed seeing her face. 

“We beeped the horn twice to get your attention” Jenna replied. 

“This is New York, car horns are heard every second and can mean various things. We beep and shout out the window here” You joked.

A small smile appeared on her face for a second before she turned to someone in the vehicle with her. 

“I need to talk to you…it’s important” She mumbled loud enough for me to hear. 

“Nah I ain’t getting in shit. You ghost me for a month and then roll up on me like this. How did you find me anyway?” You questioned. 

“Davis…I called him. It took a while for him to tell me where you lived but after I expressed how important it was, he gave it to me. Look, I know we haven’t spoken in a month and there’s a reason for that. If you would just get in the car, I will explain everything” Jenna answered. 

You sighed, contemplating getting in the vehicle or not. But after a small inner battle, you walked to the back driver's side and got in the SUV. Inside the vehicle was the driver, an older woman in the passenger seat, Jenna, and a boy who looked around your age. You were highly confused about what was happening.

“Where are we going?” You asked anyone.

“Somewhere we can talk privately” Jenna answered when no one did. 

You hummed in response, you looked down at her and took in her appearance. She was dressed in Adidas pants and an oversized sweater. She had shades covering her eyes which you found odd since it was nighttime. She kept picking at the sleeves of her shirt and bouncing her leg nervously. 

A clear throat made you look away from Jenna to the unknown boy next to her. He was glaring at you and clenching and unclenching his fist. You raised an eyebrow at him before you snorted. Jenna turned to you at the sound but you didn’t spare her another glance. 

You took out your sandwich and began chowing down on it. It was getting cold and you didn’t know how long this talk was gonna take.

Shortly, you all arrived at a building, it looked like an office building. You finish your meal and throw away your trash before following everyone inside the building. You all walk to the back of a conference room. 

“Okay, so what’s this all about? Cause homeboy over there look like he wanna pop off” You said and pointed to the boy sitting next to Jenna. 

“Jahaziel, I’m Nancy, Jenna’s manager and that gentleman next to her is her friend Hudson Maverick. It’s to our newfound knowledge that, you and Ms. Ortega slept together two months ago right?” Nancy inquired.

“I don’t really put my business out on who I sleep and don’t sleep with, with strangers.” You gave a fake smile to the older woman. 

Nancy sighed and ran her hand through her hair, “Jahaziel I’m -.”

“For godsakes Nancy will you just spit it out already to this girl” Hudson interjected. 

“I don’t know how to come out with something like this Hudson. I told you Jenna should be the one talking” Nancy sighed frustrated. 

You looked back and forth between the two with agitated eyes. They were wasting your time. 

“Listen, if this is about you worrying about running around tell people that we slept together, I’m not that kind of person. I don’t go around telling people who I stick my dick in no matter if they famous or not. So if this is what everything is about, you could have just emailed me” You said and went to leave the room but a soft voice stopped you.

“I’m pregnant”

You stopped in your tracks, Hudson and Nancy quieted down. It was so silent in the conference that you can hear a pin drop in the next room. You turned around to face Jenna who stood up from the table and pulled off her sunglasses. Her eyes were red and puffy like she’s been crying for days and hadn’t gotten a lick of sleep. 

“What?” You whispered.

“Can I talk to her alone please?” Jenna asked quietly. 

Nancy and Hudson looked at each other for a second before nodding. The two got up and left the room, leaving only you and Jenna. 

Jenna stepped towards you, "I'm pregnant. I found out a few days ago when my period didn’t come on. It didn’t come on last month either but I thought it was due to the stress I was under cause it’s happened before. I haven't slept or eaten properly. All I've been doing is crying and crying, wondering how I'm going to tell you. Then I got the courage to finally tell you but then Hudson found the pregnancy test and they started bombarding me with questions."

You felt your heart pick up pace and your palms started to get sweaty. You felt like the oxygen in your body was leaving, you couldn’t breathe. You stumbled into a seat and that’s when Jenna noticed your state. 

“Hey Jahaziel, look at me, breathe okay,” Jenna said and kneeled in front of you. She placed her warm hands on your cheeks and forced you to look at her but you were too busy freaking out.

“I’m a fucking dumb ass bitch, I fucking got a big ass actress pregnant. An actress I barely even know. Do you understand how fucking insane this whole thing is? I just started this YouTube shit, I still live in an overpriced shitty-ass rat-infested apartment complex in a neighborhood where I don’t know if once I step outside I’ll get shot or not. How the fuck you not freaked out right now” You ranted.

“You don’t think I’m losing my mind? Ever since I found out, I have a fucking panic attack every time I wake up. I’m twenty years old, I just booked several movies. I don’t have any time to have a child.” Jenna exclaimed.

“Well, it seems like you getting an abortion is the only option then” You argued. 

“Don’t make that decision for me” Jenna boomed. 

“What the fuck! You just fucking said that you won’t have any time to have a child. What the fuck you gonna do Jenna? Are you gonna fucking wish the baby out of you and everything will fall into place in an instant? You fucking Harry Houdini now?” You yelled, your Bronx accent getting heavy as you shouted. 

“Oh you are just fucking hilarious, huh, your a fucking comedian” Jenna growled.

“You not saying what you want to do! You say you don’t have time for a child then when I say abortion is the only option, you fucking lash out at me.” You roared. 

“Because I don’t want to get an abortion, I want to keep the baby!” Jenna belted. You looked at her face properly now and saw tears were now falling freely down her face. You closed your eyes and take a deep breath in, holding it for ten seconds, before releasing it. You repeated this process a couple of times before you felt yourself calm down. It was a technique the Marines taught you while you were in service, it came in handy most times. 

“I’ve always wanted to be a mom. Being a mom was something I knew I wanted to experience. Having a little mini-me running around with my and my partner’s personality. The experience came a lot earlier than I expected and not the ideal way but I have the chance and I’m not passing it despite what I said because I’ll figure it out. I always figure it out” Jenna confessed. 

She then pulled out a folded Manila envelope and slid it toward you. 

“So if you don’t want anything to do with me and the baby, you can sign your rights away. Nancy’s number is on that business card and she’ll come pick up the papers in the morning” Jenna continued. 

She then got up and walked out of the room.

“Jenna” You called out but she was long gone out of the room with her people following her. 

You sighed and rubbed your hands down your face, extremely stressed out. 

Honestly, you didn’t know what you wanted to do. You never thought about being a parent, especially after the way your father up and left you, your Mom, and your older brother years ago. You never gave parenthood a thought. You needed a second opinion and a blunt.

🤰🏻🩵

It was now 2 in the morning, you sat on your fire escape looking down at the streets with the papers in your hand. You just finished your second blunt of the night to help with the racing thoughts but it only increased it. You kept staring at the signature on the paper, wanting to write your name but not wanting to also. 

“You stress anymore, you gon’ pop a blood vessel” Davis said as he stepped out onto your fire escape. 

Once you found a way back home, you immediately called Davis and told him everything that happened. He told you as soon as he finished with his project, he was rushing over. 

“I feel like I’m about to have an aneurysm,” You said. 

“I would be too if I was in your position. This shit is a mess” Davis stated and took the papers from your clenched hand. He looked over it and exhaled deeply. “So you sign this and all your rights are taken away. No seeing the baby. Nothing?”

“Nothing. I won’t have a say in anything, can’t see them. I’ll literally just be the sperm donor” You said. 

“Is that what you really want? To be known as the sperm donor. You realize that she’s a mega actress and once the news gets out, it ain’t gon’ be long til people figure who the other parent is” Davis stated. 

“I don’t know what I fucking want. A part of me is ecstatic that I have a child on the way.” You exclaimed. 

“What about the other part?” Davis questioned.

You sat in the chair with cloudy eyes. Once Davis got a look at your expression, he immediately realized what this was all about. 

“Your father. You don’t want to end up like him” Davis nodded. 

“It’s been six years and that motherfucker still finds a way to haunt me. It’s pathetic” You scoffed. 

“No, it's human. Jah, he is your father-”

“Was. That bitch ass motherfucker ain’t shit to me now” You seethed. 

Davis sighed, “Either way, who said you was gonna end up like him. You plan on signing those papers and ditching your child? That ain’t you.”

You looked down at your hands, finding them more interesting. 

“Look, all those feelings you feeling right now…is that how you want your child to feel about you when they grow up. That you ain’t nothing but a bitch ass motherfucker?” Davis questioned. 

You took in your best friend’s words. “Look I know this whole situation is unconventional but you have to own up to it. You and I both know for a fact that you don’t want to sign these papers. You want to be in your child’s life. So stop being a fucking idiot, rip up those papers, and apologize to Jenna.”

Suddenly, the alarm on Davis’ phone starts to blare. You checked the time and saw that it was almost 3 o’clock now. 

“I have to get some rest for tomorrow. But on some real shit Jah, really think about what you want” Davis added before disappearing inside your apartment. 

Once again, you were left alone on the fire escape with nothing but your thoughts and the occasional crackhead shouts. You looked down at the papers again before shoving them back into the envelope and heading inside for the night.

🤰🏻🩵

The next morning, you were up and ready. You only got like an hour of sleep but that hour of sleep gave you a mindset. You texted the number on the business card and finesse your way to getting information about where Jenna was going to be today. She had a fitting for her Met Gala dress at the moment at a studio Downtown, so that’s where you were. You parked your car and paid the meter before heading inside the studio where she would be.

(your outfit for today ^ )

You texted the number that you were downstairs with the papers. After waiting for about ten minutes, you expected to see Nancy but Hudson came downstairs. 

“Jahazel or whatever you name is…” Hudson greeted with no emotion. He held his hand out, waiting for the papers but you never put them in his hands.

“Firstly it’s Jahaziel and secondly, I know I’m probably the last person she wants to see right now and I don’t want to mess up anything she’s doing right now. But can I talk to her please?” You pleaded.

“Absolutely not. Not after what you said to her yesterday, I’m not letting a hoodlum like you step near her again. You ruined enough for her already” Hudson hissed. 

“Who you calling a hoodlum skinny Fred Jones” You questioned offended. Hudson attempted to grab the papers from your hand but you moved them away. The move made his whole face start to turn red from anger. 

“Give me the papers before I call the cops on you” Hudson threatened.

“Call the fucking cops pussy” You snapped and stepped towards him. Before either of you can lay a hand on one another, a brolic man stepped in between y’all. You recognized that it was Big L and he was pulling you away from Hudson while another security guard stood next to him.

“I need you to calm down” Big L’s rough voice ordered. 

“Alright, alright I’m calm” You grumbled and pulled your arm from him.

“Listen, meet in the back alley in ten minutes” Big L instructed in a tone that only you and him can hear.

“Big L…my man you attractive and all but I don’t swing that way” You joked.

Big L rolled his eyes, “I’ll take you to see Jenna.”

“Oh, that makes more sense. I thought you were about to suggest something to me” You lightly chuckled. 

Big L just looked at you with a neutral expression before walking away toward Hudson.

“Damn not even a little giggle?” You pouted as you left the building. 

You waited in your car for ten minutes before going into the back alley like Big L said. He was waiting for you at the door and motioned for you to speed up. He then took you through various rooms and floors. By the 10th floor, your legs were jelly.

“Aye yo, Black Panther why didn’t we take the elevators? I’m not that fit like you. I’m skinny fit I was born with abs I didn’t work for these like you did” You complained out of breath.

“Because Hudson told every guard in the building to have you arrested for trespassing if they spot you” Big L answered.

“Is it really that serious though, you would think I be fucking aggressively stalking Jenna” You huffed and walked up another flight of stairs.

“Hudson has always been overprotective of Jenna, ever since he started working for her last year” Big L commented.

“Overprotective? For what reason?” You asked.

“Don’t know. I don’t get paid to ask unnecessary questions” Big L replied. 

You hummed in response and walked up another two flights of stairs before Big L opened the door to the 13th floor. Big L checked to make sure no guard was in the vicinity before he motioned you to follow him. You felt like you were on a James Bond stealth mission, it was exciting. He took you to the last door on the floor before knocking. 

“Ms. Ortega, Nancy will like to come in” Big L said.

“Okay, send her in” Jenna spoke after a moment. 

That was your queue to enter the room. You closed the door behind me and took in that you were in an open floor room with racks of clothes against the windows. It smelt expensive as fuck in the room.

“What are you doing here?” Jenna’s voice brought you back to reality. She was standing in front of you with a familiar flannel on. It was buttoned to cover her chest area but unbuttoned around her stomach area. Through a tiny gap, you can see her belly protruding a little.

“I…uh wanted to talk to you” You spoke. 

Jenna scoffed, “I think you spoke enough last night.” She walked away from you and into a different room.

“Wait, look I apologize for the way I reacted last night. It’s sincere too cause people from New York don’t apologize” You stated. 

“If you came here to be a comedian, you can go Jahaziel” Jenna grumbled. 

You sighed, you have to be serious. You can see that she’s stressed and not in the mood for jokes so you had to be serious. You walked up behind her and grabbed her shoulders. At first, she shrugged you off but you placed your hands there again and more firm. You turned her around to face you.

“Real shit, I’m sorry Jenna. For everything last night, you didn’t deserve me talking to you like that. Truth be told, I was mad scared when you told me that you are pregnant. My father up and left my family when I was 15 and it left some deep wounds in me. When I was younger I aspired to grow up, get married, have a family, and have a love like my Ma and Father did but then he left without saying a word and it tainted that aspiration. I got scared because I didn’t want to be like him” You explained to the shorter girl. 

“You could have told me that. I would've understood completely” Jenna mumbled.

“I know and I should’ve but I’m not really good at explaining my feelings.” You responded. 

Jenna glanced at the envelope in your hand, “I’m guessing you made your decision.”

“Yeah, I did” You replied and ripped the envelope in half. Jenna gave you a surprised look. “Look, me and you made this baby together even though we ain’t in a relationship…yet. I don’t want to be like my father. I also don’t want you to do this by yourself. Our baby, our responsibility. I’m with you to the end Hollywood” You smiled and stuck your hand out.

She looked down and chuckled before shaking your hand. The two of you looked into each other’s eyes and never stopped. The room felt hotter and your hand was still holding hers. Suddenly, Jenna took your hand and placed it on her small belly. 

“Til the end NYC” Jenna smiled.

taglist: @grandpatrolnut @raven-ss @fanboy7794 @morganismspam23

[tanoraqui]

Dungeon Meshi Liveblog: Reason with the Mad Mage & Diplomacy with Elves

Note: everything from here on is retroactive/reread, because I stayed up until about 6am on Wednesday night reading until the end because that was the only way to ensure that the characters would be okay.

.

Hey look, now our protagonists are the food, instead of running around holding cooking implements! I'm sure that's fine!! (Look at that lion's eyes!!!)

.

I really like how...everyone? In the pasty gets at least 1 fight where they're totally on their own, for whatever reason: Laios with the living armor and again now with all the dragons, Chilchuck with the mimic, Izutsumi with the succubi, Marcille with the rabbits... I note that the reasons for it are escalating:

Laios fought the armor-captain alone as a strategic choice, while the rest of the party distracted the rest of the armor in the other room

Chilchuck fought the mimic alone because the rest of the party was asleep down the hall

Izutsumi fought the succubi alone because the rest of the party was already down, though not yet dead

Marcille fought the rabbits alone because most of the party was dead and Izutsumi had fled

Laios fights the dragons AND the Mad Mage directing them alone because the entire rest of the party is dead

Solid writing, that. And Senshi...has a monster that is His To Fight, that is where we got some special Senshi character exploration, but the whole point of it was that Senshi, who had been alone for so long, now had people reaching out to hold him, and to make food for him.

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I just like when they say things outright. "Meals are an act of optimism." "Only the dead don't eat." Fuck yeah!

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EYES EYES EYES EYES EYES. Thinking a lot here about that post about how Thistle is a great example of an antagonist who is really truly too far gone to "talk it out" with. His intentions ARE good, and Laios sees that so Laios tries... and Thistle is also trying, it's just...the demon has been playing on him for too long with too much skill.

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He's so! Earnest! And young! It's implied that he dies in the end, and I do think that's a narratively solid and restful ending for him, but man I want this kid to live and maybe covertly tag along with Mithrun on exploring the risen kingdom and defending it from random monsters, and re-learning how to have healthy desires. I think it'd be good for both of them, and also, potentially very funny.

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me, 2 posts ago:

me, now: Ah, yes, that makes sense... Not our heroes but Someone sure is.

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Fucking love multiple consecutive dungeon lords going, "my last wish is to fuck that guy up."

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They're just...happy...

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Love love love Chilchuck taking charge when Laios isn't there, especially in the context of "imminent tense 'diplomatic' meeting." He formed a union! He's good at this shit, and he'd be even better at it if he didn't have the handicap of being disrespected as a halffoot, and it's wonderful to see him with a team that has learned to respect him beyond that prejudice!

Also, Senshi's tiny eye wrinkle of determination <3

.

Never mind my previous comment. Chilchuck is never allowed to do diplomatic relations with the elves ever again.

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Kabru, internally: oh my god we're all going to die

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I'm just noting Ms. fresh-faced aristocratic scion and the handful of extremely competent, notch-eared criminals she's in charge of... The structure of this lead group of Canaries is very interesting, because Mithtrun is nominally in charge, and he genuinely does command in combat and other matters focused on immediate dungeon lord-hunting. But he's ONLY focussed on that, so Pattindol is clearly accustomed to taking the lead in situations with more social nuance... And the criminal members make decisions on their own such as to take advantage of Mithrun's typical disappearance to go snoop around this house... But they are accustomed, and I'm sure required, to have permission/orders from a guard to use their black magic specialties, see: the enchantment of Laios, Chilchuck & Senshi here, or in their opening mushroom fight when everyone was shouting out how they could kill the mega-mushroom.

...I'm gonna pay attention to how Pattindol and Flamela [I hope I'm getting these names right] interact later. The Canaries are such an interesting paramilitary unit.

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This is just a screencap of Kabru's life for the rest of his life. Good luck, Mr. Future Royal Advisor!

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Every good adventure story, and arguably every good story, period, reaches a point where to explain it makes you sound COMPLETELY insane - sometimes even with the context of the rest of the story up to that point. This...is very much that point.

I love that point so much.

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It's unreasonably stressful that Kabru's hands are obviously magically, invisibly handcuffed this entire scene. It's a metaphor for how he's handcuffed by the general threat the Canaries represent, of course, making him unable to warn Laios of the dangers of both the Canaries and of the demon. Being able to weird a sword would do nothing to help if it's going well or if it all goes wrong. But it's still stressful! And Laios doesn't know about the dangers just like he doesn't put together that Kabru is invisibly handcuffed!

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God I love Marcille. And her problem-solving methods.

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FINALLY, SOME GOOD FUCKING SILENT COMMUNICATION.

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So! A court magician's daughter clearly outranks an aristocratic scion sent into the Canaries to prove her family's loyalty to the crown. That makes sense.

Unfortunately, Mithrun's single brain cell, while focussed entirely on destroying the demon, is still capable of Insight checks, and the criminals are basically unfazed by the court hierarchy games that Marchille is trying to play.

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Why does EVERY elf assume that Marcille's great wish would be to be a full elf! I want to drop Elrond on these people and watch him verbally eviscerate them.

Joke's on you, motherfucker! Her greatest wish would (she thinks) serve all people, and has secondary effects that she could still enjoy!

Marcille: [hears Izutsumi lurking, ready to kick Mithrun in the face]

Marcille: Alright, time to tell a bishie to step the fuck off.

[twst-drabbles]

Jack and Leona 1

Summary: Jack has taken a liking to Leona. Said sand spirit has taken to looking smug about it.

(hoho I think my writing mojo is sloooowly coming back.)

Leona, in the first few months of being here, was pretty much a regular runner from your home. Not in the sense that he actively exercises but more in that he escapes your home to find a spot elsewhere to nap. He really didn't like being in the same room as you and you would've been a panicking mess had it not been for Mr. Falena telling you of these habits in advance. And how Cheka's voice always brings him back, especially when it starts sounding warbly.

Point being, you left him well enough alone cause you can tell he wasn't too fond of you. But, at some point or another, Jack has taken a shine to Leona. Whatever power that admiration has, it was enough to actually keep Leona here in the house.

"He really likes to have his ego stroked huh?" You mumbled when Jack plopped his butt in front of Leona's napping self, acting as his little guard dog. His wagging tail tells all of his enthusiasm for this self appointed position. "No wonder he didn't want to be in the house."

Excuse you for not inflating his ego every second of every day. Your self worth doesn't hinge on groveling. Besides, that's just a good way of fostering some concerning separation anxiety, or at least aggravating it.

Jack's shining eyes look like they could light up the room. It's a usual sight, what with you being his owner and treat-giver, but it's also funny to you because his face was usually so dead around the younger plant nymphs and other youngins. His tail kept smacking the wrinkle in your bed sheet as Jack kept his back straight.

You gave a small wave to him. Jack bounced like he wanted to bark but refrained. But, just as you're about to walk away and go about your day, you saw him.

You saw Leona. Awake, eyes fully opened without a trace of sleep, with the largest of smirks in his face.

Leona gave a low chuff. Jack whipped around, staring with all the admiration he can show, waiting for him on hand and foot.

Oh, this little fucker. He really thinks he has Jack wrapped around his tail, huh? Does he really think he has that much influence in your house?

You gave a sturdy pat to your thigh. "Jack. Come here, little buddy."

Jack's tail stopped, his pupils somehow grew bigger, and he faded in a puff of smoke without so much as a pause. No inner conflict, no hesitation.

Instantly, he was by your foot, looking up at you as though requesting permission to be on your shoulder. You angled your head and Jack puffed to it. He pressed his face against yours, still riding a little high on all the excitement he generated on his own.

Leona, meanwhile, stared right at you, ears and tail twitching with irritation before flopping on his other side with a huff. At least he's not running away.

Don't be so arrogant, little sand lion. This is your home, this is your domain. You know how to run it.

[lovelyladyabsinthewrites]

A Mouse in a Lion’s Den Pt.4

Pairing(s): Rhaegar Targaryen x Lannister!Reader, Jaime Lannister x Cersei Lannister Warnings: childhood trauma, emotional/psychological abuse Words: 2786 Summary: Lannister Lions descend upon King’s Landing Part 1  Part 2  Part 3  Part 5  Part 6  Part 7  Part 8  Part 9  Part 10  Part 11  Part 12  Part 13  Part 14  Part 15  Part 16  Part 17  Part 18  

Book One of Heir of Ash and Fire

Even being a daughter of the man who supposedly shit gold you had never seen such a beautiful dress. Not even the one you had worn at the Lannisport tourney. There were red gems sewn against the white fabric that shined when the light hit it. You didn’t even want to lay a finger on it, afraid that your touch would dirty it.

Rhaegar chuckles behind you. “I’m guessing it is to your liking?”

Dumbly you nod. “It’s. . . It’s beautiful Rhaegar.”

Lords and ladies all over Westeros were coming in flocks for your wedding. King’s Landing was filled with a multitude of different banners. It made Aerys even more nervous to where he hadn’t come out of his personal chambers for days.

You noted your own family had yet to arrive. Would Tywin not even attend your wedding?

Jaime had tried to reassure you that even if you weren’t his favorite, Tywin would still show up. The Lannister and Targaryen families were merging after all. It would be incredibly disrespectful for Tywin not to show up even if his relationship with Aerys was strained. The Lord of Casterly Rock was not a man who would ever dare of sullying his family name. He had Ilyn Payne’s tongue ripped out for even spreading the rumor that he defecated gold.

You hoped Jaime was right not because you wanted to see your father and older sister or anyone else, all you wanted to see was Tyrion.

Rhaegar leaves, having business to attend to as well as to let you try on your wedding gown. You wished he would’ve stayed a little bit longer but you weren’t left alone for too long. Jaime had entered the room as your hand maids were tightening your bridal corset.

You were about to greet him but an aggressive pull on the lace has you gasping. Jaime chuckles, his armor clanking slightly as he moves inside, his pristine white cloak fluttering behind him. A few of the maids blush and hide their face at Jaime’s presence. You had grown used to it though.

“You’re usually busy at this time of day.” Wheezing you try and steady your breathing.

“One of the other guards is filling in for me. It’s not too hard to protect someone who won’t even leave his room.” Jaime rolls his eyes. He shooed away the maids and they scurry along to give you and your brother privacy. “It makes my heart weep to see my baby sister in a wedding dress.” His tone is heavily laced with sarcasm that makes you twirl around and shoot him a playful glare.

“You never seemed attached to your baby sister before.” The most you could tell of Jaime’s affections for you in your childhood was that he tolerated you more than Cersei. No matter what he would always be on Cersei’s side. Even when she was in the wrong, which happened to be all the time. Cersei was his favorite. She was everyone’s favorite. Except for Rhaegar’s. That much you were sure of.

Cupping your elbow, he brings you closer to his gleaming chest plate that you could see your reflection in. “Of course I was attached to my little sister.”

You realized you had never been as close to him as you were now. You caught the fine features of his face, the elegant chisel of his jawbone and his perfect nose. “Funny, you never showed it. You always let Cersei do whatever she wanted.”

“Do you really think she would listen to me? You forget she is older than me as well and doesn’t take too kindly to being told what to do.”

He had a very good point. Even so that didn’t change the fact that he hardly ever intervened or took your side.

Tilting your chin up you look away from him. It hardly mattered anymore. “I guess you’re right. Not even father could ever get Cersei to do what he wanted.”

“Only mother ever got Cersei to listen to her.” Jaime muses and nods.

Softly you smile. “Sometimes it seemed that mother could do anything. Beautiful and kind and smart too.”

“Just like you.”

It made you scoff. “No. Mostly like Cersei.”

Taking a step toward you Jaime sighs. “Cersei is a lot of things but she was never like mother. She’s her own person.”

Wandering away from Jaime your gaze falls on the tall mirror that reveals you in your magnificent wedding gown. You felt a little shameful for being so happy that Cersei would also never be Rhaegar’s bride. Something that terrible didn’t deserve Rhaegar.

She got so many other things, but she would never have Rhaegar.

*

He didn’t understand what was going on. Jaime had always seen (y/n) as his sweet baby sister. Someone who needed to be protected.

Now he couldn’t explain his feelings for her. Of course Jaime still saw (y/n) as someone who needed protection yet things seemed different now. Since her arrival she continued to surprise Jaime. Sometimes it would be the way her eyes fluttered to focus her attention on him or the subtle touch to his forearm as she would laugh brightly at something that had happened. Or the coy little blush that would dust her cheeks when she was near Rhaegar. That made Jaime’s insides burn. It was like when he saw another man looking at Cersei in an obviously lewd manner. Cersei loved the attention she got from other men which made things harder for Jaime; as if loving his sister wasn’t hard enough. (y/n) was completely oblivious though. There were a few knights and squires that Jaime had caught oogling her. Not his little sister had noticed. She only had eyes for Rhaegar.

Illustrious Rhaegar who was perhaps only marrying her out of pity.

It was all starting to get on Jaime’s nerves. And he couldn’t explain why except. . .

The very thought made Jaime take a deep breath and try to banish the very idea. It couldn’t be. What kind of sick joke would it be if he was attracted to his little sister? Jaime had never thought it weird that he was attracted to Cersei. They were two halves of the same whole. She was a part of him. But (y/n)? It was weird yet somehow made sense to Jaime. Cersei being the independent girl that she was didn’t like any suffocating affections, much like a cat, and would only go to Jaime when she felt like it. (y/n) had always been his though; had always needed him. The poor girl craved for his love and attention. She had constantly sought shelter behind Jaime.

It was too out there though, even for Jaime. Being in love with both of his sisters. . . He laughed bitterly. Cersei would definitely not enjoy that news. She was still upset over (y/n) marrying Rhaegar. She didn’t like losing out to her little sister. Cersei never did quite get over that (y/n) had been Joanna’s favorite; not that Joanna had ever said it out loud or shown favoritism but everyone knew. It was an unspoken truth that made Cersei resentful toward (y/n).

Jaime shuddered to think what would happen if Cersei were to find out about his new attraction. No one was to know about this. Every time he saw Rhaegar and (y/n) together though made Jaime’s lips press tightly together in an attempt to suppress his angry snarl. He hoped that this feeling for (y/n) would pass. It was just brought on because he hadn’t seen her in years. That’s what it had to be. Once he saw Cersei he would no longer feel attracted to (y/n).

That was another reason why he got so excited when he saw the flying red banners with golden lions embroidered in the middle.

His fingers twitched at the thought of weaving them into Cersei’s wealth of blonde hair.

Then the nagging fantasy of running them through (y/n)’s racked his imagination further.

Jaime had to keep still in his position as King Aerys was now willing to exit his room just to get a glimpse of a man who had once been his Hand. Not out of courtesy but cold contempt for the Lannister lord.

“The lions have descended upon King’s Landing.” Aerys mutters to himself. He was constantly talking to himself or ghosts. Jaime couldn’t decide which one creeped him out the most. Each was equally disturbing.

One of the many things Jaime had learned from being in the King’s Guard was to tune out Aerys’ demented ramblings. It took him a while and had felt difficult to do at times, especially when Aerys besmirched the Lannister name, but it made his job easier when he could turn a deaf ear.

“Rhaegar better not be wrong about that little Lannister bitch.”

Muscles spasmed and Jaime literally had to bite down on his tongue, clenching everything together to stop himself from attacking the king he was sworn to.

That was one thing he couldn’t ignore. He didn’t like it when anyone called Cersei anything distasteful, he absolutely could not stand it directed at his sweet, baby, sister.

Jaime knew that if (y/n) had heard, it would wound her deeply. Her gentle heart would take it seriously.

“They’re almost within the gates of the Keep, your Grace.”

Aerys groans. “Very well.”

*

It was no use. Rhaegar couldn’t help the stretching of his grin as he watched (y/n) run from window to window to catch a glimpse of her family’s banner. She was like a bird fluttering from branch to branch and tweeting a happy song. He enjoyed it most when (y/n) was so happy. A burst of sunlight in his otherwise cloudy world. She lit up a room with her smile and actually made him laugh! Rhaegar had forgotten the last time he had genuinely laughed before meeting (y/n). He hadn’t known how much a distraction she would be; a good distraction. There were dark things to come in his life that would surely lead to spilled blood. Yet (y/n) was able to keep his mind occupied and away from what he would have to do in the near future. In the Dragonstone archives she would keep him company or venture out to where the sand met the salty ocean and sit with him; listening to him play the harp. If Rhaegar insisted, (y/n) would even bring her own harp and try to play along with him to the best of her ability. He knew each string so well that he didn’t have to look down at his fingers when he played. Instead he would look at (y/n) as she kept her eyes trained on her tiny digits. Her eyebrows scrunched together as she concentrated on the placement of each finger. She had grown immensely since the Lannisport tourney. (y/n) had grown yet still remained the same somehow. She could still be shy but in certain situations she had a level head and was confident. Acting serious when need be then laughing once the moment was over and it was just the two of them.

He didn’t regret the decision to marry her yet he couldn’t get rid of the image of a certain northern lady that he had met in passing. A girl with a cold beauty to her looks and a sharp tongue. A lady that could very well hold her own against any man. Those gray eyes that drilled into anyone who dared look too long. She was like the very ice of her land. The chance glance had been for just a few moments. Nothing more, nothing less. Yet Rhaegar felt bad for feeling something for another woman. It was obvious that the young Lannister girl was infatuated with him. (y/n) trusted and adored him. How could he betray his mouse? He helped her out of darkness. He wouldn’t so easily thrust her back into it.

(y/n) struggles to peer past the glass. “I hope Tyrion is down there!” She says with wavering hope. He detected the worry and desolation as she must already be preparing herself for disappointment.

“I’m sure he is. Your father is aware of the position you’re in now. He wouldn’t dare do anything to displease the future queen.”

She snorts and although it’s meant to be derisive, Rhaegar finds it adorable. “He does things to displease Aerys all the time. And on purpose too.”

Sharp as a tack too. Rhaegar chuckles; her family didn’t give her enough credit. At Casterly Rock she had been an observer while everyone else dismissed her. She listened to the talk and scheming that went on without ever being noticed. (y/n) was aware of how power worked. She knew the rules to the game of thrones. That was the one way she was like Tywin. He had unknowingly taught her. Not that she would do anything with the information. She wasn’t ready to be a hands on player quite yet.

Soon though she would have to participate. Whether she was ready or not.

Until then Rhaegar would do his best to shield and protect her.

Gingerly he tugs at her arm and immediately she turns to face him. (e/c) eyes staring up at him with complete adoration. “Shall we go welcome your family, princess?”

He knew it would make her blush and sputter. “Me? Princess?”

Rhaegar hums. “Technically yes. You’re going to be my wife which will make you a princess by proxy.”

“A princess, huh?” (y/n) replies quietly. “Never thought I would be a princess. . .”

Chest warm, Rhaegar leans into her which was a little tricky to do considering that she was smaller than him. After all this time she’s still surprised by his bursts of affections.

*

The golden family. They looked powerful, just the three of them together. Each holding the same unwavering green eyes that challenged everyone and anyone to look upon their glory. Then there was you.

Your heart sank when there was no sign of your little brother and you felt your throat tighten. You knew Tywin wouldn’t dare to bring Tyrion because he felt ashamed of him. Shame and resentment for killing his wife, not that it was Tyrion’s fault.

Shooting your eyes down to the ground you try everything in your power to stop yourself from crying there on the spot. You would show them how much you had grown. You would fight through the pain.

You didn’t bother to hide your disappointment at seeing your father and sister only. Other factions of the Lannister family had arrived to see you wed but didn’t have the honor to see you before the pre-wedding breakfast. That honor was only for your immediate family. Which unfortunately was merely Tywin and Cersei.

She was stunning, just like Jaime. You half worried if Rhaegar would change his mind and decide to marry your sister instead.

“I’m happy you could make it.” You say although the words come out emotionless. The words were merely out of formality. Just like you knew the last place your father and sister wanted to be was at your wedding.

“We’re all happy you could make it.” Rhaegar says as well, matching your tone although he managed a detached smile.

One stormy day at Dragonstone the two of you had gone back and forth describing the terrible things your fathers had done.

It was painfully obvious to the other onlookers in the room the hostility that made the air almost unbearable to be in.

“Of course.” Tywin speaks up. “This is a proud day for the Lannister family.” You never did like the way his eyes would look at you, as if you were still somehow disappointing him.

“I see you are missing a son.” Rhaegar bravely brought up the fact of the missing Tyrion.

Cersei makes a face before looking at her father’s reaction. Tywin, as per usual, plays it off cooly. “As requested by your grace the prince I have brought him.” He didn’t seem to happy about that fact.

Rhaegar doesn’t let up. “We fail to see him.”

“He has been sent up to our room along with our luggage. I thought it best that he stay there to have a. . . private reunion with his sister.”

In other words Tywin didn’t want anyone to see him.

At least he had brought him. You look up hopefully to your fiance who smiles down at you and nudges you. “Go and see him. I’ll finish up here. Ser Connington, will you escort my lady to see her little brother?”

The redhead seemed hesitant to leave the prince’s sighed but reluctantly followed you as you fled from the Great Hall.

[whispersbelongingbird]

Would you be interested in writing something inspired by the song ‘Hold On’ by Chord Overstreet with Fuegoleon and Leopold please? I am so starved for angst it’s not even funny. Thank you.

Silent Pleas

“Well I hope you feel better now!" Mimosa smiled as she took a stop and turned to her cousin.

Leopold directed his head to see the door to his room which Mimosa had paused in front of then moving his gaze back to her. "Yeah, I do. Thanks for everything!" Leopold Smiled.

He walked up to Mimosa and pulled her into a hug. Mimosa was a bit startled at first but she melted in and hugged back. 

Leopold had been feeling like a mush of shit recently, nothing was right. Everything was messed up, his family, the people around him, his feelings, his physical state and himself in general.

Everything hurt all over, his head was pounding, his eyes were burning, his stomach was twisting and turning and he could collapse at any second.

Why had he been feeling likes this? Simple, parents and people around him.

Leo is always dreading any events and ceremony’s. He doesn’t have a choice but to go because of all that royalty business. He mostly doesn’t want to go because of the people there, sure.. Mimosa and Noelle are there but that doesn’t stop him for hearing others bicker about him in such a nasty way. His parents let alone don’t even want to be seen with him. Mereoleona and fuegoleon get to slip out of stuff like this most of the time so Leo is just left to deal with it and listen.

When everything ends and they make it home his parents immediately start complaining and yelling, sometimes even hitting. 

This whole week Leo has spent crying himself to sleep from either pain or too much stress and emotions. He was reaching his breaking point.

After saying his farewells to Mimosa. The boy walked into his room and closed the door behind him then dragged his feet towards his bed and collapsed right onto it and melted into the soft material.

It felt nice to finally just rip off the mask and rest in the pool of all that pain and stress. He didn’t want to ignore everything he’s been going through. He wanted to soak it all in and accept it. He didn’t want to talk about it and let it all out. He wanted to praised on how well he handled everything.

Leopold rested his eyes and let a few tears slip out.

*

The next day Leopold had been sent on a Mission. 

“Conqueror the Dungeon and find the treasure hall, Simple as that. Now get going brat.”

Turns out it wasn’t so simple because Leopold was on his way back to the crimson lion kings base, limping and also trying to hide his injury from his two squad mates. 

It was laughable really. A diamond mage had managed to catch him off guard and stabbed Leo at the side of his waist. It wasn’t too fatal but it definitely wasn’t something to brush aside.

In the end, he had taken care of the mage before resuming to his search for the treasure hall, trying to ignore the sharp sting of pain coming from his side. It took all of his willpower to keep the tears locked in.

Leopold sat onto the back his squad mates broom as they made their way back to the Crimson Lion Kings headquarters.

He felt the cold air crash against the back to his neck and he trembled a bit.

“You look exhausted, everything alright?” Elliot auestioned, slightly turning his head to look at Leo who had his head hung low and hands clutching onto Elliot’s waist from behind.

“Hm? Y-yeah.. Just tired”. Leopold flinched at how hoarse his voice was. It felt as if something was clogging up his throat, it hurt to speak. “My opponent was stronger than I anticipated”

“I could tell. You have blood all over, I almost thought it was yours for a second. Make sure to get checked out though just in case” The black haired mage smiled before turning away from Leo and looking forward again.

Leo hummed in response and hovered one of his hands over his injury. He hasn’t told them about it. He didn’t want to bother them with such an inconvenience, besides it’s not so bad. Sure it hurts and stings like crazy but he can handle it.

No he can not.

Leopold was sat in his bathroom which was connected to his bedroom and he was leaning against the wall letting out broken sobs every now and then.

It hurt. It hurt so bad. He tried to pull the blade out but it just made it worse so he just kept it in. 

Elliot had said he would report back to Fuegoleon so Leopold had ran to his room and collapsed onto his bathroom floor.

It hurt. It really did. He had just punched his mirror so the added sting from his hand was not helping. It was taking so much for him to not just stab a piece pf glass through himself just to stop all of this.

He could hardly move. He wanted to scream. He wanted to silently cry. He wanted to tear apart whatever reached his hands. He wanted to be handled with care, like a delicate glass object that will shatter at the slightest pressure.

He just wanted everything to stop.

Leo lifted up his shirt as he looked down at the mess of blood at the left side of waist. It was disgusting. Blade still stuck in there. Its a miracle he hasn’t passed out yet. 

The Blood tripled down his torso and onto the marble floor. It was bright crimson red and there was no end to the overflowing mess. It was overwhelming to look at.

He grabbed onto the handle but paused. Someone had entered his room. He could hear the faint footsteps growing closer to the bathroom door.

“Leo? Are you here? You alright?” Fuegoleon called out knocking on the bathroom door. When he didn’t get a responses he figured Leopold wasn’t here so he was about to leave. However, the shuffling on the other side caught his attention and was that a cry.?

Fuegoleon scrabbled for the handle and pulled on it but the door was locked.

“Leo?!” He yelled, panic evident in his voice. Leopold sat still on the floor trying to form a responses.

“Fue-..” he trailed off and chocked on another sob. It was more pathetic than anything really. Truly an embarrassment.

“Are you in there? Open the door right now!” Fuegoleon tried to maintain his tone to not scare Leo, but that was hard given Leopold had just came back from a mission and the description Elliot had given him about Leo’s current state didn’t sound so good.

“Help…” was the only thing coming out of the youngers mouth. No other words were able to be formed. You could barely even hear it from the other side of the door. It’s fine though, because that was all Fuegoleon need to knock down the door and rush to his brothers side.

“Leo?”

And the rest was all a blur.

*

Leopold had awakened to the feeling of s soft material cushioning his head and body. A blanket was wrapped tightly around him and he hasn’t felt this comfortable in awhile. He missed this feeling..

He opened his eyes as they adjust to the bright light. It took a flew glances around the room to realise this isn’t his bedroom. He doesn’t know where he is. 

Panic settled within him as Leo shot up from his bed but immediately regretted it as he was hit was a dizzy spell and a sharp pain emitted from the side of his waist. The pain felt familiar.. 

He tried to recall the previous events of the night that had occurred for him to end up here. No one was in the room right now. It was just him alone. 

Leo leaned against the wall and covered his lower body with the blanket. Why was he in the infirmary? He doesn’t recall getting injured. Unless he was drugged by something that had fogged his memory up. Leopold is sure he is fine. Well that was if it wasn’t for the splitting headache and pain that was fixed onto his side.

It felt familiar for some reason.. not in a good way. Not in a way as if you’ve seen the familiar face of someone you love. It was different. Like a constant reminder of something that he couldn’t quite put his finger on.

His train of thoughts were put to a halt as someone entered the room. Owen. 

“Ah! You’re awake? How are you feelings.” He smiled and grabbed a chair along with a glass of water and sat next to Leopold’s bed. He put his hand out with the water for Leopold to take but the boy remained stiff.

Owen frowned and placed the cup onto the nightstand and let out a long sigh.  

“Do you remember what happened?” He asked with a slight tilt to his head. His voice was airy and gentle. It was very soothing and it didn’t ring in his ears like how everyone else’s had been doing for the past few weeks.

Leopold gave a subtle shake to his head. Owen opened his mouth to say something but the words were caught in his throat as someone else entered the room. 

Nozel..?

Leopold perked up as the man emerged from behind the door. What was Nozel doing here? Leopold would have assumed he had came to talk Owen if he hadn’t came up to him and handed Leo a letter.

“It’s from your sister. I was surprised at first because she usually never bothers with letters and stuff but it seems she was worried for you.. just has a very… different way of expressing so..”

Leopold took ahold of the letter but he didn’t open it. He held it in his hands and focused on the contact between his skins and the paper. It felt grounding for some weird reason. 

When Leopold had eventually looked up again. Nozel muttered a ‘get well soon’ before swiftly exiting the room. 

The door didn’t have time to fully close before opening again. This time someone different had entered 

Fuegoleon…

Owen had gotten up and grabbed something from a shelf before leaving. It was obvious he wanted to give the two brothers some space.

Fuegoleon ignored Owen and walked over to Leopold. He had an unreadable expression plastered onto his face. Leopold couldn’t make out what emotions he was feeling or what he was going to do.

Leopold just sat stiff, not knowing what to do. The closer Fuegoleon got, the more he felt his heartbeat begin to speed up. His older brothers footsteps were ringing in his ears. He was staring to feel faint.

Nonsense! This is his older brother. So why is he so scared. Why can’t he face him?

Fuegoleon pushed Owen’s chair to the side and sat at the edge of Leopold’s bed. They both just stayed still.

The older of the two put his arms around Leopold and kissed the top of his head. Leopold heard a sniffle which shook him. Was his brother crying..?

“Big brother… what’s wrong?” Leo rasped out. His throat was slightly bruised and it hurt to talk, but that didn’t matter now.

“Leo I’m sorry.. I’m sorry, I was so scared oh my..” Fuegoleon let out a broken sob. Leopold didn’t know what to do but awkwardly return the hug. He has never seen his brother cry before, this was a first. He felt even more worse knowing the reason for his older brothers tears was himself.. 

“I don’t know what I would’ve done if I lost you.. Leo why, why didn’t you tell me. Why didn’t you ask for help. What was stopping you?!” Fuegoleon raised his voice as he went on. He tried to conceal his emotions, he didn’t want to get mad at his younger brother, especially since his anger wasn’t directed towards him. He was angry at himself.

“I-I.. I’m sorry, I thought…” Leo trailed off and lowered his head as Fuegoleon tightened the hold he had on him. It was like as if he let go, Leopold would disappear.  

“Don’t say anything. Don’t” 

So he didn’t. Leopold didn’t say anything and neither did Fuegoleon. They both sat there in each others arms. No words were needed to convey their feelings. Actions were enough. More than enough.

[twoidiotwriters1]

The Curse of Oenone (Leo Valdez xFem!Oc)

A/N: I just had to use a Hercules GIF i love that movie sm -Danny Words: 2,694 Series' Masterlist Previous Chapter // Next Chapter Listen to: 'Vida La Vida' -by Coldplay

XIX: The Son of Olympus

First impression of Heracles: Hot. He's a god, so of course he'd look the part. He kind of reminds her of Percy, if Percy were a Gym-bro.

Piper's the first to speak. "Hello."

"What's up?" Hercules replies.

"Uh, not much." Piper glances at Ara, and the girl encourages her to keep going. "Well, actually, a lot. I'm Piper. This is Jason and Ara. We—"

"Where's your lion skin?" Jason blurts out.

Piper elbows the boy. Luckily, Hercules seems to find the outburst funny. "It's ninety degrees out here. Why would I wear my lion skin? Do you wear a fur coat to the beach?"

"I guess that makes sense." Jason pouts. "It's just that the pictures always show you with a lion skin."

The god glances at the sky with annoyance. "Don't believe everything you hear about me. Being famous isn't as fun as you might think."

"Tell me about it," Piper mumbles.

"Are you famous?"

"My dad... he's in the movies."

"Don't get me started with the movies! Gods of Olympus, they never get anything right. Have you seen one movie about me where I look like me?"

"I'm surprised you're so young," Piper agrees.

"Ha! Being immortal helps. But, yes, I wasn't so old when I died. Not by modern standards. I did a lot during my years as a hero... too much, really." He eyes Jason. "Son of Zeus, eh?"

"Jupiter," Jason corrects.

"Not much difference," Hercules shrugs. "Dad's annoying in either form. Me? I was called Heracles. Then the Romans came along and named me Hercules. I didn't really change that much, though lately just thinking about it gives me splitting headaches... At any rate, if you're Jupiter's son, you might understand. It's a lot of pressure. Enough is never enough. Eventually it can make a guy snap."

He looks at Piper. "As for you, my dear, be careful. Sons of Zeus can be... well, never mind." He locks eyes with Ara. "You're the newest Olympian sensation, aren't you?"

"Ara Jackson," she considers shaking his hand, but she doesn't want him to feel how much she's shaking.

He tilts his head. "Who was your godly parent?"

"Aphrodite."

Hercules burst out laughing, making Ara want to punch his nose. "Has the quality of heroes decreased, or are Aphrodites more sturdy than in ancient times?"

"We've always been sturdy," she scoffs.

"So the quality decreased," he muses. "That sucks."

"You su—"

"Lord Hercules," Piper intervenes. "We're on a quest. We'd like permission to pass into the Mediterranean."

Hercules turns to her, still chuckling. "That's why I'm here. After I died, Dad made me the doorkeeper of Olympus. I said, Great! Palace duty! Party all the time! What he didn't mention is that I'd be guarding the doors to the ancient lands, stuck on this island for the rest of eternity. Lots of fun."

He points at the pillars.

"Stupid columns. Some people claim I created the whole Strait of Gibraltar by shoving mountains apart. Some people say the mountains are the pillars. What a bunch of Augean manure. The pillars are pillars."

"Right," Piper replies. "Naturally. So... can we pass?"

"Well, I have to give you the standard warning about how dangerous the ancient lands are. Not just any demigod can survive the Mare Nostrum. Because of that, I have to give you a quest to complete. Prove your worth, blah, blah, blah. Honestly, I don't make a big deal of it. Usually I give demigods something simple like a shopping trip, singing a funny song, that sort of thing. After all those labors I had to complete for my evil cousin Eurystheus, well... I don't want to be that guy, you know?"

"Appreciate it," Jason nods.

"Hey, no problem," Hercules continues, eyeing Ara. "But I kind of want to see the little one in action."

"Call me little again, and I'll use you as the demonstration dummy," she says dryly.

The young god snorts. "So what's your quest?"

"Giants," Jason explains. "We're off to Greece to stop them from awakening Gaea."

"Giants. I hate those guys. Back when I was a demigod hero... ah, but never mind. So which god put you up to this—Dad? Athena? Maybe Aphrodite?" He glances at Piper with a sly smile. "As pretty as you are, I'm guessing that's your mom too."

Ara senses the danger, but Jason thinks she's about to snap and acts faster. "Hera sent us. She brought us together to—"

"Hera."

The air around Hercules changes, and Piper tries to fix it. "We hate her too. We didn't want to help her. She didn't give us much choice, but—"

"But here you are," Hercules glares at them. "Sorry, you three. I don't care how worthy your quest is. I don't do anything that Hera wants. Ever."

"But I thought you made up with her when you became a god," Jason frowns.

"Like I said, don't believe everything you hear. If you want to pass into the Mediterranean, I'm afraid I've got to give you an extra-hard quest."

"Man, c'mon!" Ara complains. "You know I'm forced to follow orders!"

"And yet you wear that mantle with pride."

"But we're like brothers," Jason insists. "Hera's messed with my life, too. I understand—"

"You understand nothing. My first family: dead. My life wasted on ridiculous quests. My second wife dead, after being tricked into poisoning me and leaving me to a painful demise. And my compensation? I got to become a minor god. Immortal, so I can never forget my pain. Stuck here as a gatekeeper, a doorman, a... a butler for the Olympians. No, you don't understand. The only god who understands me even a little bit is Dionysus. And at least he invented something useful. I have nothing to show except bad film adaptations of my life."

"That's horribly sad, Lord Hercules. But please go easy on us. We're not bad people," Piper uses her charmspeak, but it's hard to sweet-talk a god.

Hercules's eyes harden. "On the opposite side of this island, over those hills, you'll find a river. In the middle of that river lives the old god Achelous."

"...and?" Jason frowns.

"And I want you to break off his other horn and bring it to me."

"He has horns," Jason pauses. "Wait... his other horn? What—?"

"Figure it out! Here, this should help." Hercules tosses a tiny book at Piper. "Bring me that horn by sundown. Just the two of you. No contacting your friends. Your ship will remain where it is. If you succeed, you may pass into the Mediterranean."

"And if we don't succeed?" Piper scowls.

"Well, Achelous will kill you, obviously. And I will break your ship in half with my bare hands and send your friends to an early grave."

"Touch my ship," Ara warns him, "and I'll stick my sword up your—"

"Couldn't we just sing a funny song?" Jason pleads.

"I'd get going," Hercules says with disinterest. "Sundown. Or your friends are dead. And you," he summons a chair for Ara. "We should talk."

Ara shouts a lot of insults that make Piper and Jason look back in alarm as they walk away, but either Hercules finds her amusing, or he's not allowed to hurt a child of Olympus, because he lets her yell until she tires out.

He makes two drinks appear. "Grape. Non-alcoholic for the crybaby."

Ara scowls at the glass. "I'm not a baby."

Hercules sets his club next to her. Ara's barely a head taller than the weapon. "You sure?"

She kicks the club and snatches the grape juice. "I knew you were a jerk, but I didn't know you were petty too."

"Children of Olympus are all petty," he sits down. "Blend too much free time and excessive egos, and you get one of us. We're provoked easily, and we have a talent to incite."

Ara looks back at the ship. Someone's on deck staring in their direction, probably Leo. She's stuck here with Mr Simpathy, so why not employ the time for something useful?

"What being a son of Olympus entails..."

"Do you know what it entails?" He interrupts her.

"Well... I serve the gods."

"Until you die," he pauses. "Although they could promote you to some other thing if they like you. But basically, your life is theirs."

She shrugs. "I don't mind being put to use."

"Because you don't understand what it means," he drinks his wine. "This isn't a reward, kid. You're a threat to all mortals."

"That was before," she argues. "I'm not like you."

Hercules raises a brow. "Then why do you hold that sword? And wear my cloak?"

"I fought a war, and been to dangerous places, all just to keep my loved ones safe. I am not you."

Hercules rolls his eyes. "You pledged your life to Olympus, and you did it for one reason only—You're starving," His words resonate within her unpleasantly. "Have you done something about that hunger, or has it done nothing but grow?"

Ara replies quietly, avoiding his eyes. "I don't know..."

"How long have you been a daughter of Olympus?"

"A year."

Hercules frowns. "How old are you?"

Ara keeps her eyes down. "I'll be fifteen in a few days."

"You're younger than Achilles and I when we were chosen..." his voice sounds different now. "Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why did you turn into this?"

She clears her throat. "I got tired of burning shrouds. If the gods won't help us, then I will."

Hercules's demeanor changes, he looks pitiful. "We don't help people."

"Maybe you didn't, but I will."

"We're killers. That's what the gods will ask of you, to take out the trash so their home is clean. We'll never be role models."

"I don't want praise," she replies defiantly.

"You say that now," Hercules shrugs. "Get a couple more blessings and see if the treatment doesn't start to feel a little unjust."

"I might die soon, so it doesn't matter," she says bitterly. "Might as well do something good with the time I have left."

He tilts his head with interest, like he's listening to something Ara can't. "Ah... yes, I see it," He smiles and looks to the horizon. "I know the story—Oenone swore Paris would regret leaving her. He'd never get his ideal life with his ideal woman. The nymph then killed herself out of guilt, as the unstable creature she always was."

The girl doesn't even bother to ask how he knows all this, she assumes gods have their ways to poke around a mortal's business. "Well, according to Aphrodite, this life will be no different if I don't do something."

"That's wishful thinking."

"The fates chose us to be part of this prophecy—Two souls in the right place, and right time."

The god shrugs again. "How do you break a centuries-old curse?"

"I don't know. Might be tied to the Mark of Athena—"

Hercules snorts. "You're not a child of Athena, so I doubt it."

"Janus said one of my paths was threading in that direction."

"It can't be the Mark of Athena," he brushes it off.

"Then what is it?" She asks with irritation.

Hercules makes a face. "Do I look like an oracle? I don't know. The price you'll pay has to be high, equal to the value of your curse. They won't set you free otherwise."

"There is no real freedom in a world ruled by prophecies," she scowls.

Hercules can't hide his amusement. "You're so intense. All children of Olympus die by their doing, you know? Honor, power... what's your poison?"

"That's it, I'm going back to my ship now, this is useless!" Ara stands up from her chair. "You won't treat my work as a worthless effort."

"You are fourteen," he corrects her calmly. "No one's saying you're worthless, you're a kid."

Ara blinks. "What?"

He finishes his wine and tosses the goblet over his shoulder. "You're drowning, and what for? You're a child that acts like a child and you tricked yourself into thinking that's wrong. Your ambition, little dove, it's eating your youth away."

Ara stares at him. She likes being young... or she did before Percy brought all these grown-up situations, and she had to catch up with him so he didn't leave her behind. Her brother was her entire world for a long, long time, and at some point, they grew apart, just like she'd always feared. Ara's solution was to force her way into the spotlight so she wouldn't be ignored ever again.

"Let's see, you have..." Hercules examines the embroidery on her cloak. "Six blessings? You're burning out faster than Achilles and I ever did."

Ara's too angry and confused to process what's been said to her, but Hercules keeps going.

"You know why the gods don't give all the blessings? Above ten would be a VIP pass to things a human can't handle," Hercules sighs. "You won't be here for long, and they've always liked playing safe."

He says it like Ara is the most recent doll in the market, and soon she'll go out of fashion and the gods will forget she was even there, just like Helen.

"Any advice?" She asks.

"Yeah," he leans back on his seat. "Watch your mouth. You're young, and there are forces out there that won't hesitate to put you in your place. Teach yourself to be scarier with no symbols of power that announce it to your enemies. And one more thing..."

He looks back at the ship, Ara turns and spots Leo leaning on the railing. When she looks at him, he waves effusively and blows a kiss in her direction.

"Achilles stepped into this role and lost Patroclus," Hercules says absently. "I lost my mind... you will lose, Ara Jackson, and that will be the beginning of the end. The path you chose is nothing but sad and lonely."

"It was bound to be that way no matter what," her voice quivers.

Hercules glances at Leo again. "Yes... you better get used to it. That boy can start over if he survives, you cannot."

Ara nods and adds weakly. "Is it better than being mortal, being a god?"

He responds thoughtfully. "Being a god is... slow-paced. Nothing new happens, nothing old ever comes back. If you interact with mortals, you forget their faces as soon as they leave—if an immortal reaches out, it's meaningless."

"By that, you mean..?"

"Immortals, they don't even look at you. Might as well be hallucinating those meetings."

"Cool," Ara replies dryly. "Well, uh... I have nothing else to say."

Hercules laughs. "I could talk you to death... I'd never known a demigod like you, let alone a daughter of Aphrodite," he looks at the small figures approaching. "But your friends are back."

Ara approaches them anxiously. "Gods almighty—You okay?"

"All good," Jason nods.

"Good," Hercules hums. "You got it. In that case, you are free to go."

"You heard him. He gave us permission," Piper nudges Jason's arm. "That means our ship will be able to pass into the Mediterranean?"

"Yes, yes. Now, the horn," the god demands impatiently.

"No."

"Excuse me?"

"Achelous was right," Piper lifts the horn as if it were a bazooka. "You're his curse as much as he is yours. You're a sorry excuse for a hero."

Ara and Hercules share a look as if saying. "Are we hearing that right?"

"You realize I could kill you with a flick of my finger," he raises a brow. "I could throw my club at your ship and cut straight through its hull. I could—"

"You could shut up," Jason continues. "Maybe Zeus is different from Jupiter. Because I wouldn't put up with any brother who acts like you."

Hercules's face gets purple with anger. "You would not be the first demigod I've killed."

"Woah!" Ara steps in. "Let's not throw death threats around, okay?" She turns to Piper and mouths 'What the hell?' but her sister ignores her.

"Jason is better than you. But don't worry. We're not going to fight you. We're going to leave this island with the horn. You don't deserve it as a prize. I'm going to keep it, to remind me of what not to be like as a demigod, and to remind me of poor Achelous and Deianira."

"Do not mention that name!" Hercules snaps. "You can't seriously think I'm worried about your puny boyfriend. No one is stronger than me."

"I didn't say stronger, I said he's better."

Piper lifts the horn a little higher, and from it bursts out a wide variety of fresh food and baked sweets—a whole godly feast. Piper pulls Ara away from the mountain of edibles. "Go!"

Jason seizes them, flying back to the Argo II.

"Kill!" Hercules screams in anger, crawling out from under the food.

Everyone seems to know what's happening except Ara. Leo flies the ship away without asking questions, and Percy summons a huge tide to keep Hercules from throwing coconuts at them.

Next Chapter ->

Taglist.

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[kyogre-blue]

This awful nightmare month had FOUR paralogues. So tiring. And they don't even let me kill Flayn or Seteth! Or let me see Rhea murdering those two NPC imperial suckups. Disappointing all around.

To get my notes under the char limit, I'll put the part about the first paralogue here.

Immediately after Claude's death/deportation, we get invaded by Almyra. Holst "fell ill" but big doubt.jpg, since he does not show his face to either Hubert or Edelgard (Hubert can only comment that "it's said" that Holst looks and smells awful). The Alliance supposedly can't cooperate enough to muster forces to support the Locket, even though we just spent lots of time playing up how Claude maneuvered everything to go down with the least amount of damage possible and how the Alliance has been extremely peaceful and cooperative to our occupation and invasion. The Goneril soldiers book it immediately when we arrive, no green units for us. And at the end, Holst politely passes the duty of guarding the Locket to the Empire. Which is another way of saying he refused to do it anymore, possibly on account of the dead little sister. You know, just maybe.

This is hilarious in general, and you can read all kinds of funny things into it, especially since this is the route where the game lies to you all the time with a straight face, so you are free to interpret practically all things you're told as complete bullshit (and you'll be provably right at least half the time).

Personally, I think it's very funny to assume everyone who says the Alliance occupation is going oh so well is either wrong or lying. I mean, sure, Claude supposedly arranged it so things would go peacefully whether he won or lost, BUT he was wrong at least twice about his allies surrendering peaceably and his dying words are about how he misread the entire situation. Yeah, logically this is all structured to contrast how the Kingdom and the Church won't go down as peacefully, but it's funnier if the Alliance is also not peaceful about this at all.

Almyra certainly is not looking like a future friendly neighbor, despite Edie's optimistic outlook.

Live blogging:

Hubert reports that Thales has started collecting the Relics from the Alliance (cool! definitely not a problem! Hilda wasn't casually able to oneshot everyone with that awful axe!)

He also suggests that we have one of our Lions recruits pretend to be a hostage to force their family to betray the Kingdom. Lovely man, so practical.

Byleth: you're using too many Proper Nouns, I can't keep tracks :( Edelgard: don't worry about it, kitten

Nader's in good spirits, at least. The Almyran forces have a lot of wyverns, mounted archers and also giant birds.

Edelgard thinks we can befriend Almyra, she would even consider a treaty. It's not a land ruled by blind fealty to the goddess (lol), so as long as communicate openly and respect the differences between our cultures... OK. We're not gonna mention Claude at all, which is funny.

Next paralogue! Hubie is investigating Solon, Kronya and Arundel. He wants to know their identities, their origins, their numbers, their base of operations, their plans, and where they acquired their dark powers, how they disguise themselves. He calls them "those who slither in the dark."

Now, working backwards from this, it means that he doesn't know these things in early war phase (where we are now), unless we assume he got further in his investigations in other routes.

Also, as has been pointed out, although this is a descriptive name that Hubert came up with, it's also used by Rhea for some reason.

It's a shame that Arundel is just Thales, he has a pretty nice design.

Hubert calls Arundel "Regent" even now. Weird!

We're sent to help some Agarthans who were experimenting in the Sealed Forest but their demonic beast subjects ran wild. Hubert later suggests that this was all a setup to make Edie's faction feel powerless in the face of the Agarthans' experiment (because they are aware Hubert is investigating them), but it backfired because Hubie isn't intimidated at all. He's looking forward to when Edelgard finished uniting Fodlan, and then House Vestra will fight the Agarthans in the shadows. (Hilarious from a narrative standpoint.)

Incidentally, you only need to save more than half the mages to get Arrow of Indra. The "Mysterious Mages" that you save also do not have Agarthan Technology abilities unlike the shapeshifters. Ladislava is popular with the citizens of the empire. She doesn't put up airs, is talented and also beautiful. She's known as the Scarlet Warrior.

There isn't much unrest in the former Alliance territories, perhaps thanks to Caspar's dad's strength (aka keeping them in line by force).

Riegan was once a branch family of Blaiddyd, which is very mysterious given their different crests.

Ladislava's troops depart at the end of the month (February) to the western front. They have high mobility. iirc she's a wyvern rider.

It's a bit funny to get the quest for the Almyran merchant same month as the Almyra invasion paralogue.

Claude told Lysithea roughly that she shouldn't focus too much on whether they win. Unlike Judith and Hilda, she listened lol.

Hubert hanging out in the Deer classroom, thinking about Claude. Relatable. He says that Claude has a compassionate exterior, but underneath is cold and calculating. Harsh! Also, not really in line with Claude's behavior toward his allies.

Linhardt says that there's a passage from the Holy Mausoleum to the Holy Tomb, but he can't figure out the mechanism. It's not really clear where the Holy Tomb is, and I've seen the speculation that it's under the amiibo gazebo... but the Holy Mausoleum is in the cathedral, so the two being connected... it's possible both are true, but kinda weird if so.

Dorothea: They'll write operas about this... I'm sure a pretty actress will play you :) And Edie :)) Maybe they'll throw in a love story :)))) hahaha (extremely awkward laugh)

Just realized you steal Zoltan's idol from the advisory room in the cathedral. Nice.

Hubert and Edie A: He emphasizes again that he's devoted to her due to personal feelings but also that he's not loyal in the sense of following her orders. He does what he thinks is best and if Edie disagrees, or doesn't like it, or is kept in the dark for her own good, well, that's how it is. He also mentions that his devotion became personal after Edie returned from the Kingdom, which calls back to how he and Ionius treat it as some kind of malicious kidnapping.

Petra paralogue: Church is threatening Brigid :( Well, per the Empire's perspective. Catherine is here <3

Jokes aside, Petra's perspective is interesting. Brigid is trapped between the Empire and Dagda, and they don't have the ability to stand against either one. They were dragged into war with the Empire by Dagda, which they then lost, and Petra's father was even killed. So they became a vassal state of the Empire, but given the whole racism issue, they probably were not in a good position. So Petra is focused on basically proving that Brigid is a useful and valuable ally for the Empire. Which is a rather practical approach.

Leonie paralogue... Interesting details that you need recommendations to get into Officers Academy. In the Alliance this means paying nobles to get them. Raphael mentions that his family sold their business to pay for him, iirc, since he wasn't up to running it anyway. Ignatz's parents are more successful, so perhaps they could just afford it. Leonie's entire village had to chip in to buy her way in. Presumably Ashe was sent by Lonato directly (though interesting choice given that the uprising happens very early in the year, so he must have already been planning it). I think the only other commoner is Dorothea, who... well.

Linhardt brings up the crests perpetuate the nobility angle and says to take it up with the Goddess for handing them out like that. But given where Leicester crests actually came from... sigh

Linhardt read about the legend of Saint Indech, so it's free real estate for any other character to read in an AU. Very nice.

Lake Teutates... Indech is a giant turtle. Man, these "dragons" are all kinds of shapes lmao. He attacks with water spikes.

Leonie calls the Immovable One a "magic beast" which we haven't seen so far, only wild beasts and demonic beasts.

Linhardt immediately caught on that the Immovable One is Saint Indech.

Petra has been in Fodlan for 9 years as of the war phase, so she came 3 years before the Academy.

Garreg Mach can be entered from the north by following Aillel, the Valley of Torment.

The map this time is a modified version of the monastery defense map from end of Academy Phase and second battle of the other routes. Previously, I didn't realize that the right hand third is gone. Presumably, this is the gorge that Byleth fell into...

We're fighting an expeditionary force led by Alois, while Rhea and Catherine hold off the rest of our army at the Sealed Forest. Aaah, they're so cool <3 They're also set up an ambush.

OK, so the situation with Flayn and Seteth is that they just retreat when defeated, regardless of who fights them. I thought there would be some scene about specifically sparing them, but nah. They just leave on their own. You don't even have any unique dialogue with Seteth, and Flayn just talks about how she won't kill you since she owes you her life.

Rhea murdered the heck out of Ladislava and Randolph off-screen. Shame, I would have loved to see it.

We killed Alois tho! He felt that, since we betrayed Rhea, Jeralt would not have approved.

[sullina]

Wouldn't it be funny if Liones didn't discover the mural until after season 1 when they were rebuilding and investigating Hendrickson's deeds? Like someone had to parse through all that unethical research and investigate the hole he kept the demons corpses in and at that point the Sins, while heroes, hadn't rejoined the knighthood at all sonthey couldn't be the ONLY ones doing the research. I can imagine Griamore and Gilthunder kinda insisting on joining the exploration team or something because... well... Griamore is Dreyfus' son and Gilthunder is the son of the man who's murder by Dreyfus and Hendrickson had kicked this whole mess off! Since both culprits are presumed dead at this point, I can see those two trying to find closure of some kind.

Howzer would join in just to be supportive of his best friends.

So one day, while they were still rebuilding everything, the three go down into the caves under Liones to try and learn more about what Hendrickson was up to and somehow... some way... they come across the mural. It's not as... clean and pristine after 3000 years, some sections had been buried by the petrified growth and rocks and stuff... but it was clear that this isn't the same story the humans were told of the end of the Great Holy War, that this wasn't some fairy tale and that it actually happened. That this is lost history from the Era of the war to begin with! The depictions are hard to understand... but the image that stand out most is the image of a silver being cloaked in light with a multitude of wings and a being cloaked in darkness with a single pair of black wings that stretch for miles behind them standing against two powerful and godly beings with the Dragon Handle between them. The same Dragon Handle that was still missing and that Meliodas was extremely upset to find was gone.

The faces depicted are all but nonexistent. There is a very stylized depiction of the figures and its impossible to tell exactly who they are... but Gilthunder can't help but be reminded of his idol and the princess while looking at the two figures. But that'd be impossible!!

Griamor immediately insists on taking the mural with them to show the king, it's an important historical find, after all, but is shot down by the other two, not because they disagree, but because there's no way they would be able to get the mural out of its place without damaging it. Instead, it would be better for king Baltra to come here and see the mural for himself. However, Baltra was likely gonna be too busy for a while to come down below the castle, so they would be sitting on the discovery of the mural for a while. Baltra has ordered a few guards to be stationed at the entrance of the mural though, since a historical discovery is still important.

Gilthunder kept thinking about it, the images of his idol and the princess in place of the two figures on the mural refusing to leave his thoughts. He visits the Boar Hat when he finds some free time and brings it up to Meliodas. He thought he saw the Dragons Sin pause for a fraction of a second, but maybe he was just tired from the work of rebuilding the kingdom.

[blitsking]

♡CHAPTER 3~SWEET SAPRISE♡

"DON'T IGNORE ME!!!" The angry hyena growls and snatches the dessert from the smaller male next to him. I immediately turn and run after the smaller creature, but it was all in vain. When I catch up he is already given my sweet bread to that stuffy lion and it's almost gone. "You know that's my sweet bread, lion" I hiss at the taller male. He looks at me with a sly smirk, then spoke with pride. "Too bad pussey cat, I've already eaten it." Shrugging his shoulders as he stands up, shoving the last piece into his mouth.

My ears drop a little as I whisper, "That was the last one," my ears shoot back up in a defense, finally realizing he called me a cat. "For your information, lion, I am a snow leopard. I am extremely rare, and can only be found on an island off the coast of sunset Savannah called Britannia." I stated in an informing manner.

He opens his mouth to speak but before he can the next bell rings indicating that the next class is about to begin. Zyair, finally deciding to catch up, pulls me away from the two predators and he can tell I'm saddened by the loss of my sweet treat as we walk in silence to our next classes.

♡o｡+..:*♡o｡+..:*♡o｡+..:*♡o｡+..:*♡o｡+..:*

I was walking through the darkened halls of the school, not paying attention to what was going on around me. Though something perks my interest. Gossip is one of my guilty pleasures. I stop to listen in on what the strays are saying, picking up on something along the lines of "He's going to rig the game. So Savannaclaw can finally win one." 'What? Who would go so low and far to rig a game?' I thought as my dotted ear twitched in outrage. "First my sweet bread and now this," I growled too low for anyone to hear. 

That's when I started thinking, this "he" had to be from Savannaclaw right? If they want Savannaclaw to win, so who? I decided not to ponder on it. I finally reached the hall of mirrors, where Zyair should be waiting for me but instead I find a nice surprise. "Lion?" I ask in a polite, but curious way. "What are you doing here?"

"Finally, I thought you got lost kitty." There's that nickname again, but instead of something else caught my attention. He said it void of any true emotions and to be frank I was quite interested in this. Every time I spoke with the lion, he seemed to be quite an emotional person. So being the curious leopard I am, I questioned him. "What got your tail in a twist pussey cat?" deciding to respond with a name of my own. Which of course got me a glare in response, quite funny if you were to ask me.

"I was going to give you this extra sweet bread," Lifting a small brown bag with the scent I know all too well, and my ears immediately perk up. "But if you don't want it-" "Now, now, let's not jump to conclusions, but how did you get this." I purred, not realize that I cut him off, with a small smile, putting out my hand for the brown bag. Dropping it in my palm, he stated "Leona, and I have my ways." "What?" I questioned him, not actually paying attention to what he is saying, as I am opening the brown bag. Sighing he went on. "My name, it's Leona. I can't have you calling me lion forever."

"Oh!" Finally realizing who I'd been talking to. "Apologies, I did not realize I was talking to royalty. If I had I would have been kinder." I bow, a cool smile on my face. Lifting myself back up again I give him a proper introduction, "I am Taya of Britannia, and I'm 21 years of age, your highness." This seemed to catch him off guard, I guess he didn't expect me to know a second-born Prince. Though because of my past status as queen, I have to keep tabs on all kinds of people, from royalty to commoners.

He put a hand to shake and without hesitation I took it. He held my hand as though it was glass, and I can understand why he'd think that I am incredibly smaller than the male. After a moment our hands depart from each other, and then he asked something that I never expected him to, "Do you think we can start over Taya? I was quite rude to you." He pleaded with his ears just barely drooping. If I wasn't as observant as I am I wouldn't have noticed.

"Of course, we can Leona," I say with a sweet smile. "But, I have to get going. Zyair wants me to help him with some work he needs to get done. Thank you for the sweet bread, and maybe we can hang out in the garden sometime." I questioned as if my voice was honey. "I would enjoy that." He chuckled as I walked away.

♡o｡+..:*♡o｡+..:*♡o｡+..:*♡o｡+..:*♡o｡+..:*

Posted: aug/15/2023

Master list

[martieshub]

It was always a funny thing to him when he could tell by the look on her face that something had piqued her interest. Now was no different as he looked up and noticed the way her eyes shined a bit. He'd come to see that look a handful of times by now. It was the same little sparkle he saw from her when they were outside. Almost like her guard was down and she let herself be seen. Though to him even in the dark he could see the sparkle emanating from her. ❛It was the first trip me and my sisters took where we reunited with our mama. It had to be a neutral place so our father wouldn't fight her for custody. At that point they were in a nasty battle over the two of us. He didn't want the one that wasn't his. It was the summer before we started kindergarten at our new school here in the islands so our aunt thought it was a good idea to calm our fears for the first day at a new school.❜ they didn't speak in English at that point and most kids were little bullies so that trip was the time they felt like they belonged somewhere. ❛We stayed at Rio de Janeiro for about a week and that was the time I saw my sisters smile for the first time. We were kids and able to be kids without having to be little adults for everyone else. I fell in love with the sights and saw myself living there. Clearly that didn't happen. I stayed with my sisters. We're a packaged deal. Where they go I do. ❜ honestly now it would be hard to leave them all. With kids and a family built he would feel like he'd be abandoning them. ❛Actually never been to São Paulo. We should go. Maybe I'll get the agency to sponsor a trip. What was your favorite sights to see?❜

A chuckle escaped him as she fired off her questions. It seemed like this was their relationship and it brought him a bit of joy. An eye roll came through and laughed. ❛She's got both girls and boys. Five and five so you could have taken your pick. Though two of the boys love to stick their fingers in noses and three love to stick fingers in outlets. Girls are pretty calm though. ❜ He was, of course, kidding and fucking with her. Pulling chains was also part of their banter. ❛Shoot your shot. But I want to watch. ❜ His controlled laugh slipped as he shook his head.

The little boy in his lap stopped playing with his wrist and made a surprised expression not knowing she knew about NASCAR. Wally bounced him and leaned over to hear what he wanted to hear. Glancing back up he chuckled and cleared his throat. ❛He wants you as his date for the racetrack. ❜ Wally felt the need to further explain what that meant as he moved his face around to keep tot from hitting his face. ❛His second cousins are racecar drivers and have one day every few months where they take the littles on the race track with their tiny cars and they have a ball. ❜ it was also not where he learned how to drive stick for one of his missions. ❛Lion King date. You know you'll be hanging out with us again, right? ❜

❛Lilo and Stitch? Did you like it? ❜ Liar. He whispered as a smirk crossed his face. Farmers market had chuckle already because if he wasn't making a fool out of himself it wasn't a great day. The little boy in his lap turned and started asking for his fruit knowing that farmer market day was when he got to see his girlfriend. Wally shushed him gently and told him his juice packet was in the fridge for later. With that he seemed content enough to go back to laying on his chest. ❛we decided to take the whole lot. Bad idea but each adult had two then I had four. There was a sign that said no one under five and sure, we listened. We thought its a farmer market how dangerous could it be. Turned out it wasn't dangerous at all but fun. They had a roped off area that held every carnival game imaginable. Bounce houses and a spin the rabbit game which, I'd suggest you guys go to first. The first ten winners get to ring the bell on the train for the parade. It's a harvest parade. Kind of like Thanksgiving but not. So we inadvertently foiled their plans because the kids ended up winning the prizes that most adults wanted to take home and now it's not a secret area anymore. Because of us. ❜ His nephew started to laugh because he remembered the because of us moment.

The words that Wally said had some truth about them. Hell, she had even read plenty of books where that typical 'home is wherever you are' line was used, she just didn't understand it. She had never settled in one place to call home, nor did she find home in someone before, how would she know? A nod of her head was all that she could give at that sentiment before a twinkle in her eye came to her amber hues at the mention of Brazil.

It was the first heist she had spearheaded after Jennifer left her on her own and Charlie helped her back up. She was rather proud of it still to this day, with no clues left behind, millions in cash, bars, jewels, and loads of diamonds taken. Word was even one of the strong boxes they had taken that night belonged to a family member of the former governor. Granted the take was shared with all but it was still enough that she lived off of it for a good year. She was barely in her twenties and it felt exhilarating to know that she didn't need Jennifer and could do it on her own. Bringing herself to the moment she found herself in, her curiosity got the best of her.  ❝ Why Brazil? I can't say I blame you, São Paulo is beautiful, have you been? A giant melting pot of a metropolis. ❞

A genuine giggle came from her.  ❝ Adventures? What type of adventures are Wallaby and Lila doing? ❞ She had been called many things before, but Lila? That was a new one she couldn't help but be confused but happy at the same time about it.  ❝ Sacred? ❞ She repeated more to herself than a real question. She did understand that sentiment. Orion was her Oreo, it was because when she came to meet the boy he had been sitting at the kitchen table eating Oreos, most of it on his face than in his mouth. Something about the way he said he wished Anna would be something else but what he did made her want to question why, but she also knew that she would never want Orion to do any of the things she and Charlie had done growing up. She bit her tongue instead.

 ❝ What if that was what I wanted? Use my cute little godson to chat up some of the cute singles in the area? You foiled my plans. And you have to give me Mrs. Jones's number, what does she have sons? Daughters? Are they hot? ❞ It was a jest but she couldn't help it when she was around Wally, always wanting to be contrarian to what he said. She refused to be pinned down to a T, especially by an agent.

 ❝ Ah, Cars. Orion had me sit and watch them all with him once. Nice choice. You might be a NASCAR fan, maybe one day. Or a Le Mans fan. It happens in France and it's 24 hours nonstop, it's quite an event.❞ Orion had begun to lean against his godmother with eyes half open at the mention of his name.  ❝ And I would love to watch Lion King with you anytime. ❞ She tried to repeat it back as best as she could.

Honestly, she liked Luca but it was because she saw a lot of herself and Charlie and even Anna in those kids. Trying their best to make their own way in the world, two monsters are taken in by a caring girl. Shrugging she added ❝ Well, there’s also Lilo and Stitch. Orion made me watch the plan ride over. I don’t really have a favorite, there are some that I’ve seen and have stuck with me but nothing I would label favorite.❞ She had t seen a lot of movies that were family-friendly and she had only started when Orion entered her life a year ago. Her favorite movies were best not said in the present company, especially now that Orion was beginning to wake.

❝ Now, ❞ she settled a bit more comfortably, crossing her legs so that Orion could sit in the little space made by it and lay his back against her. ❝ Story. I need to hear all about his farmer's marker I need to talk Orion to. ❞ The boy began to rub his eyes, equally as curious about this story. He had begun to inherit her want and need for stories through some strange osmosis and was awake now.

[devils-wonderland]

"Pretending To Be His S/O"

⛓Summary: Uncomfortable situations lead to NRC boys asking for your help. You wouldn't mind pretending to be their partner for a while, right?

⛓CW: GN!Reader, fluff, harassment, creepy admirers, Ruggie's dandelions.

⛓Characters: Kalim Al-Asim, Ruggie Bucchi, Azul Ashengrotto.

⛓Notes: If you like this concept, I'll happily do more characters!

⛓Kalim Al-Asim⛓

Kalim was familiar with confessions, he has gotten lots of them back at home, Jamil had to shoo them away. Though, this time it was a bit different. This student wouldn't take "no" as an answer. They would continuously dote on him, which made him incredibly unsure of what to do next.

Kalim didn't want Jamil to handle this, as their relationship was completely different now, he could handle this himself, or at least, without Jamil helping him this time. So being the incredibly brilliant guy ever, he rushed to Ramshackle dorm as fast as he could. He wouldn't want his admirer finding out where he was.

You opened him with warm arms, after he explained the whole situation to you. "So basically...that person is harassing you?" You asked for confirmation. Hurriedly nodding, Kalim sighed.

"It's just, they won't stop, no matter what I say! ...I didn't tell Jamil because I thought I could handle things on my own, but..."

"No, no, it's fine. I'll act as your lover for a while, and if they don't stop their advances, I'll just have to handle them privately," you noted in your head all the possible ways you could torture Kalim's "admirer" legally. Kalim was just happy you accepted his pleads for help, happily jumping on top of you.

The past week the student after Kalim seemed to get the hint, your arm always hooked around Kalim's hips, the glares you'd send them in class, can't forget all the times you give those small kisses to Kalim on his forehead whenever they're around. You were officially Kalim's scary guard dog. You were fine with that, you didn't mind, especially with all the food Kalim treated to you after class.

"I think it worked.." Kalim frowned, laying his weight on your body. Confused, you turned your neck to face him.

"You're upset? What's up?" Kalim couldn't help but grip onto your arm, sad eyes looking away from you.

"I really like...n-no! I love your company!" He felt a large pit in his stomach, waiting for your response. This was just supposed to be an act, he didn't know this would heighten his feelings for you!

You pulled Kalim closer, a grin on your face. "Is that so? Then I guess I'll just have to stick around as long as you'd like."

Kalim shouted with joy, snuggling into your chest. Oh yeah, and you dealt with his stalker further the day after.

⛓Ruggie Bucchi⛓

Ruggie didn't expect things to escalate, he really didn't. How was he supposed to know that the student treating him to a meal was an admirer?! In his defense, the hyena was staring at his meal the whole time, rather than the person giving him the lovey-dovey eyes.

Did he turn them down? Duh! Ruggie tells it how it is, and he really doesn't have time beating around the bush, the thing is...now the admirer thinks they're full blown dating! Even when Ruggie states he's not interested. Telling Leona this, the lazy lion man was left in his room laughing. Not funny, Leona!

Now Ruggie was receiving creepy notes along with snacks, he ate the snacks, tossed the notes away. The only way to fix this now was some sort of scam!

You had been quite surprised watching as Ruggie jumped right into Ramshackle, through the damn window...

As silly as this seemed though, Ruggie really was uncomfortable with his stalker. And as much as he could handle on his own, Crowley has been watching over his use of magic as of lately, wouldn't want a repeat of what happened at Spelldrive. So yeah, pretending to be a thing with you seemed like the safest, and cheapest option here.

With the situation...and his puppy eyes, you just had to agree.

Ruggie really was surprised to see you at his desk, gifting him two donuts for his breakfast he seemed to forget. Did he just fall in love with you? Yes, yes he did. "How's my pretty boyfriend doing?" You made sure you were loud and clear, just for his creepy admirer to hear. They did, and immediately got the hint, the way you looked towering over Ruggie was threatening enough.

A week has passed, even though the person stopped bothering Ruggie, you both were still glued together, side by side most of the time. He was grateful for your help, hell, Ruggie was grateful for all the dinners you treated him to! Ruggie made sure to make you a fine meal as appreciation, he even picked the yummiest dandelions for a sider!

You and Ruggie never addressed your relationship, but you both just assume you're now dating.

⛓Azul Ashengrotto⛓

On the outside, Azul was calm, a smirk playing right onto his lips, everything was fine. Everything was indeed not fine. On the inside, Azul was panicking, crying, throwing up. Some old schoolmates of his had come to visit the Mostro Lounge while a festival was being held.

They all looked so happy, but there were a few that stood out to him, ones that had bullied him before. They were all asking questions about how he was holding up, compliments that seemed disgustingly fake, then a comment was said that made everyone else curious. "Hey Azul, you dating someone yet? You weren't exactly everyone's type before," now they were all laughing again.

It really wasn't funny, and if the tweels weren't at their clubs right now, they both would've squeezed the life out of the group. "...Not that it's any of your business..I-I do have a partner," Azul wanted to smack himself for stumbling on his words, hurriedly going to his office, dialing your number.

The phone call was pretty fast, Azul had offered you countless deals in the past minute of the call, just for you to stop by, and act like you were in a relationship with him. He tried his best to calm his nerves while talking to you, but you could clearly hear the distress in his voice.

You wasted no time meeting him back at the Lounge, pulling Azul close to you, eyeing down his old "friends". "Hey Azul, decided to swing by for a moment, these are your old classmates?" You take a seat right next to them, never letting go of Azul's gloved, shaky hand. You knew his past, and how they had treated him. "You guys still major assholes, or did you finally grow out of that phase?"

The question had them all shut up, now they were the ones embarrassed. What a turn of events! Azul thanked the Great Seven, the pressure finally left his stomach over the hours passing. "But yes, I've been great over the years, do mention my well-being to our other old acquaintances," Azul placed their bill on the table, grinning smugly,  and no they weren't getting any discounts.

"You okay?" You squeezed his hand, checking for any sort of discomfort. Azul nodded nervously, face flushed. Were you always this hot?!

Clearing his throat, Azul looked up to face you. "Ahem..t-thank you for tonight, I wouldn't mind if you stopped by for free meals for the next week," Azul was a bit sad this was over so soon, he had liked acting as your boyfriend. Cupping his soft cheek, smirking at his offer, you gladly accepted.

"Only if you're in my company the whole time, darling." You killed Azul, congratulations!

[thelazyhermits]

I wanted to make a post about the Twst Tsumstead Event, which I watched a video translation of, because it’s fun for me to imagine how it could go with my Yuu. As always, I’ll put everything underneath the cut. 

I’m a big fan of the idea of all the Tsums liking Yuu because their counterparts like the MC, even though some of them would never actually admit it. Unlike their counterparts, the Tsums are very honest with their feelings and have no qualms about showing who they’re attached to.

So whenever Yuu encounters one of the Tsums, they’re quick to approach her and will either jump into her arms or onto her head/shoulders and will be very affectionate with her and happy to get her attention. 

Yuu naturally absolutely loves this because the Tsums are adorable. Plus, it’s pretty funny seeing the Tsums that look like Sebek and Leona being affectionate with her since that’s something you’d never expect from Sebek and Leona. 

In the game, the MC doesn’t have a role in this event since it just focuses on the guys who are in charge of looking after the Tsums that resemble them, so things will be different with my Yuu since I want her to meet the Tsums.

After watching videos of the vignettes for the Riddle and Leona SSRs for this event, I got inspired by Leona’s in particular for how to get Yuu involved.

So the morning following the arrival of the Tsums, Yuu heads to the botanical garden because Crewel had asked her to grab some things that will be needed for class.

While she’s in the process of gathering what she was sent for, the nearby bushes start rustling, catching her off guard. As she wonders if an animal somehow got into the garden, a small figure suddenly leaps out of the bushes and tackles her in the chest, making her fall backwards.

Once she pulls herself out of her brief stunned stupor, Yuu looks down at her chest and sees Leona Tsum happily making himself comfortable.

The first thing that comes to her mind is how the Tsum resembles Leona. The next thing she thinks is how adorable he looks despite resembling the gruff lion.

As she starts cooing over the cute creature who seems to enjoy her attention, Yuu remembers what she heard from Crowley last night about the Tsums and realizes this must be one of those creatures who just so happens to resemble Leona.

Considering the guys were supposed to take care of the Tsums that resemble them, Leona obviously ditched his. There’s a chance he just never encountered his Tsum, but she has a hunch that Leona just didn’t want anything to do with his, which is exactly what happened. 

Since she needs to get to class, Yuu hurries to gather the things she was sent to collect and asks Leona Tsum if he would like to accompany her or if he wants to wait for Leona to come to the botanical garden for his usual nap. 

Rather than choose to wait for Leona like she expected, the Tsum wants to go with her, or at least, that’s the impression she gets since he jumps onto her shoulder and makes himself comfortable.

The rest of the school day passes with Yuu going to her classes while Leona Tsum either naps on her shoulder or in her lap. Thankfully, the teachers don’t mind since they know someone needs to supervise Leona Tsum and they all know how Leona is.

Grim isn’t too pleased with Leona Tsum trying to invade his territory, but unfortunately for him, the Tsum is strong enough to ward him off anytime Grim tries to pick a fight so all Grim can do is grumble like a spoiled child who isn’t getting enough attention lol

Leona Tsum ends up being a great help to Yuu since, in Alchemy, he tackles Grim before he could add the wrong ingredient to the potion they were making, preventing a dangerous outcome. That really amazed Yuu since she had thought at the time that the Tsum was fast asleep.

On another occasion, when some guys were being jerks to Yuu, Leona Tsum attacked one of them who had tried to lay a hand on her. While she had been ready to rebuff the other guy, Yuu was still grateful for the Tsum’s help all the same since he took care of scaring off the guys who discovered that Leona Tsum was just as scary as Leona haha

Leona Tsum gets lots of love and attention from Yuu as thanks for his help throughout the day, making Grim very jealous. Meanwhile, Ace and Deuce are just amazed/slightly freaked out to see something that looks like Leona being so happy about receiving Yuu’s affection lol

During Flight class, Grim finally has enough and challenges Leona Tsum to a fight. Ace and several other students egg them on while Yuu tries and fails to stop them. 

Unfortunately, she’s not very successful since even Vargas is getting in on it because it’s the end of the period, and he thinks this is a good way for Grim to show off the muscles he’s gained thanks to Vargas’s excellent coaching lol 😂

So all the guys are cheering on Grim, who’s pumped up, and Leona Tsum, who’s as calm as ever. It honestly surprised Yuu that the Tsum agreed to the fight, but she figures the Tsum must’ve come to the conclusion that this was the easiest way to get Grim to shut up so he could return to napping haha

As you’d expect from a Tsum that resembles Leona, Leona Tsum makes quick work of Grim who put up a valiant effort. To rub salt in the wound, Vargas plans on giving Grim some extra training since he was unimpressed with Grim’s performance lol 

After school lets out for the day, Grim goes to hang out with Ace and Deuce since he wants nothing to do with Leona Tsum. Meanwhile, Yuu heads for the botanical garden to look for Leona.

While she’s sure that Leona couldn’t care less about his Tsum, Yuu wanted to let him know that she’s taking care of the Tsum just in the slight chance that he was actually looking for his Tsum.

When she arrives at the garden, she sees that all the guys with Tsums, sans Riddle, are there. Just like in Leona’s SSR story, all the Tsums are acting strangely, and Jack’s asking Leona for advice on how to fix this situation.

Much to Yuu and everyone else’s surprise, when she arrives on the scene, all the Tsums stop what they’re doing and immediately making a beeline for her. 

Floyd Tsum leaps into her arms while Sebek Tsum jumps onto her unoccupied shoulder. While Epel Tsum bounces on her head, Jack Tsum and Cater Tsum happily bounce around her feet.

There’s a brief moment of shocked silence, and then, Yuu starts happily cooing over how cute the Tsums are. While she’s taking turns giving them all her attention, the guys are wondering what the hell they’re witnessing 😂

Both Sebek and Jack are really embarrassed because their Tsums look so happy about receiving Yuu’s attention. Meanwhile, Cater’s taking lots of pictures because this is totes adorbs! Cater has seen something similar happen with the Heartslabyul hedgehogs, who all love Yuu, but he didn’t think she’d be a Tsum magnet too. 

Floyd’s amused because his Tsum apparently likes to be squeezed by Yuu rather than be the squeezer. Meanwhile, Epel is the only guy who’s trying to stop his Tsum, but Yuu assures him that his Tsum isn’t bothering her. 

Ruggie’s the one who asks Yuu why she has Leona’s Tsum, and she explains how she met the Tsum this morning and how he wanted to stay with her which is why she took him to all her classes.

When she mentions the reason why she came to the garden, Leona confirms her suspicions and says she can do whatever she wants with his Tsum because he has no interest in him.

That said, Leona does wonder why the Tsums are all so friendly with her. They’re acting like she’s a good friend of theirs, which he finds strange.

Yuu teasingly says the Tsums must love her a lot because the guys they resemble love her so much, earning some flustered reactions from Epel, Sebek, and Jack.

While Sebek and Jack are quick to deny her claim, Floyd and Cater playfully go along with it and say, “Oh, that makes sense!” Meanwhile, Ruggie’s just laughing, and Epel doesn’t know how to react haha

Leona naturally is unamused. However, rather than get mad, he just rolls his eyes and calls her delusional lol 

After she has her fill of teasing, Yuu says she really has no idea why the Tsums are so friendly toward her. The only explanation she can think of is because she’s on good terms with the guys they resemble since it’s not like she’s ever met these strange creatures before today.

However, that said, they do look strangely familiar to her, and it’s not because they resemble her friends. Instead, she gets the impression she has seen them on TV before.

Eventually, Yuu realizes that she had seen a popular toyline in her world that resembled the Tsums. While they resembled completely different characters, the overall body shape is the same, which is a big surprise for everyone since no one was expecting to hear that the Tsums were toys in her world.

It’s at that moment the Tsums start acting weird and return to their earlier behavior, much to the guys’ exasperation. 

After studying them for a moment and getting nudged by Leona Tsum who hasn’t left her shoulder and is now giving her a look, Yuu gets the impression that she needs to do something, and that’s when she remembers how Tsums were often stacked on top of each other in the commercials she saw in the past.

Figuring it’s worth a shot, she stacks all the Tsums, minus Leona Tsum, and they all get happy like they do in Leona’s SSR story. 

Jack is impressed that Yuu was able to figure out what they needed to do and wonders how she managed it, so she explains what she remembers from the commercials she saw in the past. She was purely guessing since she really had no idea what the issue was with the Tsums lol

Once the Tsums have finally calmed down, the guys get ready to go their separate ways with the Tsums while Cater invites Yuu to join him for tea and snacks at Heartslabyul so she can meet Riddle’s Tsum since he figured she would enjoy that. Plus, he wants to take a picture of Riddle Tsum being affectionate with her like what happened with all the other Tsums haha

Since Grim is currently at Heartslabyul with Ace and Deuce, she had planned on heading that way anyway to pick him up, so she accepts Cater’s invitation. 

Much to everyone’s surprise, Sebek’s, Jack’s, Epel’s, and Floyd’s Tsums appear sad when they realize that Yuu won’t be going back to their respective dorms. Yuu finds this adorable, so she gives them some kisses to help cheer them up which does the trick.

Meanwhile, Sebek/Jack/Epel are embarrassed and Floyd’s pouting because he wanted a kiss too since it’s only fair and Ruggie wouldn’t have it. While Ruggie didn’t see the harm in Yuu kissing the Tsums, her kissing actual people, especially people like Floyd, is another thing entirely 😂

Cater Tsum also seems to think this is unfair since he’s now giving her some puppy dog eyes that has Cater taking multiple pictures because damn are those some impressive puppy dog eyes lol

Yuu naturally gives Cater Tsum a kiss too and then gives one to Leona Tsum so it’s all fair. While Leona Tsum hadn’t done anything out of the ordinary, she could tell he was staring intently at her, so she figured he wanted one too. 

Once all the Tsums are happy, Yuu heads for Heartslabyul, taking along Leona Tsum since Leona didn’t want his Tsum sticking around him and the Tsum didn’t seem to mind remaining with her, which surprised her since she thought he would’ve wanted to stick close to Leona, considering the Tsums seem to like the people they resemble the most.

(While Leona Tsum would’ve liked to join Leona in napping, the Tsum also wanted to keep an eye on Yuu since he’s protective of her like Leona. Leona is just way more lowkey about it.)

Just as Cater hoped, when their group arrives at Heartslabyul, Riddle Tsum is all too happy to see Yuu and is quick to jump onto her unoccupied shoulder, much to Riddle’s and Trey’s surprise.

While Cater’s taking pictures and Yuu is doting on Riddle Tsum, Cater explains what happened earlier and how Yuu seems to be a Tsum magnet. 

Trey finds this amusing while Riddle is slightly flustered because of how his Tsum is acting. However, he can’t bring himself to say anything because Yuu is having so much fun, and the two technically aren’t causing any harm or breaking any rules.

As always, whenever they have Yuu over as a guest, Trey and Cater set up a little tea party for them to enjoy with the Tsums. Deuce, Ace, and Grim who had been playing video games in the first year boys’ room also get invited, and Grim is naturally displeased to see Leona Tsum lol

Ace and Deuce don’t know how to react to seeing Riddle Tsum so friendly with Yuu. Part of them wants to laugh, but the other part of them is too afraid to lest they risk pissing off Riddle haha

Near the end of the party, Yuu gets a text from Azul, asking if she’s currently free. If so, he would like for her to come work a shift at the Mostro Lounge. 

According to Azul, Floyd’s in a bad mood and so is his Tsum, which does not bode well for business, so Azul is hoping her presence will help since he heard that the Tsums like her and Floyd might cheer up if she comes too. 

After Azul promises that he’ll increase her pay for this particular shift to properly compensate her, Yuu agrees since the poor girl can’t pass up the chance to get more money lol

So, after parting with Grim and the Heartslabyul boys, Yuu goes to the Mostro Lounge, taking along Leona Tsum since he wanted to accompany her and Azul said she was welcome to bring him along because another Tsum at the Lounge would bring in more customers due to their recent popularity haha

Thankfully, just as Azul hoped, Floyd Tsum cheers up when he sees Yuu at the Mostro Lounge and immediately attaches himself to her unoccupied shoulder. 

Floyd, however, remains in a bad mood, although, from Yuu’s perspective, he looks like he’s sulking, making her wonder if he’s still upset because Ruggie prevented him from getting a kiss earlier. Floyd can be pretty childish at times, so it wouldn’t surprise her lol

That’s why, after she joins Floyd in the kitchen, she tells him that she’ll give him something nice if he leans down. He grumpily obliges, so once he’s in reach, she kisses his cheek like what she did with his Tsum.

Floyd’s genuinely surprised by her actions, even though she had thought it was pretty obvious what she was doing. 

Once he gets over his surprise, Floyd cheers up since, despite how well Yuu gets along with everyone, he knows she doesn’t go around kissing everyone, so if he got one, he’s obviously one of her favorite people, which he’s very smug about. Wouldn’t put it past him to drop whatever he was doing so he can go brag to Azul and Jade lol 😂

While this would mean more work for Yuu since Floyd has abandoned his job, she’s glad to see him in a better mood, so she’ll take what she can get haha

When Azul and Jade finally get Floyd to return to his position in the kitchen, Azul asks Yuu if she’d be willing to work as a waitress for a while so the customers can see her and the Tsums.

(Normally, Yuu spends most of her time working as a chef since that’s where her skillset lies. However, she learned how to wait tables since Azul saw it as a waste to have the only female student as an employee that was strictly kept hidden away in the kitchen.

Yuu didn’t mind since she did understand his line of thinking, which made perfect sense to her, and it wasn’t like she was opposed to being a waitress since she wouldn’t have to wear an uncomfortable/revealing outfit like most would expect in this kind of situation, so it really wasn’t a big deal to her.)

And that’s how Yuu finds herself waiting tables, with the Tsums accompanying her by remaining on her shoulders the whole time. 

For a while, things proceed as per normal, with the only difference being that Yuu gets even more attention than usual because of the Tsums.

That all changes, however, when a customer tries to sneakily cop a feel while Yuu has her hands full and isn’t looking in his direction.

Before he can succeed, Leona Tsum tackles the student’s face while Floyd Tsum latches onto his wrist and starts to squeeze it. 

Having no idea what was about to transpire due to being preoccupied, Yuu freaks out at the sight of the Tsums attacking a customer since she knows Azul will be displeased.

Before she can try to stop them, however, Jade smoothly intervenes and asks her to return to the kitchen since Floyd has suddenly decided that he no longer feels like cooking.

Jade assures her that he’ll take care of the Tsums and the customer under their attack, so Yuu agrees to leave the matter to him and hurries to the kitchen, even though she’s still worried about the Tsums getting into trouble.

All the while, she wonders what she had missed since she doesn’t think the Tsums would attack a customer without a good reason. Did he rile them up while she wasn’t paying attention, or did something else happen while she was unaware?

When she returns to the kitchen and finds Floyd in the midst of cooking, he questions her return, confusing her since she had thought he was tired of cooking.

As soon as she recounts what happened with the Tsums and Jade, Floyd immediately says that he is tired of cooking and promptly leaves before Yuu can question him. 

Unable to leave the kitchen when it’s now short a cook, Yuu gets to work, all the while thinking deeply about recent events. 

Eventually, she finds herself wondering if Jade had lied about Floyd growing bored because he had wanted her to return to the kitchen. That would explain why Floyd had temporarily been confused by her appearance before he got an irritated look in his eyes after hearing about what happened with the Tsums and Jade.

If that’s really the case, Yuu can only assume that this means the Tweels wanted to deal with the customer that the Tsums attacked and didn’t want her to be a witness to whatever they had planned.

Taking that into consideration and the fact that Leona Tsum has been her silent protector all day, Yuu gets the feeling that the customer had tried to do something to her while she wasn’t looking since it’s not like that kind of thing hasn’t ever happened before.

A part of her hopes that is what happened since that means the Tsums really did have a good reason for attacking that student, so they won’t get in trouble with Azul like she had been worried would happen.

Of course, Yuu doesn’t completely approve of the Tweels trying to hide what happened from her, but she knows they only had good intentions so she decides not to complain or bring attention to the matter. 

After all, before she came to NRC, Yuu never had people looking after her like that, so it does make her happy to have people who actually care about her and want to look out for her in their own ways.

Eventually, Leona Tsum and Floyd Tsum make their way to the kitchen, so they can resume their guard duties. When she sees their smug expressions, Yuu can’t resist giving them each a kiss to thank them for protecting her since she’s really grateful to them, and their smug expressions just look really cute in her eyes.

Thankfully, the rest of her shift proceeds very smoothly, although Yuu had been worried for a little bit when she next saw Floyd because of how cheery he looked, which made her think he got to have a lot of “fun” with the customer the Tsums attacked while she was in the kitchen lol

At the end of her shift, Azul pays her upfront since she came on short notice and succeeded in turning Floyd and his Tsum’s moods around for the better. He also assures her that she doesn’t need to worry about the customer the Tsums attacked since he got the whole story from Jade who said the customer was completely at fault, not the Tsums, just like she figured.

Floyd and his Tsum are disappointed that Yuu won’t be working the whole night like them and try to get her to reconsider, but she somehow manages to resist the Tsum’s puppy dog eyes and escape Floyd’s clingy hold, with help from an exasperated Azul, who can’t afford to pay her for more hours at the increased pay rate lol

After they leave the Octanivelle dorm, Yuu decides to visit Savanaclaw’s dorm so Leona Tsum can visit with Leona since, while she knows Leona has no interest in his Tsum, the same can’t be said about Leona Tsum.

Yuu knows Leona Tsum was sticking around her for her benefit, which meant him going to all the places she wanted to go, so she wants to give him the opportunity to go where he wants to go now.

While Leona is less than thrilled by their arrival, Leona Tsum appears pleased since he happily makes himself comfortable on Leona’s shoulder, much to Leona’s annoyance and Ruggie’s amusement.

While Leona Tsum has his fun, Yuu decides to play with Jack Tsum so Jack can get a break. A part of Jack feels grateful while the other part feels he shouldn’t have accepted Yuu’s offer since it’s very embarrassing seeing her all cuddly with his Tsum who’s just eating up all her attention 😂

That’s how the rest of the day passes, with Yuu hanging out with the SC gang and the Tsums. Eventually, Yuu leaves the dorm with Jack, Leona, and their Tsums when Crowley lets everyone know that a way to return the Tsums has been found.

From there, things proceed like in the game, with the addition of Yuu being the saddest about the Tsums leaving since she’s going to really miss those adorable creatures. 

After the Tsums leave, Floyd starts squeezing Yuu, saying she shouldn’t be sad when she has him who’s way better than any Tsum. This leads to Riddle scolding Floyd for “inappropriate behavior” and demanding that Floyd release Yuu. Naturally, Floyd refuses, which only riles up Riddle more.

This familiar exchange helps Yuu to cheer up, and as she takes in all the faces around her, she reminds herself that, while she had to say goodbye to some friends, she still has others at her side so there’s no need for her to feel lonely. 

As long as she has these guys with her, she’ll be just fine.

[quillsareswords]

1:20

Damian Wayne x reader

SUMMARY: You're lucky you've memorized Robin's schedule: it might me the only saving grace you've got left.

WARNINGS: blood, near-death

Master List in bio

It's 1:20 on a Tuesday morning in early June.

Gotham never really gets hot, but the humidity suffocates anything that might think that's a relief. You didn't check the weather this evening. You probably should have.

It's 1:20 on a Tuesday morning. He's gonna be here. You've had mixed feelings about knowing his schedule this well in the past, but now it's the deciding factor of your fate.

It's 1:20. That means you've been bleeding like a stuck pig for ten straight minutes, even if it feels like it's been hours. Or seconds. You don't really know anymore. You're getting dizzy.

So you've leaned against the wall. Some little roof access point that stands tall above the gravel covering the rooftop. The brick digs into your shoulder, even through your jacket.

You're starting to think you've gotten it wrong. Or maybe he just didn't show today. Maybe you're out of luck this time.

It was dumb. Stupid to think that you could stop this. Stupid to think you would end any way other than alone.

It was on purpose, after all. Isolation, that is. You pushed and shoved everyone away with a friendly smile and kept them at arm's length, lest they wiggle their claws beneath your mask and expose you for every ugly thing you are.

You're a mole. An informant. Someone who plays every side all at once and somehow manages to stay neutral the whole time. You've been passing tips to the Bats for months now, means be damned. Trust was meager between you, but what little there is is mutual.

You'd hoped it'd be your saving grace. Hoped the side playing would leave you with at least one friend, even though it was the entire reason you're in this position in the first place. You had hoped your downfall would save you.

He appears before you two minutes late. 1:22 in the morning and he's late. He doesn't seem to have noticed you, a few feet away, surveying the street below him like it's his job (and it is), with his back to you.

"You're late, Birdy." Your voice comes quieter and rougher than it should, and the force it takes nearly sends you to the ground.

He spins around at the sound, hand already curled around the hilt of his sword by the time he faces you. He says your name lowly, like a warning, like always. His posture relaxes nonetheless. "You come with useful advice, I expect. The skirmish by the docks sounded quick, but Batman thinks–"

"I didn't know where else to go," you say suddenly, because you already know you aren't going to be conscious long enough for this conversation.

The effort gets you this time. Your knees, shaky as they've been, finally give out. You understand, and you forgive them; they carried you all the way here, after all. Your body turns on the way down, back of your jacket scraping terribly against the brick as your heels slide through the gravel. The noise you make is somewhere between a groan and a cry.

It rips the breath out of his lungs. Your name is in his mouth again as he drops to his knees beside you, gloved hands already pawing at the hand you have clamped around the knife still sheathed into your side.

"What happened?" he demands, and he's reaching for his pager with the other hand. "Who did this?"

You're too focused on the way your first name sounds in his voice. There's something nice about the way he spaces the syllables.

He says it again, all panic and worry, like he hasn't the time to mask it anymore.

You wonder for a moment if it has anything to do with his lingering stares and gruff get home safe's.

But then he's shaking your shoulder and you're wincing because it's bruised beneath the jacket.

"Stay awake, hey, stay with me. Batman is on his way. We'll fix this." There's a pause where he's sucking in a deep breath and you're trying to focus on his voice. "You're going to be fine."

You think it's a little funny. You managed to get all the way here, up a goddamn fire escape, but the moment you think he's got you, you lose all ability to keep yourself upright. You just want to sleep. You want to lay down and take a nice, long nap.

You hate to admit that it just might be because you trust him more than anyone else you know. You've only known him for a few months, but you're sure that you're safest with him. You're safe with him.

It shouldn't be much of a comfort, with Death staring you down like a lion on it's last meal. You won't need protecting if your decline doesn't level out soon. It's surprising what such little comfort feels like when you're staring Death down like a gazelle with an attitude problem.

You don't remember being moved. Or how you ended up in a medical bed with stiff, scratchy sheets and a nearly flat pillow. You do remember hearing Damian's voice, fading in and our with your consciousness. The words are all garbled and quiet, but you know the recall the sound.

Alfred is the first person you see. He's unfamiliar, but he introduces himself and offers you a warm smile and a glass of water. He brings you a bowl of soup and hands you a bottle of painkillers and another of antibiotics.

You fall asleep again, listening to some little body of water just outside the white room you're settled in.

When you wake up, it's to the sound of an argument. Batman and Robin. It's hushed, angry and patient whispers back and forth, but it's an argument all the same. You've heard them bicker enough over the last few months to recognize it.

You can't quite make it out. You hear your name a few times, something about time, something about healing, something about help. Batman finishes it.

Robin swings the squeaky door open a few moments later.

He stops halfway into the room when he sees you're awake.

You wiggle your way up the mattress to lean against the pillows behind you. "Birdy."

He sighs. "You nearly bleed out in my arms and that's how you greet me?"

He doesn't sound quite right. A little deflated, maybe. Relieved? As if he'd been holding his breath before he entered the room, and just remembered how to breathe when he caught your eye.

Course, you can't be sure he caught it at all, with those white lenses.

You cock a shoulder. "I'm sure you've seen worse. I'm sure I'll have worse."

His posture shifts as he crosses the room. He shakes his head. "That's not funny."

"It's kind of funny," you try, throwing the best carefree smile you can manage when everything beneath your skin is so sore. "I'm the one who was bleeding, that means I'm allowed to make all the jokes I want."

"That's an unhealthy coping mechanism."

"So is dressing up in red and yellow and calling yourself a bird."

His shoulders drop again. You think you might see a smile, but he turns his head away too quickly. "You should be more careful. I can't always be there to drag you out of every fire, you know."

You cross your arms, raising both knees to take some pressure off of your abdomen. He takes it as an invitation and makes himself comfortable in the chair beside the bed. He finds a comfortable position with a little too much familiarity. "I don't expect you to. I wouldn't have even been there if I wasn't getting information for you."

"For Batman–"

"Potato, pa-tot-oh."

He goes rigid again. "I never would have asked you to put yourself in danger like that."

It's defensive. Appalled, almost. Offended.

You don't know how to reply. That doesn't seem to matter though, because he's not done.

"And even if I had, I would have gone with you. I would have made sure you had backup, I would have– this never would have happened."

There's a certain distain in his tone that catches you off guard. A resentment, toward you or his partner you aren't totally sure.

He runs gloved fingers through slick black hair. Heaves a breath. Pushes himself to his feet. Falsely composed. "You may stay as long as you need. Alfred will take care of you."

"Where are you going?" It slips out before you can stop it. And perhaps you could play if off as a standard question—you are in an unfamiliar place, with unfamiliar people, aside from him—but it's much too quick. It sounds a little too much like don't leave me.

And you know he hears it too, because he turns back around so quickly you wonder if he even considered it. "Patrol. It's Wednesday night." And yet he makes to move to leave.

You nod. "Right. Yeah. You're, uh, what? You're over by the city museum tonight, aren't you?" You want to smack yourself. What are you doing, making small talk? He's got places to be, people to save.

"Yes." The top seal of his mask flexes when he raises an eyebrow.

You nod again. An awkward smile on your lips. "I, uh, I didn't know how to feel about knowing where you'd be most of the week, but I guess I'm glad I do. Saved my skin last night, didn't it?"

He drawls in a deep breath. "Suppose it did."

There's a long pause. You aren't sure if you're breathing, but you're sure he isn't. He looks tense, like he's torn between saying something and leaving, body angled not quite toward you.

"You can always come to me," he says suddenly. He must read something on your face, because he tumbles straight into the next sentence. "Last night, you said you didn't know who to go to. I'm telling you now, you can always come to me. I'll fix it, whatever it is."

His voice is tight. A little unsure, but not in the statement. Like a hiker on a rocky trail; unsure of his footing, but certain in his destination.

There's something else in his words. Something scrawled between the lines in thin, fragile letters. Something deeper than wounds and needing backup.

I'll fix it, whatever it is.

Your heart rate picks up, and the heart monitor reveals your secrets on the screen beside you. What it can't reveal is the way the poor organ soars, throwing itself to the clouds with reckless abandon, completely uncaring of the hard trip back down.

You still don't know how to reply. You'd like to say something witty. A little sarcastic, maybe a smidge mean. He's giving you a glimpse at his heart, beating bloody in his hands, and there's a large part of you that wants to poke it. Nothing too wounding, just enough that he never makes the mistake again.

But you can't help it. There's a much larger part of you that wails, who wants to snatch it from him to shield and cradle, because he obviously can't be trusted with it. Not if he's baring it to you.

The deciding party is the reminder of last night. Dragging yourself up a rusted fire escape, praying to anyone who might listen that he'd be there. That he'd help you. You remember thinking he wouldn't. You remember the thought hanging above you like gravediggers as you settled into a coffin: you pushed everyone away, you don't leave room for those who want to help you.

"Thank you," you attempt, and it comes barely above a whisper. You allow it to be tender. You let it embody the raw little piece of you that utters it; the piece that wants so desperately to let him in. The piece that knew he'd save you. The tender little sliver of soul who still believed you deserved to be trusted and supported. The one who still hopes for meaningful connections, even among your collection of throw-away contacts.

You can see the way he relaxes. The way he melts inside his skin, like he'd been expecting you to poke when you could have. Like it lifts a weight off of him, knowing that you'll trust him enough to come to him in the future.

"I'll be back in a few hours. You should sleep."

You roll your eyes. "Sleep in some weird ass white room I've never been in, surrounded by a bunch if people I barely know. Yeah, I'm sure I'll sleep like a baby."

He recognizes that you aren't entirely serious, but he also recognizes the orange pill bottles on the table beside you. "If Alfred has you on those, I trust you will—no matter where you are."

You chuckle, he offers you the tiniest smile, and then he's gone. Vanished into the rest of whatever strange building he whisked you into.

You should be worried about it. Not knowing where you are, exactly who you're with, who has access to you. But you aren't. And it might be the medication making you compliant, and you'll look back on this in a week and be horrified—or it could be that you've broken all your own rules and thrust all if your trust into the hands of a boy you've never seen without a mask.