#lila��s rambles

[creepycranberry]

Risk (Five Hargreaves x reader)

Warnings: fluff, cursing, not proofread

I wrote the first part of this like one or two years ago and I finished it like today. So there’s that.

———————————————/

You were sitting at a table nursing a Shirley temple and counting down until the two hours you were forcing yourself to be here were up. You didn’t share the need for the Hargreaves family bonding time. Diego and Lila were throwing a late wedding reception. You don’t look too old for this but you feel it.

There are times you regret taking that brief case when everything was falling apart and going to their time. But there wasn’t much you could do about that now.

Five sits down next to you, his hair messy and his eyes droopy from alcohol.

“Gee, Five. How far gone are you?” You question, leaning back in your chair. You didn’t see him much. He called every now and then and checked up on you, visited every now and then. The two of you would cook dinner and you would have movie nights, some where he was showing you movies he grew up with and others where you both were watching movies that you both had missed.

A movie night happened once in a blue moon but you enjoyed them when they did happen.

“Well a little liquid courage turned into a lot of liquid courage.”

You hum in response, taking another sip of your drink, “liquid courage for what?”

“You look nice.” He hums and you look down at the maroon crushed velvet dress you were wearing.

“Um, thanks?”

Five sighs loudly, “wanna dance?” He asks you and you shake your head, setting your drink back down on the table.

“I don’t dance, Mister Hargreaves.” You sigh and he rolls his eyes.

“Pity. Well, don’t say I didn’t try.”

“What?” You smirk and he meets your gaze, an amused glint showing through the drunken daze he’s gotten himself into.

“Well, when you fell from the sky with your determined pretty eyes and your quietly challenging demeanor I thought, ‘now that’s a woman’ and I was hoping that maybe, since we’re finally both at one of these things at the same time and all, I could woo said woman and perhaps get to know her a little better, but it’s clear that that isn’t going to happen. I forgot to factor in how difficult you are.” He rambles drunkenly and you feel your cheeks turn pink. You pick up your drink again, sipping on it to give you something to do.

“You wanted to woo me, eh?” You smile and he nods, tapping the glass of what you suppose is whiskey or scotch of some kind. You take a moment to appreciate how nice he looks. The sigh of him in a suit wasn’t rare generally but it was rare to you. You were used to grandpa slacks that were neatly pressed and sweaters that hang off of his willowy frame. Clothing that had been washed so often it was soft enough to be pajamas and sleeves that fell over his hands more often than not.

So the sight of him in a proper suit was enough to enact the mannerism of fanning yourself when you were nervous. You had learned it from your mother, a thoroughly anxious woman who wore confidence like a costume rather than a personality trait.

“I figured I might as well take the chance.,” he shrugs, “I don’t think we see each other enough for a simple request to make things awkward.”

You sit for a moment, pursing your dark red lips to hide your smile and setting down your glass.

“Well thenMaybe I will take that dance.” You say, standing up.

“Will you, now?” He asks, his eyebrows raised.

You nod, “but I must warn you, I’ve never been a very good dancer.”

Five smiles at you, his expression a picture of pride, adoration and drunken ingenuity.

“It’s rude to keep a lady waiting, Mister Hargreaves.”

Five sets his glass down on the table and stands up, offering you his hand. You take it and let him lead you to the dance floor.

I can smell the alcohol on his breath. And he rests his forehead on your shoulder, pulling you into him even more, both hands comfortably sitting on your hips. Instinctively you carefully set your arms onto his shoulders, awkward in your moments.

“You smell nice.” He mumbles into your neck.

“Thanks,” you scrunch your eyebrows and move his head away from his shoulder to cup his cheek, “we’re just standing here, show me what to do.”

“Anytime, darling,” he mumbles, smiling at you sweetly through his drunken haze, “first thing’s first, step a little closer.”

You shuffle until you’re maybe half a foot away from him, he sighs and uses the hand he has on your hips to pull you close enough that your hips brush each other when he starts slowly swaying.

“Let me see this hand,” he mumbles, holding your hand, for a moment you’re worried that you palms might be clammy but when you try to meet his eyes they’re trained on your hands together, as if he’s trying to commit to memory the feel of whatever he can touch of you, “and then follow my lead, simple box step. Back, side, up, side, and back.”

You clumsily follow his instructions, somewhat getting the hang of it, “is this okay?” You whisper.

You feel slightly insecure, looking around to ensure no one is looking to witness your fumbling. Your eyes train onto Luther, sitting in the corner.

He had softened since Sloan, today must be fairly hard for him. He had drunk himself into a stupor, almost asleep against his palm on the table. You thought he might avoid this particular event but he always shows up.

You’re brought back to the moment by fives hand on your cheek, moving your head to face him, “I don’t want you to trip, sweetheart.”

You smile and nod, “do you ever get worried about any of them?”

“Not as much anymore. Why?” Five responds easily.

“Luther just looks so sad.” You mumble and five smiles.

“He’ll be okay. So long as he has a family to show up for I think he’ll do just fine.” Five reassures you, spinning you and pulling you back in.

The close proximity of your face to his makes you turn crimson, tripping over your feet. Five catches you easily, suddenly seeming incredibly sober.

“Than-thank you.” You stumble over your words, trying to avoid his gaze.

“Anytime, dear.” The way he’s looking at you makes the world emit a low thrum.

And then he’s dipping you, holding you firmly, never losing eye contact with you.

You’re suddenly overtaken by an immense sense of panic.

You stand abruptly, letting go of him and rubbing your palms onto your dress.

“Are you alright? Did I do-“

“No, no you’re fine I just um- it’s getting late I should start saying my goodbyes. It was nice to see you.”

“You too, sweetheart.” You hear him call after you as you make your way over to Lila and Diego to say goodbye and then to Luther to rouse him awake and offer him a ride home.

—————

You don’t sleep much, the picture of five so close to you etched permanently into your mind. You can somehow still feel his warm breath on your face and smell the alcohol on his breath. Eventually you get out of bed with a huff.

You hug your fluffy robe around you. Your small country home was quaint and secluded, faded white paint on the wooden facade, the wrap around porch held a seating area and porch swing like you had always wanted before.

But for all the ups there were downs, the power went in and out frequently and the insulation sucked.

You go downstairs to the kitchen and turn on the light, taking out ingredients and utensils. You turn to preheat the oven and something catches your eye.

It’s a person, sleeping on the porch swing. You look to the couch and see Luther still on the pullout couch. Cursing under your breath you reach into the pantry and pull out a shotgun.

You tap on the window harshly and the person jumps, turning around and sighing, holding their hands up.

It’s only then that you see the dark hair and tell tale grin.

You open the window and grumble, “can’t you just knock like a normal person?”

“It’s a lot harder to approach you sober.” He shrugs and you roll your eyes.

“Get your ass in the house, Hargreaves.” You order.

“Yes ma’am.” He grins and you have to ignore the pink that rises to your cheeks, telling yourself it’s just the cold.

You close the window once more and go back to your baking, distracting yourself with the measurements as you listen to Five pick your front door lock with ease and make his way into the kitchen.

“Morning, dear.” He smiles and you shake your head.

“What are you doing here?”

“What are you doing awake?”

“I asked you first.”

He shakes his head, “I didn’t like the way you left things. I wanted to make sure I didn’t take anything too far.” He remains distracted by the efficient way you divvy out the ingredients and whisk everything up in less than a moment.

“Everything’s fine, Five.” You assure him and he shakes his head.

“I feel like you’re not telling me the truth.”

“Hand me the aluminum foil.” You request.

“Quit deflecting.”

“Hand me the aluminum foil.”

He huffs and takes it out of the cabinet as you get a cookie sheet out of the dish rack. You reach for the foil but he doesn’t let it go.

“Five-“ you whine but he doesn’t let go, his gaze intent on you and only you.

“I just want to know what’s going on in your head.” He says softly and you sigh.

“Let me get these in the oven and then we can go upstairs and talk.”

He nods and watches you work. This happened often when the two of you were together. The both of you were raging insomniacs so late night baking would happen when he deigned to show up every couple months. Normally he would read out loud, initially it was case files that he didn’t mind you hearing because you didn’t talk to anyone but once you had told him that Little Woman was your favorite bedtime story as a girl and he’s been making his way through it slowly with you over the last six months.

But now there was silence, you spooned cookie dough onto the cookie sheet and then carefully put the dishes in the sink before turning and heading upstairs without a word to Five.

Once you make it to your room you sit on the bed, five on the small loveseat Claire or Grace used when they stayed over.

“What are you thinking about?” Five asks.

You take him in in the dim lamp light. His shirt was partially unbuttoned, his tie was long discarded but his jacket was still on.

You felt slightly self conscious in your oversized t shirt and fluffy robe.

“I’m wondering where the suits go when you’re here.” You mumble, sitting cross legged in the middle of your messed up bed.

“They take a break in favor of leisure wear.” He smiles.

“Why?”

“I’m just comfortable here I guess.” He shrugs.

“Then why do you only ever come around six times a year at most?” You ask and he seems to recognize that this is you approaching this issue head on.

“I work.”

“Bullshit, Hargreaves.”

He exhales loudly and leans into his palms, “I like you, sweetheart-“

“But?”

“But, I can’t risk loving you.” He releases slowly, like the first exhale after holding your breath. You let the words wash over you, warmth and panic all in one, “why did you run off of the dance floor.”

His voice is tight.

“Because I think you’re worth the risk, and that’s really scary.” I admit.

“I know, I know it’s scary. And I really shouldn’t have started showing up like I did in the first place , I knew I shouldn’t have done it but you showed up the way you did, and then as we started settling here we both grew more into life here and you were beautiful, you’ve always been like that and I knew if I got too close the world would decide to end.”

“Why do you say that?” Your throat feels so dry.

“Because good things aren’t allowed for me.”

“Oh five.” You sigh and he meets your eyes from where he was hiding them in his palms.

“You’ve already uprooted your entire life because of what I caused, you’ve switched years, timelines, I can’t ask you to do that if it comes to it. And if I wasn’t able to protect you and something happened again-“

“You’ve always protected me, five. You wouldn’t falter in that, I know that for a fact. You saved me from the end of my world, then a second one, you got me this house, you knew I wouldn’t be able to work here because I have technically already lived here and you got me a fucking house and made sure I had everything I’ve ever needed. Like Noah from The Notebook with a bloodier spin.”

He chuckles at your ill placed reference, you were getting the hang of it but having some trouble.

“That doesnt mean-“ you clutch his hands on yours and he stops speaking to hold tight to you.

“Five, just tell me how you feel. Regardless of what the fates think of it, just tell me what you feel.”

He’s quiet a moment, “I love you.”

And in an instant your lips are on his. It’s not thought through, it’s pure instinct and desire.

You’re kissing him like you’ll never get this chance again but the way he’s moving to hold onto you is proving you otherwise. He moves from the loveseat to sit with you on the bed, arms wrapped around you, yours holding tightly to his neck to keep him as close to you as possible.

He bites your lip and you hum into him, moving your hand to comb through his hair.

“Don’t let go.” He mumbles against your lips, capturing them viciously once more, not allowing you to respond.

And then the oven begins buzzing and you both fly away from each other like shrapnel.

“I’ve gotta get that.” You smile awkwardly and five nods.

His lips are swollen and his hair is a mess and his cheeks are flushed and you take him in a second longer than necessary before heading downstairs, trying to get to the oven before it wakes Luther out of his death sleep.

When you pass him on the couch he’s covering his ears.

“I’m sorry, dude, I lost track of time.” You say, turning off the oven and taking the cookies out.

You get him a glass of water and some pain meds and encourage Luther to take the meds and drink the water.

Five slowly makes his way downstairs, listening to you mumble to Luther.

He watched you take a cookie off of the pan and put it on a napkin, refilling the water glass and bringing it to Luther again.

“Just one more glass and this cookie and you can go back to sleep, okay hun?”

“Mkay.” Luther mumbles.

When you head up the stairs you see Five standing a quarter way up the stairs, smiling at you fondly.

He reaches a hand out and you take it, letting him lead you back to your room.

You undo your robe and sit in bed, sitting in silence with five for a moment.

“Hey, sweetheart?”

“Yes, five?”

“You’re worth the risk.” He says firmly.

“Come lay down, dear.” You smile at him and he grins that grin that makes your cheeks flush pink.

He sits next to you on the bed, letting you drape the blankets over him. You reach into your nightstand and pull out a faded copy of Little Women, handing it to him.

“Read to me?” You softly request, hesitantly nuzzling yourself into his side.

He accepts you happily, raising an arm over you to hold onto you as he opens the book, “anytime darling.”

He kisses the top of your forehead and you close your eyes, listening to his voice and hoping to god it would always be around.

[bullet-prooflove]

Problem Child: Angel Reyes x Reader

Tagging: @crazy4chickennuggets @kmc1989 @oureternalbond @wakeama @witches-unruly-heart @keyweegirlie @trhett21 @annetje @infinity-mars @danzer8705 @im-just-a-mississippi-girl @appreciatelove @the-wandering-lunatic @weiwei0210 @anime-weeb-4-life @multifandomloversworld @harperdoodle @cheyrenee @est1887 @prettyinpunk85 @adaydreamaway08 @thanossexual @briefpersonenemy @creativitybeware @crimeshowjunkie @librarian1002 @mortal--soul @buddinglinguist @spookyboogyuniverse @spaghettificationandpretzels @nu1freakshow @thebaileybugle @legally-a-bastard bonsaijoons @sclitvdes @justreblogginfics

Sequel to Valeria

Ten minutes…

Ten minutes is what you allow yourself to grieve, to cry, to feel all of the emotions that are coursing through your system in the aftermath of the revelation that Angel has a daughter.

It’s agony, this feeling in your chest. You’ve felt it before after your Nana died and you feel it again as you sit in your car outside of Angel’s house. Your chest’s tight, and you think about that baby, left all alone on the porch, the same way you were all those years ago.

Anything could have happened. Someone else could have taken her, the two of you may have decided to go out instead, Angel may have come over to yours. Lord knows how long she could have been out there. These are the thoughts that ramble through your head as you sit there with both hands on the steering wheel staring straight ahead.

There is no doubt that the baby is Angel’s. You’ve seen pictures of him as a child and Valeria is the spitting image of him. You wonder where this leaves the two of you, if Skylar genuinely couldn’t cope or if she did this to teach him a lesson.

She’s your problem now… The letter had read.

Barely a couple of weeks old and already labelled a problem.

You think your mother must have said something similar to your Nana when she’d dropped you off.

You wipe the tears away from your cheeks with the back of your hand, before tilting the rearview mirror to face you. You stare back at your reflection and take a deep breath.

You know what you have to do, someone needs to take control because you know right now that Angel isn’t in a condition to do it. You can’t imagine what this must feel like for him, you know he’s not going to cope, not on his own. He needs some stability, someone who can remain firm, who can guide him when he falters.

You pick up your phone and thumb through the contacts until you find the name that you’re searching for.

“Felipe. It’s me.” You say when he picks up the phone. “Angel needs you.”

***

You’re not coming back. Angel knows that and it devastates him. It feels like his whole life is crashing down around his head, like he can’t catch a second to breath. He cradles the baby to his chest, his lips brushing over her soft skin. He has to push all of that aside, he has to think about Valeria because she has to be his priority right now.

His gaze comes to rest on his father. Felipe is seated at the kitchen table, the letter from Skylar clasped in his hands as he studies it.

“Lila’s not coming back.” Angel says quietly.

“Give her time.” Felipe says as he sets the letter down. “It’s a lot to take in.”

Angel shakes his head because he knows this is too much. He can’t ask you to take on a baby. The two of you have never talked about kids. He didn’t know if you wanted them or not. He figured there would be plenty of time to figure that out later.

He’s surprised when he hears the key in the lock. You mutter a curse as your hip bumps against the door handle, crossing over the threshold with a bassinet tucked under your arm and several bags filled with God knows what.

“Give Valeria here.” Felipe says, raising to his feet and reaching out for the baby. “Go help her.”

He’s already in motion, his heart thudding against his rib cage as he catches one of the bags just as it slips from your grasp. He takes note of the diapers and formula, before he takes the bassinet from you.

“I managed to get this stuff from Carmen, she keeps a bunch of it aside for new parents who are struggling to make ends meet.” You explain as you haul the other bags with you into the kitchen. “Bishop was there, he had a lot of questions, but I told him you’d call him tomorrow. He seemed to be ok with that.”

Angel doesn’t even know where to begin. The words catch in his throat and there’s an ache in his chest as he looks at you because even now, you’re still taking care of him, not just him but Valeria too.

“I think we have everything we need for tonight.” You say as you set the bags down on the table. “I can get the rest of the stuff on my list when the stores open up in the morning.”

“I thought…”

“I needed a minute.” You tell him quietly. “You know what happened to me, Valeria being dropped off like that…” You don’t have to say anything else. Angel gets it and so does Felipe. “I want to be there for her and for you. I want to be part of this little family.”

“Are you sure?” he asks you quietly, his thumb tracing over the blush of your cheek.

You nod your head before your arms wrap around his waist and you draw him close. It feels good to have you back in his arms, he finds the gesture reassuring. You’ve always been a port in a storm for him and the fact you’re here right now soothes him more than he would ever admit to anybody else.

“Yea.” You tell Angel, your fingertips toying with the buttons on his shirt. “I want this, I want this with you.”

“Ok Mi Reina.” Angel murmurs as a smile ghosts across his lips. “Let’s do it. Let’s be a family.”

Love Angel? Don’t miss any of his stories by joining the taglist here.

Interested in supporting me? Join my Patreon for Bonus Content!

Like My Work? - Why Not Buy Me A Coffee

[richincolor]

New Releases - Week of August 6, 2024

We found quite a few books being released this week and they seem to be full to the brim with magic and supernatural activity. 

Ami (Guardians of Dawn #2) by S. Jae-Jones Wednesday Books

When the Pillar blooms, the end of the world is not far behind.

Li Ami was always on the outside—outside of family, outside of friendships, outside of ordinary magic. The odd and eccentric daughter of a former imperial magician, she has devoted her life to books because she finds them easier to read than people. Exiled to the outermost west of the Morning Realms, Ami has become the sole caretaker of her mentally ill father, whose rantings and ravings may be more than mere ramblings; they may be part of a dire prophecy. When her father is arrested for trespassing and stealing a branch from the sacred tree of the local monastery, Ami offers herself to the mysterious Beast in the castle, who is in need of someone who can translate a forbidden magical text and find a cure for the mysterious blight that is affecting the harvest of the land.

Meanwhile, as signs of magical corruption arise throughout the Morning Realms, Jin Zhara begins to realize that she might be out of her element. She may have defeated a demon lord and uncovered her identity as the Guardian of Fire, but she’ll be more than outmatched in the coming elemental battle against the Mother of Ten Thousand Demons…unless she can find the other Guardians of Dawn. Her magic is no match for the growing tide of undead, and she needs the Guardian of Wood with power over life and death in order to defeat the revenants razing the countryside.

The threat of the Mother of Ten Thousand Demons looms larger by the day, and the tenuous peace holding the Morning Realms together is beginning to unravel. Ami and Zhara must journey to the Root of the World in order to seal the demon portal that may have opened there and restore balance to an increasingly chaotic world.

Dance of the Starlit Sea by Kiana Krystle Peachtree Teen

Lila Rose Li arrives at her aunt’s cottage with dashed dreams. For years, she pushed herself to become the perfect ballerina her parents would approve of, but after collapsing on stage, she snapped and lashed out violently. Now, exiled to Luna Island, with its sparkling blue waters and rose-covered boutiques, Lila struggles to believe that a girl like her—a natural disaster—deserves good and gentle things.

As the islanders gear up for their beloved tradition, the Angel of the Sea pageant, Lila vows to remain on the sidelines. But the more she learns about the island’s lore, the more she grows suspicious. Luna Island was nothing more than a failed fishing village before angels supposedly came and blessed them with abundance. The pageant is a competition to seek a High Priestess for their commune. To win is to be loved and adored by all, the ultimate blessing.

However, the Angel of the Sea is supposed to reign for seven years, and the previous winner only reigned for one. Something is haunting the island, throwing off the balance the pageant ensures. And as an eerie voice calls to Lila, drawing her closer to the ocean—to its depths—she worries its haunting her, too. The only way to discover what’s really going on, and protect herself, is to win the pageant. But how can a monstrous girl like her ever hope to be crowned by angels?

Kiana Krystle’s enchanting debut simmers with forbidden romance and dark secrets. A lush and sinister blend of paranormal mystery and mythology, wrapped up in fairytale about a teen girl’s hard-earned journey toward loving every part of herself.

The Girl with No Reflection by Keshe Chow Delacorte Press

Princess Ying Yue believed in love … once upon a time.

Yet when she’s chosen to wed the crown prince, Ying’s dreams of a fairy tale marriage quickly fall apart. Her husband-to-be is cold and indifferent, confining Ying to her room for reasons he won’t explain. Worse still are the rumors that swirl around the imperial palace: whispers of seven other royal brides who, after their own weddings, mysteriously disappeared.

Left alone with only her own reflection for company, Ying begins to see things. Strange things. Movements in the corners of her mirror. Colorful lights upon its surface. And when, on the eve of her wedding, she unwittingly tears open a gateway, she is pulled into a mirror world.

This realm is full of sentient reflections, including the enigmatic Mirror Prince. Unlike his real-world counterpart, the Mirror Prince is kind and compassionate, and before long Ying falls in love—the kind of love she always dreamed of.

But there is darkness in this new world, too.

It turns out the two worlds have a long and blood-soaked history, and Ying has a part to play in the future of them both. And the brides who came before Ying? By the time they discovered what their role was, it was already too late.

This Ravenous Fate by Hayley Dennings Sourcebooks Fire

The first book in a decadent fantasy duology set in Jazz Age Harlem, where at night the dance halls come to life—and death waits in the dark.

It’s 1926 and reapers, the once-human vampires with a terrifying affliction, are on the rise in New York. But the Saint family’s thriving reaper-hunting enterprise holds reign over the city, giving them more power than even the organized criminals who run the nightclubs. Eighteen year-old Elise Saint, home after five years in Paris, is the reluctant heir to the empire. Only one thing weighs heavier on Elise’s mind than her family obligations: the knowledge that the Harlem reapers want her dead.

Layla Quinn is a young reaper haunted by her past. Though reapers have existed in America for three centuries, created by New World atrocities and cruel experiments, Layla became one just five years ago. The night she was turned, she lost her parents, the protection of the Saints, and her humanity, and she’ll never forget how Elise Saint betrayed her.

But some reapers are inexplicably turning part human again, leaving a wake of mysterious and brutal killings. When Layla is framed for one of these attacks, the Saint patriarch offers her a deal she can’t refuse: to work with Elise to investigate how these murders might be linked to shocking rumors of a reaper cure. Once close friends, now bitter enemies, Elise and Layla explore the city’s underworld, confronting their intense feelings for one another and uncovering the sinister truths about a growing threat to reapers and humans alike.

The House Where Death Lives edited by Alex Brown Page Street YA

A dance to the death. A girl who’s just as monstrous as H.H. Holmes. A hallway that’s constantly changing―and hungry. All of these stories exist in the same place―within the frame of a particular house that isn’t bound by the laws of time and space.

Following in the footsteps of dark/horror-filled YA anthologies like His Hideous Heart and Slasher Girls and Monster Boys, and Netflix’s groundbreaking adaptation of The Haunting of Hill House, this YA speculative fiction anthology explores how the permanence of a home can become a space of transition and change for both the inhabitants and the creatures who haunt them.

Each story in the anthology will focus on a different room in the house and feature unique takes on monsters from a wide array of cultural traditions. Whether it’s a demonic Trickster, a water-loving Rusalka, or a horrifying, baby-imitating Tiyanak, there’s bound to be something sinister lurking in the shadows.

Hovergirls by Geneva Bowers Bloomsbury YA

Jalissa and Kim Vasquez are cousins who move to the city of Los Aguaceros together. Kim dreams of becoming a famous model and fashion designer, while Jalissa is just trying to hold herself together after a breakdown the year before.

When a curious incident on the beach leaves them with supernatural powers and monsters start attacking the city, Kim decides that using their powers to stop them is the perfect way for them to become famous. But being heroes isn’t as easy as it seems–and Los Aquaceros is in more danger than they imagine.

This beautifully illustrated and hilarious YA graphic novel began as a web comic and quickly became a WEBTOON sensation. This print edition features an expanded story and updated art, offering something for new and old fans alike!

[5five5five5five5five5five]

Fuck it, i'm going to ramble about this man.

Dustin Graves was a commission assassin who was in the same training classes as five and had a few missions with him over the 5 years. not many but enough to fall head over heels with that grumpy old fart who had no care for him and saw him as an annoyance.(though Delores seemed pretty into him...wonder why.) five and him spend weeks to months together on missions but not often. both skilled in there own right and not needing the extra hands most times. witch made working together even more special. how Dustin was the legendary assassin five hargreeves's main partner was beyond him, he didn't seem all that impressive and the missions were rarely anything grand.

he got out of the commission when the handler went crazy, skipping out on the Kugelblitz and winding up in the 80's for 2 years. then when he wanted to move forward in time again, the suitcase fucked its shit and sent him to the new timeline where everyone was (i the comic can just add shit with no explanation, so can i). he meets up with five again at viktor's bar, now physically 25/mentally 70. 8 years since the shit of s3 and season 4 isn't real (it cant hurt me)

Dustin cant understand a word of whatever five tried to explain about the new timeline, his body and how the world ended.....THE COMMISSION FREEZED OVER???? five finds it so idiotic that he missed out on a LOT and jumped ship so early....witch in hindsight, actually wasn't the dumbest thing.

Dustin is a man-failure though and though. he either rolls nat 20s or nat 1s with little in-between. its a skilled assassin, skilled enough to be teamed up with five, who is known around the commission as a legend. so he is skilled......he's just also a DOOFUS. forever mid life crisis rested development who is trying his best. loves rock an roll and is a good singer. Lila and him probably get along.

she probs also remembers a story around the commission like "YOUR THE GUY WHO GOT HIS TIE STUCK IN DELIVERY TUBE" or something super embaressing that made him known as the local fuck up assassin. he tries to laugh that stuff off but he admittedly hates being known as the unlucky assassin or whatever.

his backstory is still a mystery ......aka i just haven't made anything for it. i like to think hes very secretive and haven't told me. for someone whose met my family and loooves hearing about me, hes not much of a talker about himself. witch adds depths. hes not just some cocky dick. sorry sorry this was about my oc, not me going into five mode to...totally not be fawning. nope.

look at his kin wheel. look at all the doofuses. hes a silly man who falls on his face and the five in me some how finds it endearing enough to classify this man as a comfort human. not boyfriend. emotional support man. the guy who follows me around. my friend who i kiss sometimes.

[wulvercazz]

Local History📖

Next part to 13's adventure in the Haunted Forest~! ;w;💕 (previous)

"I’m guessing you got curious, walked in, and one wraith later… you got lost. Didn’t you?” The pretty guy says with a light smile. Clearly amused by them.

“A bit.” Thirteen scoffs out a shy chuckle, “is that what those tall scary things are?” They get a gentle nod, before the reigns on the large mountain of floof-mount are pulled in such direction and the creature trots closer, shifting so Thirteen gets a good view of its pretty patterned flank and colorful gear.

“Come on, I’ll get you out of here.” And he extends a hand their way— but… as exciting as it may be to ride on such a creature…

“Do I really have to go?” Thirteen blurts suddenly, scaring the guy’s eyes wide open and his welcoming hand to retrieve with confusion.

“You– like– being here.”

Despite the sure tone, thirteen answers it as a question nevertheless, nodding their head excitedly; “I mean, sure, there’s been quite a few scary moments, I’m not made of stone… But I’ve never seen things such as this– I… I’m so curious still. Are there other large insects here? And the horse- dog- things… with the bare skulls, what are they? And this tree–”

Clear, honest laughter interrupts them from their ramblings, “you’re something, I’ll tell you that.” And Thirteen’s not quite sure if it’s a compliment or not even with that silky way of speaking of his; a thin, awkward smile fills in for their silence. “I can’t in good faith allow you to keep running around like a curious kitten, setting off predators wherever you go. But… it has been quite some time since I’ve spoken with anyone so, I’ll make this offer once: Would you like to see the palace-?” And he rushes in to finish his sentence when Thirteen’s eyes seem to pop out their face with glee, “With the promise- of leaving and not coming back once the ‘tour’ is over.”

Thirteen seems to mull it over for a couple seconds, before immediately going back to good old anticipation; sure, being kicked out to never return isn’t fun… but they’ll probably never get anywhere near the more interesting parts of the kingdom without a guide. “Wait a second though, you haven’t told me your name.”

There’s an unreadable silence, “didn’t get past you, did it? … I’m Zaphkiel.” He introduces himself with a little nod, pulling the attention to his ride with a gently tug on the reigns; “and this is Lila. A Giant Nycto Moth, species endemic only to Nyctos; she’s far from her birth home, I know. She was a gift.”

Thirteen notes the way Zaphkiel pushes the attention from his own identity… but even they know when to stop pushing. And, well… gift horse. Nyctos is going right on the “Places-to-visit” list. If there’s a Giant Nycto Moth– are there other differently-sized species? Thirteen’s hands run through the beautifully patterned fur, so soft there’s barely any feel to it.

Zaphkiel stretches out his hand and Thirteen takes it without a fuss this time, pushing themself up to sit behind him on Lila. “Thirteen.” They say to the air once they’re settled, watching with mild amusement as Zaph’s back goes stiff with confusion, “my name.”

It doesn’t ease his confusion one bit, but Zaphkiel deals gracefully with the odd piece of  information. Lila makes her way to the royal city through paths stretch and hidden and covered in bramble that her fluffy toes have no trouble crossing over; and Thirteen is once again happy they took the deal. Even foggy and dusty and gray– it’s an outstanding view, Thirteen leans to the side to better see around Zaphkiel; the carefully crafted rock pavement tracing dulled circles in a clear space before the palace, a thicket of bramble and deliberately placed chunks of repurposed wood covering the wide gates that once led from the public square up to the royal city.

What happened here? The citizens had probably barricaded themselves here at some point… it must’ve been pretty bad before it simply got quiet.

Zaphkiel hummed softly, catching their attention, “don’t go mulling over tragedies,” Lila quickened her step at his command. “This kingdom was sent into darkness over a thousand years ago. It’s history now.”

Thirteen tried thinking of a way to ask more that wasn’t too intrusive, when they couldn’t find any, they chose quietly observing the architecture around them instead. All overrun by roots so old, they’d grown from between the rocky pavement and through walls and around pillars; and dried to death in place. Zaphkiel and Lila walked through with familiarity, entering the palace through a side, unblocked, short gate with an entrance that looked much cleaner than everything else.

“Are you… alone here?” Thirteen finally dared to ask, while Zaphkiel dismounted from Lila and helped them to do so as well.

“I have Lila.” Zaphkiel was quick to answer, but then added; “none of my people are left. If that’s what you’re asking…”

Thirteen felt cold, they really liked asking dumb questions didn’t they– “hahahaha~! I’m sorry, you should see your face.” Zaphkiel broke the silence suddenly clearly finding enjoyment in making them squirm. “As I said… this all happened plenty of years ago, I’m not offended by your curiosity.” He was… a bit mean, Thirteen realized. Probably product of living alone for so long.

Zaphkiel went about unsaddling Lila, removing the reigns and the blankets, and a careful covering over her colorful folded wings, that stretched out and flapped once released. He stashed away the bags and provisions from her saddle inside a stable-looking, dry foliage covered, structure, and petted her goodbye as he closed and locked the place behind her too.

The already imposing entrance had nothing on the actual Palace. It was dusty and the wide halls and tall ceilings were echo-y lone, but the masacre that time and fog and darkness had created of the rest of the kingdom hadn’t reached behind the locked doors of this fortress. Zaphkiel disposed of his armor and a small weapon, leaving him down to his simple slate garments and long, skinny body, and showed him the empty rooms. The rooms where the town had clearly all settled to sleep in and cook and look after each other, the rooms frozen in their once royal service.

“When the fog first blocked the sun and natural disasters hit at least half our population perished, when the first monsters appeared is when my people first hid away in here–”

Something wasn’t right- “you– were here when it all began?” Thirteen turned to Zaphkiel suddenly, stopping short their admiration of the painted ceilings. “Does– do your people live–?”

“This long?” Zaphkiel smiles like he’s in on a secret. “Not usually. The punishment that befell us actually froze time for us; which is why I’ve taken it upon myself to keep people away… it’s easy to get lost in here when you can’t tell time is still running out there. Not many are dumb enough to actually come in deep enough to run into any actual danger, but every few years…” And Zaph throws them a pointed look that has color coming to their cheeks.

He leads them to a wider, glass-ceiling, room with pillars and long tables and chairs. A room that feels colder than all others, with floors and walls overgrown with foliage just like the outside, except here there’s actual greenery and life. Rich roots and thick leaves filling the space they’ve carved into the stone and the luxury; all guiding up to an elevated space where a figure sits on an ornate throne, two smaller, empty sits beside it. Is this…?

Zaphkiel guides Thirteen along still but ditches the storytelling for a reverantial silence, making his way up to the thrones in greeting, “Father.” He bows to the quiet, root-covered man.

As Thirteen gets closer they start to truly see the resemblance; the man looks clearly older and more square-bodied, but everything else is there. “You never told me you’re a prince.” Thirteen mutters suddenly, wondering if they’d been out of place in any way in the past hour or so since they met.

“Was a prince. There’s no kingdom left to rule, and… the royal family paid their dues. The people paid our dues.” Zaphkiel’s tone is more solemn now, still unfazed even as he traces a gentle hand down his father’s frozen cheek. “I’m just Zaphkiel these days.”

They continue with their touring through the palace as it had before, but Thriteen finds they’re even more confused now than they were before they came into the forest at all. Paid what dues? Who punished these people? What exactly has the power to do this to a whole town?

“The love I have for my father doesn’t bury his misdeeds. We were prideful, and pride suffocated all of us.” Is all he ever bothered to say, and, this time, Thirteen couldn’t fathom asking further.

It must’ve been hours before Zaphkiel announced he had nothing left to show them; after stories of the palace’s construction, and the grandiose events held upon the townsquare, and a quiet mention of a Queen lost far before the fog.

Zaph prepared Lila back up and took them both outside the royal grounds through the same hidden passage they’d entered; Lila trotting happily along the wider expanse of the forest as they made their way through. Answering all types of creature-related questions from Thirteen, no less; but the ex-royal seemed to mind little, answering as best as he could as each creature they saw from afar fueled their curious mind further.

“...they only feed off old cadavers, however, so they’re almost harmless… well– so far as you stay away from their eggs–”

A small whimper interrupted them, or Thirteen, at least; Zaphkiel’s tail had flicked in reaction but nothing more; while they searched the branches for the source.

“Probably a common bat,” Zaphkiel attempts to fullfill their curiosity, “leave it–”

…be. ‘Leave it be.’ Zaph intended to say, before Thirteen dropped off Lila’s back to bolt in a thick, concave tree’s direction. “This boy–” Zaph rolled his eyes at the not-there sky, prepping himself for a rescue that would be stopped short by the lump of muddish fur and bone in Thirteen’s arms.

“It’s… a rot-hound pup.” They explain unnecessarily, given that Zaphkiel’s the very one who’s just taught them about the species. “Didn’t you say they’re not safe left alone?”

Zaph sighs, calmer now that nothing too bad is about to happen; “there are plenty of predators in this forest… perhaps its pack got hunted down.” He observes Thirteen for a second before adding; “I don’t suggest you keep it.”

“Can’t another pack take him?”

“I’m no expert, but rot-hound pups are left behind a lot for other reasons, they have plentiful litters I imagine the parents aren’t too worried about losing a few. Or adopting any more for that matter.” And he sighs when Thirteen’s hold on the yipping pup doesn’t budge, “we can try if we see another pack… but it could take days to find and that guy doesn’t have that time.”

Thirteen frowns down at the soft skin of the pup, Zaphkiel’s probably just urging him to leave it behind to its luck to avoid them any pain of seeing the little one die… but they don’t seem to be lying. They didn’t see a single other rot-hound on their long way back, except for this guy, and they do seem to be lacking the rowdiness a youngling should have. It’s crazy to think nature would give this guy another chance.

“I want to help it then.” And before Zaph can say anything more, Thirteen continues; “I know its chances are low, but if its gonna die anyway… I guess I got nothing to lose trying.”

There’s a pause, where Zaph’s blue eyes seem to observe the area around Thirteen in a fresh light; “you’re really something, aren’t you?” This time it really feels like a compliment.

Thirteen’s wrapped the pup up with a thin blanket from their travel bag, securing it to their shoulders and back so it doesn’t move much on the way back out; Lila makes a quicker way to the edge. Zaphkiel makes little conversation now, to focus on the quickest route to the exit, only throwing a couple questions Thirteen’s way that get him little explanations to who they are; what with their amnesia and everything. Understanding seemed to finally settle in about Thirteen’s odd name, at least.

There’s a few voices coming from afar, and as Lila trots on, and the light starts finally reaching in through the trees, it becomes clear that Chromo was a lot more worried than he let on.

“A rescue party,” Zaphkiel muses as they close in within their sight, Chromo and a few other townspeople clammoring when they notice them approach. “I’m more intrigued by you by the minute.” He adds in with a little smile thrown over his shoulder.

Chromo meets them halfway with stompy hooves, much to Zaphkiel’s relief; his darkness-accostumed eyes squinting already as the sun starts to reach them. The centaur’s jaw clenches as he seems to analyze the situation, and exhales with annoyed relief once he sees Thirteen perched, and in one piece, behind the stranger.

It doesn’t hide his, or anyone in his party’s, alarm at learning the forest’s inhabitants aren’t down to zero like they’ve believed all this time.

“Thank you,” Chromo stresses, reaching back to grab Thirteen under the armpits – a tad more forcefully than strictly necessary, in their opinion – to pull them off the moth, “for not allowing them to die.” And the centaur makes a point to send an angry look their way. Look that becomes puzzled the second they noticed the live lump of cloth on their arms.

Thirteen smiles wide before stepping out of reach, “this is Za–” they try to change the subject, before their voice falls, uncertain if Zaphkiel would like to be known at all.

“Zaphkiel,” he introduces himself, after all. And Thirteen watches with a lightly pinched brow as realization, surprise, confusion and then a quiet resolution to simply not question anything anymore all happens to Chromo’s face.

“Chromo.” He reaches out his hand, decided to make this a simple introduction and not get pulled into Thirteen’s search for hidden truths.

“Don’t worry about Thirteen, they’re not coming here any longer, they promised.” Zaphkiel looks their way with the face of one who knows curiosity’s bound to bring them to danger eventually. Thirteen tries to look as the most trustworthy– won’t get in trouble kind of person they can be, until another question comes to mind.

“Does everyone just call this ‘Kingdom’? Surely it had a name, once.”

Zaphkiel has to lean in, covering his face as if to hide the secret from the centaur; “that’s the point of an extinguishing curse, no one seems to be able to remember, not even me.” He reincorporates with a satisfied grin, letting Thirteen to wonder as they retrieve with the rest of the party.

“I’ll make damn sure they keep their promise, at least.” Chromo declares, attempting at thankful appeasing.

All seems to end well, when Zaphkiel takes back his hold of Lila’s reigns, seemingly readying himself to leave; before he stops short with a mischievous glint to his eye. “Can’t say I’ll completely disapprove of them coming around again… could give us some time for a proper chat.”

And the wink Zaphkiel sends Chromo’s way ruffles the centaur's feathers so deeply, he doesn’t even question the rot-hound in Thirteen’s arms on the way back to the village.

~✨~

What can I say uwu I like shipping my ocs together in all sorts of ways✨ Also, idk if I mentioned this, but there's no linear story to this whole universe. My intentions with this is to draw/write separate stories about 13 travelling the world, all connected of course but I may jump around in the timeline a whole bunch depending on what kind of place and creatures I want to write :>cc

Anyway! There'll be more of Zaph (and even Zaph x Chromo 🤭) in the future, but for now,, this is it on the Haunted Forest :>cc Hope you enjoyed this longer piece of writing💕

[sunny6677]

So a ramble about my Self Insert for Spooky Month in EP 1 and EP 2!! Or at least what I thought of for her so far./lh

@mayisgoingnuts @fymo-blogs @crossover-enthusiast

Episode 1:

So Sunny (my S/I) probably isn't really present for most of the episode since it's kinda short anyway. But she's just kinda chilling in her room during it only for the Spookeez to bust in. When she tries telling them to leave, they tell her that it's Spooky Month. And she nervously does the dance just so they'll go away. Toward the end of the episode though, she's seen sitting on the floor near Lila with a blanket draped over her lap. And she's also sipping some hot coco. She just looks at Skid and Pump with a shrug since she doesn't know why Lila's preparing so early for Christmas either. Or she's just looking down at her mug the whole time. She'd also probably be seen in some background pictures and like posing with Lila & Skid and stuff./lh

Episode 2:

I can see her groggily walking out a few seconds before Lila does (and yes she is wearing the cute lil bunny onesie you guys selected/lh), and she stops in shock because there's two random dudes in Lila's house. She yells out in fear, which causes Lila to walk in tiredly and just glare at the robbers. Sunny probably notices Skid vanish at some point though off screen, and becomes worried about him, but Lila advises her not to go after him since he probably just went out again and it's better that hes not here to see the robbers getting arrested. Sunny still can't help but worry though, and nearly does consider just walking off in the middle of the night to go find them as she anxiously stands beside Lila—who tries to reassure her. But then they finally see the kids in the distance, which causes Sunny to run over to them and practically drag Skid back over to Lila. Lila calms her down when Sunny rather anxiously asks Skid where he went, and calms down a little more when he answers that he apparently just 'met a new friend who showed them the stars'. Sunny brushes it off though. Skid mentions the spooky dance, which causes Lila to get happy and for all three of them besides Sunny to start spooky dancing. Sunny nearly joins, but doesn't and lightly (and off screen) scolds Skid and tells him not to go out without telling her again, before dropping the subject and heading back inside out of exhaustion.

[1ickoris]

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

[Chapter 19-20 of the Manhwa]

[The Divine Beast’s egg should not be left unattended.]

[That’s right.]

When did Darren come again?

[It should take precedence over anything else.]

[That’s right.]

[It’s a lifelong regret in our family so hurry and wrap it up—]

Stop, stop!

“I got it.”

She hastily shut the mouths of Herschel, who was rambling on, and the butler ghost, Darren, who was agreeing with him.

“I’ll find the Divine Beast’s egg. As soon as possible.”

[R-Really?]

"But first, I need to prepare something."

[Prepare something?]

Darren’s face went from pleased to grim. He suspected that Camilla would find another excuse to put off the search for the Divine Beast’s egg.

‘Well, people won’t believe me.’

She’s been meaning to get started for a while now.

She couldn’t think of anything better than this.

“Ahem…”

Camilla touched her neck and cleared her throat. And then…

“AHHHHHHH!”

She screamed with all her might so the whole mansion could hear.

[…!]

[…!]

The sound startled Herschel and Darren, who quickly stepped to one side.

Swoosh!

“Lady! What’s wrong!?”

A few moments later, the door opened and Donna came running in.

“Wh-What is it?”

“Miss Camilla?”

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

“What was that scream? What happened?”

The other maids and servants who had been waiting on the same floor came running.

The Duke's men were certainly a lot quicker to act than before.

“Are you alright, Miss?”

When Donna saw Camilla, who was shaking and blue-faced, she rushed over to her and asked if she was okay.

The other servants and maids looked worried, wondering what was going on. Had there been an intruder?

Several servants were seen rushing outside to call for the soldiers.

But Camilla can only shiver and say nothing. She couldn’t even hold the glass of water Donna offers her.

“Camilla!”

In the meantime, the Duke of Sorpel burst into the room, as if he had heard the news.

Camilla's trembling body calmed as if it were a lie as she faced the Duke of Sorpel.

Instead, her expression was blank as she looked at him. Then her eyes narrowed, and a tear rolled down her cheek.

“Camilla!”

“Father…”

“What’s wrong!?”

“Are you okay?”

“What?”

Camilla squeezed the Duke of Sorpel’s hand as he came closer. She sobbed as she spoke.

“In my— in my dream, father…”

“Dream?”

“Fire… big fire… heuk…”

“…”

“A lot of fabric in father’s office…”

“Fabric?”

"There's a big fire--- heuk, but even if I tell you to come out, even if I pull you out, you won't come out, you’re in the fire--- heuk…”

The faces of those gathered in the room turned. All this fuss over a dream?

Among them, Ravi was the one with the most unappealing expression on his face.

He looked at her as if she was going to keep doing all kinds of crazy things, as if she hadn't already done enough.

‘Why is he here?’

He didn't come out last night, claiming to be busy in his lab.

Ludville was standing quietly to one side. Was her scream that loud?

She screamed to make as much noise as possible, but she became a little embarrassed.

"You came in to rescue me from the fire…”

At that moment, the Duke of Sorpel opened his mouth.

A slight tremor could still be felt in Camilla's hand as she gripped his own tightly.

Duke Sorpel's eyes softened at the sight.

The fact that Camilla jumped into the fire to save herself, even though it was a dream, was very touching.

"I'm so surprised, heuk, I'm sorry."

"No, no, you must have been very scared."

The Duke of Sorpel stroked Camilla's hair with a pleased expression.

‘Okay.’

She didn't care if others thought it was silly. All she needed was the Duke of Sorpel.

‘Although, this isn’t what it’s for.’

There was something that came to mind after her meeting with Lila this afternoon.

Around this time, a large fire breaks out in a textile mill run by the Sorpel family.

It wasn't the family's main business, but it kept the Duke of Sorpel busy and out of the house for a while.

She didn’t know the exact date, but it happened not long after Lila transferred— perhaps within a week.

Swoosh!

“Duke!”

Just then, the door burst open with a loud bang, and the aide, Jakter, rushed inside.

“What happened?”

“We’ve got a problem.”

“Problem?”

The Duke of Sorpel’s expression changed in an instant as he glared at Zakter for barging into Camilla's room without knocking.

He knew it wasn't going to be a simple matter if he had to come so late at night.

"A major fire broke out at a textile mill in the Berg region."

“A fire?”

Camilla, who was listening to Zakter, was very flustered. Wow, what timing.

"Yes, thankfully it's late in the night so there were no casualties, but it's going to put the factory out of commission for a while now."

“Hm, let’s go to the office first.”

“Yes.”

The Duke of Sorpel stopped in his tracks as he and Jakter made their way outside, his gaze falling on Camilla, who had finally stopped crying.

He remembered what Camilla had said earlier. She said that the piles of fabric in his office were on fire.

So did the others. They all stared at Camilla in amazement.

It wasn't just the house that burned down, it was the fabric that was stacked there!

But people soon went back to what they were doing, thinking, ‘Oh, it's a coincidence,’ or at least a little mystified.

‘I’m curious, too. It’s fascinating.’

How did she get the timing right?

Camilla flashed an awkward smile as she slowly sipped the water Donna handed her.

[Groundwork?]

“Yes.”

[…?]

[What kind of groundwork?]

Herschel and Darren didn't understand what Camilla was saying right away.

What did she mean, the screams she made last night to find the Divine Beast’s egg? They couldn’t understand at all.

“What would people say if I suddenly found the Divine Beast’s egg?”

[They’ll be very pleased.]

“…”

She wonders if everyone becomes that simple when they die.

“They’ll be very pleased for a while, but what about after that?”

[After that?]

“How did you know where the Divine Beast’s egg was, and how did you find them?”

[Hmm.]

[Perhaps.]

“Then what am I supposed to say?”

[That’s—]

“What if I told the truth that the late Sir Herschel told me? Wouldn’t they say that Camilla Sorpel finally lost her mind?”

[…]

“That’s why I need to lay the groundwork.”

[You're going to tell them that you saw the place where the Divine Beast’s egg is in your dream?]

“Yes.”

[Well, will people believe that?]

[I’m thinking the same thing, Miss Camilla.]

Camilla nodded obediently.

She didn't expect people to believe me right away when she told them that she had seen a fire in a dream and she guessed right.

“So I have to lay more groundwork.”

[More?]

[How?]

Camilla merely smirked at Herschel and Darren’s questions. Just then, the carriage they were riding in screeched to a halt.

“Lady, we have arrived.”

Through the door the coachman opened for her, Camilla slowly stepped out of the carriage. In front of her was a small shop.

They looked through the window of the store and saw a display of baby products.

[Why here?]

“I’m going to buy some materials to lay in the groundwork.”

[Materials?]

Camilla made her way to the store, leaving a puzzled Herschel and Darren behind.

Then they asked her a final question.

[By the way, yesterday. How did you know there was going to be a fire in the textile factory? Is it really a coincidence?]

[I'm wondering that too, Miss, how on earth did you know?]

[It’s a coincidence, right?]

[It makes too much sense to be a coincidence].

Camilla's performance as she sobbed that she was having a dream was superb.

The acting was so realistic that even Herschel and Darren, who watched the whole thing from the sudden screaming, were tricked as well.

The most surprising thing was how Camilla knew about the fire at the factory. She couldn't have just blurted it out.

“Ah! I’m so busy.”

Camilla could feel the two ghosts' prying eyes on her, but she hurried into the store, pretending not to notice.

"Is the Duke inside?"

“Yes, they’re waiting.”

Rube, the butler, who was waiting for him at the entrance, greeted him politely.

Shairon. The oldest and closest vassal family to the Duke of Sorpel.

The reason for his visit to the Duke today was the fire at the textile mill that had occurred a few days earlier.

His normally relaxed face had visibly stiffened.

As someone in a position to manage and be responsible for the factory, this was inexcusable.

Luckily, the damage wasn't too bad, but it took quite a while to get the factory up and running again.

‘Phew.’

Letting out a short sigh, he quietly followed behind the butler, Rube.

“Hm?”

A moment later, Count Shairon’s steps came to a halt. Someone was walking down the hallway toward his office.

Count Shairon bowed his head lightly in greeting.

"Long time no see. Lady Camilla."

She smiled and replied graciously.

“Yes, it’s been a while. Count Shairon.”

Seeing his expression harden, Camilla allowed a faint smile to tug at the corners of her mouth.

"You must be here about this factory fire."

“Yes.”

A sigh escaped his lips at the word fire, and he looked at Camilla with a bit of surprise in his eyes.

Did she know that the factory that caught fire was under his management?

He thought she wasn’t interested in the family business at all.

“Don’t worry too much.”

Camilla comforted him. Drawing on her previous experience, she also gave him a subtle comment.

"I eavesdropped and found out that they're planning to double the size of the mill and build a new one.”

[dvarapala]

pictured above: udyati, watching me think about her in relation to the tua characters.

i always love thinking about udyati in relation to the umbrella academy characters because she feels so at ease in the tua-verse despite the fact that it's all falling apart.

she took to klaus (@theseancekid) so fast. there's a reason she called him uncle klaus from the get go. he gets her. he gets her in a way few others do. she can ramble and mumble and mutter and he follows that stream of consciousness all the way down, from the start to the end. she likes hanging out with him. likes talking to him. he's warm hearted and funny and witty and fashionable. she's just glad to exist at the same time as him, honestly. to her, he's also one of the smartest people she knows. he's no super genius like five but there are more than one ways to be smart. i think she would not be afraid to be vulnerable with him. she knows she can talk to him about anything. about liking boys. about liking girls. about liking people. about lost loves and loves gained. about life and death. about the dead. about carrying them around with you. inside you. about the relationship with her mom - tempestuous but filled with love either way. about the expectations that parents have of you and how they can bear down upon you like a hand on your back. like a brand. like a curse. because if there's anyone who understands all of this and so much more, it's klaus.

upon first glance, she and five (@tempportal) are so different. she's sunshine, he's midnight rain. she looks older than he is, but he is older than she is even if he doesn't look like it. he's the smartest person in any room, anywhere. she relies more on brawn (fighting techniques) than brain. he's her best friend and grandfather figure rolled into one. and if she's ever in trouble, he's the first person she calls. if she needs help with her homework, he's also the first person she calls. what the handler did to him reminds me very much of what dhumorna did to her.

i like to think that she'd call diego 'uncle diego' too. that is, if he allows that. if not, then it's just diego and that's fine too. i like to think he'd be the fun uncle. or an older brother figure. that's the vibe i get from those two. he's a knife thrower; she loves knives. five would probably keel over from the stress and the shenanigans those two would get up to but in my head and in my heart, i know she would love diego so fiercely. not just because of their shared interests in knives and daggers and such but also because i think she and diego are similar in a way. not just because they're both people of color in a very white environment but also because i feel like academics have never been either of their things despite having been educated (by mr. hargreeves and having gone to college, respectively).

in my head, udyati would call allison 'miss allison' out of respect but udyati calling allison 'aunt allison' after a certain point is also very cute. much like diego, allison understands what it's like to be a person of color in a predominant white environment. much like allison, udyati's powers - if applied that way - could 'rumor' people as well: her strings and threads can turn people into puppets and she can get into their heads, if she connects a string to their temples and to her own. lila rumored allison and udyati has been a puppet for nine years so they'd have something in common there, too. aside from their powers, they have both lost a lover as well.

i think i stated somewhere that udyati can technically see ghosts but i don't quite know what happened to that piece of canon. anyway, i feel like she would be very curious about ben.

viktor would have to deal with udyati asking ten thousand questions about playing an instrument and how do you know to read the notes without throwing the sheet music across the room?! aside from that, udyati and viktor both have the capabilities to destroy. not just people, but the planet(s). and i think they could bond about a lot of things.

in my head, i can definitely see udyati sit down next to luthor and ask him about the moon. i can definitely see her ask him about his hobby's and the stuff he likes to do - i can see luthor as a writer. and udyati likes to write too.

lila is british and udyati is dutch; they're both europeans in america. they're both indian. they've both survived impossible things. the handler and lila's relationship kinda mirrors udyati and dhumorna's.

ps i also can see udyati sit with grace in the portrait gallery. or help her out in the kitchen.

[goalies]

I want this man ERRADICATED

little bit of rambling about him i think...

-he grew up in s. lake tahoe, CA, US as the 2nd kid of 3 with a big interest in ornithology, but never got the chance to persue it

-enrolled in the military as young as he could as a navy cadet n stuff

-his older brother's name is matthew and he was also going to become a soldier but decided to go to college and pursue medicine and becomes a doctor while harpy is in the military

-his younger sister is named Lila and she passes away in a freak accident at 10 and it permanently shakes up the family (matthew is 17 and harpy is 6 at the time of her death)

-parents forced high expectations for them to both join the military for no reason other than his dad is disgustingly conservative

-harpy joins the navy for a while, gets into the top gun program, meets his best friend for life and someone he absolutely considers committing marriage fraud with, Marley

-their careers go on as normal until being pulled to join special forces and work as undercover agents or smth like that

-im still working it out

-hes #boybossing it out as best he can though

wip…

[shrimparsonist]

Behold! My aimless experimenting has once again led me to a surprisingly cute doodle I shall never be able to replicate the likeness of!

This is probably the only good drawing of ths oc I made when I was 11- she's somehow survived the tests of time!

She's a super hero- her real name is Lila :'D

(Green power rambling under the read more, thou have been warned)

I made her for an assignment in art class and for some reason I really got attached to her- To be fair she's the only good super hero I've ever created haaha

She's nature themed and very eco-friendly, which is a weird gimmick for a super hero I know but it's honestly pretty funny! It's really related to her backstory too.

You see, her mother died, chopped into slices by a "tree cutting machine" (I wish I had the beggining of the comic I tried to make about her, that machine had a very INTERESTING design), so when she grew up she became an avid protester of nature. Unfortunately for everyone involved, her soon-to-be-archenemmy, Dr. Pesticide didn't like that, so she had her kidnapped.

He wanted to turn her into a super-powered person (reasoning unclear) but uh oh! Some intern accidentally shoved the mind control juice behind a shelf before they mixed it in, and since he was alone in the room everyone assumed it has already been put into the rest of the mixture.

So then she ends up running away, because she has super powers now, and ends up becoming a super hero, Because She Has Super Powers Now, and Dr. Pesticide's worst ennemy (and the reason he can't sleep at night), BECAUSE SHE HAS SUPER POWERS NOW.

I didn't really change her much ever since her conception. Because CLEARLY she's already superior and perfect in every way. I did mean to redesign her crime fighting attire to something more. y'know. practical. but eh I don't have any good ideas yet.

I tried to make her powers relatively nature related, and if I remember correctly her powers are flight (because. She has wings.), invisibility (like chameleons!), becoming tiny (insect size), and plant-controlling abilities (her main power, NATURALLY). I did nerf her a bit since she was created though, so she doesn't have telekinesis or mind control anymore. Also her wings can no longer conventionally disappear.

You want to know how she keeps the general public from being aware that Green Power and Lila [surname] are the same person? No? Well too bad because it is with a power akin to superman's glasses: SHE HAS A STAR STICKER ON HER CHEEK. BOOM. ⭐ She is perfectly aware of how ridiculous this is (And so is her friend who helped her think of it) but no one else is so? It works??? I guess?????? My 11 year Old's writing skills are unparalleled and I wish that was more sarcastic than it is

SPEAKING OF HER FRIEND: She is the ONE person who knows that she's Green power. In fact, she is not only her tech-acolyte, but she is also the one who helped her figure out her powers, her costume, and very much helped convince her to join the superhero lifestyle. Her name? I cannot for the life of me remember. For all I know I never gave her one. Which I really need to do because she's? really? important???

Also Dr. Pesticide might be the villain but I love him with all my heart. He's such a mess. But also an evil genius. He is literally the cause of creating his arch ennemy. He probably can't sleep at night.

Other characters include Lila's dad, but as far as the plot is concerned he's only there to be the Lois lane of the story. I would give him more characteristics if I ever got interested in them again but eh (I say, as if I wasn't already obsessing over these guys)

Anyways rant over bye! (⁠◍⁠•⁠ᴗ⁠•⁠◍⁠)⁠✧⁠*⁠。

[a-dreamingflower]

(⌐■_■)

( •_•)>⌐■-■

...

but what if i dont want to?

[smallblueandloud]

a post-infinity war au

Lila is crying, taking big gulps of air in between her words. She’s scared. In the background, there’s a baby crying, but Natasha doesn’t register it.

“Mommy and Daddy just- they just- Mama Tasha, I can’t find them.” In her mind’s eye, Natasha can see her: a scared eleven year old girl, with her hair in braids, clutching the landline. “Cooper disappeared in front of me. It’s just me and Nathaniel, and I don’t know what to do. Mama-”

“Lila, baby, listen to me, it’s going to be okay.” Her voice must get panicked, because Steve is finally pulled out of his trance. He goes over to her as she keeps talking. “Lila, I need you to go into the kitchen and get yourself a glass of water. Can you do that for me?”

Distantly, her mind is running calculations. How long does it take to get from Wakanda to Iowa. Where can she get a quinjet or something similar. Is the water and electricity still working, and how long will that last. When was the last time Lila and Nathaniel ate. What time is it in Iowa, actually?

“Lila, honey, before you drink I need you to look at the water. Does it look clear? Does it move right?”

Lila’s still crying, Natasha is pretty sure, but she’s doing it quietly enough to be able to speak. “Yes,” she says, sniffling a little. “It’s flowing right.”

“Good,” says Natasha. “Make sure it tastes right, and then drink the whole glass. You hear me, baby?”

“Yeah,” says Lila. The phone is set down on the counter and Natasha can hear quiet sounds of gulping. First rule of crying children: get them to drink some water. They can’t cry and drink at the same time, and it prevents dehydration.

Laura had taught her that the first time Cooper had skinned his knee. Natasha closes her eyes against the sudden urge to cry. God, Laura is gone. Laura and Clint and Cooper are all gone.

Suddenly, Natasha’s family has been cut in half. She’s a widow, twice over.

Ah, the irony. It’s painful for us - imagine how she must be feeling.

[requyem]

Spooky month characters as kiddos! Part 1

Imma ramble about em below the pics

Lila was my first try at this, while brainstorming I just got the visual image of those funky little winter boots and I loved the idea so much I just rolled with it. Lila is a winter baby. At first I wanted to give her dress some frills then I realized, not only that I couldn't manage to make it look right but that it would clutter the design and not fit her so I removed em and replaced em with a belt, to also give a call back to her original design

Ignacio was the second one I did and... I had only two thoughts: ''pathetic/sad looking'' and ''oversized sweater'' that's it, that's all there is to his design and I love him. He probably got that sweater from his dad and just keeps it cause it's comfortable

Jaune was the first design where I started sketching without much idea other then a pose and shorts, I didn't want to just do ''jaune but small'' so I tried playing around with her shirt and body language and went with the idea of sportsy, she be rocking in soccer and baseball practice and ready to win and have fun

Bob started off the same as Jaune, not much idea for his clothes, I obviously wanted to keep his iconic turtleneck but I was struggling to figure out how to include it while also being able to convey this 'country' and '70's' feel that I wanted for kid Bob. So I ended up brainstorming looking at my tablet for a while before slamming my hands on the table and realizing, OVERALLS. HE NEEDS OVERALLS. And now I have an entire HC childhood for him about him growing up in a ranch on the countryside raising the pigs with his dad and taking care of stray kittens. I love baby Bob, he makes me very happy

Frank uhm... I'm sad. For context, I did these while on a ten hour long car ride back to Belgium, and Frank was the last one I did, it was completely dark out, the only light was my tablet screen, my body was sore af, I was tired and my creativity juice was going low. Frank is my absolute favorite character, although Jack and John are my comfort characters, Frank just makes me insanely happy and hyper, and I don't feel like I did him justice... Like I said with jaune, I don't want to just make ''that character but small'' but it's complicated for Frank because my guy probably has had the same T-shirt and sweater just in difference sizes all his life. So I was brainstorming for a while trying to maybe mix his T-shirt with sweater and I ended up settling on those collared T-shirts I hated as a kid. He probably doesn't care about style that much so I tried to express that by making one of his shoelace untie and having one of his sock not pulled up at all. Gave him a bunch of scraps and bruises because he probably spends 22h out of a day outside playing rough with the wildlife and other kids. When I posted this in a discord server we ended up throwing that idea around that he could literally get hit by a car and walk it off like it was nothing, he breaks his wrist and just snaps it back in place, slaps a random bandaid on it and calls it a day. I love Frank a lot lol

[silky-slinky]

SWEET CANDY !

FIVE HARGREEVES X FEM!READER PAIRING !

DIALOGUE PROMPT/S:

2. “You ramble and it's adorable.”

20. “You're lucky you're cute.”

FIVE HARGREEVES MASTERLIST !

A rambling mess is what you called yourself. For some reason, you can't stop your mouth to move and talk to everyone you see. It was a miracle Five hasn't dropped you off somewhere and didn't come back for you. Whenever there was a chance, you'd ramble on, talking about anything and everything to anyone. Even to Five. A dangerous act you shouldn't be doing

Yet somehow, your voice and rambling made Five feel at ease whenever you ranted about anything. It didn't matter whether you'd ramble about how the yellow color was called yellow or does a staircase go up or down. He didn't care whatever it was, because he was willing to listen, and sometimes answer your unanswerable questions.

To him, your rambling was the only thing that kept him sane throughout everything he's been through. He had a soft spot for you, something everyone noticed. He caught himself smiling at himself whenever you came up in his mind. It baffled him that a person like you, completely opposite to him made him feel at ease.

People like you were the people who he killed just because they talked too much, but for you, he'd make an exception.

“Aren't you tired, Five?” You ask from your bed, your chin propped up on your hands as you watched Five do whatever he was doing earlier.

“Hm?” He simply hummed. Despite his short replies, he was listening intently to whatever you had to say.

“Y'know? Saving the world?”

He looked over at you. Your eyelids are closed, and your head now laying on the pillow you took, looking peaceful. “I do, but it's my job.”

You pitied him. Unlike him and his siblings, you were powerless, merely a weakling compared to them. You didn't have the responsibility of saving the world like them, and you weren't planning to. Your adventures with the Hargreeves started when they met you in the 1960s, basically abducting you from your timeline.

“I wish you didn't have to save the world. Why is it worth saving anyway? We're all going to die in the future, it's just making it sooner. That's nothing to be scared of.” Another thing about you is that you talk incredibly fast. Other people who don't know and understand you won't comprehend what you say most of the time.

“You ramble and it's adorable.” Five calls out from where he was seated. You could feel your face warming up at his words.

“I don't think that's advisable, Five. Isn't that a bit too much? That's too much, I'm sure. Don't strain yourself.” You peered over his shoulder as he used his powers to bring the suitcases back alive. Five were now stuck in between the two women, one was a woman he loved and one was a woman he loathed.

“You're talkative.” Lila says from her side of the cramped room.

“As if you aren't.” You reply, without batting her an eyelash.

“Lila's right. You are talkative.” He stopped using his powers to look over at you. “You're lucky you're cute.” He pinched your cheek, a gesture he loved to do.

“Disgusting.” Lila rolled her eyes. “Get back to work, Five.”

FIVE HARGREEVES TAGLIST !

@isventigayoreuropean @halfumbrella @iiirhiane-g @crinklypink @its-loki-bitch @cff3kat @umbrellatte @yuuki4646 @dontspoilthis

Please message me if you'd like to be removed or added!

THANK YOU FOR THIS REQUEST !

- ★

[ay4kshalatus]

ok so like, I've had this stuck in my brain for a while so I hope you dont mind me rambling </3

five x reader scenario where they were married before the first jump in 2019 but they were like having marriage problems so they sort of went "ok so here's a paper sign it and there we are officially divorced !!" (and take a divorce selfie !! /j). Somehow, he drags the reader back into the mess and teleport into the 1960's thingy (where the reader ends up stuck idk) and through all the chaos both five and the reader are like "yk what maybe I do like you but im not going to admit it bc of my ego." And in the new 2019 timeline when they realize everything is going to end they both go "fuck it yeah I love you" and just try to re-start their relationship even tho the world is ending

IDK IF THIS IS WORDED WEIRD ENGLISH IS NOT MY FIRST LANGUAGE 😭

also this isn't a request it's just ingrained in my mind to put reader instead of y/n imsososodos sorry

- 🚩

oh don't worry i love receiving asks and read people's hcs and stuffs so feel free! ⊂(´･◡･⊂ )

and i sometimes describe y/n as reader so it's alright!

✉️ whoa this trope.. i found it interesting indeed. like reader and five are married out of pure love but then have some perplexing feelings for each other later bc of work and have no time being on each other's sides on their darkest moments. andddd that leads them to arguements and misunderstandings (i'll let you guys imagine what they're arguing for). their relationship become bitter, still they agreed that they'll escape from the commission.

then some serious stuff happening like reader was back on the commission alone and doing a massacre, didn't tell anyone but five found out they've been there and got mad at them. "you might got this little precious chance of ours slip out of the fingers. (insert reasons).", "i was trying to help--", "but you made it worse." then boom. divorce.

reader, walking around the city or park and waiting for the apocalypse to get them too. but five decided to beg for them to help him just one last time.

season 2!! where all of them separated. reader trying to live normal life but got dragged to the mess again because five needed them (he mistaken it for his mission. he really do want them back). their relationship somehow improved again and finally acted like a married couple. his siblings keep teasing them but they can't actually argue back. they're still married legally and they have no time to sign divorce papers 🤨🤨.

season 3!! where they finally have a time together on sloane and luther's marriage, later confessed their feelings for each other. their relationship is the only wholesome and nicely developed one out of lila & diego and sloane & luther. even klaus can agree.

KSJSKSKSMSKS i do really want to make this a series bc this scenario is 🤌🤌🤌🤌 but i might leave my work unfinished.. i'm a lazy potato :,,))

[sunny6677]

MY S/I IN UNWANTED GUEST RAMBLE!!

————

@mayisgoingnuts @crossover-enthusiast

I imagine Sunny would be seen at the beginning of the episode with Skid, like chasing him playfully in the background while Lila cooks and just making silly growling sounds as she does so. She's probably seen walking behind Lila during the scene Lila's watching TV in, with Sunny probably just looking at her phone as she goes by.

Sunny probably at least heard Moloch at some point though, and is a little more anxious about it than Lila is even if she does know it's probably just a 'rat' like Lila says, though Sunny just thinks it might be something in the house breaking down. She possibly tries telling Lila about it as she's looking for an exterminator, but then Skid comes in and the exchange between him and Lila plays out. Lila needs him gone if she's gonna get rid of the 'rat' though, so she asks Sunny to go with him while he plays with his friend, and she agrees just to be rid of the sound for a little while. Though she's anxious since she isn't sure if she can watch him on her own for however long he'll be gone.

She goes off with him as he runs out, and anxiously watches in mild fear as he practically roars out while calling Pump. But when she sees Pump come out of the grave, she looks like she's in shock.

She then follows them as they walk off to go to the mall, but then come across Franks van. Frank briefly asks who she is and Skid answers that she's Sunny and she lives with him. Frank just kinda accepts this though he's a bit skeptical. So he let's her hop on with the kids. Sunny ends up seeing the body bag though, and brushes off the thought that there might actually be someone in there at first until it starts moving—Frank probably ends up making some other flimsy excuse and gets the kid to stop moving. But either way, Sunny and terrified and confused because she really doesn't know if that was actually a kid in there or not.

When Frank drops them off, she's kind of dissociated for a few seconds before the kids run off, and quickly runs after them. When they find the Happy Fella doll, she's a bit reluctant about buying it, but Pump apparently has money for it for some reason. So she goes along with it, mainly because the body bag thing is still getting to her. She's silent during the whole Rick exchange, and just gives a mild shake of her head while the kids giggle about him not knowing it's Spooky Month.

Sunny leaves the store with the kids, and ends up coming across the Candy Dealer who she's immediately suspicious of and tries to pull the kids back from. Sunny tries to prevent them from taking the 'sugar'—but they suddenly pass out dead afterwards. She doesn't know they're just pretending and thinks they fainted so she begins to freak out as Candy Deaelr sneaks off./lh

Sunny is shown passed out briefly, sitting on a chair next to Skid and Pumps bed. But she wakes up when they jump off—since they kinda startled her awake. Sunny is off screen during the Patty scene, but she does open the door to the room off screen just to ask her aunt if she knows where the kids are, and when Patty gives a quick tired answer, Sunny runs off where Patty says they went.

She's outside when they suddenly appear from out of the back of an ambulance, and she tries going over to them. But that's when Roy shows up and tries picking on the kids again. Sunnys just kinda staring at him weird the whole scene and pulls the kids back from him—though her expression starts to get more annoyed. And then confused/surprised when he starts yelling. She does attempt to tell him to back off, but he doesn't listen. Roy also still tries to beat up the kids here, but Sunny prevents him from doing too much and doesn't exactly fight him—but she does kinda shove him away from the kids, yells at him and then walks off with the kids after. Sunny is trying not to curse from anger, and decides she's defintely gonna tell Lila about this when she gets back to their house.

Sunny probably stops off screen at some point just to make sure they're okay, and considers going back home just to bandage em up. But they run off before she can, forcing her to catch up yet again. She only catches up to them once they're just about to leave the candy store, so she doesn't see them giving the 'sugar' to Kevin. Since she just kinda grabs the kids and carries them all the way back to Lila's house off screen lol. She's mainly frustrated they keep running off so she decides to force them back to Lila's house.

When she sets Skid down, Sunny tries talking to Lila instead since she sees her. But as she's about to explain, she stops and notices Possesed Dexter up in the air. This causes Sunny to freak out and actually curse without meaning to—and she pulls both Skid and Pump back so whatever the fuck it is won't get them. And she only becomes more distressed when it throws Lila and when Lila tells them to run. But Skid doesn't listen, insisting he's 'not Moloch', while Pump seems to think it's him. Sunny tries telling them not to talk to it, but they don't listen since Pump tells it to turn it's head around since only demons can do that. Sunny becomes distressed, only to go into stunned silence when it snaps it's own neck and falls dead on the floor.

Sunnys in such deep shock about the whole thing that she forgets what she was even gonna tell Lila.. well she doesn't forget but she's too effected by what just happened to even properly think. She even just kinda mindlessly wonders over to the couch after Skid asks if they can watch something, and is quiet as she sits next to Skid with a traumatized/miserable expression on her face. She does end up lying with Lila that it's still spooky month though, and gains at least a little bit of a smile when the kids seem happy about it. I can imagine her trying to cover their ears because of the commercial that is cut off after though.

Deadly Smiles is tomorrow! She's friends with Susie so there'll be interactions between them jdndns.