#listen. the main character is a child. who is SICK

[sukirichi]

WHEN I SEE YOU AGAIN | G. SATORU x READER

You’ve been pretending not to see ghosts your whole life in order to blend in perfectly, but you can’t ignore the cute ghost with a bright smile standing in front of your door.

cw. ghost! gojo. fem! reader. minimal fluff. graphic depictions of murder. angst. hurt no comfort. mentions of grief. mentions of being under the influence (alcohol and drugs.) characters with depression. unedited.

notes. wrote a lil something for gojo since it’s been a while since i wrote any jjk fics and i missed it :( also should i open requests again? i miss writing one shots lol

wc. 7k

You met him on the first night of winter.

Eager to get home after a long and tiring day at work, you blow hot air on your freezing palms to keep them warm before stuffing it deep in your coat pockets. The walk home was less than fifteen minutes, and you’ve always refused to buy a car because you enjoyed the journey and wanted to familiarize yourself more with the city. You previously lived in the outskirts, but after a phone call from the main department telling you you were promoted and had to transfer in the city, you found yourself packing up on the weekend and renting a cheap apartment.

Located in the middle of everything – convenience stores, medical facilities, popular bars, and a quaint looking flower shop with a cute florist – you thought your apartment was perfect. It was a little shabby, you had to admit. The plumbing didn’t work well and electricity got cut off at random times in the night that resulted in a headache because you couldn’t send that damn email, but the landlord offered an extremely cheap rent that you couldn’t refuse. Plus, it was only a few minutes walk from your office and your neighbors were peaceful.

Well, most of them anyway.

Your neighbors consisted of mostly old couples who were so silent and desolate that you often forgot they existed, your eyes widening whenever you saw an unfamiliar old lady walking and asking you how your day was before realizing, Oh, she’s Mrs. Oliver, I completely forgot. Save for the married couple who were always throwing pots and pans at each other because darn Ronald couldn’t put the toilet seat back down, your place was placid. The landlord was ecstatic when you saw her poster and inquired for a unit, muttering something about not getting enough tenants to keep the place going because of ‘a traumatic issue.’

You’d really rather not ask what it was.

Besides, you’ve never been curious enough of what the world has to offer, simply because you see things – or rather fragments of people – that you’d rather not see. Ever since you started seeing ghosts at a young age of four, people avoided you like the plague, calling you a ‘freak’ and whatnot. Your family soon moved away to a much smaller place in the city because they couldn’t handle seeing their child who often talked to ghosts and sat in corners alone while laughing by herself be criticized by others. They didn’t believe you, of course, often calling it a ‘lonely child’s imagination.’ They sent you to multiple therapists who always assured you that they would listen to whatever problems you were having to cause you to be this way.

Unfortunately for them, there wasn’t anything wrong with you. You weren’t lonely at all. You saw a dozen ghosts every day who were always ecstatic at finding out you could see them, and they were more than willing to interact. As a child, you always thought ghosts were more interesting than actual people because they had an unlimited amount of time to converse with you, and they have had so many experiences to share with you. 

When you grew older, however, you started to see yourself in other’s eyes, realization dawning on you that on social norms, you are, indeed, a freak.

Determined to fit in more and also sick of being faced with countless counselors who strongly believed you had a traumatic experience when your whole life has been nothing but bland and plain, you started ignoring them. It wasn’t easy at first, though. These ghosts have always kept you company while everyone gave you the side eye without knowing who you really were, and you admit you felt lonely in the beginning and a little guilty when they were convinced you couldn’t see them anymore.

You participated more in school activities and even joined a photography club in high school (you had to quit a month later because ghosts kept appearing on your photos, and you had to burn them in order not to freak anyone out) and with each baby step you took, you started to fit in more. The proud look your parents had on their faces when you had finally become ‘normal’ and even got an award for being an exemplary student was enough to keep you going on this journey, and you ignored the lonely spirits so hard that you eventually started seeing less and less of them.

Until now.

Standing in front of your door was a young man, his back awkwardly bent and long, beautiful fingers fiddling awkwardly with one another. He stood barefoot yet wore a comfy looking blue university hoodie and grey sweatpants, and his silver hair seemed shiny and healthy enough to  not consider him a homeless man who was lost and simply wandering. Tipping your head to the side, you rack your brain to remember if you had any neighbours like him. 

His head snaps in your direction. 

He is definitely not your neighbour. You would have remembered such a cute looking guy.

He had unnaturally ethereal futures, prominent cheekbones becoming more pronounced when you meet his eyes, and you blink to gain control over your body when you realize you’ve been staring too long than what would be considered acceptable. You don’t even deny you’ve been checking him out, although you do ignore the almost puppy-like way his eyes lit up at the sight of you, causing your heart to jump a little. Just a little. You also liked how his hair complimented perfectly with his pale skin – he seemed like an exact embodiment of winter. 

You walk forward, spinning your keys at the end of your pointer finger. Smiling at him politely, you paused in your tracks. He’d been blocking your door. “Hello, is there something I can help you with?”

No matter how cute he was, you wouldn’t hesitate to break his nose if he was a criminal.

His pretty hands come up to his face to cover his mouth falling open, and you take a step back when he does a little jump and starts laughing. “You can see me?”

“Uhm, yes,” you answer. “You’re blocking my door, so yeah, I can very much see you.”

As if realizing just now he stood in the way of you and your comfortable bed, who was calling out to you by now, he mutters a quick apology under his breath before stepping aside, a goofy grin remaining on his face and his childish behavior makes you scoff in amusement. He was still watching you even after you’ve unlocked your door, and you sigh at him. “Is there any reason you’re still standing outside my apartment, or should I call the police?”

Instead of looking worried like you expected him to, his smile only gets bigger. “Actually, I live here, well… I used to.”

You stare at him blankly with a slack expression on your face, watching as his features turn sheepish. He rubs the back of his neck awkwardly. Looking down on his bare feet, you mumble a curse under your breath when you realize he’s hovering. 

“Not again,” you say to yourself before placing a palm against your forehead. It’s been years since you last saw a ghost, why did you have to see them now out of all times? A new branch is opening up and your superiors have given you the project of making sure the launch goes well, and you didn’t really want a ghost bothering you with your biggest task of all time. You worked hard for this promotion, you didn’t want to take one step forward and two steps back. Glaring at the undeniably attractive ghost who still hovered in your doorway, you decided he wasn’t your problem. 

“Well, goodnight.”

You slam the door on him and trudge towards your bedroom, ignoring his “Wait!” as you unwrap the red scarf around your neck and plop on your bed almost lazily, moaning when your stiff muscles finally relax. The bed was so soft and warm because you’d left the heater on accidentally, and you’re about to be sent to dreamland when a voice beside you speaks up.

“You should take off your makeup before going to bed.”

Opening your eyes and coming face-to-face with the ghost who was resting his chin in both of his hands and laying on your bed, you grab a pillow and throw it at him, and he grins when the object goes past him completely. “Get out of my house, stop bothering me!”

“Technically, darling, this is still my house,” he tells you and starts sitting up before crossing his legs. “The unit was still named after me before you came.”

“Then why wasn’t I informed about that?”

“I was murdered here four years ago,” he deadpans, soft voice flitting into a murmur as he plays with his fingers again, refusing to look at you. “That’s why I never left. Judging from what you said earlier, you can see ghosts, and you know exactly why we’re still here.”

Swallowing a lump in your throat, you stumble over your words. “I-I’m sorry, I didn’t know and–”

“It’s quite alright,” he shrugs. 

Silence soon joins the two of you; the ghost playing with the ends of your blanket with a far-off look in his face while you study his features, and something tugs at your heart. The reason why ghosts remain here instead of passing on like they were supposed to was because it meant someone was still holding on to them and absolutely refused to let go, or if they had unfinished business that needed to be resolved before they could go in peace. You’ve met ghosts like him who were murdered, and all of them remained with a seething rage and insatiable need for revenge, unable to accept that there wasn’t much they could do in their state. 

As for the one sitting in your ghost, a small smile tugs at the end of his pink lips as he takes in your bedroom, amusement dancing in his eyes at the amount of stuffed animals you had and some framed photos of you as a child. 

“You decorate much better than me, and you’re a lot more organized, too. This place was such a mess back when I was still alive.”

There was an unmissable hint of sadness behind his voice, and you can’t help but ask his name. “I’m Satoru,” he grins, “and for the record, I’ve always been here, just floating through time and space, but not the afterworld yet. For some reason, ever since you arrived, I just appeared back where I left off.”

You nod and take in his words, noticing how he clears his throat and sends a sheepish look your way. “If it’s not too much of a bother, can I ask for your help?”

“What is it?”

He stands up and heads toward your desk, although you supposed it was his since the furniture had already been here before you came. You didn’t think too much about it back then and only felt grateful that you had one less piece of furniture to buy, especially since it was empty. Apparently not, because Satoru keeps digging around through your files with his tongue peeking out his lips, and you vaguely recall that ghosts are able to touch things after feeding off of energy from living beings.

Letting out an ‘aha!’ when his hand finally lands on what he’s looking for, he tenderly places a photo on your outstretched palm with a shy smile. Inside the photo was a beautiful man, probably in his mid twenties, his hair up in a messy bun as he grinned at the camera. Beside him, Satoru’s eyes are closed with his head thrown back in laughter, relishing the feeling of that warm sunny day, and you unconsciously frown at it.

“His name’s Suguru,” he began, his eyes turning glossy at the sight of the polaroid. “He was my best friend before I died.”

Pursing your lips and feeling the tension thicken the room, you ask him, “Why are you telling me this?”

“He’s the reason why I can’t go,” he admits, shoulders dropping while his eyes remain trained on her. “He blames himself for everything and refuses to accept that I’m gone, that’s why I’m still here.”

You remain silent and take a deep breath, your head pounding at the situation. It was a beautiful first night of winter, the perfect weather for you to do your work from home while nestling a cup of hot cocoa in your hands, yet it seems your plans changed and you have to help this ghost out. A part of you wants to reach out and embrace him in a hug, but you know you’ll only end up stumbling on your own feet and clearly, Satoru wants to move on to the next chapter of his journey.

“Can you please tell him I’m okay now?”

When he looks at you like that, shoulders hanging low and an almost shy smile decorating his innocent features, it’s hard to say no.

“I will.”

Through the past few weeks since you’ve met Satoru, your life seemed to light up like a Christmas tree without you noticing. He was a funny guy and often pulled pranks on you, like slamming the cabinets open and closed or leaving your window open in the middle of the night, laughing when you shout at him as your teeth chatter and you slam your windows shut. 

“I could have died from the cold, you idiot!”

He keeps laughing as if he didn’t nearly kill you with hypothermia, “Well, if you die, I guess we’ll be together then,” and even has the audacity to wiggle his eyebrows. You scowl at him and pull your jacket closer to your body, asking what he wants from you because he never goes this far to demand for your attention unless he wants something from you.

“What do you want this time?”

“I wanted to finish that series we were watching the other day,” he pouts rather childishly, “You always tell me not to watch it without you.”

On a particular weekend where you felt like your brains were about to explode from exhaustion due to your work piling up, you refused to wake up until noon, and you felt thankful Satoru knew how tired you were and let you have your much needed rest. When you woke up, a bowl of cereal was already waiting for you in your kitchen island, meaning the reason you felt tired even after that long slumber was because he fed off your energy to give you food.

Feeling thankful for the simple, sweet action, you munched on it happily. It wasn’t anything special and the corn flakes had gone too crusty for your liking, but Satoru’s happiness at you appreciating what he prepared was worth it. After breakfast, you dumped the bowl into the sink and planned to wash it later, opting to flick through Netflix for a good show. Satoru had excitedly pointed at one title that he said he’s always wanted to watch, and the two of you became hooked on it soon enough. Lunch and dinner were both forgotten as you two sat beside each other, your leg against his. Although you couldn’t exactly feel him, his presence was warm.

You and Satoru had been so immersed in the show and unexpected turn of events that time flew by and it was already half past three. He was the first to notice and he jumped from his seat, his hands waving worriedly in a comical manner. “I’m so sorry I made you skip your meals! Aren’t you hungry, you should have some pizza delivered or something.”

Glancing at the clock, you hummed when you realized it was indeed late. You weren’t feeling hungry since you were mostly abeyant, and nothing was open to deliver food around this time anyway. “It’s okay,” you shrug, “I’m not really hungry, and that show is addicting. Oh, and don’t watch it without me! I know you always go ahead when I’m not home!”

Satoru huffs and plops down next to you dramatically, rolling his eyes and taunting you. “Then don’t go to work, Little Miss Manager.”

You poke your finger with his forehead but it only passes through and he laughs, “I need money to survive, idiot.”

“Whatever,” he dismisses and points to your bedroom. “You’ve still got to edit your final draft, so you have to wake up early. Go to bed, don’t worry about the dish, I’ll handle it.”

“Liar, you’ll only feed from my energy so you can play video games!”

“Hey, you can’t blame me!” He counters back as he proceeds to your sink and pumps out soap to the sponge, “You were the one who bought me that console!”

“Only because you kept whining to me how much you wanted it,” you retorted before yawning, and his eyes softened at the sight of you. He rarely gets to see you dressed so comfortably in a loose shirt, cardigan and pajama pants since you were such a busy woman whose fashion sense monotonously consisted of pearl white button-up blouses and knee-length pencil skirts. Prudish and preppy, he thought, but it suits you just fine.  

“You should sleep now,” he reminds you with a nod of his head back to your bedroom, and you obey, simply because your eyes were sore and tired from binge watching. You’re in the process of cocooning yourself under the covers when he calls out in a sing-song voice, “Thank you for the console, by the way. I knew you couldn’t resist me.”

“Shut up!” You scream, and his rambunctious laugh was the last thing you heard before your body wholeheartedly welcomed sleep. 

You’ve been thinking about that day ever since, the moment replaying over and over again in your head, successfully distracting you from focusing on your work. Even your co-workers have noticed that you’re lusterlacking lately, but how could you focus on anything else when you had a charming yet lonely ghost who was waiting for you at home?

For days on end, you can only think about the cheerful and carefree sound of his laugh as if he had so much happiness in his lithe body that he couldn’t contain. Your heart always got tugged in its heartstrings whenever you had trouble falling asleep and he sat beside you in your bed, singing you lullabies and caressing your cheek. You started to feel him now – the gush of air in your skin meant he was pressing onto you, and the more you got attached to him, the more you got confused with your feelings.

He never told you how he was murdered and you never asked, figuring it would be too sensitive for him, and your hands balled into fists each time you remembered he was dead. Satoru is such a precious person who only has too much love to give, and it was completely unfair and outrageous that his life was taken away from him in a single flash. You’ve done your research at work, and only a few articles came up regarding his death. The case remains a mystery and still unsolved until it was completely closed due to lack of leads or suspects, but the police force highly suspected someone had broken in and committed homicide without theft, since not a single belonging of him got touched. They concluded that the murderer was drunk and lost, because he was a well-loved person in their campus, and they couldn’t find anyone who could possibly harbor abhorrence for the sweet boy.

But most of all, a part of you wants him to stay. He frequently asks you if you’ve talked to Suguru, and you always denied it, making up an excuse about how he was hard to find because he graduated years ago. ‘He’s hard to find,’ you would tell him one day, and ‘He doesn’t have social media,’ the next. Even though he told you he majored in Forensics, you couldn’t find anyone in the city. 

It’s a half lie. You never found Suguru, because you never looked for him in the first place.

You know it’s selfish of you to be this way, because you know Satoru wants to move on. He doesn’t say anything about it and keeps laughing instead, but sometimes when he thinks you’re too immersed in your work to notice him, you look at him. Being around you only reminds him of what he no longer has, and one look at him has you knowing he was someone who loved life. Satoru loved to travel with his friends, and he still had so many dreams left unfulfilled that made him feel empty yet desperate to be in the afterworld.

However, it is hard for you to let him go. 

No matter how much you try to fit in, deep inside, you know you will always be too different from the rest. You still struggled with socializing and didn’t have a single friend yet a hundred acquaintances, and you never realized how lonely you were until he came. His smile lit up the whole room and his laugh was melodious, and you don’t think you’ve ever met anyone who cared so much for you. He liked to play games and pull pranks on you quite often, but underneath all that lies a kind heart.

Satoru knows exactly when his jokes go too far and apologizes right away, promising not to do something to upset you again and always doing something entirely new to cheer you up. On nights where you’re feeling absolutely drained or you carried home your anger at your co-workers, you go to sleep without taking off your makeup. When you wake, there’s used wipes in the bin, the hovering boy in your apartment proud of his work. Sometimes you forget to cover yourself in blankets too, plopping on top of the sheets almost lifelessly. It’s in those times that he shows how much he cares for you, and you soon wake up feeling warm surrounded by heavy blankets and freshly cooked breakfast.

As much as you didn’t want to admit it, you were falling for him. It made interacting with him difficult, because you knew you had to let him go, yet you couldn’t.

He watches you carefully and gauges your reaction, waiting to see if you’ll finish the series with him or not. It’s a Wednesday night, or more accurately an early morning on Thursday and the launch happens in less than a week. Logically, it is much better to go back to sleep and refuse, but he is rocking his weight on his heels back and forth, and you realize perhaps he has been lonely since his death too.

“Fine,” you agree, and now he’s bouncing excitedly next to you on your couch as he keeps pressing buttons in your remote.

“You’re the best, you know that?” 

You only hum in response, and Satoru soon becomes lost in the show. Your eyes aren’t focused on the screen – on him rather. Placed on top of your fist lies your cheek as you study his side profile, trying to memorize the slope of his nose and the snow-white hair that keeps falling onto his eyes that makes him flip it to the side every now and then to watch the show. His right leg keeps bouncing up and down, a habit he had when he was anxiously anticipating something, and then stopping before his left leg went bouncing instead, meaning he didn’t like the situation.

Tearing your eyes away from him, you smile sadly when you realize his favorite character had been betrayed. “Did you see that? That freaking woman, he only loved her and she snitched him out like that?!”

Shrugging one shoulder and feeling your eyes become droopy, you reply, “Well, he’s a grave robber, Satoru, he was only nice to her because he liked her. She had every right to mislead him.”

“I don’t understand, but okay,” he relents and leans back, eyes closing before he intertwines his hands behind his neck and murmurs, “I hated the ending.”

“Not everyone gets happy endings,” you add grimly, watching the muscles underneath his hoodie flex at your comment. The two of you remain silent for a few minutes, and plucking up the courage, you breathe in sharply before slowly lowering yourself until your head is on his shoulder. 

You keep yourself still in order not to fall, and your eyes remain fixated on his hand, silently yearning to be able to touch him. If he was alive, would his skin be as warm as his presence? His hand flexes and trails from his lap until it’s beside yours, and you hear him swallow audibly before locking your fingers with his.

A tear falls down your face. You could feel him. 

Satoru hums a familiar tune, and you chuckle happily when you recognize it’s the song he always sings to you to make you sleep, his fingers rubbing soothing circles on your knuckles.

His other hand tilts your chin upwards until you’re looking directly at his eyes. You hold in your breath, his lips only a centimeter away from yours. If you lean forward, you could kiss him… but you don’t. 

“Why are you crying?”

Because I don’t want you to go.

“Nothing,” you lie and offer a forced smile which he notices, but doesn’t comment about it. “I just feel happy.”

He nods slowly before leaning forward, and he gets so close that you can faintly see his freckles that dot across his cheeks lovingly, and your eyes flutter shut when his lips press against yours. Satoru sighs as if he’s been waiting too long to do that, and he is pushing against you so softly, so tenderly, that it almost fits the same atmosphere your heart creates. He is soft in everything he does, from his innocent features and smile that puts the stars to shame, to how he holds you and caresses you. His hand trails from your neck to pull you closer, and you moan when his tongue peeks out and playfully coaxes yours out to play. Tears are streaming down your face when you kiss him back slowly, tongues moving in sync as they danced harmoniously instead of battling each other for dominance. Caressing your face that fits perfectly in his hand, he brushes away your tears with the pad of his thumbs. 

A moment passes before you two are breathing heavily with your foreheads pressed against each other, and the silence is broken when he speaks, his voice coming out raspy and out of breath. 

“Suguru… has been struggling long before I died.”

“What?”

“My best friend… he got into a rough patch. Had troubles with his parents, went down the wrong path, and met dangerous people. I’d heard rumors he was going around skipping class and talking to people I’ve never seen before, but I chose to ignore it. Suguru would’ve told me everything once he was ready. And I was stupid, you know? I saw it. I saw how he stopped smiling, how he’d lost weight. How his eyes no longer looked happy,” Satoru’s hands trembled, the blue of his eyes hauntingly dark. “One night, I overheard him talking to someone on the phone. I’ve never heard him that angry, and I got worried. I wanted to stop him from whatever he’ll end up doing so I invited him over but… Next thing I know, he came over here, drunk and high, and stabbed me until I bled to death.”

You gasp and shudder as you imagine the scene, Satoru lying on his bed as he waited anxiously for his friend. You see him smiling at Suguru excitedly because he’d actually come, but fear replaces it when his friend succumbs to the madness. The image of Satoru drowning in his own pool of blood made you clench your jaw.

“There had to be evidence left.”

Satoru smiles sadly as if to tell you it doesn’t bother him anymore, but you can’t shake it off. How can a man be so blinded in his own misery that he could take his own best friend’s life? “He was a forensics major; he knew how to cover up his crime.”

A pregnant pause fills the room as you furrow your brows, the sound of the cold wind tapping against your windows as you rack your head to make a decision. Now that you knew the truth, you had to tell the police about it, but how would they believe you if there was no evidence found? And if the case was cleared, and Suguru had finally moved on, that means...

“You can ask me to stay.”

“What?” You breathe out, looking at his eyes with sadness pooling in them. He’s smiling, one that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. You pull away from him completely until he’s at an arm’s length away. He doesn’t look hurt by your action but he sighs, reaching out for you and pausing with his hand mid-air when you raise a palm to stop him.

He must’ve known you’re in love with him. Just as he also knows that once he leaves, you’ll be hurt, and he doesn’t want you to feel that.

You shake your head and stand up harshly. The tears now uncontrollable as you slam your bedroom door to his face. You’re slightly thankful he doesn’t come after you and leaves you alone instead. You needed time. Time to think, time to put his needs over yours - time to forget him. Rummaging through the documents on your desk, you keep looking for it until the polaroid is clutched between your fingers, and you silently place it in your handbag.

Tomorrow, you would set things straight.

Suguru Geto was a hard man to find. He’d fled from the spotlight as one of the  best students of his university after Satoru Gojo’s death. The image of his best friend, who was always in high spirits and laughed without a care in the world, covered in his own blood was a sight that scarred him for the rest of her life. 

But there was one more person who hadn’t moved on from that night.

Ieri Shoko, the woman who ran first at the hospital when Satoru’s parents were away for a business trip. She didn’t want to believe it at first. Satoru had always seemed so full of life, so in love with what the world had to offer. He’d been so young – it just couldn’t be. They had to be lying, right?

But when she finally saw her friend’s bloodied corpse on that cold hospital bed, she’d fallen apart.

She went to sleep crying to herself every night, regretting and blaming everything on herself. Her instinct told her it was Suguru who had done this to him. She barged into his dorm room, screaming and flailing, punching the taller man and effectively breaking his nose as she dragged him down by the collar. Suguru was already questioned by the police after Satoru’s murder, but his alibi of being in a bar was factual, and they had proven his innocence after checking surveillance cameras. He was only gone for a few minutes before he appeared on the dance floor all over again, and they believed him when he said he only disappeared to go to the restroom.

Presumably to wash the blood off his hands.

Shoko didn’t believe it. “Tell me you didn’t kill him, tell me!”

Suguru growls, frustrated at her for even accusing him of doing such a horrendous thing, and he feigns his innocence as he pries her hands away from his collar. “I didn’t do it, Ieri, I was at a bar!”

“Bullshit!” She screams, slamming a vase onto the floor and dropping down to the floor as sobs wrecked through her body. “I smelled your perfume the moment I walked in. I know it was you…”

His eyes widened, but he remained silent because she had always been smart and too observant for her own good. He shrugs his collar back into place and goes back to his bedroom, but not before darkly muttering, “I didn’t do it, I didn’t kill him…”

Four years later, and you’re sitting in front of Officer Kento, an intimidating man with empty eyes staring at you hardly, his face devoid of any emotion. He’d been the same officer who worked on Satoru’s case before it was closed. “And why should I believe you? Ghosts don’t exist.”

You snap your head up from your lap to him and scowl, “I just want to help you here, Officer.  You need to re-open this case.”

He abruptly stands up and slams his palm harshly against the desk, his eyes filled with rage as he stares down at you. “You don’t think I haven’t tried before?!”

“Well then, try harder!” You fumed, standing up. “If you don’t resolve this case, he’s going to remain here forever, lost and nowhere to go. Do you really want him to suffer even after his death?”

“How am I supposed to believe everything you say is true?”

Plucking out their polaroid from your bag and shoving it to his chest, you watch as he crumbles piece by piece. He holds the photo tentatively before cradling it to his chest, and what you presumed was a cold-hearted man was actually just a lost person.

“I don’t know why you closed that case, but it isn’t over. He’s still here, and he needs our help.”

You turn away from him to give him peace and wrap your fingers around the doorknob, “Suguru Geto is out there walking freely. You can still make a difference, Sir. It’s not too late.”

Happiness was a concept you believed to be fleeting.

One moment, you are giggling with the ghosts who tell you funny stories and whisper mischievously in your ear the correct answers in your pre-school days, and the next moment you are pressing a hand against your car windows, watching as the only people you considered friends are witnessing you leave without a goodbye.

That feeling comes back again and again, from little moments such as eating lunch with your high school friends and making empty promises to keep in touch after graduation, giggling when a cute boy comes by and asks for your number. But like any other moment in your life where you feel happy, that feeling dissipates as fast as it came.

The bell attached to the door chimes to signal a customer, and the cute florist you met on the first day you moved to this city, Choso, looks up from the pot he’s currently watering. Bowing politely, he sends a pleased smile upon the sight of you.

You tuck a stray hair behind your ear and return the smile back, his musky perfume blending in well with the sweet aroma of flowers as he stops in front of you. “Hi, I haven’t seen you in a long time.”

“I’m sorry,” you apologize sheepishly, “Our latest branch just opened downtown, so I was a bit busy with that.”

“Oh, you work for that bookshop everyone’s been talking about non-stop?” You nod and laugh at his question, proud of yourself that the new opening had been successful. The state campus was only three bus rides away, and with the extensive amount of books your bookstore offered, along with its affordable prices, everyone’s been talking about it. “I’m proud of you, it was a success,” he commends, rubbing his dirties hands on his apron before opening the door for you. What can I get you?”

Personally, you thought Choso was a bit too rugged to be working in a floral shop. He always seemed to carry himself in such an awkward manner and had an authoritative yet welcoming aura to him, his shy smiles the highlights of your day. “I want to give it to my friend. Today’s their special day.”

“I see,” Choso’s eyes are already scanning the plethora of flowers he has in his shop, his brows pinching together in thought. “Can you tell me a little bit about them? It’d help to make their bouquet more personal.”

A smile makes its way to your face. “They’re… bright, carefree, innocent, and pure. They almost seem like an angel, if you ask me. I was also thinking about something that represents young love, and… new beginnings?”

You have absolutely no idea what you’re saying. The words coming out of your mouth are beyond your control. You’re sure you’re making a fool out of yourself, but Choso nods understandingly, frows burrowed before he snaps his fingers and turns to you. “White roses describe all of those, but if you want, I can whip up more flowers for you.”

He makes a move to get his scissors and starts listing off flowers with the same meanings, but you run up to him and not so accidentally wrap your hands around his to get him to stop. His eyes widen at your close proximity. You clear your throat and take a step backward, fighting the urge to smile when his cheeks are dusted a fine pink. “White roses itself are fine, thank you.”

He gulps and heads towards the back door, coming out later with a bouquet of white roses. You reach for your wallet before his arm wraps around your wris, his smile wobbly and hesitant. “It’s on the house. You can pay me back with a cup of coffee next time.”

Eyebrows rising at his smoothness, you gratefully accept the flowers and cradle it near to your chest. “A cup of coffee it is.”

Choso chuckles shyly and ducks his head, and you leave the shop with a wave of your hand before walking further and further. Your surroundings shift from the high-rise building and busy streets to a hill covered in trees sprawled out everywhere, flowers blooming and withering at every corner. Sitting down on the soil with your legs crossed, you place the bouquet in front of his headstone, his framed polaroid with Suguru standing in front of you. 

It’s been exactly seven days since you last saw Satoru.

After countless sleepless nights of phone calls from Officer Kento, he’d finally cracked the case with your help. Suguru Geto was found. He’d confessed to all his crimes, his handsome face weary yet relieved. It seemed he’d never once forgotten about that night when he betrayed his friend, and just before he was ushered behind bars, he turned to you. You wished you felt anger towards him for what he did, but there was only sadness. Only regret in his eyes. He looked so tired, so hopeless.

“Thank you,” he said softly, “Thank you for finding me.”

A nod was all you could give. Suguru felt so familiar, yet so strange. You’ve heard tons of stories about him from Satoru, all about their happiest moments together. He’d been his closest friend, the one he shared so many dreams with, and the one who knew him the most. Maybe he knew Satoru wouldn’t fight back once his demons consumed him. Maybe when Suguru was holding his friend’s bloodied hand in the night, he knew – Satoru was never mad at him. He only wanted to save his friend. Maybe he knew Satoru wasn’t completely dead yet, not when he lived in everyone’s heart, and most especially yours.

That night when you returned home, the apartment felt colder than ever. Normally, it would mean a ghost lingered. But there was no longer the sound of Satoru’s humming, and the dishes were left half-washed in your sink. And for the first time in your life, you hated your eyes and how it gave you the ability to see the traces he left behind. 

Because you wished you had enough time to say goodbye. You wish you had told him everything, but the thought of being another tether to the living realm weighed down on you. You couldn’t do that to him. He had to go. For Satoru to truly move into the next life, you had to close your heart and forget him. Just as Suguru’s forgiven himself, and just as Shoko’s accepted her friend’s death - you too had to say goodbye. 

Tears clouded your vision.

The white remnants of his soul sparkled in your apartment. For the last time, you watched as the blue of his hoodie finally disappeared, his hands scrubbing your dishes away fading into nothingness. The plate drops and breaks. Satoru stood, his legs vanishing bit by bit as he saw the running water through his hands. He’d wanted to return your apartment to the way it was before he’d met you, but he knew – his time was running out. He didn’t have energy left to turn everything off.

The water floods your apartment. The new series he’d dearly loved still plays on the TV. 

But he was here – hugged by the earth and decorated with flowers, smiling at you from far away even when you could no longer see him. Placing the bouquet of white roses down at his grave, you smiled at the photo they’d taken months before he died. He still looked just as beautiful – all wide smiles, kind eyes, and soft hands.

To you, he was still alive in your heart.

“I’ll see you around, Satoru.”

[novlr]

How to write a harmonious and mentally healthy relationship between a couple in love who is in a long relationship?

This is a great question. Existing relationships have their own patterns and rhythms and are quite different from the flush of a new relationship. I’ll answer this within the context of a romantic partnership (or polyamorous relationship) though most of this will apply to platonic relationships such as close friends and family too. 

These guidelines can also be used to write less harmonious relationships by knowing how to best break them. I taught the Psychology of Human Development for many years as a lecturer, so I’ll be drawing my response from research on human development across the lifespan. 

What is a healthy relationship?

Let’s start with some definitions. The question is specifically asking about harmonious and mentally healthy relationships. Harmony is a state that people fall in and out of. It’s not something achieved and forever maintained. 

People will have disagreements and conflicts even when they are in love. Possibly because they are in love and value that relationship. What happens when couples (or polyamorous relationships) are pulled in different directions by careers, moral-value systems, or differences in problem-solving approaches? 

This is where having a healthy relationship comes in. Healthy relationships are sustainable and a foundation for everything else. Some hallmarks of healthy relationships include good communication, trust, and respect. 

Good communication includes active listening, empathy, and clearly stating needs, wants, and desires. There is a willingness to compromise and to recognize when that isn’t possible. If one partner can’t compromise, can the other work with that out of a place of respect? Is there some way to reshape the situation so that both parties can feel comfortable with the solution? These conversations may be heated at times. The important thing is that people return to the touchstones of respect and trust, and then move forward to a resolution of the conflict that all parties involved can accept. It’s hard work, and it means no one always gets everything they want. It also means doing relationship repair by acknowledging the sacrifices being made and finding ways to compensate for that. 

Relationship as a character

Think of the relationship as a character in the story in addition to each of the characters in that relationship. Develop the backstory and character arc for the relationship. How do the characteristics of the relationship and the story arc for it impact the characters in the relationship and the other characters in the story? Is it a minor background character, or is it the main character of the story? 

Give it the same degree of development you would for any other character in that position. How does the relationship impact all the other characters, and how is it impacted by the events of your story? How does it influence the direction of your story? 

Backstory

You still need to think about how the characters first met and the arc of their relationship up to the point they appear in your story. You won’t necessarily use most of this in your work, though it will give you a foundation from which to draw references and determine how they react to one another. Here are some excellent seeds for building their backstory: 

How did they meet? Was it love at first sight, an enemies-to-lovers story, or something in between? 

How long were they together before deciding to commit to a long-term relationship? Was it ever formalized or are they still together because it’s easier than breaking up? 

Are there children involved, either with each other or from previous relationships? If yes, how old? 

How often have they moved household? How do they decide when to move? Does one partner’s job take precedence over the others when it comes to deciding who stays home if there’s a sick child/pet/family member or if they need to relocate? 

How do they split the day-to-day chores of living – shopping, cooking, cleaning, paying bills? People in healthy relationships will balance workloads and decision-making with respect for one another’s contributions. They will play to one another’s strengths and step in to help when a partner can’t pull their usual load.

What are other major life events they have been through together? Which of these brought them closer together, and which pulled them apart? Healthy relationships will weather these events even if initially pulled apart. Conflict is a part of life. Conflict resolution and relationship repair are learned skills. How do your characters navigate these?  

Social Context

Relationships don’t exist in a vacuum. How does the world around them view their relationship? Do they have the support of family and friends? What are the societal rules about the type of relationship they have – is it the sort most people have, or are there any taboos being broken by them? 

Some examples to consider would be same-sex relationships, marrying outside the culture, sharing a household without being married, or deciding to remain childless. All of this will inform how your characters behave around others. 

Ebb and flow

One of the films I loved to show my classes was a documentary about couples who had been together for fifty years or more. I’ve put links to similar projects in the resources section. Here are some of the highlights: 

Being together for many years means you won’t always be happy. Working through those times is hard, but worth it. Are your characters happy with their relationship at the moment of the story? If not, are they working through that?

People change over time. One man said he felt like he’d been married to five different women over the years as his wife changed and grew as a person. How have your characters changed over time? How do they remember each other in the past? 

Most reported that their partner was their best friend. Do your characters feel that way about one another? 

The couples often helped each other remember things with prompts, corrections, and clarifications. What are some ways your characters aid each other’s memories or rely on one another to keep track of various sorts of information? 

Most couples had phrases or words or body language that they shared and could use to communicate in an abbreviated way that outsiders might not understand. What are some ways your characters do this? 

Companionate vs romantic love

Romantic love is most often written about in first-meets and blooming relationship stories. It is a fire that burns hot and bright in the initial stages. Over time, the fire settles into a more sustainable bed of coals. This is companionate love. 

Romantic love will flare up again intermittently and can be stoked with romantic dates. Companionate love is what allows people to get on with life and support one another over the long term. It is the process of becoming life companions. 

How do your characters express companionate love? Is it making a cup of coffee, helping with a project? Listening while the other brainstorms or rants? How do they express their deep and abiding affection? How do they stoke the flames of romantic love as a way of deepening their bonds? 

Fidelity

How do your characters feel about monogamy? Have either of them had an affair? If they are polyamorous, what are the rules for seeing others outside the primary relationship? Or is this relationship a secondary one for each of them? If it is an illicit affair, then does the primary partner(s) know about it? 

I know all (most) of your secrets

People in long-term relationships know a lot about each other. What secrets are they keeping for one another? Are there secrets they haven’t shared? 

People don’t always share everything, even in healthy relationships. The difference is in how they share when something is revealed and how they react to such revelations. 

The importance of people watching

Watch how couples interact in the real world, look for documentaries such as the ones linked below, and even draw on well done movies and books for inspiration. 

What moments of harmony have you observed? What telegraphed that to you? If you witness disharmony, how is it resolved? When you see a less functional relationship, what could have made it work better? Keep notes about your thoughts and observations so you can incorporate them into your writing and character development.

Summary

Long-term relationships can be a lot of fun to write. It provides a basis for supporting a character through difficult points in the plot and a touchstone when someone is uncertain of how to proceed. Don’t shy away from conflict between characters in a healthy relationship. The way they experience and resolve that conflict can move the story forward.

Resources

We spoke to couples who have been together more than 50 years — Los Angeles Times 

Couples Together 30+ years give us love advice — Great Big Story

Answered by Kimberley Long-Ewing.

[sunlit-skycat]

Pale by Wildbow shill post

“The practice, as we call it, is best summed up as an ongoing contract. By pledging to make your word inviolable, forces in this world will start listening. Routine, ritual, and expectation have formed the grooves and determined how best to communicate with those forces. Diagrams, symbols, knowing who and what to appeal to. Many, many things become possible. If your word is inviolable.” [...]

“Something terrible happened, of a scale that words cannot easily convey. We need you to look into it,” Matthew said. “No need to solve it. Simply… look into it.”

Overview

Pale is an urban fantasy web serial about three girls Awakened into a world of magic in order to solve the murder of a Judge, a supreme being that oversees magic in an area. Soon, however, they discover that the very roots of magic are built off of systemic injustice, and that outside forces want to destroy the meager sanctuary that they have been charged to protect.

Why you should read it

Pale has a huge meta-system that tries to provide an explanation for how all fairy tale type of magic works. When one Awakens, they give up their ability to lie, but that doesn't stop Practitioners from trying to mislead everyone around them. Nothing comes for free. The easiest way to deal with the costs of Practice is to pass them off to someone else, which over the years has led old Practitioner families to exploit magical creatures and each other to do their bidding.

In a way, Pale really reminds me of the Harry Potter fandom, particularly the newer fics that try to examine all the unexamined issues that Rowling put into the worldbuilding and never explored. It tackles subjects of imperialism, child abuse, community building, and justice. There's a lot of fun things to discuss about it, including whether the protagonists ultimately got it right at the end.

Many of the characters in Pale are marginalized in some way. Of the main characters, Lucy is the only black girl in a rural Canadian town and sick of it, Avery is a lesbian and doesn't know how to come out to her dubiously tolerant family, and Verona's single father is an abusive emotional black hole that wants to drag her down with him. Overall, there are a lot of well-realized female characters who are allowed to let their sharp edges cut others in the story.

The fandom

Pale had an earlier prequel work set in the same universe called Pact, which features different characters and settings but has roughly the same magic system. Because of that, it's most useful to think of the fandom as an being composed of an umbrella group, called Otherverse or P-verse by different places, and then subcategories of Pale, Pact, and OC focused works.

The main cast runs young, so shipping isn't big in the fandom, but if you like f/f potential Pale is pretty decent for it. The OC fic tends to have a lot of queer main characters as well.

On Dreamwidth, I run sister communities at blueheronteanook for canon character based fic and meta, and hillsgladehouselibrary for OC fics. There also is a discord server for these communities, the Blue Heron Tea Nook.

You can read Pale fic on Ao3 here.

Where to read it

Pale can be read online here: palewebserial.wordpress.com/

There also is a fanmade audiobook that goes up to arc 10, about 1/3 of the story. It's on Spotify and Podchaser.

[which-qsmp-egg-would]

Time for the March Summary!

First of, the egg that haunts my dreams,

Richarlyson

For the 3rd month in a row, with 13/62 polls won last month, Richas has been voted most likely to:

Eat a random nut/berry/bug he found outside

Aim for the head during dodgeball

Intentionally cough/sneeze on someone while sick

Pick up something gross and chase his siblings around with it

Play computer games in class instead of doing his school work

Play football indoors and accidentally break a family relic

Play Julius Ceasar in a recreation of the Ides of March

Love a cursed food combination

Hunt down islanders that aren't wearing green on St. Patrick's Day

Pretend to be possessed to scare a sibling/parent

Refuse to wear shoes, even in the woods

Be the Rico (Penguins of Madagascar) of the island

Be covered in band-aids all the time

I do not know how he managed to win this many without me noticing. I think he's stealing trophies from me when I'm not looking.

Dapper

Wait, what? Even I wasn't expecting our favorite literal-demon child to win 2nd! With 11/62 polls won, Dapper has been voted most likely to:

Read Wikipedia articles for fun

Berate adults for coughing into their hand

Be a "Home Alone" protagonist

Love "Doctor Who"

Read Homestuck

Make a recreation of the Ides of March

Actually catch a leprechaun on Saint Patrick's Day

NOT have to sing the alphabet song to remember what order the letters are in

Love the Sherlock Holmes books

Know everything about demon folklore and scare everyone with their knowledge of it

Be determined to find every single easter egg at the island-wide easter egg hunt

She's a nerd, what else is there to say?

Chayanne & Pepito

Tied for 3rd, with 6/62 polls won each! Chayanne has been voted most likely to:

Love Hockey

Hyperfixate on the Percy Jackson series

Be a try-hard in P.E. class

Start a game of King Of The Hill everytime the school replaces the woodchips at recess

Fight with a teacher over a test grade

Sleep through fasting all day

Only look for the difficult to find eggs so their younger siblings can have fun at the Easter egg hunt

And Pepito has been voted most likely to:

Lose every round of Hide N' Seek because Pepito can't stop giggling

Believe in the Tooth Fairy

Chase Pepito's own tail

Still not know how to swim

Actually break a leg during a school play on accident

Eat paper because Pepito thinks it tastes good

One of the oldest eggs tying with one of the youngest. It's perfect.

Sunny

With 5/62 polls won, I'm sure Sunny is a little miffed that she's ended up in 4th. But it's okay, you all are sure to put her in 1st place one of these months. Sunny has been voted most likely to:

Secretly paint their closet an obnoxious color

Have a fashion show using her parents' clothes

Sleep with all of their stuffed animals so they don't get lonely

Treat the masjid shoe racks as their own personal shoe store

Have an imaginary friend

Tallulah, Ramón, & Pomme

Tying for 5th, with 4/62 polls won each, I'm very happy to see Pomme winning her first ever polls! And a total of 4 of them, no less! Tallulah has been voted most likely to:

Try and dye her own hair (making a huge mess)

Fit the main character role in "Coraline"

Perform Tarot card readings

Catch bees to pet them

Ramón has been voted most likely to:

Be obsessed with cowboys and the Wild West

Race to recalibrate the SmartBoard at school

Set up an elaborate rube goldberg machine to suprise a parent for their birthday

Have a space hyperfixation and want to be an astronaut

And Pomme has been voted most likely to:

Be a monster at PaintBall

Hyperfixate on Splatoon

Be very meticulous while coloring in a coloring book

Write a book

I think there's a pattern with that last one.

Leonarda

With 3/62 polls won, Leonarda has been voted most likely to:

Be obsessed with Power Rangers

Be into ice skating

Read every single Warrior cats books

I don't have anything funny to say here, It's hard to pay attention while listening to Ze Frank talk about coral kkkkkkkk

Empanada

With 2/62 polls won, Empanada has been voted most likely to:

Spend recess burying herself in woodchips and sleeping

Have Batik as a hobby

Oh hey, it's the first time Empanada's gone a full month without winning a poll about sweets!

Chunsik

Finally, our youngest has won a poll! With 1/62 polls won, Chunsik has been voted most likely to:

Be exempt from a Federation experiment because he politely declines it

What a polite kid!

...

...

That's it, right? That's all the eggs. All 11 eggs, all 62 polls for the month of March

...

Why does my clipboard say I'm missing two polls.....

...

Oh! Yes!

Juanaflippa & Bobby

In an absolutely unprecedented event, Juanaflippa AND Bobby have become our first ever dead eggs to win a canonical poll, with 1/62 win each! Juanaflippa has been voted most likely to:

Have a million allergies during the spring

And Bobby has been voted most likely to:

Get BANNED from playing Bulldog

It's still insane to me that you all managed to get these two a win. Bobby was going up against RICHARLYSON for void's sake. You all were fighting against the current on that one.

See you all soon!

[vendetta-if]

Hello!

Just wanted to say the IF is amazing, i just spent 3 days straight binging it and loved every second. Please ignore if it has already been asked but what is all the RO's preferred genre of music? And favourite songs if they have any?

Keep up the amazing work!

Thank you for the kind words! And I just wanna say, your ask is the final push for me to actually scour through most of my songs on Spotify and finish assembling playlists for Rin, Santana, Skylar, and Jackal 😆 But I had so much fun doing so and I'll keep adding more and updating all of the characters' playlists as I discovered more new (and old lost) songs that fit them.

I have the links to their spotify playlist which contain a mix of their favorite songs and some songs whose lyrics fit them. I don't think I can link too much stuff in one post unfortunately, so I'll make a separate post to announce the rest of the characters playlists later on 😁But I'll try to link one song that either perfectly encapsulate their music taste or whose lyrics fit the character--or at least a song that they'd enjoy listening to.

Also, I basically have to split up my own music taste and favorite genres among all of my characters and I'm running out of genres 😭 But as for your question, I don't think I've answered something like that before--at least not in detail.

Sorry in advance for the long post (I just love being able to gush about my characters and music 🤭)

Ash

Ash enjoys quite a wide variety of genres, but mostly, their go-to are genres that are more energetic and/or aggressive. So, think like Rock, Phonk, Dubstep, Trap, Drum and Bass, Metal, that kind of stuff. But usually, they listen to songs whose vibes and/or lyrics kind of fit the mood they're in at the moment.

Also, fun fact, they did have some kind of an emo phase during their angsty and edgy teenage years 😂 It wasn't really too apparent (like no, they didn't have that typical emo hairstyle or wore those iconic eyeliners), but they just relate to quite a number of the lyrics of songs that can be considered to be emo anthems.

The song that fits the genre they like to listen to and the lyrics also matched their feelings and obsession love for MC is "So Sick" by Johnny Goth.

"So Sick" - Johnny Goth

Rin

As the child of a classically-trained musician, Rin mostly enjoys classical and instrumental music. One of their favorite instruments is the piano and they used to enjoy learning to play it. Maybe in the future, when they won't be so busy anymore, they can pick up their piano lessen again...

Also, they tend to gravitate towards more soothing and calming songs in general because of the headaches they usually got after using their power too much or to see to far into the future. So most of their playlist is filled with instrumental songs, either piano, cello, or violin, or a combination of those.

As for the song that fits them, I'd say "The Belt of Faith" by Jung Jaeil kinda fits their vibe and the gravitas they carry (Yes, the main soundtrack for the film "Parasite" and yeah, I can see the irony 😂 )

"The Belt of Faith" - Jung Jaeil

Santana

Santana loves that tinge of old-school songs that they were often exposed to whenever their parents listen to in the radio. So, the genres they enjoy are synthwave and retrowave songs 😎

As for the song that encapsulates their favorite genre and whose lyrics fit them quite well is "Gloria" by The Midnight.

"Gloria" - The Midnight

Skylar

Skylar is a pretty chill and upbeat person who loves and enjoys nature, so their favorite genres include those upbeat summer music and Indie/Alternative Folk music. They also enjoy the occasional pop songs.

As for the song that fits their vibe and desire to just fly off and be free is "Get Away" by Surfclub.

"Get Away" - Surfclub

BONUS

Luka

Luka enjoys Electronic music, including Phonk, Post-Punk, and Alternative/Indie. So, yeah, quite a variety of genres. But for one song that fits him the most, from the lyrics to even the title itself is "Everything Black" by Unlike Pluto 😆

"Everything Black" - Unlike Pluto (feat. Mike Taylor)

Jackal

Just like Luka, he also enjoys Electronic music, especially Phonk. But unlike Luka, he sometimes loves Hip-Hop music as well. One of the few songs that kinda encapsulate both of those genres and fits with his personality is "Heartless" by UNAVERAGE GANG.

"Heartless" - UNAVERAGE GANG

[sanctum-of-ramshackle]

Behind The Screen

[TWST AU]: Self-Aware AU, but with logical takes.

[Synopsis]: In this timeline, MC/Yuu/[Y/N] was playing TWST one day and then something off-putting happens.

[TW]: Mild cursing

[(A/N)]: I know. This AU has been done multiple times with most of them being…possessive. I decided to try the concept, but with my own take on it. Also MC/Yuu/[Y/N] is around 16-18 years old in this AU.

MC/Yuu/[Y/N] is just your ordinary gamer who loves the game, Disney: Twisted Wonderland.

They played that game almost everyday ever since it was first released.

They get to experience everything from leveling up the characters (especially their favorites who may or may not be bias towards) to collecting items.

MC/Yuu/[Y/N] fell in love with the storyline and laugh at the humor whenever something ironic and sarcastic happens.

All fun and literal games until one day something happens.

As MC/Yuu/[Y/N] logs into TWST and expected a character greeting them with a gift each day, there wasn’t anybody on the screen.

They thought it’s probably a glitch. It happens.

Shrugging off the weird occurrence, they continue the game as usual, leveling up the characters and winning in battles.

As they were reading through a chapter, something slips up.

Ace Trappola, everyone’s favorite little bastard accidentally mentioned how MC/Yuu/[Y/N] look stupidly cute today with their new haircut.

They freaked out a little.

MC/Yuu/[Y/N]: Okay. I may need more sleep or did I hear Ace right about my looks for today?

Ace: *Sweatdrops*

Deuce: *Whispers* Ace, say your line. You’ll blow our cover.

Ace: *Whispers back* You too, Dunce-face. You’ll get us in trouble.

MC/Yuu/[Y/N]: …I’m not dealing with this shit.

Ace: No wait-

They exit out of the game and starts texting to a friend of theirs asking advice on what to do with a possibly possessed app game operated by the Japanese branch of the huge corporation.

[MC/Yuu/[Y/N]’s Bedroom]

MC/Yuu/[Y/N]: Okay, that’s it. I’m reporting this to the development team and possibly FBI because what kind of sick game is this?

Riddle: No wait! Prefect!

MC/Yuu/[Y/N]: Don’t “Prefect” me! I know how this shit goes, and it ends badly.

Lilia: Oh dear. You read too many Yandere fics, haven’t you.

MC/Yuu/[Y/N]: …How do you know that?

Ace: Duh! It’s obvious. We’re in your phone. We sometimes sneak into your search history.

Jack: I’m afraid to ask questions about your…free time.

MC/Yuu/[Y/N]: You don’t have to know, Jack.

Vil: You need a better wallpaper, honestly. Who edited this abomination?

MC/Yuu/[Y/N]: Uhh…I did the wallpaper.

Vil: …You need to work on your photoshop skills.

[MC/Yuu/[Y/N]’s Bedroom]

MC/Yuu/[Y/N]: You’re telling me you listened to everything I spoke about this past year?

Riddle: Unfortunately, yes.

Leona: You cursed at us for being “too handsome” and “how stubborn” we can be.

Azul: Let’s not forget you spilled some secrets nobody else would know. You still sleep with a stuffed dolphin after 4.

MC/Yuu/[Y/N]: Luckily nobody ask for my phone.

Kalim: Your world sounds a lot of fun to learn about. I always wonder what it’s like outside with no magic involved.

MC/Yuu/[Y/N]: Believe my words, it’s not pretty.

Vil: I heard you talked about some fashion brands. Louis Vuitton?

MC/Yuu/[Y/N]: Yeah…That and other brands are expensive as Hell here.

Idia: I was wondering about your Otaku culture…

MC/Yuu/[Y/N]: Oh! There is enough to talk about with new anime and manga coming out everyday.

Malleus: *Peeks into images of Gargoyles*

MC/Yuu/[Y/N]: Tsunotarou? What are you doing on Google Images?

Malleus: Oh. Forgive me, Child of Man. I was curious about your device.

MC/Yuu/[Y/N]: Nah, it’s fine. Just be careful when you’re searching for something.

[MC/Yuu/[Y/N]’s Bedroom]

MC/Yuu/[Y/N]: *Fanning over a character* Jesus Christ! I can’t with this guy!

[Insert an image of Yoru from Valorant.]

[(A/N): I couldn’t help myself.]

Deuce: Huh? Hey, isn’t he from-

MC/Yuu/[Y/N]: Oh, yeah. I sometimes dabble into Valorant and he’s one of my mains.

Ace: So your type is the edgy bad boy type~?

MC/Yuu/[Y/N]: Don’t even try, Ace.

Ace: *Threw his hands up in defense* What? It’s not like I can leave here.

MC/Yuu/[Y/N]: Touché.

✨[Reblogs helps creators and creates for more content]💫

[valleyof-goldenlilies]

Se Zaldrīzoti' Prūmia - Chapter 3: When The Lance Fells The Falcon (Daemon Targaryen x Tyrell!Reader)

Chapter 3: When The Lance Fells The Falcon

The day of the Heir Tournament has finally arrived, and what is a joust without some bloodshed? 

Se Zaldrīzoti' Prūmia Masterlist | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | 

HOTD Masterlist | Main Masterlist |

Warnings: TW! Depictions of violence, mentions of blood, Daemon being an asshole, angst, the continuation of my blood feud against HOTD’s costuming department

Word Count: 4.3k words

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the House of The Dragon/Fire and Blood characters, save for Y/N Tyrell, although I did expand on their characterisation, which might deviate from canon. All credit for the characters goes to George RR Martin and the showrunners of HOTD. The GIF above is also not mine, original credit to the creator is stated above. Go check them out!

A/N: With all the explicit detailing I included about the character’s dresses, would you guys maybe be interested for me to post some of my fashion designs here, so you guys can get a clearer vision of what I envisioned the characters wearing? Because I find it extremely difficult to translate my designs into words lol, blame my lack of fashion background. And from this chapter on, things are going to start getting serious. 

Also recommended that you listen to ‘There Are Worse Games To Play’ on the Hunger Games soundtrack while you read this chapter, particularly towards the end 💗

lovely dividers credited to @firefly-graphics as always!

The fire crackled merrily in Lady Y/N’s chambers, although the room was filled with a ruminative silence. Night had once again descended on the Red Keep, and after tending to Aemma all day, who was in more discomfort than usual, Y/N was exhausted. 

She was still simmering with displeasure at Daemon’s words from that afternoon. One could argue that Daemon was merely being careless with his words, but Y/N knew better. Just like many other people, he disregarded her based on her gender. She thought maybe Daemon would be different since he cared not for the restraints society has put on him, but it appears she was nothing but a fool to ever think positively of him. 

I sighed, my fingers continuing to weave the bonnet for Aemma’s babe, even though I found no pleasure in the task. Daemon’s words this afternoon had sent me tumbling into an unpleasant spiral of emotions, and I directed my dark gaze towards the roaring fire, where the charred remains of my father’s letter still sat. 

Lord Matthos and Lady Primrose, Lord and Lady of Highgarden, and my parents. With my lady mother dead now, and me being their unfortunate sole surviving child, my father had directed his focus on getting me married off as soon as possible. “You must wed and produce heirs that could inherit Highgarden,” my father had insisted, pleaded, even. “I know with your...reputation, it might be difficult to find a match, but you are no longer young anymore, and you must marry as soon as possible. It is the duty you owe to House Tyrell.” 

“My duty,” I snorted, nearly pricking myself with the needle in the process. It was simply unfair, why must I be expected to marry and pump out babes for my husband while men like Daemon could prance about freely without a care in the world? I wanted to enjoy my youth, as was my right. Why should i care for duty? Even if my father required heirs, House Tyrell was not lacking in any cousins that could inherit if he should pass. 

Indignation coursed through my blood as I began increasing the speed in which I was weaving the bonnet. Even Aemma had reminded me on more than one occasion of the importance of duty, and I was sick of it. There was just some part of me that couldn’t grasp why everyone was so fixated on it. The Seven had granted us one chance at life: one should revel in it by pursuing their own desires. And besides, after witnessing Aemma’s grief and pain over her many miscarriages and stillbirths, I shuddered to think what duty might have in store for me. I was determined that I would not succumb to the notion of the dutiful, heir producing daughter that my father so wished me to be, no matter how much my father pleaded with me. After all, if Daemon could evade it as long as he did, surely I could do the same.

I frowned as I eyed the finished bonnet. Not as pretty as I envisioned, but children grow fast anyway. I went over to the window, gazing at the Dragonpit, dark and imposing against the night sky. It only made me think of a certain princeling, and I huffed, drawing my curtains shut. Rubbing my temples and exhaling heavily. I decided not to waste any more of my thoughts on the Rogue Prince. Clambering into bed, I fell into a deep, dreamless sleep. 

I had not expected to be in attendance at the tournament today. Aemma had been experiencing increasing bouts of pain for the past few days, and I wanted to keep her company should the babe be close to making its arrival in this world. Unexpectedly, I had been nearly dragged out of Aemma’s apartments by Rhaenyra and Alicent early in the morrow, with Aemma insisting I go spectate the tourney instead of staying with her like a watchful owl. I had argued, but Aemma specifically called upon Rhaenyra and Alicent as reinforcement, with some explicit threats that I would be quartered, hung and my head placed on a spike should I refuse to attend. 

Thus here I was, in the royal box, my face etched with concern as my mind kept wandering over to Aemma. I prayed fervently to the Seven that she would not go into labour in my absence, and to the Mother that if she did, that her labour would be smooth and painless. 

“What say you, Y/N?” I was pulled out of my reverie, eyes wide as I muttered an unintelligible “Huh?” Rhaenyra rolled her eyes good-naturedly while Alicent struggled to hide her giggles. “I was just discussing with Alicent why you seem to be favouring gowns of Tyrell green as of late. Usually, we noticed you would be in lighter shades.” My gaze shifted downward, surprised at her observation. 

I was dressed in my best, another gown of Tyrell green silk, with fitted sleeves that trailed to a more sheer, but still dark green material that flared out below my elbows. Several gold roses adorned my shoulders, interspersed with tiny rubies. The neckline dipped slightly in the valley of my breasts, but anything that could cause scandal was covered by a layer of Myrish lace. The dress’ skirts clung to my figure, parting at the centre to reveal an underskirt of olive green and gold brocade. It had cost a fortune, and had once belonged to my mother. My signature gold earrings adorned my earlobes, and my hair was pinned into an elegant braided updo. I might dislike the idea of duty to my house, but regardless, I had to represent House Tyrell in the best light possible, especially at such an important event. 

Rhaenyra and Alicent were decked out in their finest for the occasion as well. Rhaenyra was clad in Targaryen colours, and I admired the black corset that looked reminiscent of armour fitted across her upper half of her body. Dragon scales were painstakingly patterned on the corset, and they were held together by laces made of fine golden thread. Underneath the corset, she wore a dark red gown with an intricately pleated skirt. The sleeves were off the shoulder, going down to her wrists. Gold shoulder plates set in a dragonscale pattern with gold fringes protected her bare shoulders from the autumn chill. She wore a heavyset necklace cut with square shaped rubies, hammered into gold, and her hair was let loose in a wild cascade of curls. She looked every inch a Targaryen warrior princess. Alicent was dressed simpler, but still looked beautiful nonetheless. A light blue dress of brocade and silk with a square neckline hugged her soft curves, exposing a little bit of her collarbone, where two strands of pearls were draped across her neck. Her sleeves were puffed at the shoulders, stopping short just before her elbow, while the rest of her sleeves were fitted tightly to her wrists. Small delicate flowers were sewn at the hem of her sleeves. Her skirts parted at the centre to reveal an underlying layer of cream white brocade, and her bodice had crisscrossing geometric diamond patterns sewn on it, dipping at her waist with a point. Her hair was fashioned in a half up, half down hairdo, curls tumbling to the small of her back. Both of them had inquisitive looks in their eyes, though Rhaenyra’s harboured a glimpse of impatience.

I smiled a little awkwardly at the question. Truth be told, I had no idea why. My thoughts had been taking on a darker turn since my encounter with Daemon in the throne room and the raven sent by my lord father, and I supposed my choice of apparel reflected my mood. “Well, at such a celebration, it is only fitting of me to dress in the colours of my house.” I reasoned, tilting my head slightly. “Do the darker gowns not suit me?” 

“All colours suit you well, my lady.” Alicent said gently. I smiled gratefully at her, as Rhaenyra turned to Alicent and asked teasingly if she suited any colour as well. My smile widened as I watched the two bicker playfully. 

We were interrupted however, by the arrival of the King. We all stood up to greet him, bowing politely. He was beaming from ear to ear, as he began addressing the crowd, much to the raucous cheers of the crowd. 

“The day has been made more auspicious, by the news I am happy to share: Queen Aemma has begun her labours!” My eyes widened upon hearing those words, and as soon as the King finished his address, I stood up, ready to excuse myself to go tend to Aemma, when I felt a hand on my shoulder, effectively halting my attempts of a hasty exit. “Viserys-” 

“I know you want to be there for Aemma,” the corner of Viserys’ eyes crinkled as he spoke gently, trying to push me back down to my seat, “But she asked me to relay a message: trust that she will be alright, and enjoy the tourney instead. It will be your only time to relax before you are swept up in your duties to take care of the babe.” 

I bit my lip, a sense of unease washing over me. “But-” “You must stay and enjoy the tourney. Your King commands it. As does your Queen.” I glanced at him, eyes filled with worry, but he only nodded encouragingly. 

“If my king commands…I shall obey,” I said with some reluctance, although it dissipated somewhat when Viserys beamed at me, clapping my shoulder affectionately before sitting back down. I sat back down too, my eyes wandering over to Rhaenyra, who gave me a smile, which I returned. I said a silent prayer to the Seven as the first few contenders were being announced, that both Aemma and her babe would be safe and healthy.

The first of the tilts began, to the boisterous cheers of the crowd. I watched as a jouster carrying a shield with a sigil unknown to me quickly unhorsed a squire of House Tarly. My brows furrowed., I turned to Rhaenyra, “Do you recognise the sigil that the mystery knight was carrying?” She shook her head. Alicent leaned over, eyes fixed on the knight as he steered his horse before the royal box and bowed, “I think he’s from House Cole. Of the Stormlands, I believe.” 

Rhaenyra wrinkled her nose, “I’ve never heard of House Cole. This should prove most interesting.” I pursed my lips as Lord Boremund Baratheon asked for Princess Rhaenys’ favour, addressing her as “The Queen Who Never Was”, causing the crowd to stir a little in dissent. “You could have Baratheon’s tongue for that.” “Tongues will not change the succession,” came Viserys’ assured response. “Let them wag.” 

“Lord Stokeworth’s daughter is promised to that young Tarly squire.” “Lord Massey’s son?” Alicent inquired, a little surprised. Rhaenyra nodded, “They’re to be married as soon as he wins his knighthood.” I snorted, remembering some of the unsavoury rumours I had heard swirling around the court as of late. “Best get on with it,” my voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper, “I’ve heard that Lady Elinor is hiding a swollen belly beneath her dress.” Rhaenyra's eyes widened in disbelief, and Alicent clapped a hand over her mouth as if reeling from the sheer impropriety of it, while I merely shrugged, a smirk tugging at my lips and turned my gaze back to the proceedings. 

I leaned forward in my seat, intrigued when the mystery knight of House Cole unhorsed Lord Boremund in a single tilt, much to the crowd’s delight and mocking laughs. Rhaenyra let out a small “oof” sound, while Alicent looked  dumbstruck. Mayhaps the tourney would be of some excitement after all. 

“Prince Daemon, of House Targaryen, Prince of the City, will now choose his first opponent!” The smile that was forming at my lips dropped in an instant, and I pursed my lips as Daemon, clad in his black armour, raced past the audience astride his black steed, much to the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd. I rolled my eyes: show off. 

I was unsurprised and somewhat amused when Daemon chose Ser Gwayne Hightower as his first jousting opponent. Of course, Daemon chose today to be even more of a little shit than usual. Oftentimes, I wondered if he gained his life essence from pissing Otto Hightower off. I craned my neck backwards to catch a glimpse of the Hand’s expression, my lips curving upwards in a smirk when I took note of his irked expression. 

Suddenly, I felt a heavy stare upon me, and I turned back to the spectacle to see Daemon’s violet eyes fixed on me. When he met my gaze, that little shit had the audacity to smirk and tilt his lance at me. I huffed and turned away, fixing my eyes on Ser Gwayne instead.  

I had to bite my lip to stifle a laugh as Daemon’s lance was nearly knocked out of his hand by a well angled tilt by Ser Gwayne. Mayhaps that smug bastard will get some comeuppance today, I thought with glee. 

That glee was short lived as Ser Gwayne was thrown from his horse in an unsightly scene, when Daemon aimed for his horse’s legs, causing the animal to neigh with agony as it slid forward and bucked Ser Gwayne off into the dirt. I heard Alicent gasp with fright next to me, and I reached out to pat her hand reassuringly. That cheating bastard really had no scruples when it came to dealing with Otto Hightower, even to his kin. 

I frowned as I watched Daemon parade around on his horse, looking all too pleased with himself. I was caught off guard however, when Daemon came to a stop in front of the royal box, prompting Rhaenyra to get out of her seat, tugging me and Alicent with her. I was screaming internally for Rhaenyra not to drag me into this, but I begrudgingly followed Rhaenyra as she leaned over the railing, grinning at Daemon. “Nicely done, uncle,” Rhaenyra complimented him, causing Daemon to tilt his chin upwards arrogantly. “Thank you, Princess.” 

He smirked as he zeroed in on me, lingering behind Alicent. “Lady Y/N,” he called, a certain mischief in his voice. Oh no. 

“You look rather radiant today, dressed in your house colours.” I narrowed my eyes, aware of his attempts to bait me, by first paying me a compliment, so that if I rejected him, I would seem ill-mannered. But with so many eyes on us, I could only respond through gritted teeth, “Thank you, my prince.” 

“With such a beautiful lady as the one before me, I’d be remiss if I didn’t ask for her favour.” Murmurs echoed throughout the crowd, as I attempted to minimise the lethality of my death glare. This brazen little punk. To ask for my favour after what he had said yesterday-

I leaned forward, whispering harshly, “What in the seven hells do you think you’re doing?” Daemon merely raised an eyebrow. “You know I am certain I can win these little games. Having your favour would all but assure it. You won’t rebuff me with so many eyes watching us, won’t you, byka zaldrizes?” 

Grinding my teeth, I did my best to keep my expression neutral. He was right, the crowd was getting restless. I could hear some murmuring from the lords behind me, and even Rhaenyra was nudging me subtly. The gods have chosen to curse me on this very day. I sighed, before moving to retrieve my favour, a small wreath of orange and purple flowers. Sliding it down the lance Daemon offered up, I forced a smile on my face. “I wish you good luck in the jousts, my prince.” 

Daemon smirked, having gotten under her skin like he wanted. “With your favour, I’m sure I don’t need it.” Daemon rode away as I rolled my eyes and took my seat once more, Rhaenyra and Alicent following suit. “It appears the Prince Daemon is attempting to play nice today, Lady Y/N,” Alicent smiled at me. Rhaenyra nodded earnestly, “Mayhaps he is starting to be civil to you, Y/N.” I had to refrain from snorting and saying something very derogatory about the Prince, instead letting my surly expression do all the talking. 

As Lady Y/N was distracted by the frenzy of the tourney, a maester sidled up to the Hand of the King to relay a message. The Hand’s eyes turned grim, and he turned towards Viserys, whose expression was still filled with mirth after witnessing his brother ask Y/N for her favour. Upon hearing the news, the King’s face visibly blanched, and he got out of his seat swiftly, followed closely by the Hand. 

Y/N, Alicent and Rhaenyra were engaged in fervent conversation, completely absorbed in the proceedings. But soon enough, the tourney had given way to violence and bloodshed. Y/N winced and averted her gaze as one after the other, the jousters who chose to continue their battle in arms caved in each other’s heads, fighting each other like feral beasts. A wave of nausea rolled over her, and she did her best to block out the sound of agonised grunts and screams from the bludgeoned competitors. Looking over, she saw Alicent picking at her own fingernails till it was bloody. Frowning, she quickly nudged Alicent, who immediately stopped with a sheepish expression. Covering Alicent’s hand with hers to provide some reassurance, Y/N turned her head backward to take in Viserys’ expression, startled when she realised both the King and the Hand were missing. Cursing herself for her lack of awareness, she quickly moved to get up, but Alicent pulled her down to her seat. “Y/N, you must not leave now!” Alicent insisted, “Prince Daemon is about to tilt against Ser Criston!” 

I tried to shake off Alicent’s hand, but her grip was surprisingly strong. “I couldn’t give two damns about Daemon, the Queen needs me-” “It would be rude to leave before you’ve seen the jouster whom you’ve bestowed your favour to compete,” Rhaenyra chimed in, her purple eyes alight with excitement. “Father is there with Mother, she will be alright. They commanded you to enjoy the tourney with us, and as your princess, I order you to stay.” My face fell as I chewed my lip while glancing at the exit of the royal box. Alicent tugged on my hand, and I found myself relenting at the determined looks both of them were levelling at me. After all, there was no harm in staying for just a while. And I might even see Daemon get bested for the first time in his life. 

Reluctantly, I relayed my attention back to the tourney, just as both the competitors began charging at each other. Putting a hand over my mouth, I watched as Ser Criston and Daemon both failed to knock each other off their horses in the first tilt. With my heart in my mouth, my eyes nearly boggled out of my head when I watched Daemon being knocked off his saddle and into the dirt. 

Daemon had lost. 

Mouth agape, I stayed rooted in my seat, even as the crowd all stood to rain thunderous applause and cheers on Ser Criston. I felt a smug smile slowly spreading across my lips. Daemon had lost! At long last, someone had humbled that egotistical bastard, and I had been here to witness it. I sighed happily, savouring the prospect of being able to mock him for this for the rest of his life. “Prince Daemon Targaryen wishes to continue in a contest of arms!” 

I raised my eyebrows as Daemon approached Ser Criston, wielding Dark Sister with a dangerous expression on his face. He is nothing better than a petulant toddler throwing a tantrum, I thought to myself, snickering. My eyebrows shot to my forehead when I noticed Ser Criston carrying a morningstar. A most unusual weapon. 

The crowd followed the ensuing sparring match with enthralled eyes, myself included. Rhaenyra was nearly falling out of her seat from the way she was leaning forward, and Alicent had a hand over her mouth. When Ser Criston splintered Daemon’s shield, it was like something feral had awoken in Daemon. He began doling out more impulsive blows as anger overtook him, slashing at Ser Criston like a madman and deftly manoeuvring out of the range of his blows. 

I clasped Alicent’s hand tightly in mine as Daemon kicked Ser Criston to the ground, pouncing on him with brutal force. When Daemon blocked Ser Criston’s attack by lodging Dark Sister with the morningstar’s chains, Rhaenyra reached over to take Alicent’s hand, squeezing it tightly. Finally, Daemon delivered the final blow, hurling the remains of his shield at Ser Criston, striking him squarely in the face and causing him to flounder on the ground. 

I shook my head in disbelief as Daemon raised both his arms up, hollering and revelling in his triumph. But that victory was soon short lived as Daemon felt a slash on his behind, knocking him to the dirt, face first. I felt Alicent reel back in surprise next to me. Daemon tried to lurch for his sword, but was forced to submission by a few well aimed kicks from Ser Criston, breathing heavily as he dangled the morningstar threateningly in Daemon’s face. 

“Yield.” Daemon could scarce believe what was happening right now. He had lost. To some unknown commonborn knight. Him, the Rogue Prince. The finest fighter in the Seven Kingdoms. Tasting bile in his mouth, he gritted his teeth. “Yield.” Ser Criston’s voice made it clear that he would not ask again. Daemon chuckled humorlessly, refusing to say a word, but begrudgingly surrendered. He knocked away the arm that the knight offered, rising to his feet before stalking off. While leaving the jousting field, he took note of Y/N running off from the royal box. His ire now increased by tenfold, he swiftly made his way to the exit of the royal box, where he spotted his lady emerging from the shadows. Snarling, he grabbed her wrist, spinning her around to face him. “Daemon, let me go right now. I do not have time for your tantrums-” 

“It was you,” he hissed, twisting her arm, causing her to grimace. His rage was blinding him, the heavy pounding of his heart in his ears making his blood boil. “Your favour cursed me. If it hadn’t been for you, I would have won. And instead, I was humiliated-” Y/N scoffed, trying to break away, but Daemon only tightened her grip. “You lost because you were a cocky, arrogant bastard. Do not attempt to blame your failings on me. Now let go!” 

Daemon’s vision was nearly red by now, and he pulled her closer to him as he spat out, “You’re not going anywhere, byka zaldrizes.” “Let. Go.” her voice was laced with contempt. “I will not ask a second time. Go reflect and accept your loss, maybe this will teach you some humility.” 

Daemon opened his mouth to reply, but they were interrupted by the arrival of that cunt, Otto Hightower. He wanted to spit at him to fuck right off, but the look on his face made him think twice. Y/N’s hand went slack, causing Daemon to release her, worried that he had hurt her. He looked between the both of them, confused, but quickly caught on when he saw the Hand bow his head grimly. 

Daemon had experienced a lot of things he would never forget that day, but nothing could compare to the pure look of devastation on Y/N’s face at that moment. The Hand inclined his head, lips pressed together, before he moved past them to the entrance to the royal box, no doubt to inform the other lords. 

His anger dissipating, an unsure look appeared on his face as he scrutinised Y/N’s face. She nearly stumbled over, eyes mad with grief, and Daemon unconsciously caught her arm with his left hand, steadying her. She didn’t seem to register his touch however, mumbling in a daze, “Aemma…I need to find Viserys. Viserys…” Daemon followed her movements with his eyes silently, as she mounted a horse reserved for the nobility nearby, spurring it towards the Red Keep. He watched her disappear into the distance, mouth pressed into a thin line, and his purple eyes swimming with a dozen complicated emotions. He needed to get out of his armour, it suddenly felt all too stifling to be in it. 

Y/N raced into the Red Keep, taking the steps two at a time as she rushed past startled servants. Barging into Aemma’s apartments, she stopped short when she reached Aemma’s bedchambers, her hand going to her mouth when she took in the gruesome sight before her, praying fervently that it was just some sick nightmare. 

Queen Aemma, no, her friend, her dearly beloved friend, Aemma, was sprawled out on the bed, the coppery stench of blood permeating through the room. Trickles of blood still oozed out of the incisions the maesters had made around her abdomen, and Y/N felt bile creeping up her throat as she realised what had been done.

No. 

No. 

 Y/N bypassed Viserys - still hunched over in grief, staring at Baelon’s small, wiggling frame with a broken expression - and went straight to Aemma. Her footsteps felt leaden and unsteady, as she crouched down to hold Aemma’s lifeless hand. She squeezed it desperately, willing her to wake up, to be alive. But it was in vain. 

Y/N went still, before she gently reached over and slid Aemma’s wide blue eyes shut. Trembling as tears began to cloud her vision, Y/N noticed the sun’s rays glinting off a small object tucked between Aemma’s sweat covered neck. It was Rhaenyra’s present to Aemma, that necklace with the ruby falcon pendant, its red shining brilliantly in the sun as Y/N and Viserys mourned for their good Aemma. 

rip aemma :( and also f*ck viserys, he deserves to be burnt alive, roasted and fed to balerion. 

Fic Taglist: @drwho-ess @graniairish @urmomsgirlfriend1 @thelittleswanao3 @animelover18​ @llovinjoonie​

Daemon General Taglist: @aiyaiy​

Those who are bolded are those who could not be tagged! Let me know in the comments or through this form if you want to be tagged for future updates on this fic :) 

If you liked this fic, comments and reblogs are highly appreciated! Thank you for reading this far! 

[jennyfk13]

Danganronpa x TNMN??

I’ve seen someone make a dangan x TNMN au and it inspired me to make my own version (inspirationg creds go to them OFC.) So i drew Anastacha in dr style 😊😊😊

I imagine her to be the protagonist, since she kind of stands out (with being the only child)

Here’s a list of all the neighbors i included in this (not including some neighbors so it’s 16 people) and their roles!

Roman Stilnsky - Background character/Victim in 4th chapter (Ultimate accountant)

Robertsky Peachman - Survivor (Ultimate shoemaker)

Angus Ciprianni - Main antagonist/Victim in 5th chapter (Ultimate ???)

Elenois & Selenne Sverchzt - Victims in 3rd chapter (Ultimate models)

Arnold Schmicht - Blackened in 2nd chapter (Ultimate writer/author)

Gloria Schmicht - Survivor (Ultimate banker)

Izaack Gauss - Minor antagonist/Blackened in 4th chapter (Ultimate news anchor/reporter)

Margarette Bubbles - Victim in 2nd chapter (Ultimate seamstress)

Anastacha Mikaelys - Protagonist/Survivor (Ultimate comic collector)

Nacha Mikaelys - Protagonist support/Blackened in 3rd chapter (Ultimate chef)

Mia stone - Blackened in 1st chapter (Ultimate teacher)

Dr. W. Afton - Mastermind, duh. (Ultimate physicist)

Francis Mosses - Protagonist support after Nacha gets executed/Survivor (Don’t got his ultimate yet cause bros too mysterious 💀 plus being the ultimate milkman maybe isn’t all that great)

Steven Rudboys - Survivor (Ultimate pilot)

Mclooy Rudboys - Blackened in 5th chapter (Former ultimate cowboy?? 💀)

5 survivors (tuff)

Motives for killing:

Mia : (W.I.P)

Arnold : (W.I.P)

Nacha : The twins were chatting about who they should kill while going to the bathroom, Nacha happened to be listening from a stall, the two went over who would be the easiest and Nacha’s blood boiled when they mentioned killing Anastacha. Like the mother she was, killed them to protect her daughter, eventually admitting to it later in the trial.

Izaack : Izaack was desperate to escape, he’d been planning to murder ever since the first trial passed, he set up a convenient trap, to kill the first unsuspecting person that happened to walk into it, so no clear motive, dude just wanted to escape.

Mclooy : Mclooy was getting sick and tired of Angus’ games, and eventually putting a stop to it, he hated the guy and respectfully wanted him dead. (His execution music would DEF be the same as Gontas just saying.)

[cryptidclaw]

RoC Playlist!

Ive been listening to my RoC Playlist for the vibes tm and I realized I have never shared it with yall, so here it is!

Warriors: Rise of Change Playlist

Below are all the songs on it + what characters they correlate to in no particular order (i just added them in this order)

You can easily tell who my blorbos and fave bands/artists are thru this playlist lmao

Hurt- Nine Inch Nails: Brambleflower

My Kind of Woman- Mac DeMarco: Leafpool + Mothwing

Just Take My Wallet- Jack Stauber's Micropop: Fire, Gray and Dust morning Raven after he is presumed dead/a run away

Graveyard's Full- The Growlers: Starclan and the Dark Forest vibes

What Do It Mean-Lord Huron: Ravenscourge (I want to make a PMV for this so baddd)

Drops in the Lake- Lord Huron: Crowfeather + Squirrelflight & Leafpool + Mothwing

Vampire Reference in a Minor Key- Will Wood: Ashfall

The Main Character- Will Wood: Firesight (also just any of the main characters lol)

Dear God- XTC: Mothwing (also Leafpool)

Can't Go Back- The Crane Wives: Shriketail

Never Love an Anchor- The Crane Wives: Mothwing and Leafpool about their kits (I want to make a PMV for this but not for non-RoC Mothpool heh)

Woodland- The Paper Kites: Firesight growin up <3

Suburbia Overture/ Greetings from Mary Bell Township/ (Vampire Culture)/ Love Me, Normally- Will Wood: Ravenscourge

Poor Isaac- The Airborne Toxic Event: Leafpool

The Milk Carton- Madilyn Mei: Firesight or the Order ancestors from the Great Sickness era

Bitter Water- The Oh Hellos: Leafpool + Mothwing

The Moon Will Sing- The Crane Wives: Mistyfoot abt Leopardpelt (I would love to make this a PMV to tbh)

Crop Circles- Odie Leigh: Jaywing/ whatever i decide to name him lol

The Yawning Grave- Lord Huron: Blinding Moon vibes

Helplessness Blues- Fleet Foxes: Willowfeather (Feathertail)

Oliver James- Fleet Foxes: Creekstorm (Crookedstar)

Jazz on the Autobahn- The Felice Brothers: the whole plot, i just like imagine a montage to it

Don't Let's Start- They Might Be Giants: Hollyleaf

Second Child, Restless Child- The Oh Hellos: Tawnyclaw, Willowfeather and Squirrelflight

The Ghost on the Shore- Lord Huron: Fallen Leaves & Rock

Just a Girl- No Doubt: Leafpool (Squirrelflight a bit, tho that fits far better for canon)

Rusalka, Rusalka/ Wild Rushes- The Decemberists: Mapleshade + Goldenflower (Rusalka is abt them being WIVES; Wild Rushes is abt them and their exes)

Your Ghost- The Decemberists: Mapleshade

Dear Arkansas Daughter- Lady Lamb: Hollyleaf

My Love Mine All Mine- Mitski: Leafpool + Mothwing

Sarah- Alex G: Crowfeather abt Squirrelflight

[eclipsewxtch]

unpopular opinion: i actually don’t hate emma swan in seasons 1-3 regarding her inserting herself as a mom-figure to henry. “but she was inserting herself after she gave him up! she didn’t raise him! she’s not his real mother! she pushed regina out of the way!”

like. i hate that everyone acts like emma didn’t have incredibly valid reasons to distrust/dislike regina (post-season 1) AND to not trust regina around henry AND to “act like his mom” considering henry, a child barely older than 10, traveled from maine to boston (4 hr bus ride) to ESCAPE regina n convince emma to COME BACK to “save the town” and to stop regina??Henry ranted and raved at every opportunity (even to regina’s face!!) that he thought she was EVIL and DARK, literally to ANYBODY WHO LISTENED; Henry, himself, made it VERY CLEAR that he viewed emma as more of a mother when she wasn’t even present in his life for a decade and he was aware that she GAVE HIM UP even if he didn’t know the reason... (which he eventually did when regina put it in the local newspaper that emma gave him up when she was in prison which was lowkey sick omg???)

like i think it’s more of a green flag that emma stepped up in what was obviously an unhealthy situation because henry was suffering (being treated like he was crazy; unfairly put in therapy/ostracized by regina) and with regina obviously exerting control over henry the way cora did to her all those years ago… like from a non-magical, “let’s assume henry WAS crazy” stand-point; regina had a point. emma wasn’t his mom, she gave him up, she signed an agreement. legally she had no rights. BUT henry wasn’t crazy, there is magic, n regina atp WAS evil. so. emma was right.

does that mean that i think henry didn’t love regina in some way? no, he clearly does care for regina—but are u saying that if some kid traveled four hours by himself at ten yrs old to meet u, his parent who gave him up, talking on and on abt how EVIL his adopted mother is — even if u did assume henry was delusional, wouldn’t it be concerning? wouldn’t u want to get him away from her too? n considering emma was in foster care ofc she had reservations abt regina…

like. regina ended up POISONING henry (even if she didn’t mean it, n henry bit the apple pastry for emma to prove magic was real) her actions had consequences and i see so much emma slander as if she wasn’t in the right??? ts genuinely confused me.

i love regina, i do, she is one of my favorite characters. her character development, her backstory, her personality—all wonderful things. i adore her. but that woman had several screws all lefty loosey up in there n everybody just casually forgets it???

that being said, i think that makes it even more impressive that regina managed (eventually) to gain emma’s trust and friendship after all that bs😭 but re-watching s1 is not for the weak bro

[vaporvipermedia]

“My heart cannot wait until I see your face again”

Name: Kei Yoshihiko 

Stage Name: KEISHI

Age: 18

Birthday: Sept.30

Height: 5’6

VO:

 Rina Satō(JP)

 Anna Graves (EN)

Singing VO:

 Ms. Ooja(JP)

 Taeko Ohnuki(JP)

Likes: Songwriting, directing, making close bonds

Dislikes: Being alone for a long time, Escalators (after an embarrassing incident that happened)

Favorite Artists: SUZY, Ms. Ooja, Ladies Code

Favorite Food: Tempura

Least Favorite Food: Oysters

(She tried them at an event party she went for her company and immediately ended up sick from the taste. Having her live stage appearance to be pushed back until she felt better)

Idol Division: Ramshackle Division 

Idol Group: N/A

Position: Soloist

Background:

Kei was a young child actor at seven who starred in mystery/detective shows. She was mostly casted in side character roles until she finally became a main role in a show called “Give It Your All Tamiko-San!” A mystery show with a bit of magical girl elements. She also sang and wrote lyrics for the show's opening “The Lead to Your Heart” which gained a lot of love and popularity. According to old fans of the show, it was extremely catchy and even played on several radio news sessions just because it was that well liked. 

Kei was taken aback by this praise for her song. By then, he was just a well known enough actor but now to the world he’s a natural born singer. He started to wonder if this was truly a path he should go down on. And after the final season of “Give It Your All Tamiko-San!” he finally had an answer. 

Not only did she pursue becoming an idol but she also trained under NRC for two years. Eventually becoming a soloist at the age of 16 with her first solo mini album “Open Shut Case”. The whole concept of the albums’ meaning is that no matter what your love for her is very clear. An open and shut case if you will- ok imma shut up now

TRIVIA:

Kei is a soloist who has mostly jazz-like and casino-vibes songs

He often gets invited to be the MC of some award shows for other idols, announcing the winner of each category

Has a YouTube channel that shows what happens behind the scenes of her music videos and mostly does livestreams to talk to her fans

Still keeps in touch with his old actor crew and often goes on lunch dates with them

Used to have a old channel that was dedicated to her acting profession but decided to make a new account for a fresh new start

Often gets asked to sing her old show’s opening for nostalgia sake

Had a whole ARG as a teaser for his up and coming comeback as well as new mini album based around city-pop music

Is friends with @oseathepebble’s Tsukiko in the idol AU and usally hangout away from cameras

Kei’s fandom called themselves “Scenes” before Kei could come up with an official name. She thought the name was cute and decided to make it official when she decided to post on Magicgram on stage with a crowd behind her the caption is “scoping out the scene!” (@twst-vampire came up with the suggestion)

Kei’s favorite song is Love Space by Tatsuro Yamashita, and often finds herself listening to it from time to time in order to help her insomnia and just help herself settle down when work gets too stressful.

Reblogs > Likes

[baldwinivmybeloved]

𖥔 ۪ܺׄ Charper Twenty Five ۪۪ ❤︎ ⊹ Xica X Baldwin IV

The days passed, and Xica's pregnancy progressed normally. The palace was filled with a mix of excitement and preparation for the arrival of the twins. Baldwin, despite his own physical limitations, was determined to be a constant support for Xica, who faced each day with courage and joy.

The morning sun filtered through the windows of the royal bedroom. Xica, with one hand resting on her growing belly, woke up with a smile. Baldwin was beside her, watching her tenderly.

"Good morning, my love," Baldwin said, leaning in to kiss her gently on the forehead.

"Good morning, Baldwin." Xica returned his smile. "Our little ones seem very active this morning."

Baldwin chuckled softly. "They’re already showing their character. I'm sure they'll be as strong and brave as their mother."

Later that day, as Xica rested in the palace garden, Jacobino approached with his usual air of mystery and wisdom.

"My dear child, today I have something important to share with you," Jacobino said, sitting down beside her.

"What is it, Jacobino?" Xica asked, curious.

Jacobino closed his eyes for a moment, as if tuning into an invisible force. Then, he opened them and spoke with a deep, assured voice.

"I have had a vision about your twins. Both will lead full and successful lives, but their personalities will be completely different. One will be a natural leader, charismatic and brave. The other, though more reserved, will possess a wisdom and empathy that will touch many hearts."

Xica listened intently, with a mix of hope and excitement. "Thank you, Jacobino. Your words fill me with peace and joy."

In the main hall, Xavier and Baldwin were busy discussing the preparations for the arrival of the twins. Xica entered the room and couldn't help but laugh when she saw Baldwin trying to make sense of the baby supplies list.

"Do we really need so many things?" Baldwin asked, puzzled.

Xavier nodded firmly. "Yes, my lord. Babies require a lot of care. And besides, there will be two." Xavier turned to Xica and winked. "Don't worry, my lady, we'll make sure everything is perfect."

Xica laughed, feeling relieved by her friends' support. "Thank you both. I know that with your help, everything will be fine."

As Baldwin and Xica were in the library, going through books on raising twins, Xica began to feel a sudden craving.

"Baldwin, I'd love something sweet to eat. Could you bring me some fruit?" Xica asked with a playful smile.

Baldwin, always eager to please her, quickly went to fetch the fruit. When he returned, he found Xica laughing to herself.

"What's so funny, love?" Baldwin asked, handing her the tray of fruit.

"I was thinking about how our children will probably tease us someday for being so protective," Xica replied, still laughing.

Baldwin joined in her laughter. "I'm sure they will. But that will only mean we've raised them well, with love and care."

In the privacy of their room, Baldwin couldn't help but express his concerns to Xica.

"Xica, I'm worried about my health. I don't want our children to see me weak or sick." His voice was filled with anguish.

Xica hugged him tightly, caressing his face tenderly. "Baldwin, you are a brave king and a wonderful husband. Our children will see you as the strong and loving man you are, no matter what."

Baldwin looked at her with gratitude, finding comfort in her words. "You always know how to calm my heart."

In the palace courtyard, Baldwin, Xica, Xavier, and Jacobino sat together, enjoying a peaceful afternoon.

"Let’s promise to always stay together, supporting each other," Xica said, looking at the three men who meant so much to her.

"Promise," Baldwin, Xavier, and Jacobino said in unison.

The afternoon was filled with laughter, stories, and plans for the future, as the four prepared for the arrival of the twins with hearts full of love and hope.

That night, as Baldwin and Xica prepared for bed, Baldwin gently caressed Xica's belly.

"Our children will be very lucky to have you as their mother," Baldwin murmured.

"And they will be lucky to have you as their father," Xica replied, kissing him softly.

They embraced, feeling the deep connection and love that united them, confident that together, they could face any challenge life presented them.

The night was calm. Baldwin and Xica, embraced under the sheets, stared at the ceiling as their thoughts drifted towards the future. Baldwin broke the silence with a voice full of worry.

"Xica, I can't stop thinking about how much time I have left. I don't know if I'll live long enough to see our children grow up," Baldwin confessed, his tone laden with sadness.

Xica looked at him intently, gently caressing his face. "Baldwin, don't think about that now. You have to have faith that you'll be here to see them grow. I believe in you, and I know you'll be an incredible father."

Baldwin sighed, trying to find comfort in her words. "It's just that… I fear I won't have the vitality needed to take care of them. Children need energy and strength, and I…"

Xica interrupted him softly, placing her finger over his lips. "Baldwin, you have the greatest strength of all: your love for us. That's the strength our children will need, and you will have it in abundance. Besides, you're not alone in this. We will have Xavier, Jacobino, and all our friends to help us."

Baldwin nodded, trying to let go of his fears. "You're right, my love. I'm grateful to have you by my side. Together, we can overcome any obstacle."

After a moment of silence, Baldwin changed the subject, attempting to bring some lightness to the conversation. "We've talked a lot about our children, but we still haven't decided on their names."

Xica smiled, grateful for the change in topic. "You're right. Do you have any names in mind?"

Baldwin thought for a moment. "If they are boys, I've always liked the name Philippe or Sehin. It's strong and noble."

Xica nodded, liking the choice. "It's a good name. And for girls, I've always loved the name Isabelle or Ayesha. It's elegant and full of grace."

Baldwin smiled, imagining their children with those names. "I love those names. Our children will bear names worthy of their nobility and strength."

Hours passed, and Baldwin and Xica continued talking about their future, their hopes, and dreams for their children. They imagined their first words, their laughter, and the moments they would share as a family.

"Baldwin, it doesn't matter how much time we have together. What matters is that each moment is filled with love and happiness," Xica said, snuggling closer to him.

"You're right, Xica. Each day with you is a gift, and I promise to make every moment count," Baldwin replied, kissing her forehead tenderly.

As Baldwin fell asleep, Xica stayed awake for a while, her thoughts filled with love and concern. She watched her husband, observing the internal battle he fought against his illness. Her heart swelled with a deep desire to protect him and care for their future family.

"I promise I will do everything in my power to keep you safe, Baldwin. Our children will grow up with a brave and loving father," she murmured in the darkness, feeling the strength of her determination.

Finally, Xica closed her eyes, letting the tranquility of the night take her. As she slept, she dreamed of a bright future, where their children ran and laughed in the palace gardens, with Baldwin by her side, smiling and full of life.

That night, the worries and fears faded away, replaced by a profound hope and the certainty that, together, they could face any challenge.

[willtheweaver]

Oc questionnaire

Achievement unlocked: Double tag! @illarian-rambling and @the-ellia-west have tagged me. Twice the questions, twice the fun, twice the trouble(?)

My questions are:

1. What is your favorite type of weather?

2. Who was the last person you told a secret to?

3. Have you ever broken a bone before?

4. How do they deal with grief?

5. What is their best memory?

6. What makes them cry?

I’ll be using the MC and their adopted family from A Feather in the Forest

(As [spoilers] happens between the prologue and main story I am assuming none of the characters are in the same room/ asking them at different times.)

Warning: Mild spoilers ahead

1. What is your favorite type of weather?

Fen: I enjoy spring weather. Specifically, cool mornings when the mist is about to clear, and the sun gently kisses one’s skin.

Sorrel: My favorite weather is clear skies and cool days, specifically at the start of autumn.

Caine: The balmy summer rains have always been a favorite of mine. Not a thunderstorm, but a gentle shower that soothes the mind.

2. Who was the last person you told a secret to?

Fen: Playa. She thought I had lost my mind when I told her I loved to eat the spiciest peppers I could find.

Sorrel: My husband Caine. It was after finding Fen. The Thá made it clear that keeping the only way to keep Fen safe was to keep his identity a secret. The only one I could reveal the secret to was Caine.

Caine: Sorrel. We were hunting partners for several years. I wanted to propose, but I felt too nervous. Then I become First Hunter for the village, and my father was trying to get me married to a weaver from Hallis. One night I just blurted out everything to Sorrel. Confesses my love for her. Well, two weeks after that we were married.

3. Have you ever broken a bone before?

Fen: I was told that I broke my leg when I was two. I don’t remember much about it, only that I had to spend several weeks learning how to walk again.

Sorrel: The last time I broke a bone was during my assessment. Lost my footing, and ended up breaking my left arm. Fortunately, Caine was able to get it secured. Had to stay home until it mended. Only after I got the use of my arm back did I find out I did well enough to become a hunter.

Caine: I have not broken a bone. However, I knew quite a few foxes (both family members and friends) who did break bones, and as a necessity, I became good at setting breaks. I’m sure Sorrel told you how I mended her arm after the assessment. Guess that was the start of things, for we eventually married.

4. How do they deal with grief?

Fen: I go off to be by myself. Sit beside the stream, go up to the Proving Glade. If I’m in my house, I wind up the music box and listen to it.

Sorrel: I like to go over to the Hall of the Elders. Opal-Thá is like a mother to me. Always listening, and ready to comfort me if I am feeling down.

Caine: I pray beside the Giudestones. Sometimes I go to Nightoak Deep and sit inside the Mound of Night.

5. What is their best memory?

Fen: Befriending Playa. She was the first friend of mine.

Sorrel: It was when Caine proposed. I was always fond of him, but I didn’t think I could say the words. So when he did… well, I hugged him out of nowhere. He nearly died off fright.

Caine: When Sorrel came back with Fen. After having to step down after losing my leg, and learning that we could never have children… I was in a dark place. Crow or not, raising Fen gave me a purpose again.

6. What makes them cry?

Fen: Losing my mother. It was neither fast nor painless. I felt so powerless. When the end did come, I saw the fire in my father’s eyes die.

Sorrel: Leaving Fen and Caine. I know my end is near. The sickness is in my blood. I worry that they won’t be able to cope. Especially Fen. He’s only a child, and a child should not lose a parent at such a young age.

Caine: Sorrel’s death. After losing a leg, I felt like I lost everything. Sorrel was there for me, and under her care, some of my former confidence returned. Now I don’t know what I’ll do. I don’t think I have what it takes to be a single father.

Tagging @gottestod-writes @theeccentricraven @smudged-red-ink @mk-writes-stuff @splashinkling @athenswrites @little-peril-stories and open tag for all to find. No pressure.

Your questions are:

1. Do you like the company of others?

2. What do you like to do in your down time?

3. Do you believe in ghosts or the supernatural?

[pettytiredandjewish]

Hey, I just want to say congrats on all the hard work and advocacy you've done. People who can't climax without looking at a photo of a dead Middle Eastern child are one of the most spat upon and derided groups, and it is so brave how you have chosen to step up to advocate for them ❤️

And it’s so brave that you’re hiding behind anon. How about you come off anon?

It’s funny that you’re saying this because it’s you people that really have a weird and sick obsession when it comes to middle easterns and honestly POC as a whole. Y’all love to post and share horrible graphic images from war torn countries (especially images of the wounded and dead). Then y’all add captions about said images but frame it in a way where it makes y’all the “main character”. You do know that doing that is so disrespectful. Y’all are being disrespectful to the dead and their families. Maybe stop making the war about yourself- especially if you’re not Israeli, Palestinian, Jewish, Muslim, or middle eastern in general. I could go on but we all know that you will not listen.

I’ve said this before but this war- it’s not a fucking game where we pick a side and root out teams. It’s a fucking horrible war. People on both “sides” have died. But the thing is- Israel is trying their best to prevent civilians from getting caught in the crossfire. But it’s kinda hard for them to do that when hamas is happily k*lling everyone. That includes their own citizens too. We all know they don’t give a fucking damn about Palestinians. They’ve made it known multiple times. Most of the civilians that were killed in this war- Hamas did that. But y’all are ignoring that. Hamas has control over their news media and are pulling the strings in other news media too. Y’all are falling for their propaganda and it’s disturbing. Hell when some of their “claims” have been revealed as lies (surprise) y’all literally turned a blind eye or pulled the fake news card. If y’all really did care for Palestine- hell even the Middle East in general, y’all would idk not support and root for terrorist organizations. That fact that y’all are rooting for them and calling them freedom fighters is just fucked up. I honestly could go on but would you even listen?

Honestly the pro Israel groups actually cares more about Palestinian civilians then you pro pal/ anti Zionist groups. Which shows that it wasn’t about the Palestinians in the first place. The majority of y’all are just using this war as an excuse to go fully unmasked as a Jew hater. We all know that. Y’all can try and deny it but when ever you guys say “those evil Zionist has control over blah blah blah” we know know what you really mean. We ain’t stupid. Is the Israeli government perfect? Hell no. But the citizens are not their government. They are not to be blamed for what is going on. They are also victims of this war. All they want is their loved ones to be released from being held hostage by Hamas. They also want the bodies of the deceased to be returned to so that they can be properly be put to rest- so that their loved ones can find some closure. But not only that- they want Hamas (a fucking terrorist organization) to be stopped once and for all. Hell if Hamas is gone- Palestine will be fucking free.

I could keep going but I know it will just be cricket noises for y’all. I’m tired and exhausted. And to be perfectly honest? I can honestly say that I don’t give a flying fuck if you don’t like what I said. It’s not my first rodeo with dealing with you people and it won’t be the last ( because y’all probably get off by harassing random Jews on the internet). So good bye and F yourself. I’m gonna go relax and enjoy the rest of the night.

[this-aint-massachusetts]

Hi, I have aus, now y’all gonna listen. Warning for gore, limb losing, cults, demons, lesbians, petty hate fucking gays, cannibalism, and Billy and Billie being horrible people @schmidtsbf because they seemed to wanted to read this :33

High School AU

✧ Billy and Billie Parks

✧ Darlene and Derek Danforth

✧ Clapton and Cherry Davis

✧ Josie and Josh Futturman/Woman

✧ Marla and Marv

✧ Toby Mitchell

✧ So it’s obviously pretty much self explanatory. It’s Jhutch characters plus some of the gender swaps in high school. Yet there’s more to it actually.

✧ The main thing is supposed to be it follows mainly Billy and Billie and about their past connections with a cult and some kinda demon. This demon has so far inhabited Billie’s body and they’ve kept it a pretty good secret till they realize that the demon left her body a long time ago and is now on the loose somewhere in the school.

✧ Now the demon is hopping from body to body through the high school with all the others having no clue. The only indication of the demon being in their body is the sudden insatiable craving for meat. So the siblings trigger a lockdown at the school at hold everyone hostage in the cafeteria to figure out whos the demon.

✧ Issue though is that the demon is constantly hopping from body to body so they end up killing multiple of the students because the demon hopped body at the last minute.

✧ Later on it’s more explained why Billy and his sister had a connection with a cult and why the demon was in Billie’s body in the first place. It’s kinda like a Hereditary situation with Paimon. The twos parents were the previous ones with the demons with their dad having the demon in him but the demon prefers female hosts so the dad had a child with some random woman so they would hopefully have a girl and it could just inhabit her body instead of it being his problem. Yet they ended up having twins instead and the demon accidentally ending up in Billy. And it’s hard to transfer it to another body without killing the current host but there is another way where you can cut off a part of the hosts body and attach it to another body and it will transfer there. So he cut off Billy and Billie’s arms and just swapped them. Causing them to have slightly longer/shorter arms.

✧ But the reason the demon left Billie’s body is because of an accident where she lost a hand and so that made an escape route for the demon so it left and went to the first person they could find that had an opening. That person being Marla for having a broken arm and being female.

✧ Yet part of the demon is still in her. It’s small and doesn’t really affect her yet since she lost just a hand and not the whole arm it’s still partially there.

Billy

✞ In this au Billy is one of the teachers, or more of a teachers assistant. He only signed up to annoy the principal (Derek) and also to keep a closer eye on Billie so the demon stays at bay.

✞ Ever since finding out about the demon and the cult (which neither of them were ever supposed to lean) he’s genuinely considered killing Billie. He never went through with it but he has held it over her head multiple times for blackmail. (Yeah Billy isn’t really a good person here, neither is Billie but Billy is worse)

✞ Is actually the reason Billie lost her (or I guess his) hand. He was sick of having to deal with the demon so he purposely sliced off her hand with a meat grinder and framed it as an accident. Yet he just didn’t know he had to either kill her or get rid of the whole arm.

✞ Hates kids, would rather put a bullet through his head then continue being a teachers assistant. But he knows he has to because Billie still goes to the school. But he has begged her multiple times to just drop out like he did.

✞ Is 26 in this au.

✞ Made Billie kill Derek.

Billie

⚠︎︎ Genuinely hates her brother, once she found out losing her hand wasn’t an accident she almost murdered him. And her dad too, she absolutely despises her dad for putting this on her.

⚠︎︎ Only finds solace in school. She often just hides in the vice principals office with Darlene and Josie because they’re the only ones she really likes and trusts. Despite neither of them having a clue about her issue.

⚠︎︎ In return for Billy blackmailing her and cutting off her hand, she cut off one of his arms and ate it, also fed part of it to him. He decided to not fuck with her after that. (Though it was mainly the demon who had her do it, yet Billie still does have an obsession with cannibalism)

⚠︎︎ Is 18 in this au.

⚠︎︎ ︎Killed Derek :))

Clapton

♬ Is 18 in this au.

♬ Has been friends with Billie since second grade. Till he caught her eating the teacher alive with Billy helping. Ever since then he’s been scared shitless of the two. Billy threatened to shot him if he said anything so he’s kept his lips shut for over 10 years now.

♬ Is cousins with Cherry in this au, Cherry does actually know about the demon without Clapton telling her though. (I’ll explain that more later when I get to her character card ;))

♬ Has been used like a martyr for the siblings in order to keep his mouth shut. Since they’ve been trying to rid of the demon for years they finally decide they can get rid of it in fragments like with how their father swapped their arms. Since Billy got her hand sliced off, she lost a fragment of the demon. So to transfer the fragment she attaches it to Clapton. Yet the hand also had a fragment of Billie’s soul as well so Billie can partially control Claptons body. (Like a Chucky/Nica situation.) They were going to continue with this till they found a different vessel.

Cherry

☮︎︎ Is 20 in this au.

☮︎︎ Currently has been kidnapped and is being used as a vessel. Basically what they’re doing is they’re going to kill Billie and transfer her non-demon contaminated soul into Cherrys body who their also going to kill in order for her to just have Billie’s soul and not both of them.

☮︎︎ And that was going well yet Cherry was able to get out before they could kill her so the exact opposite happened, and now she has her soul contaminated by fragments of Billie’s. So now Billie has worsened and she’s lost so many fragments of her original soul that the demon is mainly taking over so they’ll need to find a new host for her soon.

☮︎︎ Meanwhile Cherry escaped out to Clapton and she quickly learns that he also has fragments of the demon in him. So she chops off his hand to neutralize it and it works despite it still having the tiniest amount of control.

☮︎︎ But it’s eventually spit out of Claptons body soon when Billy finds where Cherry escaped to and they kill Claptons since no demon in him = no use for him anymore. Yet they do keep a hold of his body in case he does need another puppet for Billie. Which he of course does eventually does need so he transfers her soul to Claptons body. Soon after everything goes back to relatively normal with Billie pretending to be Clapton and Cherry escaped.

Derek

☘︎︎ Is 32 in this au.

☘︎︎ Lightly referenced to that he was in a past relationship with Billy.

☘︎︎ Is the principal of the school.

☘︎︎ Has been in on the whole thing with the siblings since the beginning. He was also involved in the cult and used to be a previous host. (in this au its also implied he’s trans) The second he learned there was a new host after 28 years of him being dormant and that the host was in his very school he lost his shit. And the second he found out it’s Billy’s fault he lost it completely.

︎ ☘︎︎ He threatened Billy that if he doesn’t remove himself and his sister from the school immediately he’s going to kill both of them. Billy didn’t because he actually wants Billie dead. Derek was surprised at Billy’s heartlessness on how he was just so open to leaving his unwilling sister for dead so instead he was the one who put the idea of cutting her hand off to neutralize the demon. Yet we all already know that didn’t work.

☘︎︎ Derek had to lean that the hard way though when Billy sticked Billie onto him.

Darlene

🜲 Is the vice principal for the high school, terrible at her job though.

🜲 Billie and Josie are her favorite students, it’s the main reason she lets them in her office.

🜲 Was also involved with the cult because of Derek being the host till he was 28. She was supposed to be the next host but she wasn’t really into the whole cult thing so she left before they could transfer her soul.

🜲 Until Derek told her about Billie and she, like Derek, was not happy about this. Yet she let Derek handle it and we already know how that ended.

🜲 After Billie killed her brother she didn’t do anything about it. She actually helped cover up the murder. Because she knows this demon because of the experience she’s had with it when Derek was being used as the vessel. So because of that she decided to not fuck with it.

🜲 So she leaves them alone up until the Cherry situation because Billie is dead and just lost a female host so they go to Darlene and she (reluctantly) agrees.

🜲 She is 33 in this au.

- Billy and Billie are born and their arms are swapped so Billie gets possessed by the demon

- Billy blackmails the demon in Billie’s body

- Billie and the demon get pissed and eat Billy’s arm

- Clapton finds out about the cult

- Billie goes to high school

- Derek finds out about the cult and that it came back

- Billy chops of Billie’s hand

- Billie kills Derek

- Darlene helps the siblings dispose the body and cover it up

- Darlene becomes the principal

- They attach Billie’s hand to Clapton and a fragment of her soul and the demon are transferred into his body

- The siblings kidnap Cherry

- Billie dies

- They prepare the transfer but Cherry escapes and flees to Claptons with fragments of Billie’s soul contaminating her soul

- Billy finds Cherry and kills Clapton and Cherry escapes

- Billy uses Claptons body as a vessel for Billie’s soul

- Billie pretends to be Clapton for the next two years

- Eventually Claptons body grows too week for Billie to inhabit anymore so they use Darlene’s instead

- Cherry returns with the reanimated corpse of Clapton

- The demon fully leaves Billie’s/Darlenes body and goes to Marlas

- The siblings find out about this and get the school on lockdown to shut Cherry and Clapton out and so they can detect the demon

- They find the demon in Marla and kill her but the demon quickly hops to the next available body

- The demon goes to Toby

- Toby gets killed

- Cherry and Clapton finally break in as well as the reanimated corpse of Billie

- Billie’s fucking pissed that all this happened and that Billy didn’t just kill her once they found out about the demon

- Billie kills Darlene’s body and reabsorbes her soul which is pure and has no one else’s soul in it or the demons

- The demon completely disappears

- Billie kills Billy

- And Cherry, Clapton, and Billie get out and completely disappear off the map

And that’s all I have for this au. Bye now ✌️

[bunnyjoyce-blog]

Quality Time Pt. 1

Often when I get really into a fandom, my mind turns to figuring out what the love languages of various characters are. For those who are new, love languages are the “language” by which you express and perceive love (whether platonic or romantic), and the five languages, as outlined by Gary Chapman, are Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Gifts, Acts of Service, and Touch. Everyone naturally has one main language (although they can branch out into others), and failure to have a loved one “speak” your language can result in a feeling of being unloved, even though said loved one might be “speaking” their language to you without you being aware of it.

As the creator of IP will already have a love language, it’s not surprising that this can seep into their writings, but sometimes multiple characters in a single IP can seem to develop their own various languages without a conscious act of the creator. Sometimes this can be evident by studying the patterns and behavior of the character: how they express love, what makes them feel loved, what makes them feel rejected, etc..

Peanuts is no exception. How Charlie Brown expresses love is generally different from how Snoopy will express love, and how Lucy expresses love will be different from how Schroeder expresses love — but, then again, maybe it’s not quite so different after all.

Although the strip for 4/6/56 isn’t about love languages, the “miscommunication” in how Lucy and Schroeder prefer to enjoy music led me to notice a distinction in how they interact with the things they like.

Schroeder’s idea of enjoying good music is to be quiet and listen to it. Lucy’s idea is to interact with it, whether through dancing, marching or whistling. They are both capable of enjoying classical music (yes, even Lucy has been known to like some pieces), but they have different ways of doing so, and this leads to “miscommunication.”

(To be fair. Schroeder has been known to dance to music that he likes, but generally speaking he prefers to listen quietly.)

11/11/53

Lucy is an extrovert whose love language is likely Quality Time; Schroeder is an introvert whose love language is also likely Quality Time. Both respond favorably to the right kinds of attention and can express love through spending time with those they care about.

In fact, Lucy’s negative reaction to being ignored and rejected is a big indicator that her love language could be Quality Time. Of course, no child likes to be ignored and rejected, regardless of their love language, but bear in mind that for someone whose love language is Quality Time, they will be even more hurt by a denial of attention and togetherness, since that’s essentially telling them that they aren’t loved. We can see hints of this issue in Lucy’s home life, such as how her parents are sometimes too busy to give her the attention she needs. As a result Lucy sometimes feels unloved, and she acts out in order to be noticed.

7/18/52

7/18/53

8/15/54

6/12/59 — She warns Charlie Brown that having a baby sister means he had to share the affection from his parents.

1/16/72

1/16/80

We don’t see very many examples of Schroeder being denied Quality Time; however, there is a possible indication of his need for companionship in the following strip from 1963. Schroeder was recovering from the chicken pox, but instead of enjoying self-seclusion in front of his piano as one would expect, Schroeder came to the ball field to watch his friends play.

8/25/63

Bear in mind, he often practices music for hours indoors. At first glance a reader might hypothesize that staying inside during the chicken pox wouldn’t be that hard on Schroeder, but sickness and isolation probably made him long for companionship and amusement, so he ventured out to where his friends would be. Even this passive interaction of merely watching a baseball game while his friends played could indicate that he needs Quality Time with people. 

We can see hints of this as far back as his younger days when he provides music for his friends to sing and dance to.

10/9/51

Delving further, two of the biggest indicators of how close he is to a friend are whether he allows them to lean on his piano and how much time he spends with them when he’s away from his piano. (As an introvert, his mental energy would be valuable to him.)

1/3/88 — We know he’s good friends with Charlie Brown because he repeatedly lets Charlie Brown lean on his piano.

11/2/56

8/7/84 — Even Peppermint Patty occasionally leans on his piano.

By now you might be asking, “If Lucy and Schroeder have compatible love languages, why doesn’t Schroeder respond more favorably to her? Shouldn’t he feel more affection toward her if she’s speaking his language?” 

11/21/65

Part 2