#multiple soulmates

[fjordstan]

idk about yall but i consider that a win

[clownakai]

By popular demand: normal things to do to your bestie

[dootznbootz]

Odysseus always trusted Penelope. He was ordered to lie to her and it hurt him to do so. Penelope was distrustful of this stranger until she had absolute solid proof.

There are way too many people talking about how "Odysseus lies to Penelope. What a prick!" and it makes me sad/mad as that's not the case at all

The whole "Odysseus usually always has a reason to lie" maybe upcoming essay aside, He was literally commanded by Athena to not tell anyone. And it was with Penelope that he had the hardest time keeping up the act with. Not only because she's smart af and figured him out almost immediately (that essay coming soon too) but because he was trying to keep himself from crying with her.

I think people forget that he is disguised to look like someone else completely. If a random man claimed to be your missing husband, wouldn't you be scared/freaked out?

Anyways, the 3 most important people in his life are Penelope, Telemachus, and Laertes. He lies to all three.

Telemachus: Lied by letting Eumaeus answer him and still under the orders from Athena, did not cry or reveal himself until Athena allowed him to. (I read it as him being in shock. Last time he saw him, Telemachus' hand could only wrap around one finger and now he's as big as him. a bit shocking to say the least)

Laertes: He teared up seeing him but still decided to question and test his father, not by the order from Athena.

Penelope: He was trying so hard to keep from crying, tried to noodle his way out of lying to her, Under Athena's orders. still couldn't help but basically flirt with her.

Also to get this outta the way: No, it wasn't a matter of trust. He is shown to trust her right away. As this happens even before he gets the chance to speak with Penelope.

Staunch Odysseus glowed with joy to hear all this— his wife's trickery luring gifts from her suitors now, enchanting their hearts with suave seductive words but all the while with something else in mind.

(Book 18, Fagles)

If Odysseus does not trust her, why is he so happy to see her "flirt" with the suitors? It's because he KNOWS what she's doing and knows she doesn't actually want them. If he didn't trust her, he would be upset by this.

Now for the "it hurt to lie to her" bit.

Athena's command:

"Tell not a single person in the palace, man or woman, that you are back from your wanderings; but endure all vexations in silence and submit yourself to the indignities that will be put upon you.'

(Book 13, Rieu)

If you are my son—truly of our blood—                                            let no one hear Odysseus is back home. Don’t let Laertes know or the swineherd, or the slaves, or Penelope herself.

(Book 16, Johnston)

And the people he did reveal himself to, he only did so after being given permission by Athena.

Athene spoke to him. 'The time has come,' she said, 'royal son of Laertes, Odysseus of the nimble wits, to let Telemachus into your secret, so that the pair of you may plot the downfall and death of the Suitors and then make your way to the famous city. [...]

(Book 15, Rieu)

He talks to Telemachus before talking to Penelope.

I’ll stay here, so I can stir the servants even more— and your mother. As she laments, she’ll ask for each and every detail.”

(Book 19, Johnston)

Odysseus is already sweating about having to lie to her

The next part would honestly be me just inserting almost ALL the text for this so I'll go into a summary. It's all in Book 19.

Penelope asks him where he's from. And instead of answering, it's a tsunami of compliments. Calling her flawless. Comparing her to a king. etc, etc,

Probably because he couldn't help himself and had to babble about how wonderful she is Who wouldn't? before finally ending with "Please don't ask me where I'm from. It makes me sad."

Penelope, probably overwhelmed by his praise, immediately goes into how "her beauty left with her husband. It did not. And where did you say you were from again?"

"Fine! I'm from Crete..."

And we all know that as soon as she starts crying, after a lovely description of how her tears "melted", he talks about how hard it was for Odysseus to hold in his OWN tears. Lying to her and being unable to comfort her was painful for him!!!

But though Odysseus' heart was wrung by his wife's distress, his eyes, hard as horn or iron, never wavered between their lids, so craftily did he repress his tears.

(Book 19, Rieu)

I love Robert Fitzgerald's translation so as a treat:

[...] so her white cheeks were wetted by these tears shed for her lord--and he close by her side. Imagine how his heart ached for his lady, his wife in tears; and yet he never blinked; his eyes might have been made of horn or iron for all that she could see. He had this trick-- wept, if he willed to, inwardly.

(Book 19, Fitzgerald)

Even with him revealing himself to Euryclea, when she cried out to Penelope, Athena made sure she didn't hear! It's most likely that he wouldn't be able to tell her even if he wanted. Athena was planning something, just as Penelope was.

She spoke, and her eyes glanced over at Penelope, anxious to tell her that her husband had come home. But Penelope could not see her face or notice, for Athena had diverted her attention.

(Book 19, Johnston)

He desperately wanted to be with her again. Literally daydreaming about it!

At those words Dawn rose on her golden throne in a sudden gleam of light. And great Odysseus caught the sound of his wife’s cry and began to daydream—deep in his heart it seemed she stood beside him, knew him, now, at last …

(book 20, Fagles)

Clearly doesn't trust her. /sarcasm

It's PENELOPE that has trouble trusting him. And rightfully so! While she was very certain that was her husband, there was so much going on and of course, she's cautious! He looked like an elderly stranger at first, why is he hiding from her? He somehow took out all those men with only a little help, Athena isn't telling her anything, Helen was kidnapped and she did not want that to possibly happen to her too, etc.

He even understands her cautiousness to be reasonable.

As she spoke, lord Odysseus, who had borne so much, smiled and immediately spoke to Telemachus— his words had wings:   “Telemachus, let your mother test me in these halls. She will soon possess more certain knowledge. Right now I’m filthy, with disgusting clothing on my body. That’s why she rejects me and will not say I am Odysseus. [...]

(Book 23, Johnston)

He even trusted her completely to take care of everything while he was gone before. And he does again when he wakes up and goes to see his father. Telling her about how she too wise to need instruction

Odysseus (and Penelope as well) is well-known for his cunning tricks and how his loyalties are often blurred but one thing that is for sure about him is that he trusts and is loyal to Penelope full-heartedly. He spent every day missing her and their son and wanting to go home to her. The only moment we see his trust in her waver is during the Treebed scene, (which is what she wanted to test).

They are "like-minded". 😭

[luimagines]

Soulmates from the Start Part 7

Final Chapter!!! Wooo!!!!!

Masterlist

First Chapter/ Previous Chapter

Content under the cut!

“Wha- what?” Link looks at you as all the breath in his lungs leaves him at once.

You swallow the spit in your mouth, but it feels like sandpaper going down your throat. “I… I did a very bad thing, Link. I’m sorry.”

Your Link shakes his head, scooting closer to you, holding your hands tighter. “You’re not that kind of person. I know it. Stop this.”

You bite your lips harshly and hang your head in shame. How could he have so much faith in you? Haven’t you done enough damage? How isn’t he angry with you?

“Ok.” Someone else speaks up. “Can I say something?”

You look at him. He’s one of the two you don’t recognize. Green undertunic, red on top, blue hat, pink hair- wait. Pink hair? You can work with that. What was his game again? A Link to the Past?

While you’re busy trying to figure out where you might know him, he takes your silence as permission to keep talking. He puts his hands on his hips and manages a smile. “Whatever it is. It can’t be as bad as you think. You’re clearly shaken. The Rancher here is going to take good care of you, now. We’re not here to make enemies. We’re to end them. No one is in trouble. Got it?”

That last sentence seemed pointed, but you’re too distraught and distracted to figure out who he was actually talking to.

You take another deep breath, holding onto Link tighter and tighter. You’re shaking. You can feel the tremors wreck your nervous system from the top down. Luckily, he seems to meet you halfway, pulling you closer to keep you contained and to keep you close.

Feeling a little braver, you turn to the boy. “Which one are you?”

Because that’s a normal question to ask.

It shows on his face because his reels back in shock, not fully understanding what you mean by that. “...Meaning?” If anything, he seems to calm a little more. “See? How can you know all of our secrets if you don’t even recognize me?”

You flush. He has a point. “Every Link is famous to some degree. But… the only thing I have to go off of is your hair. I don’t recognise the rest of you.”

“I- ok. My hair isn’t supposed to be this color.” He deadpans. You can feel your Link snickering by your side. The untitled one shakes his head. “They call me the Hero of Legend. Or The Veteran. Whichever floats your boat.”

“The Veteran?” Strange name.

He smirks. “Yup! I'm the most experienced hero here. Seven adventures, counting this one!”

Your mouth makes a small ‘o’ shape. That makes more sense. If he’s responsible for and is the protagonist for at least six or seven Legend of Zelda titles, there would have been no way you would have known at first glance. Your breath gets short again. Your lungs feel hollow and heavy. You need to breathe again, but you’re too frozen to make a sound.

Your Link (you refuse to call him anything else) notices your spiked panic and gently rubs circles on your back. “Darlin’, what is it? No one will attack you here.”

You don’t fully believe him. The one they called The Captain, Warrior, has been eyeing you suspicious the entire time you’ve been here. You turn back to Mr. Legend, gulping down more sand. You hesitate to ask. You’re aware this is a loaded question. You have to take a few more deep breaths to even think of making your mouth move the way it needs to speak.

You’ve probably taken too long. Legend now looks nervous.

Your voice is quiet and weak, barely above a whisper. There is very little reason to believe that this is going to end well. “...Do you know Koholint?”

You see it before the others do. His eyes widen and his pupils widen to almost exaggerated proportions. He takes a step back- going as white as a ghost.

The rest of the group looks between you both.

Legend himself begins to shake, staring at you with renewed suspicion and distrust. “How… How do you know that?”

You bite your lip, keeping our eyes on him, watching his fear and shock. You deserve this. You knew better and did it anyway. You should have better self control. Now he’s in front of you. Time to confess your sins. His reaction is all the answer you need.

“She had a beautiful singing voice.” You say, twisting the knife for you both. “I’m sorry you had to go through that.”

“You knew her?” He whispers. 

You shake your head. “No. But I saw you… and her... And the windfish.”

Then he surprises you. He gulps, also meeting you head on as tears begin to pool in his eyes. “Could I have saved them?”

You both know who he’s talking about.

You shake your head.

He takes in a shaky breath, hanging his head- not dissimilar to how you had your earlier. But he nods, surprising you again. “I understand… Who else knows?”

Do you even answer that? Would it do more harm than good? But the look on his face- the bond you share with the boy next to you- the way everyone’s eyes are on you, waiting for you to explain yourself and answer his questions- You can’t bring yourself to lie.. “....Millions.”

Warrior scoffs and finally takes his eyes off of you as spins on his heel. You don’t even bother hiding your flinch.

“It’s true.” You weakly defend yourself. “I’m not the only one.”

“How?” Says the final one you have trouble placing. They called him Hyrule and he does magic. But you can’t pinpoint anything familiar about him that would tell you of his identity. What happened to him? What were his adventures about?

“There’s… stories.” You can’t really answer his question either. The truth would seem cruel, mean and pointless. You know better than anyone thanks to Your Link- it was more than what you saw. Their fears and experiences were real- so real and you had no right to learn what you did.

“Just that? Stories? Down to the details then?” The Hero of Time raises an eyebrow at you. You’ve that look in passing when Link would let it slip through your connection. You never considered how it would feel to be on the receiving end.

It feels worse, somehow. You think you might vomit.

You nod. “....Interactive stories.” Because how else would you explain it? “But yes.”

“So you know us?” The Hero of Winds bounces towards you. At least, he seems more intrigued than offended and suspicious. “Do you know about me?”

You nod. “I do… You wield the Wind Waker… And sailed on the King of Red Lions.”

He laughs, delighted with the recognition. “That’s me, alright! One of the fiercest pirates to ever sail the Great Sea.”

“An interactive story, huh?” The Blacksmith (The Hero of the Four Sword- Hero of Light- Hero of Men- your brain supplies unhelpfully) leans forward from where he’s sitting and puts his palm to his chin, his elbow to his knee. “I bet that’s mighty entertaining. I’ve never heard of a story that you interact with.”

Game- Game- It’s a game- They’re games- They’re fun- They’re for children- Your brain fires off in rapid succession, deepening your guilt. There’s no way you can tell them. They’ll be horrified. They’ll be pissed.

“Games?” Yout Link whispers beside you, turning to you with an unreadable expression. The fur along your hair stands on edge. He’s caught on. “Darlin’ games?! Is that all this ever was to you?”

You flinch violently.

In a last ditch effort to defend yourself, even though you’re fully responsible for your own actions and his anger and awe is fully justified. “Link- please- You know that’s not true!”

He growls.

“I didn’t…”

“Don’t say you didn’t know.” He snarls. “I’ve had you in my head since we were children. Don’t you dare say you didn’t know.”

“I wasn’t going to.” You whimper, letting your chickens come home to roost. “I didn’t think I would have ever met them. Link- I only followed along with your story but I never touched it. I never stepped into that. I know what it was like for you. I remember the sleepless nights- the panic attacks- the fear in your ice cold blood as you journeyed. It felt wrong to take your struggles and make it a game.”

“What about them?” He gestures to his friends. They’re all staring at you with looks of incredulous judgment.

“...I thought it would be just you.” You whisper pathetically. “I couldn’t have known you’d meet them. So many of them don’t even touch your time and era- I wanted to know them! I didn’t think it would have mattered from where I was because they… they didn’t exist, Link! They don’t exist and so many people don’t even think the land of Hyrule is real-”

Your Link rubs his hand down his face, taking a moment to breathe and calm himself down.

“We’re not real?” The Champion, Wild, steps forward. “We’re… toys?”

You bite your lips. “I… wouldn’t go that far. But many would.”

“So this is why you feel guilty.” Your Link mutters, ruffling his own hair roughly.

“....Link, I’m sorry.”

“Just-... give me a minute-!”

You click your mouth shut.

“We’re games.” The Knight of Skyloft sits down on a nearby log. “Are you sure?”

You nod. “It’s incredibly popular actually… So many people love you.”

“Do they?” The Captain scoffs again, turning back and glaring into you. “Toys. That’s what we are. To break and remold as they see fit because we’re not real people to them. That’s not love.”

“That’s-” You struggle to find the words. The stench of betrayal lingers heavily in the air. It’s all your fault. “That’s because you don’t see how many lives you save by just existing, even as a thought.”

“Explain.” The Hero of Time doesn’t leave room for negotiation.

“Your stories… despite your struggles, are lighthearted.” You swallow down figurative glass. “Because they’re told from your perspective- because despite everything, you just wanted to help people. You just wanted to do the right thing. Even when everything was against you, you stayed true and proud and you were so brave-” Your voice catches and you’re shaking again. “You all have so much love… for your people… your homes… your friends and families… They push you forward. They give you a reason to keep going. I-if we… If we could so much as copy a fraction of what it means to have courage, our lives wouldn’t have to seem bleak and… hopeless. What use are ruins in an old world when there is no love to preserve the present?”

Your words silence the group as they mull it over. You're on the verge of tears again. You’re so scared. Your heart is pounding. You never wanted to hurt them. You weren’t trying to hurt anyone. You hiccup and clasp your hands together, trying to lessen the way you vibrate. It doesn’t work. “...I wasn’t trying to do anything wrong… I panicked…”

“This conversation isn’t over.” Your Link curls up his lip, revealing a fang that you’re not entirely sure was there before. “But even if I’m not happy about this, I stand by what I said earlier. You’re not that kind of person. You didn’t do this maliciously.”

“I’m sorry.” You repeat yourself for the nth time.

“I know.” His voice finally softens and he pulls you close to him again. “I know you are. I can feel it in every fiber of my being.”

“If we’re famous even outside of Hyrule,” Wind speaks up again, appearing more calm than the others at the news. “Then why did you stop talking to Twilight? You were avoiding him for a while.”

You hang your head again. “I was with you guys… I didn’t want to risk Link learning something of your adventures that could have ruined the timeline or potentially… ruin the relationship we already had. I didn’t mean to-”

“Are there people who know more than you?” Legend asks again, having calmed down from earlier.

“Yes, of course.” You wipe your eyes, coughing on your own spit. “I… became obsessed- I won't lie or sugar coat, but I am certainly not the craziest fanatic out there. It’s not like I’ve got shrines in my room or collected all the icons and merchandise I can… I thought about getting a few… But again, I didn't want to risk hurting Link if he saw something he recognized when I couldn’t give him a straight answer.”

“Idiot.” Your Link clicks his tongue. It stings but in the way a blade or a fire would. At best, it’s close to tearing a scab. Not the greatest feeling, but you have the inclination to admit he’s not trying to actively insult you.

“Millions…” Warrior throws his back against a tree as he scowls into the space in front of him. “We can’t even be mad at you then. You’re not the only one and you’re not the worst.”

You’re scared to see how they’d react to the people who dress up as them. “Yes, neither the first nor the last. I’m not the only one.”

“But you’re the only one that matters.” A new and dark voice whispered in your ear. It made you jump, making all the hairs on your body stand up on edge.

Your Link jumps to his feet, reaching behind to his hand on the hilt of his sword. He puts his hand on your shoulder, keeping you down on the log before you can get up as well.

“Pathetic, little hero.” The voice taunts. You don’t know where it’s coming from. It seems to be both in your head and yet all around you at once. “It wasn’t my intention for you to find each other, much less so quickly. It certainly complicated some things, but I can’t say that this hasn’t been entertaining in the least.”

“Touch them and DIE.” Link snarls.

“I’d love to see you try.” The voice mocks.

It shakes you to your core. The voice echoes in the clearing you’ve found yourselves in. It circles you, like the shadows of the setting sun. In through one ear, behind your head, teasing the other ear as it makes its rounds.

“Link…” You say softly. This is too much. Why can’t today end already?

Multiple swords are unsheathed in an instant, moving around and getting into a circle around you without muttering a word. They certainly know what they’re doing, even if it isn’t just to protect you specifically. You won’t lie, it does help your heart somewhat if you allow yourself to think that they’re protecting you despite it all.

“Do you feel that betrayal, little hero?” The voice taunts Link again. He said, “They knew about you all along but didn’t share a single detail about themselves.”

“I couldn’t!” You shout impulsively, almost jumping to your feet in the same second. Your Link keeps you down. “I would have if I could have!”

The voice chuckled darkly. His form simmers out from the shadows of the trees, appearing within the circle the other heroes have made, appearing right in front of you. Your heart jumps into the thick of your throat. He looks so much like Your Link, but with solid black abysses for eyes instead the blue you fell in love with.  “....Liar.”

***

You suck in a breath, getting to your feet at once. 

Twilight pulls you back and quickly puts himself between you and the monster that threatens you. This is not the time for this. He points his blade at the shadow man, grazing the flesh of his throat with the tip of his sword. A bead of crimson blooms just beyond the edge of the sharp steel, but the shadow monster doesn’t seem to be impressed.

“You’re no better, little hero.” The creature turns its head to him, cracking it unnaturally as it bends at an abnormally twisted angle. “Have you even told your sweet ‘Darlin’ of the effects that crystal of yours has done to you?”

“I owe you no answers, beast.” He spits, thrusting his sword ever closer to his jugular. “Leave now or lose your head.”

“I am not the beast.” The shadow man sinks into the earth, reappearing behind you, grabbing you by your hair and stealing you away from Twilight. “You are.”

You both scream as the shadowman laughs. Yours; in pain. Twilight’s; in outrage. “Go on! Tell them. Tell what has been done to you!”

“Link.” You gulp, trying to reach behind your head to lessen the pressure. Twilight can see it; the way your hands seem to phase out so you can’t physically touch the being that has trapped you. One wrong move and you could be gone forever.

But Twilight doesn’t know what to say to the creature. He doesn’t understand. You already know that he turns into a wolf. He can remember how you started to research all about wolves just to learn more about him. Not that you told him that part- that was before you started to drift away.

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Of course you don’t, stupid boy.” The creature pulls on your hair sharply. Your cry of pain causes Twilight to growl, baring his teeth as the fangs set in his jaw. He doesn’t register the warmth of the crystal- just the bubbling determination to get you away from him as fast as possible.

“See that?” The shadow man starts backing up slowly, ignoring the rest of the group as they all wait on baited breath. “There’s very little man left in him. It’s only a matter of time before the beast inside takes over.”

“That’s not true.” You whimper, trying to get away. 

“It is very true, my pet.” The creature tugs harshly again, toppling you over in an instant. The sound you make when the hit the ground is worrying and it makes Twilight unleash a feral sound. It startles himself, he hadn’t known he was capable of such noises.

The creature seems pleased by the development. “A perfect demonstration, little hero. I couldn’t have done it better myself.”

An arrow flies, nicking the shadow man in the shoulder. A crimsonline blooms from the injury, making him stubble backwards and away from you. Twilight dives to pull you back up, cradling you close.

It appears that the creature wasn’t expecting the attack. Its hubris had caused it to believe that no one would make a move when he had you in his grasp. “Pathetic fools. I’ll be back.”

He slinks away back into the shadows, not sparing any one but you a passing glance. Twilight doesn’t like it one bit and tightens his grip on you.

“Twilight, what the hell?” Wild throws his hands up. “Is there something else we need to know about? Why are they-” He points to you with an arrow. It slips from his grasp. “-brought into the middle of this?”

“I don’t know.” Twilight grumbles. If he had things his way, you would both be meeting under very different circumstances. “But they’re here now and the shadow wants them for some reason-”

“It claimed you were changing-!”

“I can feel him. He’s not changing.” You speak up, still shaking. Twilight tightens his grip on you. Despite… everything, the rose around his heart is too real and too intricate for him to bash his way through. Any amount of brute force on his end would crush the already delicate foundation that it’s built. He takes a deep breath, willing himself to comfort instead.

You’ve had one hell of a day. You both have. Twilight doesn’t want to ever repeat those terrifying hours of not having you connected to him. And thinking about it, there’s no misplacing that amount of guilt and sadness in your voice and soul for him to think you would have hidden all that you did out of malice.

You were that kind of person. He’s said it already. He’s said it twice, even.

“What do you mean?” Four speaks up, tilting his head, keeping his sword unsheathed. Nobody else seems keen on putting their swords away after the not too violent attack on their senses. They had thought this was a safe space. Apparently not.

You gulp and cling to him like a lifeline. He holds you. “I have him. He’s mine. I can feel him. And I’ve had him for as long as I can remember. He’s always been the same.”

Twilight sighs and hides his face in your hair. A hand of his comes up to gently soothe down the spots where the monsters had viciously grabbed you. You relax within seconds, leaning more of your weight on him and loosening your grip.

“We should move.” Time growls, not dissimilarly to how Twilight was earlier. “We can’t risk having the shadow come back while our backs are turned. We need to find a spot to camp for the night.”

“On it!” Warrior twirls his sword, taking Legend and Wind without a second thought. They lead the group as scouts while everyone else picks up their equipment to follow them. Everyone gives you both passing glances but no one says anything.

You’re his soulmate. He’ll figure out what to do with you. You’re here now; he has to take care of you and make sure that thing never comes close to you again. Today was too close. It was toying with you both. If it ever so much as looks at you the wrong way, he’s going to rip out its throat.

His grip on you increases subconsciously and you squirm.

“I know you’re mad.” You whisper. It rings more through your connection than through his ears.

“Not at you.” Twilight huffs. He’s decided it. You’ve been chased, hunted, cut, bruised, thrown about and frightened within an inch of your life. He’s already told you that he’s forgiven you. He’s not going to take it back.

You’ve already apologized and cried him a river. Something he never in a million years would have asked for. What more does he want from you?

“How?” You say, looking up at him. The cut on your cheek makes him grit his teeth. You’ll survive, he knows this. He’s still not happy about this. He’s not happy about any of this.

But it’s never been your fault.

“...Even if you know our secrets-” he starts and takes a deep breath to steady himself. The others have all left save for Wild, who doesn’t want to leave you alone on the off chance that danger still lurks in the shadows. “-it’s not inherently wrong to know about us. If we are toys in your world-”

“Please don’t say it like that-”

“Let me finish.” He takes another deep breath, looking into your eyes. “If we are only stories and games to other people, you know better. You know we’re real. That I’m real. And while others would brush us off as fiction, you went in with a different mindset entirely. You wouldn’t feel so guilty if you didn’t see how badly it could have gone. I can’t fault you for the place you’re from or how other people see us.”

You lip wobbles once more and you collapse against him, properly hugging him back at long last. “You’re too good to me.”

Twilight tries to fight another snarl. Was the shadow creature right? He wasn’t this beastly before…. And he has been using the crystal more often now that he’s with the group. “I’m still processing everything, but I personally think that what should take priority now is keeping the shadow away from you and making sure that you don't get hurt. Do you fight?”

You still have the energy to give him the flattest look ever. “Link, you already know the answer.”

His lips twitch up. “Forgive me for asking anyway?”

You drop your forehead to his shoulder. It gives the impression it would hurt if he wasn’t wearing his layers and wolf pelt. “...Fine.”

A beat passes. Wild stands a little ways away, looking through his sheikah slate for something Twilight can’t be bothered with. Not while you’re in his arms and slowly sinking deeper into the embrace. “How’re you feeling Darlin’?”

“Tired.” You sigh. “I’m exhausted. I’ve never run so much in my life.”

He snorts and shakes his head good naturedly. “Come on. We’ll walk from here on out. The group should make camp soon enough.”

You blow a raspberry but break away from him. Twilight all but dives to take your hand, capturing it in his hold. You hold him back without question.

Do you really think I’m not changing? He asks through the bond, not wanting Wild to overhear him.

You lean your head against him again and shrug. Mentally, psychologically? No. Physically? Not really. Although admittedly, I’m not the best judge of that. However the fangs are new.’

Fangs? Twilight raises an eyebrow, bringing his free hand to poke at his teeth. 

He has fangs.

And they retract apparently, given that he can feel the sharp point receding the more he calms down. That’s new.

I just said that.

Twilight smiles. You’re feeling better already. You have to be feeling better to banter like this with him again. It’s like a weight’s been lifted from your shoulders. It feels lighter on Twilight too.

Does it bother you? Twilight tries to ask casually. He’s aware he looks different from the people of your world. You haven’t ever seemed bothered by it before but then, he’s never asked.

No. They’re hot. 

You trip over yourself.

Twilight snickers, covering his mouth with his hand. You blush brightly, still holding onto his hand even if you’re unable to meet his eyes.

“That,” you say out loud, “was a little more honest than I was intending.”

“I would rather if you both kept your flirting in your heads.” Wild rolls his eyes, coming forward at last. He has a sword in his hand. Twilight feels the need to protect you flare up, but it’s strange. He’s never felt threatened by Wild before. This is weird. He’s being weird? Is he being weirder than before?

“Here.” Wild snorts, seeing the way Twilight gets offended. He hands you the sword.

You take it, inspecting it. “A flame blade?”

“You recognize it?” Wild seems surprised. “Oh wait- duh. You know my story too?”

You nod. “...Yours was fun…. I yelled at you a lot.”

Wild deadpans. “You’re Twilight’s soulmate alright.”

You laugh. Actually laugh.

Twilight takes a deep breath, feeling the sound penetrate to the deepest marrow of his bones and fill him outward with such a peace he didn’t even know was achievable. Is that corny? Screw it, he’s a farm boy. He can handle corn.

You swing the flame blade experimentally, a bright smile that only spells trouble for Twilight’s (and the group’s) future. A small tail of fire follows the path of the sword. Twilight thinks he recognizes this. It’s not his powerful variant of this weapon but it can be held in one hand and deals a decent amount of damage regardless. Setting the opponent on fire usually helps with that.

This choice was purposeful.

Twilight wants to feel grateful that Wild is already looking out for you too, but the fact that you seem a little too excited about it has Twilight reconsidering the option.

“I love it.” You grin at Wild and it fills Twilight with a familiar sense of dread. “Do I get to keep it?”

“So long as you swing it at the other guys and not towards us.” Wild gives you that same smile.

You giggle, hopping excitedly on the balls of your feet as you grip the hilt of the sword tighter..

Twilight groans and has half the mind to smack Wild. “Why did you give them that?”

“They need something to protect themselves with.” He says decisively, leaving no room for argument.

“...But the flame blade?”

You pause and look back at Twilight. He can vaguely feel where your thoughts are going. But before he can stop you, you speak up with a wide grin. “If this is a problem, can I have the one that freezes stuff instead?”

“Let’s stick with the fire.” Twilight finds himself saying. The only thing worse would be to give you something that would inevitably backfire on all of them. A fire is (unfortunately) more their field of expertise.

Wild chuckles, knowingly giving Twilight a wink over your head. You seemed to enjoy Twilight’s disgruntlement very much, laughing at his expense when he agreed to the weapon. He’s in trouble. He barely fought that.

“Well, that’s all from me.” Wild gives a mock salute as he begins to walk away. “I’m going to catch up with the others.”

“Thank you, Link!” You call out to him and he smiles.

“I think you’ll fit in just fine. Just give the other guys some time to adjust.” He says and walks away.

You gulp quietly and nod. You look down but have nowhere to put your new toy flame blade. “Hmm… That could be a problem.”

Twilight rubs his temple before you shove the sword in his direction.

“Oh wait-! You’re my boyfriend! Hold it for me?”

He coughs but takes it on instinct. He stares at you for a comment before your words sink in. He blushes, feeling it crawl up his neck to the tips of his ears. He hooks the blade to his back, converging with his other sword.

You smile nervously and take his hand again. “...Are we good?”

“We’re good.” He says softly, bringing our hand up to kiss it. “Come. A new chapter awaits us.”

“I can’t wait.”

[isabeauwolf]

Four. Four soulmates. Oh Kamisama no! - Reader x ShiggyOverDabiHawks

Chapter 1 Chapter 2

💞 Chapter 3: The Matchmaking Goddess meddles

A week ago.

It was strange.

Overhaul, Dabi, Shigaraki and Hawks all felt restless.

Something was missing.

This undeniable, uncomfortable tug and pull.

The first night they were all transported from their world and into yours.

Each had felt drowsy, some fighting more than others, no matter what they did; they couldn't shake this feeling, the need to sleep.

Shigaraki and Hawks gave in easily, thinking nothing of it.

Overhaul and Dabi were fighting it.

They both had so much more things to do before they could sleep and rest. Pacing their bedroom, drinking coffee or having another nicotine fix.

Their bodies felt heavy, an unbearable headache forming. Nothing more keeping the pair of Villains awake than pride and stubbornness. After another hour of this agony, both of them gave in and they slept, finding themselves standing in a dark abyss and in-front of a door.

Each one were overly cautious, slowly and hesitantly opening the door. Closing their eyes when the light of the room blinded them for a second, then blinking and refocusing.

What waited behind the door was a woman? Dressed in layers of robes, trailing to the floor, and looked heavy. Expensive. Something out of times of old or a Asian romance drama, filled with princesses gods and folklore. The scent of incense burning filled the room.

"Ah, welcome!" She greeted with a smile on her red painted lips. "Come, sit. Please."

It was bizarre.

All four men were standing in the threshold of their own doorways, yet each one lead into the same room or temple? This woman wear tradition robes of red and white, colorful and handcrafted embroidery in gold thread, hand stitched into her robes; a golden crown with rubies and diamonds atop her head, pinning her hair in place. The woman stands to her feet and moves with elegance and grace, gesturing toward the four seats in front of her.

None of them approached, each eyeing the other in suspicion. Some recognized each other and others didn't. Sizing each other up, eyes focusing and watching for any sign of weakness. Who would stand down first and obey this mysterious woman's command?

None of them moved.

The woman's smile widens, appeared strained. "Gentlemen." She raised her hand, curling her long and slender index finger. "Come and sit, please."

Each one of them felt this invisible tug, yanking them forward against their own accord. Grunts and hisses of discomfort, left Overhaul's, Dabi's and Shigaraki's mouths, each Villain scowling as they tried to pull away.

Hawks moved first, lowering his wings and tucking them in to fit through the door. "Thank you for inviting us, ma'am." Keeping his professional and easy going smile on his face, giving the woman a friendly smile as he went at the end of the four available seats in front of the woman and her desk. Stacks and stacks of scrolls and paperwork spread out before her. The red Winged Hero's eyes flickered downward out of curiosity and his eyes widened, he saw his true name written on one of the scrolls. "What?" He muttered in disbelief as he sat down.

The woman's eyes hardened, her patience thinning. "Oh for heavens sake and the afterlife, I said." She raised her voice, calm and icy, curling her finger once more and tugged harder. "Come here, boys." Her word was harsh and final. "Now."

The uncomfortable tugging forced them forward into the room.

Dabi clicked his tongue, shoved his hands into his pockets, lazily sauntering to the second available seat, he twirled it and faced it backwards before sitting down. "I'm too tired and need a smoke." Resting his arm on the chair with his burnt cheek in the palm of his free hand. "Let's get this over with."

"Agreed." Overhaul sighed, taking a deep breath, marching inside and heading towards the first seat, grabbing a tissue off the woman's desk and scrubbing it, threw it away and sat down; arms crossed over his chest, legs spread wide as his index finger tapped against his forearm.

Shigaraki was the only one, seething and glaring at the woman, refusing out of spite.

The woman's eyes glow into a stormy and heated, silver. Lightening flashes outside, causing the men to jump, but remain seated as a loud thundering boom crashes as she rounds her desk. "Always the most stubborn and troublesome, nutcases who refuse help." She grits her teeth. Raising both hands, a bright red thread appears in the middle of their chests, the red string?

Theirs no way.

It's a trick.

An allusion.

They are dreaming.

Their red strings tug and headed her call.

The woman yanks on Shigaraki's red string harder, forcing him to fall onto the floor, causing him to catch himself, pinky's raised as he hissed from the impact. She continued to pull, the string followed, dragging the light blue haired man like a fisherman hauling in a big fish with a hook and a line. "If you had listened, then I wouldn't have to be so rough with you, stubborn brats."

The more heated and angry the woman become their red strings jolted, throbbed and burned, jerking as Overhaul, Dabi and Hawks remained seated.

Goddamn, this shit hurt.

Even Dabi who's body had been numb to pain since he'd awaken from his coma felt uneasy, feeling the burning from deep inside his body as he grit his teeth. "What is this bullshit?" His body jolted and spasmed, shivering and shook. "Who the fuck are you lady?"

The woman turned her head, stormy glare meeting Dabi's turquoise. "Watch your tone." She tilted her head high. "I am the Goddess of Matching Making and you four are next on my list." She dragged Shigaraki until he was laying down beside the last vacant seat before she let go, eyes turning back to normal and a cheery smile in place. "You four should have felt my call early today, have you all not?"

That's what that was?

The feeling of restlessness and uncomfortable tugging pull they all felt.

Shigaraki chuckled bitter. "Do we look like charity cases to you?" Sitting upright as his red string faded, crossing his legs and arms, glaring at the Goddess.

The Goddess sighed, closing her eyes. Pinching the bridge of her nose between her perfectly painted and manicured nails, "Do you really want me to answer that Tenko Shimura." Reopening her eyes, meeting the villains stunned gaze. "Oh yes." She lowers her hand and smirks, "I know all of your true names." Her eyes scanning each of the men's faces, starting with Overhaul and working down the line. "Kai Chisaki, Touya Todoroki, Tenko Shimura and Keigo Takami."

Their expressions were priceless.

"I am tasked with guiding you four to your soulmates, or should I say soulmate." She hums, leaning back and picking up a piece of parchment, scanning its contents. "You all have been very, very naughty boys." Raising a brow and peaking over the list to stare at the men before her. "I almost feel sorry for the poor woman who your souls and strings are tied to." She shrugged, "Alas, it's only my job to tie your fates, which I have."

"Wait?" Overhaul is the first to speak, thin brows furrowed. "One woman is tied to all of us?" He questioned in confusion. "I thought only one pair was allowed for each match?" He was never a man of faith or religion, but he still attended all of the boring shrine visits and customs out of respect and traditional reasons for Pops.

The Goddess hums in agreement. "True, but this is a very special case and quite rare." Raising her gaze to meet his and lowering the document. "Last time this happened was with Princess Kaguya hundred of years ago."

"Like the folk tale of the Princess on the moon?" Dabi snorted and scoffed. "That's a load of bullshit."

"Folk tales are often based on facts, boy." The Goddess' eyes narrowed. "It's highly unfortunate that her union with her suitors ended in tragedy."

Hawks frowned. "Didn't she leave the mortal plain to become the Moon Princess since she couldn't be with the man she wanted?"

"Yes." The Goddess nodded her head, her mask of professionalism returned. "Romeo and Juliet, Hades and Persephone, Helen of Troy and Paris of Sparta, so many couples based on real lives, stories of old ending in tragic fates." A light frown appears on her beautiful face. "Only in death can they reunite or wait to be reborn in the cycle with no memory of their past lives. Some are fortunate to not remember, or else they might grow mad or die of heartbreak."

"Always together, eternally apart." Hawks whispered, his frown deepening. "For as long as they both shall live."

The air had grown solemn and heavy.

The Goddess cleaned her throat. "Now then." Her professional smile returning. "I will open the gate to send you four into the world of your soulmate. You will not return to your world until she has chosen one of you. Simple."

That got all of their attention.

"What?!" Hawks and Shigaraki yelled at the same time. The Winged Hero in shock and the other in anger.

"You crazy bitch!" Dabi sneered, the fire user stood and knocked his chair over.

Overhaul quickly crouched onto the floor, slipping off a gloved as his hand hovered over inches from the floor. "I don't have time for this nonsense. I have more important work to do." His golden eyes narrowed.

She waves her hand, wearing a fake, cheery smile. "Have a safe journey." She raised her hand once more and pushed them back through the doors they came in.

Falling.

Falling through the darkness, spinning and tumbling faster and faster. The pits of their stomached dropped.

Hawks tried to fly but he couldn't not with his hard drop. "Fuck, we are falling too fast! I can't fly, dammit!"

Dabi felt nauseous as the black void kept spinning. "I'm gonna hurl." He groaned.

Overhaul glared at the black haired villain. "Don't you fucking dare!"

"Shut the fuck up!" Shigaraki screamed, his raspy voice cracked.

They were blinded as the blackness opened up to a starry night sky above them and glittering lights and metropolis of some kind below them.

"You have got to be shitting me!" Hawks hollered as he hit the river below them first.

"Fuck that!" Dabi roared as he activated his quirk at the bottom of his feet to hover in the air. He was disoriented and queasy, swaying back and forth, trying to gain his balance, then Shigaraki body slammed into him from behind. "Oh, fuck-!" He grunted, getting the air knocked out of him as they both fell into the water.

Overhaul braced himself for impact, gritting his teeth and held his breath as his body hit the icy cold water. It shocked his system, but he pushed through it. He tucked his body and rolled, pushing himself upward and swam towards the surface, coughing and stuttering, huffing through his plague mask.

Hawks and Dabi resurfaced, gasping for breath.

The three looked at each other.

"Where the fuck is handfreak?" Dabi couched, blinking and trying to stay afloat. "I owe him a punch in his crusty assed face." He sneered.

"I thought he was with you?" Hawks said, his teeth chattering.

"No, shitstain hit me from behind." Dabi argued.

Overhaul glanced down at the water, groaning in frustration. "If he hasn't risen, then he doesn't know how to swim." He scowled underneath his mask. "Help me find him." The yakuza held his breath and drives back down.

"Don't tell me what to fuckin' do, crow bitch." Dabi grit his teeth and followed after Overhaul anyways.

"Ah man, today sucks." Hawks pouts, holding his breath and followed after the two villains.

They learned that Tomura Shigaraki indeed did not know how to swim.

---- End of Chapter 3 -----

World Building and flashback with a bang! XD I couldn't resist.

My poor babies.

Chapter 1: Ignorance is Bliss

Chapter 2: Unexpected Encounter

Chapter 4: Coming Soon!

Tag list: @cherry-queens-blog @fanofflames @touyas-wife @redr0sewrites @slayfics @dabislittlemouse @doumadono @wtf-ask-baddie-overhaul @number-2-hero-hawks @meeludrawz @kyiratodoroki @lucyblue101 @angelblueflame @nakiich

[theloverboy27]

having a good day and then remembering the nefarious homoerotic friendship

[realtapiocafan]

The Jays - Invisible String

credit: anontatum on twitter

[seiwas]

Hiya! I love your writing and I'm so glad to be seeing you on my dash bc I haven't in a while! For your writing revival game, can I suggest:

"Incandescent" and either Ushijima or Osamu?

hi cheesy! 🥹 this is so nice of you to say, thank you 🥹 i've been a bit on and off here and there over the past few months because work has just been so busy 🥺 but i'm glad to be back here too!! thank you for sending in a prompt 🥹

contains: established relationship, halloween outfits, miya dynamics

osamu + incandescent

there are a lot of reasons why atsumu loves you for his brother―you bring osamu food when he barely has time to eat in the shop, and you send picture updates in the group chat you have with the two of them and ma. you also give him your extra onigiri when osamu says he's had too much.

you're there for osamu in times when he can't be, and for that, he's grateful.

this time though, he thinks he might just be indebted to you.

"people're g'na ask ya to sit on me," osamu glances at your costume before staring at the mirror again. from the dining table across the room, atsumu is holding in his laugh, doing his best to keep the water in his mouth.

tonight is onigiri miya's annual halloween party, and you've managed to somehow convince osamu to dress as a burner―red incandescent light and all.

"so i will," you smile sweetly, adjusting the foam handle of your outfit. the theme for the party is: onigiri miya, and truly, what is more essential to the shop than an electric burner and its pan?

from the side of the room, you think atsumu nearly chokes.

"it'll be cute," you step towards him, reaching for the black switch along his hip, "plus, you even light up!"

in an instant, he glows red, the spiral pattern along his chest lighting up like an electric burner heating up. atsumu snorts, erupting into a fit of laughter as he slaps his knee.

"shit," he wipes a tear while holding up his phone camera, "can't wait f'ma to see this."

osamu looks at him from the mirror, deadpan, "yeah, show'er ya shitty dye job too."

because atsumu doesn’t look any better at all, dressed as none other than osamu for halloween―black long sleeves with an apron, a pair of gloves and osamu's actual work pants. the cap on top of his head rests on temporarily dyed jet black hair, but he's done it in such a haste that his blonde roots are still showing.

you laugh, never quite getting used to their antics despite being a witness to it for years. halloween with the twins is always a memory you look back on fondly, and you don't think this year will be any different at all.

[spicynectarines]

Biggest issue with going to a liberal college is that the campus cafe is always out of lavender syrup

[youwerethedefeated]

Been dreaming a lot about Kagehina lately.. and here I thought the brainrot couldn't get any worse

[bittersweetresilience]

AMELIE GRAHAM DE VANILY

wuthering heights / sense and sensibility / east of eden / the great gatsby / to the lighthouse / don quixote / middlemarch / jane eyre / the sun also rises / watership down

[aroaessidhe]

2023 reads

The Spider And Her Demons

YA Australian urban fantasy/horror

about a Malaysian-Chinese girl who’s half spider-demon, just trying to keep her head down and survive high school

when she accidentally kills and eats a man in front of the most popular girl at school, they strike up a strange friendship and she starts to learn more about herself and the supernatural world

aroacespec/sapphic ish

[isabeauwolf]

Four. Four soulmates. Oh Kamisama no! - Reader x ShiggyOverDabiHawks

Chapter 1 Chapter 3

💞Chapter 2: Unexpected Encounter

After leaving the coffee shop/ bakery you went to the grocery store.

Pulling your heart shaped sticky notes out of your purse as soon as you enter the store, list in hand. Let's see. Garlic, eggs, butter, wipes, hand sanitizer and chocolate. Yup, that's it.

You placed the cold items into your basket first, then quickly made your way towards the middle of the store. Reach for a bottle of hand sanitizer you didn't realize someone was beside you, reaching for the same product until your fingers brushed against a larger gloved hand.

Your eyes widened and your cheeks heated with embarrassed. "Oh my gosh," you turn your head, "I'm so.." your words died on your tongue as you met the most soul piercing, bewitchingly beautiful pair of golden eyes you'd ever seen. Your heart thudding hard in your chest. His pupils were small, but bright, intense and burning, your mouth formed the words before you realized it. "Overhaul?"

The man's heavy lidded gaze, widened. The tips of his ears were red, he quickly shook himself and reschooled his features before awkwardly cleared his throat. "I believe that you are mistaken miss." His gloved grip on the bottle tightened.

You pulled your hand away, bringing your hand to your burning cheek. "Oh God, my apologies." You bowed anyway, grip tightened on your basket as you raised your head, taking in his full appearance. Short chestnut hair or was it alburn? Golden colored iris', a black duster mask covering his mouth and nose, he towered over you, wearing blue jeans and a grey hoodie and white sneakers.

You swear to God he looks and sounds exactly like Kai Chisaki, Overhaul. You'd never forget his introduction into the anime for as long as you lived. "But you look just like him." You muttered, meeting his eyes again. His voice is low, deep and smooth like melting chocolate. You had to stop yourself from pressing your thighs together or biting your bottom lip.

The man raised a thin brow, chuckled. "I've been told that a lot." He's clearly amused by your honesty as he tilts his head. "Are you a fan of his miss?"

"You could say that." You mumble shyly, he heard you.

"Oh?" The Chisaki look-a-like sounded intrigued. "And why is that?"

You swear he sounds, proud? Smug? It was hard to tell with the black duster mask covering the lower half of his face. Keeping his expression hidden. Once again reminded you of the villain with a magenta and golden plague mask.

Such a shame. You think to yourself. Overhaul has a criminally handsome face. "I.. I may not have approved of his methods, but.." you pause, trying to find the right words as you continue to stare into this strangers eyes.

"But what?" His tone was calm with a hint of frustration, his eyes narrowed.

You lick your lips, mouth feeling dry as you swallow nervously. Feeling like you were in the presence of a predator as a chill crawling down your spine, and you visible shuddered. "His intentions were honorable." You whispered, continuing when you noticed his interest was peak. "He wanted to repay the man who saved him. He was like a father to him, well, at least that's how I saw it."

The stranger remained quiet, listening to your praise and banter. His eyes softening. You understood him? Were sympathetic for him? Why did that make his chest swell with pride and his heartbeat quicken?

"Given the harsh life he must have had to endured before The Boss found him." You explained, frowning. "His dream wasn't foolish or selfish. His determination and fierce loyalty for The Shie Hassaikai was extreme and borderline unhealthy." You admitted and lowered your gaze to the floor. "I just can't hate him. Even after he was captured and his cruel fate." You sniff, tears prickling the corners of your eyes.

His eyes widened at your confession. Why did seeing you upset hurt him so? You were a stranger. A woman he didn't know about or existed until a week ago.

The strangle stopped himself from reach out, clearly uncomfortable from your display of distress and emotional outburst. "I'm sure those kind words would be very much appreciated." He replied, his usual monotone was soft and gentle, surprising even himself. "Knowing there was a fan or an admirer out there of his."

You sniffed, misty eyes meeting his own. "Really?" Your frown turned into a beaming smile.

The strangers breath stilled, swallowing a thick lump in his throat and nodded his head. "Yes." He didn't know what possessed him to do it, but he offered you the hand sanitizer in his gloved hand. "Here. You had it first, take it."

"What?" You pulled a pack of pocket tissues from your purse and wipes your eyes, when you glanced down at the bottle he was offering. "But its yours now."

The stranger felt his lips curl underneath his mask. "I insist please."

How could you possibly say no?

"Thank you." You take the offered hand sanitizer with your free hand. Glancing down at the bottle in your hand and giggling, holding it up and pointing at the tiny picture of a lemon on the bottle. "Lemon scent is my favorite."

The stranger nodded his head and hummed in answer. "It's mine as well."

You half turned, placing it into your basket. "Goodbye and have a good day." You smile, wave, fully turning and walking away.

🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛

Overhaul watched you walk away, not realizing he had raised his gloved hand or whispered your name until you fully at the end of the isle, making your way towards the self checkout. "Goodbye, Y/n." It felt foreign for the yakuza boss to say your name.

He resisted this heavy and unbearable pull to follow after you.

He sighed and lowered his gloved hand. His body still felt the tingling sensations from your touch even through the barrier and safety of his gloves. She's not infected. There's no quirks in this world. You are clean. Pure.

Overhaul blinked and shook his head, grabbed a few bottles of the lemon hand sanitizer into his basket and continued his shopping; his golden ear rings in his pierced ear glittering in the light as he twirled on his heels. It was his turn to cook dinner tonight for himself and the rest of unsavory reserve isekai companions.

Stopping in front of the frozen isle, staring down at the prepackaged and frozen salmon fillets as his lips curled into a smug smirk. So the burnt flamed user doesn't like fish, huh? What a weirdo. He grabbed a large bag and placed it into his basket. If he doesn't like it. He can make his own damn meal.

The yakuza's phone buzzed in his pants pocket. He inwardly groaned, pulling his phone out and unlocking it, staring down at the text he got from Hawks. "What the hell does that nosy feathered rat want now."

Annoying Bird: Hey man, how'd it go with our soulmate today? Did ya see her? What was she wearing? I bet it was cute wasn't it?!

Overhaul felt this sudden burst of anger stirring within his gut as Hawks called you cute. Their soulmates. It was stupid. This sudden wave of possessiveness over you. He'd never talked to you until a few minutes ago. Perhaps it had something to do with you saying you were his fan?

He remember the outfit you were wearing: red and black plaid skirt, white long sleeved sweater, black pantyhoes with rose designs on it and red heels.

He'd guess it was considered cute.

He wasn't going to admit it, certainly not to Hawks. His gloved hand hovered over the keypad, a smug smirk tugged on his mouth. Out of the four of them, he was the first one to actually strike up a conversation with you.

Raven: Yeah, I saw her but it was brief.

The tiny dots appeared as The Winged Hero replied.

Annoying Bird: Damn. She must have been hella fast, if you had missed her. Soooo what's for dinner tonight boss man?

Raven: Got Salmon for dinner. Do we have enough rice left?

Annoying Bird: Lemme check.

Three dots appeared.

Annoying Bird: Yup, we've got plenty. Wait? Doesn't Dabi hate fish?

Overhaul clicked his tongue.

Raven: If he wants to let his portion go to waste that's his problem. The ungrateful cur can starve for all I care, if he doesn't want to eat what I prepare for dinner. Or make his own dinner on top of doing the dishes.

They had all agreed, well, most agreed that whoever wasn't cooking dinner that night had to take turns washing dishes.

Annoying Bird: Damn and I thought Endeavor was harsh. You could give'em a run for his money.

"I'm nothing like that hulking fire monkey." Overhaul sneered and wrinkled his nose underneath his mask, gloved grip tightened on his phone, the device groaned as he forced himself to calm down and not accidentally activate his quirk while in public.

Raven: I'll be back in an hour. It's your turn to do chores around the base Hero.

Overhaul re-pocked his phone and resumed his shopping.

He felt his phone buzz in his pocket, but ignored it.

Annoying Bird: Oops.

🪶🪶🪶

On the other side Hawks was scrambling off the couch to pick up the trash Dabi and Shigaraki had left his morning after the flame villain and Overhaul himself left. "Shit! Shit! Shit!" He grabbed a trash bag, opening it and spreading out his feathers to pick up empty cans and take out boxes, bringing them towards him.

Shigaraki awoken from all of the loud noise, his mop of pale blue hair covering his face as he wore his black hoodie, rubbing his eyes and yawned. "What's all the wrackit, birdbrain?"

Hawks turned towards the decay villain, leaning against the threshold of the door way, smiling. "Good you're awake. Come on, gimme a hand. We gotta clean up the place before bird beak comes back and chews our asses."

Shigaraki blinks, then his blood red crimsons narrows. "We? The fuck do you mean we?" His scarred and chapped lips pulls back into a snarl. "There's no we, hero. It's your turn to clean, I ain't helpin."

"Ah, come on Shiggy." Hawks groans, turning and shoving the bag into the villains chest. "Do me this favor, please? I have to do the dishes unless you want to repeat the accident of decentigrading the kitchen sink and room flooding incident again before Overhaul fixed it while going into a bitch fit?"

Shigaraki's pale face turned red, gritting his teeth. "For the last time, it was a fucking accident." He growled, taking the bag with a four fingered grip, muttering curses underneath his breath as he bend down, picking up trash with three fingers and raising two, adding, "And stop calling me 'Shiggy.' We aren't friends dammit!"

Hawks was already in the kitchen, whistling while he washed the dishes. "Thanks Shiggy."

Shigaraki released a sound between a snarl and a hiss. He wanted to furiously scratch at his neck and use his decay on the obnoxious, bratty, stubborn Hero.

Dabi walked into shared small apartment, occupied by four grown men. The black haired villain stopped in his tracks, raised a brow. His mismatched lips quirked as he snickered. "Well aren't you a nice housewife gamer boy."

Shigaraki give the flame villain the middle finger and proceeded to pick up more trash. "Go choke on a sandpaper cock, burnt face."

Dabi laughed, low and mocking. "Oh, you'd like to watch that wouldn't you scar face." He points at his own crotch. "I've got something you can choke on instead, crusty."

Shigaraki glowered. "Fuck no."

"Guy, guy, calm the hell down." Hawks sighs, drying his hand with a red hand towel. The Winged Hero's honey'd eyes went to Dabi's figure. "Can you give me your laundry basket?" Giving him a soft smile.

Dabi shrugged off his jacket and kicked off his boots at the door. "Why do I gotta do it?" Twirling on his feet, shoving his hand into his pocket, pulling out a pack of smokes, pulling one out, stuck it between his lips and lazily trudging his way towards the balcony. He opened the window, sitting on the windowsill and lighting it with his blue flame. "It aint' my turn to be a chore boy," he muttered, inhaling a big drag, holding it and inhale a puff of smoke and exhaling through his nose. "What's wrong feathers scared our crowman's gonna rip ya a new hole or somethin'?" His mismatched lips twisted into a smug smirk, burn scars, piercings and staples pulling wide.

"Hell no, I'm not scared of him." Hawks denied, huffing. "I'm only asking for a tiny bit of help. It's only fair." Hand on his hip as his red feathers ruffled in irritation. "If we are all stuck here we might as well help each other instead of fighting all the time."

Shigaraki tied the trash bag, carefully and dragged it towards Dabi. "Here, since you're blocking the way. Take that out."

Dabi glanced down at the bag of trash. "Don't tell me what to do, handfreak."

"I don't want to help either," Shigaraki pointed towards Hawks, "but it's better than hearing red winged chicken nagging and listening to crow bitches bitching." He clicked his tongue. "Now move or do it, I don't give a fuck."

"Make me, loser." Dabi gave him two middle fingers. "Better yet, blow me."

Shagaraki scratched furious at his neck, seething. "Why the fuck am I stuck with you bastards in this shithole?!" He stomped his feet towards his shared room with Dabi and slammed the door, muttering curses.

"Do you have to antagonize everyone?" Hawks sighed. "We all didn't ask to be here either."

Dabi blew out another smoke ring, rolling his eyes. "What's the point of us being all buddy buddy, if we are supposed to romance the same chick?" Lazily holding the cigarette between his middle and index finger, flicking the ashes off the balcony. The fire user noticed a familiar figure walking towards the apartments, his smug smirk returning. "Oh, look. Toucan's back."

Hawks eyes widened. "Dammit, he's back early!" He picked up the bag of trash, climbed over Dabi's legs and out the window, dropping the bag down into the dumpster bellow, then climbed back inside. Gathering everyone's laundry baskets and heading towards the laundry room.

Well, at least his roommates were entertaining.

---- End of Chapter 2 -----

Chapter 1: Ignorance is Bliss

Chapter 3: The Matchmaking Goddess meddles

Chapter 4: Coming Soon!

Tag list: @cherry-queens-blog @fanofflames @touyas-wife @redr0sewrites @slayfics @dabislittlemouse @doumadono @wtf-ask-baddie-overhaul @number-2-hero-hawks @meeludrawz @kyiratodoroki @m3gumibear @lucyblue101 @nakiich

[chotachica]

If you like dazai from bsd you like gojo from jjk and if you like gojo from jjk you like vash from trigun, its literally stated by god

[neverenoughmarauders]

HP canon debater & fanfics writer

I am in my 30s, genderfluid - she/they - Scandinavian, but live in the UK, and I am a long COVIDer/CFS/ME and lifelong PoTSer!

On this blog, I am (mostly) a canon-compliant Marauder fanfic writer - who likes to discuss the canon. I mostly ship canon (especially JILY!!!, Hinny, Romione, Tedromeda, Remadora) because I am boring, but I adore Prongsfoot and Sebinis, and I’m not anti most non-canon ships if they are true to their canon characterisation.

I will argue and discuss canon with anyone who's interested. If you don't care about canon, fine, but you and I probably won't enjoy each other's posts very much.

I don’t support JKR’s views (Read: I AM EXTREMELY ANTI HER VIEWS). I regularly question whether I should just abandon the fandom because of her (I have stayed away in the past), but then again, I have a strong emotional attachment to these fictional characters.

My fanfictions:

When we were up to no good - long fic that aims to be a canon compliant interpretation of the marauders - obsessively so, if I might add.

Never saw one without the other: a collection of one shots obsessing over Sirius and James' relationship

First betrayal - first ever fanfic - Jily (borderline Jilypads). Set during the first war as Lily discovers she's pregnant

Jily microfics

My @sorenphelps The Bodyguard AU inspired stories can be found here (but check out the whole AU!!!)

Wolfstar stories: A Close Second (Wolfstar raising Harry) and It doesn't matter (a wolfstar and Jily Christmas story)

A bit of anti-werewolf legislation - my Dolores Umbridge fanfic (yeah, I write weird shit!)

When we were up to no good

This long fic consists of 4 parts, and was me very much wanting more fics that are consistent with canon as per this post.

Part 1: I solemnly swear - COMPLETE

Quote: 'No friendship is an accident'

We meet our cast of heroes age 11 and follow them as they become the dear friends we know them to be. James and Snape become sworn enemies. This part ends shortly after the big discovery.

Part 2: Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs.

Quote: 'The best memories come from bad ideas with best friends'

The boys really become that tight-knit group we like to call the marauders: they set out to become animagi; Sirius and James become the popular, bullying gits we see in the Pensieve; the Whomping Willow incident happens and this part ends shortly after Snape's worst memory.

Part 3: Mischief Managed.

Quote: 'They say I changed a lot. I say a lot changed me' 

The war has always been in the background (quite present actually), but it's at this point our story takes a really dark turn. The Marauders face their last two years of Hogwarts, James does some serious growing up, becomes Head Boy - and of course, starts dating Lily Evans. This ends with our heroes graduating Hogwarts.

Part 4: Until the very end.

Quote: ' Let us live, since we must die' 

One Order, a wedding, two childbirths, one prophecy, lots and lots of death, and one big, heart-breaking betrayal.