#no spoilers i can think of for dispersion

[beansprean]

WHAT WE CLUE IN THE SHADOWS: A FINALE CONSPIRACY BOARD

So. WWDITS may have the actual balls to do this to us. and I for one am INCREDIBLY excited for the possibility. If you're a WWDITS fan and haven't seen Clue (1985), I highly recommend taking 95 minutes to do so before the finale. Just in case.

Clue is my favorite movie, I have probably seen it upwards of 100 times for real, and I can recite it from memory with 90% accuracy. I also have the pleasure of owning and playing the WWDITS-themed Clue game, which is centered around finding out who stole the witch's skin hat and where in the house they hid it. I don't know if that will play into the finale at all, but it's something to think about.

The thing about Clue (the film), if you aren't aware, is that there are three different endings. On the vhs/dvd, you see all three in a row between 'that's how it could have happened, but what about this?' title cards. In theaters, there were three versions of the movie (labeled A, B, and C) that were dispersed to different theaters, so depending on where and when you went to see it you would see one of 3 endings. (It's kinda unclear which letter corresponded to which originally, so my labels will be assuming a 1:1 comparison between the order of the home version of Clue and the airing order of the WWDITS episodes.) The Clue endings are not all made equal, and on the home version, the final ending is announced as 'what really happened.'

So allow me to take a moment to talk about how the different endings work in context to each other and the film, and how that could translate to three different endings for WWDITS.

CLUE SPOILERS UNDER THE CUT (for real, go watch it)

(last chance to watch Clue go)

Ending#1: "Communism is just a red herring"

In this ending, the first one that plays in the home version, Miss Scarlet is revealed to be the murderer. She is a snarky, sarcastic madam who runs a "hotel and telephone service to provide men with the company of a young lady for a short while" and has policemen on her payroll. This is what I would consider the expected ending, the one that makes sense for most viewers. It's not shocking, but it's funny and well acted and it makes the most sense. Miss Scarlet has the right personality for murder, was in the most convenient area of the house to commit them, and had Yvette (the maid, formerly one of Miss Scarlet's call girls) committing some of the murders at her direction, so she had enough alibis to not make her too obvious. Many people watching this movie for the first time will have her high on their suspect list.

This ending also dismisses the idea of 'dangerous communism' that had been a thread throughout the film (as it is set in 1953 during the second Red Scare) as a misdirection. Miss Scarlet isn't stealing government secrets to betray the US; she's doing it to make money. The real danger all along was capitalism, something that s6 of WWDITS has said repeatedly.

So, to recap, this is the Standard Ending. The Second Best ending. Version B.

Ending #2: "Mrs. Peacock did it all."

This one, played second in the home version, is in my opinion the weakest ending. It reveals Mrs. Peacock, the neurotic, hysterical, and allegedly politically corrupt wife of a senator, as the murderer. She's hilarious and fantastic to watch throughout the whole film and I love her, but this charm drops after the reveal and she becomes cold and drab as she threatens her way to safety. She committed all the murders herself, which would be very difficult to achieve with the tight timing and her position in the basement during the search.

She ends up being caught outside the house by a police inspector, who had earlier shown up disguised as an evangelist telling her to "repent, the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Interestingly, they originally filmed him immediately shooting her dead without provocation, but they thought that was too dark and edited it into an arrest instead (which is why there is such a quick cut after he pulls his gun, and we only hear her rather than see her after that). This is the 'repent for your sins' ending. You do bad things, bad things happen to you.

The obligatory "it's always who you least expect" ending. The Still-Good-But-Not-The-Best Ending. Version C.

Ending #3: "You're Mr. Boddy!"

This is "how it really happened" - the twist ending! The hero was the villain, the villain was just a pawn, and everyone committed a murder in the house to cover their own asses. Prof Plum killed the fake Mr. Boddy, Miss Scarlet killed the cop, Mrs. Peacock killed Mrs. Ho (the cook), Mrs. White killed Yvette, Colonel Mustard killed the motorist, and Wadsworth/Mr. Boddy killed the singing telegram girl.

Mr. Green, who reveals he works for the FBI, kills Wadsworth/Mr. Boddy and arrests the rest of the cast. Understandably the best and most exciting ending (though not without some plot holes) that everyone loves. We get a surprising reveal from two of our main characters that not only changes the context with how you view them, but informs aspects of their character that have been there throughout the film! Now we understand why Wadsworth retained control of the house and the timeline of events, why he was so familiar with the house, and why this entire thing was orchestrated in the first place. We also understand why the cowardly and clumsy Mr. Green was consistently the first to jump to help and defend the other characters, even when it meant putting himself if physical danger. Unfortunately this ending also suggests that he was only pretending to be gay (wouldn't that be a twist for Guillermo lol), but he could also just be in a lavender marriage which is what I choose to believe.

This ending also has the iconic 'flames on the side of my face' scene and repeats 'communism is a red herring', this time in the context of Mr. Boddy's intention to continue blackmailing them all now that they have taken care of anyone who could have pointed the finger at him.

This is the True Ending. The twist you didn't expect but are delighted to find. The 'nothing was as it seemed' endng. The ending that is the most intentional and complete, where everyone gets to shine. Version A.

So what will we be doing in those shadows?

We can assume that e11 will not revolve around finding a murderer, but it does, from what we've seen in the trailer, revolve around making a wife for the monster. Do we get three different wives? Three different actors to play her? Three different superhero identities for Nandor and Guillermo? Three different levels of nandermo: one with a handshake, one with a hug, one with a kiss? Three different explanations for the origin and/or purpose of the documentary? (this is my personal favorite) Or is each ending entirely divorced from the other? Only time will tell.

What I'm leaning toward is that each episode will come up to the same turning point - a decision, a reveal, etc. The first two versions will have reasonable possibilities, the first less surprising but more enjoyable than the second, and the third... The third will be what really happened, and pull a twist no one saw coming. Perhaps even a character will reveal a hidden identity. Maybe, just maybe...we get Simon the Devious.

I only hope the order of the episodes doesn't change between channels or time zones because that will make things very confusing when liveblogging it in the group chat lmao.

[nrhshm]

Hello!! May i please request an angsty hc/drabble where he patted reader's head or cupped her cheeks,her expression goes :0 and then she starts crying because she rarely received affection from anyone when she was little? with sabo/law and female reader please :)

Right away~~

Sabo and Law with an affection-depirived reader.

. Sfw

. Spoiler free

. Reader is gn (1st pov)

Sabo

The air smelled of fresh blooms, mingling with the earthy scent of the village cobblestones. Your flower stall was modest but well-kept, adorned with colorful arrangements that brought a touch of life to the quiet streets. It was a life of simplicity, one you had built after so many years of darkness.

The villagers were cordial enough—polite smiles and brief greetings—but you knew the truth behind their careful distance. You were the former slave who had been freed by Fisher Tiger. While you were grateful for the life you had now, the shadow of your past loomed large, casting a cloud of fear over the people around you.

But there was one person who always stood out.

Sabo.

He had been a regular at your stall for months now, always buying daffodils. He never said why or who they were for, but his warm smile and gentle demeanor made his visits a highlight of your day. His sunny personality, paired with the sparkle in his eyes, had a way of making you forget the weight of your past, even if only for a few moments.

---

It was a quiet afternoon when the incident happened.

An old woman approached your stall, her expression already sour. “Do you have carnations?” she barked.

You shook your head politely. “I’m sorry, we’re sold out for today.”

Her face twisted with irritation. “Sold out? What kind of flower seller doesn’t have carnations? Useless!”

Her voice rose, drawing the attention of passersby. You tried to remain calm, offering a small smile and a soft apology, but she wasn’t finished.

“You think you can just stand here, pretending to belong in this village?” she spat. “Everyone knows what you are. A slave. A walking liability! How long before the government comes and razes this place because of you?”

The words struck like a physical blow. Your chest tightened, and your breath came in shallow gasps. You couldn’t move, couldn’t speak. The crowd had gathered now, their eyes on you—judging, pitying, or worse, agreeing.

---

“Enough of this.”

The voice cut through the tension like a blade.

Sabo stepped forward, his usually lighthearted demeanor replaced by a calm authority that silenced the murmurs of the crowd. He stood between you and the old woman, his presence commanding and unyielding.

“This behavior is unacceptable,” he said, his tone firm yet composed. “No one, no matter their past, deserves to be treated like this. She’s done nothing but contribute to this village with her kindness and hard work. What have you done, exactly, besides spread bitterness?”

The old woman bristled. “I was just speaking the truth! People like her bring trouble—”

Sabo interrupted her with a polite but pointed smile. “The truth, ma’am, is that she has more strength in her little finger than most of us will ever have. And if you have a problem with her, then perhaps you should reconsider who the real troublemaker is.”

The crowd shifted uneasily. The old woman, her indignation faltering, grumbled something under her breath and walked away.

Sabo turned to the onlookers. “Show’s over, folks. If you don’t have anything kind to say or do, maybe it’s time to get back to your day.”

The villagers dispersed, their curiosity satisfied, leaving the two of you alone.

---

Sabo’s expression softened as he turned back to you. Kneeling slightly, he picked up a daffodil that had fallen during the commotion and gently placed it in your trembling hand.

“Hey,” he said softly, his voice warm and soothing. “It’s okay. You’re okay.”

You stared at the flower, your fingers trembling around its delicate stem. His kindness was like a balm to the raw ache in your chest.

Noticing you were still shaken, Sabo stepped closer and placed a hand gently on your head, his fingers lightly ruffling your hair in an affectionate gesture. “You don’t deserve any of that. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel like you’re less than amazing, okay?”

His words broke something inside you. Tears spilled down your cheeks as the weight of years of judgment and loneliness came crashing down. Without thinking, you threw your arms around him, clinging to him as if he were the only thing keeping you afloat.

Sabo stiffened for a moment, clearly surprised, but then his arms wrapped around you, holding you tightly. “I’ve got you,” he murmured. “You’re safe. You’re not alone.”

You sobbed into his chest, his steady presence grounding you as his words washed over you. For the first time in your life, someone had seen you—not your scars, not your past, but you.

---

When you finally pulled away, you wiped your eyes, feeling lighter yet raw. Sabo gave you a small smile, his hands resting gently on your shoulders.

“Feeling better?” he asked.

You nodded, though your voice was still shaky. “Thank you… for everything.”

He grinned, a hint of his usual playfulness returning. “Anytime. Someone’s gotta look out for you.”

A question lingered in your mind, and you found the courage to ask it. “Sabo… why do you always buy daffodils?”

He blinked, caught off guard, before a soft chuckle escaped him. “Daffodils are a symbol of good luck,” he said. “I like to keep a little luck with me wherever I go.”

His gaze met yours, his smile turning slightly mischievous. “But, you know, I’ve been starting to think it’s not the flowers that bring me luck. It might just be the person selling them.”

Your cheeks flushed, and Sabo laughed, a light, carefree sound that made the heaviness in your chest dissolve.

“Come on,” he said, gesturing to your stall. “Let’s fix this up. You’ve got a business to run, and I’ve got more flowers to buy.”

As the two of you worked side by side, you couldn’t help but feel, for the first time, that maybe, just maybe, the future didn’t have to be so lonely.

Law

The Polar Tang was quiet save for the hum of the engines. The usual raucous energy of the Heart Pirates had settled into an uncharacteristic stillness, a quiet born from the long day of storms both inside and out. You sat in the ship’s medbay, fidgeting with a roll of gauze in your hands, your mind wandering to the events that had left you here.

The mission had been dangerous—too dangerous, according to Law. He had explicitly warned you and the others to tread carefully. But in the heat of the moment, when you saw one of your crewmates in danger, you didn’t think. You rushed in, shielding them, ignoring the pain that came when debris struck your side. You pushed through the fight, brushing off the blood that seeped from your wound.

No one noticed your injury at first. You didn’t let them. Because that’s what you always did—gave everything you had to make sure everyone else was okay, while quietly swallowing your own pain.

It wasn’t until the adrenaline wore off that you collapsed on the deck, the shocked gasps of your crewmates the last thing you remembered before waking up in the medbay.

---

“You’re an idiot.”

Law’s voice was sharp as he entered the room, his steps deliberate as he approached. He didn’t look at you at first, busying himself with medical supplies on the counter.

“I’m fine,” you said softly, your voice betraying your exhaustion.

He turned then, his gray eyes narrowing. “No, you’re not. You could’ve been seriously hurt—or worse. Do you think that’s fine?”

His tone was cutting, but beneath it, you heard something else. Worry.

“I was just trying to help,” you muttered, your gaze dropping to the gauze in your hands.

Law sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I know you were. But you can’t keep doing this—throwing yourself into danger like your life doesn’t matter.”

His words struck a nerve, and you looked away, swallowing the lump that had formed in your throat.

---

“You don’t get it,” you said quietly, your voice trembling. “If I don’t help, if I don’t give something to others, what’s the point? It’s not like anyone’s ever—”

You stopped yourself, biting your lip.

“Ever what?” Law’s voice was softer now, but it still carried weight.

You shook your head, unwilling to meet his gaze. “It doesn’t matter.”

Law was silent for a moment, then he stepped closer, his hands resting on the edge of the bed. “It does matter. You matter.”

The simplicity of his words made your chest ache. You glanced up at him, expecting to see irritation or pity, but his expression was unreadable.

“I don’t—” Your voice broke, and you quickly looked away again.

---

Before you could say more, you felt something unexpected—a hand on your head. Law’s hand. He gently rested it there, his touch firm but surprisingly gentle as his fingers lightly ruffled your hair.

“You don’t always have to be the one giving,” he said quietly, his voice carrying an unusual warmth. “Sometimes, it’s okay to let someone take care of you.”

The lump in your throat grew, and tears stung your eyes. You weren’t used to this—someone comforting you, showing you even a shred of affection. You had spent so long being the one who gave, the one who protected, that you had forgotten what it felt like to receive anything in return.

Tears slipped down your cheeks before you could stop them, and a soft sob escaped you. Law didn’t pull away, his hand still resting on your head, grounding you.

“Why…” Your voice cracked. “Why are you being so nice to me?”

Law’s lips quirked into the faintest of smirks. “Because you’re part of my crew. And I don’t let my crew fall apart—not even the stubborn ones.”

His words were simple, but they carried a weight that made your tears flow even harder. Without thinking, you leaned forward, burying your face in his chest as your emotions overwhelmed you.

---

He stiffened slightly at the contact but didn’t push you away. Instead, his hand moved from your head to your back, giving you an awkward but comforting pat.

“You’re not used to this, are you?” he asked, his tone dry but not unkind.

You laughed through your tears, pulling back just enough to look up at him. “What gave it away?”

Law sighed, shaking his head. “You’re a mess,” he muttered, but there was a softness in his eyes that belied his words.

As the tension in the room eased, you found yourself smiling through your tears. “Thanks, Doc.”

“Don’t thank me yet,” he replied, standing and grabbing a nearby clipboard. “I still have to lecture you about following orders and not getting yourself killed.”

You groaned, flopping back onto the bed dramatically. “Maybe I should’ve just stayed unconscious.”

Law smirked, his usual stoicism giving way to a rare moment of humor. “Don’t tempt me to use Room to keep you in check next time.”

Despite everything, you laughed, the sound light and genuine. For the first time in a long time, you felt like you weren’t alone.

[fatescaprice]

hiiiii ☀️ can i ask for something about aventurine and the reader who is part of the express family (not trailblazer) ? it can be some love at first sight thing, or maybe where they meet again in penacony and turns out they both had some hidden past with eachother b4🤭 of course, you can choose whatever storyline to go with as well with this reader🤍 thank uuuu

aventurine and a nameless reader

content warnings: vague penacony spoilers

note: hello anon!! i went with the second option since i just looove reunions ... i had a lot of fun writing this but i also had to google how a lottery works ... i'm embarrassed ... i hope you enjoy!

You and AVENTURINE had met ages before he became a bigshot at the IPC, back when he was doing Aeons-know-what to scrape by. Whether you were friends or rivals or had to use every fibre in your body to keep yourself from insulting him on sight, you eventually parted ways and both, quite reasonably, assumed that you would never see each other again — the universe was far too big for that, after all. He saw you off as you boarded the Astral Express, and resigned himself to thinking that your meeting was little more than a lucky draw.

That is, of course, until you run into each other by chance in the lobby of the Reverie. He doesn’t pay you much attention at first, but his eyes end up wandering to you almost against his will as he sorts out your grey friend’s room issue. When did you change your hair? Did your voice always have that kind of cadence? His customer-service smile turns a tad more genuine as he turns to you once it’s over and your friends had dispersed within the lobby. “What a pleasant surprise,” he drawls. “Long time no see, huh?”

Aventurine offers to catch up over drinks, if you’re so inclined. Time is money, but that’s how you normally celebrate making new friends and reuniting with old ones, isn’t it? He’ll treat you to whatever you like while you tell him about your travels.

Even after he gets his own business sorted, he can’t help but notice how you two seem to keep running into each other, as if by little twists of fate. Your room across from his, the sound of you laughing with your pink-haired friend in the lobby, the sight of your back as you wander around the Golden Hour.

If fate keeps bringing you together, Aventurine would be a fool to not capitalise on it, wouldn’t he? He’s quick to slink over to your side and suggest a wager: “You look lonely,” he’ll say, rolling a coin back and forth over his knuckles. “Say, if I win big at the lottery over there, how about we spend the rest of the day together? We can even call it a date if you like.”

It’s a bit of an unfair bet, all things considered — he doesn’t often make bets he can’t win, and while it’s little surprise to him as he claims his prize, he also takes the time to relish in your surprised expression. What, did you really think he would lose? Don’t be silly. Now, tell him what you want to do — he’s already planning an itinerary in his head before work inevitably drags him away that evening.

Even as you two spark up another conversation (What’ve you been up to all this time? Got any travel destinations he might like?) he can’t tell you the whole truth, not yet — but in the meantime he can wrap one arm around your waist just like this, and watch how the dreamscape tints your eyes a shade of the most opulent gold.

[agatharkn3ss]

Spoilers!

Theory on Agatha/Rio past

.

.

We know Rio joins the coven next week, climbing out of (what looks like) Sharon's grave and will be part of the next trial.

We also get a sneak peak on how the trial starts - but in the extended version, after the coven disperses to find the clue, we see Rio standing behind Agatha and saying "boo". Agatha seems stirred but eventually she replies a very decisive "No".

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAEWgBZIVeT/?igsh=MW5wcHJtbjJ1N3I3NA==

Now - I, for one, would love this brief moment to be about the sexual tension and how they can't keep away from each other. However, I think Rio's unspoken suggestion is actually about killing the rest of the coven. Especially that in another promo we hear Agatha telling Rio that "she needs these witches to get her what she wants".

So I think their past might be something like they were always just the two of them together against the world, and that they used to find witches for Agatha to syphon power from, and Rio would help her. This would sit well with Rio's chaotic energy and the theory that she's Lady Death.

I also think that despite all her bravado, Agatha actually longs to be a part of a coven. After her own mother's coven turner against her, she would've tried to form her own sisterhood. We see in a promo that she's sucking energy from a group of women around her, so probably another coven turning against her for whatever transgression this time.

It's probably caused by something Agatha did (although in my eyes she can do no wrong!), but I wonder if at some point Rio doesn't start meddling here.

Maybe Rio meets Agatha and becomes fascinated by this loud and unapologetic witch, so she wants her all for herself. She starts meddling so that Agatha is more and more isolated and betrayed by other witches and begins to think that maybe a coven is not something she wants any more and that she can only rely on herself and Rio. Eventually she gives in and the two of them enjoy their lives together, causing chaos and tricking other witches for a few centuries - something akin to Louis and Lestat in the Interview with the Vampire (maybe they even split up because of a child, like the vampires?)

We don't know how long it's been since they've been apart, but we know it's since Agatha acquired the Darkhold, so probably a fair chunk. But now Rio found her again and she misses Agatha and wants back the chaos life they led. She was never intent on killing Agatha, I don't think, but she wanted to see her hurt. But when she finds out Agatha doesn't have her powers, she realises it will be tricky to go back to where they were until Agatha has magic again. She starts scheming again, maybe she even hopes that Agatha will be able to syphon the Salem Seven? Or that Rio can play the hero, save Agatha and show her how much Agatha needs her?

But instead of fighting or running, Agatha assembles a coven. And she actually seems to enjoy it - I mean, look at them singing the ballad. Even though Agatha is impatient to open the gate or get some magic blasts flowing, she does take a pause at the end of the song, clearly enjoying it.

In episode 3 she has her soft moments too. She clearly doesn't feel like part of the sisterhood yet, because she's wary of her past experiences - she tries to protect herself by offsetting any moments of kindness with some jerk behaviour (I think that's the only reason she kicked everyone after sliding out or the first trial) and show them she doesn't need them. But you can tell she fits into her role as a leader so well and maybe even is surprised by it. And just look how she enjoys herself in episode 4 band!

I think Rio is opportunistic, so after Sharon's send off, she sees her way in, but what are her intentions for joining?

She might just enjoy the chaos and hope for fun "like the old times", maybe expecting Agatha to intend to kill the witches like before. Or she might want to keep meddling so that Agatha doesn't abandon her for a coven. Or there is something else and she actually wants something from the Road? Or all of the above?

[chuckeroo777]

Laios got Eaten AU Chapter 86-Finale

Chapters 1-52, Chapters 53-85

Welcome back! It's time to bring this to a close! Expect the chapter format to break down once we get into it!

As always, a spoiler warning for pretty much all of Dungeon Meshi. Let's go!

Chapter 86:

The first bit is mostly the same, except since the pearlipede isn't a weapon, there is no seppuku scare.

Flamela, as usual, has no chill. While she knows Falin isn't to blame, everything is still majorly f***ed. She starts blabbing about what needs to be done now, filling in the hole, evacuating everyone, preparing a substitute lord...

A substitute lord. Falin grows very quiet, a vacant look in her eyes. Marcille knows it all too well. Falin is thinking hard about something.

After a long pause, Falin looks to Marcille. There is an almost frightening intensity in her gaze. An intensity Marcille has only seen once before.

Falin declares that she knows how to stop the Demon for good. She must become lord of the dungeon.

Everyone immediately freaks out. This is clearly an awful idea, and Falin is failing to elaborate.

Before they can get Falin to explain herself, the Demon makes itself known in it's giant form. The raw intensity of Falin's desire has it intrigued.

Falin doesn't say another word as the lion grabs the tower and swallows it whole, the rest of the party completely freaking out.

Chapter 87:

Identical

Chapter 88:

Once they arrive in the bone zone, Falin goes to approach the lion, but Marcille stops her. What exactly is she planning?

Falin takes a deep breath, before wavering, and then grabs Marcille in a tight embrace. Falin begs Marcille and the other's forgiveness for what she is about to do.

Falin kisses Marcille on the lips. Marcille is left stunned for a few seconds too long, and Falin runs off before she can stop her.

Realizing that Falin is about to sacrifice herself, everyone runs after her, but it is too late. Falin stands before the Demon, and states her desire.

"Make me the Lord of the Dungeon. However it has to happen, I desire the power to keep everyone safe from you. Forever."

They watch in horror as the Demon wraps its wings around her, and they both vanish from sight.

Chapter 89:

The demon's pocket dimension starts to shake. The bones begin to swirl and collapse. As the party is dragged under, they catch a brief glimpse of a massive figure rising from the bones. A familiar face, now sporting five hourglass eyes.

Marcille and the others fall into the water. They panic as they are helped up by Namari and the others. Falin did... something. And isn't coming back.

The original chapter structure breaks down completely here.

Nobody is given a chance to process this news, as the dungeon suddenly starts shifting again. Whole swaths are pulled back underground, and the hole in the ceiling begins to seal back up. The dungeon is reverting into it's previous form.

Many of the groups get separated in the panic, and people are dispersed across the dungeon.

Once things settle down a little, Marcille, Senshi, Chilchuck, and Izutsumi find themselves in the fifth level, back in the castle town, on the street were the red dragon fell.

Marcille breaks down into tears, the totality of what has happened finally sinking in. Senshi and Chilchuck have no idea what to say, but do their best to comfort her. Even Izutsumi reluctantly offers a hug.

After a little while, Chilchuck suggests that they should probably start heading for the surface. It shouldn't be too hard, since by sheer luck (or perhaps the dungeon's will), their bags and equipment ended up with them here.

As they awkwardly prepare to leave, they are interrupted by the sound of wings. The Laigon swoops down, and lands in front of them.

There is a moment of panic, but then they realize that the chimera isn't attacking. Laios is so happy to see his friends again, though, he is a little confused. His memories under Thistle's control are hazy, and his vocal cords are malformed, making it tricky for him to talk much.

Marcille and the others are overjoyed that Laios is alright, though the reunion is definitely bittersweet. Laios is devastated to learn that Falin sacrificed herself. But ultimately, they all need to keep going, to honor her memory.

They begin to make their way up the dungeon. Laios is excited to finally be able to assess his new body in his right mind. The dragon's soul is still there in full force, but it's controllable, just like when Laios was first revived. He only wishes his sister was here to see him finally fulfill his dream.

The dungeon is oddly calm, with the monsters keeping to themselves, and there being more fountains and food (Such as patches of Barometz and mandrakes) to be found.

As they progress, they run across more people. They meet up with Toshiro, Namari, Kabru, and Thistle on the third floor, and Laios is quick to apologize for his actions. Kabru immediately throws Thistle under the bus, pointing out that it's him who should be apologizing.

Thistle does not apologize.

After a few days travel, they make their way to the first floor. It is much bigger and more spacious than before. Everyone has met up here to discuss what happens next. Laios sits by the well to conserve his strength. He probably won't be able to leave the dungeon in his current form.

They meet up with Pattadol and get the scoop. It seems that not only has this dungeon calmed down, but dungeons across the world are calming down too. Where normally dungeons try to fan the desires of their inhabitants, the dungeons have all become oddly passive.

Marcille is about to willingly let herself be arrested by the canaries, when there is sudden another rumble. The big well at the center of the plaza begins to bubble, and a shocking figure emerges from the water.

It is Falin, in her full blown demon form.

She has eschewed the lion imagery, instead taking on the form of a terrifying yet elegant centipede woman. Her face is mostly the same, but with three additional eyes peeking out from her messy bangs, all five wide with infinity pupils. Her body is long and serpentine, with dozens of arms lining the sides. Layered golden robes complete the look. She is nearly 20 feet long, and that's only the portion sticking out of the fountain.

Before even figuring out what the hell is going on, Marcille and Laios rush forward and tearfully embrace Falin. Everyone else is understandably shocked and confused, but Falin begins to explain what happened.

When she became lord, she fused with the demon. As an nonliving creature, its will became subsumed by hers. She feared that its one true instinct, the desire to feed on desires, would overwhelm her, and she initially planned to sequester herself away from the world. However, she soon discovered a solution.

Auto-cannibalism.

Yeah, turns out she could just consume her own desire to eat desires, allowing her to assume full control of her new infinite form without the demon's corrupting influence.

(Author's note: Initially, I was struggling to figure out the ending, since a Golbetty solution was the only one I could think of. But then I realized, why does that have to be a downer ending. If I want a happy ending, I can just... do it. Plus, if auto-cannibalism isn't a peak Dungeon Meshi solution, I don't know what is.)

Falin wants to keep her use of her infinite power at a minimum, but there are a few things she definitely wants to do. First, she makes sure everyone who was affected by Marcille's reign is healed up.

Next, with Laios' help to guide her hand, she modifies his chimera form so he can live comfortably on the surface. The wings have to go, and he is made considerably smaller, more resembling a draconic centaur.

She then begins the process of ejecting the golden country from the dungeon. Once Yaad is returned to his body, he ends up being made the leader of the restored nation. The orcs are of course allowed in, and it eventually becomes a prosperous nation.

After determining that he is only capable of very rudimentary magic without his book, The elves release Thistle into the kingdom's custody a few years later. Thistle never reunites with Delgal, but at least his people are happy. He proceeds to be the grumpy court mage.

Chilchuck moves to Kahka Brud and opens a shop. He eventually reunites with his wife with Marcille's help, and the two reconcile.

Senshi returns to living in the dungeon. It is now mostly just level 6 and 7, though Falin creates plenty of caves and spaces for biodiversity to proliferate. Senshi primarily lives in the new first floor, tending the golems. He is able to massively expand his operation, becoming Melini and Kahka Brud's primary provider of cabbage and root vegetables.

Falin proposes that with her new powers, she could seperate Izutsumi's components safely. But after giving it a good hard think over a few weeks, Izutsumi realizes... she doesn't actually want that. The only reason she ever wanted that was because people treated her as an unnatural freak. And after hanging out with people who respect her for what she is, she no longer wants to give up what makes her 'her'. She ends up living around Melini, mostly squatting with her friends and hunting monsters with Laios. She does end up finding the dark mage who created her, and gets him put away for life.

While Demon Falin is a kindhearted soul, there is one instance the canaries noticed where she was extremely uncooperative. When attempting to arrest Marcille for her dungeon lord shenanigans, Falin kept changing the subject, and getting progressively more annoyed. They ultimately decide to let her have Marcille, not wanting to piss off the young goddess.

Kabru ends up becoming the governor of the dungeon, keeping track of coming and goings, making sure everyone explores safely, and generally making sure things run smoothly. Mithrun ends up retiring from the canaries and decides to work with Kabru.

Toshiro returns to the east, but he periodically still comes back to visit Falin and his friends. After a few more years of dungeoneering, Namari ends up opening an armor and weapons store.

While his home is in the dungeon, Laios ends up working for Yaad and the kingdom, using his knowledge and chimera strength to hunt down dangerous monsters spotted around the kingdom.

Falin is restricted to the dungeon, but she doesn't mind as long as all her friends are able to visit. She ends up being revered as the new deity of Melini. While she mostly doesn't want to use her powers willy nilly, she is always happy to heal those who ask. Plus, she is present in all the remaining ancient dungeons, ensuring they all remain stable and safe for those wishing to explore them.

Marcille of course lives in the dungeon with Falin, and continues to study magic, particularly of the ancient variety. She makes all sorts of useful discoveries over the years, and comes to be rather famous, despite her criminal past. Eventually, Falin ends up making Marcille a chimera so that Falin, Marcille, and Laios can be together for a very long time. Plus, Marcille and Falin have all sorts of real freaky sex.

And they all lived happily ever after. The end.

Thanks to everyone who has enjoyed my silly little AU. I hope you enjoyed this crazy finale, even if it's 90% wish fulfillment on my part.

Till next time!

[thatlittlered]

the shadow | celebrimbor

warning(s): afab!reader, spoilers for the rings of power

GIF by @fukutomichi

author's note: nurse! she's out and reading wuthering heights again!

this is chapter five of "the craft"

-.-.-

 Wine flows plenty in your cups, more than one would expect from an elven celebration. Alas, it is not a day of joy only for Elves, but for Dwarves as well, united as they stand now, bound by an amicable agreement and the hope of a prosperous new day. Celebrimbor shines among you, the Lord of Eregion and Creator of the Rings, etched in time and history as of now.

 You cannot tear your eyes away during his speech. From across the room, his gaze catches yours as he speaks, widening his smile. You will gladly let him have this moment for his own, relish in it while you bask in the glow of him.

 ‘To a lasting friendship between Elves and Dwarves.’

 From the corner of your eye, Lord Annatar can be seen retiring from the company, more solemn than you would expect on such a joyous day. Celebrimbor notices as well, judging by the furrowing of his brows. Annatar is a mystery in itself, a higher being by your beloved’s words, but that is all you know about him. The cloud that shrouds him hinders your ability to trust, however helpful he might make himself. Especially so when you see the effect his departure has on Celebrimbor.

 The Dwarves do not seem offended, half a mind on their cups and another half on the Seven they have been gifted - or traded, to be precise. Celebrimbor joins you where you stand, gleeful once again when he is looking only at you. His eyes fall on the still-full goblet in your hand.

 ‘Do you not enjoy this wine?’

 You laugh, ‘Do not worry yourself with every trivial matter, my love. I will drink at the table, with you by my side.’

 His hand reaches for your unoccupied one, bringing it to his lips. His gaze is soft but you can see his eyes, torn between you and the balcony. You can feel his nerves as if nestled within your own body. Perhaps love has made you One.

 ‘Will you see everyone to the dining room? I will join you in a moment.’

 You would not deny him, not on this day. Still, your own worry for him persists.

 ‘I do not think my word counts as that of the Lord of Eregion does. Perhaps it is better that you do.’

 ‘You are to be Lady of Eregion. Your word and mine are one and the same.’ His thumb is tender on your cheek, paying no mind to whomever might be watching, ‘Please, Melthoreth.’

 How can one refuse?

 ‘Now, let us all pass to the dining room. Wine is rather heavy on an empty stomach.’

 The crowd disperses easily, led by attendants of the palace while Celebrimbor places his own cup in your empty hand. A kiss is laid on your forehead as apologies. ‘I won’t be long now,’ he whispers in your hair and you smile.

 True to his word, he is not. Your Dwarven friends are happy to have him on the table, as are you, but there is something amiss, no matter how he forces his smile. His worry, now permanently nestled in your gut as your own, persists. Privacy is needed if you are to discover what the cause of it is.

-.-.-

 Privacy, unfortunately, comes only in the deep of the night, when all guests have retired, sated with plenty drink and food. Celebrimbor, per his duty, escorted the Dwarven Lords to their chambers before retiring himself, to your surprise, without paying you a visit. Well then, if he will not come to you… you must go to him.

 The corridors are dark and empty, yet you have grown to feel comfortable in the palace even in his absence. The certainty of his love, warmer than sunlight, embraces you everywhere you stand. You see him in the art painted on the grand walls, in the meticulous details of the chandeliers, in the corners of the ceilings carved into holly leaves. The city is his child, born of his love for every thing. Who loves he who loves all else? You must. You will protect his heart, inside your gentle hands.

 For the very first time since the beginning of your nightly visits to each other, there is a guard stationed outside his door. You suppose it is to be expected, given the presence of foreign royalty in the palace. Eregion does not often host guests, especially not of the non-Elven kind. The thought makes you smile, proud of your beloved’s accomplishment. ‘A time of peace,’ he had whispered in your ear when you lay together, ‘to ensure that naught will keep us apart.’ A half-truth, for you know Celebrimbor is not one for selfish intentions, but a truth nonetheless. With the completion of the Seven, there is naught to keep you apart.

 Not even Harthalion, a friend to both his Lord and you, and well aware that you are most definitely not someone he needs be guarded from. The door is held open for you as he nods in respect, bidding you goodnight.

 His bedchamber is empty, bed still made and study piled with sketches and designs; undoubtedly connected to the many piles gathered in his forge. The bath chamber is where he lies, submerged in warm water, the scent of lavender filling the air. He is lost in thought, looking intently at the sliver of mithril in his hand.

 ‘Melda?’

 The spell of pensiveness is broken, but he does not fear. Only surprise can be found in his eyes when he looks at you, his upper half riding up the water, revealing him to you as you have not yet seen him. A single pair of candles burns in the corner of the room, but he would swear their light burned brighter when you entered. There is a whisper of your name from his mouth.

 His beckon draws you nearer, your hand coming to rest on his, firmly grasping the edge of the tub. His head falls upon it and his lips press on your knuckles before staying there, as if breathing in the scent of your skin. Your other hand tangles in his hair, caressing the soft locks. Water drips from it, down his cheeks where you tenderly kiss the drops off his skin. Celebrimbor melts at the comfort.

 ‘I thought this a night of celebration. What troubles your dear heart?’

 He does not answer, emerald eyes looking up at you before returning to the precious piece of the ore. Your fingers gently cradle his jaw, bringing him back to you. ‘A burden shared is a burden halved. Do not keep from me, my love.’

 ‘I never can. You are half of me, it is as if I have known you all my life.’

 ‘Is such the ease you feel in my presence?’

 His eyes close, ‘Beyond even that, as if tethered to you,’ as if sawn at the rib and torn apart, truly two halves of a whole, ‘it is simply inescapable.’

 ‘Do you wish to escape it?’

 ‘No, never.’

 Your forehead comes to rest on his. ‘You are half of me as I am half of you… let me share your sorrows, as I share your joys.’

 ‘I am not certain it is a sorrow.’

 ‘What is it then?’

 An unease, a concern rooted where he cannot take you. Things hide there that you do not know.

 ‘Annatar insists on the making of more rings.’

 ‘More rings? For Men?’

 ‘His reasoning is sound. The Realm of Men has taken the brunt of Morgoth’s destruction, that much cannot be denied.’

 Your frown deepens at the thought, ‘True as it may be, they have also proven to be most susceptible to his influence. They cannot be trusted with such power, especially as evil reappears on their lands.’

 ‘It is that power that they need in order to banish it from them.’

 Your breathing is loud in the small chamber. ‘Have you written to Lindon about it? Perhaps the High King’s opinion would help.’

 There is a shift in the air at the mention of Lindon, one that cannot be missed.

 ‘The High King was against the creation of the Three, even when it was his own people’s last chance to remain on Middle Earth. I do not need to write to him to know his answer when it concerns peoples he does not even trust.’

 ‘Gil-galad is not a tyrant. A discussion would, at the very least, bring forth another perspective. Besides, he did, in time, give permission for the forge of the Three, and the Seven as well, did he not?’

 Celebrimbor does not meet your eyes. An earnest child with no treacherous bone in his body, his mother had called him once.

 ‘I fear we do not have that time, just as we did not have it then.’

 ‘Malthenhir,’ your honeyed mouth wills him to look at you, ‘do not keep from me.’

 ‘I do not.’

 ‘Have you lied to the High King? To me?’

 The taste is bitter on his tongue. You believe him, of course.

 Never. Malthenhir is the name of he who lives only for your touch, who blooms as if a flower below the Sun that is your gaze. It was Telperinquar, son of Curufin, grandson of the great Fëanor, who did. The last keeper of a certain sort of sin, long inherited; ambition. No, he has not lied. What other choice was there, truly?

 ‘Annatar insists, but I have refused.’

 Your frown melts away, ‘The matter has been put to rest then, why does it continue to trouble you?’

 ‘He will make them nonetheless.’

 ‘Without your oversight? That is unheard of - insulting even.’

 There is a half-hearted laugh from him, ‘I do not know if one has room to be insulted by the actions of a god.’

 ‘If he truly is that.’

 His mouth opens, but words fail him. ‘You have not seen what I have. He is no earthly being.’

 ‘Perhaps, but that fact alone does not grant him trust without measure.’

 His hand leaves your hold, dipping back into the water that is starting to cool. There is a scar running down his chest, a marking of the First Age and his life as a warrior, now long forgotten by most, but not his skin. What he might call ambition in pursuing greatness, might just be the urge to leave the same mark on the world as it has left on him.

 ‘Where am I to place my trust if not in a god?’

 Your hand reaches for his own again. ‘Place it in me, where you know it will never be betrayed. Your gifts are precious, Celebrimbor, they need to be protected as such.’

 He hums, ‘Perhaps that is your gift; to calm a storm with only an embrace.’

 ‘If I could make it so, no worry would ever come to you again, my love.’

 His voice breaks when he reaches for you, ‘I do not deserve such kindness.’

 ‘Only good things are deserved by the likes of you, Celebrimbor.’

 The way he kisses you is careless - desperate. He is a man on fire and only your holy mouth can put it out. You feel him drag himself up higher in the tub, hands firmly grasping your cheeks before venturing lower. He is pulling at your arms, then your waist, trying to bring you closer. He only stops when he sees the brooch pinned on your chest. It is the holly leaf he has given you. He removes it with reverence, placing it aside. The realization makes his resolve waver, timidness overwhelming him again.

 You are happy to continue for him. Your belt is shed first, then your tunic. The sheerness of your underclothes makes you glow in the candlelight. A nymph. An otherworldly being, more beautiful than any of the Children of Ilúvatar. One with a mouth so sweet, it could cause winter to melt into spring. Light to reach where darkness has been since the Dawn of Time. Do you know this of yourself? How can he tell you - show you?

 He closes his eyes when you shed your final layer and join him. You think out of respect, but that is not the only reason. He is simply too weak, too overwhelmed with even the notion of your bare form. He is a weak and timid man, he thinks, but you love him nonetheless. That must count for something.

 A giggle escapes that holy mouth, ‘Will you never look at me again, Malthenhir?’

 His eyes open slowly. Sinful as the rest of you may be, he can look nowhere but your eyes. Eternity lies within them.

 ‘I would look at you forever.’

 Your gaze softens, ‘Be careful what you wish for. That is time we have now.’

 ‘How have I kept myself from you for so long?’ his hand flies to your face, still bewitched. It dares not wander further.

 ‘You have been busy, with things greater than you, or I.’

 ‘There is nothing greater than you,’ he assures, ‘forgive me, if I have not shown you that. I often do not know how.’

 ‘Do not torture yourself, my love. I do not blame you for the responsibilities that were placed upon you.’

 You move closer and his hand takes the opportunity to trail further, goosebumps in its entire wake. He wants to have you closer, as close as two bodies can be without morphing into one. Perhaps that would be acceptable as well, so long as he never has to part from you again. The flush of his cheeks deepens as he places both his hands below your thighs, bringing you so that there is but a breath keeping you apart. Your thighs rest on his, his large hands keeping you in place by the waist while he takes the time to look at you again.

 ‘How inconsiderate of the Valar… to send all these gifts my way at once.’

 You smile, hands tangling in his hair again, in the way he so loves. ‘Am I a gift?’

 He kisses your cheekbone, your chin, your neck.

 ‘The greatest I have ever been given.’

 ‘Love is not given, Malthenhir. It is earned, and you have earned mine.’

 Adoration pours out from every inch of his body for you, his eyes are only the beginning. But, oh, how his eyes love you.

 ‘If only I had known you sooner.’

 ‘Sooner?’

 He hums, his head finding the perfect home in the crook of your neck. He lays kisses there, abundant.

 ‘Sooner. From the moment I came to exist, if I could help it,’ his head turns to the side, kissing his way down the slope of your shoulder, ‘although in my heart, I feel I have known you forever. I simply knew not your face.’

 ‘You know it now, my heart. There is no use in mourning the time lost when so much of it is still left.’

 He rises again to meet your eyes, ‘What if there isn’t? It was not long ago that we were threatened with extinction if we did not depart for where there is no return from.’

 ‘It is your own achievement that has gifted us more time. Enough to fight this war.’

 ‘And if we lose?’

 Your frown deepens, heart breaking at the sight of him so vulnerable, ‘What do you mean, my sweet?’

 ‘I cannot bear the thought of being separated from you now that I’ve found you,’ he grasps your face, his expression one of anguish, ‘no longer for perhaps a day,’ he gives a bitter laugh, ‘and even that would feel as if eternity, I fear.’

‘No parting is permanent, meleth nîn. Time can only separate two for so long before they are together again.’

 He shakes his head, tears escaping from his lovely eyes. Them, too, you kiss away, but they do not stop. They are a knife in you, plunged into your side and twisted so that his sorrow might drown you too. You must carry you both to shore.

 ‘You must never go where I cannot follow.’

 ‘There is nowhere I would want to go, where you cannot follow. If we are ever to be apart, it will not be of my choosing.’

 You have both lost far too many, to a power than no being on Middle Earth might ever resist. The end of your time here is not for you to know, as nothing had prepared you for that of others’.

 ‘Haunt me then,’ he weeps, ‘do not leave me to the Shadow.’

 ‘Do not go to it,’ you whisper. You welcome him into your arms completely, cradling his very being in your own if that is what it takes to shield it from the horrors, ‘Seek the light leading to the Shores of the Morning. Whatever happens, we will find each other there.’

 ‘I cannot lose you. I have finally found you, after so long.’ His sobs are muffled against your skin.

 ‘You will not lose me,’ you assure him with a caress, ‘you have given me a name. You know my face, my voice. You can never lose me now… it is the tether binding us together. You need only look, and you will find me.’

His cries soften in the comfort of your embrace. The heat of your naked skin envelops him, soldering the two of you together.

You kiss him, salty tears on both of your tongues, and he returns it. Desperate again, he holds on to every part of you he can grasp, tasting you again and again until that is all his mind knows. You stay here, interlocked and connected as any two separate beings can be, parting only when the water runs cold and both candles have burned down to their wicks.

 When abed, you cling to each other again. ‘For what it’s worth,’ you whisper in the deep of night, a mere hour before the Sun comes up again, ‘I will do everything in my power not to separate from you. No longer for perhaps a day, and even that would feel as if eternity, I fear,’ you repeat his words, ‘and do not worry yourself. You and I, together, will settle the matter of the Rings come morning.’

 His breathing in your ear is peaceful when he kisses you, drifting asleep to the sound of your heart. None of this will matter when morning comes. He will wake, he will dress, and he will kiss you softly.

 He will go to the Shadow.

-.-.-

Melthoreth = (poetically translated) she who speaks sweetly

melda = beloved, dear

Malthenhir = (poetically translated) master of golden hands

Telperinquar = the Quenya version of Celebrimbor's father-name

meleth nîn = my love

[xielianlover2]

Headcanon #13:

This one is likely canon. Xie Lian was a decent and capable cook before his parents died, but after he asked for the cursed shackle and had his luck dispersed to others, his cooking started to taste awful due to bad luck. His tendency to experiment with ingredients and create new dishes each time was a way to remember his mother and her simple excitement at making food for her son and his friends. I think he really regretted snapping at her and not appreciating her efforts until it was too late. His attempts to recreate her cooking experiments were in honor of her memory.

Later, after his shackles are shattered, Xie Lian's cooking begins to improve. At first, just by a smidgen, but over time, he gets better and better until people actually start coming to his temple just to eat his meals. He still constantly experiments with new dishes, and Hua Cheng always insists on having the first bite so he can share his thoughts on the latest creation with his gege.

Spoiler alert: It’s always perfect in Hua Cheng’s eye. After all, anything Xie Lian makes is the most delicious thing in all the Three Realms to him.

Previous Headcanon | Next Headcanon

[miraclecherryblossomsblog]

ANOTHER AU IDEA

Had this idea......like black myth wukong but YOU'RE the one that has to bring him back? Or something along that.....

still rotating this idea in my head but kinda goes like this:

Tw bit of spoilers of the game?, reader becomes a monkey, for my fellas who haven't read the novel.....me either lol

This shi long I'm sorry 😞

Like it starts like most of the fics where reader gets send from our world to the journey to the west

and with all your panic and existential crisis u fail to notice that u got a tail now..........and ur hairy, hairier than usual. Your feet freak The out the most when you start to really take note of ur body

The scream u letted out when u catch ur reflection in a nearby river think that most of the mountain heard it lol 💀💀💀

Takes u a few slaps to realize ur not dreaming and it is indeed the real shi

A long walk takes you to the Mount Huaguo where you get an overwhelming welcome from all the monkey dudes, specially the kiddos surrounding you and asking u lots of stuff while ur brain's a minute from explosion

After a long moment the others take you to the old monkey to figure what's or what could be happening

That's where he tells you about wukong's story and how he dispersed into the artifacts (what happens at the start of the game)

You knew about him cuz ur sorta of simp fan although you only knew certain parts from the story (cough cough overly sarcastic productions cough cough)

That's where you're being told ur probably the chosen one which would explain why you were sent here in the first place says the old monkey

you slap yourself a few more times JUST in case ur really alive rn (guess the earlier ones didn't kick in then lol)

and also you find out that only by bringing the relics back you can go back to ur og form and get a chance to go back home...

so ur like "fuck it we ball" energy cuz u really got no choice XDDDD

Feel like stuff would go a bit different, still unsure if I want the destined one to exist here or no

OH SHI WAIT mabey he could be like a bodyguard sended with you and the whole twist of him being wukongs mind still happens? Hehe it's coming together HEHEHEEEEEEEEEEE

Also mabey add like ur like wukong's spouse reincarnation which is why u slowly get like lil bits of memories of yall together?

But I don't wanna make it with the wife dies and gets reborn stuff

I wanna go different 😈

AND YALL GOTTA WAIT FOR PART TWO TO KNOW WHAT I MEAN HAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[chipperchemical]

this is an ABSOLUTE crackfic for the 2 Jimpulse enjoyers out there

spoilers for Grian's newest Guess The Build episode (the Unlikely Pairings one). this moment was just so ??????

⊱ ─── ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ ─── ⊰

"So... You think I'm cute?" Jimmy opened with a smile. The recording was over and the others had all dispersed into their own directions -- except Jimmy and Impulse, who stayed sitting inside the box with Impulse's build in it, with Jimmy perched on the small table that was built and Impulse slumped on the floor with his back against the wall. At the question, Impulse huffed and pulled his legs up to his chest, looking away.

"I don't even want to talk about it dude..." Impulse laughed dryly, dropping his head to hide between his knees in his embarrassment, "It just slipped out. I wasn't- It didn't- Ughhhh...."

"Hey, it's alright to think I'm cute!" Jimmy exclaimed, watching Impulse shift slightly, "It was just- pretty sudden," he laughed, "But- But I don't mind. Not at all."

"You don't mind?" Came Impulse's muffled response.

"No! No, never." Heat crept up his cheeks slightly, "It's sweet, actually."

At that, Impulse looked up again, revealing his own bright red face. "Well- uh-" He spluttered which caused him to look away again, much to Jimmy's disappointment, "I could always... say it more often?" Impulse instantly winced at his own words and buried his face again, "I'm sorry, that was--"

"--You can say it more." Jimmy interrupted before Impulse could doubt himself too much. He hopped off of the table and walked over, acting much more confident than he felt, as indicated by his thumping heart. Impulse glanced up again as Jimmy sat directly in front of him, smiling. "I like it."

"Well... I meant it." Impulse maintained eye contact as he spoke, itching for a reaction although he was nervous. Jimmy just smiled that beautiful, cute smile. "You are cute."

"I could get used to that."

[mydearestbeloved]

okay, you said illusion is part of reader's arsenal so i think it would be cool if she has an AOE skill where she creates a fragrant field of flowers that heals and buffs allies but any enemies that step into the field will be teleport back to the other side before they can cross over it, kinda like a never ending loop? samsara? the cycle of life and birth? (i was inspired seeing shu arknights skill set)

?System¿: [Under review. Ideas considered for future versions.]

Interesting idea you got there. 🤩

You might notice by now that I love giving some logics behind what was supposed to be pure magic, if I can. That's one of my ways to make this story concept a bit more distinct than the others, and also a way for me to fit in the original narratives. Because as far as I know, from spoilers of the webnovel/novel and game, and from the webtoon/manhwa and anime, the mechanics of healer class hunter's power is not widely explained and developed. It's like filling in the gaps/plotholes with what-ifs and all that. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. 🙏

So, let me clarify a few things about the current Reader's powers as of now (12/11/2024):

For AOE heals, buffs, and even enemies debuffs, Reader's butterflies already got that covered.

The butterflies' main power is inspired by the very nature of butterflies in real life, pollination. While they might not be as effective as bees in that regard, they still feed on flowers' nectar (enemies' lifeforce). When they do this, their bodies collect pollen (excess energy) and carry it to other plants (allies) to help produce new seeds (in the form of heals and buffs).

The reason I also choose butterflies instead of bees are for their physical appearance. Hear me out first before anyone could get mad.

I'm not saying that I chose butterflies purely because of their aesthetics, over the effectiveness of bees. What I'm trying to say is that bees' have visible stinger, butterflies don't. This fact plays part in the Reader's vibe of being beautiful but deadly. Illusions is one of the reasons we perceive something that were actually dangerous as harmless, it tricked us into thinking that something so pleasing to the eyes couldn't possible hurt us, yet reality says otherwise. As the saying goes, "Don't let the looks fool you."

Now onto the 'field of flowers' concept in what is as of currently the latest drafted chapter of my Trial Player AU.

Plants in general absorb carbondioxide (mana, or other versions of it, like the contaminated ones) and produce oxygen (lifeforce) in exchange.

Additionally, in my story, the concept applied is that living beings continuously produce their own mana while they're alive. If they're freshly dead, there will only be residue mana from being alive just moments prior, limited and will be dispersed into the atmosphere as time goes on.

To simplify: 'Lifeforce' is the essence of mana. Being alive automatically produce mana, hence taking just a small amount of 'lifeforce' sourced from living beings can be converted to an abundant amount of mana. However, while Reader can still take back a mana's essence with the flower field, the field needs to take a larger amount of mana (CO2) just to produce smaller amount of 'lifeforce' (O2) to then be used by the butterflies (conduits) in a cycle and for Reader herself.

Hence the scenes in my Trial Player AU rendition of Solo Leveling's Demon Castle Arc. The land are roaming with demons and the undeads, perfect for the flower field. Though there's a catch that I can't fully explain for now, the 'contaminated' mana of the creatures there. The current Jinwoo in the manhwa can't extract Metus' shadow for exactly that reason, and while Reader was still able to use that mana, the contamination in it will have an effect on her, as shown briefly at the end of the chapter.

Last but not least, your Samsara cycle idea.

Awesome idea actually, one I want to ask for your permission to incorporate this concept in the future since you're the one who brought it up. 🙏

As of you know now, the current Reader's power is limited. To use that idea of yours now would be to imply that Reader could've reversed wounds to heal instead of accelerating cells (or other automatic biological processes) and subsequently trigger <Decay> if too much was sped up.

The current her was already struggling with <Erode>, a spell that supposedly accelerate weathering (not an automatic process) that needs outer factors like water, air, sunlight, or the help of living organisms, in which she managed to substitue them with applying more mana, hence the cost, time, and focus she needs to use the spell.

To simplify, to reverse a wound would be to reverse the cause of that very wound, hence dominion over space is also required, not just time. To make a 'Samsara Cycle' as you described needed the same power of space and time. A limitation for the current Reader...

For now. 🤫😉

---

That's all I can say for now regarding your ask. Hopefully, this was a satisfactory answer.

Thank you, for reading my stories, for your ideas, and for giving me the opportunity to share my own ideas. 💞

[javiersprincess]

tags: written for @prettyboykatsuki in mind. reader is gn, and is a rouge with a thief/street urchin background. marriage and discussion of children. takes place in act 3, spoilers for wyll’s personal quest. discussion of marriage. fluff.

synopsis: you overhear wyll bragging to the children. at first you think nothing of it until you hear him say somethings you weren’t privy to.

Wyll is good with children, a truth not doubted but known ever since you had met the fabled folk hero in the Emerald Grove. It’s something you hardly do not think of, if you don’t want to end up in some sort of frenzy of thoughts better left unsaid. At least for the chapter of life you two are currently in. Maybe, you think as you clutch the wishing acorn the love of your life had gifted you in the palm of your hand, maybe when all this is over you could discuss such things as a family with him. When Wyll is free of Mizora’s hands completely, when his father is safe from all plots and schemes and when the little friend in your head has been cast out - yes, you think, you would like to utter the words of a family to Wyll’s ever so kind ear.

Unlike you however, your intended is not as patient as you can hear him bragging to the tiefling children you have both met and saved in your travels to Baldur’s Gate. It makes you chuff, like a pleased tiger and shake your head oh so fondly as he utters tales of your adventures. As you draw near you can make out the words - he’s telling the tales of defeating the goblin camp leaders. The adventure feels like a lifetime ago but not the phantom ache of the knot on your head you sustained from Dror Ragzlin knocking you well and good on the head.

You hear one of the kids, Mattis with his shaggy dark hair and mischievous eyes that glitter like the gold he covets with his not-so-lucky rings.

“Looks like you don’t do much now, do you Blade of Frontiers?” Mattis mocks, snickering behind his red hand. Wyll laughs good-naturedly, letting the teasing roll off his back smoothly like water off a duck’s wing. It’s something you envy, how Wyll is never riled up by such empty words. Mattis pouts, petulant as he throws another half baked insult at the man.

“And what’s with you letting your allies take such a beating - first Karlach now this? Having a hard time picturing what good you are for Blade?” Wyll huffs a chuckle, a smug smile tugging at his full lips and you stare a little too deeply at how white his teeth are in the afternoon sun.

“Things are different now you see - I have another story for you…” Wyll continues on with the tale of where you fought off Roah Moonglow, a Zhentarim trader who stole all the gold in the common’s people’s coffers; there had been a fatal mistake that you had made and Wyll had saved you at the perfect time. Even had a second to spare to throw in a witty comeback and a brilliant smile your way before the fight continued. Mattis’s face scowled as even he had to admit that the story succeeded in making the Blade appear just as cool as you and Karlach.

If barely.

“So what’s different now? Did you finally know how to hold your own in a fight?” Mattis pouts, conceding that maybe the Blade of Frontiers was more cool than dorky. Wyll grins, brilliant teeth on display at the apple of his cheeks raised.

“I’m their husband now. No one can ever hurt them while I’m around.”

Scratch that. The Blade of Frontiers will forever be corny in the eyes of these tiefling children for as long as you and Karlach live - they even think that know-it-all wizard that hangs around you is cool by default. The children all gag, making their sounds of disgust with Mattis being the loudest of them all. They are quick to disperse, going off to do what children do best in the times they live in and you approach Wyll as they leave.

“Calling yourself my husband now are we? It’s been less than a tenday since you asked me to be yours. Unless we’ve had a ceremony within the same amount of time - I think it’s a little too soon to call you such a revered title.”

Wyll jumps at the sound of your voice, your quiet steps always managing to go under his senses. It makes you laugh a little, how the smallest testaments of your background manage to slip past the hero’s defenses. You watch with adoring eyes as Wyll flushes with a warmth that makes him shine in the daylight as he brings a hand to rub at the back of his neck from embarrassment.

“Please - don’t tell me you heard all of that?”

“Oh yes I did. Every word in fact.”

Wyll hisses in embarrassment, and even then he doesn’t hesitate to look back into your eyes when you gently run your hand on his arm.

“Do you mean that - that nothing can hurt me while you are with me?” You ask your voice soft with tentativeness. He softens, gaze going from embarrassment to an eager honesty simmered with so much affection you neve once thought you would be looked at with. Wyll is a smart man, perspective and he knows what it is you ask - the battles that you have yet to face but will have to as fate decrees; its golden thread dictating every action and word that is to be spoken.

Wyll takes the hand on his arm into his and gazes at you, the brown of his eyes turning golden under the warmth of his words.

“Yes, truly. I may be the Blade of Frontiers sworn to protect the Sword Coast but,” he pauses to lick his lips as if tasting the sweetness of his confession before uttering it to you, “I am first and foremost a blade sworn to you. So whenever our enemies are drawn near, don’t hesitate to point me their way.”

The devotion is heavy in each word spoken, something you had never been witness to - loyalty and devotion only gets you killed in the streets. So it takes you a moment to collect yourself, to pick yourself off the floor from the weight of the goodness Wyll holds for you. You swallow before speaking, your voice thick.

“You already asked me to marry you - you don’t need to lay it on thick.” You say, trying to deflect but Wyll only smiles, eyes fond and gently as he lets his thumb caress the top of your hand.

“I know, I can’t help but be sweet to you. And I swear to the Helm I’ll live up to my word everyday.”

You smile, lacing your fingers with his.

“I’ll hold it to you Lord Ravengard.”

“I hope to exceed all expectations.” His smile is smig but his words are warm - lovinging and truthful. Just as Wyll always is.

[natureboy96]

In Support of Tamlin - characters who have done terrible things and been redeemed

Here we go with another one :p I think that Tamlin has done things that are unforgivable, mostly his abusive treatment towards Feyre. I don't think this one terrible thing makes him irredeemable, and has made effort to be better than he was at his worst, and I do dislike the thought of people/characters being judged solely by their worst actions without a chance to be better. So, in support of the idea that Tamlin deserves a redemption arc for his good deeds after his bad ones, I want to start compiling a list of characters who, like Tamlin, have done terrible things and still found a way to be better, if not good outright. And of course, SPOILERS FOR THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS/STORIES

Feel free to add your own in response, in the comments or in reblogs!

Zuko, from Avatar: the Last Airbender - his actions: lead a chase to kidnap the avatar, physically fighting and hurting the main cast, burning a village down, threatening violence on citizens, stealing goods and food from citizens, helping overthrow an entire kingdom, betraying his Uncle who only wanted him to be the best he could be. His redemption: trains Aang to fight and defeat his abusive father, thus saving the nation he helped conquer and the world at large while helping the individual members of the main cast with personal problems, apologizes to his Uncle.

Loki, from the MCU - his actions: acts of terrorism, murder and betrayal of his family, mind controlling people to do evil against their will, multiple attempts at murdering his brother. His redemption: After the death of his mother, Loki works with Thor to avenge her death and later unite against world ending threats multiple times

Filip Nagata, from The Expanse: His actions: the son of a megalomaniac, he commits multiple murders in the name of his father and is in part responsible for dropping asteroids on earth, killing millions of people in the event and aftermath. He kidnaps his mother and physically strikes her, at his father's encouragement. His redemption: this one is ongoing, last we see. After his mother's words while she was held prisoner make him realize how much pain he inflicted, he leaves his father's ship, changes his last name to his mother's and spends the rest of his life trying to do good, knowing it won't ever make up for the harm he was a part of causing. not sure if it counts as redemption fully, but it's an attempt to do better with the life his mother helped save.

The Beast, from Beauty and the Beast: His actions: He was a cruel and selfish youth, turned away old ladies into the cold, raged and berated his servants, imprisons Belle's father then takes her prisoner in exchange, intimidates and frightens Belle with his rage, threats and destruction of property. His redemption: saves Belle from a pack of wolves, learns to be considerate of her needs and interests and how to be kind, releases her from his captivity when he realizes he has feelings for her and she needs to rescue her father

Baptiste, from Overwatch: His actions: working with an infamous mercenary which was responsible for several high profile assassinations and civilian casualties. His redemption: Leaving said mercenary group and trying to use his healing knowledge to help where he can.

Luke Castellan, from Percy Jackson Series: His actions: looking for revenge against his father, he works with the evil titan Kronos to try and overthrow the gods, rallying armies of monstrous creatures, stealing from the gods and attempting murder on his friends multiple times, nearly bringing about the end of the world. His redemption: after attempting to flee and abandon Kronos' army when it became too much for him, he ultimately stops the titan from being fully reborn by sacrificing himself, dispersing the titan's essence so he could never (hopefully) reform and be a threat again.

Alexis Rose, from Schitt's Creek: Her actions: She acts selfishly in regards to her needs/wants, lies to Ted about wanting to marry him to avoid difficult conversations and sleeps with Mutt while they were engages. Her redemption: Alexis learns to become a better, well rounded person, recognizes her mistakes and takes ownership for them by apologizing, And becomes a person willing to put another person's happiness and needs above her own, even if it means losing someone she loves.

Michael, from The Good Place: His actions: as a literal demon, he's spent innumerable years torturing humans in the afterlife, making it his goal to create new and innovative methods of torture when he creates the false Good Place. His redemption: after being forced to ally with the humans he had planned on torturing to save himself, he comes to understand human morality and becomes a deeply moral person himself, at points willing to sacrifice himself to save the humans he'd initially intended to torture and working to make the afterlife a better place for all humanity.

Ebenezer Scrooge, from A Christmas Carol: His actions: Aside from being personally stingy with his money, he is cruel to everyone he interacts with, including his employee and his nephew, giving the former barely enough to support his large family despite the work he does. His redemption: after seeing where his life went wrong, so to speak, and how his actions impact his present and his future, he decides to become kinder and more generous with his money and affection, making sure Tiny Tim receives the care needed so he lives to grow up.

[pacing-er]

The Krakoa Era Reading List Cherik Version (PART 3):

5. Hellfire Gala

This one confused me a bit since I expected it to be considered its own separate collection of stories. It was actually entirely contained within Reign of X. Not to be confused with the 2022 and 2023 runs which are separate and may be ignored for now. See the Part 2 of my Krakoa reading list for my thoughts.

6. Trials of X

The start of this series was my absolute favorite. You got the Trial of Magneto which was just a great story with lots of twists and fun characterization moments for Erik. It takes off immediately after the dramatic ending of the Hellfire Gala/Reign of X storyline, and you have the option to read only the parts with Magneto via the Trial of Magneto TPB. If you read this as part of the entire Trials of X collection there will be other side plots and issues dispersed throughout, which Charles and Erik will largely not be included in. Trial of Magneto is contained in Volumes 1-2 and Volume 3 is entirely skippable.

After this we get the continuation of the Nightcrawler/Legion vs Onslaught storyline, which was super trippy and a fantastic read. There are several mentions of Onslaught and Legion being half-brothers and Onslaught refers to his creators as "fathers" lol any mention of Onslaught being Magneto and Charles's lovechild just made me super happy. Legion's characterization in the Krakoa era is super endearing and there are several scenes where we get to see his unhealthy dynamic with Charles (mostly on Charles part lmao he is a terrible father, poor David was just tryna help 😭).

A moment of appreciation for these covers, I'm obsessed with them.

As for Cherik levels, the fact that their kid(s) are a large part of this story makes it worth reading, but we don't actually see Onslaught referred to as a son by either of them. He is more of a "thing" and a problem, which is fair bc he is literally the manifestation of both of their evils. There is a scene where the possessed!Erik is viciously protecting the possessed!Charles, which I really liked even though it was brief. Then the anti-Onslaught team (including Magneto) is chasing down a possessed!Charles cornering him in a clever trap designed by Legion. Once released from Onslaughts control we get this super cute panel:

Look at him holding Charles hand 🥰🥰🥰 They then immediately get vaporized and we hardly see them again for 5 whole volumes. Spoilers aside I really loved the solution to the Onslaught problem and thought the end of this arc was very satisfying! All of this was neatly contained in Volumes 4-5 of the Trials of X TPB, but there may be a collected version of just Nightcrawler and Legion's storyline that I'm unaware of. I hope so bc I really loved it and there's just WAY too many side plots that I don't care about even a little bit in the main collection. The Onslaught saga is distributed throughout Reign of X and Trials of X and it'd be great to see the complete story without interruptions.

As I mentioned, we then don't see Charles and Erik again until Volume 10. I had expected a resurrection scene bc they did both die but I guess that's implied to happen off screen? Anyways Volumes 6-9 I think there are literally only two panels that have either of them in it so safe to say you can skip those if you are only reading for Cherik.

Their inclusion in Volumes 10-12 are sparse with them mostly having their moments in Silent Council meetings and impersonations of Charles in the Hole™. They finally reveal what goes on in the Hole™ which was super interesting and worth reading imo. Also it's great to see them get along in these volumes, they finish each other's sentences and even when they disagree they are mostly civil XD

Overall some great stuff despite the long lull in the middle 👍 See the rest of my Krakoa reviews under #krakoa era reading list

[autumnslance]

FFXIV Write 2024: 21 Shade

(You can all blame @voidsentprinces and one of their posts for inspiring this one cuz I sure as heck am. Spoilers through Dawntrail.)

-

In the colorful forests of Kozama’uka, a strange movement of light green catches my eye. For a moment, I imagine.

“This one finds this forest so lively! Will these ones feast soon with the bright feathered ones again?”

It was a trick of the light on banana leaves. The shade of our little courageous one is gone again.

-

We’re still in Kozama’uka, but the roar of the waterfalls is below instead of above, and we’re trying to reach out to the bandits harassing the Potsworn.

I think of a boy with gold hair and an eager smile, no longer wearing blue. “You gave me a second chance, and I’ve never regretted it. We’ll find a way to help them, too!”

I blink, and realize the only resemblance in the bandit before me is that he’s young and blond. The shade of our foolishly brave boy is gone again.

-

I cross the bridge to Shaaloani, with its hot, dry plains rolling into the distance, eventually leading to grasslands in the northeast and craggy hills in the west, toward what was Yyasulani.

A Landsguard officer speaks an order, but in familiar tones, a comrade to his men. His voice stirs a memory, and my mind wanders again.

“We’re a long away from Quarrymill, but this reminds me in some ways of home. I bet you still hear thanks enough whenever you go back.”

I look at the soldiers laughing with each other before dispersing to their duties. The shade of our revolutionary captain is gone again.

-

The sky always seems so close in Worlar’s Echo. The Yok Huy see a few more traders these days. I’m watching the moon cross the sky when someone lights a pipe, the smoke wafting past my nose. Comfortable as I am, I’m halfway to dreaming already.

“Foolishness. We know what it is now, hardly deserving the veneration bestowed upon it for so long. And you surely have better things to do than mourn the likes of me.”

I turn to protest, but now I am fully awake and see the pelupelu merchants smoking and haggling. The shade of our spiteful witch is gone again.

-

There’s a sense of responsibility to the people afflicted with levin sickness, especially the children. I make sure that Oblivion is getting the families everything they need. I visit the first boy we met with this illness, and offer a treat of real fruit juice from the farms. It’s a good day, and he smiles as he sips, his mother smiling through her tears as he manages the straw.

“You learn to take what moments of happiness you can get. You figured out how to help the light afflicted and the tempered; this too will be defeated in time. But find the little victories where you can meanwhile.”

I look up from the boy’s bed. It’s just him, his mother, and me in the room. The shade of our fierce carer is gone again.

-

I’m still awake in the pre-dawn hours, so take a mug of mate with me to the end of the boardwalk to watch the dawn. The endless blue of the water, with the light piercing into my eyes, makes me remember a similar sight at the end and start of everything.

“There is no true challenge in this land. ‘Tis a wonder you are not bored. But you always have found meaning and pleasure in people and their small matters.”

The sun continues rising and the city wakes. The shade of my antagonistic mirror is gone again.

I finish my mate, return to my cabin, and go to bed.

-

They come and go, these ghostly memories. Some not as much as they used to, since that journey into the aetherial sea. Perhaps their aid and that last chance to say goodbye made a difference.

Maybe I am simply sentimental.

“The burden of heroes and leaders,” one of my newer ones says. “We spend all our time fighting for their lives and happiness, and feel it keenly when we fail them. Yet they helped to shape us, and so stay with us. And we strive to do better by those who come after them.”

I look up, but the shade of that heroic father is gone, the echo of his boisterous laugh ringing through his city’s streets, in his daughter’s own laughter. She waves to me now, her brother, her nephew, and our comrades with her. They are all exuberant and bright and alive, with so much possibility ahead.

I laugh as I wave to my friends.

[whatyadrawin]

The Fruit After the Flesh 18+ - Chapter 8

Minors DNI!

Masterlist

Approximately 2,872 words

Pairing: Thomas Hewitt (Headcanon) x AFAB reader

This chapters Warnings:  Sexual language and events, foul language. This is Slasher smut, be mindful of that and use discretion.

A/n: This chapter escalates very quickly. I want to point something out though, as I feel it is important to note which can be found at the bottom of this chapter due to it being a spoiler. Let me know if you want to be in the tag list. I update chapter progress on the masterlist whenever something changes.

Please enjoy this chapter! I worked very hard on it so reblogs, comments, and likes are appreciated very much.

Tag-List: @fan-goddess

Chapter 8

The sun began to pass the middle of the sky, your clothes were wet after you raced to put them on when Tommy left the pond running.

You walked through the forest, juniper trees are sparingly dispersed with the mesquite, the thick branches are heavy with blue buds which smell like cedar. As you get to the edge of the forest you smile as the dangling foliage of the mesquite tickles your shoulders when passing through.

You get inside the house and Luda Mae lets out a sigh of relief,

“Oh sweetheart, I was worried sick about you. Thought you went and got lost in the dang wilderness!”

You wrinkle your brows upwards, you feel awful having made Luda Mae stressed,

“I’m so sorry! I saw a pond when I was exploring and couldn’t help but go for a swim, it was refreshing” you say apologetically,

Luda Mae smiled as she put her hands on her hips,

“You went as far as the pond? Lord, I haven’t been out there in ages. You best try to avoid going through that forest alone hun, it has a lot of dangerous old garbage left over from past times. Take Thomas with you when you next feel like a swim, he knows the forest well.”

You smirk to yourself thinking about Tommy getting all wet and upset in the pond with you, but then you realized she must have not seen him come in yet, -she would have seen him soaking wet and known he was with me?- You look out the window to see if Tommy was in the barn, Luda Mae noticed you looking outside frantically so she asks,

“Everything all right dear? You look like a hen searchin’ for seeds.”

You turn to her and ask,

“Did you see Thomas come in at all?”

“Charlie said he saw Thomas head inside and go to his room, something happen?” she sounded confused as to what he problem could be.

“Oh no, I just…” you paused and thought it may be best to not let her know you were flirting naked with her son in the pond, “…wondered why he wasn’t up here getting his lunch is all.” You hoped to sound authentic.

Luda Mae squinted her eyes at you through her glasses, she didn’t say a word for a good minute,

“That’s strange, I told him to come right back with you for lunch. He’s usually mighty hungry by this time of the day. I’ll go check on him.” She made her way towards the basement door but turned to you and said, “You didn’t see him at all out there?”

“I was just swimming in the pond” you felt bad not being honest but it wasn’t like you were lying, you were just swimming after all. She closed the door behind her as she entered the basement, you hoped Tommy would keep it on the down low about you being a total tease in the pond -I don’t think Luda Mae would want to hear about her son being a peeping tom- you hoped you could get him to ‘accidentally’ peep on you once more just to see his pants get tight again; it was a unique experience to be so perverted after so many years of chastity. You wanted to let yourself loose and play with danger, the thrill gave you adrenaline that aroused you deeply, but you knew there could be serious consequences if Thomas was the kind of man to go too far when giving in to temptation.

Luda Mae returns, she looks a bit upset and it had you panicking internally,

“Is he ok?” you ask hastily,

She tightens her lips into a crooked form, and raises an eyebrow,

“He was gettin’ changed and said he wanted to be left alone. I’m gonna bring his lunch down to him. Must be tired from all the work he’s been doin’ in the barn what with moving all that old lumber ‘round and what not.”

You feel relieved to hear he didn’t tell her what he got up to, but you didn’t like keeping things from Luda Mae. A feeling entered your mind, one of regret and anxiety, -oh no, what if he’s mad at me? Maybe I overstepped a boundary and now he doesn’t want to see me!- In your excitement of being a tease you didn’t stop to think how it could actually be hurtful to him, -maybe he feels embarrassed or violated, or something because of what I did, fuck!- Now you felt sick, you wanted to go check on him and ask if you upset him and apologize if you did but you decided to give him space and try to talk with him tomorrow.

After you ate your lunch, you spent most of the afternoon moving your belongings into the room Luda Mae gave you. The shelves and armoires were big enough to fit everything you owned if you wanted, and the bay window was so charming next to the writing desk, it made you feel so happy being able to live with this family.

Dinner time rolled around and you didn’t see Thomas come up at all, Luda Mae had to go bring his dinner down to him. That night you slept poorly, the whole night was just rumination about what you might have done wrong and how you ruined everything by letting your libido take priority for once, -of course the one time I let loose, I get punished. Why do I have to live quietly, why can’t I just give in and be free with my body!?- You felt cursed.

-

You woke up early the next day and put a robe over your racy night garments, you wandered slowly toward the kitchen to grab some coffee and toast, you were still feeling anxious and upset from last night and were not in the mood to eat much of anything. Of course, Luda Mae was already up bright and early, her hair was frazzled and she was wearing a long white nightgown like a Victorian estate owner,

“Hey hun, how did you sleep?” her voice was gravelly and quiet, you didn’t want to worry her so you lied and said it was very good. You went on to ask,

“I need to do some laundry, is there a washer and dryer in the house somewhere?”

Luda Mae nodded slowly, she said,

“Down in the basement, there’s a room with a washer but no dryer, it went and broke on us a few years back and we just hang it all outside now. Theres a clothing line out back, I can show you when the washers finished.” You thank her and finish up your measly excuse for a meal and head to the restroom to get your laundry bin.

You look in the mirror and realize -oh shit, Tommy’s down there! I should freshen up a bit- You brush your teeth and pin up your hair in a cute half up-do, you find a more attractive robe, a short one, black with cherry pattern details on it, you made this one yourself with silk, it matched your sleeping garments. You spritz on a gentle, fresh perfume and thank god that your lash extensions were lasting this long.  If you were going to apologize to the man, you might as well look cute doing it, -I hope he is more inclined to forgive someone who looks cute…-

The basement door was really damaged, there were deep cuts and scuffs in the wood which led to the paint cracking all over the place. You felt a bit nervous going down to his domain but you were determined to make things right. Luda Mae passed by on her way upstairs and said,

“Make sure you stay down there for the whole wash cycle hun, the dang thing sometimes stops and has to be manually resumed.” She continued on her way upstairs.

You take a few steps; it was exceedingly dark and you weren’t able to see much, you carefully felt for each step with one foot as you made your way down, your red, fluffy, low-heeled slippers didn’t help much. Nearing the bottom, you see a dim light from an old bulb, it’s enough to help you see the rest of the stairs. The basement was quiet and dark, it creeped you out but it was clean at least. The floor was lined with old cement, you saw a long hall where on the left side there was one enormous sliding door made of steel, on the right you saw a small interior door, an old double door next to it, and towards the end there was a corner, all you could see was a dim red light. You were curious about the basement, but it scared you too much to look around, so you look for the laundry instead.

You turn to the right and see that right next to the staircase was an alcove with an old top-load washer and dryer, you walk over to it, the floor to this alcove was old crème colored tile and dark greyish-blue walls, there was a fluorescent light that flicked on when you used the light switch on the wall, it quietly buzzed at you which just added to the eerie feeling. You let out a sigh and began placing your clothes into the old washing machine, there was powder detergent sitting on the ledge of a tub sink where the washer would flush out the dirty water after its cycle.

When everything was ready to go, you turned on the washer and it quietly starting gushing water onto the clothes. You look behind you and see no one is around, you feel a bit anxious, hoping Tommy would come out at any moment and let you know what was on his mind, but the hall remained empty. You waited for a while and got bored of having nothing to look at, so you decide to wander the hall and see what the red light around the corner was.

As you rounded the edge of the wall you saw an old walnut wood door, there were small brass letters nailed into the door that spelled ‘T.H’ the red color of the light gave the area a menacing appearance. -well now I know which door I can’t go through- you decide to head to the old double door and take a look inside; this room was horribly dark, the slot windows were covered in overgrown plants and the wall on the doors side had a massive creepy looking furnace from another time, the rest of the room was sparsely riddled with old furniture and junk.

This basement was fairly boring to you, the small interior door only led to a dingy washroom with a horribly outdated and unkept tub and shower head. The final door was the huge steel sliding door, it looked like the kind of door you would see in a fish market, this made you curious. You tried to push the door but it was unreasonably heavy, you put your whole-body weight into it and it barely moved. The more you tried the more you were out of breath, you took a second to rest before trying again, this time it was able to budge far enough for you to get a glimpse into the darkness where you could barely make out some silhouettes – are those…hanging hooks?-

Just when you wanted to push for a better view, the door is forcefully slammed shut, your arm is grabbed and you are spun around with your back pushed into the cold steel making you let out a soft whimper. You look up to see Tommy looking down at you, his massive hand was effortlessly pinning your arm against the door, his other hand on the door itself keeping it firmly closed. Your other hand was free, trying to steady your body as it flattened against the sliding door.

“Tommy!” you said his name with surprise, you didn’t even hear him leave his room.

He slowly released your hand and backed away, closing his eyes in relief, he pointed at the door and shook his head.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know I wasn’t allowed in there.” You spoke earnestly.

Tommy ran his hand through his hair, and hung his head as he rested his other hand on his hips, he nodded and made his way back to his room, but you call out to him before he could turn the corner,

“Tommy wait, I want to talk to you if that’s ok?”

He turned and came back up to you, the top of his chest was exposed from his grey tank top which had a damaged rock band logo on it; he had soft and loose black cotton pants on that had a handmade drawstring which dangled lazily over top his generous mound. He still had on that leather face mask, it did nothing but tease you, it felt like you would never get to see his true face.

Tommy followed as you walk over towards the washer which had just finished its spin cycle,

“Sorry, I need to get my clothes out of the wash. I wanted to ask if you were mad at me?”

Tommy furrowed his eyebrows, he looked perplexed by your words but did not respond, so you continue,

“After how I behaved in the pond yesterday, I didn’t know that it upset you and I wanted to apologize.”

Tommy let out a sigh, you felt alone in this one-sided conversation, you wish you could read his mind. You turn your back to him so you could continue grabbing your damp laundry, you follow up saying,

“I didn’t know where your boundaries were and maybe I was feeling a little too confident, I feel like I was inappropriate. I want to know how you feel about it.”

You don’t hear him say anything, you expected him to be silent, yet you still wanted to offer the option to respond. Just when you think you were annoying him further, you are pressed against the washing machine from behind, large arms cover over top of yours and his hands pin yours down, they were so big that they fully covered your own entirely. Your whole body is caged in by Tommy’s massive form, you could feel your heart beating so fast you thought it would explode.

Having this beast of a man enshroud you like this was a swift reminder of just how powerful he was, you could feel an ache inside you, a wet slick began to form between your legs and the moment felt intoxicating. Tommy leaned down, your body was unable to resist following his motion, he had you bent forward and unable to move, but you didn’t want to move. You instinctively arch your back and press into Tommy’s pelvic area, you could feel a growing density press through his soft cotton pants and into your delicate center.

You hitched a sharp breath when he pushed himself into you, it was overwhelmingly erotic and before you could let out a moan you hear him speak,

“You fear me?” his deep growling words were carried by a smooth southern accent, you could hear him begin to breathe a bit heavier.

You bite your lip, and reply in a breathy whisper,

“Yes”

He let out a low, amused laugh. For some reason you felt like being bratty, you couldn’t help but push him, seeing if he would snap and do something about you,

“I’m going to keep doing it”

He lets out a playful “Hm?” he knew what you wanted to keep doing but he wanted to hear you say it. His body now pressing in tightly, making it hard for you to breathe, your breasts began to spill out of the robe which caught his eye. He was now so firm that it hurt your soft folds through your panties, this did nothing but burgeon fluids further out of your entrance which soaked the fabric barrier between you both. You continue, your tone now devilish and seductive,

“I’m going to keep pushing you, until you unravel.”

Tommy knew he could never let loose how he wanted, but he liked playing your little game. He never felt such raw emotion before and you made him feel crazy with desire.

He lowered his head so his mouth was just above your ear, and spoke hushed, but firm,

“Good”

-----------

He releases you from his grip and heads back to his room. You remain there still, and speechless, you were left an aroused mess from the interaction, but it gave you clarity for your anxious concerns. You never upset him, you didn’t go too far, Tommy was just as twisted as you were and wanted to see how far you could take him. You knew however, that he was restraining himself, you knew there was a potential for him to break. You wanted him to claim you, You wanted to feel something raw and real, something free and wicked. You wanted him to pour kerosene on the fire inside of you and touch the flames as he watches it burn.

Next chapter-

A/N Continued: So, Thomas behaves in a way that has some real world controversy. He is forceful and threatening, Y/N is depicted as wanting to play cat and mouse with him and push him to break so they find out how dangerous he really is. The same interactions are nowadays being used as part of a harmful rhetoric spewed out of the mouths of misogynists which they claim excuses sexual assault towards women and femmes. I want you to be comfortable in knowing that I am not about that shit and that my only relation to it is via consensual and responsible kink. The activities in my fics are all JUST fantasy and nothing more. I know I shouldn't have to clarify that, but none of you know me as a person and it can suck when you read a fic and find out the author is a creep (it taints the story IMO), so I wanted to put you at ease. I hope you enjoyed this chapter :)

[theultimatekamehamehavoc]

Kyoko time! Also, keep in mind, spoilers ahead ^v^

For her first outfit, the casual attire, it's nothing too crazy. Feel she'd still be rocking those boots as she's older. Kyoko just gives me boot energy after all. I like to think she's got strong legs and can kick fairly well, her boots adding to that strength. At the same time though, I just feel she just really enjoys wearing boots. Maybe it's that extra height or the very chunky look they have. Whatever the case though, she's a woman who's not giving up those boots. Additionally, I'll be honest. Most of the choices I made for her casual attire are entirely off of vibes. For instance, I feel she'd still be a skirt gal which is why she has a skirt here. This also applies to the bow on the back of her hair and the braids. How I interpret Kyoko is that she's not one to wear overly girly accessories that are very bright, loud, and vibrant. However, she still enjoys the subtle show of her femininity and feeling pretty! Thus, the braids and the black bow stay! They're just moved to the back of the head instead of one side. As for her work attire, for one, she's still doing detective work in my au, perhaps helping Makoto on the side since they're both roommates in the same apartment. I also decided to give her pants for her work attire, not because she couldn't do it with a skirt. This is Kyoko after all! She'd be able to manage. Feel with age though, Kyoko would be less likely to prioritize her style and instead goes for practicality for work. She has more of a social life now anyway so she can let her style shine and be as pretty as she wants then. Oh, and before I forget, she's got an eyepatch too! I left it open for interpretation in regards on what exactly happened. For those who mostly ignore the anime's addition to the canon, it can just be that she got the injury during a case. For those who like aspects of the anime though, the scar on her face is from that time she almost died. With how the poison dispersed, I like giving her this scar to show that effect! Plus, if they were going to do a fake out death and not just kill her off, at LEAST give it some impact by having her be physically scarred! That's my 2 cents here though!

As for physical features, I drew her a bit more stocky here, still very much a feminine shape though stronger as well. After all, she's still fairly active though it's not like she's jacked or anything either. I don't think she'd lean to wanting a more muscled appearance. Not to say she couldn't kick ass! Her legs have a bit of toned muscle to them and her arms do as well. It's all subtle though! Moreover, I like to think though that Kyoko's in a good balance from how she treated detective work back then though. Though she'd still do some risks for solving a case, she's less likely to throw her entire life in jeopardy. She's ensuring she's eating properly, treating her body well. Thus, the pear shape of her body is showing a bit more here as well as the fact that she's a grown woman. I also thought it'd be cute that, no matter if Makoto or Kyoko ever become parents, they are destined to have mom and dad bods, even if it's subtle. Additionally, with her age, life experience, and all that she's gone through in her life along with the others, she is much more willing to accept aid. Perhaps during her time working on case work at home, she gets some input from Makoto since they're living together and she also generally respects Makoto's thoughts and opinions. Some other aspects of her physical appearance I wish to mention here is her hair. I honed in a bit more on that practical feeling for her by having it shorter but still expressing her femininity. She's also wearing Makoto's boxers here as well. Just wanted to drop that tidbit in there as well >:]

For the most part, I can say I'm fairly happy with how she's turned out! A good mix of what makes Kyoko who she is with a mix of my own flairs! More to come soon! (1) | (3)