#nostalgic flavor; [ 1 ]

[emacrow]

Lilith, The Mistress of Fear is getting her small scarecrow. By emacrow/prompt creator pt 1

It was her turn to watch over the young king in his latest, most rarest vacation, reincarnation at the finest.

Unfortunately, being alive is the cost she paid gratefully because the last reincarnation vacation his majesty had took was ended shortly due to the idiotic ghost guard who fell to watch him.

This time Fright Knight was smart enough to use the reincarnation trip easy enough, but being reborn in a woman body that was shocking similar to her own original body from back then was nostalgic in a tragic way.

Same two birthmarks under her right dark emerald eye and right side of her mouth. The chaotic scar covered her left arm, and long scar going through her right eyebrow across her pale emerald eye, ending at her cheekbone.

Her body was still strong and muscular in the sense of tallness, but unfortunately she can still feel the softness that she needed to train more as she could still hold the soulshredder that seemed to had grow larger in size for her. (I think because your ghost form was much taller than you think?)

Clothes are a bit smaller as she gotten older and much taller then most ladies and men, then what she used to but getting specially tailored clothes to match her size was a godsend.

She had been alive for twenty-four year now, working as a bounty huntress that these small men whisper of The Mistress of Fear at night, while taking care of the young king in the daytime who was born to shameful parents that dare abandoned him in a wasteful bin.

Thankfully She can trace where his newest body was at the right time, not mere a couple minutes before the disposal men come with their raging machine on wheels.

Five years in Gotham, she kept a downlow considering there is a liminal in a bat suit patrolling around. Unfortunately that didn't last with a particular scarecrow.

Said scarecrow who was in sack mask looking at her with his face redder than a tomato considering she was sitting on him in her living room.

Jonathan Crane, supposed bringer of Fear as the Scarecrow.

Amateur at best.

Lilith considered Crane annoying at the beginning the first three dozen times they has met up with him trying to spray her with 'Fear Toxin and Gas' considering how he believe he was better at her with bringing Fear to other.

That declaration made her laugh hard that first meeting if Crane think he could best her, with how short and scrawny he was compared to her majestic tall and strong form, even her young King wasn't that scrawny when he was a ghostling.

This supposed 'Fear Toxin' was nothing to her, for she was The Mistress of Fear, formerly known as The Fright Knight in the infinite realm.

Then came the odd courting such a present with a doll stuffed filled with exploding Fear toxic, chocolate with toxic vial filled with the hazelnut spreading inside added a nice flavor, the dance between the two during a gold spar giving her a good nick on her shoulder was a nice touch, switching the candle in her crafted pumpkin with a ticking bomb full of Fear gas was a lovely gesture for her halloween party, and the best was a beautiful Sword sheath filled with concreated Fear toxic that melt even the hardest metal, but the soulshredder seem to love the spa treatment in it. Lilith swear the soulshredder was spoiled rotten by that sword sheath.

The little sneaky seeking short man somewhat crawled into her anicent void of a broken heart, and took over. She enjoyed their weekly meeting between them now that was until two weeks ago.

Jonathan can deny and struggle all he wanted after the last discussion and spar two weeks ago when she told him that she accepted his courting, which led to him avoiding her like a ghost, ha.

Jonathan think he could avoid her after taking her heart with him was rather dull of him considering she knew all his secrets hideouts by now with the amount of time he had kidnapped her in the previous years.

He should be honored to gain the hand in marriage of Mistress of Fear after all the beautiful lavishly courting gifts he sented her the past 2 years. Badly lying and saying they were to sabotage her was laughable. He had seduced her mind, and then she seduced him the same way all the way into marriage.

There is no escaping The Mistress of Fear, Jonathan. You dug into this haunted house of a heart, and once you're in, there is no escape.

Second part link here<-

[scene-pup]

100 AgeRe Questions

Credit: pickledratinajar

1🐝 What Age(s) Do You Regress To ~

2🍯 Do You Pet Regress As Well / What Animal ~

3🥮 How Long Have You Been Regressing ~

4🐌 Is Your Regression Voluntary, Involuntary, Or A Mixture ~

5🐻 What's Your Personality Like When Regressed ~

6🐴 How Often Do You Regress ~

7☕ What Helps You Get Into Headspace ~

8📜 Are You A Baby, Toddler, Or Big Kid Regressor ~

9🦇 Do Your Likes Change When Regressed ~

10⏳ Do You Have A Baby Voice In Headspace ~

11🍪 What Makes You Instantly Small ~

12🧋Why Do You Regress ~

13🌙 Pink Or Blue ~

14⭐ Dragons, Unicorns Or Fairies ~

15☁️ Dinos, Princesses, Space Or Safari Theme ~

16💫 Neon, Pastel, Neutral Or Dark Pallets ~

17🐮 Favorite Regression Clothes ~

18🌸 Favorite Color ~

19🐭 Do You Collect Stickers ~

20🧁 Coloring Book Or Paint By Numbers ~

21🍧 Playdoh, Legos Or Slime ~

22🦄 Finger Paint Or Brushes ~

23🧼 Crayons, Colored Pencils Or Markers ~

24☀️ Do You Have A CG / Name For CG ~

25🌻 Do You Have A Baby Sitter ~

26✨ Do You Have Any Sibbies ~

27🧺 Do Your Parents Know About Your Regression ~

28🧋 Favorite Nicknames / Pet Names ~

29🍕 Ideal Playdate ~

30🐱 Sleep In Crib Or With CG ~

31🍼 Favorite Snack ~

32🧸 Favorite Juice ~

33🍪 Favorite Icecream Flavor ~

34🩹 Favorite Type Of Milk ~

35🐶 Sweet, Sour, Spicy, Bitter Or Savory ~

36🍰 Favorite Dessert ~

37🍦 Favorite Type Of Chocolate ~

38⏳ Mac & Cheese Or Nuggets ~

39🎒 Favorite Movie ~

40🍬 Favorite Cartoon ~

41🚀 Favorite Game ~

42🎀 Favorite Disney Princess ~

43⚾ If You Could Have Any 1 Superpower What Would It Be ~

44🍄 Anime Or Cartoons ~

45🍓 Favorite Carebear ~

46✏️ Shows Or Movies ~

47🐛 Do You Believe In Fairies ~

48🐸 Do You Have A Comfort Character ~

49🌱 Do You Like Rain At Night ~

50🦕 Are You Easily Scared ~

51🧃 Are You Also A Carer ~

52🌵 Are You Independent Or Dependent ~

53🍃 What Pulls You Out Of Headspace ~

54🍏 Are You Scared Of Bugs ~

55🦝 Favorite Toy Series ~

56🚛 Do You Use Pacis ~

57🦴 Do You Use Diaps ~

58🦈 Gear Wishlist ~

59🍵 Favorite Regression Item ~

60🐾 Sippy Cup Or Bottle ~

61🦊 Oldest Stuffie ~

62🎃 Do You Sleep With A Stuffie ~

63🔥 How Many Stuffies Do You Have ~

64🍂 Newest Favorite Stuffie ~

65🏵️ Build A Bear, Amusement Park, Or Disney Store ~

66🥧 Stuffed Animals Or Dolls ~

67👽 Do You Have A Bedtime ~ 

68🍭 Do You Keep An AgeRe Journal ~

69⚡️ Do You Have Rules ~

70🍥 Blankie Or Paci ~

71🌈 Night Light Or Glow-In-The-Dark Stars ~

72🌿 Bedtime Stories Or Lullabies ~

73🎩 Favorite Thing To Do Outside While Small ~

74🐵 Favorite Thing To Do Inside While Small ~

75🦋 Blanket Fort Or Bouncy House ~

76🐯 Stroller Or Walk ~

77🔮 Dress Up Or Tea Party ~

78🦜 Do You Like The Playground ~

79💖 Early Bird Or Night Owl ~

80📝 Indoors Or Outdoors ~

81💕 Warm Or Cold Weather ~

82🦢 Dogs Or Cats ~

83☎️ Do You Have Any Pets ~

84💌 Favorite Animal ~

85🍒 Favorite Holiday ~

86🐇 Favorite Season ~

87❤️ What’s Your Big Age ~

88🌼 What’s A Nostalgic Place For You ~

89🐳 Playdoh, Legos Or Slime ~

90🐙 Do You Collect Anything ~

91🐠 Bubble Baths Or Bath Toys ~

92🍑 Are Your Agere Interests More Fem Or Masc ~

93☔️ Do You Stim More While Regressed ~

94🎨 Favorite Place To Regress ~

95🧵 Favorite Regression Youtuber ~

96🌈 Favorite Site/App For Regression Community ~

97💐 What Do You Wanna Be When You Grow Up ~

98📒 What’s The Most Nostalgic Electronic For You ~

99📀 A Toy You Always Wanted But Never Got As A Kid ~

100🪐 What Is Your Favorite Thing To Learn About In Headspace ~

ASK ME! :D <3

[squishsquishy]

Nostalgic Candies 1/?

Konpeitō (金平糖, こんぺいとう), also spelled kompeitō, is a type of Japanese sugar candy. It takes the form of a small sphere with a bumpy surface, and comes in a variety of colors and flavors.

🍬 - 🍭 - 🍬 🍭 - 🍬 - 🍭 🍬 - 🍭 - 🍬

[riza-jes]

Luffy’s Parental figure — ACE!

Who raised Luffy and co-parented him with Sabo.

He's the guy who actually did the teenage boom and baby Luffy. Who was really the only one to be an adult to his brother for seven years. Who raised this little bugger and was there for him through hard training and after hard illnesses as well.

Ace who's an explosive head in his own right, but still cool-headed in the most precise moments of danger.

Who knows how to make chicken soup and other kinds of soups from nutritious foods because Luffy couldn't chew and swallow like normal when he was sick.

Who in the field knows how to pick out what's edible, what's poison and what's medicine, because you learn that quickly in the jungle.

Who really with bare hands will be able to build a place for a night's lodging, to make food or water and to make a trap for safety or for fresh game.

He's a man who smiles at his little bro when he's in sight and who really shows a lot of affection and attitude through touch, because Luffy always needed physical affirmation of love and gosh that kid was very touchy-feely baby.

His life centered around his little brother, who needed to be raised, preserved, and made strong.

Teenage angst and mood swings had passed him by(so nothing unusual), because Ace was already an emotional wreck, but having Luffy around was actually a good catalyzer.

Also life amidst the trash and scum had taught him very well what to avoid, i.e. roughhousing, rapes, murders, overdose deaths, the horrors that slums can hold, especially the nooks and crannies where Ace and Sabo used to sneak around.

According to one particular scene that Luffy had somehow stumbled upon (and he had witnessed the brutality and the corpses privately, but he had never seen the bodies of dead children and girls before )

Luffy had hysteria so intense that he passed out.

After that accident Ace and Sabo decided only to walk in the more lighted and more open area if necessity would lead them to the slums.

In general, Ace isn't used to violence and direct threats, although in some cases Ace remains painfully innocent and naive, especially when it comes to himself. ( unless it involves Roger, the Pirate King )

Because of the fact that Thatch almost cut to pieces a lost in life and specifically in that bar amigo who ran into Portgas and began, in Thatch's opinion, to spread his hands.

And if Ace at first reacted friendly enough on approaching of the future corpse by thinking that maybe it was one of his brothers or inhabitants of the protected area, but when the man had crossed the line with a couple of words, he was carefully folded in unconsciousness by the bar wall.

Honestly, I just want more and more of Ace's side as the man who raised a hyperactive ball of joy. And specifically the aspect of home life, which most often of course manifested itself during meals.

For example, some dishes that for example made pirates complain due to scarcity or flavor (e.g. tomato soup/onion soup, any other specific fruit/vegetable) or the beverage (compote/juice/tea of unfamiliar pickings, etc.) of specific fruits or vegetables to be consumed based on shipboard life.

So imagine the surprise of the Marco when most of the pirates booed about the nastiness of the same grated drink with greens (or search for what foods should be consumed when living on the sea and when living in the jungle) and Ace was the most calm and even nostalgic.

Because he'd made a similar thing for his little brother himself.

Part 1

Part 2

[directdogman]

I HAVE A HANDFUL OF QUESTIONS ACTUALLY

One, do you listen to Lemon demon or Will Wood songs, and if you do, what are your favorites

Two! What do you think about all the ask blogs that are au's of DSAF

Three, what's your favorite flavor of waffle (very important)

Four, this isn't actually a question but seeing your work makes me feel nostalgic for the pre-pandemic world

That's all :3

I hope you're fine with having a moth glued to your window lurking at looking at your Blog lmao

hello, hello!

1)yes for both. for lemon demon, i really like touch tone telephone, cabinet man and eighth wonder. for will wood, there's a lot of his songs i like. Skeleton Appreciation Day, Willard and Self + Ish are favourites.

2)I don't really follow any ask blogs, but fan aus are cool.

3)probably potato waffles because they're so cheap to buy and pretty filling. I literally just ate two less an hour ago and I've been eating tons of em lately. you can cook em in the toaster and top them with 2 fried eggs, then rinse 'n' repeat and feed yourself for weeks with a comically small amount of money. they also store in the freezer meaning if you buy them in bulk, you probably won't ever have to throw em out. for that reason, they're my #1. they've always got my back

[cxffexngel]

[ Vira ] || @literanis :: "i wouldn't consider myself much of a coffee drinker..." there's always something that follows one of vira's seemingly innocuous statements. "but you came with high recommendations from those who's opinions matter. so, there's no longer any avoiding it. in fact, i want to observe your technique." a grin, and she leans over the counter of the grandcypher's cafe as though she had been challenged to some sort of one-sided contest (the one she made up in her head). "so that i may surpass it. yes, that's right. i will master your craft."

Mornings and evenings cycle in a slow, steady rhythm that the Archangel had long since accustomed himself to. A cycle of gried and peace, both in battles fought and won to the tumultuous thing his mind likes to be. Always a betraying thing like his core, ever so weighted with grief and too many emotions at once. Ceasing it's whispers with a simple but fulfilling act of tending to the Grandcypher's cafe had been a great escape, one that everyday proved a great opportunity to forget, for a bit, everything that's wrong about him, his flaws even when he could clearly still see the scars marring his hands and forearms as echoes of the past. It's also an opportunity to lend an ear when he never had it in the past, when Lucifer returned once every centuries or more, even when he'd not always have a good answer to the pleas and mourning mortals harbored themselves.

No wonder Lucifer always found potential in them. With such short lives they still persevere despise the great misfortunes they might experience. No apocalyptic scenario made them less willing to live on, and that fills his core with a sour hope that he, too, can push forward – no matter how many times he thinks of that farewell how much he wanted to look back, that it physically hurt terribly greater than the grandest sword upon his chest just to give Lucifer one last glance and be enticed by his selfish request for another cup.

There's mortals that have a much too similar grief as his, Sandalphon knows. Both from conversations that picked his interest from the distance to when he's been a witness of their plights. Vira is one of those he's heard about, sometimes Gran, too, talking about her and his efforts to help the woman through what seems a struggle greater than the Singularity alone can manage. An unique case of a primal and mortal share fate somehow, Luminiera itself a small, lesser primal of great power when given a compatible host. He'd like to see more of it, but motivation and curiosity weren't quite there for most of the time. Sandalphon kept to himself much of the time, only talking when talked to, approaching when others approach. It was better that way.

So it comes as a surprise the times it was Vira the one coming ime from time. Never talking much beyond side eyes he pretended not to notice. It wasn't worth it – nor it'd be the first time other crew members tested the current Supreme primarch as most never felt so much a speck of intimidation despise the power at his fingertips; he never gave anyone a reason, anymore, to fear him, too. And much more so at the face of a.... challenge? Ah.

'' Excuse me? '' Truly, most of her words had bounced right off his head at the complete surprise in which she has approached the barista. Sandalphon can only blink while processing better what he can recall and then deflate visibly with a sigh. '' Ah... I'm not a good teacher, but if it's learning how to brew a cup is what you want, you can just ask. '' He tries not to sound too annoyed at this but alas, the tone sticks a bit dry, yet indulges her as rough but always meticulous hands pick the coffee pot he had just finished brewing and pouring for storage. '' I doubt much of that line of though, '' He says between almost muscle memory dance of pouring the drink delicatedly as the earthly but familiar scent puffs with a gentle steam from a clean porcelain cup, his other hand keeping it steady from within it's wooden rest. '' it took me centuries to perfect it myself, for someone - but even then there's mortals that have come out with their own blends as eras passed and for that, I'm quite fascinated. '' And scandalized, too. Especially when they dare sully the brew with too much sugar or milk before his very eyes. This, he absolutely doesn't say at all despise the light tick at the edge of his lips.

It takes a moment, but once it's done, foam manipulated into a gentle little doodle of a bird is when Sandalphon scoops the cup into his hands to offer it to the woman before him. Gentle as he can be. A brew not too strong nor too sweet, with tints of caramel in it but never clouding upon the bitterness if it, as far as he can adapt the blend from his initial impression of the host of Luminiera. '' Say.... You wish to learn for someone, or just curiosity? ''

[cyberneticfallout]

Chapter Nine: Wouldn't It Be Nice

Ch 1 - Ch 2 - Ch 3 - Ch 4 - Ch 5 - Ch 6 - Ch 7 - Ch 8 - Ch 9 - Ch 10 - More Coming Soon

Pairing: Cooper Howard/The Ghoul x Fem!Reader Summary: Tensions run high after the previous night's kiss and The Ghoul reveals a small part of his past. Tags: Slow burn (and I mean SLOWWW), angst, eventually more smut, language, canon-typical violence, chem/alcohol use, more tags will be added Posted on AO3: Smoothie and The Ghoul Word Count: 1.7k

The journey to the old associate is a lengthy one, likely spanning a few days at the very least. The landscape is mostly desolate, with sand dunes engulfing the remnants of old-world buildings. The memory of the previous night's kiss lingers heavily in your mind, leaving you curious about The Ghoul's thoughts on the matter. You resist the urge to ask. Instead you decide to keep your distance from him and look at your pip-boy to distract yourself. Focusing on the device, you navigate through its functions until you locate the radio feature, tuning in to some classic tunes from the past that fill the air.

As the familiar lyrics of “Orange Colored Sky” by Nat King Cole fill the air, you find yourself lost in the nostalgic melody. The rhythmic beat of the song creates a sense of comfort amidst the desolation. The radio crackles and the signal fades momentarily, but you manage to catch the few lines of the song before it returns to full clarity.

Slowing his stride, The Ghoul positions himself next to you. You sneak a glance in his direction, but his expression remains an enigma, offering no insight into his thoughts. However, he begins to hum along with the tune, his voice blending with yours in a harmonious duet. You can't help but wonder what would it be like to sway to the music in his arms. A faint smile tugs at your lips at the thought.

The two of you continue like this for some time, singing softly to the old tunes that fill the air. After a while, he extends a piece of jerky from his bag to you. Gratefully, you accept and savor a big bite. The flavor is unfamiliar, yet surprisingly delicious.

"What type of jerky is this?" you ask.

"Ass jerky.”

"Alright," you giggle, "The ass of what? I don't think I've had this kind before."

"Ghoul," he states plainly.

You burst out laughing at what you assume is a joke, only to realize it's not when he stares back at you blankly, munching on his own piece of jerky.

"...What."

Staring at The Ghoul in disbelief, the realization hits you like a ton of bricks. His stoic expression adds to the surreal nature of the moment, and as the truth sinks in, a wave of nausea washes over you. You start gagging uncontrollably, unable to contain your revulsion at the thought of consuming human flesh. His reaction surprises you as he bursts into laughter at your discomfort, his amusement contrasting sharply with your horror.

"Are you out of your fucking mind?!" you shout, your voice filled with disgust as you dry heave. "Oh my god. It was that dead ghoul I came across, wasn't it?"

"Soundin' like that vaultie," The Ghoul chuckles.

"Not all us vault dwellers come out that naive," you mutter quietly, the words barely audible to him.

"What'd you say?" he questions, eyeing you suspiciously.

"Hm? Nothing," you quickly reply, trying to brush off the tension. The Ghoul's skeptical gaze lingers on you, and without a second thought, you fling the remaining jerky at his face. The dried meat slaps against his cheek with a thud, slowly sliding down his face and plopping onto the dusty ground. The silence that follows is heavy as “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys suddenly starts blaring from your pip-boy.

♪ Wouldn't it be nice to live together in the kind of world where we belong? ♪

"Pick it up," he finally breaks the silence.

You raise an eyebrow, "Excuse me?"

"You heard me, Smoothie," he says, taking a step closer to you. "We ain't wastin’ good jerky just because you're too dainty. Pick… it… up."

Your eyes meet his in a fierce stare, both of you mirroring the intensity. Closing the distance between you, you stand almost nose to nose. As you gaze up at him, you notice the anger in his eyes, but you also catch a glimpse of Cooper Howard peeking through.

♪ After having spent the day together, hold each other close the whole night through ♪

"If you want to watch me bend over that badly, all you have to do is ask," you quip, a playful glint in your eye.

"Two choices, sweetheart,” The Ghoul's voice takes on a dark and gravelly tone. "Either you pick it up like a good girl, or I make you pick it up - and I won't be gentle."

Good girl. You muster all your strength to resist cracking under those words, a smug grin spreading across his face. In that moment, you can't help but wonder if he's being playful or if this is just his usual, asshole self shining through. After all, he has no shame when it comes to this shit.

♪ I wish that every kiss was never-ending ♪

Your mind races for a witty response, the lyrics of the song only adding to the awkward tension between you. His eyes bore into yours, a mix of challenge and arrogance that makes your skin crawl. With a defiant tilt of your chin, you sarcastically remark, "You better be prepared to catch me when I swoon from your overwhelming charm."

The Ghoul's smirk widens, a flash of malice glinting in his eyes as he replies, "Oh sweetie, I don't catch… I watch you fall.“

♪ You know it seems the more we talk about it, it only makes it worse to live without it ♪

As you crouch down to retrieve the jerky, a mix of resentment and anger swirls inside you. The act of picking up the tainted piece of meat feels like a bitter concession, a silent acknowledgment of the power play he has initiated. Standing back up, you hold out the jerky towards him, your gaze hardened with a mix of defiance and humiliation.

The Ghoul plucks the jerky from your hand with a satisfied smirk, relishing the control he holds over the situation. The tension between you crackles with unspoken words and unspoken desires, each gesture and exchange charged with a potent mix of attraction and power dynamics.

The tension between you lingers like a heavy fog as you trudge forward in uncomfortable silence, the music from your pip-boy serving as a strange soundtrack to the awkwardness that envelops you. With the sun sinking towards the horizon, long shadows stretching across the landscape, a sense of unease settles in your chest like a heavy weight.

As darkness descends, a canopy of stars twinkling overhead, The Ghoul's voice breaks the silence, his tone devoid of the earlier hostility. "We'll set camp here for the night. Keep watch while I get a fire going," he instructs, his words cutting through like a knife. You nod stiffly, grateful for the chance to have some space between you.

Sitting by the crackling fire, you wrap your arms around your knees, staring into the flames. The Ghoul settles across from you, his eyes fixed on the fire as well. After a moment of comfortable silence, you finally speak, your voice soft in the night air. "What did you mean the other day when you said you remembered Moldaver differently?"

His gaze shifts from the fire to meet yours, taking a moment to consider your question before answering, “I knew her as Miss Williams.”

“Miss Williams?” Curiosity fills you.

“I met her. Before the war,” he continues, “Which makes me curious as to how she’s still around.”

You ponder for a moment, lost in thought. "Seems like prewar folks are more common than I thought..."

"Oh yeah?" The Ghoul laughs. "You know a lot of 'em or somethin’?"

You chuckle softly at his question. "No, no," you reply, shaking your head slightly. "I just didn't think many people made it this far - ghoul or otherwise. Say... What's something you miss from before the Great War?"

“My daughter.” He answers immediately. His voice is soft, almost a whisper, filled with sadness and longing. The firelight dances across his face, casting shadows that seem to echo the weight of his words. You’re surprised he’s shared something so personal - he had a daughter?

"What is her name?" You ask gently, making sure to refer to her in the present tense, not wanting to add to the sting of her possible death.

He hesitates, his demeanor softening slightly as he considers your question. After a moment, he quietly responds, "Janey."

You rise from your spot and walk over to him, settling down next to him by the crackling fire. "Is that who Sorrel was referring to? Who you've been looking for?" you ask, your voice filled with genuine curiosity.

"Yes," he sighs, his voice heavy with weariness. Despite his usual guarded nature, there is a sense of trust that begins to form between you. "I've been lookin' for over 200 years and ain't found shit. No leads. Until now.”

"Moldaver," you whisper, your voice barely above a breath. "Do you think she knows something? Being prewar and all?"

He locks eyes with you, a subtle look of uncertainty in his eyes. "Thats what I aim to find out, Smoothie.”

"Well shit," you say, taking a deep breath before gently placing your hand on top of his. "We'll find your daughter. We'll find Janey, no matter what it takes."

He looks at you with soft eyes, as if no one ever truly wants to help him. Maybe it makes him question your intentions, wondering if you might be deceitful. After all, he knows nothing about you or your past. Will you ever tell him who you really are? Why do you even care so much about him? He flinches slightly at your touch and swats your hand away, a reflex you assume is born of decades upon decades of betrayal and disappointment.

“Sorry,” you mumble as you head back to your spot across from him. “I’m serious though. I will help you find her.”

The Ghoul grimaces and turns his back to you, his posture defensive and closed off. You sense a deep well of pain and longing within him, a father's desperate hope to be reunited with his daughter. Sitting in silence, you give him the space he seems to need to process your offer of help. After a few moments, he finally speaks, his voice rough with emotion.

"I appreciate the offer," he begins. "But this is somethin' I must do alone."

"We'll see about that," you respond, a steely determination in your voice. He gives you a look of annoyance, but you refuse to let him face this alone. This is no longer just a bounty to collect; it is so much more.

Tag List: @fallout-girl219 @ellabellabunny123 @sunnexaltation @coolrobloxkid28 @cheshirecat484 @capan-deveraux2 @rebelmarylou

[maboroshi-no]

Hamefura Anime Blu-ray S2 Vol 1 SS

Series: My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! Source: Anime BluRay S2 Vol 1 Special Booklet Title / Character: Raphael Author: Satoru Yamaguchi Synopsis: Raphael has started his new life at the Ministry of Magic. Translation: maboroshi-no

Ever since that day when I, Raphael Wolt, was forcibly made to become Sirius Dieke, whenever I slept, I would dream about those horrible events over and over again, making sleeping an ordeal. That's why I cut down my sleeping time and did all I could for vengeance. My sleep was always reduced to the minimum but it was still far better than having those nightmares. I went on living like this for many years. But ever since that day when I took her hand and the black man vanished, my nightmares had completely disappeared. My dreams had become warm and peaceful.

Today too, I didn't remember its content but I had a warm and nostalgic dream, and woke up with a pleasant feeling. I was in a very good mood. I got up from the furnished bed, walked to the window, and opened its door. A pleasant breeze blew in.

After the incident, I told everything to the government officials, then the Ministry of Magic took me into custody and I began working there. As someone who wouldn't find it so strange to be put in prison, I was disappointed by the soft treatment. Moreover, while I was initially kept at a distance by the higher-ups aware of my circumstances, once I was at work, everyone interacted with me normally since my circumstances were kept secret. Because of this, I was currently leading a surprisingly normal… No, considering my life when I was forced to be Sirius, an incredibly happy life.

My room in the Ministry's dorm was incomparably small compared to the one I was given as a marquis's son, but it was so comfortable. And the meals too. Before, no matter what expensive food I was fed, it tasted like dust and I couldn't tell their flavor, but ever since coming here, my meals had been surprisingly delicious. It was as if the the world had changed colors — no, as if they had returned. I had escaped the dark world I was trapped in for a long time. This was how I felt.

I let the pleasant wind enter my room and prepared my outfit. I had grown used to wearing the Ministry uniform.

Once I was ready, I exited my room and headed to the dorm's dining hall. After receiving a tray holding a warm meal, I looked around, wondering where I should sit. At that moment, a senpai from the same department called out to me.

Senpai: Oh, Raphael. This one's empty. Come on, let's eat together.

Since I was invited with a smile and had no reason to refuse, I sat in the opposite seat, as they suggested.

Raphael: Good morning.

Senpai: Good morning.

Senpai returned my greeting with a smile. During our meal, we had idle chatter about the Ministry.

It was my new everyday life.

Senpai: By the way, Raphael. Since you're so charming, voices seem to be rising among the female staff that you're pretty good-looking.

After the idle chatter, Senpai brought up that topic with a mischievous face.

Raphael: I'm happy to hear that.

When I replied this, Senpai made a disappointed face and…

Senpai: You sound used to it, how boring. It's like being popular is just business as usual for you.

…they said while pouting.

Raphael: That's not true.

Or so I said, but it was true that I was used to being the target of women's affection. When I was impersonating Sirius, even though I was a marquis's son, I didn't take a fiancée even when I came of age due to the influence of my overly clinging mother. Because of this, I received many advances from women attracted to my status as the son of an eminent marquis. Even so, they were aimed at Sirius and not Raphael, so having people attracted to me even after I had reverted to the nobody Raphael…

Raphael: It sincerely makes me happy.

When I said this,

Senpai: Hmm~ So you're happy to have people attracted to you, huh?

Senpai poutingly said this, then stared at me.

Senpai: But your heart has already settled on someone, so you can't accept their feelings, right?

They said this while tilting their head to the side. Shaken by their words, I couldn't properly swallow my food and inadvertently choked on it.

Raphael: *cough* *cough*

Senpai: Oh, so I've hit the nail on the head. It's unusual to see you so shaken.

Senpai looked like they were enjoying this. I glared at them just a little, then…

Raphael: …What made you think that?、

When I asked, Senpai grinned, and…

Senpai: Pure intuition. I've always had a keen one about those things.

They proudly answered this. Then,

Senpai: And so, who is that person who stole your heart? Are you going out or something?

They asked this with eyes full of curiosity.

Senpai was someone in the same department who treated me well, and a good person who freely spoke to me and cared about me. But my background was kept secret from everyone except the higher-ups, so I couldn't just talk about it. Even so, I didn't want to lie to this person.

Raphael: …I indeed have someone in my heart. But I can't possibly marry her and I personally don't feel the desire to, so I just want to help however I can to protect her smile.

I still wasn't used to speaking of my true feelings like this and my words were quite embarrassing, so I muttered them in one go while looking downward. But no response was coming. When I raised my head, Senpai was shedding black tears.

Raphael: Huh? Umm, are you okay?

Senpai: …That's my line, Raphael~ You've been in such a heartbreaking love, and yet I thought you were some youngster who never made blunders. For me, that kind of tragic love is the worst!

Senpai said this with their mascara running, making them shed black tears. From the look of it, my story seemed to have touched their heartstrings.

Raphael: Umm, I'm not having such a hard time.

I was actually happy. Since I had joined the Ministry of Magic, I could be on the same site as her. But I couldn't go into details about that, which was troublesome.

For the time being, I held out a handkerchief to Senpai. They used it to wipe their tears.

Senpai: Ugh! My make-up is running.

They stopped their tears after realizing their make-up was running. Then, they immediately got up from their seat and said "I need to return to my room to fix my make-up!". Upon leaving, they told me with a pained face, "If I can help you with anything, just tell me, okay?" But I honestly didn't find my current situation as painful as Senpai seemed to think. I might not be able to marry the first person I fell in love with but I could still stay near her. I was in a place where I could see her smile and help protect her. It really was happiness to me.

After remembering this, I really wanted to see her smile again. I still had a little time before work started. I quickly ate the rest of my meal and hurriedly headed to that place.

In a corner of these large grounds containing the Ministry of Magic and the Academy of Magic, a student from the academy was supposedly cultivating flower beds. But in reality, she was cultivating vegetable plots as a hobby.

She hardly was a morning person so there was mostly no chance of her being here at this hour, but I would still be able to sense her presence if I came to this place.

When I snuck a look there, it appeared I really was in luck today. I could see her figure happily tending to the fields.

While I was captivated by her expression, she seemed to notice my presence and turned her eyes to me. As I instantly froze because I didn't expect it, Katarina Claes said,

Katarina: Good morning, Raphael!

…showing me the smile I loved so much.

[716chr]

Chihiro Natsuyaki SSR Story “Dazzling Dancing!” - Part 2

#ちぃとデートなうに使っていいよ

Location: HAMA Street

Chihiro: Haa~….. Those pancakes were a total delight, so fluffy and chewy~!

Kaede: For sure. The sauce wasn’t too sugary, but you can still taste the fruity flavor….

Chihiro: Yep, yep! The strawberry flavor is the perfect match for Turysuke. That cafe is totally worth a recommendation ☆

Chihiro: Thanks for sharin’ Stakichi’s pancake too

Chihiro: Gettin’ to eat both made Chii’s belly and heart so full of happiness~♪

Chihiro: Huh? Is that music coming from somewhere?

Kaede: There seems to be something going on over there….. Ah

Kaede: That boy is using the storefront windows’ glass as a mirror to practice his dancing

Chihiro: ……Somehow, that’s pretty nostalgic

Kaede: Nostalgic?

Chihiro: Yeah, yeah. This feels super nostalgic!

[Alternate Choice]

Kaede: That boy resembles you, Chihiro-kun

Chihiro: Eh, is that so?

Kaede: Yeah. It’s not about his appearance, but the way he’s carefully checking the choreography and the attention he gives to each of his movements

Chihiro: …..Mana-pii, ya got a sharp eye for details

Chihiro: You see, actually, when I was little, I used to practice dancing in front of stores’ windows in the city, just like that

TL Note: From this point onwards, Chihiro swapped over to using オレ so I’ll be using first person pronoun instead of third person pronoun like before

Chihiro: This is long before I even appeared on an audition show

Chihiro: No one taught me; I was practicing dancing alone, copying whatever I saw

Chihiro: “Quiet down!”, people would sometimes yell at me as they walked by, but I was too immersed in dancing that I didn’t pay any attention to that……

Kaede: Chihiro-kun….

Chihiro: W-Well, even though I practiced my ass off, I still got rejected from the audition show!

Boy in uniform: Sorry I’m late, I was on duty today!

Boy practicing dance: No worries. Let’s pick up from where we left off!

Girl in jersey: I’ve been practicing those steps on my own. Today’s gonna be the day I perfect it!

Chihiro: Ah….. That kid’s part of a dance group….

Kaede: (The boy who was dancing alone earlier looks much happier now…..)

Kaede: …..To me, that’s how Chihiro-kun looks like right now

Chihiro: Huh?

Kaede: Chihiro-kun, just now you talked about how you “used to have fun dancing”, as if it’s a thing of the past

Kaede: But aren’t you also having a great time dancing with everyone in Ev3ns right now?

Chihiro: Wh…. Wha…..!?

Kaede: …..Am I right?

Chihiro: …..Hnng. Yeah, it’s definitely… much more fun now

Chihiro: Brainstorming ideas for the fanmeets with Raitin, rehearsing songs with Kinyari….

Chihiro: And making progress with Tao-Tao, us gradually being able to do things we couldn’t do before; each one of them makes me really happy

Chihiro: Because I wouldn’t be able to make all of this a reality by myself

Chihiro: ——The reality of being an idol alongside everyone. And to Mana-pii who gave me that chance…. I couldn’t be more grateful

Chihiro: Seriously, I’m so done! I always end up spillin’ everything in front of Mana-pii!

Kaede: Ahaha, I’m all ears if you ever wanna talk, so feel free to tell me anything

Chihiro: Geez….. You shouldn’t say that so casually. It’s gonna make me wanna be all needy around you

Chihiro: Today was really fun. Can I invite you out like this again?

Chihiro: But next time the line might be real bad though….

Kaede: Absolutely. No matter how long the line is, as long as I’m with Chihiro-kun, it’ll always gonna be fun

Chihiro: ……Yeah!

Part 1 | Part 2

[cxffexngel]

Crimson gaze lingers with a tint of curiosity, a calmness he's festered and nurtured ever since the grancypher had come, both against him and later in his aid. Companionship helping endlessly, and continues to do so on softening rough edges that once blazed in rage, revenge and worse - where they now only feel like numbed out bruises from bumping hard against a door's handle sometimes. Other times at most, just an itch that could sparkle only at very small, specific things – Compassion is something he once had, lost, and then learned again. Something he's come to feel terribly for almost every primal that in the past, he'd seen nothing more as stepping stones to prove his point to Lucifer who in the end, knew. And yet his hands were tied in a silent war Sandalphon's more than aware now when it was too late.

So he understands the woes from the larger primal, and can only offer the safety of his cafe to let those feelings out when, perhaps, talking this to the group born from bits of the phoenix's ashes only had the same feelings and finding understanding could take time. When, sometimes, the best perspective is an outside one - and yet Sandalphon could only wish for every answer when despise everything, is as flawed as them. With the phoenix now gone wherver the hell her wings can carry her, Bennu and the rest were basically purposeless - A feeling he's all too familiar with and burndened with millenia of life without a break. To wander aimlessly and try to find purpose on smaller things despise the tug on their cores. '' The Phoenix... '' Sandalphon hums low as his gaze lowers. Clink sounds the cup that gently meets old plished wood as it's settled between the two, over the counter as the smaller primarch takes a seat before the other with a fresh cup for himself, arms crossing in though. '' Truly it's a mysterious being, far beyond even my own creation and I feel even Lucifer didn't know much about it beyond perhaps being lucky enough to catch a glimpse of her flames. The way she acted can only remind me of the Wedge of time and casualty. Moving cogs and crannies, the smallest things but for a grand purpose - when the later only wanted to keep the Singularity safe and away from pain. As far as I've been told. '' Recounting that was really something, having been busy at that time with his own missions, meeting the primarchs - yet the reverberating quakes of time itself warping and casualty breaking was felt all across the skies and yet; could only sit and watch. Trust the singularity with a fight he didn't need to get involved to. '' Perhaps, She cared in the end for that mortal - A deed repaid since Abramelin did his part and even beyond. Split god in half. So even if for us time still holds a weight, for the phoenix... It still meant something. Or perhaps just did it's part. I truly don't know and can only guess – ''

'' But I fear she may not even care about your group. While born from her ashes, the Phoenix only brought back Fenie because Abramelin asked as the end of their exchange. Otherwise I doubt she'd ever have a chance. '' Which was the hard truth. It was the coldness of the phoenix that intrigued and scared Sandalphon as well. Formidable and born from cosmos far beyond what astrals have touched, or even worse. Far beyond the moon and stars and even the great one's itself. '' If I were on your shoes, I'd try to process that, but to make peace that the phoenix only thinks of beyond millennia plans as it's existence is her own thing and nothing more. Even shards taken from her are just waste she won't deal with unless they get in the way of whatever is going on their head. '' It's almost like... Lucilius, in a way. As far as Sandalphon could compare his impression of the Phoenix to anyone. and while it's not a hopeful advice, Sandalphon hates lying, to sugarcoat things. So it shows in the purse of his brows and how nimble, yet rough fingers trace golden rim of the cup with reverence. '' To follow an aimless, almost invisible being can only lead to disaster, I've been there and it took great efforts and sacrifices that should not have happened to bring me back. I'd not wish the same for you and your group, to be honest. '' even when the current supreme primarch often played the nonchalant role, often by himself or hogged by the Captain and the Singularity, or those rather peculiar cats that often he can see from the corner of his eye strutting around without a care of the world. '' At least for now there shouldn't be anything happening around her anymore. So to rest and... find something to pass the time might be for the best. Even the four primarch have found themselves trying odd but fulfilling mortal jobs that have tangled them in countless mishaps. I'd say staying in this airship to be an option as well could help with it, considering a lot of unexpected chaos tends to brew within these walls – and great fighters there are to spar when needed. '' It counts that even Magus has found respite within the grancypher, despise everything. Even with all of the doubts and concerns he raised to the Captain about taking her in, even then it's not as if he hadn't also been one to cause cataclysms in the past to comment that much - and as long as he can sense her aura and the other fallen angels and know they aren't causing trouble... Then he can try and rest easy.

Most earth users were simple in matters, most of their attributes being sent into the more physical aspect. In a battle of strength, pure strength it would be Bennu who would come out at top. And with the advantage of being as fast as the wind, it made bennu even a menace in the battle field, off and on he would be fast as the wind and lightning, and strike harder then anyone would expect.

But coffee comes first, though he claims innocence from such a thing. Bennu is actually accustomed to the mortal items within the world of humanity. After all it is what allowed them to retain their sanity for the most part. Without these mortals, they would have been just sentient machines, aiming to get the phoenix no matter what the cost. But no true loss had happen saved for a sad king who lost their heir. It bothers him, how the king had expected his king to die. That king would have no one left, the story of one after another...it was rather cruel of the phoenix to do so much for such a little pay off.

It was baffling to say the least.

"...If you insist, the phoenix true goal as believed by everyone. If it was truly to reunite the family... why bring such suffering. Why bring such deceipt, is it so powerful that such things such as bonds become easy to break?"

"You saw how it turned that prince, into its own plaything in the end. Feeding him words that led to his end."

"I feel...only pity from this. How if the phoenix had chosen any other way, all this grief I feel would have been avoided."

To feel grief for other people, well perhaps being the most grounded of the primals. He felt the most emphathy.

"This whole series of events, it all plays out ...for the phoenix."

in the end, that little child is still, part of the pheonix so the phoenix wins in the end. It felt bitter like this coffee.

[hell-drabbles]

Satan and Sitri 1

Summary: Sitri angers you and so does Satan. Just to get them to shut up, you yanked Satan and bite him in the neck.

(Baaarely finished chapter 1 and am going into chapter 2 but uuuugh so many filler battles.)

“Is there any tea you would like, Solomon? Ah wait, I think I know what you’ll like.”

Always with the ‘Solomon’ this and ‘Solomon’ that. Sitri’s eyes shine and that smile of his was certainly gentle, but a part of you wanted him to stop and an even larger one wanted nothing more for him to spill his tears and have his lips wobble.

Grief. You wanted to see his grief, raw and proper. At least then you’ll know he’s finally got it through his head that Solomon is dead and gone, no matter the fact that he’s in your blood.

The problem, unfortunately, lies in the fact that you’re a human. A human who’s bloodline is tied to a very beloved Solomon. Anything you do, be it rage or sadness, the devils will look upon it with nostalgic fondness. Like you could do no wrong.

It’s grating. It’s annoying. Infuriating. Maybe that’s why you refuse to freely share your kindness here in Hell?

When you hear the cup clink on the red table, you don’t touch it nor even acknowledge it.

“Is something wrong, Solomon?”

Everything. All that Sitri’s doing is just, wrong to you. Like nothing truly belong to you. But you can’t say any of it out loud, because then you’ll be responding to a name that’s not yours.

“Ah, could it be that you want a different tea this time? I do recall that you like to experiment with new flavors.” Sitri took the cup back but you didn’t look up from your book. You’re not even registering the words, you just needed something to stare at that wasn’t Sitri. “Perhaps something calming will soothe the harsh beat of your heart?”

The chair besides you was pulled and Satan made himself comfy in it, depressing against it as though the weight of the war was finally lifted from him. It didn’t take him long to regain his energy and lean forward onto the table.

Satan turned towards you, a knowing grin on his face.

“You’re angry,” Satan whispered, like it was some kind of secret you’re keeping.

You’re not in the mood. So you didn’t say anything. You didn’t even lift your eyes. Satan kept wiggling his tongue, clearly wanting you to break and shove him back.

“Ah,” Sitri came back with a new pot of tea brewed, “Your Majesty Satan. Is there anything you’d like to have for a drink?”

Of course he’d say Satan’s proper name. Yours? Didn’t matter for shit.

“Hmm, let’s see,” Satan needs to be quiet. Everyone needs to be quiet, “Well, I’m craving–”

You tossed your book on the table and grabbed a fistful of Satan’s hair before yanking him back. He practically squealed like a pig and even started writhing like one when let your teeth sink into the pliant flesh of his neck.

Satan’s tongue rolled through your fingers when you clasped his mouth shut. You can feel the dumb smile under your palm but you didn’t care for it all that much.

Not when you can see Sitri just standing there, struck dumb with his steaming tray. When you saw him take his lip between his teeth, eyebrows furrowing with emotional conflict, you unlatched yourself from Satan and kicked him off his chair.

Satan tried to get up, but the rush of it all had him shaking. You took a cloth from Sitri’s pocket and wiped your lips.

“I’m going to bed,” you dropped the handkerchief onto Sitri’s shoes.

Hopefully this nap will reset your mood back to normal.

[binbogummy]

Humans are —

Chapter 4

Any and all previously set chapter limits have officially been thrown out the window. Will be writing for this one until I'm satisfied~

Some tags: Reader-insert | Female-reader | Platonic x reader | Fluff | Sickfic | Post-Season 1, Pre-Season 2

Words: 3k+

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | * | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | *²|

Chapter 10|

~

By the time lunch rolled around, the rain outside was still falling at a light drizzle, continuing to tap faintly against the bookshop’s windows. Inside, the warm glow of the shop’s lighting reflected on the polished wooden surfaces, casting a serene atmosphere over the quiet afternoon.

Aziraphale had, of course, taken it upon himself to prepare lunch. He’d insisted you stay cozy in the guest room until it was ready, but you’d managed to convince him to let you join him downstairs.

Still wrapped in one of his heavier knitted blankets, you sat at a small, round table in one of the bookshop’s cozier nooks.

"I've prepared just the thing for such a dreary afternoon," Aziraphale announced proudly as he placed two small, steaming bowls on your respective sides of the table, along with a plate of five or so neatly stacked and golden brown 'cheese toasties' between you.

You smiled brightly at the sight. Tomato soup and grilled cheese, a classic. The soup was garnished with a bit of cream and basil and the gooey centers of the sandwiches were just visible from where they'd been cut in half, diagonally of course.

"And for dessert-" he gestured to a small tray off to the side, "Some lemon drizzle cake~"

You couldn't deny that this was beyond delightful and drummed your feet happily against the floor as he set everything out. "Ahh! It looks awesome!" You cheered and Aziraphale seemed to preen at the praise, sitting across from you and smoothing a napkin over his lap. His delight in orchestrating moments like this was infectious, and after this morning, you were doing your best to honor his request and allow yourself to enjoy it all wholeheartedly.

"Please, enjoy~" He prompted and you happily complied, snagging one of the sandwich halves from the tray and dipping the corner into the soup before taking a bite.

It was just as nostalgic as you'd hoped, but the basily flavor of the 'bisque', as he had eventually referred to it, was a nice extra touch and your happy little shimmy returned with a satisfied hum as you dipped again.

You still weren't the most talkative thanks to the mild discomfort in your head and chest, but Aziraphale filled the silence eagerly, chittering about the littlest of occurrence on Wickber Street over the last few weeks, or whatever he'd read in the daily paper this morning. And knowing the cause now, never once did your silence bother him. Instead, he seemingly pulled just as much engagement from your enthusiastic nods and agreeing hums.

Aziraphale carefully dabbed at the corner of his mouth with a napkin, setting it aside before continuing.

"Oh! You know that little bakery down the street? The one with the blue shutters?"

You hummed in acknowledgment, tucking into your second grilled cheese.

"That's where I got this little morsel this morning," He nodded to the small, rectangular cake on the table, "and apparently they've just won an award from the Shopkeepers and Street Traders Association for their éclairs! Best in Soho, apparently. Though between you and me," he leaned in conspiratorially, "I'm not entirely sure how they managed it. They tend to use a bit too much chocolate icing, don't you think?"

You swallowed your mouthful and gave a small nod, adding a soft hum of agreement to his critique.

"Exactly!" he exclaimed, delighted by your silent validation. "Now, I do think their fruit tarts are rather divine, but the éclairs? A touch overrated, if you ask me."

You lifted a hand, tilting it back and forth as if to say, 'They’re alright'.

"Ah, precisely!" Aziraphale said, grinning broadly. "Not terrible, of course, but of out of everything they have to offer they certainly wouldn't have been my first choice for an award."

"Love a good fruit tart," you agreed raspily.

He nodded solemnly, then gestured toward your bowl. "How’s your soup? Quite to your liking?"

"Mmhm!" You nodded happily, prepared to give your thanks again when suddenly-

"Well, looky here~"

You'd been the only one startled in that moment, while Aziraphale was already prepared with a gentle scolding.

"Crowley, I'm most certain I had asked you to start using the door."

"Did you? Must have forgotten. Used it last night though, didn't I?" The demon shrugged with casual indifference, stopping a few yards away from your table, his hands in his pockets as he scrutinized your little lunch date. "Hope I'm not interrupting, Aziraphale. I guess you finally decided to open that bed and breakfast after all?"

"We're having lunch actually. You'll do well to note the time of day. " Aziraphale corrected and you had to bite your lip to stop a laugh.

"Anyway," Crowley continued, shaking his head in your direction, "I was in the neighborhood again, thought I might stop by to check on our little patient."

It was then you noticed him looking you up and down and you were forced to swallow your pride then and there.

You were still in the nightgown, now donning a pair of soft, knee-high stockings Aziraphale had given you this morning to come downstairs in.

They happened to match terribly well, and you were also terribly comfy. But you also knew that Crowley knew that Aziraphale was the only person capable of wearing you down and getting you into such soft attire. And the demon was surely eating up the fact that you'd actually let him.

This morning however, you'd decided to own it. And when Crowley's smirk widened at the sight of you bundled up and eating lunch in bedclothes in the middle of the day, you looked right at him and took a proud bite of your grilled cheese as if to say, 'Yeah? What about it?" Which, of course, only made him snicker.

"Surprised to see you up and about. Thought the angel'd have you locked down in bed all day." Crowley drawled, his voice dripping with amusement.

You rolled your eyes and were about to cut in with how silly that was, when Aziraphale beat you to it with a rather different response.

"Oh, absolutely," Aziraphale interjected, his tone kind but firm. "She'll be back upstairs safe and sound right after lunch. Rest is the best medicine, after all." You turned to the angel in mild surprise, but he continued. "Quite considerate of you to be worried for her, though, Crowley." Aziraphale mused, before nodding to you graciously. "As you can see , I've everything under control, and with a bit of time we're sure to see her safely on the mend!" The angel announced proudly and Crowley's eyes shifted to you.

Deciding to brush your apparent early bed-time under the rug, you just laughed and rolled your eyes, "Yes, thank you, Aziraphale.

Crowley let out a little hum and Aziraphale perked up with a thought, gesturing toward the empty chair at your table. "Do join us, Crowley. There’s plenty of soup left, and I’d be happy to fetch you a bowl."

"Soup, eh?" Crowley slid into the chair with an air of exaggerated indifference, his long legs stretching out beneath the table. "Suppose I could be convinced."

"Oh, it's quite good," Aziraphale seemed to look at you for reassurance and you quickly nodded, making a point to clean the remaining soup from the inside of your bowl with your last bit of sandwich before popping it in your mouth.

"S'awsome!" You mumbled though your mouthful.

The angel grinned proudly once again, "Oh, yes~ I've had plenty of time to learn to cook as of late with— well, you know!" He seemed to rush past the last part of his sentence with a dismissive wave to Crowley, but you didn't give it much thought. "I'll fetch you some now!" Aziraphale rose immediately, bustling off to the kitchen with a speed that suggested he was thrilled to have another guest to feed.

Crowley waited until Aziraphale was well out of earshot, his gaze trailing lazily after the angel as he disappeared into the kitchen. Then, with a sharp tilt of his head in your direction, he cocked a brow when he noticed the way you'd also been staring in the direction Aziraphale had disappeared with a barely visible frown.

"Something on your mind, love? Not enjoying the royal treatment?"

"Huh?" You turned to him in questioning surprise before being cut off with a cough. "Oh, no no, nothing like that." You assured him. "Aziraphale has been really sweet,"

"But~" Crowley, prompted leaning forward as he sensed the unsaid addition to your words.

You laughed half-heartedly, distractedly taking a slice of the lemon cake for yourself. "He's been perfectly sweet, but–"

Before you could finish, Aziraphale reappeared, carrying a fresh bowl of soup and a smaller plate with an extra grilled cheese. "Here we are!" he announced cheerfully, setting the food down in front of Crowley with a waiter's precision. "Freshly prepared, just for you."

Crowley regarded the food with a critical eye, then gave a slow nod of approval.

"Isn't it always lovely to have company for a meal? The more the merrier, I say!", Aziraphale beamed as he took his seat again, slicing himself a small piece of the cake as well.

When lunchtime eventually came to an end, Aziraphale began picking up empty plates and clearing the table. The angel's enthusiasm for hosting left little room for anyone else to pitch in, and when you sat up with your bowl and the intention to follow him with it to the sink, it was instead taken from you with the gentle order to stay seated.

"No no, you're still recovering, my dear, and I won't have you overexerting yourself." He stated, stacking the bowls, plates and silverware together with ease to take them all to the sink in a single trip.

Crowley let out a low chuckle, swirling the last bit of soup in his bowl before downing it like a shot and handing it to Aziraphale as he bustled off. "If the angel wants to do it himself, let him do it himself, I say."

Aziraphale disappeared into the kitchen with his arms full of dishes but seemed to reappear in the same breath, drying his hands on a tea towel and smiling warmly at you and Crowley.

"Well, my dear, I believe that's quite enough excitement for the time being. Time to get you back upstairs."

"Awww, already?"

Crowley snickered, reclining lazily in his chair and resting one ankle on his opposite knee. "Better just let him tuck you in again and save yourself the effort."

Aziraphale gave Crowley a reproachful glance before turning his gentle but firm attention back to you. "I must insist. Rest is paramount. A little lunch and pleasant conversation are all well and good, but you've only just started your recovery. We mustn't overdo it."

You blinked at him, "Overdo it? Really?" You deadpanned and then grinned as Aziraphale practically swept you up from behind with a huff, coaxing you out of your chair and toward the staircase. "Okay okay, I'm going!" You laughed

"Good girl, now up you go!" He urged you up kindly when you reached the base of the stairs. "I've some soup left on the stove to put away but I'll be up in just a moment to see you settled."

You nodded humorously. Truth be told, being sick did have a special way of sapping your strength, so going back to bed, even at 2pm in the afternoon, wouldn't be the worst thing in the world right now.

Aziraphale waited by the bottom of the stairs until you'd ascended all the way, giving a satisfied nod once you'd disappeared from sight before hurrying to finish his clean up.

He passed Crowley on the way, slowing down as the demon leaned back to give him a toothy grin.

"Don't, Crowley, I know that look. You've been smiling like that since you arrived," Aziraphale scolded as he pushed in the chairs at the table. His tone was clipped but familiar, the kind of reprimand he reserved for the kind of attitude he was entirely too used to. "If you've nothing of value to contribute, kindly keep your cynical way of thinking to yourself."

"Oh, sure, sure," Crowley nodded and leaned back, balancing precariously on the back legs of his chair. "Wouldn't dream of interfering. Just thought you might be enjoying this a bit too much, is all." The demon drawled teasingly.

Aziraphale froze mid-step, a faint flush creeping up his neck as he turned his back to the other man and continued to the kitchen. "I'm afraid I've not the faintest idea as to what you're referring to," he replied haughtily, but Crowley stood with a stretch to follow.

"Oh, come on now. Don't play coy. I know you, Angel. You've got that little twinkle in your eye, that spring in your step. Positively glowing with purpose this afternoon, aren't we?"

Aziraphale sniffed offendedly as he removed a still steaming pot from the stove, but feigned indifference at the demon's words. "There's nothing wrong with taking care of those we care about, Crowley. If you ever tried it yourself you might also find it quite... rewarding."

"Mmhmm, course," Crowley nodded with mock agreement, leaning against the kitchen doorway "Makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, doesn't it? Having someone to look after. Something to do~"

The angel rolled his eyes but didn't grace the demon's teasing with further response, just pulling a clean ladle from a drawer and finding a small container in one of his cupboards.

"Don't get me wrong, though, Angel. I think it's sweet. Really. You've cooked up quite the roundabout way to take pleasure in another's suffering. Bit cheeky, don't you think~?"

That was it. Aziraphale turned sharply to the demon, ladle still in hand and his expression halfway between scandalized and defensive as his glare cut through the kitchen. "Crowley! That is a terrible thing to say," he scolded indignantly, though his ears burned crimson. "Her being unwell is hardly something to find satisfaction in and my intentions are only to see her back to proper form as soon as possible."

Before Crowley could respond, Aziraphale gently threw down his ladle and closed the distance between them, aggressively shooing him out the door. "Out. Go on, shoo. If you've come here just to needle me you can show yourself out. Some of us have responsibilities to attend to. Ones you've clearly no hope in understanding."

Crowley held up his hands in mock surrender, still grinning as he was backed toward the doorway

"Teasing! You know I'm only teasing! We're both bored as can be after all."

Aziraphale huffed and stepped away, rolling his eyes again with an exasperated sigh, "Really, what's gotten into you lately? Keep your wild assumptions to yourself, and if you're so bored and must stick around, then make yourself useful. Go... I don't know, fetch her something she likes? Bring her spirits up a bit?"

Crowley chuckled softly, sauntering back to his chair with the smug satisfaction of someone who felt that they'd proved their point. "Oh, I'll stick around, Angel. But useful? That's asking a bit much, don't you think?"

The angel shook his head to himself and returned to the kitchen, finally giving the leftover soup a pensive stir before beginning to ladle it into a container.

Once everything had been tidied up and properly stored away, he joined you upstairs.

After climbing the steps and making his way to the guest room, he paused at the door.

His hand hovered above the knob as Crowley's teasing echoed faintly in his mind. The nerve of some demons, really, he thought, his lips pressing into a thin line before he shook himself free of his sour mood and replaced his frown with a small smile as he gently opened the door to step inside.

The room was just as neatly arranged as he'd left it earlier that morning, with the bed still perfectly made. But there you were, perched on the edge, your knees slightly drawn up and the blanket he'd insisted you carry with you draped loosely over your shoulders. Your focus was distant, your eyes fixed lazily on the rug, but the sound of the door caught your attention, and your expression shifted into a warm smile as you looked up at him.

"My dear, you should be lying down," Aziraphale remarked immediately as he crossed the room with soft but purposeful steps.

You looked tired.

You laughed softly, your expression humorous but not defiant. "I'm sorry," you apologized, your voice light and tired. "You made it up so nice. It didn't feel right to mess it up." You explained glancing down at neatly arranged pillows and smooth quilt.

Aziraphale let out a little huff and shook his head as the smallest bit of irritation leftover from his interaction with Crowley managed to slip through. "Poppycock," he declared firmly, earning a quiet giggle from you as his hands moved to gently lift the blanket from your shoulders and fold it over his arm. "You mustn't feel shy about getting comfortable. This is your space for now, and you're to make full use of it."

He gestured for you to sit up so he could undo his careful work and with quick, precise

movements, he flung the knit blanket over the top, folded the quilt down, and arranged everything just so. When he was seemingly satisfied, he stepped back and gestured to the now-inviting bed with an encouraging but no-nonsense smile. "There we are, now, in you go!"

You giggled again and complied, sliding into bed. You didn't have so much as a chance to pull the blankets up yourself before he got to work doing it for you. "Thanks, Azi." You mumbled sweetly through a cough as your head fell slowly into the pillow.

Laying down almost immediately began to ease the weak ache in your head and neck.

"Think nothing of it, my dear, think nothing of it." He insisted, fussing with the edges of the blankets until they were perfectly aligned. Then, his hand moved to your forehead, the cool touch startling but comforting as he checked your temperature.

After a moment he frowned faintly, adjusting the pressure of his hand a few times as if trying to double-check his findings. "Still a bit feverish," he murmured, his brows knitting with concern.

Your lips parted to apologize instinctively, but before you could speak, he continued. "But that's to be expected. Fevers don't disappear in a matter of hours, after all. You'll just need a bit more time in bed."

And back posthaste he was, pouring you a glass of cold water and handing you two little, blue oblong pills to take. Sitting up a bit to do so, you graciously accepted, finishing off the rest of the glass afterwards as well and earning a bit of praise from the angel as he eased you back down.

His tone lightened halfway through as if sensing your guilt and working to nip it in the bud. He stepped back, clasping his hands together. "No need to fret I'll fetch you some fever reducers and an ice pack. They'll be sure to help." His smile brightened. "I'll be back posthaste!"

"Very good, you'll need plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated is an essential part to any recovery. And most certainly to breaking a fever " He instructed idly, placing the ice pack securely on your forehead

You nodded slowly and with half lidded eyes, the pack slipping slightly with the weary movement.

Lying down only emphasized how heavy a fever could make your entire body feel. The soothing coolness of the ice pack, paired with the comforting weight and warmth of the blankets anchoring you to the mattress made the idea of rest impossible to argue with; if not entirely welcome.

Aziraphale fussed over you for a few more moments, ensuring the ice pack was perfectly positioned and the blankets were tucked just so. "There. All settled for a good nap. I'll be in to check on you shortly and will be up to wake you when dinner is ready, but I'd like you to get as much rest as you can until then."

You made a faint, drowsy sound of acknowledgment and the angel smiled down at you.

He lingered for a moment longer, expression fond and protective as he watched your eyes fall shut and your breathing grow slow and steady; a sure sign you had fully surrendered to rest. Only then did he bend down slightly, murmuring something so softly that the words were completely lost to you in your already half-asleep haze.

And then, with a quiet exhale, he straightened and stepped away, careful not to disturb the soft stillness in the air as he exited the room with a gentle click of the door; already busying himself by recounting in his mind the small list of things he'd need for dinner.

[cxffexngel]

The question hangs over Sandalphon's head, not really taking the hint for several moments until the familiarity of the other's presence, those eyes... A reflection of a long gone past where it was him bidding the extra time, to make up an excuse to bond with the sun itself a younger, naive sandalphon once tried everything in his disposal to make the one that his heart belonged to stay – even if for just a single minute more.

A understanding smile dawns on the archangel, unspoken but yet so clear as day against the dim welcome light of dying candles that the archangel's own power keep alive but not too bright - Slowly he's better at reading others without assuming too much or too little so he opts to shake his head a bit. '' I just finished being the Barista for the day, but that doesn't mean no one is allowed to be here. on the contrary... I tend to stay even after these hours to simply enjoy the silence - count stars perhaps. Clean here and there... I'd not mind a hand. '' Offers as bargain, all while pointing at the pile of washed dishes not to far to their right, upon the dishwasher. '' That or you can simply stay, this place... It's more or less what I wish to make for a future cafe if I ever open one myself; long after should this airship reach it's destination and fate allows it for some peace. ''

‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍the sound causes an ear to give a slight flick. ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍the frequency is high, enough to tickle the sensitive inner canals, but not enough to warrant anything more. if anything, it piques his intrigue, and he ventures a step closer to sate his curiosity's calling.

‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍putting things away, possibly?

‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍or pulling cups out for a bit of a late night indulgence?

‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍it wouldn't be out of character for him, either which way. ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍

‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ `` No... I just wanted to see if I could take up some of your ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍time, if that was alright with you anyway. ``

‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍a brief pause ends with another question.

‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ `` Did you just finish, or can I help with something? ``

‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍

[milly1111]

Revenge Prt 3

Just as a heads up the next chapter gets WILD. The warnings are still: EVERYTHING lmao you've been warned, enjoy~ (It's not in this one but there's still some flirting like come on, Beej is a fucking perv.)

Ohh and here's prt 1, prt 2 :)

Beetlejuice chuckled as he threaded the chosen reel onto the projector, the whirring machinery coming to life with a nostalgic hum. “Popcorn, eh? Well, I might just conjure up some snacks for us while we watch. Consider it a house specialty.”

He snapped his fingers, and a platter of what appeared to be freshly popped popcorn materialized before them. “Enjoy, babes!” Beetlejuice settled into the seat beside her, the screen flickering to life as the film began to roll.

Lydia's mouth opened in awe at the popcorn in front of her. She reached for some and then paused before she shoved the popcorn in her mouth. She looked over at Beetlejuice with hesitation. "..This is edible, right?" She asked softly, coming from the girl that wants to kill herself.

Beetlejuice laughed, shaking his head amused by her question. Did she REALLY think after everything they went through that he was going to murder her with popcorn? “Edible? Of course, it's edible, Lyds! Although, I must warn you, the aftertaste might just haunt you..”

He leaned in closer, Lydia froze but didn't pull back watching him intently. His voice dropping to a whisper, “This particular blend contains a dash of teleplasm essence. It's a family secret, passed down through generations… Adds a certain je ne sais quoi to the flavor, wouldn't ya agree?” He was just teasing her, this wasn't some secret recipe. But he did add some unusual flavor just to get a reaction, or so he hoped.

As Lydia chewed tentatively, Beetlejuice watched her reaction closely, eager to get a reaction of some sort. “So….?” The ghost with the most just wanted his ego stroked at this point. Almost immediately, Lydia's eyes lit up. She thought the popcorn was delicious. She went back for more, and in fact, brought the entire bucket of popcorn into her lap. She scooted a little closer so she could share with Beetlejuice as she munched away. She was so happy..she couldn't remember the last time she felt this way... Maybe when her mom was still alive?

"This is delicious! Beej, are you telling me you're a chef now too?” Lydia questioned, snickering at her own ‘joke’ before her eyes fixed on the screen, “Anyways, what are we about to watch?" she asked.

Beetlejuice beamed with pride as Lydia devoured the popcorn, clearly delighted by the taste. He chuckled, finding joy in bringing a smile to her face. Usually it was his goal to make a breather scream, or cry. This was all very unusual for him..“..My culinary skills are.. Not something to be proud of. This popcorn is simply a result of my unique...taste.”He gestured towards the screen, where the opening credits of the movie flickering over the dusty screen, ‘CORPSE BRIDE’.

Lydia’s eyes widened in shock as she saw the name pop up, and she couldn't help but let out an involuntary squeal of excitement. She immediately froze, blinking in disbelief. Did she just squeal? Her cheeks flushed a deep red, and she quickly scowled to cover her embarrassment. This poltergeist's infectious happiness might be rubbing off on her, which was unsettling. He was going out of his way to make her happy and give her everything she wanted. It all felt so surreal, almost too good to be true.

"I..." Lydia cleared her throat awkwardly, shifting her gaze back to the movie. "I really like this movie," she said, trying to regain her composure. She hoped he hadn't noticed her momentary slip-up into uncharacteristic giddiness.

Beetlejuice grinned widely, pleased by Lydia's reaction to Corpse Bride. “Babes! That's one of my personal favorites too. There's just something about the grim romance, it gets me every time!” He settled back into his seat, making sure to keep a comfortable distance from Lydia despite her growing closeness. His eyes never left the screen but his mind began to wander.

“..Ya know, Liddy, it's been a real blast having you around. I mean, don't get me wrong, this isn't a typical way I'd spend my nights, but there's something special about–” Beetlejuice cleared his throat, was he nervous? “It's… well, I suppose it's hard to explain, but it feels almost... normal.”

Lydia heard Beetlejuice speak, ripping her attention from the film. She blinked looking over to Beetlejuice. "Normal?" She scoffed, taking more popcorn into her mouth munching before continuing, "Never heard that one before.. People around me don't consider me 'normal' just ask the guys in that van that threw apples at me after calling me a 'freak...' But Beetlejuice, the fact you make me feel.. Less invisible. You just met me on the roof tonight when I wanted to jump off and end my miserable life. And well..You went out of your way just to make me happy and already done more than my dad and Delia put together have done for me. I have no idea why you did it.. But...Thank you." Once again Lydia had accidentally said his name but still didn't know about the summoning. She thought he was just a simple ghost.

Beetlejuice's expression softened and if possible his dead heart warmed to her words, he's never been thanked before, “Ah, ah, ah, Lydia…You're not a freak. You're a remarkable young woman who's been dealt a tough hand in life. But you know what they say - when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Or in my case, when life traps you in the Neitherworld, throw a party!” He chuckled, trying to keep things light, but his eyes remained serious as he kept his eyes on Lydia. “I did what I did because... well, let's just say it's been a while since I've connected with someone on a deeper level. You see things, Lydia..Things most people choose to ignore or dismiss. There's just something about you..” Lydia smiled at Beetlejuice's words as she turned back to the movie. She put the popcorn up on the smaller table next to them feeling full enough from the popcorn splurge. She leaned back, focusing on the movie, but Beetlejuice was not finished.

Beetlejuice followed Lydia's gaze back to the screen, he wasn't sure why but he was itching to say more. He leaned back, crossing his arms behind his head as he settled into the old dusty seat. ”Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to be human again. To feel the sun on my skin, to taste fresh air, to experience life in all its messy glory. But then I look at you, and I realize that maybe being a ghost isn't so bad after all. At least here, I can observe without being observed, manipulate without consequence…” He trailed off, lost in thought for a moment before snapping back to reality. “Oh, sorry about that. Got a bit philosophical there for a second. Anyways..”

Lydia's mind raced with a whirlwind of emotions. She turned to him, her eyes narrowing. "Hey, what do you mean by you look at me and then realize being a ghost isn't so bad? What's that supposed to mean?" she demanded, huffing and crossing her arms defensively. "Is there even a way for you to become human again?" She couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and frustration, wondering what he truly meant and what it could mean for them.

Beetlejuice held up his hands in a defensive gesture, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. “Whoa, easy there, Lyds! No need to get all worked up. I'm just saying that, as much as I complain about being stuck in the Neitherworld, there are certain... perks to the job…Like being able to hang out with fascinating breathers like yourself, for instance. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to experience the world of the living again someday.” Beetlejuice explained, “As for becoming human again, well... let's just say it's not exactly a straightforward process.”

Lydia calmed down a bit after hearing him say that. Little did Lydia know there was a lot more she didn't know about Beetlejuice. "Huh, not straightforward? What's the process like?"

Beetlejuice shrugged nonchalantly, as if this was just another casual conversation. “Well, it's a long story, but basically, I need to find myself a wife. Not just any wife, mind you, but a living, breathing, flesh-and-blood mortal who's willing to tie the knot with a dead sexy guy like me.” He flashed Lydia a charming grin, his rotting teeth on full display, his eyes nearly glowing with excitement. 

“Of course, the catch is that this future wife of mine has to say my name three times. Essentially, I need a medium who can communicate with the dead. Once that happens, poof! I'm transported back to the land of the living.. Finally once I get her to marry me, I'll be free from my name curse.” He was just hinting towards the fact that Lydia was the key to his plan. His new end goal was to get her to call his name three times. She had caught his interest, and that was no small feat for someone like him. He was well known for being a mad man, a horndog. Folks back in the neitherworld world would joke Beetlejuice would fuck anything with a hole. No one ever held the power to tie down the Juice. 

However, these last few hours had been everything to him. He felt as if he'd known the goth girl for a lifetime. Plus he didn't see her as a piece of meat, like he had treated many whores. Believe it or not, Beetlejuice selfishly wanted Lydia to be the one he'd marry for a green card, crazy as it sounds since he’d just met her.

Lydia looked shocked as Beetlejuice explained everything to her. She leaned to the side, now facing him. This probably threw him off because he had just announced that he was a freaking demon. "You're a demon..? Not just a ghost?" she asked slowly, repeating what he said to make sure she understood him correctly. "And to summon you, someone calls your name three times? And if you want to live, you have to find a willing wife who's alive, who will marry you?" She tilted her head to the side, still trying to process everything.

Beetlejuice nodded enthusiastically, clearly delighted by Lydia's reaction. “That's right, sweetheart! I'm a demon, a poltergeist, a whole mess of nonsense, one sexy package. And yes, the key to getting me out of this hellhole is finding a lovely lady who's willing to take me off the market…permanently.” Beetlejuice leaned forward so close that his cold breath brushed against her lips. His hand gripped the movie theater seat tightly to avoid crushing her petite form with his beer belly. To her own surprise, Lydia didn't back away. She just sat there for a long moment, their eyes locked as a dark blush appeared on her cheeks. A very low, satisfied chuckle escaped Beetlejuice. This girl isn’t running, yet.

“Can you imagine it, babes? Me, settling down with some breather chick? And only wanting..Just her? Once I find myself a wife, I hope you know I'm a one woman kind of guy. I don't share what's mine..Between you and me, though, I've got my eye on one..It's a match made in heaven, or rather..” Beetlejuice leaned down even more, his lips just barely brushing over hers while maintaining eye contact. As he did this, Lydia felt like her face was on fire, and her breath caught in her throat. At this point she could hear her heart pounding in her chest. Then, unexpectedly, he pulled back, sitting properly in his seat and glancing over at her flushed face. Satisfied that he caused her to react like that. “Well, that doesn't matter! Heaven, hell.. This wife of mine, will make hell itself feel like heaven.”

Lydia, catching her breath and still flushed, couldn’t help but burst into laughter. There was something about this guy—or rather, this poltergeist—that made her laugh so easily. She found him amusing as hell. No pun intended. "Ah, maybe. I mean, are you a loyal kinda guy? What kind of demon wants only one woman? I mean, who am I to judge? I just met you. I don’t know anything about you." Lydia shrugged, unsure. "But whoever decides to marry you will have their hands full. But she will be very happy. B, you really do go out of your way, I guess, when you want to." Lydia admitted out loud, then paused, arching an eyebrow. "Oh, and I must know, have you scared her off?"

Beetlejuice let out a low chuckle, clearly amused by Lydia's skepticism. “Loyal? Me? Ha! Let's just say I'm more of a free spirit, always chasing the next thrill. Marriage might cramp my style a bit, but hey, for the right gal, I could try to behave myself. And let's just say there might be one woman I have my eyes on who could hold the juice down permanently and I’d be utterly satisfied.” He winked at Lydia, his expression turning sly. “As for scaring her off... well, we'll just have to see.” He grinned dreamily at Lydia, throwing another hint her way. He definitely didn’t want to scare her off, which is why he was playing it cool.

Lydia arched an eyebrow to that, "Well in that case if you find a woman that locks you down like that, then I'll be shocked. You sound like a wild man, a woman that walks into your life....afterlife and changes all that for you. She's gonna have to be a winner." 

Beetlejuice snorted, “And you? Well, darling, you're a unique snowflake, aren't you? Most breathers would've been screaming and running for the hills by now, but not you. No, you seem to have a certain... appreciation for my grim dead ass.” He paused briefly before continuing, “And let's be real, Lydia, you're not exactly the typical princess type. There's something about you that screams 'trouble.' And… I like that.” Beetlejuice spread his legs, a self-satisfied smirk playing on his lips. “So, while I may be looking for a bride, I wouldn't count you out just yet. Who knows? Maybe you'll be the one to tame this wild beast.” His voice lowered as he playfully wiggled his eyebrows at her, causing her disappearing blush to return as she scoffed and looked away.

Lydia's mouth opened then closed it before opening her mouth again, "Snowflake? Hardly, they're too bright. I'd give myself a headache." She rolled her eyes, keeping her arms crossed. "Me? Bride? Marriage? I don't know about that... You might have to find someone better." She mumbled, just as she said that her cell phone started ringing.  She chose to ignore it for now, far too intrigued by Beetlejuice to answer.

He chuckled at Lydia's dismissal, unfazed by her doubts. “Oh, come on, babes. Don't sell yourself short. You're nothing like most breathers I've met. Besides, I think we both know you're not exactly swimming in options here in this dreary old town.” He gestured around the dimly lit room, his grin widening. “Trust me, once you've experienced the thrill of the Neitherworld, the mundane world of the living seems dull in comparison. And who knows? You might just find that marrying a handsome demon like myself is the missing piece in your life that you never knew you needed.” As Lydia's phone continued to ring, Beetlejuice's gaze drifted to the device, his interest piqued, eyes narrowed slightly to the interruptions. “Ooh.. What's that all about? Not like I’m pouring my heart out to ya..”

Lydia soaked up his words and slowly uncrossed her arms in thought. "You could be a pretty good salesman, has anyone told you that?" She laughed before continuing, "I'm flattered, really, but I just met you. I'll think it over. It's not a no, but it's not a yes either. I gotta admit, Beej, you cheered me up a lot tonight. You helped me escape for a few hours, and this is the most fun and happiness I've felt in a very long time. Maybe once you woo me, I might just say yes to you."

Lydia paused as her phone continued to ring off the hook, even after she didn't pick it up. She sighed, pulling it out of her dress pocket. She looked up at Beetlejuice. "I'll be right back, I promise. I have to take this." Without waiting for him to reply, she stood up and walked out of the room where they had been watching a movie.

Beetlejuice watched Lydia leave, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. He'd certainly managed to make an impression on her, and the prospect of winning her over was becoming increasingly appealing. He always got what he wanted, and what he wanted was Lydia Deetz as his wife. As the door clicked shut behind her, Beetlejuice turned his attention back to the screen, picking up where they'd left off in the film. However, his mind wandered, replaying their conversation and the sparks that seemed to fly between them.

A sudden burst of inspiration struck him, and he sprang to his feet, striding purposefully towards the dusty old kitchen. He rummaged through the cupboards until he found what he was looking for—a can of spray paint and some glitter. Yes, he was quite familiar with this old theater. "Perfect," he muttered to himself, already envisioning the next step in his plan to woo his Lydia.

"Hello.. uh..yeah... Shit.. tomorrow night? I don't want to wear that stupid yellow dress!" Lydia yelled before the phone kept cutting in and out. The reception in this place sucks.. She blinked looking at her phone, rolling her eyes hanging up on her father groaning in irritation. She sighed making her way back to the theater pausing when she didn't see him there at first before Beetlejuice materialized in front of her, holding a small canister of spray paint and a handful of glitter. A playful grin spread across his face.

"Well, well, well... Look at you, all down in the dumps… I've got just the thing to spice things up!" Without waiting for her response, Beetlejuice began liberally spraying the walls around them with hues of blue and purple, transforming the dingy space into a psychedelic wonderland. He then tossed the glitter into the air, letting it swirl and dance amidst the vibrant colors.

"There we go! Now, doesn't that feel more like a party? And perfect for a special occasion, like... say, a first date?"

Lydia paused, taking a look around in awe. She felt like she was somewhere else, not on Earth. Though her excitement was contained, she was a bit stressed from the phone call. She smiled softly at Beetlejuice, "This is... beautiful."

Beetlejuice beamed with pride at Lydia's reaction, clearly pleased with himself for creating such a mesmerizing atmosphere. "Told ya I had a flair for the dramatic," he said with a chuckle. "Now, how about we continue our little—date in a more... comfortable setting?" With a wave of his hand, a couch materialized, in deep crimson velvet and furnish with winding gold stitching. Beetlejuice gestured for Lydia to sit, then plopped down beside her, the fabric creaking slightly under his weight. He scratched his beer belly stretching out his legs to get more comfortable.

"So, tell me more about this 'stupid yellow dress' your pa wants ya to wear." he teased, leaning in closer to hear her response. Lydia's eyes widened when he brought up that conversation again. Damn it he was definitely eavesdropping on her phone call..

"Oh right... we talked a bit about it on the roof when I wanted to kill myse—" Lydia quickly cleared her throat, trying to be more positive, but that phone call had stirred her emotions. She crosses her legs with a huff. "So... he invited guests over for a dinner date. And Daddy wants to resemble a 'picture perfect' family." She rolled her eyes, scoffing. "He said it'll be tomorrow and I need to wear the stupid dress his fiancée picked out for me. Saying the stuff I wear is too depressing and belongs in a funeral home."

Lydia looked down at her lap, fiddling with her hands before slamming them down in frustration and looking up at Beetlejuice. "I don't want to go! We are not a perfect family! I just found out my dad got engaged from finding Delia in his damn bed! She was supposed to be my stupid life coach! Now they're getting married! It wasn't too long ago that my mom died, and now he's acting as if she never existed! I should have jumped off that damn roof!" Lydia froze, biting her tongue as she got too emotional about all of this. "I don't wanna wear that stupid yellow dress... or even go. I'll make a damn scene if I do—" She trailed off, her eyes welling up with tears, feeling the weight of her grief and frustration.

Beetlejuice listened intently as Lydia poured out her frustrations, his expression softening with each passing word. When she finally trailed off, he reached out and gently placed a hand on her knee. “Tell you what - why don't you let me help you with that dinner date? I can make sure everything goes smoothly, and maybe even give your dad a piece of my mind for you. As for the dress..."

She blinked her tears away and looked up at Beetlejuice, his words catching her attention entirely. "Help me... with the dinner date? How do you plan to do that? And how do you plan to take care of my dad for me?" Lydia asked, “What about the dress?"

A sly grin spread across Beetlejuice's face as he considered Lydia's questions. "Well, first things first - the dress. Leave that to me. I'll conjure up something far more spectacular than any boring yellow vomit dress.”

He snapped his fingers, and a shimmering gown appeared before Lydia, the top of the dress beautify with delicate silver filigree and the skirt flowing like a river of midnight blue. The dress seemed to sparkle with an otherworldly energy. Lydia blinked looking at the detail of the dress, it was breathtaking. It wasn't bright and obnoxious. It had color.... unfortunately, but it was a dark tone that shined in the best of ways. Lydia smiled at it and nodded approvingly at the dress.

"As for your dad, don't you worry about him. I'll make sure he knows exactly who's boss. Or rather, who's the real queen bee in that household." Beetlejuice purred out, "Trust me, Lydia. Everything will be handled." 

She then turned back to Beetlejuice after admiring the dress he created, "Oh? Like how? Possess him and everyone at the dinner table?" A sparkle nearly appeared in her eyes.

He chuckled, clearly amused by Lydia's sudden spark. "Possession? Oh no, no, no…Well, that's only part of the plan babes! That would be far too easy, and where's the fun in that?" His smirk grew as he spoke, "No, I have something much more devious in mind. Imagine this.. your father, trying to play the perfect host, serving up a plate of his famous 'Delia's Delight' lasagna, only to find it morphs into a giant, squirming slug right before his guests' eyes. Can you picture the looks on their faces??" Beetlejuice's laughter echoed through the room, "Or perhaps, during the toast, his new fiancée's glass transforms into a live snake, wrapping itself around her wrist."

Lydia started laughing even at the thought of that and nodded her head still laughing. "Okay, okay! Fine, I trust you with this. You can help me with my dinner date! I'll need you, otherwise I won't be going, at all." Lydia checked her phone and sighed. "I should head back.. My dad might flip out if I stay out much later." Beetlejuice's grin faltered for a split second to Lydia mentioning that she has to go. Why was he so addicted to being around this woman he’d just met? It was strange how he selfishly wanted to keep her there, or even follow her. 

However he was pleased with himself for having won Lydia over to his side, it would take him sometime to get her to want him just as much. "Of course, Lyds.. I'll make sure everything goes according to plan. Just put on that stunning dress, and leave the rest to me baby." He winked at her playfully. "Now, go on ahead and sneak back home. I'll meet you there shortly, dressed to impress in my finest striped suit. Together, we'll get your revenge, that's my promise to you Lydia.” With a final flourish of his hand, Beetlejuice vanished in a puff of smoke. This was the first time he was helping someone without a deal, a contract..She didn’t even beg Beetlejuice for the help, he offered. This woman has made him soft.

[t-t-tau-me]

Burning Bitterness: Cha 1 (White Lily Cookie)

Burning Bitterness (Divide)

The past affects all cookies. Young and old, strong and weak, even species outside of cookie kind. The past causes everyone to fear the future…But what if you could control it?

Special thanks to @brittle-doughie for inspiring/helping make this fanfic, You're awesome!

The Silver Kingdom was filled with merriment and the sugary smell of sweets. In honor of White Lily Cookie taking up the role Elder Fairy Cookie had left behind, the fairy cookies insisted on celebrating. White Lily Cookie was against the idea at first, but you promised to be by her side during the event...And yet, they seem to be absent. An uneasy feeling brewed like a cauldron in White Lily Cookie’s stomach, gradually bubbling as the combination of social exhaustion and your absence made it hard to appreciate the party thrown in her honor. 

Silverbell Cookie: “White Lily Cookie…is everything alright, Your Majesty?” In the brief moment White Lily Cookie had lost herself in her thoughts, a familiar fairy guard had flown by her side, a look of slight worry on his face.

White Lily Cookie: “Ah! Silverbell Cookie…My apologies, I guess I let my mind wander too much.” She said with the slightest blush highlighting her cheeks, holding her Lily staff closer. A month of being the ruler of the Silver Kingdom and she was still making the same mistakes…

The fairy archer merely chuckled in response 

Silverbell Cookie: “It's quite alright, Your Majesty. I've known you for long enough to know that you have a lot on your mind, So there's no need to apologize…although…something seems to be troubling you.”

White Lily Cookie couldn't help but hang her head in shame a little. Had her worry been so plain to see this entire time? 

White Lily Cookie: “Well…I suppose there is something…Y/N Cookie said they would be here, and yet they seem to be absent…This isn't the first time they've disappeared without a trace, But they've never broken a promise before.”

Silverbell Cookie: “I would be more than happy to retrieve them for you, Maybe they just lost track of time?” Silver Bell said with a warm smile. 

White Lily Cookie met the fairy cookie’s smile with her own, pausing for a moment to think. 

White Lily Cookie: “No need, I'll go and find Y/N Cookie myself. The fairy cookies have been working tirelessly and deserve a break. Besides, This may be a good opportunity for me to talk with them…they've been strangely distant lately.” 

Now that White Lily Cookie had formed a plan, her worried expression had been replaced with the more familiar resolve that the guard fairy was familiar with. Even though White Lily Cookie could seem meek at times compared to The other ancients, there were times when her resolve rivaled that of Dark Cacao Cookie.

Silverbell Cookie: “As you wish, your Majesty…just try not to take too long, this party is in your honor after all.” With a quick bow, The Fairy Archer flew back into the crowd.

With Silverbell Cookie’s worries sated for the time being, It was time for White Lily Cookie to locate where you had disappeared to.

With her staff clenched anxiously in hand and her growing desire to find the cause of your broken promise, White Lily Cookie found herself in the Faerie Library. The music from outside was nothing but a low hum that leaked from the windows, and the enchanting aroma of food was left at the party. The metallic scent of silver made the fairy kingdom quite distinct compared to other places on Earthbread. To many, the absence of flavorful senses would be quite haunting, But within the continent of Beast-Yeast, it was a welcome haven from the overwhelming atmosphere.

White Lily Cookie couldn't help but find her eyes wandering the library. Her thirst for knowledge had brought her to this place many times…So many memories…So many regrets…for the time being White Lily Cookie pushed the nostalgic memories away, she needed to find you to make sure everything was alright! 

Luckily for the ancient hero, she wouldn't have to search much longer for her close confidant. Sitting at a table with music sheets spread across it, you stare out a nearby window with disinterest and irritation. You could already tell by the footsteps echoing in the empty library that she had found you…A heavy dread finds itself in the pit of your stomach, making it near impossible to meet eyes with the ancient hero.

She calls out your name, face beaming as she begins quickly making her way over to you. Her tone is that of someone filled with overwhelming joy, most likely because she had scared herself with the possibilities as to why you weren't at the festivities…The combination of guilt from past actions and The curse of her imagination made for a sour blend of anxiety.

As White Lily Cookie made her way closer, she felt herself stop in her tracks. A wave of unease hit as she took a closer look at you. You looked exhausted. She saw the way you shifted in the chair when she came close, the way you stared at the window aimlessly as if you were hesitating about something. You looked so… fragile. The ancient hero began to worry, running through all the scenarios in her head…something felt wrong.

White Lily Cookie: “Y/N cookie? Is everything okay? You weren't at the party so I began to worry.” her hands absentmindedly fiddled with the powerful staff she held, her features softened as she readied herself for whatever burden was resting on your shoulders.

Y/N Cookie: “Do you believe freedom is a good thing, White Lily Cookie?” You say in an ominous tone, one that White Lily Cookie rarely ever heard from you, Your tired glare still fixed on the nearby window. 

White Lily Cookie: “Huh? Of course, Y/N Cookie! Freedom is what allows cookies to be who they are! It allows them to love, create, and discover brand new things.” White Lily Cookie's answer was somewhat hesitant. not out of disbelief of her own words, but rather the sheer Perplexing nature of the question you proposed. 

Her words still shined true with the light of freedom, As rich as the very soul jam that represented this virtue…You can't help but grimace at those words, a burning mixture of emotion seething underneath your dough.

Y/N Cookie: “Is that truly what you believe? The ultimate conclusion you've come to despite everything you've done?” A sour strip of malice lingered on those words

White Lily Cookie was taken aback at your strange hostility, But before she could begin to question it, you continued.

Y/N Cookie: “The Blueberry Yogurt Academy, The deal with the legendary red dragon and...Dark Enchantress Cookie herself. The more stories I hear, the more I question if freedom is really a virtue...and not a curse” You can't help but hear your own grief within your voice. The mere mention of the past events threatens to melt away your mask and leave you a weeping fool…But you would not allow such weakness to occur while faced with the ancient hero, as you couldn't afford your words to be tainted by her pity for you.

White Lily Cookie: “Y/N Cookie...I had no idea you felt such a way. You had always been so supportive...I never could have imagined you had such thoughts" she spoke somberly as she mauled over your statement. The sins of her past acted As a judge's gavel, a haunting tool that threatened to sentence her to a life of self-loathing.

For a split second, White Lily Cookie heard the sadness in your voice, and that was all she needed to realize how rich your despair was. Cookies that had been crumbled…civilizations that were destroyed…You have been secretly grieving these haunting events without her knowing, chipping away at you and corroding the friendship you both shared. A part of White Lily Cookie wanted to turn away, to avoid the pain and to ignore yours…But she refused.

Back when she had reawakened, White Lily Cookie was nearly swallowed by the guilt of her past mistakes…But thanks to her old friend Pure Vanilla Cookie and his new companions, she found new strength to try and forge a better future. She couldn't afford to let grief hold her back, and she wasn't going to allow it to do the same to you.

White Lily Cookie: "I've done...Many unforgivable things, But the light of freedom allows me to try and repent for my mista-”

Y/N Cookie: “Enough already!” Your voice boomed across the empty hall of the library, causing the walls to shake and White Lily Cookie to flinch. “All you ancient "heroes" ever do is rely on your virtues, but where is that led you!? All you've done with your "freedom" is destroy!” 

The spice of rage…The bitterness of hatred…The two vile ingredients performed a malevolent dance as they mixed into one another, becoming near indistinguishable from one another. You can practically feel it eating away at the sweet empathy you had for your “friend”, like a greedy cake monster devouring everything in its wake…..and yet...

Y/N cookie: “...How can I trust you, let alone be at your side when everything around you crumbles away?” You finally turn to look at White Lily Cookie, Your fear of seeing the hurt on her face having prevented you from looking until now…You were both just cookies at the end of the day, ones who cared deeply for this world…Making your actions all the more necessary.

Each word was like a sharp knight penetrating White Lily Cookie's heart. She had these thoughts hundreds of times, But to have a cookie so close to you say it with such...Vitriol…Whatever words white Lily may have wanted to use to defend herself, dissolved away in a soggy clump of despair...Could this be his doing?

You finally stand from your seat, filling White Lily Cookie with a raw unease she had never felt from you. You begin to approach the anxious ancient, causing her to step back in response and to hold her staff more defensively. This action doesn't phase you As you make your way to White Lily Cookie, the rhythmic tapping of your approaching footsteps seemed almost like a defiant response.

There's a few feet between the two cookies standing in the library. The damage that your words had done was visible on her face, trying her best to wear a mask of somberness to hide the herd from such heinous words...You find it strange you can still feel some empathy towards the cookie who had caused so much destruction…This is the only way to make it to your solution.

Y/N Cookie: “The light of freedom has proven itself to be far too dangerous…..I might have a solution.” Her face of woe turns to one of confusion and you take this as your cue to continue. “Freedom allows cookies like dark enchantress and the beasts to do horrific deeds, for cake monsters to consume cookies...And for evil to run wild.....But what if...We use the power of your soul jam to bring in a new era of order? No more fighting, no more chaos…just peace.” Even though your tone had softened a bit as you went on, the severity of what you were asking wasn't lost on you…The real question is was she willing to do what it took to protect all of Cookiekind?

White Lily Cookie's eyes widen with terror, were you suggesting what she thought you were?... How could the cookie closest to White Lily suggest such a horrid thing?! Taking freedom away from anyone, regardless of their actions was...monstrous. This HAD to be the work of Shadow Milk Cookie! The magic she had used to reseal the tree wasn't nearly as strong as the witches, But she had truly believed she had bought everyone time…

And yet…she remembered how showboating and impatient Shadow Milk Cookie could be, as being sealed away left him starved for attention…could this truly be your own decision?

[End of part one]

The Fates of cookies are as malleable as fresh dough, with the smallest addition changing the entire recipe…What flavor would you like to try?

[localcryptidsteg]

Ranting About South Of Midnight (and its not what you think), or,

An Open Letter To Whom It May Concern:

The reaction to South of Midnight on Youtube is pissing me off.

Everywhere else, I've seen very little negative reaction, but for some goddamn reason Youtube is hung up on Sweet Baby Inc being mildly involved in it. Like sit down and shut the fuck up, it's another retelling of Alice in Wonderland with an american gothic flavor, it's not that deep. This game existing is not a personal slight to you.

What's more, it's not even Sweet Baby mainlining it. Im really beginning to suspect people don't even have issues with the games they make, they have personal beef about a handful of tweets specific staff members made. Go touch grass maybe? They worked on Alan Wake 2 and God of War: Ragnarok, and I'm not seeing ANY of this energy toward those games even retroactively.

That's not to ignore the issues with Sweet Baby Inc! Those tweets were HIGHLY performative and made in terrible taste and the people who posted them really do need to reexamine what put them there in the first place! But chances are they weren't even involved in this game.

So maybe shut the fuck up and enjoy the pretty music, violently American story, and nice art.

This whole game is a love letter to the southeast corner of the US, get the fuck out of my house if you can't see that.

And to the people going "Oh ItS aNtI wHiTe," actually go walk off a cliff Looney Tunes-style you absolute clowns.

Every character they showcase is morally grey AT WORST, and race has jackshit to do with it.

They

Are

Fucking

Human.

They are flawed and nuanced and the story does a FANTASTIC job of delving into how what seems to be a good person can do horrible fucked up things when driven to despair.

It's not antiwhite, it's "hey generational trauma is messy! Learn from the past so you can have empathy for the present, you don't know what people are going through or have been through!"

Now

Yes

The gameplay loop as far as combat goes, from what I've seen so far, is VERY repetitive. That is a FULLY valid complaint. BUT THEY HAVE A WALKING SIM MODE IN THE GAME. YOU CAN TURN COMBAT OFF.

Honestly, if this had released in 2010, you would have heard nothing but praise for it because it's AN EXACT EMULATION OF THAT ERA OF NARRATIVE STORYTELLING.

And that's not to say it's outdated! Rather, it's nostalgic in the best ways!

Anyway. I just wish it was being given a fairer shot on bigger social media platforms, and the people in the comments section would just shut up and give it a chance instead of letting what amounts to a one-sided grudge color their judgement. It's not a perfect game, but it's infinitely less of a corporate, sanitized slog than a lot of modern AAA games have devolved into.

And I really hate that online gaming space discourse has morphed into "it has to cater directly to meeeeeeeee or its bad!!!!1"

No. Shut up. Other people with other experiences are just as allowed to have their stories told as you, if you can't abide by not feeling the main character in a game is a 1:1 representation of you personally, you need to go back to playing MMOs and stay the hell away from narratives. Otherwise, your misery over it is your own fault and it's not mine or anyone else's problem that you're in a tizzy.