#oh and starling! how i love starling

[liminsendhelp]

Soulmate AU

when you meet your person, you have your eye color change to the other person's eye color.

Person A who has heterochromia after meeting a soulmate. Soulmate is Person B, who has a split personality. B's eye color is the same, but persona A is convinced that this particular person is their soulmate. Something just went wrong.

Something definitely goes wrong when they get into some kind of stressful situation.

Maybe they're separated by a fallen building, maybe they're captured, maybe it's a trivial fight in an alley outside a bar. But afterward, finally holding B in their arms, the A's can't breathe. From B's angry, smiling face, covered with blood and sweat, an exact copy of their unchanged eyes stare at A.

Put your favorites in here

[apamates]

Fitz' loved ones going "is anyone going to inflict unimaginable trauma on that boy??" and not waiting for an answer

[ynackerman9499]

Hello! This is me! 𝕪/𝕟 𝕒𝕔𝕜𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕟! This is my tumblr in case you don't know me i have a youtube channel which I upload texting stories videos to it! And this is my first post here in tumblr (original)

Some male Hashiras + kagaya reaction to you sacrificing yourself for them

⚠ Warning : spoiler in kyojuro and kagaya, take of death, blood, injuries, crying, some of them are really short

Giyu Tomioka

You and Giyuu were fighting against 2 demons who used a blood demon art

You killed one and Giyuu killed the other one

Or so you both thought...

"You did well giyuu_san!" You said smilling putting your sword in place

While giyuu just nodded humming as a silent 'thank you'

This only made you smile even wider. You've been friends with giyuu with great amount of time now

You both actually gets along very well Despite your different personalities

So you got used to his comforting quiet gesture

"All right! Let's head back n-"

You suddenly stopped sensing that something is wrong While giyuu looked at you wondering why you fell silent so suddenly

"Wh-"

You breathed in sharply, catching a glint in the air watching it whizz towards Giyuu.

"not on my watch!"

You yelled, quickly drawing your sword breaking the unknown object in half.

Giyuu's eyebrow twitched, taking his sword out of its sheath.

"giyuu, there!" You shouted, pointing to the direction of the demon that was currently perched on one of the trees.

The two of you gave each other a knowing nod, rushing towards the trees and jumped landing on one of the branches,

"come back here you coward!" You barked, skillfully jumping from tree to tree, following after the demon.

The demon hissed, sending metal shards towards you and Giyuu, which the two of you dodged with ease

"breath of ice..." you mumbled taking a deep breath

"dance of frozen crystals!"

Streams of sparkling diamond-like figures flowed out your sword as you jumped upwards, holding your katana over your head as you swung it effectively cutting half of it's body;

sadly, not his neck, as he covered it with a steel-like substance.

"Y/n!"

Giyuu called out, causing you to look back at him wondering why did he sound so worried

You saw he was looking horrified looking at your chest rather than your face

'why did he sound so-'

You were caught out of your thoughts by yourself coughing something liquid out of your mouth

You looked down at your chest, a large sharp metal shard piercing through the middle of your chest

"uh.. F-fuck.." you muttered stumbling back and falling against a tree vomiting even more blood feeling it a bit hard to breathe

"y/n! No!" giyuu shrieked running at your slumbering and bloody figure against the tree

"giyuu.. The d.. emon" You mumbled, coughing out a worrisome anmountof blood, the crimson liquid spilling out of your lips in mouthfuls.

"i cant leave you..." he whispered as of scared of starling you

"i cant you are in_" "... Dying"

You corrected him. Mastering the last energy you had to cup his face with your bloody hand while lying in his embrace

"i am.. Dying, Giyuu..."

"no.. No you are not.. You can slow the ble-" "my lungs are... damaged giyuu"

Tears burned his eyes, hugging you close to his chest and placed his hand over your cheek

"i.. Love you... Giyuu... So... Much.. " you confessed as you started to lose consciousness and struggling even more to keep your eyes open

You took a deep breath but sadly... It didn't come out again...

"y/n.. Y/n... Hey.." giyuu said with shaky voice as a couple of tears escaped his eyes

"hey...don't do this to me, love... I–i love you too... Why did you do this... I–i don't deserve this..."he said as he closed your lifeless eyes with his fingers

"i am sorry i am too useless to be able to protect you..." he was now on full mode sobbing

Oh how cruel is it that you didn't even hear the person you love saying thing you wanted to hear from him the most...

Obanai Iguro

No...

No no no no...

That wasn't supposed to happen...

The hit was meant for him...

It was meant for him damn it!

Why did you have to take it for him

He doesn't deserve it

He doesn't deserve to live

Why would he live while you are here dying in his arms gasping and wheezing for air

He is enraged

His fear tends to come out as anger

So while you are literally dying he is shouting at you for how stupid you are, how foolish to waste your precious live over his useless one

His shouting you mutter out an Inaudible : 'sorry... '

Just then the anger turns into tears

"you idiot..." he wailed... Actually wailed.. Something you never thought you'd see, not that you wanted to in the first place

It was supposed to be him...

"don't you dare apologise..." he hugged you even tighter feeling you fading away from him as you tried to breath but it only come out as a horrible choking sound as you choked on your own blood

His cheek rested on top of your head

"o-oba... nai.. " you said chocking in the middle of word as the hole in your chest began seeping even more blood

"g–give them.. H–hell for m–me... Yeah?..."

Oh he would...

He would make them pay for taking you away from him

For making the only person who kept him moving forward...

Is now cold and limb in his arms...

Sanemi shinazugawa

Fuck!

Shit! Shit! Shit! Fuck!

He physically can't handle what he is looking at

As he refused to stop saving you even after you already stopped breathing

"shit! Shit!" he pressed harsher on the wound, the blood was slowing but not because of his relentless attempt...

You were gone... Not even being able to get a word out because of how harshly he was crying

For some reason... Even in your final moments you found it kind of comforting that he was try his best to save you

You felt your heart break looking at him from the other side hugging your cold, lifeless body... Trying to squeeze some warmth into it even though he knows its useless

Kyojuro Rengoku

You coughed out blood as akaza hand went through your stomach

"Y/N! NO!"

You took the hit for kyojuro

I mean... How could you not... You just couldn't let someone like him die

You just couldn't...

Gripping your sword harder, you slashed it against his neck making his eye widen

'she got in my way! And she still has the strength!

Akaza thought as he was amazed at how you still has the strength to even breathe

'Kyojuro, im going to die. I know. We had a life planned in front of us, but..l couldn't let you die. I just can't'

You thought as The demon tried to punch your face, but you stopped it with your other hand

"Y/N!!"

'you won't get away... Akaza!'

Looking behind the demon, but still applying force on the neck, you looked behind to see Rengoku with the boy from before charging at you with their swords.

A smile got onto your face.

'I wont ever let go off the sword ..Until I cut his head off!'

"INOSUKE MOVE! MOVE FOR Y/N-SAN!"

The boar now charged at you with speed His attack cut the demons arms, your sword still attached to his neck.

He was running away, clearly.

The boy threw his sword at the demon,.

stabbing him through the chest. Followed by Screaming of how he was a coward by running away and that both Rengoku and you were stronger than him.

You felt two gentle pair of hands gripping your back, drops of water, or tears, to your cheek as kyojuro took you in his embrace trying to stop the bleeding even though he knows it's a fatal wound

"Y/n.. No. No..please don't leave me! Please! I beg you! I will go down on my knees if it have to!"

"kyo... It's okay..." You say voice barely a whisper as you gathered all the strength you had trying to put your hand on kyojuro's cheek.

He quickly took your bloody hand in his and put it over his cheek

"no no... The hit was meant for me to take... Why did you have to get in the middle... Why.."

"i just couldn't.. Let–" vomiting blood "y-you... Die"

You said panting feeling like you can't breathe anymore...

Kyojuro the brust out sobbing burying his face in your neck as your body laid lifeless in his arms

It was supposed to be him dammit!

He was supposed to be the one protecting you!

Not the other way around!

On the other side tanjiro watching the scene feeling his heart break over and over again

Another love story between two lovers was ruined by those disgusting Creatures

Tengen uzui

after a long and hard battle you had ended up dangling off the side of a cliff barely holding onto an also seriously injured tengen.

He could feel your fingers slipping from his.

you were both tired and injured it was a tough battle and despite the demons head being cut off you had taken some heavy blows and now you were dangling off the side of a cliff, barely conscious as tengen held onto your hand with his

"dont worry y/n! ill pul you up Soon!"

you could see him struggling to hold your hand and knew that if he held on any longer he might go down with you

watching him struggle above you made your heart ache as you couldnt do anything to help

"Ten.."

the both of you made eye contact with each other

"thank you for being with me... I love you so much"

his eyebrows twitched at your words

"why does it sound like youre saying goodbye? y/n. You better hold into my hand!"

his jaw was clenched as he spoke to you

you couldnt leave him

if only he had killed that demon sooner

if only he could have protected you

in this moment he hated the gentle smile that was on your face

because to him it meant he had failed

"we both know we'll both fall if you dont let go, neither of us have enough strength left to do anything."

"its okay ten, im ready. i love you and I'll always be watching over you. live well"

he could feel your fingers one by one letting go of his hand and he tried as hard as possible to not let go

"y/n please! I.. I can't do this without you... "

you just shook your head

"im sorry ten but you have to, i know you can. you're going to do great things, with or without me."

"always remember that i love you... And i'll always be watching you"

With that, the last grip he had on you failed

the serene smile on your face was the last thing he saw as you fell to your probable death,

shattering his heart

he screamed your name on the top of his lungs as your hands disconnected followed by painful sobs

Not again...

First his siblings now you..

He lost so many loved ones

of course he knew that he was too injured to pull you up and the most he could have done was just hold onto you until help came,

If help came...

he hated this,

he hated himself

what was the point of being strong when he couldnt even save the one person he loved most in this entire world

"Live well" it was one of the last things you told him hed try his best to because you asked him of it but to him living well meant being by your side which was something he couldnt do anymore.

Muichiro Tokito

poor baby doesn't really know what to do

he's kneeling beside you with a worried look

he's sweating and his hands are clammy

he remains silent for the most part

"Y/n?"

He is right next to you, hand nervously taking your own

"Don't worry."

you give him a weak smile as scary as it was, just his presence was enough.

"|-what do I do?"

The fear in his face made your heart clench.

"Just stay with me. You dont need to do a thing..."

You squeezed his hand with the last bit of strength

you had, smiling softly

"Be careful okay? There are still a lot of demons left"

You didn't fear death,

but you did fear what would happen to those you

loved once it got to you.

Kagaya ubuyashiki

This took place before the explosion in the final battle era

Your husband's hand is cold in yours. You squeeze his

fingers and watch the moonlight bleed out the color of

his skin into silver.

"Are you well, love?" you ask quietly. A washbowl rests to your side, the cloth draped over the side dripping droplets of water down the floor. You take it and wrangle the water with one hand as best as you can,

laying it atop his forehead after. Kagaya closes his eyes and smiles beatifically. It looks painful.

"I will be fine," he says. A mere whisper; it runs wild in the echoes of the night. "| am certain... After tonight, everything will be fine again." You hum thoughtfully. Your heart turns like a clock,

mechanical, a slave to fate. You dare not tell him anything.

"I wonder. . " Kagaya starts. "How does the sky look tonight, Y/N?"

You looked up at the sky as the clouds moved to reveal the beautiful moon

"it's beautiful..." you said as he leaned into your hand as you caressed his cheeks

"he is here..."

A long shadow blocks the moonlight. You look up.

Plum red eyes stare back.

"It's finally nice to meet you, Kibutsuji Muzan," Kagaya says casually.

A chuckle flits in your ear, honey-thick and suave.

Muzan's jacket rests precariously on his shoulders,

and the wind picks up, as if trying to steal it away. The sleeves whip around him uselessly.

"Well;" he says. "You sure look terrible, Ubuyashiki."

If you do not look too closely, you can still delude

yourself into dreaming that this is a normal family.

Your twins have not stopped playing, and their

laughter mingles with the song.

*after the speech because i cant recall it 💀*

"Kibutsuji" You incline your head, a mockery of respect. "You may have prepared for everything.. But there is one thing you didn't prepared for.."

"and what would that may be?"

"this–" you pulled out teh explosion monitor and jumped on kagaya and just before it explored a room open under kagaya's bed and you both fell into a room underground where your kids were waiting for you to come and there was a secret door which led to outside

But it was quite the fall, but you shielded kagaya's body with yours as you he fell on top of you

"Uhmm... " Kagaya groaned from the pain of the impact but more at the though that you were hurt from the fall and his weight together

"it's okay... It's okay..." you said as you cradled kagaya's fragile body

"i just need you to hold on for me... Can you do that please?"

The explosion was loud on top of you but what was more terrifying was the piece of wood of the selling above you that was about to fall

So you quickly pushed kagaya out of the way just as the piece of wood fell on your lower body completely breaking it

"y/n! " Kagaya yelled as best as he could as he heard your crying of pain

"i am fine! I am fine!" You shouted as you tried to stop the tears from dropping from the pain

"kiriya! Listen! Take your father and run out of here!"

"b–but mo–" "no buts! This piece of seilling completely crushed my lower par! You won't be able to get it out! Even if you did i'd be just a burden! I won't be able to run! No go! Go!"

Kiriya quickly carried his father on his shoulder as best as he could

"no... Y/n... If we die... we die together.. That's a promise..."

"well.. Look like i have a change of plans, sorry love"

You said as you smiled sadly at him even though he can't see it

*time skip*

"CAW! CAW! KIBUTSUJI MUZAN IS DEFEATED! KIBUTSUJI MUZAN IS DEFEATED! THE FINAL BATTLE IS OVER! CAW! CAW!"

Kagaya opened his eyes at the sound of the noisy crow.. And for the first time in years...

He sees the sky clearly as the curse marks started to fade from his body...

He quickly tried to ran into the place where his estate is supposed to be with only one though in mind...

'y/n...'

He opened his eyes clearly for the first time in years and the first face he wanted to look at was yours

"oyakata_sama! Wait! You are not fully recovered yet!"

The kakushi tried to warn him but he just didn't care

He wanted to see you, to touch you, to tell you how much you mean to him even though words cannot describe, to make sure you are alright

But what he saw made him stop and his blood run cold...

The estate.. His home... Your home.. Is now crumbled to pieces with you under all that

he quickly took off and tried to dig into the rubble in hopes maybe.. Just maybe.. You are still alive...

"master..."

The kakushis and the remaining of the hashiras felt thier heart break looking at thier master like this...

Nevertheless, they started to help thier master find his wife.. I mean.. You were like a mother and a big sister to them all...

"I found something!" one of the kakushi shouted as he saw your bloody hand sticking out of the rubble

They quickly ran to where he was and started digging even more, just as they reached your head they all stopped and stepped back for thier master to take a look at you...

"oh my dear..."

Kagaya quietly knelt down where your bloody upper body only was visible

He caressed your bloody

cheek just as you did with him a few hours ago...

Oh how beautiful you looked... Even if you were cold and pale with your lips starting to get blue..

He missed you so much that he almost forgot the way you looked...

You looked even more beautiful than he remembered even with the black circles under your eyes and the few wrinkles that appeared on your face and the grey hairs despite how young you are...

"oh love... How many times did i tell not to worry to much about me..." Kagaya whispered as he caressed your cold skin with a few tears falling from his eyes "like this you will age before time..."

He hugged you one last time before the kakushis free your body completely from the rubble and take you to bury your beautiful body

Today the world won peace.. But he lost his...

[obsessivevoidkitten]

Animal Farm: Mondays

Male Yandere Harpies x Gender Neutral Reader (CW: Noncon, harpies, general yandere behavior, captive reader, spit roasting, cum in hair, aftercare, male harem, brief mention of being used as a cock sleeve by bull men.) Word Count: 500 (Here it is! I have had a solid wave of productivity lately answering old asks and now there is this, something I said I would do a long time ago. I said I would make a mini-fic/drabble with every group of monster men from my animal farm fic which can be found HERE.)

You sighed. It was early on Monday morning, the sun starting to stream into the window enough to disturb your sleep. You glared at your alarm clock and preemptively turned off the alarm that would go off at 10:00. It was 9:53. You wanted to cry. You had not fully recovered from Rory, Sev, and Bruc swapping you between them as a communal cock sleeve all day on Friday. You lamented your decision to be a monster man farmer with so many different species. You should have stuck to one or two. Oh well… no use crying over it now. At least you started the week off easy after your weekend break. The harpy men had pretty forgiving cocks. Ugh. Was that what it had come to? Judging how not awful your day was by the brutality of the cocks you were about to encounter? You scarfed down a quick breakfast then enjoyed your last few minutes before you were swarmed by the three harpies that called your farm home, Zan, Xilra, and Elry. They all looked similar, green and blue feathers in their hair, emerald green eyes to match, dark skin, with large angel-like wings sprouting from their backs and their legs ended in the way any bird of prey’s did. Sharp. Talons. When you stepped into the aviary your watch read exactly 10:30, you weren’t giving them a second more than you were forced to. It was like your one shred of resistance, even though it didn’t really matter very much. You also were too scared to be late after what happened the one time you were. You were sniffed out and fucked. Swiftly. As soon as you stepped into the large greenhouse-like domed building, it was like a miniature forest complete with all sorts of trees and plants, you were instantly pounced upon by the three monster men. They wasted not a single second in taking off your clothes and tossing them aside on the dirt while pinning you to the wall. “Hey come on! Those were just cleeeEEEEAAAAAANNNED. H-hey!” Two of them were biting, licking and nuzzling all over your neck while the third was using his mouth between your legs. “W-w-why do we always have to start the d-daaaay like thiiiiis??” “We love you little starling~” “Yes! And we must show you!” “We haven’t been inside you for a whole week love! It was torture~” “We must make up for the lost time sweet bird.” And that they certainly did. A week's worth of the pent up libidos of three tall harpy men unloaded on you and in you within hours. They spit roast you while you were on the ground before taking you in mid air. By the end of their breeding session with you you were exhausted. And this was supposed to be the easy day. At least they let you rest afterwards, washing the cum out of your hair and off your sore body before cuddling you and petting you while they sang sweet little bird songs and praised their darling little starling~

[wisterialwhymsy]

lee minho ~ so tight i'd bruise you

lee minho x gn! reader song: Wild Blue Yonder wc: 4.6k (sorry) warnings: very suggestive at one point (highlighted by °˖✧✿✧˖°), numerous sex jokes (like so many), non-idol AU, they're so in love, strangers to lovers, swearing, reader gets miagranes, mentions of not great friends, they get engaged, scary films, this is so cheesy and silly a/n: red hair lino... the things i'd do for you... anyways! next installment of my The Amazing Devil series!

31st of May, 2019

The lights were so bright, each vibrant flash of RBG dizzying you further. Your head hurt, the pain throbbing in beat with the obnoxiously loud music. You tried to find an exit, some way out of this swirling mass of people, who were sticking together with sweat and spilt drinks.

You stumble around, eyes unfocused as you somehow spot the red-brick of the wall behind the bar. You make your way towards it, narrowly avoiding multiple drunk girls running towards the bathrooms.

You manage to find a seat at the bar, leaning your elbows against the bartop and closing your eyes, trying to block out the light.

“You okay?” You vaguely hear a voice quietly ask.

You blink your eyes open and once your eyes adjust, you’re met with the face of a beautiful man. His dark cherry hair complimented his glowing skin and his deep brown eyes were cat-like– sharp, slightly slanted and full of curiosity. A slight smirk rested on his rosy lips and despite his confident aura, you could see a soft pink blush dusting his neck and ears as you stared at him.

“Hello?” He asked, starling you out of your staring.

“Uh yeah.” You're interrupted by a jolt of pain in your head. “No. No I am not.” You squeeze your eyes shut.

“Oh” He says, obviously surprised by your honesty. “Do you need to go outside?”

“Mhm.” You hum, eyes still squeezed shut.

“Do you need help?” He asks, an odd softness in his voice for someone he just met.

“Uh yes please.” You said, opening your eyes again, wincing at the sudden light change.

“Okay, I will be right there, one second.” He says before rushing off.

All of a sudden he’s at your side, gently taking your elbow and guiding you towards an exit.

The rush of cold air combined with the quieting of the music and the absence of obscenely loud music immediately make you feel better- with the pain quieting down to a gentle thrum every so often.

“So are you okay? You looked really pale back there.” The boy softly asked, eyes focused on you with a mix of concern and inquisitiveness.

“Uh yeah. Migraine. Sorry. Thank you for helping, you can uh, go back if you need.” You fumble, looking to the ground to avoid his beautiful face.

“I took five so it’s all good. Plus, my boss would kill me if anything happened to a customer.” He laughs nervously. “But seriously, are you sure you’re okay?”

You shuffle, barely looking up to meet his gaze before averting your eyes again. “Uh yeah. I think so. It’s my fault, any sort of loud and flashy parties always trigger my migraines.”

“And yet your friends threw you one anyway…” He says???

“Yeah. Uh- wait, how did you know that?” You ask, making eye contact, ignoring the butterflies in your stomach.

He chuckles, “It’s a small bar, there’s only so many birthdays happening at once.”

“Oh” You laugh.” “Yeah, that makes sense.”

You, you told me I was younger (without you, I'm stronger, I'm no longer) That I was filled with wonder How wrong you were For you, I would have gone so much blonder (my lungs were pulled asunder by)

“Happy 25th Birthday by the way. You’re lucky you're still young and filled with wonder.” He says casually, leaning against the wall.

You laugh. “There’s no way you’re that much older than me.”

“Come on, you’re, what, 30? 35?” you tease, laughing at his look of mock offense.

“I’ll have you know I am 27!” he said indignantly.

“HAH! You’re less than a year older than me! Going on about how and filled with wonder, how wrong you were!” You dramatically taunt, making him laugh.

“Fine, fine you got me there.” Glancing down at his watch, his eyes widened.

“Shoot I have to go back.” he says, pushing himself off the wall. “How are you getting home?” he asks.

“Oh, I was just going to walk,” you pause, noticing his astonished look.

“Absolutely not.” He checks his watch again. “I’m off in 15 minutes. Can you wait that long? Then I’ll drive you home.” You once again notice his neck and ears growing pink, brighter this time.

You smirk, “Oh you wanna take me home?” You tease, mentally noticing how his neck and ears turn a vibrant red.

“I-” he stutters. “I just want you to get home safe or whatever.”

“Well, I appreciate it Mr. Wait what’s your name? You ask.

He smiles, “Minho.”

“Well, thank you Mr. Minho, that would be very much appreciated.” You try to hide your growing smile.

“Okay great, you wait here, I’ll see you in 15.” He says as the door swings open, the sudden assault of flashing lights and loud music makes you flinch as the pain spikes up again.

You press yourself against the wall, gasping for air as it feels like your lungs are being pulled apart. After the door closes, you take a few steadying breaths as the pain subsides. You relish in the feeling of the cold night-air enveloping your skin, the pain dissipating with each gentle breeze.

By the time Minho comes back out the pain is virtually gone, replaced with a slight buzz from the cider you’d drank earlier that evening.

“Thanks for waiting.” Minho smiles upon noticing you standing there, almost as if he was surprised you actually waited.

“Why are you thanking me, you're the one driving me home.” You laugh.

He laughs as he leads you towards his car. You gingerly sit in the passenger seat, trying to be cautious with how nice of a car it was.

“So what’s the address?” he asks as he rests his hand on the back of your seat, looking back to make his way out of the parking space.

You feel your throat dry as butterflies swarm in your stomach and you manage to stutter out your address. Whilst your eyes are fixated on your hands resting in your lap, you’re sure that you can see him smirking in the corner of your eye.

“What’s your name by the way? You never told me.” He inquires after putting your address into the car's GPS.

After you introduce yourself the two of you fall into quiet small talk before he arrives out the front of your small apartment.

“Is this it?” He asks, parking once you nod.

“Thank you so much for driving me here.” You say, before the two of you fall into an awkward silence.

“Uh, do you want to come in?” You ask, blushing furiously once you realise what you said.

If it wasn’t for the dark, you would’ve seen him blush furiously, but despite his flusteredness, he remains calm, smirking. “Sure.”

Seen that wild blue yonder and said, "Let's end this, too" So one last time, love, come and rip my clothes off Grip the bathroom rug my skin's grown so soft (Get a grip, we're grown-ups)

°˖✧✿✧˖°

Next thing you know, you’re pressed against the interior of your front door, his mouth hot and urgent against yours. As his lips trail down your neck, you grab at the blue leather jacket on his shoulders, pulling it off and letting it fall to the floor.

“Just so you know” you gasp as he kisses at your neck “I never do this.”

“Same” he murmurs, momentarily pulling back to breathe.

“No like never” You resist a whine as he pulls back.

“You’re a virgin?” he asks, eyes wide with surprise.

“Oh my god, no!” you exclaim, cheeks burning. “I just mean, I’ve never had a hookup before. I’m not… I just haven’t.”

“Oh,” he smirks, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. “Then I’m honored to be your first.” He leans in, reclaiming your lips with a smile.

°˖✧✿✧˖°

1st of June, 2019

The next morning you wake up early, shocked at how well you slept. Still groggy, you move to get up, before noticing the weight of an arm draped over you and your memories from last night come flooding back.

You stand up, gently removing Minho’s arm and moving a pillow under it, careful not to wake him. You tiptoe towards the bathroom, quickly getting into the shower, sighing as the hot water hits your skin.

The shower was the one place you felt you could relax and unwind- you always used it as a way to collect your thoughts, the gentle rhythm of the water providing a backing music for your racing thoughts.

You step out of the shower, drying yourself off and reveling in the softness of your skin. You decide to make breakfast, assuming pancakes are a good bet, even if you knew absolutely nothing about the man now laying in your bed.

You’re standing there humming to yourself as you flip the final pancake, mentally preparing yourself for going to wake up and confront the man when you turn, suddenly finding yourself looking at said man.

His hair was fluffy and slightly messy from sleep and the neck of his shirt was sliding down on one side exposing his shoulder. He looked confused and you noticed the pile of his belongings in his hands.

“Oh! Good morning, I was just about to wake you.” You place the pancake down before looking back at him, his expression confused. “Are you leaving already? I thought you might want pancakes.” You try to remain casual with your words.

“I assumed you’d want me gone. I mean I wake up and you’re not there…” Minho trails off, laughing. “But pancakes sound lovely, thank you!”

“Oh no I was just hungry,” you laugh along, trying to relieve some of the awkward tensions between you two. “And I always wake up early,” you add.

“How’d you know I like pancakes?” He enquires some time later, that curious glint returning to his eyes.

“Oh, I just figured it was a safe bet.” You giggle.

“So.” Minho starts, making your heart rate spike with anxiety. “We should probably talk about, uh, this.” He gestures between the two of you.

“Oh right. Yeah, uh, sorry.” You stumble over your words, unsure as to where this was going.

“No! No, don’t apologise.” He says, squeezing your knee under the table. “I just uh- wanted to make things clear y’know.” You nod slowly.

“Um, I don’t, y’know, usually do hookups. But there’s something about you.” You look up, noticing the flush of red on his neck and ears.

“I don’t know. I just feel…” he pauses, making eye contact with you, “drawn to you.”

You feel your face heating up and you clear your throat, “Yeah, no me too.” You swallow hard.

“Like, I know we just met, but, there's something about you…” You look back into his eyes, blushing furiously at the soft look in them.

He laughs at your fluster, “I’m glad it’s not just me!”

There’s a pause for a minute or so.

“So, uh, what now?” You ask, still unsure.

“Well um, are you busy today?” Minho asks, that sly smirk back on his lips.

Let's wander 'til the fuckers demand an encore Flirting (wasn't flirting) at the back of a bookshop Come and rip off my socks like you're blasting the locks off of a bank vault (halt) This time we're done for

The two of you end up spending the day together. You walk around your local shops, grabbing a coffee together and talking about yourselves.

You find out he works as a bartender at night so that he can teach dance and volunteer at the local cat shelter during the day. He has three cats that live with his parents, but he visits them weekly and he really enjoys cooking.

In turn, you tell him about your life, what you do for work and how you ended up here. You tell him about your interests, about your friends and you find out you have a shared love for camping and reading.

The two of you visit a bookshop, one of the cute ones with a coffee shop attached. The two of you walk along the rows and rows of books, pointing out the ones you’ve read and the ones you want to.

You notice him giggling as he holds a book. “What are you doing?” You ask suspiciously as you approach him.

His giggles intensify as he tries to talk. “Ar-are you Brenna Yovanoff? Because I want to get rid of The Space Between Us.” He holds out the book in his hands, showing you a copy of The Space Between, laughing even harder at your dumbfounded expression.

“What- What the fuck” you stumble out, at a loss for words, your reaction making him double over in laughter which then led to you follow him.

You look up, immediately noticing the perfect book in front of you.

You pick it up, careful to hide the title and poke him.

“Hey, hey Minho. Are you The Giver?” You ask, flipping the book around. “Because you sure were last night…” He erupts into another fit of laughter, but you definitely notice a red tinge to his neck and ears.

“Excuse me.” A shop worker came up to the two of you. “Could you please keep it down?” She quietly asked.

“Yes. Sorry miss.” You apologise, quickly putting the books back and elbowing the still-laughing Minho before ushering him out of the shop.

“Okay that one was really good.” Minho says once the two of you have calmed down outside.

“Thank you, thank you. I know. Comedic genius right here.” You fake bow before looking into his eyes, blushing at the fondness in them.

“What are you doing tonight?” He suddenly asks.

“Um,” you pause to think, “nothing I think.”

“Do you want to get dinner together?” Minho asks, the soft pink returning to his ears as he averts his eyes from your gaze. “We could get takeout or I can cook for you?”

“I would love that.” You smile, gasping as you get an idea. “On one condition.”

Let's hide under the covers We don't know what's out there Could be wolves

“I really did not think that your ‘one condition’ would be a pillow fort.” Minho chuckles to you from his place at the stove.

“Well.” You start, pausing to run and grab more pillows. “My original idea was a movie but,” you again pause to move a chair over to create a wall. “I know you only like scary movies, and the only way I would watch a scary movie.” You pause as you struggle to pin the sheets up. “Is in a pillow fort.” You turn to the man, smiling at your successful pillow adventure.

However, you didn’t expect to find the man right in behind you, once you turned he immediately cupped your face, his hold so gentle as if he was holding the world in his hands, before kissing you softly and with so much tenderness.

After he pulled back you were almost dizzy, grabbing onto his arms to stop yourself from falling, making him smirk.

“What was that for?” You ask, confused.

“You were just really cute.” He mumbles. “So, dinner?” He pulls away, that signature smirk on his lips.

So hold me, lover, like you used to So tight I'd bruise you I'd bruise you, I'd bruise you too Every stone you threw I stood on to better see the view

23rd of November, 2024

“What did we even watch anyways?” you ask, tilting your head to look up at him, your cheek pressed against the rise and fall of his chest.

“Uhh…” He paused, his fingers pausing in your hair. “Oh! The Conjuring.”

You shiver, your body stiffening at the memory “God I forgot about that one.” You shuffle so that you’re laying on top of him now. “That one was terrifying.”

Minho laughed at the look of horror in your eyes, his hand resting gently on the side of your face. “It wasn’t that bad…” His teasing words are counteracted by his soft stroking of your cheek.

“Yes, yes it was.” You glare at him, resting your chin on his chest. “It was worth it though.”

Minho smirked teasingly, “Oh? And why was it worth it?”

You smiled, “Because it let me get closer to you.” You poke his chest.

He laughs before going back to staring at you in his typical cat-like way.

I've got something in my eye (I surrender what was) Don't you ever wonder what could have been? All those wonders sit in wait for us, we tried Try, please, try for me

“I love you so much.” He says, catching you off guard with the soft look in his eyes.

“I love you too baby.” You reach up to press a gentle kiss to his lips.

“So.” You press a soft kiss to his cheek.

“So,” you repeat, planting another on his forehead.

“So.” Your lips brush his other cheek.

“So.” This time, you kiss the tip of his nose, your tone turning lighter, teasing.

“Sooo,” you draw out, pressing a soft kiss to his jaw.

“Much.” Finally, you capture his lips in a gentle kiss, lingering just long enough to feel the warmth of his smile against yours.

Upon leaning back you’re shocked to find tears in his eyes.

“Are you okay, love?” You ask, concerned.

He quickly dries his eyes, “Yes, just uh, got something in my eye.”

“Liar.” You say lightheartedly, making him chuckle. “What’s wrong?”

“I just love you so much. I’m gonna marry you one day.” Minho murmurs before kissing you, with much more intensity this time.

You pull back, “I can’t wait.” You say before leaning back in.

Come rest for the winter, wear my jumper all night long Those songs we sung, those words we flung For fear of sound All those books that we both drowned And the candle we lit Well, we'll use it to burn this whole place to the ground I'm lost, I'm found in you

The next few weeks are a blur and the two of you spend many nights curled up together, wearing each other's jumpers and reading books together.

One night, you walk into the living room where your boyfriend was setting up for your shared reading session.

“You’re wearing my hoodie!” Minho exclaims, pointing at you as he drops a pillow.

“Yeah! Well you’re wearing mine!” You laugh.

“Only because I couldn’t find mine!” He walks up to you, wrapping his arms around your waist. “Because you stole it.” He smirked teasingly.

“Oh hush.” You mutter, your hands rested upon his chest. “You love it.”

“I do.” He says before kissing you with a heartstopping intensity. “I really do.”

“Hey” Minho asks later, as you two are curled up reading your books. “Are you Gandalf? Because I’d blindly follow you to Mordor.”

You crack up, “Oh that was horrible!”

“Hey!” He exclaims. “I tried my best! I’d like to see you do better.”

You turn to him, suddenly serious. “I have waited my whole life for this.” He looks shocked and wary at your sudden seriousness.

“Are you Mount Doom? Because you’re hot and I’d walk across Mordor just to give you a ring.” Minho looks stunned.

“Okay that actually wasn’t b-” You cut him off.

“I’m not done.” You give him a mischievous smirk.

“Are you tall and blonde, with pointy ears?” You ask, barely holding back your laughter. “Because after I’m done with you, you’re gonna feel Legolas.” Your composure almost breaks as he giggles.

Minho's eyes light up, “Wait! I’ve got one.” He pauses to compose himself. “Was that a Middle-Earthquake? Or did you just rock my world…”

You press a hand over your mouth, trying not to laugh.

“Are you the Silmarillion? Because you’re long, hard, and impossible to read.” He says, and it takes every cell in your body not to laugh.

“Are you an orc? Because my Sting lights up whenever you’re around.” The two of you pause for a moment before you burst into hysterical laughter.

“Okay” He manages to get out between laughing fits. “That one wins.”

Hide under the covers We don't know what's out there Can't you hear that scratching? Hold me, lover, like you used to So tight I'd bruise you I'd bruise you, I'd bruise you too

1st of June, 2019

“AH!” You shriek, shocking the poor man next to you. “Something touched my foot.” You say, freezing in fear.

“Yeah my foot, dumbass.” Minho laughed at your embarrassed expression.

You pressed your face into a pillow, exasperated at your own dumbassery.

“If you’re that scared we can stop.” Minho offered, his voice soft.

You look up. “No. No. I’m fine. Just.” You paused. “Just hold me?”

You giggle internally at the soft pink blush that decorates his neck and ears.

“I- yeah. Of course.” He mumbles and the two of you shuffle around to a more comfortable cuddling position.

Later on, when you jump and bury your face in his chest in fear, he won’t tell you about how tightly you squeeze him, how his muscles ache under the pressure.

Even when he wakes up the next morning and sees the soft purple bruise painting his arm, he doesn’t regret it. Because holding you like this was worth every second.

Every brick you hurled I'll use to build this world This world, this world, this world Let's hide under the covers We don't know what's out there Could be all our demons, darling

14th of December, 2024

“What are we watching this time?” You ask, curling up in Minho’s arms within your makeshift pillow fort- something that had become a weekly tradition.

“I was thinking of The Conjuring.” He teases, laughing as you smack his arm.

“Absolutely not.” You pout.

“Hmm. Fine. How about…” he hums, “Smile.”

You turn to glare at him, huffing. “Never. In a million years. Ever.”

“Okay, okay.” He laughs, “How about you go get snacks and I’ll choose something less scary.”

You look at him suspiciously, “You promise it won’t be scary?”

“I promise.” He says, pressing a soft kiss to your lips before ushering you out of the pillow fort.

A few minutes later you re-enter the pillow fort, shooting your boyfriend a cautious glance as you walk in on your knees.

“So, what’d you choose?” You ask, gently placing the snacks down.

“I was thinking we would watch The Proposal.” Minho says, a mischievous smirk on his face.

You turn your head towards him suddenly in surprise. “What? Why? You hate rom-coms.”

Minho giggles, “Because…” he manages to shuffle so that he’s on one knee in front of you, reaching to grab something from his back pocket.

“No fucking way.” You murmur, tears springing to your eyes as he laughs.

He pulls out a black box, the velvet glinting in the dim light as he opens it to reveal an intricate gold ring. It has two golden lines that gracefully twirl around the exterior before stopping at symmetrical filigree swirls. These filigree swirls surround the centre of the ring, which showcases a deep purple gem, surrounded by 4 dark-blue gems, which combined with the swirling filigree are placed to make it look like a 4 four-pointed star.

“Oh baby… It’s beautiful.” You say, trying your hardest to not let your tears slip out.

“My love. The light of my life. I love you so, so much. You are my world. You saved me, when I felt that I was lost and I feel like I’m found in you. You make me laugh, you’re so funny and you’re so extremely kind and loving, even when we fight. You’re so thoughtful, and always know just what to do to help. You are perfect in every way and there is no one else I’d ever even think of wanting to spend my life with.” He paused to blink the tears out of his eyes as you tried to stop the tears rolling down your face. “I love you more than life itself, without you I am nothing more than all my demons. Will you do the honour of marrying me?” He smiles at you gently as a tear rolls down his face.

“Yes. Yes! Yes. Absolutely yes.” You exclaim, pressing soft kisses on his lips that are now wet with both of your tears. He wraps his arms around your waist, careful with the ring and brings you close to him, kissing you with such dizzying intensity that it makes your heart shatter and the piece itself back together.

“I love you.” You pause, pressing another kiss to his lips as you hold his face in your hands. “So much.” You press a dozen more kisses to his lips before you finally break apart for long enough for him to place the ring on your finger.

“It’s so pretty…” You sniffle. “Thank you jagiya.” He smiles, before kissing you again.

“I love you, nae sarang.” He presses a soft kiss to your forehead as he holds you close.

Hold me, lover, like you used to So tight I'd bruise you I'd bruise you, I'd bruise you

Later, the two of you are cuddled up in your pillow fort, peacefully basking in each other's love, warmth and comfort. He laid behind you, chin resting on your shoulder with his arms and legs wrapped around you, gently running his fingers over the ring now adoring your enclosed hands.

“Sometimes, I just get the overwhelming urge to squish you. You’re just so cute.” You murmur to him, leaning back so you can see his face.

His eyes widen as he sees your hand slowly inching towards his face. “What are you doing…?”

“Nothing…” You say, mesmerized by his cuteness, gently reaching out and squeezing his cheeks together.

“What the fuck?” He asked, so genuinely confused.

“Cutie.” You whisper before remembering the ring on your finger and giggling. “My cutie.”

So hide under the covers We don't know what's out there Could be ghosts or monsters or a robot-vampire, I don't know Hold me, lover, like you sued to So tight I'd bruise you I'd bruise you, I'd bruise you I'd bruise you, I'd bruise you

1 week later

The two of you are at Minho’s parents house for Christmas. Despite this change in routine you still manage to create a pillow fort on the floor of his childhood room, the two of you watching another scary movie on his laptop.

You notice a strange rustling from just outside the fort.

“What the fuck was that?” You whisper, terrified as you turn towards Minho.

“It’s definitely the cat.” He says.

“Or ghosts. Or monsters.” You whisper back, terrified.

“Or a robot vampire?” He teases, his eyebrow raising in his signature way as you slap his arm.

Suddenly a grey striped paw reaches into your pillow fort.

“Dori!” You exclaim, beckoning the soft grey cat over.

“Told you so.” He mutters, leaning his head on your shoulder.

Dori promptly struts into the pillow fort, quickly laying down in your lap in a purring, fluffy pile.

“She likes you.” Minho smiles, and if it was any brighter in your little stow-away, you’d notice him looking at you as though you created the stars themselves and hung them for his cats to play with. He looks at you with so much genuine love and admiration that if you had seen it, you would’ve melted into a pile alongside Dori.

Rather than try and express this love to you with words, Minho simply wraps his arms around you, careful to not disturb Dori, and pulls you close to him. He hopes to someday get close enough to you that you can feel his adoration seep from his body to yours.

Until then, he’ll settle for holding you tight—so tight that you worry there will be soft purple bruises on your skin by morning. But you don’t mind, because little does he know, you feel his love every time he touches you.

This is a work of fiction, based entirely on my personal perception of him, and does not reflect his actual character or actions.

[crypt-keepers-den]

I need more of Astarion and his little spawns- You don't understand how much I fucking loved that fic, PLEASE WE NEED MORE DADDY STARION 😭😭😭

I DIED BUT NOW IM BACK ENJOY!

𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬 (𝐃𝐚𝐝𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐧)

Astarion never claimed he'd be a good father, but as soon as your little ones arrived into the world he sure was the proudest. When Lyra, your oldest had been born he fainted (can vampires faint idk), and when you announced your pregnancy with your youngest, Caspian, he was elated and told anyone who'd listen that his darling was blessing him with a second child.

when your oldest was born he was too frightened to hold her, in fear that he'd hurt her, but after a long talk from you (and a stern talking from halsin who'd offered to help you deliver naturally) he did hold her, frozen in place however as he did so. "she's perfect my darling" soft silvery tears cascading down his pale cheeks as the new-born yawns, when your youngest was born, he was prepared this time, holding your hand with confidence as you brought a new life into the world, bringing your 1yr old daughter into the bedroom to meet her baby brother, the elf had a grin etched on his face.

becoming a parent is one thing, but a parent to a dhampir baby is another, when lyra started teething you found out the harsh way. One evening you had lifted the infant to breastfeed her, settling back down on the couch with the infant nestled to your chest as she contently latched, your adoring husband sitting next to you a book in hand, his free hand stroking the top of his daughter's head. "star, read that page again i was too focused on lyra" he nods starting again until he heard a sudden yelp from you, "my love whatever's wrong?" he watches you exam the giggling baby's mouth "holy Avernus, star she's got fangs!" his eyes widened at your discovering as he leans over to see what your talking about, your holding the drooling baby's mouth open to allow him to see the two little white points that had pierced through lyra's gum. His eyes widen now understanding what had happened causing him to laugh, earning him a rough slap to the shoulder and a stern glare. safe to say you switched from breastfeeding to bottle and continued to do so with your second born (not that it helped but it saved your poor breasts from being gummed on by your children atleast).

Astarion prided himself in his inability to say 'no' to his children, "papa can i has?" caspian stares up at his father with the same puppy dog eyes you use on him, "caspian no treats before dinner!" you'd call out, the little boy would then pout before looking back up at his daddy, "papa a'peas", oh dear your son has him in the palm of his chubby little hands, astarion cant remember his childhood anymore, nothing but faint smells of what he assumes is his mother's perfume, but he does remember having nothing when he was under cazadors control. And he had made a promise at each child's birth, they'd never suffer like he had and they'd want for nothing. in this scenario its astarion sneaking your son a cookie before dinner, the pair hiding under the kitchen table laughing "our little secret little starling" , "you two know i can see you right?" "quick run!". with choas ensueing as you chastise the pair for ruining their appetite for dinner.

"lyra please stopping scaring your brother with your bat form!", the first time your daughter had found out she could shift scared you shitless, toddler lyra suddenly poofing into a bat mid hiccup causing you and astarion to jump out of your skin, not knowing how to get lyra to turn back until she hiccups again poofing back and landing in a panicked astarion's arms while giggling at her parents panicked faces. Since then astarion had taught her how to use it properly, however she had a terrible habit of scaring her little brother with it, startling the tot causing him to wail and run to the nearest parent crying "a bwat!, a mama! a papa! noo!" earning lyra a scolding, you and astarion made her promise to not use her abilities in the cottage and not infront of her brother, not until he was a little older anyway.

(hey! im back with some dadstarion stuff! how are we all liking this? i could go on forever about dadstarion scenarios, what would you like to see?)

[leoruby-draws]

Some batfam doodles set in my TrWh au, with a bit of a focus on Stephanie Brown!

The first pic with Arthur trying to make Steph his sidekick (probably inspired by Bluejay Jason following Robin around) is kinda meant to be an explanation on why Steph becomes spoiler so early in this comic. While explanations are not really needed because my au focuses on comedy and cuteness, I thought this would just be a little fun bit of background info on Steph and her father Arthur Brown in this au. The pointer name comes from the cw Batwoman show, where Steph is a redhead for some reason.

Also we see that Steph often goes to sleepovers with the other batkids, tho she's really having fun being Starling. I think in another post I was thinking on how to work around the issue of Steph being a 8 year old vigilante without her mom finding out, I even considered the possibility of Bruce somehow fostering her. But I decided that just do the classical superhero identity shenanigans is all I need to do.

Also don't worry about Jason and Cass being tossed, they're having fun there! Kids love being tossed like ragdolls, I should know as the eldest sister myself lol.

Next pic has Steph and Cass switch roles for a bit with Steph being a mini batgirl as 'Batlass', a name I considered for Cass. And Cass is a mini robin as Blackbird, aren't they cute?

Little gag comic with Barbara shrinking into a kid, Steph and Cass look shocked to say the least. Lori Zechlin with often play magical pranks on other superheroes, its can end up pretty chaotic.

More batfam doodles, look at Steph, she's such a little creature!

Lastly a glimpse in a possible future in the TrWh world, with Steph as Batgirl at last with Nell Little as her protege Starling! Perhaps she might have also use the Spoiler moniker as well too. We also see Damian and Tiffany Fox hang out as well, also Cass (as batman?) seems to be mentoring Maps Mizoguchi. Tho I haven't really thought about the details that much, just something fun to draw. Oh, theres also Carrie Kelley but she likely doesn't exist in my au, just felt like drawing her.

Anyways that was a lot, hope you like it!

[palabraasinnecesarias]

five times ranma didn’t say i love you and the one time he didn’t need to: (this was the time he didn't need to)

ao3 | ff.net | ship: ranma/akane | rating: general audience | words: 8,889

summary

Ranma and Akane throughout their relationship in which they wondered about each other, and the one time they didn’t need to anymore.

a/n: this is JUST the ending part of the longer fic btw [words: 2,331]

“Okay. Okay,” Akane released a deep breath as she closed her eyes, taking a moment to ease her mind and body as she sat with crossed legs atop her bed. “Just walk over to him. Mistletoe over his head, and then kiss him.” Right, as if it were that easy – otherwise she wouldn't be such a nervous wreck.

According to Nabiki, after talking to Auntie Saotome and Kasumi, they were to be wed by Spring. They, being she and Ranma, of course. She was fine with it, had come to terms with the whole situation long ago . All she had asked of her father and Auntie Saotome had been to wait after her university's graduation, which was up coming the following semester; they had fulfilled the end of their bargain by agreeing.  

Naturally, after the misfortunes that came about their last attempted wedding so many years ago, this wedding would be hushed with only immediate family attending. Afterwards, at Auntie Saotome’s insistence, they’d throw a larger celebration to announce the union of both schools and families.  

Ranma had trained all night at the dojo after the rest of their lives had been arranged that evening during dinner, as if it were another checked off task on the to-do list, and she had wondered if he was upset at her. Maybe not at her, but the whole ordeal. But then, it all continued as it was. He’d bump her when racing down the stairs at Kasumi’s call for dinner or battle as to who had first dibs on the bathroom when they’d reach it at the same time.  

But then Nabiki asked, oh, how she had hated that damn question , “Have you two even kissed?” Of course not!

Their relationship had remained so normal, sometimes she’d forget the wedding was actually happening and she’d have to kiss him and live with him and introduce him as her husband. Although, she didn’t have to kiss him, but oh god did she want to. Making herself think about it, she didn’t want their official kiss to be on their wedding night.  

Her cheeks flushed quickly, imitating variant berries as she cupped them, shaking her head embarrassingly just thinking about it – their wedding night.  

Akane jumped slightly at the sudden knock at her door, starling her as she called for them to come in.  

“Hey,” Ranma popped his head in, holding a mug steaming as he offered it to her, “Kasumi sends some hot chocolate. The climate’s dropping and she wants to keep us warm. Considering it’s almost Christmas, she insisted on hot chocolate,” he smirked, inviting himself to take a seat on the bed next to her.  

She could feel the scrambling of her insides jumble and knot within her abdomen when she felt his shoulders press against hers. They were both wearing long sleeves, but nonetheless, their shoulders were touching. She took the mug from his hand, thanking him under her breath as she looked at the chocolate filled mug with a soft smile, feeling like such a child with a crush.

She held a tight grip on the handle, breathing in slowly and then breathing out slower. Just do it. Right? No, that wouldn’t be right. Also, Ranma would stop it before she even got close to him, considering his agility. Bad plan. Bad idea. She chewed her lower lip nervously. 

“Everything alright?” His sudden inquiry pulled her out of thought, and she glanced up at him with one raised eyebrow.  

“Uh, yeah. Why wouldn't it be?” 

“Well, for starters,” he sighed rubbing his shoulder against hers, such familiarity cozying her further, and her smile only widen, “you have hot chocolate and haven’t taken a sip.”

He had noticed her distracted face as soon as he had walked in, unable to mask it as quickly as she would have wanted, and he was curious. Worried, too, but she didn’t need to know that.   

“What if I wasn’t craving hot chocolate?” She joked with a cocked eyebrow, lifting the mug slowly to her lips to take a slow taste as to test how hot it was.  

“You’re a dork.” 

She only grinned.  

Half done with her mug, Akane placed it on her desk, adjusting herself comfortably to be facing him rather than sitting sideways. They had sat together for quite some time, chatting, and one topic led to another and now they were discussing how pressing and overindulged his mother was. Something she was glad they could both agree on.  

“If it was up to your mom, we’d be getting married tomorrow,” Akane grinned at the absurdity of it all. It felt incongruous sitting together knowing they’d to be married in just four months when they hadn’t even officially kissed yet . Yet impling that the moment was to come, and what better time than the present, right? She knew she shouldn’t be thinking about it, their nonexistent kiss, but he was right there and she was sitting so close. She could just lean foward, and maybe he’d allow it.

Maybe he wanted to kiss her, too.  

Her laughter decreased softly, clearing her throat as she watched the pigtail wearing man drag the palm of his hands up and down his face with seemingly frustration.  

“I know, I know,” he replied, a sigh of his own before looking over at her, noticing the intense stare she was offering. One that told him she was thinking about something, brewing an idea, but wasn’t quite sure how to drag it out of her. “You sure there isn’t anything ya’ wanna talk about?” He tried again, shimming at her side, hoping his persistence would get him just a bit further.  

“Well,” she pursed her lips, glancing to the left and then to the right, as if pondering about something so nonessential, like an outfit she’d sport to a classmate’s holiday party.  

Shut up. Shut up. SHUT UP.   

“Well?”  

And then he watched her lean towards her desk, watched her open the top drawer and pull out a plant of some sort, as she held it delicately. And then she brought it towards, spreading her palm as the small stem laid on her flat hand in between them, watching him stare at it.  

“I was thinking...and I think we should...?” She gulped the inventible lump clogged at the back of her throat not letting her finish her question as Ranma’s eyebrows furrowed together, curious as to what she was getting at.  

“Should what?” 

Akane groaned mildly, an eyebrow of her own twitching at his ignorance, “You’re really going to make me say it?” Irritation was getting the best of her, but mainly because she already found this embarrassing enough.  

But they were to be married; they were to share a lifetime of embarrassing moments, right?  

“Kiss.”  

She blinked a few times, staring at the mistletoe laying on her palm, like that was the kiss itself.  

“Kiss?” He repeated, and this time she looked up to find him pondering, tapping his index finger against his chin and she couldn’t help but chuckle at just how dumb he looked.  

“We don’t have to,” Akane sighed, pulling away, but almost instantly both of her wrists were gripped and tugged forward by Ranma’s hands, and suddenly she forgot how to breathe.  

Ranma must have yanked her a tad too hard because she was now only centimeters away from his face, and she could see his light eyes scanning about her face as she tried to keep herself calm. His messy fridge just reached his nose bridge, and easily caught a whiff of her floral shampoo on him. 

“You want to kiss me?” He asked, and that was enough to knock her out of her daze. It wasn’t a lie, but she figured his question was coming from his egotistic self, rather than curiosity.  

“I was saying,” Akane continued, gently trying to push herself away but not successfully releasing the grip of his hands around her wrist, “maybe it’d be a good idea to kiss now,” she swallowed as Ranma softly tugged her once more, “rather...rather than wait...for the...wedding.”  

“Okay.” He breathed in, his half-lidded eyes watching her carefully. His voice was low, and she almost missed his verbal agreement at how distracted she was by his eyelashes pulling her in.  

“Okay?” It was that easy?   

“Y-yeah,” he stammered, his face so close that the tip of their noses skimmed faintly, “if ya’ wanna.”  

“Do you...do you want to?” Her voice was so delicate, it seemed, hushed as she waited for his answer. The question itself was insecure, and full of hope, and could easily break her. Maybe it hadn’t been such a good idea to ask so early, but rather two months before the wedding. The thought itself sounded so absurd in her mind, she wanted to laugh.  

“I mean, I don’t mind if ya’ don’t,” he answered truthfully, and she scanned his face for any sarcasm, any disgust, and malice, but there was none. He watched her in wonder, with curiosity, making her feel dainty.  

“I don’t mind.” She replied quickly.  

And then she closed her eyes waiting for him, and he looked down at her, taking an extra moment to take in all the soft features of her round face with her glowing cheeks and curved nose. The hold around her wrist lessened, and instead he pushed his palms higher around her lower arm, as if to ground himself before kissing her.  

It was timid, the way he brushed his lips against hers; like feathery light touches, almost tentative about kissing her. But then he pushed just a tad further into her, and his hands lightly squeezed her arms. It felt good. He figured he was supposed to pull away after just one kiss, but he found himself wanting to continue kissing her.  

And maybe she did, too, because he caught the way her mouth opened just a bit when he pushed for another. It was slow, and very new, but there was a tingling sensation vibrating from his mouth down his neck and up his face that kept him wanting more. It was a good new.  

Her lips were softer than he’d imagine they’d ever be (not that he thought about her lips often), and as he continued kissing her, they were beginning to burn, in a good way; in a great way.  

He could feel her hands reach for his face, each fingertip almost stinging as they pressed onto his cheeks, easily melting against his skin. Had he known that kissing Akane felt this good, he would have done it a long time ago. Her palms smoothed across his skin towards his ears, dragging themselves down to settle on his neck, edging him to pull her closer.  

This was supposed to be a chaste kiss, right?  

He felt her nudge away momentarily, and he took that as a sign to pull away instantly because otherwise he wouldn’t. And when he did so, it took him a moment to open his eyes to look down at her already gazing up at him. She was breathing heavily, as was he, and her lips were reddish, like cherries. And she looked so beautiful, and he could admit that to himself and to her if she wanted to hear it.  

And then she laughed a breathy laugh, one that kept her smile intact with a toothy grin, her eyes searching his as she found herself compelled to say, “That was a good kiss.”  

Ranma chuckled, not sure why they found the situation amusing, but nonetheless refreshing. “Good.” He could feel the warmth easily diminish as she pulled her hands away from his skin, and he went to catch them, holding her hands in between his, “Are we...can we...?” 

Akane’s eyebrows pricked up at his unfinished question, allowing him a moment before she asked, “Do you want to kiss me again?” This time it was her egotistic-self rubbing it on his face, but she couldn’t help but find herself suddenly so sheepish.  

He knew she could see his ruddy face as soon as she was done asking, but man, did he want to kiss her that way again if she’d let him.  

“Ain’t that the sort of thing people do when they’re in love?” His question had been rushed out, in an attempt to remedy his embarrassment, with pure genuity. And then he heard himself ask it. “What I mean–”  

“Ranma,” Akane giggled, her hands pushing strands of hair away from his face, her touch very soft and tender as she looked at him, “you can kiss me any time you want.”  

“Any time?”  

She nodded slowly; a sly grin plastered on her face as she leaned closer to him, enough to peck him into another kiss, had he pushed himself forward. 

[meo-eiru]

oooHHH- Meru, my dear, I was going to wait until I had time to draw something before talking about it since I normally do that. But you guys have been talking about it so l can't hold back anymore.

Spoilers ahead for anyone who hasn’t played the game~

(And talk about dark themes. 🫶✨)

Inserting my live reaction here to keep others from accidentally looking at spoilers like I do sometimes:

SO!!!

Based on what I saw in the game, yeah. Starling definitely loved Maelyn. Or at least felt an affection for her. An approximation of those feelings for her. Ultimately, Starling isn’t a human and doesn’t seem to operate quite the way that we would emotionally or mentally (wow that sounds so BAD I SWEAR I DIDN’T MEAN IT IN A BAD WAY-).

Like you said, Starling goes out of his way to dress Maelyn up and even remembers what she said about the “collar” in order to keep her while making sure it isn’t hurting her.

The whole thing didn’t feel malicious, really. Even the drowning. It just felt like he didn’t really understand the consequences of that one action. I hesitate to make the comparison, but Starling kinda feels childlike somehow. I don’t mean this in a way to infantilize the character at all, I swear. It’s just the way he reacts to things. Very dangerous baby with big pointy claws and teeth, lololol.

And you’re definitely right about him being able to make you forget that he’s very capable of violence. Because even when he does things that could be considered violent, it’s in such a way that it doesn’t come off as such. I feel that this aspect of him was reflected pretty well in the game as it is from Maelyn’s perspective and she kinda just goes “well there goes my fingers oh well-“ It was to the point that I was like “wait wait wait rewind and lemme move my bang so I can read that again- her FINGERS??? JUST??? GONE??? LIKE THAT???” But, then again, you could argue that it was partially because of her mental state as well. And I think the whole almost childlike feeling I got from Starling only plays into this whole thing about him feeling almost safe at times even with his glaringly obvious “otherness”.

It doesn’t help that he was so amicable for the most part. But that was likely because he was getting everything he wanted up until Maelyn said she would only come back after four days.

Onto a few other things… This game reminded me of things about myself that I forgot about for a while LOLOLOL-

It was funny because. I got the marriage ending first. But while playing the first time and getting to the part where we first see him open himself up… I was like “what if I just crawled in there- no I shouldn’t think that,,,” THEN LOW AND BEHOLD. WHEN I GOT THE OTHER ENDING- 😂😭

Great minds think alike. ✨

His ribcage the perfect cradle and his heart singing the best of lullabies… Or it would have been were it still beating-/j

SJDJDJ-

Honestly, when I got that ending I was like nOOOOO STARLING- WHAT HAPPENED??? I still don’t think I quite get how it happened.

Also hmMMMMmmmm let’s not talk about how my first thought when he opened himself up that one time and reacts when we touch (I chose to give in to my impulses) was to be like, “What if I… licked…? Insi-“

LOLLL-

Listen one reason I liked Beastars was because of the theming around the inherent connection between… eating (canniba-//shot) and intimacy- Like… yeah… Two carnal needs/instincts… ANYWAYS-

I love how the game turned out! You guys did great! So a belated congratulations for finishing the development and releasing it!!! 🎉✨

And of course amazing artwork as always, Meru~

Will draw something in celebration of it later when I have time. And just because I wish to draw the funny tongue-fish man. 🫶💫

Will probably also yap about this more later.

Another amazing ask I'm sure @celerifleuri will love as well

This is such a good analyses honestly, and yes you are right, Starling is quite childish. It's not that he has the mind or mental capacity of a child but it's in a bit of a "pure" state if you will. It really makes me want to talk about his backstory but that's why we are making bonus episodes.

Maelyn as a character definitely effects our perception of the events as well. Honestly if that happened to my fingers I'd pass out right then and there.

It's so funny how you mind aligned with Maelyn's, I'm sure she would love to try licking his insides (he did kiss his heart)

I'm glad you liked the art!!! And for the drawing, I can't wait to see what you'll come up with :D Good luck with all his tongues

[kararisa]

darling, starling

— 9. iridescence — ✦ (wc: 0.6k)

“Is this going to take any longer?” you ask.

It’s an interesting feeling, having Scaramouche in your lap while he does your makeup. The side of his palm gently rests against your cheek as he does your eyeliner, his brow furrowed in concentration while you rest against the cushions of your sofa. His indigo hair and indigo eyes are barely illuminated by the dimmed lights of your living room, an insistence of his even at your protest of the horrid lighting for makeup.

“It’ll only take a moment longer,” he responds.

“You said that ten minutes ago,” an over-exaggeration on your part, but you couldn’t see how a makeover could take so damn long.

Scaramoche grins, his voice dripping in mock innocence, “Perfection takes time. Or however that saying goes. I’m not used to putting makeup on another person so just cooperate with me, will you?”

You do your best to glare at Scaramouche as he finishes up your eyeliner. The two of you have been at this for a while now, bantering while he does your makeup. When he finishes, whenever that may be, the two of you will swap places so you can give him a makeover in return. Admittedly an interesting arrangement to re-enact for a scene in his book, but you have to admit it’s been alright so far. He isn’t terrible, he just takes too long for your liking.

“Part your lips a bit. I’m putting lipstick on you,” you oblige, and Scaramouche continues while he dabs color on your lips. “Our ruse has been quite effective so far. But people seem to think we’ve been in love for longer than we’ve been dating.”

Amusement colors your voice, “I mean, I like to think it makes our whole act more effective.”

He finally leans back to inspect his work after what seems like forever and declares that he’s done — time for you to switch places. He gets off you to take a seat by your side. You take the opportunity to reposition yourself and straddle him.

Only to get a proper look at him while you give him a makeover, of course.

A few minutes of silence pass when Scaramouche speaks up, “The whole point of me asking you to do this was for us to talk. So talk.”

“Like what, the groceries?”

“Doesn’t matter. Just talk.”

“Well,” you pause, twisting the makeup sponge in your hand before getting back to work. “I think we’re running out of eggs? And we only have a little bit of flour left.”

“Did you add it to the list on the fridge?”

“I already did, smartass. You were the one who told me to talk.” you laugh slightly when you see him glaring at you, and you move your other hand to rest on his shoulder. “Stop looking all grumpy like that. You’re gonna make me mess up.”

“I am not ‘looking all grumpy’.”

“Oh, you definitely are.” you chide, dabbing his cheek with your makeup sponge. “Ooooh is my grumpy face mad at me?”

“Shut up and just get this over with, will you?” Scaramouche averts his gaze. “Absolute terror.”

You move on to doing his eyeliner before you continue talking, “I could help you cook dinner tonight if you want.”

“Absolutely not,” he answers curtly. “You’re still banned from the kitchen.”

“The thing that happened with the air fryer wasn’t even that bad.” you protest.

“Do I need to remind you what happened? You quite literally –”

“Okay fine, maybe I should leave the cooking to you today. But one day you’ll lift my ban from my own fucking kitchen.”

“Not happening until you learn how to actually cook.”

“Gonna need a good teacher for that, so why don’t you teach me?” you jest

He gives you an incredulous look before responding, “Sure. Whatever. Are you done with my eyeliner yet?”

“Stop moving and I’ll get done quicker.”

✧— previous — masterlist — next —✧

summary: being the world-famous singer-songwriter "zenith", the limelight has been on you ever since the start of your career. however, the media becomes relentless when leaks of music you never meant to release begin to circulate. your friend scaramouche, meanwhile, seems to have gotten stuck while writing his second book. with a deadline fast approaching, he comes to you with a deal: act as if you're dating him so he can gather reference material and, in turn, he'll help keep the press' eyes off of your leaks until you release your next album. a win-win in your book, so why not help a friend out?

author's notes:

they're definitely not in love guys trust me

taglist — currently CLOSED:

@aestherin @unsterblich-prinz @yourstrulykore @krnzysh @syriiina @yumiaur @featuredtofu @kodzusmiles @meigalaxy @fangygf @motherscrustytoenailclippings @samyayaya @hiimera @beriiov @e0nssadrift @dazaisboner @nillajhayne @chluuvr @nillajhayne @deffenferofjustice @romyoia @xiaomainlmao @hotgirlshit5 @potabletable @letthewindlead @esuz @toriiee @kclremin @angelkazusstuff @phoenix-eclipses @sakiimeo @mayuumine @ako-ang-mahal-ko @only-cherry-blossom @keiiqq @what-just-happened-huh @n3r0-1417 @haunts-gh0st @layla240 @mamafly @duckyyyx @certified-shrimp @kgogoma @xtobefreex @aeongiies @mechanicalbeat1 @meidnightrain @nordicbananas @feiherp @erzarq

[starchants]

MEET YOU AT THE GRAVEYARD

billy butcherson x female!reader ; billy is found on samhain.

word count — 1,278.

themes + warnings ; reader is ageless but obviously eighteen or older as depicted as a young woman BUT that term can relate to any age (bc age is a mindset once you hit eighteen in my experience- meaning getting older than eighteen is a mindset) and there is a moment of fluff bc i love this man tbh.

author’s note — nobody ever writes for him &. it’s so super sad :(( so be blessed my lil starlings <3! tempted to make this a series but idunno if anyone would be up for that!

support mention ; if you feel like supporting, a nice ‘like’ will suffice on my blog, i know some writers love to ask nicely if you could reblog or comment etc. yet on my blog (no hate towards them as everyone likes appreciation in different ways), but if you’d like to reblog or comment feel free after all this is a safe space for any fan-individual to have fun :’)

masterlist

y/n had heard of the town’s beloved favorite legend her entire childhood, as she had been living in salem since she was a young toddler. she knew all about the sanderson sisters but most importantly, she knew about the lover of two of the sanderson sisters. you see, she had felt undeniably close to billy butcherson ever since she had heard his name mentioned by one of her teachers during the first grade.

it was a complete utter mystery to the young woman as to why she felt drawn to him, especially during the night of samhain and why she would wake up hours later with no recollection of the night prior. this has occurred nearly every samhain since she had turned the age of thirteen. a number that many consider to be unlucky but y/n and the crow that followed her around for years that she nicknamed as mama happened to love that number. even more importantly, the young (h/c) haired woman considered that to be the day where her entire universe and timeline had shifted around.

yet again the date was marked as october thirty first and y/n y/l/n found herself following mama towards the old graveyard once again. her (e/c) irises looked around as she gently stumbled throughout the cemetery, after she gave a gift to the long deceased soul at the gate who kept watch over the cemetery, as she whispered apologizes to the dead for making her way through their ghostly homes. she hoped that none of them were too mad as she finally made her way to where billy butcherson had been buried all those years ago.

“oh billy.” she softly called towards the grave as she sat down, criss cross, in front of it and gave it a small sad smile as she watched mama sit upon the headstone. “you know what day it is, don’t you?” she remarked as she began tracing random designs into the dirt above his grave, not realizing that she had been drawing a mixture of sigils and runes, which would eventually lead towards him crawling out of his own grave. as she sat there mindlessly drawing those designs in the grave dirt she began wondering to herself — how would he react to the truth and what if she told him the truth after all these years? what then?

you see, y/n y/l/n never had any recollection of any samhain from the age of thirteen to where she is now as a young adult but she would occasionally be gifted dreams that featured that crow she nicknamed mama and flickers of her running through the town of salem with billy butcherson by her side. she knew through those occasional dreams that she had fallen in love with him over the years and she thought herself silly to even think about how he could possibly react to her falling for him after all these years. especially considering he had been dead and gone for a long while. but then again fate always found a way especially when it came to cosmic lovers.

a loud creak could be heard echoing underneath grave dirt causing y/n to jump up from her sitting position upon the ground to stare at the ground with wide eyes and a racing heart. she was beginning to believe that perhaps she was possibly starting to lose her mind due to being tired from her lack of sleep the previous night, only to be proven wrong, when she heard scoopfuls of dirt being moved away followed by loud grunts of annoyance.

“billy?” the young woman called out with a combination of fear and confusion melding into her tone before jumping back as the top layer of dirt was moved away and a head popped up from the grave clawing at their own mouth to try and remove the black stitches placed over them. “oh you poor dear.” y/n had remarked before glancing around upon the ground for an item to help the man and luckily heard a soft caw from the top of the gravestone, causing her to look up and notice a small bladed knife sitting near mama’s feet. she was quick to gently grab it from above billy’s head as he watched her with anxious eyes before she squatted down next to him and stared down at him from outside the grave.

“let me help you with that.” she softly remarked as she gently moved to use the blade against the black stitches and carefully cut them away from his lips. she didn’t believe it was fair for her to just sit here and watch him struggle to remove what was bounded to him that he clearly didn’t like, especially with how she loved him. it was undeniable as her (e/c) irises scanned his face and took in his ruggish and haggard appearance as he did the same with her. a loud clearing of a throat was heard before a raspy voice spoke, “you have a staring problem there ma’am?”

“you know for a man who has been dead for at least a couple centuries, you sure do have a lot of sass in your form of respecting someone.” y/n quipped back to the man who rolled his eyes at her playfully as a grin found its way upon her face. “and maybe i’m over being dead.” the brunet quipped back as he moved as gently as he could to get himself out of his own grave, groaning to himself as he moved considering his bones haven’t been moved in a good long while.

the (h/c) haired woman shook her head at his words as she moved to ensure that the man had enough room to comfortably get out of his grave as she shamelessly watched him move around and she had checked out his clothing that he had been buried in, taking notice of the purple bow tied around his long hair. “you say that like you had the plague.” she remarked back to the man who shook himself like a dog to get another thick layer of grave dirt off of his clothing. he was quick to whip his body fully around to stare at her in order to reply in such a sarcastic manner, “a plague of witches who don’t know how to keep to themselves.

“you see now i know why they decided to kill and bury you.” y/n softly called as she moved to start walking towards the gates of the cemetery. she heard heavy footfalls behind her and grinned as she knew he would be following her as he seemed to want to keep up the banter. “where are we going?” billy had been quick to question as he stood a respectful four feet away from the young woman as they made their way towards the gates. “you mean where am i going and you following me like a six foot something bloodhound?”

“it’s not like anyone else is here and like you said, i’m a few centuries old, who wouldn’t want me to follow them home?” the brunet had chuckled at his own joke and y/n shook her head as she playfully rolled her (e/c) eyes as they approached the gate and she whispered a thank you towards the spirit that watched over the cemetery. “alright come on now, pup.” she spoke in a fit of giggles at the very end and it extended into a full laugh as she heard the now undead man behind her making a sound that was very reminiscent of a fellow dog.

[percivalias]

Oh, extinct birds, how I love you and miss you.

In order:

White swamphen (Porphyrio albus), native to Lord Howe Island

Huia (Heteralocha acutirostris), native to Aotearoa New Zealand

Dodo (Raphus cucullatus), native to Mauritius

Laughing owl (Ninox albifacies), native to Aotearoa New Zealand

Mysterious starling (Aplonis mavornata), native to Mauke

North Island giant moa (Dinornis novaezealandiae), native to Aotearoa New Zealand

O'ahu 'ō'ō (Moho apicalis), native to O'ahu

[Image IDs in alt text.]

[rotting-ink]

Who's the biggest tease?

how would they handle the witch deliberately teasing/flirting with them, trying to rile them up?

L Rawlins- I feel like L is a very accidental tease. Doesn't even realise what they do to you at all. Either Luther's general ruggedness, rolling his sleeves up to show off muscular, scarred forearms, Loralei with her uncaring that she's wearing breeches and an open shirt, the way her eyes lazily scrutinize people before her. The way L dresses, showing more of their chest than they should. They don't realise it does things to you at all.

While, for themselves, they can take a lot of teasing but god, it builds up. Then they have to put you in your place, growling softly at you to stop being such a brat or they'll have to show you what happens to people who push them this far.

S Della Rovere- They're the master of teasing. Lives for it. Loves lingering touches as well as inappropriate ones. Doesn't do a long tease, they're happy to immediately put a hand on your thigh and slide it down to start exploring. They know how good they look and they really don't care about propriety

Teasing them? They're nearly impervious. They can take SO much teasing. But they might start whining if you carry on. You think you have the upper hand and then they pin you, whispering that they won't let you sleep at all.

Z Chambers- Legitimately doesn't think they can even tease a little bit. They're head to toe dressed in funeral attire, they're not showing a lot of skin at all! Very unaware of themselves, from their soft eyes, to their dexterous fingers. So, no, is unaware of why you're staring.

As for being teased, they would need a moment to realise that's what you're doing before becoming heated and must look away. Will go invisible but will start making sure you regret teasing them, as their ghostly touches drag along your sides.

V De Winters- They're fully aware that they're attractive but all their teasing seems to be done subconsciously. They just seem to adore touching you and then they have to sneak touches? In public? No wonder you're riled up. When aware, they love teasing so lovingly. Just fleeting touches, some quick kisses, but all things that would rile you up over time.

Oh, they can take being teased. In fact, they smile when they notice you teasing them. Going to take it in, watching with intrigued eyes as you tease them. Very good at keeping their calm, only to return all the energy back in private.

Seir- Average for both. Likes to tease you when you're busy, they're like a cat that wants attention and will drag their hands over you, mouthing at the back of your neck. That and they can take all teasing in stride.

Saleos- Their teasing is basically getting to show off their body to you, already knowing they're deeply, horrifically attractive. Low, purring words, whispering words, asking why dont you come over and play?

And they SEEM to take teasing well. They dont. They keep their composure and then they will ruin you in the grass on the way to a bed.

Starling Knight- Sorry but ehhhh. Neither. They dont tease on purpose, if you find them doing mundane things hot, honestly good on you. That and they're very firm for those subs out there.

And they won't realise ur teasing... So you have to crawl into their lap and whine for attention, that will do it.

A Lancaster- Doesn't tease a lot at all, just in general keep their hands to themself and then when you're alone, they LOVE touching you. And hey, if it turns sexual, that's on you, they're just admiring you. But they also know how hot they are. Likes to work out in front of you so you know exactly how good they look.

They get a look in their eye when you start teasing. Firmly grips your wrist and leans in to whisper if you're sure about starting this? Then going to have fun just watching you try and rile them up.

E Rawlins- They don't tease. They legitimately say whatever comes to mind, do whatever comes to mind and thats on you if you get horny from it, they're just doing whatever their horny brain says.

They CANNOT take any teasing. The moment you give them a look, or a smile, or a flash of skin, they're all over you. Their self restraint is below 0.

Quincy Beaumont- VERY good at teasing. From the dirty things they whisper, all veiled so politely, their outfits, easy to show off skin, their lingering touches, their eyes on you, everything. They live to tease.

They find any teasing quite amusing, as they are IMPOSSIBLE to break. Just finds it cute when you try.

D Woolf- BIG NO ON EVERYTHING. They cannot tease, they think they aren't able to tease or drum up any sexual feelings. They're just existing.

And they cannot take teasing either. While collapse in a heap and put their face in your stomach and whine. Please. Mercy.

[sparks-chaotic-cove]

Today's LORE I DIE hello???? ("Family Dinner" streamed by Zenni, Abraxas, and Cathow, recorded by Puffin - 11/26/24)

SO. THAT WAS A LOT

for oneeeee gay people at the end of Armor's POV??? hello???

but the horrors. oh stars the horrors.

Mojave messes up again and again and again- they're too quick to speak, throwing explanations and justifications up like shields without realizing that the arrows have already struck.

There's an important thing: Mojave didn't realize they were babying Elwood. Similar to Vast babying Rune, Mo was protective because they care about Elwood. But there's a sharp line between protectiveness and treating someone like a child.

Mojave crossed that line. They have been crossing that line. And of course Elwood still cares about Mojave but their attitude towards Elwood does not feel like one between two adults. Pride in someone is not fawning over every single accomplishments like your three year old has just drawn something that looks vaguely like a coherent shape. Even those you love can step on your toes enough for something to crack. And Elwood cracked. But Mojave, understandably, didn't comprehend why Elwood was acting like this. Its easy to step on toes when you can't see your feet.

Then there's Armor and Erin. The two that even though they weren't in full support of Elwood in terms of agreeing, knew that what the Starling was saying was true. But for the most part, they stayed quiet. And then that one time Mojave reached for a leg to stand on, a shoulder to hold to support their wounds... they scratched the hesitant shoulder that was there for them to hold. They called Armor "Atlas"

Armor said it himself: He doesn't care that they knew, he cares that they used it. That name is hers to allow others to use. His to tell others. The mix of shock, bristling fury, and overall, hurt, made Armor flee. Mojave is a box of matches, and they're scorching bridges quickly.

Then Elwood and Mojave fight a bit more. And Elwood leaves. And Erin tries to reach out, to find a nice middle ground, to calm Mojave down a bit.

But that match was still burning.

"Yeah, like you did?" Mojave asked. and immediately regretted. But a frightened cat sometimes only knows how to scratch. And Erin backed away. But unlike Armor, Erin spat back before she left. She called Mojave "Gold". Now I haven't watched the previous stream fully but... Mojave fucked up with this entire thing, huh?

And then they went and cried (and we got the WONDERFUL CMV from Zenni)

I shake these birds around violently in a jar abababa so interested in what comes next-

[nonconstories]

Saw your request for snippets and… I would really love to see a sidekick getting railed by a superhero

ME TOO.

Sebastian Graves AKA Sparrow is an established Superhero in the city of Hasper. He's also a bit accident prone, and one of his Rogues has dosed him with honest to god sex pollen. Sparrow's sidekick, Starling, has told him a million times to be more careful. He always has to clean up Seb's messes...

Click under the cut for: A trans guy annoying his sidekick death before riding him on their safe couch

Word Count: 1800

"You're a fucking dumbass sometimes, you know that?" That was just about the only thing he could think of to say, while his boss was sprawled out on the couch with a hand down the front of his pants. Keeping his eyes locked firmly on Sparrow's chest, which was still covered in his feather-stamped armor, he gestured in a vague, broad way, trying to indicate their entire situation. "Like. Like, how did this even fucking happen?"

Sparrow didn't answer for a second; likely too busy jerking his t-cock under his suit. Blood rushed to Gray's face when Sparrow groaned in pleasure and lifted his head from the arm of the couch to give his "side kick" a wobbly, sweaty grin. "Told you, Grumpy, I tried to fight OakenAsh on my own and I realllllly shouldn't have!" He tried to laugh, but it turned into a moan as he humped his own hand. "FUCK, oh, oh fuck, I really shouldn't have--"

Cringing, Gray turned his back on him and, at loss for what else to do with his hands, started undoing the straps of his gauntlets. "You, you pull your punches with that guy--" He mumbled, and prayed to literally nothing for his dick to stay soft. Which, admittedly, was difficult when picturing Sparrow and OakenAsh rolling around on a rooftop and fighting for the upper hand. "Seriously, don't, fucking talk to them! Hit them, for Christ's sake, Seb. They're...bad guys."

Behind him, Sparrow gave another shaky laugh, and the couch creaked as he continued to play with himself. "Oh, my, god, are you SERIOUSLY going to stand there and lecture me on my bad guys? Who I've been dealing with for 15--15--15 years oh my god come on I am so fucking close--" His words fluctuated between whines and moans, and Gray tried not to sprint across the room to the sink. The safehouse he'd found Sparrow in was a studio apartment, so his options for fucking off were limited.

As he pointlessly filled a glass with water, he shouted over his shoulder, "Well, clearly, I need to! Cuz this shit keeps happening!"

"Oaken could've killed me and he didn't," Sparrow pointed out, and then whined again. "Or maybe it is possible to die of blue balls. Is it? Gray. Gray, is it?"

"HOW WOULD I KNOW?" His dick was refusing to stay soft. He downed half the water in two gulps, and then gripped the edge of the sink as he tried to get himself under control. "Take this seriously!" He added, much less punch to his words. His ears were burning as badly as his face, and when he rubbed the back of his neck, he felt a thin sheen of sweat there. Wildly, he wondered his OakenAsh's pheromone-laced pollen was contagious. "He dosed you with a goddamn...date rape drug..." Laughing. The lunatic was laughing, and Gray rounded on him, abruptly more furious than mortified. "What is so goddamn funny?!" He stormed back across the cheap imitation hardwood and actually knocked the coffee table aside as he approached the couch.

Face flushed pink and lips swollen from his own teeth, Sparrow looked up at him and gave him another smile. "You!" He chirped, and wiggled his hips like he was seeking a better angle. "You get soooo upset. You get so mad! Come on, name one time it hasn't been fine!"

"Now!" Gray snapped, and pointed at him with one bare hand. "Right NOW, it is not fine, Sebastian!"

Sparrow was still wearing his domino mask, but, even behind the white-out lens, Gray could tell that his eyes had refocused on his finger. His hips wriggled again, and his hand to seemed to slow. Like he was teasing himself. "...Aw. You said my name. That's awfully cute." Throat suddenly dry, Gray took a step back, and stumbled against the crooked coffee table. "It's going to be fine," he added, looking his partner carefully up and down. His hair, the same mottled blend of red and brown and black as his armor, was falling out of place, the sweat dissolving the gel's hold on it. "Because you're right, this is a date rape drug. I can't get myself off, I need help."

Gray tried to answer, but could only manage a faint wheeze as Sparrow licked his lips, bright pink tongue dragging over his excited smile. "Sorry?" He managed on the second try.

"Mmm. Don't be. Come here."

"Nu-uh." Gray said reflexively, and tried to take another step back, only to feel the coffee table still blocking the way. "No way," he added and shuffled to the side to continue retreating. "Not gonna happen." He could not fuck Sparrow. He could definitely not fuck him while--because--"You're drugged!" He added, as his dick continued to insist on being hard.

"Exactly!" Sparrow whined, and thrust his hips as hard as he could into his own hand. His free one, no longer gripping the back of the couch, reached out for his friend. "I'm drugged! By that horrible plant monster you want to kill so bad--"

"I don't wanna kill him, I wanna beat the snot out him until he acts right--"

"--and I need help!" He pouted, which was ridiculous for a man his age, and then he beckoned with two fingers. "C'mon, I'd do it for you."

"C-call one of your--" He started weakly, but cut himself off with a wince. Call one on your friends, Seb! Oh, wait, they're all in hiding, or dead, or locked-up somewhere, or they're the guy that literally did this to you in the first place. Great suggestion, Gray, you fucking ass.

"Gray," Sparrow said, and there was less humor in his voice now. He clenched his teeth, and dragged his hand out of his armor, and sat up on the couch. "Gray," he said again, sweat still rolling down his forehead. "I've been rubbing myself off for like, 45 minutes. Oaken screws with his pollen recipe all the time, and this time? There was like. Zero urge to bang HIM, I just got super horny. I'm prettttttty sure that I need someone else. You know, sex. Not jackin' it. If you want me to find someone who isn't you, I--I probably can? But, that's gonna be super hard while I'm. You know. Actively under the effects of his stupid sex pollen in the first place. Help me out? Please?"

His dick told him to help. So did his brain, which was pointing out that Sparrow was right, he could barely keep his hands out of his pants. Swallowing hard, he furtively glanced at Sparrow's hands, twitching in his own lap, and asked, "Um. What do I do?"

Lighting up, Sparrow reached for him and this time, Gray stepped forward, into his waiting touch. "Ever fucked someone without a dick before?" He sounded cheerful, of all things, as he grabbed Gray by the wrists and pulled him to the couch. Gray let himself be pulled into a seat, and then jumped in surprise as Sparrow straddled him. "Undress me," he added, and started taking off Gray's Starling armor.

"No," he admitted, and started popping the catches and seals on the lightweight body armor. "Never."

"Well, good news! I just need something to bounce on." Sparrow was practically leering as he tossed the chest piece aside and got his first look at Gray's chest. "Oh my god. Do you wax?" Sounding delighted, his hands dropped to Gray's smooth pecs, and Gray's hands faltered on his back as those clever, gentle fingers started to explore. "I'm gonna mark these up," he whispered, and flicked his thumbs over Gray's nipples. "That sound nice, Grumpy?"

"S-Seb--" He wasn't sure what he was trying to say. It might have been let's get this over with before I embarrass myself or it might have been please slow down I've had a crush on you since I was 15 and I want to savor this. Mindlessly, he continued stripping his boss out of his suit. Sparrow, to his delight, did not wax. Dark brown hair covered his chest and stomach, and brilliant scars, like pink and white rivers, criss-crossed them both. "Can...can you feel--" Instead of pulling his pants down, he rubbed his fingertips over Sparrow's nipples, and they moaned in unison.

"Babe," Sparrow said, a small note of warning in his voice, but Gray ignored him and kept touching. "Babe, I'm so not in the mood for teasing." Hands back on Gray's shoulders, he turned them, and shoved Gray down on his back. Their legs tangled, and Gray yanked him into a sloppy kiss. That was pure self-indulgence, and the surprised noise Sparrow let out was going to be fueling his daydreams for a long, long time. For a few minutes, they stayed like that, tongues tangling, crotches grinding together through armor too thick to allow much relief. When Gray grabbed his ass with one hand and squeezed it, Sparrow pulled back, and growled, "No more fucking TEASING. Told you, I need something to bounce on."

Worming a hand down in between them, Gray undid his own belt and shoved his pants down as much as he could. The pieces of armor on his thighs made that pretty damn difficult, unfortunately, but he could pull his cock out. He gave himself a few quick strokes before trying to fumble Sparrow's pants off, and Sparrow kept kissing him. Each dip of his tongue into Gray's mouth felt like a reward.

Frustrated, Sparrow sat up, and Gray panted at him as he tried to get his pants off. Finally, the armor hit the floor beside him, and he was naked except for his mask, and yeah, this felt very familiar. Almost like Gray had been jerking off to that imagine for over a fucking decade. "Bounce on it, then," he said, and wrapped a hand around the base of his cock. Sparrow's own cock, plump and stiff and so fucking sweet looking that it made Gray's mouth water, was twitching above his pussy, which was both dripped and clenching on nothing.

"Hold still." And then Sparrow was sinking down onto his cock, and Gray threw his head back.

"SEB--"

"Oh my god--" Sparrow was whining, and grinding against Gray's hand, which was keeping him from sinking down any further. "You, are, big!" He was laughing again, and Gray moaned, grabbing his thigh with his other hand. "Move--move your--I need--"

"Fuck, fuck, I'm sorry--" He forced his fingers to uncurl from around his dick, and mimicked Sparrow earlier, grabbing the back of the couch. "Seb--" He cut himself off with a high-pitched whined as Sparrow raked his nails down Gray's pecs. Bright red lines of pain burned in their wake, and Sparrow sounded downright feral as he started barking orders.

[seldomscilence16]

Day 26:

Nightmares

Breakfast Table | Parting words regret | “I’m haunted by the lies that I have loved, the actions I have hated.” (Poe, Haunted)

Fandom: Trolls

Alt:

Survivors Guilt

Fandom: Trolls

Inspired by: @hey-hey-j Whether You’re a Brother

...

..

Branch was a lonely child.

He had school, and friends, but he never… he never felt like he quite connected with them the way the others did. He worried more, and smiled a lot less, and didn’t have a home life that was normal and bright and cheery.

He loved his parents. He loved his grandma. He loved his friends.

But Branch was different, and it felt isolating.

Until something changed.

His parents come home one night, his mother looks more tired than usual but offers him a smile nonetheless, his father still ruffles his hair, it's normal.

He’s cooked dinner this time though, he’d been practicing with Grandma and was confident in his skills for this particular meal- Grandma said he could only get better the longer he tried. It was a surprise, and thankfully a well received one.

“Oh, Branch, did you do all this?” His mother puts a hand to her chest in awe, smiling down at him softly.

“Yep! ‘Cause you guys work so hard, I wanted to do my part too!” He says proudly, his own smile one of his wider ones.

His parents share a look that has it dimming, he quickly looks everything over to see if he’d forgotten something.

“Branch, can I ask you a very important question?” His father asks suddenly, starling Branch as he whips back around.

“Of course!” His face sets into a serious look, ears perked to listen intently.

They kneel down, a calloused hand falling on his shoulder as the two adults level him with their own severe looks,

“Can you be a big boy for us Branch? Do something very important for us while we’re at work? The most important thing you could ever do for us?” His fathers voice holds no room for hesitance, this is a yes or no answer and one that will shape how his night will go, how his future will go.

His brows furrow in thought, looking to his mother for some kind of clue at this task they want from him, but it looks like they both need his answer first. And Branch isn't one to want to fail his parents,

“Yes, I can do it.” He keeps his voice even despite his apprehension, a determination shining in his eyes to prove himself.

“Then you’re going to have a very important job now too.” His mother begins, reaching into her hair and pulling from it the last thing Branch expected.

A small egg. Beautiful swirls of pinks and reds and teals with a tuft of magenta hair atop it. It's the most amazing thing he’s ever seen.

“You’re a big brother now. Which means you gotta take care of and protect your little sibling at all times.” She places the egg in his arms, and he cradles it close with gentle but secure arms, “Can you do that?”

“I won't let anything happen to them.” Branch’s eyes are wide with awe as he stares at the precious life.

And just like that, his world changed.

He was too small to hold the egg in his hair, he’s cautious to leave his pod because of it, but he goes places here and there. Grandma’s pod is always welcoming and he sees the other kids on the way, it's good enrichment- he thinks that's a good word to use but the teacher hasn't given the full definitions yet.

By the time Floyd hatches, Branch has a handle on this big brother thing.

His parents are so proud, and Grandma comes by all the time! And Floyd is an amazing little brother, he makes Branch proud without even trying- even when he breaks something, or wakes him up in the middle of the night, or doesn't listen or-

But the two get along and Branch makes sure Floyd is never lonely.

Which… gets easier when his parents hand him another egg. This one green and teal and yellow and beautiful and squirmy.

Now, Branch is a bit bigger and he can wrap his hair around this new egg and hold Floyd at the same time. They go to school and Grandma’s and on short walks. They sing and dance and the egg is so active inside, especially enjoying laughter, so Branch gets a joke book and enjoys Floyds giggles and groans and the eggs little wiggles.

It's busier, and a bit hectic- Clay is more active and antsy than Floyd- but Branch figures out a system and he thinks he’s being a pretty great big brother. He keeps the house clean and the kitchen stocked and the food cooked and the kids entertained and his Parents spend a little time with them before bed if they can.

And then, the third egg. Purple and indigo and teal and beautiful.

The other kids ask why he’s doing his parents' job. Asks if he's secretly the parent. Tease and taunt. School is a little harder, but he has a few friends who stick up for him, even if they don't understand.

No one really understands Branch, but it's fine cause he’s a big brother with three amazing little brothers.

But…

“Mom… The other kids say it’s weird that I’m taking care of kids…”

A weary sigh, tired eyes and dirt smudged face, she kneels in front of Branch,

“Branch, you said you would be a big boy. Being a big boy means taking care of your brothers, of your family. We can’t do that right now, because we’re digging for our future, a future where we can be a family. If its too much for you-”

Branch shakes his head, guilt churning in his gut,

“No! I’m a big boy! I’m fine!”

“Good sport.” His father says with a yawn, “I’m beat, lets hit the hay.”

That night, Branch reads his brothers a story instead.

It becomes a regular thing.

Branch takes care of his brothers. He gets little jobs around the tree that allow his brothers to stay close, where they can do their homework or color or dance or sing, while Branch trades service for items they need.

It's a mere chance that someone catches them singing together. Someone that sees the joy they spark in those around them, and the way the brothers so naturally meld together.

Performing makes his brothers happy.

Performing makes the King and Queen Happy.

Performing makes the tree happy.

The Bergens like a happy tree, so the Bergens are happy.

Branch is providing for their family, so their parents are happy.

The King and Queen request an audience with him.

Poppy is happy to watch his brothers while he goes in, he smiles and thanks her his nerves making his hands tremble.

On his way out, his sight is narrowed to only the world in front of him. His brothers, the path home, and nothing else. He doesn't see the look of concern on Poppy's face, or that of any of the trolls he passes. His only thought is the safety of their pod.

Branch doesn’t hide it from his brothers, each old enough to understand. He tells them that the Royals think they could use some help in the escape. That a distraction, a way to immobilize the giants, would raise their chances at escape. And that the only way they can think to make that happen is something called:

The Perfect Family Harmony.

He explains the gist of what it is, what it can do, sees the wonder in their eyes.

And so they practice.

Branch makes time for breaks and school and fun. Avoids the royals as best he can, and just… tries to do his best. His parents seem to come home later and later every night, and Grandma has been busy with something else, and Branch… Branch is tired.

But his brothers are happy.

The time comes sooner than he’d like.

The tunnels aren’t necessarily finished, but the King says with the cage and Bergens out of the way it wouldn't be a big problem. He and the Queen urge him to go on with the show.

“Nervous?” Floyd, perceptive and kind, stands beside him as he stares at the gathered Trolls beyond the curtain.

There's no sign of their family.

“A little.” He admits quietly, turning to the second oldest and offering him a small smile.

“I think we all are.” Floyd offers in reassurance, nodding his head towards their brothers.

Clay is practicing the choreo again and Spruce is doing his anxiety push ups. Branch’s gut twists, but he offers Floyd another smile before they walk over.

“Alright guys, it's almost time.” He breaks the tense silence, waiting for all their attention, “This is just a performance. All you need to do is have fun, can you guys do that?”

He sees the way tension falls from shoulders at his words, the bright smiles, the nods as they join in a group hug. Branch never wants to see them lose those smiles.

They go on stage. They have fun. They feel something well up inside of them-

Someone left a vine on the stage.

The performance comes to a crashing halt.

The King and Queen look at him in disappointment.

He limps home with his brothers in a daze.

Only in the warmth of their pod does he come back to himself. Does he see the downtrodden faces, as he patches up minor scrapes and dries tear streaked faces.

“Hey, none of that now.” He admonishes gently, watching wet eyes meet his own.

They all look like they're waiting for a lecture, like they did something truly terrible.

“What happened out there wasn't your fault, and it wasn't the end of the world.” He states firmly, “You guys were amazing, and I’m so proud of you.”

It must be the right thing to say, as he finds himself flat on the floor with a pile of brothers atop him.

He reads them an extra story that night, falling asleep in a pile in their room, it's the first night he doesn't wait up for his parents.

Branch keeps his brothers home the next day.

He knows no one but the Royals really knew about the PFH, but he worries anyway. They play games, and he makes some sweets, anything to keep those smiles on their faces. He’s surprised when Grandma comes over, that she sits down and joins their games. She catches his stare, and her smile is full of empathy and love and oh how he missed it. He thinks this may be the best day they’d had in quite some time.

Grandma tells a story that night, while Branch cleans up, and the pod is calm.

They sit on the branch outside the pod, waiting for his parents in the cool night air,

“I’m sorry about your show.” Her voice is quiet and kind.

“Accidents happen…” He responds simply, eyes roaming the tree limbs in search of two figures.

“Your brothers seemed happy.” He can see her eyeing him out of his peripheral.

“It wasn’t their fault, I made sure they knew it.”

“It wasn’t yours either.” She says.

“I’m the oldest, I have to take responsibility for failing the tribe.”

“Branch, you are still a child-”

“You don't understand Grandma! It's not like you’re around to see!” He regrets it as soon as he says it, but he spots the shadowed figures, “There!” He feels like he hasn't seen them in forever, a guilt heavy in his gut as he thinks of all he hasn't done since their last real conversation.

He stands, offers a hand to his Grandma who waves him off with a strained smile. That guilt hits again, but he promises himself to fix it later.

Branch jogs towards his parents' figures, a million things on the tip of his tongue, but all of them are cut off with a scream of warning.

How a giant can go unnoticed has always bugged Branch. They are heavy footed and large and lumbering, and yet they sneak up on them more often than not. It's what makes their whole situation all the more terrifying. It's what makes his heart rate spike and his brain go haywire, it’s what haunts his every nightmare and lurks in every shadow.

That shadow is real now, a hand coming down towards his parents, and Branch can’t move his legs fast enough. His dad shoves mom, Branch’s hair comes out to meet hers without thought, claws digging into the bark beneath him, tail wrapped around a broken off branch, it's only Grandma’s hair joining his that allows them to pull her up. She’s almost within reach, hand outstretched, when that shadow is snatching her and ripping her away.

Branch screams echo his parents.

Moms panicked face, as she reaches into her hair and rips something from it, launching it with all her strength. Branch’s instincts have taken over, catching the item with tender trembling hands. The egg is covered in blood, teals and greens and blues, wide eyes stare at it as horror fills his gut, looking up in time to see a sight he will never forget.

He's frozen, even as warmth splatters across his front, even as that bloody hand reaches towards him. What was the last thing he said to them? When did they last have a full conversation? Branch has been failing recently, would that be all they remembered in their last moments? That Branch failed to give them the freedom that would allow them to be a family?

“Branch!” It shakes him from his stupor, head whipping around as his Grandmother crashes into him, sending him rolling into a bundle of leafy twigs.

He's curled protectively around the cooling egg, eyes frantically looking for the last adult in his life. Grandma Rosiepuff’s scream joins the echoes in his mind, before the shaking stomps of a retreating giant fade to eery silence.

Later, Branch will wonder how he made it back home, how he cleaned up and ended up at the kitchen table. He doesn’t remember a thing past seeing his grandmother's terrified face. The egg is held protectively in his hair, but he has no idea if it's okay, he needs to go to the doctors. But he's never gone without-

His face is damp from a constant stream of tears, he feels the prickling burn of it behind his eyes but no more flow. He stares at his hands, skin beneath his fur rubbed raw from scrubbing the blood from it, the hands that failed him.

“Branch?”

His head whips up, Clay standing in the doorway with a worried furrow to his brow. Branch wipes hastily at his face, looking out the nearest window to see the rising sun.

“Hey bud,” his voice comes out choked and hoarse, “Sorry, I’ll get started on breakfast.”

“What's wrong?”

Branch stares for a long moment.

“Can you get your brothers for me?”

Clay frowns, but nods, little feet pattering across the floor as he hurries back towards their rooms. Branch releases a shuddering breath, going about the kitchen with practiced movements, making a simple porridge for likely nervous stomachs. They come back far too soon for Branch’s liking, rubbing sleep from their eyes and their own brows furrowed the same.

“Clay said somethings wrong?” Floyd asks first, likely more frazzled than not as he takes in everyone's moods.

Branch leans heavily on the counter, back to his brothers, as everything begins to hit him.

He was the one in charge now. But Grandma was right, he's still a child, how is he supposed to take care of them alone? Would the tree even allow that?? Would the Bergens pick them next??? He doesn't know how to do all the things he's supposed to do! Doctors appointments, the escape!? How is he supposed to be what they need? The Egg may die, his brothers could die! What if Branch isn’t enough???

“Branch!” Wild eyed and panicked he turns around looking for a threat.

Floyd is right there, Clay and Spruce just behind him, they needed him.

He takes another shuddering breath,

“I have some… some sad news.”

He doesn’t think the breakfast table will ever be the same, they’ll have to start eating in the living room.

Those teary faces will join those haunting images in his memories and dreams alike. To terrorize him for the rest of his life.

Branch has them stay home again. Hidden and quiet as they grieve, as Branch goes to the Doctor to see if the egg can be saved.

He wonders what's expected from him now. As a family of four- five. Should he work in the tunnels? Try for the harmony again? Stay at home and never leave?

He asks the Doctor, she tells him to grieve. That the tunnel digs work on volunteers only, no one is expected to do more than they can.

His parents had lied then.

“Branch, there you are!” Poppy is there, a small smile on her face that slips off just as quick, “What's wrong??”

“I’m haunted by the lies that I have loved, the actions I have hated.” His monotone speech matches his muted colors, turning away from the princess and making his way back towards their pod.

He would protect his family. Like he always has.

…