#oh how the fates remind us of our pride

[biowho]

In veilguard’s main tags no less….

[maddie-dog-story-blog]

The Birthday - An Interlude - Halloween

"Mommy says when you get scared, you forget your potty training," a soft feminine voice whispered in my ear.

"Mommy says Halloween makes you a scaredy cat, ready to jump at the tiniest spooky or scary thing," the voice continued.

I moaned in my half-asleep state, wondering what was going on, and beginning to feel a deep anxiety form in the pit of my stomach.

"Mommy says that she is the only one who can console you when you get scared."

At the third strange command, I opened my eyes and the reality of what was happening hit me. I was greeted by my wife's grinning face.

"Mommy, please, no!" I said exasperated as Melody gave me a soft, motherly kiss to my forehead.

"Good morning, baby. Happy Halloween!" is all she said as she ignored my futile protest.

It had been nearly six months since the fateful weekend where my wife had discovered my AB/DL kink and treated me to a birthday weekend of both my dreams and nightmares.

Since that weekend, very little had actually changed in my life. Melody had lifted most of the hypnotic triggers she had implanted in me (although I was still forced to refer to her as Mommy, exclusively). She almost never used her 'Mommy says' trigger against me, only reminding me of it if I got "too big for my britches" as she liked to put it.

The only major change is that my little hobby as an AB/DL smut author had become a little more complicated. Melody still allowed me to write my 'little stories' as she liked to put it, but I was no longer the final arbiter of what got posted.

Mommy made me show her each and every story I wrote, and she decided whether it was good enough and 'appropriate' enough to get posted. She also made me make a post apologizing for the treatment of the female characters in my story and explain her newly assumed role of Mommy-editor-in-chief.

My reputation as a big and a dom took a drastic hit. But, over the course of a few months, things settled back down and we settled into comfortable dynamic and rhythm.

That was, until I woke up to my wife's new commands this morning.

"Mommy, please, what did I do? I've been a good boy! You can't do this to me!"

I hated how whiney and small I sounded pleading with my wife like this, but I had long since had my pride beaten out of me.

"Halloween is my favorite holiday! If I can't control myself when I'm scared, if I get scared easily, if I need you to calm me down, I'll… I'll… I'll…"

I couldn't finish my sentence as I realized that, in the early morning hour, the room was still dark. I noticed shadows dancing around the corners of the room and suddenly, a pang of terror, raced through me.

I felt my sheets grow warm and wet beneath me as I let out a panicked cry.

"Mommy!"

I dove for my wife's arms, horrified and desperate for her, the only person I could see as my protector, to help me.

She laughed softly as she pulled me into her arms, and I felt my rational mind retake control.

"Aw, is my little baby afraid of the dark? And," I feel her pat my wet butt, "did you have a little accident! Let Mommy help make it all better."

I whined as she got out of bed and turned on the light, subconsciously rebelling against the lose of the comfort being held by her provided.

As the light turned on, a feeling of relief washed over me as the phantoms in the corners of the room dematerialized. At the same time, I blushed as the light revealed the shameful puddle I had just made in the bed.

"Mommy, please, Halloween is my favorite, you can't make me, force me, let me… I can't be this," I pleaded as Melody walked over to inspect the damage to our bed.

She reached over and brushed her fingers lightly on my cheek as she responded to my pleas.

"Oh, my precious little pants-piddler, you and I both know that Mommy can and will make you be whatever I want," She bent over, making eye contact with me as she showed off her ample cleavage, "And today, I want you to be Mommy's perfect little scaredy-cat toddler."

I groaned, knowing there was absolutely nothing I could do to resist Melody's power over me.

"Ok, Mommy," I responded, defeated.

"Perfect, now, let's get you diapered up before some little ghoul or goblin scares you again, and you make another mess."

I just sighed and laid on my back as I waited for Melody to diaper me so the worst Halloween of my life could begin in earnest.

[hiatuswhore]

𝒪𝒻 𝒮𝒾𝓃𝓃𝑒𝓇𝓈 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒮𝒶𝒾𝓃𝓉𝓈 — 𝒸.𝓈

♕ A/N: I have mixed feelings about the movie but I adore the book. My favorite character is Sejanus, ugh my heart bleeds for this character. Never stop I’d be writing a fanfiction for this story. Coriolanus Snow is an evil but interesting villain. I thought I’d dive into the dynamic of him essentially taking what should’ve been Sejanus’s life.

♕ SUMMARY: Poor Sejanus. Poor sensitive, foolish dead Sejanus. A good son, loving brother, and amazing friend.

♕ WORD COUNT: 1K

♕ WARNING: Death

previous — Masterlist — next

𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

Father had not left his study since word reached us. Every time Mother looked at me, I knew it was not me she saw. The tremble of her lip and mist of her eyes reminded me of my new reality. A reality where I drew breath as my twin did not.

I could not process it. Not at first. I would wait for a letter from him in the mail. His ramblings of doing good, of being better a constant any time he opened his mouth. Oh my good brother. Miles away. Hung in the districts for treason.

The first few weeks the house was silent. I could make out Mothers frequent sobs through the day. Other times the deep gait of Fathers boots from his room to his office. Rarely from his office to his room. Our home became much like a graveyard. Empty and cold.

This remained until the day Mother and I woke to every picture of Sejanus in the foyer gone. Mother sobbed for her baby, one would think Father was withholding her actual child. Still, my Father, the stern unforgiving statue of a man, refused to return all that remained of her son to her.

The first thing I began to forget was his voice. All the hours he spent in my room ranting angrily about our father. I’d lay on my bed watching him pace, his passion fueled and furious. I thought maybe he’d be president someday. Panem needed the likes of him.

“Well eventually Fathers time will come to pass and it’ll be you in the position of wealth and power. Be patient sweet brother. You’ll do great things, I just know it.”

He’ll hang in the poorest district branded a traitor. Some say he cried for Mother. Others say he cried for me. Oh how it was few and far between but make no mistake, I wept for my brother. My kind, sweet, sensitive dead brother.

As his voice faded over time so did the small details of his presence. How his curls always stayed so effortlessly in place unlike my own that would become frizzy in a moments notice. The way he his nose would scrunch when he laughed. His obnoxious snores he would deny whenever called out on it.

See, Father was happy to erase Sejanus from our home. His memory a reminder of everything our Father could never be. A compassionate soul. A loving brother and son. A good man.

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐭 𝐌𝐲 𝐃𝐨𝐨𝐫

Then came Coriolanus Snow. His gaze distant as he stood in our foyer, my father greeting him like a son returning home from travels. Long gone the hand made shirts and boots a size too tight. The messy haired Snow appeared far different, he too have died back in twelve. I wondered if he hung too or perhaps his fate was far worse. A mystery to never be solved, especially not if Coriolanus Snow could help it.

“I’m sorry for your loss,” His gaze bounced between myself and Mother. My Father said nothing while Mother embraced Coriolanus as I stared at him.

“Are you?” My words earned a stern tone from Father and scoldings from Mother. I offered a forced apology my eyes never leaving the leech standing in my family home. Gaining the world from the misfortune that befell my dear Sejanus. My father’s new pride and joy. At dinner Father was thrilled to announce his replacement son would join my side at University come the new term.

I left the table without a word. My father yelled for me to return as Mother assured our unwelcome guest it was not personal. Yet it was. Sejanus was to be with me for my first day of University. Not Coriolanus Snow.

Perhaps it was unfair. My brother was dead and I had already spent a lifetime despising my father. So who better to bear the brunt of my anger than the man who gained it all as I suffered my deepest loss.

𝐈 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐈, 𝐈 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐓𝐨 𝐆𝐨

The night before our first day I stayed in my room. A knock at my door was an unexpected and unwelcome one. Mother was never a night owl and never in all my years had Father come to my room. Opening my door I crossed my arms leaning on the jamb. He stands holding a white rose his blue eyes piercing into my blank stare.

“I know you aren’t thrilled about me being here. I uh—I just wanted to wish you a good first day tomorrow,” Coriolanus spoke slowly. The rose still lingered in the air between us. I did not grab it.

“What happened to my brother?” His eyebrows quirked at my question, his lips parted as though he wanted to speak but nothing could leave him. I tilted my head my eyes narrowed before I retreated into my room leaving the door agape. At my shelf I rifled through the few papers and momentos of my own before finding the crumple paper stained with faded ink. The smudge writing typical for my left handed counterpart. My eyes on the paper as I return to the jamb, “…Coriolanus is here too. It’s nice to not be alone. His songbird is here, he plays it cool when I mention her but you can tell he cares for her. We’re like brothers, after what he did for me during the games. I’m going to protect him—“

𝐌𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥

“Are you accusing me of something?” His own eyes narrowed down at me. The glint in them something I could not put into words, at the time I had no knowledge of the nerve I struck.

“Did you know of his plans?” I asked crossing my arms, my tone lowered. Father was always a light sleeper, if he had even been sleeping.

Coriolanus sighed, his gaze locked on my own unblinking. I narrowed my eyes and stared up at him. He shouldn’t be here. In my family home, enjoying all the luxuries owed to my brother, not him.

“I did,” Coriolanus confessed. He wet his lips, as he shared his knowledge of treason so casually.

“Then why is my brother gone and you’re here?” The waver of my voice cracked my hardened resolve. My body trembled beneath the weight of too many emotions to sort. Confusion. Rage. Grief. Disbelief. I choked back a cry and allowed Coriolanus to pull me in his arms as I sobbed into his shoulder.

“Sejanus loved you more than anything. I promised I’d look after you,” Coriolanus touch was soothing as he poured honey in my ears. Capitalizing off my vulnerability. My brother’s true final words to me slipped from my grasp as I took comfort from the source of my grief.

“—I have already requested a leave of absence for your first day of University. Look at the bright side sister. You won’t have to fuss about my hair being better than yours on your big day. They have buzzed my curls from me. We’ll be together soon, sister. Give Mother my love. With love. Your brother, Sejanus.”

𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐁𝐲 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞

[ladyvelvette]

What if.. Vox forgets our anniversary, reader tries to give him hints. Vox gets very angry and abandons Reader. Then he remembers, He tries looking for reader and take her back. Reader declines vox And leaves, Vox Gets a mental breakdown. The rest is yours to write.

(I need angst please.)

-🖥

TITLE: Forgotten.

Sypnosis: Vox forgot your guy's anniversary and you two get into an argument.

HELLO! This one took way too long to write because I wanted to test a more....mature writing style. I also had a lot of school stuff going on! There's little to no talking it this one because I can't be asked 😭.. SORRY!! I PROMISE ILL WORK HARDER ON THE NEXT ONE. this was typed on mobile btw, so no fancy decora.

In the vibrant tapestry of Hell, where souls sought redemption or fame amidst the chaos, Vox and you found yourselves entangled in a tumultuous dance of love and loss.

As the anniversary approached, anticipation tingled in your veins, each passing moment a silent reminder of the significance of the day. Hints were dropped like delicate petals, each one a whisper of longing, yet Vox, consumed by his own ambitions, remained blind to your silent pleas.

Frustration simmered beneath your surface, patience stretched thin as Vox's obliviousness persisted.

In a moment of heated confrontation, words were exchanged, wounds inflicted that would not easily heal.

"Vox! How could you forget our anniversary!?"

"OH! Calm it, (Name), it's no big deal. If anything, nothing important 's today anyways."

Vox's pride, wounded by your rebuke, erupted into a tempest of anger, and in a rash decision, he turned his back on you, his metallic heart shielded by a facade of indifference, Vox simply stormed out of the room in a fit of rage.

Yet, as time went on and the echoes of your argument faded, Vox's memory stirred, a belated realization dawning upon him like a bolt of lightning in the darkness. With determination born of regret, he set out to find you, intent on making amends and reclaiming what he had foolishly cast aside.

But fate, cruel in its irony, had other plans. Despite Vox's heartfelt pleas and promises of change, you, wounded and emotional, couldn't find it within yourself to forgive the man you once loved with your entire being, the man you would sell your soul to, the man you would do anything for.

With a heavy heart, you declined Vox's advances, choosing instead to turn away, leaving him to grapple with the consequences of his actions, ones that Vox had caused himself. You thought to yourself, "(Name)...He deserves it", yet you couldn't shake the feeling of guilt away.

Alone in the aftermath of your departure, Vox's facade crumbled, revealing the vulnerability he had long sought to conceal. With a primal scream of anguish, he unleashed the full force of his power, a torrent of energy cascading through the depths of Hell.

As the realm was plunged into darkness, Vox was left to confront the wreckage of his own making, the echoes of his regret reverberating through the void. And amidst the chaos he had unleashed, he was forced to reckon with the price of forgetting the one thing that truly mattered.

However, Luck was on the TV demon's side, months later, you couldn't take the overwhelming guilt of leaving the overlord, often missing your lavish lifestyle! That guilt and lack of luxury made you come running back to Vox. As soon as you came back, Vox used his hypnosis powers to keep you in place. He'd never be alone again.....

[your-mom-number5]

God Eric x Reader (House of Ashes)

As I sat across from Eric in our favorite small café that we met at just a few years ago, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something different about him. Or rather, something I was just now noticing. He had always been a mysterious man, but when he left for a “trip” a few months back, I got the sense that he was keeping something important from me. Something big. Now, with him just returning yesterday and insisting we meet up to catch up today, that feeling was stronger than ever. Now, I was noticing more things I hadn't noticed since first meeting him. It wasn't just his warm smile or the kindness in his eyes, though those traits were certainly there. No, it was something deeper, something almost ethereal that seemed to emanate from his very being.

When Eric had moved here a few years ago, he had become somewhat of a local legend. People whispered about him, speculating on his past and his purpose for being here. Some said he was a retired millionaire, while others claimed he was an undercover agent for the government. But no one could deny the aura of peace and serenity that seemed to follow him wherever he went. 

I had heard the rumors, of course, but I never paid them much mind until that fateful day in the café when we first met. They were in the back of my mind as we shared our first conversation, but then I quickly forgot about the rumors when we started our friendship. Now, with our reunion at the same café, I was reminded of those rumors. 

As we sat sipping our coffee, Eric began to speak in a soft, soothing voice. “How have you been, dear Y/N?” he said.

“Good, what about you?” I whispered. “Where was your trip?”

“Everywhere! I’ve been traveling the world, seeing all it has to offer and providing help where it was needed. Oh, I’m God, by the way.”

At first, I thought he was joking. But as he continued to speak, I realized that he was deadly serious. He spoke of creating the world, of shaping it with his own hands, and of watching over it with a mixture of pride and sadness. After a few hours of talking, I began to believe him.

It wasn't just the words he spoke, the conviction with which he spoke them, or the bright aura surrounding him that nearly blinded me, but it was the way he carried himself, the way he seemed to know things that no mortal could possibly know. It was the way he looked at me, as though he could see straight into my soul and understand every fear, every hope, every secret that I held, including my search history.

In that moment, I realized that Eric was more than just a man. He was something greater, something beyond comprehension. And as I looked into his eyes, I felt a sense of peace wash over me, knowing that no matter what trials and tribulations life may bring, there was someone out there watching over us, guiding us, and loving us unconditionally. That Eric was out there watching over us, guiding us, and loving us unconditionally.

And as I left the café that day, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the brief glimpse into the divine that Eric had given me. For in his presence, I had felt closer to something greater than myself, something infinite and eternal. And though I may never fully understand the mysteries of the universe, I knew that as long as Eric was around, everything would be okay.

[decaffeinatedtalecreator]

I watched Disney's Wish back in August of 2024 and I don't like the movie. I've seen alot of rewrites of the movie like this one animation of Starboy being Asha's grandfather, which I really like. However, everyone prefers Starboy to be Asha's love interest instead and I can see why. Even though I'm late, this rewrite is called wuish and it's about a cursed prince and refugee.

Character Names:

Earendel Rian of the Kingdom of Rosas (Starboy)

Asha

Valentino and other characters are here but I'm not gonna list them

One midnight in the kingdom of rosas, a ball of blue light trails up to the sky and forms a new star in the night. Two decades pass and hidden in the dark forest is a village of refugees. Below a willow tree, the new star in the sky falls down to Asha and helps her on her journey of defeating the king and queen. Asha and Starboy are separated by a curse and the story ends with a tragic fate of the two. The rewritten song gives missing context and details in the story.

--------------------------------------------------------------

At All Costs Rewrite,

If happiness was a tangible thing

It would be you

If you had told me the feeling you'd bring

I would be ruled

And when I searched for an answer to cease

My tradition of lies

I'd never thought it'd be us that'd end the ties

You pull me in like some kind of dream

To an unknown of twinkling streams

Where a million stars gleam

I promise if we're both starcrossed

I... I will stay beside you at all costs

Keep you safe even when I'm gone

I... I will protect you at all costs

At all costs

One night I'm wishing up high

Starlight breaking from the sky

And when I open my eyes

I see you beaming with pride and light

I'd never thought my wish would come true

But now that I know there's proof

I'm sure there's another way to save you

Maybe I can make one more wish

For us to be together

Staying with one another

And if we're both starcrossed

I... I will stay beside you at all costs

Keep you safe here in my arms

I... I will protect you at all costs

At all costs

If you're ever feeling like you're lost

I'll come find you

Man all fronts

There's no ocean I won't swim across

To be right by you

And not just once

Here and now, I swear on my response

I'll remind you

And love you as you've longed

I... I will stay beside you at all costs

Keep you safe from those who've wronged

I... I will protect you at all costs

At all costs

The dash and two unconnected parts of the S signifies that Starboy and Asha are starcrossed.

--------------------------------------------------------------

More Than This Rewrite,

I thought our dreams were meant to set us free

So why do I feel so heavy hearted?

If I could show them everything I've seen

What happens then and do I dare to start it?

Oh, when I stand they tell me, "sit down"

But I'm done waiting on a wish that's never coming

I've looked around me now

No, we're not where we belong

And I may be young but I won't hide this song

So I look up at the stars to guide me

And reach after every trail across the sky

If no one else will rise up here beside me

Then let me be the first to stand in line

So I make this wish

To have something more, for us, that is

So I make this wish

To have something more, for us, than this

Hey, yeah yeah yeah, ah

Hey, yeah yeah yeah, ah ah

All I wish, oh ah ah ah

I've seen the light inside you all aglow

What you could be and what you could do

The wish that makes you whole

But there's a missing piece we buried long ago

Now there's an aching in my soul

About to overflow

If I could shake away every hesitation

If I knew where to begin

Could I cut through the lies and open up their eyes

To see the truth again?

If you can hear me now and my begging for a sign

Please, tell me how to make it through

My legs are shaking but my head's held high

The way you'd always taught me to

So I look up at the stars to guide me

And take notes of every dangerous path in mind

I know there will be challenges that find me

But I can take them on one at a time

So I make this wish

To have something more, for us, that is

So I make this wish

To have something more, for us, than this

Hey, yeah yeah yeah, ah

(I have a wish that is)

Hey, yeah yeah yeah, ah ah

(I have a dream that is)

More than this, oh ah ah ah

(Ah ah ah) (Ah)

All I wish is that

We have something more than what we have

Alternative Lines,

And take caution of/from every warning sign

(All I wish is this)

If there's more to this

Then I wish for something more than this

--------------------------------------------------------------

Inspiration from Pinkiemachinestudios and Jonahwhotwo

Same username on tiktok

I used Jonah's version of This Wish and changed some things, including the title

--------------------------------------------------------------

Prologue,

Starboy, or Earendel Rian of the Kingdom of Rosas, is banished to the sky by his parents for trying to expose their wickedness. His punishment? Cursed as a star in a deep sleep like state (1).

This is a concept art I made when I was still rewriting wish.

[maelstrom-of-emotions]

Step right up and get your horoscope!

(So, my friends and I used to just have fun by writing horoscopes for each other. Like, "Remember to thank the person you're cheating off the test for today. Who knows? Maybe they'll mark the wrong answer just to spite you." Or, my personal favorite. "Mercury is the fifth house. Compliment someone's outfit today. I know where you live, Sash.")

I wanna keep that tradition alive—because I'm nostalgic after going back through our text threads, so here you are.

♈︎ Aries: Today, your impulsive nature will lead you to buy something completely unnecessary—again. But my therapist-goldfish has told me to think positive, so: at least you’ll have a new conversation starter when your friends ask why you’ve suddenly got a collection of inflatable unicorns. You go, man! Embrace the thrill of instant regret.

♉︎ Taurus: Your love of comfort will backfire today when you refuse to leave your bed. The universe supports your decision to stay wrapped in a blanket burrito, but your boss might have other thoughts. Perhaps consider inventing a "National Stay in Bed Day."

♊︎ Gemini: Your dual personality shines today as you argue with yourself about whether to be productive or binge-watch another season of that show you don’t even like. Spoiler: you’ll do both, but poorly. Perhaps it best to invest in a famous book called Multitasking for Dummies.

♋︎ Cancer: Your emotional rollercoaster takes a nosedive today when you realize that eating your feelings only leads to a belly full of regrets and empty ice cream cartons. It’s okay to cry over spilled milk, but maybe not the entire dairy aisle.

♌︎ Leo: Today, your legendary procrastination skills will hit a new high, or should I say low? You’ll spend hours convincing yourself that starting tomorrow is a better idea, maybe even clean your house while you're at it—because, according to the very legit dictionary you have "in control" means putting off tasks until they become someone else’s problem. After all, why conquer the world today when you can nap and pretend you’re recharging your creative energy instead? Seriously, get off this website and do something. Productive procrastination is still procrastination.

♍︎ Virgo: Your obsession with perfection will reach new heights today when you alphabetize your spice rack for the third time this week. Come on, we both know you could be doing something more productive, like teaching your cat how to play the piano. Don't let your poor kitty down! (Also, your missing sock is under the couch.)

♎︎ Libra: You pride yourself on your ability to see both sides of any situation. Well, I'm here to tell you, WAKE UP, this isn't Dhar Mann; indecision isn't a superpower—it's just a way to avoid responsibility. As you debate whether to eat cereal or toast for breakfast, remember: even a coin flip is more decisive than you.

♏︎ Scorpio: You often believe you’re in control, but today the universe will remind you that you’re not the puppet master—you’re the puppet. And guess what? The strings are tangled. Try to survive the day without tripping over your own feet. But don't worry, another three weeks, and you'll be able to beat Fate at poker. Just don't piss off any black cats.

♐︎ Sagittarius: No amount of plane tickets or hiking trails can outrun your own mind. No horoscope can save you from the existential dread of realizing you’ve been running in circles. Maybe it's best to stay at home today.

♑︎ Capricorn: Don't think about it and don't stay in the house. They know where you live. Hide in the nearest Starbucks and ignore anybody who has a blue briefcase. This is for your own good. Oh, and also, pet a golden retriever and get some ice cream. Just ignore Cancer crying in the dairy aisle.

♒︎ Aquarius: Okay, I'm going to give it to you straight, you’re less of a trailblazer and more of a guy yelling at clouds. The good news? No one takes you seriously enough to care. The bad news? No one takes you seriously enough to care.

 ♓︎ Pisces: I love you, man, but you need to come up with better excuses. Your escapist tendencies will come crashing down today when reality hits you with the force of a sledgehammer. You can try to swim away, but the current of responsibility is stronger than your denial. This is the real world, and you're staring down the barrel of a looming deadline, my friend.

[elizakai]

RADIANCE REPUDIATION

A Dreamtale Poem (word dump?)

from an entity who believes their an angel, fallen. 🌙

to an entity they believe to pose as one. ☀️

(aka written from Nightmares pov towards Dream, somewhat)

⬇️⬇️ UNDER THE CUT ⬇️⬇️

isn’t it funny? How Time changes Or rather, refuses to

Time doesn't change, in actuality Such is only perception on the part of lower beings Mortals The acute minds of smaller entities

Time Continues steadily Time knows only one loyalty Yes, Time is faithful

For you, the same cannot be said.

It's funny.

You spawn of Regret Regret, a curse that can be escaped Or, alas, could have been, had hindsight not hidden her naked body from your youthful eyes

Irony, too, plays with it's food But, of all this you are aware.

Or…are you? Do you regret? Do you grieve?

…of course not What am I thinking Of course not.

…It's funny

Nurturing such questions

It's…funny

Fate has laid her pieces out And you have made your moves Woe to you, it seems, one who is set in their ways

One who is set in stone.

Hardened is your soul, your essence Why is it we were placed wrongly on this scale? Alas, it seems your longing for mercy goes unanswered Alas, we've fallen from what little grace we'd attained

That is the nature of things This world rewards those who reap misfortune

A bittersweet misfortune, it is

It's funny.

What pride have you, to rebel Fate and her peons?

What arrogance do you cling to? That you may set things right?

Though, I suppose… That, we shall share always. Eternity till Entropy Until one or the other crumbles

Remember, chimera, stone is brittle. The blood of a companion is thicker than the waters of birth. Of this I am relieved… For you've long since tainted the streams of our youth. No tree can grow in a parasitic wasteland.

That is, none that will last.

No, long gone is the person I once thought to know Long dead, are they, and no requiem shall I hold.

Loathe am I to the sowers of our misfortune

Loathe am I to the mother of our wakefulness. It would have been better to have never existed.

To have never known you To have never held you To have never loved you To have never lost you

But Solace is my lover, for she reminds me that it is not I, nor myself, nor him to blame, but you.

Her and them and you and you and you and-

It's funny.

Scramble up the hill A hill of graves Tombstones upon tombstones, add as many as you will. Will it ever be enough for you? Their downfall will not be your upbringing The ladder is unstable Your goal is unattainable.

Claw, fight, scream

Not an ear will turn to you in pity

Humorous, Karma and the bubbling brooks of her laughter

Where is your control?

When did you pass it to me, pray tell?

…unfortunate fool. Not an ear will turn to you in compassion

Forever out of reach, as long as free will remains mine

Time changes not But every person does, will, must! Oh the pained naivety! Does rock abstain one from growth? Silly me! Silly you!

w h y a r e n ' t y o u l a u g h I n g ?

…I can't hear her laughing anymore.

I can't hear her at all.

The laughter is him. Always him. Us? us.

You were never needed, were you, oh iridescent zephyr?

Acceptance.

A weapon I've obtained A defense you've yet to claim

Illusion of the unconscious mind, feeder of false hope, luminous liar of the night. Dearest delusion of grandeur.

Rest now, in what grief you can muster

Rest now, in the act of sorrow you play

You're 500 years behind.

It’s 500 years too late.

[touchmycoat]

pride and prejudice AU, WIP that I WILL finish for ficwip5k

“It is a truth universally acknowledged,” Wei Wuxian lectured, “that a single man in possession of good cultivation must be in want of a cultivation partner. And have you heard, my three ridiculous children? Qiong Ding Manor has let at last.”

“Oh my,” Shen Jiu, the second oldest of the lot (also the second youngest for that matter), intoned flatly as he scrubbed the dirt from an enormous radish in a washing basin. “You must want to tell us who’s taken it.”

“I want someone to ask me first,” Wei Wuxian sighed, throwing a hand over his forehead and himself over a hard wooden bench. “But of course my cruel, demonic sons are beyond pity for their poor parent. Except A-Yuan. A-Yuan ah, you’re not one of the cruel, demonic ones, are you?”

Shen Yuan cleared his throat, set down the cabbage he was peeling apart, and put on an angelic smile just a beat too late.

“Certainly not. Do tell, dearest father, who has let Qiong—uh, Qiong…?”

“Qiong Ding.”

“Qiong Ding Manor?”

Look beatific, was Shen Yuan’s self-reminder, but again it was too late, even with Shen Jiu’s murmured assist. Wei Wuxian had dropped to his knees in the dirt and begun shaking his fists at the sky.

“Oh this unfair world, oh wretched fate! At my darkest hour you drop three brilliant young souls into my path to light my way across the lone-log bridge, and in return I have taken on your mission to nourish them into adulthood. All I wish is to ensure they have cultivation partners capable of keeping them comfortable for the rest of their lives but look here, what are these pieces you’ve dealt me? My eldest, who would be disingenuous to placate his crazy old father! My second, who brandishes his cutting comments without a filial care in the world! And my third!”

The sixteen-year-old, as stretched out and delicate as the vine on a beanpole at his age, smiled a lazy little smile before gutting the rabbit in his hands.

“Always just sitting there like a pretty little flower, head empty. Hua-hua ah,” Wei Wuxian said miserably. “Don’t you know you have the worst lot here, being the youngest? You ought to be encouraging your brothers to go to more functions, meet more potential partners.”

“And why should we be so eager to sell ourselves off as spiritual energy storage tanks to some rich Young Master or Mistress?” Hua Cheng asked idly. The meat he shaved off the hunted game hit the hot wok in loud sizzling chunks, and Shen Yuan readied a bucket of water to make it into stew. “Is father anticipating death sometime soon?”

Wei Wuxian and Shen Yuan both froze. An unintentional jerk splashed water from Shen Yuan’s bucket into the wok, and oil exploded into the air like the aftermath of a bomb. Meanwhile, Shen Jiu walloped the head off the daikon he’d polished as white as mutton fat jade and jabbed the blade in Hua Cheng’s direction.

“This is why nobody will ever want to cultivate with you.”

“But I learned it all from you and your line of suitors out the door, Er-ge”

“Boys,” Shen Yuan interrupted, “enough. Our father is not dying. Is he?”

Wei Wuxian waved both hands carelessly.

“Of course not! Don’t be ridiculous, the evil, all-powerful Yiling Patriarch cannot die—no matter how much his youngest son curses him. Hua-hua, how could you bear saying such a thing?”

Without a word, Hua Cheng bent down, picked up the radish head Shen Jiu had thrown his way, and lobbed it at Wei Wuxian. Wei Wuxian caught it without thought, and the moment it touched his bare hands, the leftover greens at the top wilted—and then the whole thing promptly dissipated to dust that fell through Wei Wuxian’s fingers before anybody could react.

Shen Yuan set the bucket down and started forward, energy coating his fingertips.

“Let me—”

“Don’t—” The red flickered out of Wei Wuxian’s eyes as swiftly as it flickered in. He was grinning again, a toothsome expression that was every bit as disingenuous as Shen Yuan’s smile had been moments ago. “Don’t you know it’s disrespectful to touch your elders without ceremony? Let your father have a little dignity here! In fact, you ought to treat your father like the legendary Patriarch he is!”

“Then the legendary Patriarch,” Shen Jiu said, expression neutral though tilting on the side of concern, visible only to the family who knew him best, “ought to get out of this filthy kitchen. Heavens know you’re too lazy to help with the prep.”

“A-Jiu’s right,” Shen Yuan said, hand retracted and smiling with a touch of apology. “Won’t our esteemed father please make his way to the dining hall, where the meal will be brought to him with proper ceremony?”

Wei Wuxian looked like he wanted to pat them both on the head. Shen Yuan had a distant memory of him doing that long, long ago, but not for years now.

“Finally, a display of the proper teachings I’ve given you. Yes, this father shall be waiting then. I’ll even bring out the good china.”

By which he meant the set of four bowls without chips on the rim, only cracks along the body. It’s poetic, Wei Wuxian liked to say, swishing soup in his bowl like a wise old philosopher pondering tea. Scars and damage, such and such, you know? If you know you know. (To which Shen Jiu had replied, you’re dripping soup everywhere.)

Once Wei Wuxian had gone, the three brothers proceeded with the stew in silence: Hua Cheng expressionless, Shen Jiu scowling, and Shen Yuan eyeing them both. After a while, Shen Jiu finally threw down his cutting board.

“Wei Wuxian’s not dying,” he declared. “And even if he is, we’ve got enough demonic cultivation between the three of us to bring him back. Why did you have to bring it up you insensitive little jerk?”

“Merely to encourage my brothers,” Hua Cheng replied, speaking coolly over Shen Yuan’s admonishment for calling his brother names, “to go to more functions and meet more potential partners.”

//

So the thing was, Shen Yuan was a transmigrator.

No, that was neither a misspelling nor a misunderstanding. Shen Yuan was a transmigrator, a bright young modern mind (read: an internet-obsessed shut-in) who died and got placed into the universe of a classic novel—one of his favorites that he’d been rereading just before dying, in fact. He was lucky, he supposed, that he was placed in the actual novel and not its zombie apocalypse, sorta-tongue-in-cheek sorta-taking-itself-too-seriously spinoff, which he’d also been (spite-)reading on-and-off. Though there had been some zombies in sight when he first got to this world, Wei Wuxian took care of them with such ease that Shen Yuan knew these were only the zombies in the classical Chinese sense, not the scary movie sense.

As for misfortunes, Shen Yuan supposed he would say the worst he’d suffered was first transmigrating into the body of a nine-year-old. That put him now, at twenty-four all over again, fifteen years in Wei Wuxian’s not-so-tender care, which was absolutely batshit to think about. So Shen Yuan didn’t think about it.

[jieanette]

Since you guys voted for the last poll I made, here's some stuff I've written for Cecil/Bartz :)

warning: Some of these might be a little ooc, sorry about that.

...

[Cecil takes Bartz to see the night sky (they're on the airship)]

"Come, I want to show you something."

"You know I don't like being up there."

"Just hold onto my hand. You'll be alright, I promise."

"Okay..."

"Why are we here?"

"Look up."

"Geez-oh-pete! Look at that beauty!"

"I've never seen the stars so up close before."

"One of the things I did when I was part of the Red Wings, was to look at the sky during nightfall. I would just lay here and appreciate the stars."

"There's something about the stars that felt... a little different to me. It always gives me comfort whenever I lost my way."

"In some ways... it felt like home to me."

"Is that so?"

"Yes... Sorry if I sound weird-"

"No, I get you. We feel melancholy when we're away from our home, and nature reminds us of it. Just like how the wind made me feel homesick about Lix. How it made me miss my folks, too."

"Hah... if my dad was here, seeing me looking up the stars... He'll say, "Bartz! It's past your bedtime, go to bed already!"

Cecil laughs with Bartz.

"I miss him... and my mom too."

"I wish I had met my parents."

"But you have your brother."

"I do... But he really never tells me anything. Everytime we meet, he's..."

"Why do families have to be so complicated sometimes?"

"Beats me."

[silence]

"Hey, just so you know... Even if your own brother can't be there for you. I'll stick by your side, no matter what."

"Are you sure? I don't think I'm much to be around..."

"I think you do. Everyone should have someone on their side, even you."

"You really think so?"

"Of course!"

"Thank you... You're much too kind."

"Don't sweat it, I'm only doing what a friend should do!"

...

[Based on the ending of Dissidia 012]

"Cecil, wait!"

Cecil turned to see Bartz running towards him, a crystal in hand. Before he knew it, his lips touched Bartz's, receiving a small but bittersweet kiss. It was the first time he was kissed, and the feeling of Bartz's body against his, intertwining only with their lips gave him the warm feeling he longed for. He kissed back, knowing it will be the last time they'll get to see each other again.

They let go after a while, feeling hot breaths against their faces. Cecil watched as Bartz slowly disappear.

"I love you."

That was his final words to him.

"I love you too."

That was the last Bartz heard from Cecil, as he travels back home.

...

"Here!"

Bartz handed a rather thick scarf to Cecil.

"Where did you get this?"

"Made it myself," He beamed with pride as he said it.

"I noticed you were always so cold, so I thought having scarf would help!"

"That was quite sweet of you, Bartz," Cecil was quite touched at his care and sentiment.

"Wear it, I wanna see how it looks on you," he asked eagerly.

Cecil warpped around the scarf on his neck and shoulders. It was soft to touch, making it rather comfortable to wear. The cold feeling that Cecil always gets was diminished quickly, and he could feel the warmth all around his upper body.

"You look really cute on that."

The compliment made Cecil blushed in embarrassment. The red tint glowed against his pale skin. He tried to hide it with his newly made scarf.

...

[Fair warning, I haven't got to Gilgamesh in FFV yet, I used a video from Dissidia. Again, sorry for some inaccuracies and ooc]

"Seriously? Now?" Bartz sighed in irritation.

"Where else? It is a perfect place for our fated rematch!" Gilgamesh hawked.

"We're in a middle of something here. Like, you know, a date?"

"Ah, Bartz, you would let something so trivial hold you back? Surely your date isn't more important than our match!"

"It kinda is."

Normally Bartz is entertained by Gilgamesh's antics, however, this was one of the only times he could have alone time with Cecil, and he's frustrated that he had to deal with him now. He looked to Cecil, he had a neutral face, and somehow he could tell he was slightly amused by his odd rival. He glanced back at him, giving a small smile.

"I don't think he'll stop if you resist. You should fight him."

"See? Your lover wants the match too! Would you protest in his demands?"

"Are you sure, Cecil?"

"Yes, the faster you deal with him, the sooner we can continue," he nodded.

"If it's a match he wants, he will have it!" Bartz pumped his fist, bracing himself for Gilgamesh.

"I expected no less from my chosen rival! Steel yourself!"

"It's one-on-one!"

Cecil took a step back, watching as Bartz fought with Gilgamesh. He had always heard of their matches from Bartz, and often times it ended with him winning. So he wasn't so worried when they fought, knowing and trusting his lover to fight well in their match. It was also his first time meeting him, and it seemed like what Bartz said about him was true, he was quite overdramatic and silly, that Cecil couldn't help but to chuckle. It was an interesting date, suffice to say.

As expected, Bartz got an upper hand and won. Gilgamesh was a respectable rival, acknowledging his strengths even when defeated. He was about to go on a long speech, until he faded away.

[lil-gingerbread-queen]

Today is Bastille Day!

I must admit, I'm patriotic.

Being a patriot and a nationalist isn't the same thing, don't believe these racists pos who started to call themselves "patriots" instead of "nationalists" to look better. Being a patriot means you love your country and you find pride in it. Being a nationalist means you think your country is the best and if you must share it, it's by being in power over others.

Fascists love to call themselves patriots when they are just nationalists. They say they love this country, but they know nothing of its history or its values. They insult its morals and they refuse to work for a better future. Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité, they respect none of that.

I love my country, that's why I want it to be better. I know my people can be better. On the 14th of July 1789, all of Paris, except the disabled and the children, gathered around the Bastille. It was not the start of the Révolution, it actually started on the 23rd of April, with the Réveillon debacle. But this was the first victory of the people. The Revolution ideology was not nationalist, it was utopian, dreaming of equality between ALL humans on Earth, of people moving freely between countries, of the end of oppression. And if people from a country felt under a dictator, all the world would unite to save them. Liberty for all, equality for all, we are all siblings. And we will fight for each other. That's why I say I'm a revolutionary. I believe in this ideology, I believe in changing the system completely to serve human rights.

Today, they love to paint the Révolution as a violent mess, and to condone the violence of the people, while holding its symbols. It's insulting, really, how they use these symbols but deny their meanings, their history. "Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité" was first pronounced by Robespierre, that they paint as a dictator or a terrorist (looking at you, USA), in a speech condoning "police" brutality, where he called for the authorities to not have the right to brandish their guns at unharmed people. A speech between his call to end slavery, to end xenophobia and calling black and jews folks our siblings, to end the death penalty, to put human rights above the laws. The Marseillaise is a reminder of the fate oppressors will face if they try to take our human rights away. It is very violent because it's the image of the rage the people felt after centuries of abuse, and condoning this justified rage is unacceptable. Marianne is in every city hall, Marianne is the allegory of freedom, guiding the people to fight the government who oppressed them, walking on the dead corpses of the traitors to the human race, the soldiers killing the people. They tell us that protesting, rioting, fighting the police forces is unacceptable, and yet, we celebrate Bastille Day, when the people took a prison and stole the weapons of the government to fight it. "Oh no, it's not the Bastille we are celebrating, it's the Federation Day." Why are you ashamed of the Bastille Day? Because it is too violent for you? The people finally getting power is too violent for you? They hate the people getting violent, because they know it's against them. They condone it, but it's the result of their own behavior, their own violence. They say we can throw rocks at cops while being on strike because we are getting paid nothing, but that's what the people did when they struck against Réveillon. Starving the people is violence, you are just reaping what you sow.

I love my country, I love its history, its symbols. I will fight for my country and for the human rights, and that means fighting against my own government. It's our history, it's our morals, and there's nothing they can do about it.

Vive la Révolution, et vive la France !

[casspurrjoybell-32]

Taken - Blue Moon Series - Chapter 23b

*Warning Adult Content*

Elder Cyrus

There was a pause between both my group and the attackers.

One moment we were all having a fun time, Gale and I bantering back and forth when there was a sudden breeze.

Lakota was in front of us holding a serrated knife in his bare hand all of a sudden.

It was only for a few seconds but we were all taken back by Lakota's quick bold reflexes in his act to protect us.

In astonishment, my eyes trailed up from my mate's hand to his eyes and saw something I had never wanted to see again.

They were glowing a dangerous yellow, more intense than his normal soft gold.

There was a look of calm rage.

It sent chills down my spine... that was a new feeling for me.

Not much scared me these days but my usually soft mate's expression was no joke and I knew this wasn't going to end well.

The sound of Lakota's blood splashing on the concrete broke the tension and everything moved rather quickly.

Gale took his arm away from me and ran into the fray.

I was only a second behind him.

There were about five guys against our three, easy.

Lakota turned his body inwards and used his elbow to jab it into his attacker's gut making him let go of his knife and he took it.

Flipping it in the air and catching the handle smoothly in his already wounded hand, he jabbed it into the assailant's neck.

The man gargled through his now useless throat and dropped hard.

I know I taught Lakota how to fight but I didn't think he would be so ruthless with it.

It both filled me with pride and frightened me at the same time.

His killing someone, without an inch of hesitation, was a sad sight to see and honestly, he didn't deserve it.

Why couldn't he just have it easy?

Fate was cruel to my mates and I was about done with it.

One of the hooded attackers came after me and as all the shock quickly passed.

I was finally able to process the scent of wolves.

So they weren't random people attacking us.

I grabbed his arm as he tried to punch me and turned my body into him, using his weight as I flipped him over my back on to his.

He hit the ground loudly.

His breath was knocked out of him and I brought my knee down on his sternum, crushing it inward and moved to go onto the next guy but there were none left.

It was then I recognized the musky scent that had been teasing my nose this whole time.

It reminded me of Leo Bateman, Lakota's father.

These were the Rogues from his pack.

How the hell did they find us?

The last man to drop was only moments after I was done with my one guy as Nicholas unlatched his teeth from the wolf's neck and let him fall, completely drained.

Wiping the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand and presented me with a rather sinister and bloody smile.

"You're slow, Cyrus."

"Oh no. We have another smart-ass Gale in our midst," I sighed as the previous excitement died down.

There was an uneasy laugh amongst us all.

I looked over at Lakota as he stood silently with a small smile like nothing had happened but I could see his eyes were telling a different story.

"Lakota are you okay?" I asked as I moved towards him.

"I'm fine."

His hand was still bleeding and it accrued to me that since his wolf was gone he wouldn't be able to heal like he used to.

He was practically human.

"Shit," I exclaimed

We needed to get his hand healed up quickly.

Gale glanced towards his bleeding hand too and understood exactly what had me worried.

Moving with his crazy speed he took Lakota's hand and brought it up to his mouth.

His eyes caught mine and I knew that this was a dangerous thing for him to do but he wasn't going to let his mate bleed one more second longer.

I could tell the moment Lakota's blood touched his lips.

His eyes turned from their warm brown to the sultry hungry black color that completely took over the whites of his eyes.

When I heard the moan leave Gale's lips I knew we had to get out of here fast.

Nicholas was on it in moments, as he ran to his brother in a blur and practically tore him from Lakota, taking him away from his mate and the fair.

As he was taken away there was a chilling growl that was definitely not a happy sound.

I was right behind them, as I grabbed Lakota in my arms and got out of here before we were caught by the humans.

And as we fled, there was one thing on my mind.

'Leo Bateman had a lot of explaining to do.'

[goldenboywrites]

Twisting his body to look at the prince, Iggy looked at him with narrowed eyes. “My apologies, prince.” He flicked his gaze up and down the man’s body, pursing his lips. “I was under the impression we were having a friendly chat.” He had to admit that he liked irritating the prince in such a way. It was a thrill to address a royal with snark and bite and not be immediately thrown into a cell. Of course, that was still a real possibility, but because of their mark, Iggy had more leeway than most others. If he were locked in a cell, there is no doubt that the prince would be forced to suffer alongside him. 

Oh yes, Iggy would delight in finding all the ways he could skirt by without punishment because of what he was to the prince. Victor would be ever so proud. 

But he knew when he could throw someone a bone, so Iggy walked the few steps towards Julius, closing the distance between them. His expression softened as he peered at the man before him. “My magic is me. To know me is to know it. It’s no different than blood when you think about it. It fuels me; it grows with me and adapts to situations depending on my needs. After we are bonded fully, it’ll belong to you just as much as it does to me. Knowing that used to irk me. I’m an only child, so I’ve never been good at sharing, but I’ve grown to accept my purpose. It helps a little,” He paused, smiling shyly at the prince. “To see that you’re fairly decent looking, I suppose.”

“So what’s the verdict, my prince?” Iggy bent down, his hand coming into contact with the fountain as he hovered over Julius, his gaze dipping from his eyes to his lips and then back to his eyes again, where he held the contact. “I’ve told you about our future. I even showed you a little magic trick. Without anything else in the balance, how would you judge me?” At their closeness, Iggy felt the bond between them hum happily. It was as if their string of fate was pulsing with pride that the two of them had come together. Despite the warmth that washed over him, Ignatius had to remind himself that it wasn’t his feelings. He didn’t know the prince sitting before him. He didn’t trust him. It was a cruel twist of fate forcing them to be together, to want to be together. Oh, but it felt so sweet to be close to him. Mere inches were separating them. He could press their lips together if Iggy bent down an inch more. “I’d love to hear your assessment.”

It wasn't until that moment that Julius truly felt the bite of this man's words. He didn't make a comment on it but quietly tucked that away to mull over later on his own. For now he needed to be diplomatic because there was still a lot he needed to learn from his man. And if he was to be honest, he truly wasn't in a position to be arguing or insisting that this man was wrong. So while it tore at him not to correct him with his own beliefs, Julius simply nodded to keep the peace for the time they had. After all, a little challenge never hurt anyone. He couldn't help but to smile instead. Knowing that he'd had his work cut out for him in more ways than one. But the weight of what he said truly started to sink in and he felt his stomach start to go with it.

"I didn't want to come here and fight with you about what everyone else has done." His tone was smooth but firm. He meant to learn from this man and he wanted the same for him. He hoped it could be that way. As he'd just told him, they'd be spending their lives together and Julius didn't want it to be terrible. If it didn't have to be. But he was starting to see a little sliver of what was so dear to Iggy and naturally he'd have been upset. Magic was a precious thing in this world and especially those that wielded it. Julius didn't pretend to know how or why the deal was struck between their people but they were products of centuries of choices. That didn't mean they had to always follow their ancestors lead.

"I wanted to get to know you not your magic." He spoke plainly, his gaze shifting back to take him in. The way he stood so tall as if he were the king of the realm. The swagger he had was something the prince could definitely appreciate. And he had to admit, it helped to know that this one actually had a sense of humor. He wouldn't be like his friends here at court or even his advisors. Julius was growing more and more excited about the thought of spending time alone with him. Getting to know all the ins and outs and he liked to see the way those lips curled up when he smiled, even if these ones were forced. He'd imagine the real ones were truly breathtaking. Getting ahead of ourselves, aren't we? Julius felt his cheeks heat again and he cleared his throat, stretching his legs out before him as he settled in. "I'm asking questions because I'm not sure we've ever been told the truth of the mark or anything and quite frankly..." He trailed off, his shoulders shrugging as he sighed out. The smile threatening to pull out again. "I wanted to make my own judgement on you without anything else in the balance." But as he spoke he knew what else was coming for him then. "You're my guest now and I hope you to be my friend before anything else after." He knew he should have called him exactly what he was but that word was too heavy and it made the feelings inside of him stir something fierce.

[awfulwordmonger]

When Three Turned Out To Be Five

I was just reminded of an incident that happened about 35 years ago. There’s a moral at the end for all you Thai food neophytes out there.

It was an era in Seattle when there was a new Thai restaurant opening every week or two. My partner and I took great pleasure in trying out the newcomer and reporting back to all our friends about what we found. Although it may seem obvious, different Thai restaurants sometimes have different systems of telling the customers what to expect in the way of spiciness. Generally, you find a system of one to five stars, with five star being eye-watering, mouth-blistering, gut-wrenching spice. We took that for granted on this particular night.

We, being connoisseurs of Thai cuisine (or so we thought), blithely ordered our meal at the 3-star level. We prided ourselves at having reached that exalted level by climbing that ladder slowly, sometimes painfully, but always trying to “expand the envelope” like test pilots reaching for the ultimate experience in a new aircraft. Oh, how pride goes before a fall!

Our meal smelled wonderful, tasted great and…. Holy Shit, was it HOT! 🔥🔥🔥 Forget the five-star scale, this place thought 3-stars should be competing with fission!

It took us a while, but with the help of a few Singha beers, we made it all the way through dinner! We congratulated ourselves not only for reaching new heights of flavorful agony, but also on the fact that our apartment was a short, wobbly walk away from the restaurant. We fell into a blissful sleep that night. We earned it!

My honey worked at one of the big banks in downtown Seattle. Somewhere up around the 30th floor she spent her days keeping an executive with Third-grade writing skills from being exposed as a fraud every time he needed to write a letter. Some days she rode the bus to work, but on this day I decided to treat her to a ride to work.

There has to be a restroom in the entry floor of a building where a couple thousand people work, right? RIGHT?! Oh, help! Where in the heck is it?!

Success! The Men's Room… and it’s locked! ⚡️💥💣😱

No options! The Women’s Room door was NOT locked! I entered, hoping it was empty… and it was! Relief (total understatement) was immediate. I was able to breathe more normally, and was thanking everyone and everything that let me escape a fate worse than death.

Morning rush hour in Seattle can be trying. We were trapped in the midst of the thousands of cars negotiating the construction, the hills and each other. Somewhere along the way, my guts started announcing, in no uncertain terms that it was time for a bathroom break. O gods of Spice, please let your unwary victim survive this! The farther we went into the concrete canyons, the worse it got. By the time we pulled up in front of the bank building, I had no choice: abandon ship or destroy the interior of an otherwise perfectly good car. I double parked and beat my lady to the doors of the bank.

And the door opened. I heard the clicking of the high heels coming across the floor. I slowly raised my hiking shoe-clad feet and ancient-blue-Jean lad legs, and stopped breathing. The intruder parked herself in the next stall! As quietly as I could, I pulled my pants up, flushed… and fled!

Epilogue: when I told my lady this story, later that day, I thought she might have a heart attack from laughing so hard. Moral of the story: a) never trust the spice ratings of a Thai restaurant, and b) never go downtown until you’ve used the bathroom at home!

[iameliseposts]

WAIT IF REQUESTS ARE OPEN CAN I REQUEST FOR LILIA X GN READER WITH THE PROMPT “I’ll remind everyone of our love” PLEASE? HSBSHSHE I LOVE THE PROMPTS YOU CHOSE FOR THE EVENT, ALSO HAPPY 200 FOLLOWERS IM SO PROUD IF YOU!

Take care of yourself hun! <3

Omg thank you so much!! I worked really hard creating these prompts! And tysm requesting!

If you want to request for my 200 followers event, look here

This is my first soft yandere fic here, so I hope it's good. I hope you enjoy!

“I’ll remind everyone of our love.” Lilia x MC 200 Followers Event

Lilia loves you. He’ll always love you. He has loved you from the day you stepped into Twisted Wonderland and will keep his adoration for you. 

He had first heard about you from Malleus. He couldn’t believe his ears when Malleus had told him that the magicless prefect was not only unafraid of the most powerful and feared fae Malleus was, but also befriended that fae. He was over the moon Malleus formed such a relationship with someone, so much that he too wished to meet you.

He first took notice of you during the winter break. Oh, he had seen you before and yet, this was the first time he got to speak with you one on one. …You were everything he could have ever imagined. Never during his long, long time in this world had he met a person like you. He couldn’t describe it. You weren’t particularly outstanding, especially compared to the unique characters in NRC. You were you and it enticed Lilia. 

He started visiting you regularly. Popping in Ramshackle without warning and scaring you and poor Grim half to death (fortunately Lilia can bring some premium tuna and Grim won’t complain). He visited more than your first year friends did. And you had grown quite attached to your fae. 

It was Lilia who confessed his love first. Years of life experience made it slightly easier for him to get his feelings off his chest. However, it didn’t dispel the butterflies of his passion that fluttered- no, that swarmed in his core. His devotion was met with yours in kind. From this moment forward, your fate became woven in the obsession Lilia spun with his spinning wheel and called the spindle his love.

The students in Night Raven College had… quite some character. With their temper, their pride, their greed and their strong magic. They must be terrifying for a precious magicless human such as you. Why go anything when the people here are prone to being so reckless. I mean, look at all these overblots. Such honey-coated words were all Lilia needed to keep you in Ramshackle. 

“Why go out when I can show you a kinder world. A world for the two of us.” Lilia had promised. And he fulfilled that promise. He’d give you anything you desired; the new limited edition drink that was running out, the latest gaming console that was way too costly for a regular student, any furniture with the fabric you could instantly doze off on like Silver. 

Oh, you wanted to see other people? Lilia brought Malleus over too. He had even introduced you to Silver and Sebek. Silver was happy you made his father so happy and Sebek… was Sebek, but you could tell he was growing fond of you. Isn’t this nice? You, your friends and your Lilia. His perfect family. A family he wasn’t going to let go of. Of course he wasn’t going to, it was your family as well. 

Alas, even though Lilia had tried his best to stop prying eyes from gazing on you, you still go to classes. You wanted to learn about this world and Lilia wasn’t going to stop that even though he would prefer to tutor you. And eyes pried upon your form. 

Some foolish freshman thought it best to confess his feelings to you. Ha! How absolutely ridiculous. This freshman wasn’t the brightest, but Lilia supposes none of the freshmen are. However, this first year has some nerve, asking you out. 

“Lilia-” You gasped as your fae nipped at your delicate neck. You were back in Ramshackle, where you were most, sitting on top of Lilia lap.

Lilia kept pressing his lips to your neck, making red marks on your skin. How precious. “Don’t fret my dear. That man won’t bother you anymore. No one will dare make such moves on you again. I’ll remind everyone of our love.”

And Lilia kept his promise. You knew by now Lilia always kept his promises. You never saw that freshman again. You knew you could keep demanding and he’d warmly oblige. He doted on you, spoiling you as much as you wanted. The tenderness in his heart was all you wanted, after all. He wished for you to stay in Ramshackle, so why not? He was there with you, so you could always be amused and loved. 

[theirwolfbicanthrope]

this is going to be kind of all over the place but I am delighted having this discussion!

"Him not being able to directly lie to Ellen makes so much sense, even if he was more aggressive about it, it was a covenant between a sorcerer and sorceress, of course theres limitations going both ways."

Yes! He's certainly not above manipulating the truth to deceive and suit his needs, but his scenes with Ellen still feel a little more honest than I think even he is comfortable with. It also reminds me of stories with the Fae where they can't lie but they can bend the truth to their purposes. (Beyond the demon/devil comparisons, there is something very Fae-esque about the way Orlok operates imo.)

"It also makes me kind of wonder how much Orlok knows about Thomas & Thomas/Ellen from his castle point of view. He implies he knows things about their lives he probably shouldn’t from way over there but I can’t tell how much. Is it just when he’s psychically linked to Ellen?"

OH TO KNOW! but it does leave a lot of wiggle room with fanfic lol. Did actually meeting Thomas change anything? Was it what he was expecting? Did Thomas surprise him? As much as I am burning to know definitive answers, I feel like it's probably more fun that there's a lot of ambiguity to play around with there.

"If Thomas had been more like Friedrich, Orlok would probably have felt more threatened by him."

brief off topic comment - I HAVE SO MANY THOUGHTS OF THE PARALLELS/COMPARISONS BETWEEN FRIEDRICH AND ORLOK. SOMEDAY.

"However Thomas being deferential and naturally rather unassertive (until Ellen’s safety is in question/he learns Orlok is a vampire who might be planning to kill him) appeals to his sense of pride."

yes, exactly! Thomas is annoying in the first 1.5 seconds but then Orlok snaps about being properly addressed and Thomas just immediately falls in step, and I could see him being like 'yes yes good' but also 'wait, this is what she picked over me??' and Not Getting It. but it ultimately does work in Thomas' favor.

"Then a switch in perspective from “this man stole my bride” to “Ellen got herself a pet devoted husband, so basically that’s our pet devoted husband now, shared property and all that.”"

CACKLING. EXACTLY. I do love this angle. It's so delightful.

"I also think Orlok’s love thing is his own hang up and he’s more human than he’d like to believe."

Oh, absolutely agree. He is so arrogant around Thomas and Knock and does things that bring up his status and power, yet with Ellen he calls himself "loathsome beast" and while I do think some of that dialogue was manipulating and trying to pin the blame for what was happening on her as much as him, I still feel that he does in ways hate what he's become. A shadow of his former self. All that power but he's a recluse, bound to his grave.

I also feel that both aspects of Orlok - what remains of the human man who was a wealthy nobleman that sold his soul or at least put it in peril for more knowledge and more power, and the vampiric creature he's become - are afraid of love. Love is a weakness. Love is a weapon. He uses Ellen and Thomas' love against them, it is a weak spot, and I think the thought that he could be so weak (and he IS, he IS, it's what undoes him in the end imo) is utterly horrifying. So while he wants to love her he also hates the very thought of it.

"He’s extremely emotionally repressed and lonely, he refuses to be vulnerable"

yes yes yes! precisely! my reading of him is that he'd basically made peace with his cursed fate, barricaded into his crumbling home, and then this little mortal's plea just barges into his solitude, and his loneliness becomes so much greater. so he wants this creature who is similar to him, because then he won't be alone. but he doesn't want to be weak, and he's both an infernal nightmare creature and a nobleman with nothing to rule, so he goes about everything in just the Worst Way and drives her into the arms of another.

The contract irks the lawyer minded part of me because I feel like a spiritual contract should not work like a legal contract. The legal part of marriage is the government going “we know you’re married here’s some specific spousal rights you have” which could be recognized or unrecognized based on a contract.

However, spiritually speaking marriage is two people just deciding they’re married, so if both halves of a married couple after a contract is signed still see themselves as being married (because the contract was signed unknowingly) that should still be in place. Idk maybe Orlok is just obsessed with legal marriage contracts.