#oh how things have changed in such a little time

[lilacgaby]

˗ˏˋ🧸 bows and bottles ౨ৎ

pairing: girldad!megumi x wife!reader

summary: megumi had been shocked by you multiple times this year. finding out you were pregnant? a shocker. with a girl though? even more shocking. good thing he was a natural.

tags: pet names, pregnancy, afab!reader, domestic au, marriage, insecurities, fluff

(a/n: another lovely ask by @lexiene !! i think every jjk character is a girldad personally )

those two lines you showed to him changed the course of his life.

he was nervous sure, but you being there always calmed him down. he examined the rest of the items you'd placed in the gift box one by one, noting the gender-neutral clothing.

"you don't know the gender yet?"

"no silly! i'm only like.. a month. i think i have to be eighteen weeks or something to know."

"oh, okay."

"are you hoping for a gender?" you asked, moving your legs to face him on the couch.

"no, as long as they're healthy." he answered honestly, though the thought of having a girl did make him feel a bit nervous.

"hm, okay."

the weeks working up to the appointment you'd made were nerve wracking for megumi. you'd only been suffering mild symptoms of nausea and fatigue, so he'd been at your hand and feet most days.

the months had passed and your bump had grew. he'd been an angel for you, never letting you complain for more than a couple seconds. he'd wake up in the middle of the night and cook for you if you needed, he just wanted you and his kid to be safe.

as he drove to the appointment, reality set into him. you were having his baby, and they were going to find out the gender right now.

but an idea struck you in the car. "hey, how about we have them keep it a secret? we can have a fun little gender reveal party."

he physically slumped at the idea, relaxing a bit. "yeah, sounds good. but a small party, gojo is way too much of a lightweight for a huge one like last time."

you laughed at the memory, looking out the window as you held megumi's hand close to your thigh.

the visit at the doctor's was quick, they put the results of the ultrasound into an envelope for you two, and let you take home dozens of copies of the scans.

you went home content, smiling brightly as you looked over the pictures.

"they have your nose." you said out of the blue.

"you can't even tell that, it's a scan."

"yes i can."

"whatever you say."

the next week you had a small get together with some of your friends and megumi's. you wore a plain white dress since you didn't mind if it was a boy or a girl, and megumi wore a white button-up.

gojo wore a pink shirt, and argued with yuuji who was wearing a blue shirt.

nobara was carrying bags and bags of baby supplies, but was also wearing a pink shirt.

nanami was there holding a small gift box, he wore a white button-up with a pink tie.

they, along with some of your family, all held up confetti poppers. at the count of three they blew them up, pink confetti flying everywhere.

as gojo and nobara high fived each other, cheering at how they were right, you and megumi hugged eachother.

you now were able to go crazy, making everything really cute and pink for your little daughter. bows and bunnies scattered her nursery, pink flowers painted all over the walls.

cute rugs and rocking chairs, even her crib got a princess canopy.

nobara had gotten you the cutest little dresses and shoes, in the tiny box nanami had gotten for your baby girl it was little earrings. pure gold with a gemstone of her assumed birthmonth.

the months passed by really quickly, megumi kept his missions to a minimum so he could stay clung to your side.

he was a saint like always, holding your bump up for you to give you a few moments of relief, massaging parts of your body, he'd always be there for you.

but your little girl was stubborn and refused to come out. when he thought you were sleeping he'd speak to her, ask her nicely to come out tomorrow, speak about how excited he was to see her.

after a couple nights of that and morning walks? your water broke. he grabbed the overnight bag and made it to the driveway, only to realize..

he forgot you. oops.

picking up an annoyed you, he made it to the car and drove as fast as he could safely.

you delivered your baby safely, megumi thinking his wrist was going to snap from how hard you had it in your grip. he rolled his eyes though, because you were right.

she did have his nose. and his hair color, and his eyes. but she had your skin color, your lips, your eyebrows.

she was adorable.

she slept the whole day, not waking up unless she was woke up by you or him. she was an angel. barely ever crying.

he was relieved to find that she had your demeanor, your expressiveness that was more than just a straight demeanor most of the time.

he was the happiest when he looked into her and saw you, features of you that worked so harmoniously with his.

she was perfect.

she definitely had a favorite. spoiler alert: it wasn't you.

she always giggled when megumi was around, her first word was papa, much to your dismay. she clung to him all day, he was a natural at everything after all.

whenever he'd go on missions she'd cry, him having to call you just so she could fall asleep.

when she became a toddler? she'd run to the door to greet him everytime he'd come back. staying up past her bedtime just to see him.

but always passing out in his arms, wanting to stay by his side as she slept.

he'd do her hair once it was long enough. she begged and begged for him to learn how to braid, and after much consultation he learned.

he was there with her when she got her ears pierced, holding her hand as the needle went through her ear. it didn't hurt, but the numbing sensation felt weird. she wore the golden earrings she was gifted 5 years ago with pride, almost convincing megumi to get his ears pierced too.

almost.

she had him wrapped around her finger, doing anything she wanted whenever. if she wanted a toy she had it the next day. she wanted to go somewhere? let's start planning a family trip.

he taught her how to read patiently, grabbing any number of baby books to help her piece together the words, clapping together when she read a page successfully.

they shared a sweet tooth, so most of time he'd 'sneak' her snacks. candy, lollipops, chocolate, cupcakes, they'd share them together and laugh because they thought you didn't notice.

they were like two peas in a pod, they acted exactly the same sometimes. shed repeat his sentences, the way he walked, and even his facial expressions.

she clung to you just as much though, don't get it confused. she loved your attention on her as much as he did, scrunching her face when you two kissed in front of her. her using her body to push you away and 'reprimand' megumi.

he loved his girls so much, he didn't think life could get any better than being sandwiched in between the two of you while you watched random movies in the living room.

but it magically did, when for his birthday he was gifted baby socks. "are you joking?" he said, hugging you both tightly.

"those are too small for him!"

"they aren't for him sweetheart."

with another baby girl on the way, and his two treasured ladies right beside him, he definitely thinks he was born for this.

to stand by all of your sides, forever.

[bitethedevil]

What do you like about the character of Raphael ?

A Feral Love Letter to the Devil We Know

Oh boy. Here’s my list of why Raphael is like catnip to me (it’s not short and it is possibly a bit extra deranged because I am currently sick).

Purely physical things that convince me that this man was made for me in a lab:

Brown eyes and dark hair has always been my type

The slight stubble and those cheekbones (generally just his whole facial structure is beautiful)

The fucking n o s e <3 <3

Those thick thighs (perfectly sittable and bitable). He is just perfectly shaped.

Those hands he waves in your face all the time and those long fingers (does things to me)

His clothes. Yes, even in cambion form and even the silly clown boots, I love them. It is just all too extra, and I live for it

Everything about his cambion form

I have this crazy theory. There has been made these studies that depending on hormone levels, women are attracted to different kinds of men. At one end of their cycle, they prefer more ‘feminine’ looking men, and on the other end they prefer more traditionally ‘masculine’ looking men. If I get tired of his human form, I get more attracted to his cambion form and the cycle repeats. I think that is why I just do not get tired of staring at this stupid man every day. I know I’m not crazy. It’s science (and we all know I’m a trusted scientist).

Non-physical things that intrigue me:

How expressive he is. I love how his face changes constantly and dramatically with each sentence he speaks. It’s mostly an act but he is so charismatic. He has ‘rizz’ like the kids would say.

I can’t fix him. I don’t want to. His mind games intrigue me. I want to study him like a bug and play mind games with him too (I’m not delusional enough to think I’d win). Let it be toxic as fuck on both parts.

This man is just chucking stones from his glass house like there is no tomorrow. He plays such a big bad devil, but he is really just a little wet cat with a god complex and daddy issues. Not to mention his little hissy fits if any of his perceived weaknesses are pointed out. I find it endearing (unfortunately).

His voice and his eloquence. I love it. Even his shitty poetry. I could listen to it for eternity.

He is so smart. I have been shouting it from the roof tops: he is not stupid. He is always ten steps ahead.

He’s honest. He doesn’t lie and you know where you’ve got him (if you know how to keep up with him).

Genuinely everyone thinks he sucks, both devils and mortals, and yet he thinks he is the shit, either genuinely or as a coping mechanism.

He just such a nuances character if you really dig into it.

Things I relate to:

The scheming and overthinking. Everything is meticulously thought out to the point of obsession. He is playing 4D chess but doesn’t even consider that the other players might just eat the pieces to win. He strikes me as someone who completely overcomplicates things for no reason, and I felt that.

His idea of order is very different from what’s actually orderly. It just has to make sense to him, like ‘what do you mean it’s not orderly to have dead people lying around, trash everywhere, and debtors running around aimlessly in my house? Completely intentional. What’s not clicking?”. I felt that too. There is order to my chaos, and you don’t have to understand it. I get it.

He’s a cringy theater kid with a love for poetry too.

I too find it annoying when other people don’t follow the script I had in mind for the conversation.

Just human enough to understand how human interactions works, but either doesn’t give a shit or genuinely thinks that just spouting vaguely threatening poetry to strangers is a completely normal thing to do.

The obsession and ambition that just completely makes him lose the plot of everything else.

He is just so obsessed with everything being perfect to a point where it almost seems silly.

Acts like he doesn’t care, but actually cares A LOT about how other people perceive him.

I could honestly keep going but you get the picture.

(Thank you for the ask <3)

[suzukiblu]

WIP excerpt for Marina; a fake cryptid and a real romantic. (( chrono || non-chrono ))

“Okay,” he says cheerfully. “Tried YouTube yet? They’ve got tutorials for everything on there. I found a guy who taught me how to change my oil and tie a Windsor knot.” 

“Did you not know how to tie a Windsor knot?” Tim asks, both clearly puzzled and clearly a trust fund kid. 

“Naw, Bruce or Alfie always just materialized it for me whenever it came up,” Dick replies with an easy shrug. “Also had to learn how to shave from Ollie, which was definitely an experience. But Dinah taught me how to smuggle a full bottle of Jack into a bar in fishnets at the same time, which is actually really useful knowledge so remind me to pass that one on later. Donna and I literally saved most of San Francisco and our favorite coffee shop that way once. Oh, and Harvey was the one who explained taxes existed. Did not know those were a thing ‘til I was like, twenty.” 

Twenty-ish, anyway. Well, he’s twenty-three now, probably, so . . . eh, twenty-two at the latest. 

“. . . your life experiences are not universal,” Tim says after a long pause, like getting wooed with handmade nests and giant diamonds by a half-alien superclone and knowing how to tie a Windsor knot at age fifteen is somehow “universal”. No one in this conversation has been even slightly “universal” in their life experiences. 

“Are you telling Superboy about Robin yet?” Dick asks, and Tim–hesitates, a little. 

“I didn’t think it was mine to tell,” he replies carefully. “Most of the Justice League doesn’t even know about Robin.” 

“I told the Titans,” Dick replies with a shrug. “And Uncle Clark.” 

“Jason–” Tim starts, and Nightwing’s sleek feathers all instantly, involuntarily twitch. Tim cuts himself off, and Dick . . . doesn’t say anything, for a moment. 

Jason never told anyone about Robin. 

Though the Joker was pretty bored when he figured it out, apparently. A “real” person wasn’t as interesting as the mask. The mask being a mask wasn’t as interesting, maybe. 

( Dick doesn’t think about how much RAGE it puts in him, thinking about the Joker cutting Jason out of Robin’s wings and finding him BORING. thinking he was LESS than, thinking he wasn’t worth– 

it’s not the time for that. for any of that. 

it’s not. )

“You’re your own Robin,” Dick says. “It’s up to you who you tell what.” 

“I did tell Steph,” Tim says awkwardly, looking away. “Well . . . I mean . . .” 

“You don’t have to explain yourself to me, baby bird,” Dick says. “Like I said: you’re your own Robin.” 

“But you were Robin first!” Tim practically bursts out, gesturing sharply with Robin’s wings. “And it just . . . it feels wrong, to tell people! Like it’s someone else’s secret. I only actually told Steph because I felt like I had to, if we were gonna–if we, you know–but Superboy doesn’t care whether I’m human or not, and she did, and . . . I never felt right about telling her anyway. Just because I thought I was supposed to, not because I . . . sorry. Just . . . I don’t know. I’m sorry.” 

( “I’M sorry,” Dick doesn’t say back, because he can never say that to Tim while he’s wearing Robin. 

it never ends up as him saying it to TIM, when he tries to. )

[https-murdock]

All Yours - Matt Murdock

summary: after a bad day, all you can think about is Matt - all he can think about he making you relax.

word count: 835 (lil one!)

warnings: smut with plot! (i’m getting better at adding plot to porn lol), oral f receiving, super fluff

note: i feel like ive used this pic for a fic before ?? so if anyone knows which one let me know and ill change it lol <3 enjoy

Walking in through the apartment door, you’d expect for the weight of the world to fall from your shoulders - but when you don’t see Matt’s glasses on the side, next to his cane, things feel a lot heavier.

“Matt?” You call, dropping everything near the door and collapsing onto the couch, mind spinning with things that have happened through the day. How much you’d give to see him.

Just as the tears were starting to prick at your eyes, the door flings open with that usual sense of urgency he always has.

“Hi sweetheart, sorry got caught up-“ Matt says, starting to explain what his day entailed but in the blink of an eye you’re in front of him, arms wrapped around his shoulders and head against his chest just listening to his breathing. “Woah, hey… y’ok?” he smiles, and he can hear the way your heart starts to race at the question.

“Yeah just… bad day.” You say, cheeks squished into his chest, his gentle heartbeat soothing you slightly.

Dropping his cane to the floor and throwing his glasses to the kitchen side, he scoops you up into his arms, bridal style.

“Missed you.” You mutter, feeling suddenly weightless under his strength.

“I’ll make you feel better,” He starts, and by the time you open your eyes he’s laying you down on the bed, “Missed you all day. wanna make you feel so much better.” You wonder if he’s more so just telling himself what he’s going to do with you.

“You just take whatever you want, i’ll just lie here.” You giggle, giving him his free pass to have his way with you. You could always say that to him in confidence, knowing that no matter what he chose to do, your safety was always at the forefront of his mind.

“No no, shhh, it’ss about you.” He lets his hand find your mouth, gently covering it and keeping you quiet. “Let me do that, you don’t say a word. just wanna hear those pretty little moans.”

His fingers dance up your waist, lifting your shirt over your head, and if you listen closely you can hear the small whispers of praise he’s speaking into your skin, lips trailing across your stomach.

Next thing you know, his soft touches have brought your clothes to the floor, leaving you stark in front of him - body begging for more from him. He’s in his boxers, head nestled between your legs, leaving little kisses splayed across your thighs.

“Matt-“ You begin, almost forgetting he set the rule of no words to come from you, before he speaks again, “sweetheart, shhh, just let me do this. lay back, i’ll relax you.” He giggles, and the display of happiness from him almost relaxes you enough to finish right there.

You let your head hit the pillows behind you, finally feeling him place a slight kiss to your clit, a gasp escaping your chest at such a soft feeling.

Finally, Matt lets his tongue delve deeper to where he is craving to be - licking a gentle yet strong stripe from top to bottom, his tongue finishing on your clit by leaving behind a gentle suck. You can tell he’s relishing in the sound of the moans he’s already grasping from you.

“You’re still the most gorgeous person i’ve ever seen, even when you’re so wet for me.” He says, reaching up to pick at both nipples at the same time, earning a very loud “Fuck, Matt.” from your chest.

He continues his gentle assault on you, sucking and kitten-licking on your clit and moaning as he’s tasting as much of you as he can access - the vibrations of his low voice running up your spine and setting off goosebumps across your skin.

“Oh-Shit…” You moan, voice running higher pitched at the end as he lets his teeth graze across your folds, your hands finding his hair and gripping.

You pull softly on his dark hair, eliciting a moan from him again - your body telling you that it was inching closer to that mind blowing orgasm he always gave you.

“You’re so beautiful when you’re close.” he’s saying, hands moving yours from his hair to clasp them down at your sides, his fingers intertwining with yours.

Again, he grazes his teeth so softly you can barely feel it across your clit, and that’s when you snap - falling into an ear ringing, eye rolling orgasm, back arching so far off the bed that Matt has to crawl up slightly to keep up with where you’re taking him.

As you start to come down from your high, Matt is holding himself above you, muscles rippling with his strength.

Your ears come to, and the sounds of all the traffic outside bring you back to earth.

“Can’t believe you’re all mine.” He trails off, almost sounding like he wants to say more but can’t find the words, until your mind is ready to speak, “All yours.”

— tags —

@lambmurdock @parker-murdock @silas-aeiou @blushingrn @audreyclimbs

[lena-in-a-red-dress]

Musician Age Gap AU Pt 19

Lena gives Kara the right of way, and lets herself be led into the kitchen. When they enter the room, Kelly and Alex straighten at the sight of them, while Esme remains focused on pawing thru the fridge for the elusive cider.

Kelly's gaze remains gentle and perceptive-- Kara sees her focus dip to their joined hands before sliding to her wife. Alex, meanwhile, is scrutiny incarnate, her gaze hard as she scans Lena imperiously.

"Hi," Lena says quietly.

"Hi Lena," Kelly returns easily. "I'm glad you could come."

Lena relaxes a little. "Me too. Thank you for having me. You have a lovely home."

"Probably not what you're used to," Alex says, her tone carefully neutral. Kara spots Kelly's grip tightening in warning around Alex's hand.

"It's been a while since I've been home," Lena allows. "So this is a nice change of pace, for sure."

"Oh? Where do you live?"

"I split my time between Metropolis and Star City when I'm not on tour," Lena replies easily enough. "But of the two I consider Metropolis more my home. I grew up there."

"I didn't know that," Kara says.

"Mhmmm," Lena hums. "We in the city most of the year because of my brother's band. When they weren't performing, they were auditioning, so it was just easier to live there full time."

"You have a brother?" Esme says, perking up.

Kara feels Lena tense a little, suddenly realizing she might have shared too much. But it's too late to back pedal.

"We're not in touch anymore."

Sensing Lena's discomfort, Esme thankfully doesn't pry any further. Kelly keeps the silence from stretching too far.

"Well, we happy to have you. We figured you could share the guest room with Kara--"

"Or you can take the couch," Alex inserts. She studies Lena for a reaction, but Kara comes to her rescue.

"With me is fine," she says. "Unless you all fall asleep to the witchy thing--"

"Hexed! Mom, Lena watches Hexed!"

Finally, Alex relents, her posture sagging a little as she lets her guard down. "Then she's got good taste."

"She's got a crush on Samantha Arias," Kelly whispers theatrically.

Kara barks a laugh as Alex splutters indignantly. "I do not!"

"Do too!" Esme joins in the teasing.

"Don't worry, baby," Kelly assures her wife playfully. "She's on my hall pass too."

That makes Alex stop. "She is?"

Kara opens her mouth to mention having met Sam, but Lena nudges her sharply. She looks over and clicks her mouth shut when Lena gives her a look that says 'not now'.

"Well," Kelly says, even as Alex still gawks at her, "looks like we need to stock up on cider and spooky snacks, so why don't we head to the store while you two settle in?"

It's not the most subtle segue, but Kara is grateful for a chance to talk with Lena privately. Once Esme is shuttled off into the car, Alex gives them one last hard look before closing and locking the front door behind her.

Lena sighs. "Well, that went better than I expected."

"It helps that Esme's your biggest fan," Kara offers with a wry grin. Then she sighs. "Let's sit."

Lena nods, and they sit on opposite ends of the couch, orienting themselves to face each other. Lena looks nervous, and though Kara's first instinct is to ease that, she holds back. What was it that Kelly had said? Growing pains.

"Those pictures sucked to see, Lena," Kara says carefully. "I understand they were outside your control, but... it still hurt."

"I know. I just-- don't know how I can fix it. Like I said... it comes with the job. I signed up for it... but you didn't. I get that."

Lena sounds miserable, and looks it too. But Kara doesnt have any more ideas than Lena does.

"Maybe being with you means signing up for it," Kara allows, thinking out loud. "But what happens when I start being part of the scandal. What happens to Esme?"

Swallowing thickly, Lena lifts a helpless shoulder. "I don't know."

"Me neither. But it's something I have to consider." Kara slumps further into the cushion. "Also, I-- I don't know where I stand with you."

Concern flashed across Lena's features. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No, but... I'm in your court, Lena. I'm... an intruder. And I care enough about you that when I see something concerning, I want to ask about you, but.... I don't know if I'm allowed to."

"You can ask me anything," Lena says.

"Okay." Kara meets her gaze and holds her. "Why didn't you want to meet with Morgan Edge alone?"

Lena's cheeks lose all color in an instant. Her entire body seems too lock, her hands clasped in a white knuckled grip.

"I don't expect an answer," Kara says quietly. "But that's what I mean. I don't feel like I have the right to ask about this. And I suspect plenty of other subjects will make me feel the same way."

Lena stares at her, eyes wide. Kara reaches out to clasp her wrist, but Lena pulls away. Hurt lances through Kara's chest, but the tight sound of Lena's breathing concerns her more.

"Lena--?"

"What else," Lena croaks.

Kara hesitates. "Lena..."

"What. Else."

Taking a deep breath, Kara carefully forges ahead. "We started this content to simply see where it goes. Do you still feel that way?"

Lena doesn't respond.

"Because it doesn't feel casual anymore. Joining you on tour was certainly impulsive, but it wasn't casual. I thrust myself into your life, and you invited me to, but... I can't really bring you into mine, can I?"

"I'm here now," Lena says, voice tight.

Kara nods. "And I'm grateful for that. But... you wouldn't be able to go to the store with Esme to get cider. Or even take a walk around the block."

Lena releases a short breath. "No. Not without putting her in danger."

"I know you would welcome Esme into your world as warmly as you welcomed me. But for her it would be temporary. For me, if I choose this, it would be permanent, and complete."

She watches Lena inhale again as though to speak, but she doesn't.

"I don't think we'll find a solution before the others get back," Kara continues. "But I wanted you to know where I'm at. What I have to think about."

Lena nods. "I understand. Thank you."

Finally, she meets Kara's gaze. A small smile, but it and the glint in her eyes are sad. She swallows several times before she's able to speak again.

"Can I... do you mind if I take a minute before the others get back?"

Kara nods readily. "Of course."

Lena rises stiffly, then retreats to the powder room, closing the door quietly behind her.

Tears burn at Kara's own eyes, but relief overwhelms them. Relief that the unspoken burden of worry and uncertainty that has been weighing on her, has now lifted in the speaking of it. Perhaps it's selfish of her to now make her concerns now Lena's burden as well, but... would it have been fair to either of them to keep it to herself?

By the time Alex's car pulls back into the driveway a few minutes later, Kara's hands stop trembling, and Lena re-emerges with clear eyes. Their eyes catch as the front door opens, and Lena offers a reassuring nod: whatever happens next, it won't affect tonight.

True to Lena's unspoken promise, the evening proceeds without a hitch. She gamely weathers Esme's velcro presence, listening with interest as she rambles about school gossip and the boy she likes in her history class. And after dinner, they watch Sam bewitch and enchant on screen while munching on sweet snacks and sipping cider out of mugs shaped like skulls and cats and candy corn.

That night, however, the air grows taut between them the moment the guest room door shuts.

"I can take the couch," Lena murmurs.

Kara pauses. "Do you want to?"

Lena shrugs. "No. But I don't want to make you uncomfortable--"

"Hey," Kara interrupts softly. She closes the space between them. "What we talked about today came from a place of love. It hasn't made me uncomfortable." She hesitates. "Has it made you uncomfortable?"

"I mean... a little. I don't like uncertainty, much. And with us in a gray area, I don't know what's... appropriate."

Kara smiles. "Sharing a bed can be as appropriate as we want it to be."

"Kara..."

"I plan to sleep on the right side, fully pajama'd. I don't figure we need to make things any less certain than that."

Lena chuckles in spite of herself, but isn't quite convinced. "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure," Kara assures her.

Finally, she gets a small sigh of resignation. "Okay."

Kara's efforts are enough to banish the tension for a few minutes, but it comes back in full force once they crawl under the blankets. They face away from each other, but Kara can feel the stiffness in Lena's frame, a tension that takes root in her own limbs.

It lasts for several long silent minutes before Kara speaks up.

"You know I wouldn't have said anything, if I didn't care. Right?"

Lena sniffles. "I know."

---

The next morning, Lena lingers long enough to have breakfast with Esme and see her off to school. Once she clears her dishes, Lena collects her overnight bag and offers Kelly and Alex a soft smile.

"Thank you for having me," she says.

"Our pleasure," Kelly returns. "Thank you for coming. I know it was a long trip, and it meant the world to Esme."

"She's wonderful, truly. You've raised an amazing person."

Kara escorts Lena to the driveway. Once Lena stows her bag in the back seat, she turns back to Kara with soft, sad eyes.

"You're not coming back, are you."

Somehow, Lena saying it first makes it easier for Kara to concede. She shakes her head. "No. I don't think so."

"And us?"

Kara takes Lena's hand in hers, and Lena twines their fingers together.

"I care about you too much," Kara says, "to do this halfway."

Lena anxiously rocks on the balls of her feet, lips pulling against burgeoning tears. "Yeah." She manages to meet Kara's gaze. "So, back to normal life?"

"Ehhhhh...." Kara hedges. "The fact I dropped my job the first chance I got is a clue I might not like it very much. Maybe I'll look for something I'm more passionate about."

That brings beaming smile to Lena's face. "That sounds like a great idea. You deserve to find... whatever you're looking for."

Kara lifts her hand, cupping Lena's cheek. "And you, Lena Luthor, are stronger than you think. You deserve to work with people you trust."

She hopes Lena understands her meaning, and from the stunned half-open set of her mouth, Kara suspects she does.

Kara leans in one last time, kissing the corner of Lena's mouth. "Thank you, Lena. For everything."

Lena nods against her. "You too, Kara."

And then Kara watches Lena climb behind the wheel and carefully drive away. As she stares at the winking tail lights, even though her chest aches and her eyes burn, she can't help but feel as though a brand new life is just waiting to unfold.

[mehiwilldoitlater]

Previously... "How you wished your phone hadn't died few days ago"

Me: Gentlemen,Ladies and Enby's. I have an solution >:)

OKAY OKAY SO,The party fights Yellow Loong and after defeat,they get their thunder staff,yeah? Reader thinks it's so cool and then it clicks to them to CHARGE their phone by the use of the staff!!! Which does work HAHA instantly goes %100 in span of 5 seconds lmao

And reader shows the destined one some photos (like their family,friends of school/college,time they went to zoo and hold finger monkey,yes. It's a thing,look at it up hehe)

At last,reader takes selfie with The destined one and Zhu Baige cuz they don't want to forget them c:

Also drink water,gotta stay hydrated! 💜🫵🏻

"This will never work."

"And if it works, you'll be so sorry you had doubted me, old man!"

Bajie, sighing, Just pointed out the destined one, who was holding that small black tablet in his right hand with the nail of his pinky in the small hole at the base of the same object.

"Kid, stop indulge her! Be the rational one here!"

"What can I say?" He said, shrugging his shoulders, "I'm quite curious too about this phone thing."

"Oooh, yes, of course! Cuuurious, he said. Well, if it's turned out to burn at a crisp, do not come cry to me, young lady!"

You just laugh it out; even if it were true, you knew that the old pig was a soft heart for you and would surely comfort you.

"Ok so," you started to explain for the last time, "go really low on the voltage, enough to the cilinder with the green liquid to appear. Once Is full and made a sound, stop!"

"It seems simple; sure, is it going to work?"

"Well, maybe? ... Anyway, it doesn't matter! Just go!"

So, what were you up to this time?

A few days after your arrival, your phone, as you suspected would have happened, had died since the lack of electricity.

Between a deadly danger and another being eaten attempt, your mind completely forgotten about the device's lost usage until, after the fight against Yellowbrow, the idea of using that newfound power struck you.

You weren't sure that it could work; you were prepared to lose forever your phone, to be fair, but a small try never hurt anyone, right?

And fortune favorite, the bold!

After the small sound front the phone, you started to jump in happiness, finally with the last connection of your original world in your hands.

"AH! YES! IT WORK IT WORK! AHAH!"

The other two laughed a little, noticing how your fingers were able to move in the device with knowledge and security.

"All right, all right," said Bajie, sitting next to you when you decided to calm down. "Now, what does this little thing do?"

"Okay! Basically, we use It tò call people, message them...communication in general!"

"Oh so..." Yuán Fèn seemed startled when, after touching one of the apps on the screen, the color changed "is like... a bird or... and Messanger?"

"Well yes? Everything happens in seconds instead of hours or days! Unfortunately, without connection, it's useless for that part."

"Ah! So I was right! "

"Buuuut It can do something more intriguing for you!"

Once you shot the camera, your two friends, after a brief moment of surprise from their own faces showing up inside that small box, seemed more interested than before.

"Is that a mirror?"

"Nope! It's a camera! We use it to make photos!"

"What's a pho-u-toh?"

"Photo! Or photograph!" You laugh after Bajie misspells "it's like a panting, but far more precise. Using light, you can press the image on paper. Now, a phone camera doesn't exactly work like that, but you get the idea."

You stod up and put the device in front of the pigface.

"Now smile! I'll show you!"

After you took the picture, with the image of a still confused Bajie on it, you showed it to him. After a moment of silence, he started to laugh about it.

"You are surely full of surprises!"

///

"HEY! Is that a baby?!"

"Baby, aren't you that small, you dork!"

"Yes, they are! They smal like your brain!"

Once again, you have to save yourself and your phone from another monkey's fist fight between the children. Now that you had shown them your small magic box, like they like to call it, they were always eager to make one with you or ask you to make one for them, only to laugh about their own faces or what was happening. You even make a few videos of them, which just make them go more crazy than before. 

But then they discovered your other photos.

They seemed to enjoy, especially the ones that you had taken the day you had decided to help your auntie in her school trip at the Zoo. They loved the ones that you had taken at the monkey enclosure; they loved to see that you were familiar with their kind even before the change of world!

Well, they weren't the only ones that enjoyed the device. Once, you decided to show it to the youngest of the spider sisters, showing her the video that you took of her while dancing, and she laughed all the time, enjoying it to see her own performance.

You even took the chance to use it to make ohotos of every place that you and the Destined one were able to visit. Yellow ridge, the snowy fields, the mountains...every place was a new set for one of your photos, and every time he was inside too.

He had never shown quite the interest like everyone, but he seemed still happy to know that you wanted to cherish the memories that you had there with him. But what he really loved were your own memories, the photos of your past, and your family. He loved sharing them with you, knowing you deeper.

"This is your..."

"Cousin. My cousin."

"Oh yes, yes...and this is your cat, right?"

"Sorta, it shows up now and then. I like to leave it some food for it, so it doesn't starve."

"Ah, got it..." then another photo, that you tried to pass fastly, had passed under his eyes of you near someone.

"And that one? The one with the guy?"

"Ah, it was nothing." Your tone seemed almost off, like to avoid the discussion.

"Nothing?" He raised his eyebrows. "I saw you smiling! How was it nothing?"

And soon, you get back on the photo and delete it.

"As I said, nothing."

It seemed that he still needed to know you better.

@sun-jglim @crimsonflameproxy @everlastingmoonlightsworld @biankanoir

@miraclecherryblossomsblog @certifiedsimpinggalore @sleepingdramaqueen @cromboloni @masksandfeathers

@cinnamonroll-anon @justrandomlypassing @cute-angi @luckyangelballoon @dressycobra7

@naarra @virtualexpertanchor @phoenixeclipse-lmkau @szynkaaa @kirax-the-lazy-girl

@sleepydang @weaverworks @kishimiest @marcu-bug @thepoweroffiction

@riolu4 @angryvampire @s0rr3l @rootin-tootin-morgan @lightlumi

@cleverfeststarlight

[gojoidyll]

stubborn heart ch. 6

yan!capitano x wife!reader

summary | or in which capitano is told he needs a wife. and he begrudgingly agrees.

previous | next

“M’lady,” your maid bowed to you as she opened your carriage door. After getting ready for the day, you had quickly left the house with your maid following after.

“Thank you,” you said as your attention was soon brought to the bookstore. It was the best one that Snezhnaya has with a grand selection all around. Just thinking about what books you could get today excited you to no end.

“Back again,” the cashier said with a grin as you entered the bookstore. Smiling sheepishly at being recognized so easily, you nodded, “it seems I just can’t stay away,” you answered.

“Your patronage is always appreciated. If you need help finding anything, please don’t be afraid to ask.”

You pondered her words for a moment, before nodding to yourself, “about that. Do you think you can give me some book recommendations?”

The cashier immediately brightened at your words as she clapped her hands together, “I would be happy to! I have some favorites that I have just been dying to share with people, but its always hard to find people who are interested in the same thing…”

“Well,” you started, “I’ve been told that I would read just about anything. Back at the Hearth I would resort to reading cookbooks or how to manuals if I ran out my normal reading material.”

The cashier chuckled at your words, “well, not to worry, I won’t be recommending anything like that,” she moved from behind the counter and gestured for you to follow, “come on, I’ll show you where my favorite section is.”

When she turned to walk off you and your maid followed.

“And here we are,” she stopped in front an aisle and walked into it, and as she would run her fingers along the spines of the book she stopped on a specific one, “this one was just too good,” she said as she pulled it out, but before she handed it to you, she hesitated.

“Something wrong,” you asked.

“Well.. how do you feel about romance books?”

“Oh! I like them a lot! It’s one of my favorites honestly.”

“And what about romance with a little… spice to it?”

Spice? You weren’t exactly sure what that meant…

“Uhm, sure. I’m fine with that too.”

“Perfect!”

Her hesitation was long gone as she handed the book to you, “Arkan is by far the perfect fictional man by the way, he’ll have you wishing you were in the book!”

You looked down at the title as she handed it to you.

Most of the romance books you read were short fantasy stories, and most of the time the main characters only had titles and didn’t have names. Like the book Capitano was reading to you. The princess, knight, and the prince didn’t have any names or stuff like that. So, having a romance book with characters who had actual names may be a good change of pace.

“Thank you! Do you by chance have any other recommendations?”

“Of course!”

Throughout the rest of the time you spent there, the cashier lady kept telling you the level of spice of a book which continued to confuse you, but not wanting to seem like an idiot you kept acting like you knew what she was talking about. Though, luckily, she did give you some books to buy that didn’t have any “spice” in them whatsoever.

“M’lady,” your maid said as you both finally made it back to the manor.

“Yes,” you asked as you helped her carry the many books you had bought today.

“You… do know what that cashier meant, right?”

“About what?”

“Spice.”

You two had made it to the library easily, the both of you quickly setting the books down to give your arms a break.

“Uhm… about that,” you said with a sheepish look on your face, “not really.”

Your maid seemed to blush lightly at your words as she reached for your hand, “then please excuse me, I don’t know how to tell you this but…”

“But what?”

“The amount of spice in a book correlates to the amount of sexual content it has.”

Your maid broke it down to you as if she was telling you that your pet dog died.

“Hah?”

It took a few moments for your brain to properly register what she had just told you, “HAAAAAAH?!?!?!”

You broke your hand free from her grasp as immediately slapped both of your hands to your burning hot cheeks, “what do you mean?!?!!? Are you telling me that I just b-bought- bought sex books?!”

“Well,” she said, “its not like every single page is specifically sex, but if its super spicy then I can guarantee you that there will probably be a lot of it…”

You crouched down to the floor, your hands falling from your red, hot cheeks as you went to hug yourself. You couldn’t believe this was happening.

You heard of sex, of course, but you never once did it yourself nor do you know how to do it. Hell, even when the other older girls in the hearth started talking about their “experiences” and even how they pleasure themselves alone you would always run out of the room. You always thought that that it was a topic you didn’t need to know, but of course that all changed when you literally got married a mere few days ago. Which, of course, is why you get so nervous every time the word consummate left Capitano’s mouth.

“M'lady?”

She crouched down next to you as she laid her hand on your back as if she was trying to soothe you.

“Yeah?”

“You shouldn’t feel embarrassed. You didn’t know.”

“I know, but if Capitano finds out then that will just be another dumb thing I did that he’ll add to the list… I haven’t exactly been giving him the best impressions you know.”

Your maid patted your back, “don’t worry, he doesn’t have to know.”

Once again, your mind took a few moments to comprehend what she said, “h- huh? You- you aren’t going to tell him that I accidentally bought these types of books?”

Your maid shook her head, “of course not.”

You sniffled a little, “should we- should we take them back?”

Your maid shook her head at that, “to be honest, I think reading about sex will be easier for you than asking someone about it. I mean,” she giggled, “you and Lord Capitano have to consummate the marriage at some point.”

You scoffed, “I can’t believe you’re laughing at me!”

“I’m sorry, but it is kind of funny!”

You huffed and looked away from her causing her to laugh again before patting your back once again, “but I am serious. Reading books like that can at least give you an idea of what to do.”

You sighed and thought it over. As much as you hated to admit it, she was right. You had no one to ask about how to properly have sex with someone and you definitely didn’t want to ask Father or Capitano about it. And you know you would be a laughingstock to the others at the Hearth if you asked them…

Maybe reading about it will help after all? Besides, it would be less embarrassing since it means you wouldn’t have to ask anyone, and as long as Capitano doesn’t find out about it, then you won’t have to crawl under a rock or try to explain yourself on how you accidentally bought some not so safe books.

“So?”

You sighed, “well, it would be better to read then ask about it, I guess…, but please. I’m being for real, don’t tell anyone about my screw up today.”

“Of course, m’lady.”

Right then and there, a new friendship bloomed. You learned that her name was Atri and in return you asked if she would stop calling you m’lady. She said she would, but only when no one else was around. To which you were you happy with.

taglist

@nas-ha @simp-simp-no-mi @emmathecouchpotato4583 @sendria @riotakire @littlekohai77 @lvtuss @kreishin @floffytofu @nastylilcvnt @mikoslightnovels @feral-childs-word @barbatoss-bitch @venicecherryblossom @squirrelboxer @temperamentupgrade @avalordream @immahuman @xavlyzn @greensunflowerjuna @sarah22447 @naviabestgiirl @nevermoresworld @depressedbearblogs @ppancakesforu @0vendettaself @lilyalone @mochiivqi

some say "no blogs found" when I try to add them </3

[msschemmenti]

one year down, forever to go

emily prentiss x reader

monday morning guest— part two

a/n: i’m actually very surprised how much y’all enjoyed the first part of this because it was in fact a crack idea i came up with randomly !! but here’s a second part and i apologize if it sucks i really had no clue where this was going <3

a/n to the a/n: also my requests are open if y’all wanna request something :)

“you’re married?!” garcia was the first to exclaim and emily sighed in exasperation. she eyed her chosen family and knew she wasn’t getting out of answering this. at all. 

“Technically i’m divorced now.” emily grimaced as she watched garcia’s face contort further in confusion.

“How can this be? How did you get married and divorced within the hour? You know I thought we were done with secrets after you faked your death but i see I was wrong and you actually don’t love me.” garcia grumbled as she threw herself on the couch in disdain. 

“Uh- Penelope, this is not the same thing. I found out at the same time you did.” Emily scoffed as she ran a hand through her hair. She lowered herself behind her desk and made to pick up a file, hoping the team would take the hint. Wishful thinking.

“Oh no, none of that. Spill.” Tara grinned as she perched on the arm of the couch expectantly. Everyone follows her lead in getting comfortable. 

“Aren’t there some case files out there you should all be working on?” Emily groaned, nodding toward their desks in the bullpen. 

“Sure, but this is far more interesting.” JJ grinned with a shrug. 

“Yeah, if I recall correctly it was only a little while ago that you were hyperbolically recounting my wives. And low and behold, you’ve got a wife of your own.” Rossi goaded. 

“How many wives are you at?” Luke asked, easily distracted but ever happy to be included. 

“Not the point, Newbie. Stop distracting. We’re here to learn about Emily’s secret wife, not Rossi’s 6 wives.” Garcia chastised, turning everyone’s attention back to Emily. 

“God, I’m not getting out of this am I?” Emily asked, and when everyone shook their heads her shoulders slumped, and she accepted her fate. 

-

backpacking through Europe may have been her best idea yet, or so she thought at least. y/n didn’t seem to agree. they were nearing the end of their spring break and as beautiful and adventure filled as the days had been— the younger woman was ready to get to a hotel.

“em, if we take one more turn you’ll be carrying me back to civilization.” y/n groaned.

“back to civilization? there’s like 60 people hiking the same trail we’re on.” emily rolled her eyes.

“okay and? i haven’t seen a mall in days. i’m going through serious withdrawals.” y/n sighed as they did in fact take another turn.

“oh stop your whining, we’re almost at the hotel. i told you, we could spend half the trip backpacking and the other half in the lavish luxury you dream of so often.” emily smiled over her shoulder, reaching for y/n’s hand to pull her down the trail.

“i just don’t understand. your mother damn near begged us to use her hotel and resort recommendations and you want to be outside. in nature’s home. couldn’t have gotten that from your mom.” y/n lamented, putting up very little fight as emily guided her further through the park.

emily listened to her complain for most of the days they’d been out but she really couldn’t think of any other person she’d want with her. meeting y/n had been rather serendipitous. she’d just started her mastered at yale and moved into this astronomically expensive apartment in georgetown. and she was hell bent on supporting herself. so she’d found a restaurant looking for waitresses and put in an application. on her way out the hostess had changed and she’d rather dumbly stopped at the station with the application in her hand.

“hi?” the woman chuckled, eyeing the brunette curiously.

emily’s cheeks reddened under the woman’s gaze and she cleared her throat. “uh, hi. they told me to give my application to the hostess but i don’t see her anymore.”

the woman leaned against the hostess stand with a chuckle and reached her hand out to accept the paper. “that was nina, she works mornings. i’m the evening girl.”

emily nodded disjointedly and handed the application over, “morning girl is nina. so that makes you?”

the hostess grinned and leaned a bit further toward emily, “that makes me y/n,” y/n looked at the top of the application searching for a name. “emily.”

emily smiled and rubbed the back of her neck, “nice to meet you.”

y/n smirked as she eyed emily, “you’ve never had a job before have you?”

emily’s cheeks reddened instantly and she grimaced, “is it that obvious?”

“yeah sweet. it’s real obvious. but you’re cute, so i’ll put in a good word for you.” y/n shrugged and headed back through the restaurant with the application. emily’s cheeks felt like they were on fire but it only worsened when y/n sent a flirty wave over her shoulder before disappearing behind the bar.

and from that day on they’d been inseparable. y/n was working her way through law school and even after emily had been rightfully fired from the restaurant, y/n had become her favorite person. somewhere during the first year of them knowing each other they finally gave into the ever present flirtation and got together.

that’s how they ended up in europe anyway. emily was graduating in a few months and this was set to be her last big hurrah of freedom before diving head first into work. she’d sold y/n on the beauty of europe and also her company.

“i don’t know if i ever told you. but anytime mother and i were in france, i spent most of my time with my grandfather up in his cabin in the french alps. there was a 10-year stretch where he didn't come down off the mountain. he had no electricity, no running water, and his food supplies came from the land. those were some of my fondest memories.”

at emily’s explanation, y/n quieted a bit and leaned in to kiss her lips sweetly. “well i guess it’s not that bad then. as long as i can get you drunk tonight?”

“i guess. not like i can say no to you.”

“not like you ever have before. if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

and drunk they did get. so much so that they woke up with little to no memory of the night before. rings on fingers and heads pounding. they were married.

-

“So what, now you’re like Rossi? A profiler with a hot ex-wife?” Tara asked as Emily brought the story to a close. Emily glared at the woman but shrugged a little in defeat.

“well she didn’t seem too upset when she left. if anything she seemed eager for something…” spencer pointed out.

“that’s right boy genius, she thanked me. a scorned ex wife wouldn’t have done that!” garcia nodded frantically, pinning emily with a glare.

“well we are divorced. i signed the paper but while she’s in town, she’s agreed to let me make up for the twenty years of marriage i’ve missed out on.” emily replied, cheeks flushing as everyone cheered and whooped.

“when? where? what’s the plan?” garcia pestered.

“i don’t know penelope, she only just left. plus with our work load who knows when i’ll be able to actually take her out.”

garcia shook her head in determination, “mark my words, i will make sure this happens. i can smell a second wedding already.”

emily looked at the tech analyst in disbelief and jj seemed to get the hint. “alright cupid, let’s leave emily to ponder her date ideas.” emily gave jj a grateful look as she watched her corral everyone out of her office.

second wedding was a bit extreme but she really did hope between her and garcia’s wishful thinking that she’d be out with y/n very soon.

-

“took you long enough. i thought you might’ve changed your mind.” y/n grinned as the hostess brought her over to emily.

emily stood with a sheepish smile, it had been 3 weeks since y/n had popped back into her life and as much as she wanted to get their date on the books— serial killers really stopped at nothing. “trust me, if i’d had it my way we would’ve been doing this far sooner. but alas, serial killers don’t care about my social life.”

y/n laughed softly pulling emily into a hug, “well i’m glad you could pencil me in. between solving your murders and jetting all over the US.”

“you make it sound so glamorous.” emily chuckled, pulling the seat out for y/n and taking her own seat.

“well there is a sort of luxury involved with having a jet.” y/n replied with a shrug.

emily rolled her eyes affectionately, “sure, when you’re not on your way to a gruesome crime scene.”

“well you got me there, you always did have a stronger stomach than me when it came to all that criminal stuff.” y/n smiled as she pulled the menu open.

“you know me, compartmentalizing at its finest.” emily shrugged opening her own menu as well.

“ah ah ah, i was there when you invented that excuse. it didn’t work then and it won’t work now.” y/n tsked.

“you really haven’t changed.” emily smiled with a content sigh.

“you know what i always say, if it not broke—“ y/n started.

“don’t fix it.” emily finished just as the waitress returned to take their order. with orders placed, a bottle of wine poured they both settled into a familiar volley.

“so you seem to know everything that’s happened to me in the last twenty years but i’m a little in the dark.”

“well i only know what your mother knows, which im sure isn’t much considering it’s your mother. but i’ll bite. after you graduated, i finished out law school. i think by then you’d started you undercover work though. started working and haven’t stopped since.”

emily nodded, “right right, and you got engaged while you were married to me.”

y/n scoffed with a laugh, “hey! you’re one to talk, miss i had to be resurrected. my engagement— while short lived was a big mistake. i was young and tired of being alone. but as i said before finding out i was still married was the least of my worries then.”

emily nodded sadly, knowing the pressures of loneliness very well. “loneliness will do that. also can i just explain my whole death arc, so you’ll stop holding it against me?”

“absolutely, be my guest.”

“so there was this super evil guy, i went under and he kinda fell in love with me—“

“fell in love with my wife?”

“shh! yes unfortunately he did. well obviously he went down for his crimes but he escaped prison and came after my team. and he really wanted me dead and impaled me with a chair leg.”

“a chair leg?! you can’t be serious.”

“yes a chair leg, and he got away. so it wasn’t exactly safe for me to be living and that led to me faking my death. and spending my recovery alone in paris.” emily explained.

“well where the hell is he now?”

“dead. my team was very adamant about avenging my death.” emily smiled watching the younger woman nod in approval.

“good. nobody murders my wife and gets away with it.” y/n glared before winking over at emily.

both women talked over their food, flirting like old times, and really just enjoying each other’s company. once their plates had been cleared, a waitress brought out a slice of pie with the words “happy anniversary” drizzled across the plate.

“well well well, you weren’t kidding when you said you wanted to make up for those missed anniversaries.” y/n smiled, holding a spoonful of pie out for emily to eat. she accepted the offered sweet treat with a furious blush, but couldn’t help to think just how whipped she still was for this woman.

-

emily sighed happily, pulling y/n through the streets of dc. one of y/n hands was wrapped in her own while the other held a bouquet of flowers emily had purchased no their post-dinner walk. when they made it back to the parking lot, they reluctantly walked over to y/n’s car together.

y/n grinned as she leaned against the hood of her car, emily’s hand still in her own. she watched as a smile curled on emily’s lips and at the sight of that dimple y/n pulled her as close as she could out in the parking lot. “well em, i must say this was a rather enjoyable belated anniversary celebration. i can only think of one thing to make it perfect.”

“oh really, and what would that be? you know i’ve always strived for perfection.” emily asked, eyes flickering between y/n’s eyes and lips.

“you always were an overachiever. glad to see that’s still the same.” y/n grinned, pulled emily into a kiss that lit their bodies on fire. if there was one thing emily prentiss could do, the woman could kiss. and 20 years seemed to only add to her skills. y/n held out for as long as she could but when could feel her heartbeat in her ears she reluctantly pulled away to breathe. emily looked down at her smugly and pushed a lock of hair out of her face. boy did she miss that.

“next anniversary is on me?” y/n whispered against emily’s lips.

“well i sure like the sound of that.” emily agreed easily.

one anniversary down, only about 19 more to go.

[gregrulzok]

But as much as I make fun of Daniel... God, I get it.

I Get It.

Ohhh do I Get It.

Because at the start he's a 32 year old man, and he's got a barely paying job that (to be fair) he's very passionate about, and he has a budding alcohol problem, and he has presumably got little contact with family and few friends. He's drifting, unsure, untethered.

And any little semblance of normalcy is suddenly, violently, ripped from him. He learns that vampires, eternal, powerful creatures actually exist all around him. He's forced to go on a cross-country rat race to escape a vampire stalker that's literally playing chase with him for his own amusement, and in the process, he presumably loses contact with everyone. He's ready to die by the end of it, tormented and scared and having felt like prey for YEARS, but instead he's made to drink vampire blood and OH, for the first time in a long time he feels POWERFUL. And now he's hopping country-to-country again, going out only at night, only at the discretion of his stalker - his stalker, his lover, the only one that can make him feel that powerful again and yet still, he's infinitely more powerful than Daniel anyway - and for years and years he doesn't see the sun, sleeps away the day to get ready for the next night of God-Knows-What.

And Armand leaves him sometimes ! Disappears for weeks or months. He has no control over him, no sway, he doesn't understand him, can't comprehend his world, won't have it explained to him.

He knows only ecstasy or agony.

And now he's 30-something or 40-something, and he's addicted to vampire blood, to the torment of others. He's been travelling for years, he doesn't go out during the day, he's got no one other than Armand. And he's been complicit, so many times, in death - he knows his lover kills every night, he knows their pain - how is he even supposed to look at other people now? And he's been cuddling and kissing and intimate with the corpse of a 17-year-old boy, and he knows that's technically still a living being, but FUCK if that won't mess with your perception of yourself. He knows that not normal, he's aware that if anyone knew he'd be locked up by now, but he can't stop now because where will he go? He can't talk to humans normally anymore, not ever.

And Armand is all he has, Armand is all he can cling to - because he makes him feel powerful, yes, but also because he loves him. He loves him so much, it's his only anchor in the world, his only salvation.

And Armand is composed where Daniel is disheveled. Beautiful where Daniel is scruffy. Powerful where Daniel is weak, wise where Daniel is ignorant, energetic where Daniel is lethargic.

Eternal, where Daniel is painfully, painfully mortal.

Armand is all he has, and he doesn't know why Armand wants him, and he knows, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that he's going to die soon and Armand will forget about him.

Eventually, sure. After years, maybe even decades, maybe even centuries of grief, who knows?

But eventually, Daniel will be nothing but a distant, half-remembered, fond glimpse of Armand's past.

Because if things don't change, if they continue to be where they are, then compared to Armand, he really is nothing.

...

I FUCKING GET IT.

[vrystalius]

Hi there <3 I was wondering if I could request a fic with Kyojuro? Perhaps about him who is now older and had survived mugen train and the whole muzan ordeal. He gets surprised when he notices his wife has grey hairs, wrinkles, typical signs of growing older and gets a little sappy about it. Just the two of them, retired hashiras enjoying growing older with each other :) I hope this isn’t too much of an ask 🩷

As the years go by

Kyojuro is now properly admiring all your beautiful aging features in the morning light.

Pairing: Kyojuro Rengoku x fem!reader

Note: Before you read this fic, please go check out @erexart ! She really makes amazing art and made the banner of this fic, I’m so so honoured to receive something like this :,) I hope you enjoy this, I really tried to make your request and art justice.

Every morning before you wake up, Kyojuro takes his time to take in your sleeping face. These not your most graceful moments. Sometimes you drool onto the pillow below, sometimes your face gets all squished up by resting all your weight on it. You’d be embarrassed if he would described all the faces he’d seen you do before, but to him, you’re beautiful in every way and sleeping position. But this morning was different. Kyojuro was silently watching you breathe in and out and how your chest is rising and falling, his fingers carefully brushing through your hair. He leaned forward and held your hair up to his nose, taking a deep breath. His eyes silently wandered over your face and hair. The morning sun perfectly illuminated all your best features.

His eyes widened slightly as your husband noticed a few grey hairs in your hair. Yes, Kyojuro has been taking some time out of his morning just to stare at you like a lovesick teenager, but he never actually noticed any of the aging that happened over the years. He carefully ran his fingers through your hair, making sure to take time to admire your silver strands up close. Those fee grey hairs may not mean a lot to you, but to him, they are proof of your many years of marriage. Truthfully, he’s probably the reason you got them in the first place. Lately, his old injuries have been flaming up again and you got incredibly worried and fuzzy over him. Your smile disappears every time Kyojuro groans when he stands up, worrying that he’s in pain. Worry doesn’t suit your feature at all.

Your features, your face… they also changed over the years. He continued to brush his fingers through your soft hair, his focus shifting towards your gorgeous face. Although his vision worsened in his left eye ever since his fight against Upper Moon Three, but oh, your laugh lines that surround your lips and how they crinkle everytime you smile are a sight for sore eyes. Your smile is the most beautiful thing in the whole entire world and he’ll gladly endure a little pain to stare a while longer, even if you scold him to oblivion when he does. Once the edges of your lips start to lift and those laugh lines become even more visible, Kyojuro’s pain washed away, his whole body feeling floaty and warm. He was grinning to himself while replaying the sound of your laugh inside his mind over and over. That was the sound he fell in love with all these years ago during his younger years as a hashira. You just were sworn into the corps as a brand new hashira and Kyojuro was the first to talk to you. The conversation almost took hours as you two talked about everying but the duties of a hashira, the reason your husband wanted to talk to you in the first place. Your smile, your laugh, gods. He really fell head over heels for you all that time ago and it never went away, did it?

You were starting to shift in your sleep, stretching your arms above your head. Kyojuro smiled softly at your sleepy murmurs. You were seemingly complaining about the sun shining directly at your face and at the audacity of your husband to not shield you from it. He leaned in and pressed you a couple of warm kiss onto your cheek.

“You look absolutely beautiful. Aging suits you perfectly, my flame.”

His voice was still raspy from the sleep. You finally opened your eyes and wrapped your arms around his now a little softer torso. Over the years of not training (and not really needing it anymore), your husband’s muscles slowly started to soften up more and more. Now, they’re perfect pillows. You shifted closer and gently cupped his cheek.

“You stalker. You’re always staring at me when I’m asleep.”

You grinned tiredly while caressing his soft skin. Kyojuro laughed quietly and nuzzled into your hand, placing kisses all over your palm. His expression shifted from pure love to sombreness. He silently stared at your gorgeous face.

“We have changed, haven’t we, love?”

His voice grew a little quieter. Your sleepy smile shifted into one of worry, your hand unmoving and still holding his cheek.

“Do you.. mean it in a good way?”

Your husband’s expression softened and his smile was reaching all the way to the corner of his eyes. He nodded quietly and grabber your hand, intertwining his fingers with yours.

“Yes. Thank you for staying by my side for so long.”

You grinned and pulled yourself closer to him and placed a soft kiss onto his jaw, making him blush just a little. Yes, he’s forever grateful for staying by his side for all this time and is honoured to be able to watch you age so gracefully.

“I love you. So, so much…”

Sometimes Kyojuro wonders what you think about his softening of muscle, appearance of grey streaks in his usually bright hair and wrinkles on his face…

[ivoryrebellionmess]

Spooky remorses

Summary: You dated Jax for a year and a half, it was great. You fought sure, but that's a given if you´re both stubborn (and he's constantly in danger). Gemma didn't like the relationship, and she made sure that it ended. Now, months after the breakup, your friend takes you to a Halloween party that just happens to be SAMCRO´s.

warnings: 18+, mdni

A/N: Heyyy :) this is my first time writing anything so I hope it's not too bad. english is not my first language so please tell me if there are any mistakes. i just saw an edit and this kind of popped into my head. there´s no physical description of the reader, no y/n. the ter trashy pop is used, but in a good way, i love trashy pop

this is not the whole thing, just a little taste to take the edge off of uploading the whole fic. hope you like it <3

pd: i bet you can tell i´ve never smoked lol

tw: foul language, kinda hooking up with your ex, jealous jax, smoking,a little bit of spice, alcohol, gemma being mean

Word count: 1994

You heard her before you saw her, your head buried in paperwork, 

¨No one told me in college that nurses had to do this much paperwork¨ Hazel laughed. 

She was new in Charming, looking for a quieter life than the one she had in San Francisco. You had almost laughed at the irony when she first told you, the Sons present in your mind. One Son specifically. How you managed to avoid him considering the amount of hospital visits they made was almost a miracle. 

You had to change your mechanic, that's true, a minor inconvenience. 

Hazel knew about the guy you had just broken up with when she started working with you, but you had, of course, not told her he was none other than the VP of the motorcycle club. There were parts of that story that raised difficult questions. So the official version was that you had a relationship and that it ended because he was kind of a mama's boy, which was not a lie. The truth? Gemma didn't like you and she did everything she could to get rid of you. She succeeded of course.

As you looked up from the files, your greeting was her mischievous smile. ¨Oh no, what is it?¨. 

Hazel leaned in on the table, looking over her shoulder ¨Sooo, you wanted to go dancing on Halloween, but all the good parties are sold out right?¨

You hummed as you got closer to her, ¨Sure, been sold out weeks¨

¨What if I told you I got us invited to a private party?¨ She looked so proud of herself, smiling like she just won the lottery. 

The head nurse approached you, shaking her head but not mad, ¨Last time I checked your, job description said nothing about gossiping, ladies¨

With that, Hazel got back to her rounds, and you got back to your paperwork; the party still on the back of your mind. 

When it was finally time to clock out, Hazel and you decided you´d get ready at her place that Friday before going to the party; and you got in your car and drove to a costume shop. You'd thought of just buying fake blood and splashing it on some scrubs you didn't use anymore, but as you entered a beautiful mannequin dressed as a vampire gave you another idea. You had a dress that you hadn't had a chance to wear yet, well, this was it. 

The cashier joked as you paid for a gothic looking choker and fake fangs ¨Last minute buy huh?¨; you nodded, laughing along with her.

On Friday morning, you packed a bag with the outfit and makeup you would need to get ready and left for the hospital. The hours seemed to tick by specially slow: making your rounds, filling up paperwork, changing dressings, administering medication, over and over.  During lunchtime one of your friends wanted to know which party you were going to, and that's when you realized you didn't know. 

¨I´ve been so excited with the idea of going I did not even wonder…and Hazel´s been so busy, we have barely talked¨ 

At last you got to Hazel's place, opened up a couple of beers and started getting ready, trashy pop blasting from the radio. While the glue in the fake fangs dried off, a question escaped your lips ¨So, what's the story with this party?¨. 

The image of your fingers stuck in your mouth, holding the fangs in place was guilty for a fit of laughter being all you got for an answer. Hazel´s cackles were very contagious, even more so after a couple of beers. 

She sat down to do her makeup, ready to answer your question ¨My car broke down right? Anette from the pediatric wing said she knew the best mechanics in town¨ Your face went white at that, fearing the worst ¨so I went there, and the hottest guy comes up to me and starts asking about the car¨ she turned to face you ¨when I say hot I don't think you understand, I mean very hot¨ a sick feeling to your stomach made you think that was probably Jax, charming a beautiful girl into a party, and then his bed, Hazel was too deep in the story to notice your change in demeanor ¨he was funny as hell and he had these tats in his head, you should have seen him¨. 

You finally felt like you could breathe a little better, so you interrupted ¨So you got us invited to SAMCRO´s party?¨ That was when Hazel noticed you were sitting on her bed, your face serious, and she assumed she knew why ¨Listen honey, I know they're supposed to be dangerous or whatever, but it's just a party, nothing bad will happen¨. 

As she sat down next to you, you grabbed her hand ¨Remember my ex?¨ she blinked at that, not the answer she was expecting ¨Yeah, the one you never talk about¨. You breathed in deeply  ¨I never talk about him because he's the VP of the Sons, and there are many things I can't tell you¨. 

A heavy silence fell between you two, and you could see disappointment in her eyes. 

You knew you shouldn't, you had been avoiding him for a reason, but you couldn't help yourself, Hazel had been looking forward to the party, and so had you, if you were being honest. 

You got up and grabbed the dark red lipstick ¨So, now that we both have all the information, let's finish here¨, before Hazel even finished opening her mouth you continued ¨We're already half dressed, Juice will be waiting for you. I have to see Jax again eventually, I can't avoid him forever¨. 

With that, you sat down and finished doing your makeup ¨Come on Hazel, we don't have the whole night¨. She gave you a grateful smile.

A little after, you admired the both of you in the mirror: Hazel had a beautiful purple witch costume, and you were wearing a garnet minidress, fishnets, black platform heels and the choker and fangs. ¨We look hot, he's gonna die when he sees you¨ Hazel kissed your cheek lovingly, and with that you left.

Memories flooded your brain as Hazel parked in front of the clubhouse and were quickly interrupted by her voice ¨I really am sorry-¨, a reassuring smile and a wink shut her up, then you got out of the car. 

A dull throb came from the closed door, the beat of the music. It got louder as some girls you didn't know opened the door and got out, laughing and clearly drunk. 

¨Looks like a fun party Hazel, let's go get your guy¨, with that you started walking, putting as much fake confidence as you could into every step. What you were not expecting was her disappearing as soon as the door closed behind you.

By yourself, as you had so many nights before, you approached the bar, spotting Chibs. He smiled at you as a wave of recognition flashed in his face 

¨Look what the cat dragged in¨, leaning on the countertop. Chibs eyed you up and down and you twirled, chuckling ¨What can I get ya? It's on the house¨.

Jax´s breath caught in his throat as he saw you walking into the party, what the hell were you doing there. He couldn't believe how good you looked, the dress clinging to your body in all the right places, the fishnets, the dark makeup...

It might be the sexier you had ever looked. He had to play it cool so he leaned against the wall, beer in hand, yet his eyes followed your every movement. 

You were talking to Chibs, laughing and joking, and he felt a pang in his chest. That should be him.

Now that your vodka tonic was half empty, being in the clubhouse was way less stressful, still you had to make an effort not to look at him. You could feel his gaze on you, but you had not dared do the same. A blonde head of head on the periphery was more than enough. 

So you leaned in the bar next to Chibs. ¨Can you believe my friend ditched me the second she stepped in here?¨, a light chuckle escaping your lips at the absurdity of it. 

He laughed with you, looking around ¨Can´t blame her, not with hot bikers everywhere¨. 

¨Oh my god i cant believe youre on her side¨, you jokingly hit his arm. 

Chibs kept on joking about how hot the Sons were while you both looked around the room, your eyes suddenly falling on Jax.

 He looked fucking great . 

You had to make a bit of an effort to look away, taking a sip of your drink. This did not go unnoticed to Chibs, who smirked, knowing his brother too well. 

Jax had been peeking at you too, even if he pretended to focus on the conversation he was having. 

You noticed Chibs leaning closer, his voice dropping ¨You know he hasn't stopped looking at you since you walked in, don't ya?¨. 

You bit the inside of your cheek ¨Didn't even notice¨.

¨So you didn't notice him almost spilling his beer when he first saw you?¨ He chuckled ¨Or the way he keeps stealing glances every time he thinks no one's gonna notice?¨.

You could tell Chibs was enjoying your effect on Jax a little more than a brother should, but you were more worried about the way his presence was affecting you. 

¨I haven't got a clue what you´re talking about¨, you just hoped your innocent facade was good enough.

Chibs shook his head, so it wasn't. ¨You´re a terrible liar, but I´ll play along. Keep acting like he's not here and let's see how long he can keep his cool¨. A wink punctuated the ending of his challenge. 

Not loving the route the conversation was heading in, you finished your drink with one BIG gulp and left. 

¨Thanks for the drink, it was great¨. Before you could quite leave he chuckled, amused by your stubbornness.

¨Uh huh, whatever. Don't pretend to be surprised when he starts pestering you, you know he will. That boy can't resist a challenge¨

That did strike a nerve, and your mouth was working before you could register what you were saying, ¨I´m not a challenge, I´m his ex¨ 

Chibs chuckled and leaned in closer ¨You ignoring him is a challenge, being his ex only adds to it¨ He took a swing of his beer before continuing, ¨Trust me, you're getting under his skin more than you realize¨

For whatever reason, that angered you. You were not a challenge, and ignoring him was the sane choice. The alcohol in your system just fueled that anger, so still in hushed voices you retorted, ¨Am I getting under his skin? Or is he just horny and knows I´m a good fuck?¨

He just laughed, this was the you he remembered, running your mouth in a tiny dress, having a good time but not letting anyone put you down. Well, not anyone, the fight against Gemma was the one he'd seen you lose.

¨Oh believe me it's both, he sees you and all he can think about is getting you into bed. But there's more to it, ain't there?¨ This time when he smirked he was looking at Jax, who was talking to Tig, his eyes trained on you. 

You started walking to the dancefloor, and you offered a shrug as an answer to his question. The words that followed, not even you believed, ¨I don´t know, and I don´t care¨

Chibs watched you leave, talking to himself, ¨Yeah, you keep telling yourself that¨. He then looked at Jax, who was following your every movement from his spot leaning on the wall. Chibs just shook his head and went over, ready to stir the pot.

[fujii-draws]

‘And Never Let Go’

Summary: In which Dusknoir senses a seasonal shift and change in himself towards his youngest comrades. Having no clue how to deal with these newfound, Gripper instincts.

Or

Old, emotionally repressed ghost conceals his feelings of fatherly instinct from his kids until it blows up in his face.

[Word count: 5130]

————————

Dusknoir didn’t know what was wrong.

He couldn’t put a finger on it— but these past few days, the phantom felt a… change. In himself. Or rather, how he acted—

“Ribbons..! C’mon you’re going to make us waste precious daylight…!”

“I’m coming Aimilios! Jeez..!”

—Around them.

The large wraith watched as the fairy and fighting-type ran up to the crossing near the entrance of Wigglytuff’s guild. The other two had invited Dusknoir over to do some job requests. Not that they needed the help— rather, to spend time with the large ghost-type. Something the revenant had always secretly appreciated.

…He didn’t know what it was… but anytime he’d been around the Lucario and Sylveon…

“Alright..! Now that Ribbons is finally here, we can— W-Woah..!—“

“AH—!!” Ribbons and Aimilios yelped startledly as a pair of large hands scooped them from off the ground so suddenly. “At least give us a w-warning—!“ Aimilios yipped, surprised.

“A-ah.. My apologies…” He gently sets Aimilios back down on solid ground. Ribbons opts to climb onto his shoulder ruff. They both momentarily give the Gripper Pokémon puzzling looks— ones of which the wraith narrowly evades.

——

He felt… an urgency. To protect the two, to shield them from any harm. Which— was a regular occurrence thanks to the heaps of shenanigans and life-or-death situations the two always seemed to get wrapped in. But… it was… different. It wasn’t only when they’d get themselves injured anymore— rather—

Dusknoir found himself becoming overprotective over the two over the mildest of things. From a Pokémon looking at them the wrong way, to a minor cut or bruise.

Anything seemed to set the wraith off completely. And that’s without mentioning the numerous times he’s picked and floated them around to areas the two could’ve easily gone to themselves. Or how he’d been constantly hovering around them like a Corviknight— glaring at the Pokémon they’d been conversing with.

That wasn’t the only odd thing the cloaked specter had noticed. Sometimes… it felt as if he’d been in a sort of… trance. Dusknoir’s yellow markings, bell, and eye would glow faintly. Staring at the two small Pokémon for extended periods of time.

And when the two had been away for just a couple of hours— The same yellow glow would return, only much harsher. Giving the ghost a migraine that would force Dusknoir to clutch his head. Wondering where his little ones had been. If they were safe.

His stomach maw slightly unhinged during these breakdowns… something Dusknoir assumed he had complete control over. But what terrified the ghost most… was when his stomach jaw would open around Ribbons and Aimilios.

He was able to shut it relatively fast. Enough so that the two had no idea what had been going on… but Dusknoir found it harder and harder to keep hidden by the day. At one point, reaching his hands out towards the Lucario.

——

“Hm..? Oh! Dusknoir!” Aimilios beamed. “Did you need something?”

“N-no… no need… no need.” He cups the Lucario’s face. Eye lidding as his maw slowly opened.

“Oh! Well… o-okay..!” The aura pup confusedly looked towards Dusknoir’s hands… too focused on him to see his stomach mouth unhinging. Holding the ghost’s grippers with his own, blue-black paws. “…I’m always here if you need anything!” He softly assured the large specter.

Dusknoir snaps out of the trance, detaching his hands from the Lucario. “Right…”

——

This behavior… it was slowly becoming a danger. Dusknoir had no idea what he’d been doing during these moments, thanks to the fog in his mind. But Ribbons and Aimilios would remind him of his strange behavior… something he thought he could keep unawares and hidden from the two.

These last couple of days had been the worst for the ghost’s instincts. Doing everything he’d done beforehand— except ten times more intensely.

He’d pick up the two and hold them, presumably for hours. Chase and hunt down Outlaw Pokémon that’d give them so much as a scratch. Maiming them before returning to tend to the injured Sylveon and Lucario. Whom of which looked up at him in horror and fear as they watched the blood of whatever poor outlaw dripped from his knuckles…

…Dusknoir decided that enough is enough.

———

He quietly asked the two to speak with him in private in the Sharpedo Bluff, where he finally clues them in on some of the details of his… trances. Shedding light on why he’s been acting the way he had. The Sylveon and Lucario sit and kneel accordly as they listen to Dusknoir intently… and worriedly.

“S-so that’s why..?” Aimilios stuttered, bewildered by the information. “You’ve been…?—“

“Yes.” Dusknoir looks towards the ground, unable to maintain eye contact with the Lucario. “That is correct.”

“That would explain… a lot of things actually.” Ribbons piped up, rubbing a feeler under her chin quizzically. She looks back up at Dusknoir, tilting her head and offering a soft smile after seeing his tensed expression. “Thanks for being honest with us. We appreciate it.” She beams, complimenting Dusknoir on how far he’s come since his deceitful days.

“Of course, but— that isn’t all I came here to tell you.” Dusknoir squeezes his eye shut.

Aimilios scoots closer to Dusknoir, putting a tiny paw on his large hand. “So… then..?”

Dusknoir clenches his fists tighter at the Lucario’s touch, guilt swallowing the ghost-type as he braced himself to say his next words. “I need you two to stay as far away from me as possible.”

“WHAT?!”

Ribbons and Aimilios shout in unison. The sylveon gets closer to the ghost-type as Aimilios had— wrapping a feeler around his other clenched fist.

“What’s with the outburst…?” Dusknoir quizzically raised his hands in shock— “It will only be temporary. I’ll return once I’ve found some way to remedy this.”

There was surely a book on ghostly instinct the wraith could skim through. It was only to ensure their safeties— why couldn’t they see that? Why were they so upset?

…Ah. Perhaps he should’ve worded his earlier plans of departure better. Sableye never truly questioned or worried about wherever he went during his escapades in the future. It’d take from a single hour to days until he returned… He really had to get used to this world and it’s ‘communication.’

“Who knows how long that will take—!” Ribbons shouts. “You might’ve gotten weirder these past few weeks, but you haven’t done anything to hurt us, dummy!”

“R-Ribbons is right..!” Aimilios concurred, his voice quivering. “W-we know you wouldn’t hurt us..! You promised!”

Dusknoir’s eye shoots wide open— staring at the two small Pokémon holding onto each of his fists.

He slowly unravels them back into hands… before cupping the side of each of Ribbons and Aimilios’s faces.

“…Truly?” His yellow markings begin glowing.

“Dusknoir…!” Aimilios laughs “Haven’t we told you this already…?”

“About a million times.” Dusknoir tilts his head, smiling back towards the aura pup.

“Yeah!” Ribbons puffed out her cheeks. “You’re not just gonna spend that many years gaining our trust back, only to go Arcues-knows off later!” She puts her paw on the hand holding her face. “You’re stuck with us, whether you like it or not!”

“At least…” She slightly leans into his hand, ears drooping slightly. “I hope you are…”

“…It was only going to be a temporary retreat…” Dusknoir felt himself becoming overwhelmed by the Lucario and Sylveon’s words and their protests towards his departure. He stares at the intertwining and aura Pokemon fondly, wondering how he managed to get such wonderful Pokémon to call his little ones. Even after all his faults.

Even after what he’d done.

“…You still wouldn’t mind being around me…?” The large ghost-type growled gently, the lights on his markings glowing furthermore as his eye lidded.

“Even when I’m like this…?”

The two shake their heads in unison, both of their eyes glistening with firm determination as Aimilios smiled up towards the ghost… while Ribbon’s frowned— hating to see the specter self-deprecate and beat himself up so often…

“We’re not going anywhere.” Aimilios closed his eyes. “W-we can even help you scour books in the library!” The Lucario added, with the Sylveon nodding rapidly at her partner’s words.

“We’re family now— and we’re not leaving you!”Ribbons gleefully added. “Or letting you leave! You’re stuck with us for all eternity, remembeeer?”

Hmph… of course she’d be the one to remember that promise he made to them. To be their sworn protector after weeks of haunting and harming them.

“Alright.” Dusknoir fought the urge to suppress his own emotions, which threatened to blur his vision of the Lucario and Sylveon. He still needed to do this. To take every precaution necessary.

But… not without a heartfelt, temporary goodbye.

…He goes to close the gap between the two. Planning to pull them into an embrace— one Ribbons and Aimilios had been anticipating. Dusknoir’s eye lidded with a red glow, his maw opening once more, dragging the two closer as they closed their eyes— trusting the ghost-type. Who’d hummed softly towards his children.

…Children…? Th-that was certainly a new thought…

…Dusknoir slowly regains control as his eye widens back to normal—

Before seeing what he’d almost done.

Dusknoir’s cyclopean eye shrunk in horror— detaching far away from the Sylveon and Lucario immediately. Grabbing his wrist as he stared at his hand. Was he…?

Oh.

Oh gods—

It was worse than he feared. So much worse.

“D-dusknoir..?!” Ribbon’s whimpered out worriedly—

“Stay BACK!” The Gripper Pokémon roars out, lashing towards the sylveon.

He was a danger to them. He had to protect them.

“…This is for your own good.” Dusknoir brokenly uttered. Before Shadow Sneaking into the ground.

“Please. Forgive me.”

“DUSKNOIR—!” Aimilios ran towards the ghost-type, trying to hug him before he disappeared… but it’d been far too late. The Lucario only managing to grab hold of the black smoke the wraith disappeared into… before fully slipping into the cracks of the Sharpedo bluff’s floor. Aimilios and Ribbons can only stare at the ground the ghost-type escaped from.

“H-he’s gone…” Aimilios dejectedly spoke.

_______

…

A full month had passed since they'd seen the cloaked phantom. Ribbons and Aimilios scoured aimlessly towards areas they knew Dusknoir commonly went to. But every single time, they came up short. The only thing they’d been able to consistently find being disappointment.

“Wh-where is he…” the Lucario fretted endlessly. Ribbon’s sat on Aimilios’s shoulder as she peered at the map in the Aura Pokémon’s quivering hands.

“I don’t know…” the Sylveon responded, “But we’ll keep trying…” a cat-like yawn escapes her. “Preferably tomorrow.”

The troubled specter avoided those two like the plague. It seemed that everybody in Treasure town had seen the ghost-type at one point or another. It frustrated Ribbons in particular. But she’d been upset aswell… probably as much as Aimilios— who blamed himself for the whole ordeal.

…Which was probably why her initial answer hurt the Lucario, who purposely ignored his fairy-type partner's somewhat uncaring comment. She sighs wearily, leaning in to repeat herself in a more respectful way. One that didn’t upset her Aura Pokémon partner.

“That marks off Kecleon’s shop…” Ribbons yawned once more. “Aimilios… We should call it a night.”

“B-but..!” Aimilios cried out. “We’re so close..!”

“Sweetie… I know you want to find him…” Ribbon’s cups his face with her feelers. “But you’ll only destroy yourself in the process if you keep taking these all-nighters..”

“Don’t you care..?!” Aimilios shouts, his emotions getting the better of him.

Ribbons only kisses the top of his head, recognizing this and taking the role of the voice of reason between the two. “Of course I do... But now we need to rest.”

“So… then…” Aimilios looks around. “Where do we sleep for the night…?”

“Hm. Good point.” She looks at the map, pointing to it with one of her feelers. “Grovyle and Celebi’s house is just up ahead..! I don't think they’d mind us crashing for the night!”

“A-Alright.” Aimilios rolled up the map, neatly tucking it away into his treasure bag as the two made their way to the grass-type’s shared home… unaware that the Gripper Pokémon they’ve been trying to find had already been there… waiting for them.

—————

It was relatively easy to move their way around the Future trio’s home despite night falling. Moonlight did well to offer illumination for the Lucario and Sylveon. Aimilios sighs forlorningly— still upset with not continuing his search for the ghost-type. He just wishes that Dusknoir would come back to them already…

“He’s fine.” The fairy-type spoke out of nowhere— almost reading her partner’s mind. “He’s stronger than all four of us, he’s safe.”

“How do you know that?”

Ribbons smiles, “I just do.”

…Aimilios couldn’t help but smile at himself despite not wanting to. Gah… Ribbons always did have a way of cheering him up.

Carefully, the two continue their way through the abandoned-like home. The only sounds that can be heard being their own footsteps and breaths. Which were visible thanks to the frigid air surrounding the Future trio’s abode.

“Spooky, huh?” The Lucario jested nervously, but unnaturally hearing no instant, witty retort back from his partner. Only silence.

Aimilios turned towards the intertwining Pokémon, giving her a smile of reassurance now that she was the one to begin stressing. Which seemingly did the trick— receiving a small smile back—

*CLATTER*

The two Pokémon’s attention is promptly stolen by the sound of a pot hitting the floor. A bone rush and Moonblast are already equipped once the aura Pokémon senses the complicated emotions emanating from this Pokémon. With Ribbons following suit, trusting her partner’s judgment.

Aimilios took the lead as he and Ribbons slowly made their way to the kitchen. Bone and Orb attacks still at hand as a precautionary measure.

They’re met with a large, black silhouette. With…

Glowing… yellow rings…

The two proceeded closer, light filling both their eyes as they smiled in unison. Upon getting closer— they hear him. Calling out their names. Almost painfully.

“DUSKNOIR..!”

The two small Pokémon wasted no time unequipping their Bone Rush and Moonblast respectively. Instead— Rushing over immediately to the familiar ghost-type.

“Ribbons? Aimilios…?” The wraith’s entire body straightened as he heard the two familiar voices. Turning around to face the young fairy and fighting types.

He caught them in his arms. Purring thunderously as he held the two close. Sharing a hug with them for minutes as they stayed in comfortable silence, before Dusknoir promptly broke it— speaking for the first time since they last saw the seven foot phantom. “Oh… you two…”

“…” The sylveon perked up from her initial face-nuzzling. Staring at Dusknoir. Was his voice… ever that deep? Taking a closer look now as the wraith held them— she gazed at him. Beginning to notice his more monstrous-like form.

“Dusknoir…” Ribbons began cautiously. “What happened? Is everything okay…?”

Dusknoir’s half-lidded eye landed on her, tilting his head uncannily.

“Does it matter?”

Wrong answer. Ribbons instantly began to squirm out of Dusknoir’s hold— squeezing herself out as she wrapped an immediate feeler onto Aimilios’s arm. Discreetly begging him to do the same. Something was wrong— very, very wrong with the elder ghost.

…

“…”

Ribbons felt something wrong with the way the gargantuan wraith was clutching his head on the kitchen counter table. Groaning out in agonizing growls and pained hisses. Not only that— but growling possessively. Causing the sylveon to second-guess herself. Shirking away as Aimilios stayed close.

“A-Aimilios—!“ the fairy-type whisper-shouted.

The way the ghost’s expression shifted into manic ecstasy is what really made Ribbons begin to back up a little. Her quiet yet desperate whispers towards the Lucario growing louder and louder.

“…Ribbons..?” Dusknoir bellowed— his voice being a few octaves lower than his regular voice. His pupil shrinking as one of his little one’s strayed further away from him. “Where are you going—?“

“D-Dusknoir..! Ohh..!” The aura pup wasted no time hugging the large specter. Whom of which— scooped up the Lucario in a tight bear hug. Almost too tight.

Aimilios didn’t understand why the Sylveon wasn’t as ecstatic as he was anymore. Or why she was cowering with her ears pinned. Too focused on reuniting with the Gripper to see what she was seeing.

Dusknoir, thankfully, broke out of his worsening trance as the Sylveon separated from him. Focusing on just Aimilios.

“We’ve been looking for you all over..! Where were you?!” Aimilios pouted, still clearly upset from the Irish-like goodbye the ghost gave them.

“Forgive me… I never wished to make you so unhappy…” His arms snake around the small aura Pokemon more, growling protectively.

“…”

“Come now….” Dusknoir’s embrace tightens. “Don’t be upset with me…” The giant specter coaxed.

Aimilios huffed out after a few seconds past— unable to hold onto his anger towards the ghost. “Alright…” the Aura Pokémon softly responded, hiding his face in the crook of Dusknoir’s ruffs.

“Thank you…” The wraith’s ginormous hands grab hold of the Lucario’s tiny waist; picking up Aimilios and craning his head thoughtfully left and right. Almost as if he were… inspecting the pup?

“A-ah… Dusknoir?” Right… Dusknoir was still in one of his… ‘trances.’ Now Aimilios understood why Ribbons was being so wary. The Aura Pokémon should’ve been as well… but he missed the ghost too much to care about logic. Logic that was telling him to run right now.

Perhaps that’s why when the wraith unhinged his large maw— the Lucario froze. Completely.

“D-dusknoir…?” Aimilios looked at the wraith worriedly, he turns his head back at Ribbons—

All he sees is her backing away— the white pupils in her cyan eyes dilating, slitting like a cat.

Ha…haha…! The Lucario nervously laughed in the back of his mind. He thought he was already past this..! He- h-he shouldn’t be having a freeze response…! Not with Dusknoir— not anymore…! So why… w-why was he so…?

Aimilios stared into the abyss that was the ghost-type’s innards. Purple flesh churned softly as a large, purple tongue unraveled onto the ground— beckoning the aura pup inside.

He… he wasn’t going to do what Aimilios thinks he’s… no. No.

Dusknoir wouldn’t.

…the Lucario’s eyes slowly meet the large specters.

“…”

Oh.

Dusknoir’s glowing, blood red eye only trained on the small Pokémon’s body.

Oh.

Aimilios’s ruby pupils shrink.

He’s serious.

“D-dusknoir..! W-WAIT—!”

“AIMILIOS—!”

The Lucario’s eyes shut as the wraith connected his head with the small pup’s. Purring softly.

“You were always much more prone to fear, weren't you?” Dusknoir detaches his temple from the Aura Pokémon— before gently pulling him towards the confines of his belly.

“Don’t worry. I’ll guide you every step of the way.” Dusknoir bellowed out— unable to hear the Lucario’s frightened cries.

The aura pup’s body squished into the surface of the revenant’s pliant body. Aimilios couldn’t even cry for help—a small, terrified whine only escapes him as he eased further into the depths of the Gripper Pokémon’s stomach. Tucking the small fighting-type away.

———

“There we are…” the gargantuan wraith purred—

Aimilios was the first one he placed inside. Thankfully— he didn’t put up much of a fight against the large revenant. Which pleased Dusknoir. He was always a good pup. One he was proud to call his own. “Be not afraid…” the ghost rumbled out gently hunched over, placing protective hands over his stomach. Almost cradling his larger belly… and the small Pokémon within... “Rest now. I have you.”

“Dusknoir please—!” Purple flesh only surrounded the Lucario— who squeezed his eyes shut in fear.

“Shh…” Dusknoir‘s glowing eye illuminated further, hushing the Lucario. “You need not worry about losing me anymore.” Dusknoir smiled. “…Not while I have you.”

“…” Aimilios curled up into himself— unable to speak without feeling the lump in his throat threatening him to start silently whimpering. He feels the imprint of a large hand pressing on him. Making the Lucario huddle even more as the large ghost doted over him.

…

His glowing eye trained on the Sylveon, who was only still there because of the paralysis she felt from watching her partner be devoured. Right before her very eyes.He gently floats over to the whimpering fairy-type— kneeling in front of her.

Ribbons immediately begins hissing, backing away from the terrifying ghost-type. This— t-this wasn’t their dad. Dusknoir wouldn’t— he’d never—

“Stay AWAY!” The irate eeveelution hissed— feeling her fight-response take over her as Aimilios did his freeze. Re-readying the Moonblast in her mouth. Dusknoir only seemed to look at her. Somewhat disappointed. He floats closer— testing the Sylveon’s resolve. His eye still lidded.

“I’M WARNING YOU…! I’LL DO IT—!”

Another advance towards her. Completely disregarding her threats.

Ribbons closed her eyes as the pink orb of energy blasted towards Dusknoir way.

…

Only for a large hand to catch it. Gently dissolving it as he crushed it in the palm of his hand.

He called her bluff.

He didn’t even flinch.

Dusknoir’s rings glowed brighter as he sighed, smiling down at the intertwining Pokémon. “Oh, Ribbons.” Of course she wouldn’t harm him. Aimilios barely tried to escape, so why would she?

Ribbons backed further and further away from the wraith— until backing herself into a wall. A dead end. Her cyan, beady eye’s looked up at the gargantuan ghost in what would be fear. Fear she hadn’t felt in years. She closes her eyes shut, expecting the worst—

Only for large, firm hands to cup her body.

“Ribbons, dear. Your partner is safe…” Large hands reach the petrified Sylveon, scooping her up. He gently placed her against his stomach— making her listen to the Aura Pokémon inside. “See..?”

Ribbons could barely squeak out of her raspy throat. Feeling Aimilios from within the barrier that was the ghost’s girth.

“Just let me take care of you…both of you.” Dusknoir bellowed, parting his teeth once more. The Sylveon and Lucario share a look of fear—before the gargantuan revenant squished the two inside his belly. Closing his yellow jaws slowly as whatever moonlight hit the inside of his stomach was snuffed. Swallowing both Pokémon into darkness.

Ribbons squeezed her eyes shut as he delicately placed her inside—sealing her away with the Lucario.

Without any time to shout— the Aura and Intertwining Pokémon had been pulled into the dark abyss that was the Gripper Pokémon’s belly. Dusknoir ignored their quiet, frightened mewls. For him to stop— drowning them out with his loud, rumbling purrs instead. Completely driven by the instinctual haze taking over his rational mind.

Being away from them for so long… it only made his instincts flare. Day by day. He clutched his stomach tighter. His yellow outlines grew brighter. He didn’t know what was wrong with him. But he didn’t care anymore. They were here now.

And they were all he needed.

“Oh… you two must be so exhausted…” Dusknoir growled in penitence. Still feeling guilt upon leaving the two small Pokémon on such short notice… they spent all that time just trying to track him. What sweet, caring children they were…

“Let me handle the rest.” Dusknoir cooed. Purring trilled growls as he examined his slightly larger belly— pressing large fingertips on the soft roof of his belly. Earning him startled whimpers from the inside.

———

“Shhh…. Shhhhhhh….”

“A-Aimilios…” The sylveon whined out, hugging her partner in fear.

“I-I know Ribbons… I know.” The Lucario had squeezed his eyes shut, alongside his smaller, fairy-type partner.

They’d been trapped inside the large ghost-type’s belly. He’d devoured them without a second thought— the last thing that could be seen was his glazed, half-lidded expression. As if he’d been running on auto-pilot. Mind controlled.

Dusknoir had floated onto the ground after finally securing the two in his stomach, an overwhelming sense of paternal instinct coursing through him. He’d hunched over, curling both of his arms around his stomach as he breathed heavily. It’d been a dark night, so that also might’ve been why he looked more terrifying to the two small Pokémon inside. The only features that could be visible were his yellow outlines… and glowing, crimson eye.

“I have you…” He growled protectively. Hugging his stomach as his possessive, ghost-side took over. Never having a reason to act on said instincts, until they arrived into his life. Until he was free serving an undead Time god.

The two Pokémon inside had been constricted further into each other as a result from the outside bear hug. Whimpering out in unison. The dark, closed space barely had enough room for the Lucario alone. So when Dusknoir had devoured the fighting-type alongside his equally helpless partner— frightened noises escaped both of their mouths.

“It’s g-going to be okay…! He… he probably had a reason…” Aimilios whispered.

“A reason for what— eating us ALIVE?!” Ribbons rebutted. Whispering back angrily in tears. “Aimilios if we don’t find a way out, he’ll..!”

…The Sylveon hesitated to finish her sentence out of fear and denial. They… really were done for if Dusknoir had chosen to do away with them right then and there… Their explorer badges had clattered to the ground when he shoved them inside his maw. So calling Grovyle or Celebi for help was already hopeless. Everyone else in the township had already fallen dead asleep, their cries for help going unheard by any ears… and the large ghost-type keeping them.

“H-he’ll…” The fairy-type buried her face into her partner’s chest. Gods— why was he doing this…?! He wouldn’t make some elaborate plan to regain their trust to harm them years down the line. Not again— Not when there were other, more opportune moments when they were alone. Still unevolved.

So why.

Why were they still so scared?

…

…The fear of being hunted in the future by him. It never truly left them, did it? Ribbons looks up at her partner. One look into his equally fearful, ruby eyes told her everything she needed to know.

“……” the Lucario couldn't formulate a response fast enough to ease Ribbon’s worries. Only holding her.

…The dumbest, most naive part of both of them still trusted Dusknoir. Trusted the Gripper Pokémon enough to let him devour them. Not fighting back in the slightest, even when they had every reason to. Even when he reminded them many a time to put him in the ground if they ever felt unsafe around him.

“H-he wouldn’t… He promised us..! The Lucario hugged her tightly. “He… he wouldn’t do that to us again…”

Aimilios was confident in that, and he knew Ribbon’s was too despite her fears. He wouldn’t have spent all this time trying to regain their trust… only to hurt them all over again.

There had to be a reason…

——

…

The Lucario and Sylveon had been at Duskull bank, putting in their extra earnings so as to not lose anything. But for some reason, the tiny ghost seemed… apprehensive. Constantly looking at the large Dusknoir accompanying the two. Once he’d been distracted talking to another treasure town citizen— he whispered something to the two Pokémon.

“H-hey..” Duskull began. “I should probably give you two a heads up…”

“A…heads up?” The Lucario tilted his head in confusion. “About what exactly..?”

“…Him.” He gestures to Dusknoir. “You kids may not know this but… it’s around this time of year ghost type’s tend to get… protective over their family… especially children.

That certainly got a reaction from the two. The Lucario becoming flustered at the thought of Dusknoir seeing them as his own… Ribbons went silent herself. Not even smiling anymore as an equally flushed expression was present on the fairy-type’s face.

But… It also made sense. The past few days Dusknoir had been acting…strange. He’d been extra protective of the Lucario and Sylveon. He’d growl and glare at Pokémon that dared to look at them wrong. Not to mention the constant hovering and picking them up. His eye glowed during these moments aswell…and it only seemed to become more frequent.

“S-so where are you going with th-this exactly?” The Lucario stuttered, trying to move on from that piece of information.

“It’s just, dusknoir’s’ have a way with ‘protecting’ their kids… it’s—“

Just at that moment, the large ghost-type had returned. Staring at Duskull.

“Forgive me for asking Duskull, but we’re quite ready to leave now.” Dusknoir smiled. Although he seemed to be glaring daggers at the much smaller pre-evolution. He didn’t seem to hear the initial conversation, thankfully.

“R-Right…” The much smaller ghost-type shirks away in fear, not finishing his sentence.

Dusknoir picks up the two, floating them to their next destination as they were left to wonder what exactly the ghost-banker was about to tell them…?

_____

“…O-oh my gods…” The Lucario put a paw on his mouth in disbelief.

“Wh-what??” Ribbons whisper-shouted. “What is it..?!”

“H-He’s protecting us….” Aimilios spoke, his eyes widening as his mind returned to the present.

“W-what…?” The sylveon looked up at her partner’s ruby eyes. “From what?!”

“Remember what Duskull said?”

“Yes? But what does this have to do with-“

“No, Ribbons. Think harder.”

And she does, closing her eyes to correctly recall the conversation that took place that day.

“He said that dusknoirs’ as a species had a way of protecting their…k-kids.” She hesitates near the end, still flustered by that fact.

“R-right…” The equally embarrassed Lucario responded. Briefly breaking eye contact with the sylveon.

“So h-he’s doing all of this…?” Ribbons looked up at the roof of the ghost’s stomach. Purple flesh churned from above, as well as below as it closed in further around the two small Pokémon.

“Because he thinks we’re his..?”

She feels herself getting a little choked up near the end. Not realizing just how much Dusknoir had truly loved the two up until this very moment.

“Mhm…” the misty-eyed Lucario replied, hugging Ribbons even tighter. “H-he does…”

The revelation was staggering… This once, world renowned ghost-type. Famous in nearly all of the Grass-continents, the ‘Great Dusknoir’ himself…

…Saw them as his little ones. The same unknown, naive kids that once approached him that fateful day. He’d been treating them as if they were his very own children.

It nearly made the Lucario and Sylveon cry.

…

They listened to Dusknoir’s movements as he floated down onto a hay bed. He looked down at his slightly larger belly lovingly. Knowing the two had been safe and secure. Low, satisfied growls erupt from within the ghost’s echo chamber. Rubbing his stomach soothingly for the two little ones residing inside it.

“Rest now, my children…” Dusknoir bellowed out in a protective rumble.

His half lidded eyes slowly close as he lays on his side. Preparing the other two for bed… he purrs as to lull the two into a slumber. Knowing that they’ll soon follow his example.

____

“So we’re not getting out until morning, are we?” Ribbons jokes, although a hint of a choked sob had been present in her voice.

“Mhm… for now, let’s get some sleep…”

“Okay…” Ribbon’s sighs, smiling softly at her partner. “Goodnight…”

“Goodnight…” He kisses the top of his partner’s head. Before both of them look at the roof of the ghost-type’s stomach… the same one that had claimed them as his own… Tears prick the corner of the two’s eyes. Knowing now how Dusknoir truly felt towards them. Hearing him call them his ‘children’…

They close their damped eyes, making mental notes in their heads to hug Dusknoir once he’d let them free.

[confoundedluna]

Here's just my analysis of every trophy from the UD remake, how they've changed, what's been removed, just my general thoughts on them because I'm super hyped for more information lmao

Trophies that are entirely unchanged - same requirements, same name, same level (platinum, gold, silver or bronze)

A Symphony of Horror - The platinum, technically different requirements I guess because of the new trophies under it, but its status as the platinum and everything else about it is the same so I'm counting it here

This Is THE End - Gold, they all die trophy

They All Live - Gold, they all live trophy

You Opened Their Eyes - Gold, Mystery Man clueline trophy

The Fateful Descent - Gold, 1952 clueline trophy

The Tale of The Two Sisters - Gold, Twins clueline trophy

You Let The Wrong One In! - Bronze, Chris or Ash opened the trapdoor in the mines

Trophies that are the same except their level has changed

The Skilful Wolf Man - Gold to silver, saving Wolfie trophy

The Psycho Path - Silver to bronze, attacking the Psycho as Sam or Ashley (vase or scissors, possibly the bat too in Sam's chase though I'm not sure on that)

Trophies that are the same but their name changed

Night of the Totem Hunter - Gold, is now called An Omen?, technically different since the Hunger totems were added, but it's the same idea of finding all of them so I'm counting it here

Trophies that changed name and level

Scream Too! - Silver to bronze, is now called Saw That Coming, Mike cuts off his fingers with the machete

Ashley Snaps - Silver to bronze, is now called Nightmare on Ash Street, technically changed in that the description is tonally very different and moves to the more sympathetic view of that situation over the original's description, which is very interesting in and of itself, but it's the same thing requirement wise so I'm counting it

Trophies that have been removed for the remake

The Quicker Man - Gold, all the boys survive, makes sense as you can easily get this at the same time as the They All Live trophy

Four Daughters Of Darkness - Gold, all the girls survive, same thing as the above trophy, though I'm more bummed about this one because I really like the name and referring to the girls with it

Don't Scare Jessica To Death - Silver, Jess survives the night, this has been kind of replaced by a couple of other trophies which I'll get to in a bit, I liked that she was the only one with a sole survivor trophy so again kinda bummed by its removal but oh well

Instant Inferno - Silver, Sam immediately runs to the switch, this one I imagine is because it's right at the end of chapter 10 and annoying to replay the whole thing for since you can't do a all live or all die run and get this, plus it's a little out of Sam's character in most people's opinions, which kinda aligns with the change to Ashley Snaps i think

Fatal Grudge - Bronze, Chris shoots Ash, I think this one again goes with the tonal change made to Ashley Snaps, and also means that following that path gets you one trophy as opposed to two

The Exorcism of Emily and Let eM In - Both bronze, grouping these together because they're the same situation, it's very interesting to me they got rid of these two in favour for something else (which I'll again talk about further down)

New trophies added for the remake

It's Shining - Silver, collect all the new interactables, this one I'm excited for, I'm really intrigued to see what they added in, one other trophy kinda spoils that since i believe the item it mentioned isn't in the game already unless I'm forgetting seeing it?

We Need to Talk About Josh - Silver, achieved the best ending for Josh, this one has a lot of people excited based on the wording that he'll get a new ending where he can survive and make it off the mountain, and though my logical brain says that it's just gonna be for getting the journal and the ending where he turns, my Josh-loving brain would love to see a different ending for him!

The Cabin in the Blackwoods - Silver, completed a full playthrough, your bog-standard completion trophy, but I'm glad this and one other are the only ones and it isn't a chapter-by-chapter basis like some people were worried the trophies would be

Talk to eM - Silver, Emily slapped Ashley after the truth was revealed, I can only imagine this is replacing the other two because of what an iconic moment in the game it became within the fandom, and I appreciate that acknowledgement ngl, plus it's more incentive for players to keep Em alive in the basement as opposed to shooting her because they hate her, which I always like to see

When a Psycho Calls - Silver, Sam successfully escapes the Psycho, this one is like a 'yeah, this should have always been in the game' kind of addition to the trophy list, totally get this one being here, I like to see it

Blackwood Country - Silver, the group respected the wildlife of the mountain, I also like this one because it plays into the story and the background of the mountain, my guess is it's a series of not shooting the squirrel, not hitting the bird in the snowball fight, possibly choosing to comfort the dying deer that Mike and Jess find, not hitting the herd with the axe as Matt, and possibly not hitting Wolfie, though since his survival is its own trophy, he might not count

Fatal Destination - Silver, tried changing the past despite Dr Hill's warnings, this one is intriguing but I imagine it's solely for restarting and either replaying the full game, or just the prologue, since he already has a unique dialogue for starting the game again from the beginning (which, if someone has a clip of, please link it! I cannot find it!)

Only Others Left Alive - Silver, Matt and Jess only survive, I like this one giving some acknowledgement to the two that get pretty neglected by the game, it's part of the replacement for Jess's sole survivor one and gives Matt some respect too!

Carnival of Solitude - Bronze, shake the snow globe, this is the item I mentioned earlier that I cannot remember seeing in the original game? If it was there then my bad, but if it wasn't, I hope it's something either with like a cute picture of the Washingtons in it, or with a deer or butterfly in it and we find it in Hannah's room or something like that

Just Breathe - Bronze, Matt or Em successfully defended themselves with the flare gun, another one where you think 'yeah, this should have been in the game already', both are pretty hard shots to make iirc and deserve more acknowledgment outside of the butterfly effect they're part of

Our Host - Bronze, the Psycho's identity was revealed, this will ether be a general story progression trophy unlocked automatically when it happens, or may have something to do with finding everything in his workshop should Sam escape, though that's less likely

I Know What You Did Last Year - Bronze, completed the Prologue, the other general playthrough trophy, I like this one due to the rework and the expanded scenes that we'll get to see

Lodge Fever - Bronze, Matt and Em started separate confrontations in the lodge, this is I imagine for starting a fight with Mike as Matt but backing down before it reaches boiling point, so that Emily can come in and start her fight with Jess, so I'm intrigued by their choice to add this, though it could hint at the preorder DLC being added into the full game? maybe?

One Hour Selfie - Bronze, take a bad selfie with Jessica, this is a missable encounter on the cabin walk that I think can impact their relationship? it's got some funny dialogue and it's a cute little silly trophy so I like that they've put in something like that

Drag Me Through Hell - Bronze, Mike saved Jess without failing a QTE, the other half of the change to Jess's sole survivor trophy, this one is interesting as she can still die after, but can also live if you do miss a QTE - this is the most like. playing the game related trophy, if that makes sense? it's the most related to the actual controls of the game, and I wonder if you have to have certain settings or difficulty enabled to be able to achieve it or not

An American Survivor in Canada - Bronze, Mike successfully escapes the Sanatorium in Chapter 9, some people are theorising that Mike could have a new death now, which would be sick because his plot armour is atrocious, but again, I'm pretty sure this is just about him making it out of the building on his own, and Sam not needing to be in there to help him blow it up

Patient Sematary - Bronze, Mike picked up the odd figurine, another interactable spoiler, I've gone through all the clues and can't see anything like a figurine, so I'm really intrigued about this!

And that's everything! I've added a few of my thoughts throughout, I guess let me know what y'all think and if you have any other inputs? I just thought the changes and additions and removals were all super interesting, and I love getting to analyse and see if anything we don't know can be figured out from this stuff! And if anyone else has already done something like this then oh well lmao, this is my version

[lovelyflora21]

Strangers

Summary: She was still herself, he was still him. In the same place. Yet, isn't it strange how people can change?

Pairing: Leon S Kennedy x Fem!Reader

Tags: Angst, hurt, no happy endings (?) 

A/n: A rather lengthy continuation to my previous fic, inspired by Celeste - Strange. Would recommend listening to the song whilst reading this to really get the feel of it ;)

Wc: 1,8k

P.s. Let me know if anyone wants to be added to the tag list! <3

Tag list: @lysa1201 @lysol1201

I tried for you. 

What Leon said that night, the way he looked at her with complete utter disdain; mixed with a cacophony of heavy breathing and slurred speech of spiteful, venomous words spewed her way–safe to say, it was enough to turn that tiny little voice inside her head louder. Ten times louder than the conscience, the soft spot she’s always held for him. 

That maybe everything she did for him was, in fact, all in vain. That it was a complete waste. She was wasting her precious, precious time and energy; her life, on a drunkard. An asshole of an alcoholic, once applauded for his bravery and prowess as an agent–akin to that of America’s very own zombie-killing, man-made Superman. 

God, mama was right! I should’ve dumped him. What was I thinking?!

Were what had crossed her mind as she skipped down the stairs of his apartment’s fifth floor’s stairwell. She clung onto her bag and pride, more on her pride (what was left of it anyways) than her bag really, as she rummaged through the tote bag for her car keys. She had tears welling up in her eyes, her throat burning and constricting in a measly effort of holding herself together. From sobbing her poor heart out. From breaking down on the stairs and pitying herself.

Tried to see through all the smoke and dirt. It wouldn't move.

Everything else was a blur then. The drive back home. The whole thought process on deciding to finally and completely vanishing from his life. All that in a span of minutes. Most would criticize her for being too overboard with her impulsivity, for making a big deal out of nothing! 

Oh spare me the theatrics! She could still hear Leon’s voice; nagging in the back of her mind, it would have been his reaction, if he had known of what she was about to do to him or saw an ounce more of her true reaction in response to his cruelty. 

But as she drove through the traffic and streets of DC’s avenues, her heavy-with-tears eyes dropped to see his name popping up on her phone; his number texting and calling her numerous times–his picture flashing, showing off his stupid fucking cocky grin–it silenced the other voices that were doubting her decision. And suddenly what she was about to do was justified and she saw nothing wrong with it. 

So when it turned red, she reached for her phone; looked at his number and picture one last time before she blocked it–blocked him, and shoved the phone back inside the bag. 

The first night, she couldn’t cry at all. She tossed and turned in bed then eventually fell asleep. But the next few days? Oh they were torture. Hardly sleeping, hardly eating; the blunt of the impact finally hitting her head on. Her feelings, emotions and sound mind were colliding against one another. Everything was everywhere all at once. Anger, disappointment, hurt, sadness, grief and shame. Surging all at once then fading away just as quick into numbness and denial. Then she’d crash out again, and again, and again. Rinse and repeat. 

So she did what Leon S Kennedy would’ve done. Drown herself in work, overtime after overtime. Back to back meetings, projects, RnDs. Anything to get her mind off of him and that night. One thing for sure though, she was done. 

Days turned into weeks, weeks into months. Before she knew it, she earned herself a promotion, alongside an offer to relocate somewhere else; she was given the liberty to pick the spot. To pick which branch of her office she would be relocating to. 

Without doubt and further, deeper questioning; she said yes. Again, some would have considered her impulsivity a major flaw but to be fair, this was the opportunity she had been looking for. Especially after that night and after Leon. 

Albeit the suffering and grief it brought upon her; that night brought her an epiphany. A revelation, that her whole life had revolved around him and him alone. She was never the center of her own universe, no–it had been Leon. 

It was a mistake. 

So now, with Leon gone and out of the picture; she had nothing to revolve around. There was nothing left for her here anyways…

She was never one for spirituality but it got her thinking– that the opportunity presented itself just in time. It was perfectly aligned with her, as if the universe had given her its blessings to move forward. Even without him.

As if it was a way for the universe to tell her.

He’s very dreamy, but he is not the sun. You are.

So when it was all said and done, when everything’s packed into the back of a moving truck and she’d bid farewell to friends and colleagues; she moved. Out of DC and to Francisco. 

And things were okay again. Late nights weren’t so heavy and she wasn’t so burdened with all-consuming thoughts of him. Mornings came by easier for her. She began liking the way coffee smelt, the way the flowers bloomed and the plants flourish, she began liking the taste of sourdough bread with runny eggs on top.

Casual dates were a thing for her now. Enjoying herself and her time as an individual rather than a thing attached to him. 

And before she knew it, a year had passed. 

Life was great. She was flourishing, bright and blooming. 

The sun was high above, her locks cascaded like waters down her neck. She wore a white dress, the patterns were small flowers in the color of muted salem. She had the day off, needed to pick up on groceries and flowers for her vase in the living room and kitchen island. She’d grown to fall for flowers ever since she’d moved to Francisco. 

As she was looking at the arrangement of fruits set before her, smiling at the older lady; she couldn’t help but to notice a man staring at her then approaching her. 

Hey there.

So when her eyes found him, clad in blue instead of black; they widened for a second. Taking in the phantom of what once was the man she’d loved and devoted herself to. 

They stood there, just…staring…

Then there was silence. 

Say, isn't it strange? I am still me You are still you.

—

So they sat there, across one another. This was their second meeting. In a cafe, her favorite. She’d suggested the place. They opted for the outdoor seating instead, feeling as though the walls around them were too overwhelming for her. Too suffocating, especially when she would be near him. 

Her white shirt was slightly crumpled, tucked inside her blue denim jeans that clung to her perfectly. Her bag was set by her ankle, under the table.

She crossed one leg over the other, her eyes never leaving Leon’s. Who had his own ocean blue eyes on her.

Leon had begged her for this chance. Said he wanted to talk to her, needed to talk to her. And she gave him the same grace she would’ve wanted people to give him. Less of a second chance and more towards the urge for a proper closure, really. 

Leon Scott Kennedy was never one to be curious. He’d learnt from his line of work that curiosity can and will kill the cat. And yet when it came to her, he was as curious as ever. So many things he wanted to say, to ask, to question, to find out, to know and last but never should be the least; to understand. Why did she disappear on him like that? Where has she been?Why San Francisco? How did she end up here? Is she with someone else? Is that why she was here now? Was she now a happily-married woman living the white picket fence dream?

But only one thing came out of his now slightly chapped-lips and dry mouth.

I am so sorry. 

Back to our roots What did we lose? What did we lose?

He began, stammering as he leant forward across the table that barred him from feeling her warmth. From feeling her kindness, her love, her tenderness and the familiarity of her.

It’s in the past.

Her voice was…soft. But it lacked the love and gentleness she once held for him. Her eyes were distant…as if staring at a far away dream instead of him.

I shouldn’t have said what I said, I was an alcoholic and an asshole and I didn’t deserve you.

You really didn’t. 

Then there was silence again. Leon’s breath caught as he heard her utter those simple words with such indifference it sent shivers down his spine. 

There was no malice, no anger, no bitterness lacing her words yet all the same it wounded him so. In ways he never thought nor imagined possible. 

Isn’t it strange? How people can change. 

Give me one more chance, let me make things right. 

His pleading was met with silence. Then there was a soft tapping noise against the table, Leon’s blue orbs flitted to her manicured nails for a second before coming back to her face. They were painted beige.

If I could, I’d pull your strings for one more dance.

I…I’ve changed. I’m not drinking anymore and I’ve been going to therapy and I’m not missing out on them anymore. I swear.

It was pitiful how he dragged on and on about how he was a changed man. But seeing she was not budging at all, made Leon’s stomach twist and turn. 

I can’t.

Tell me what I need to do to make this work, to make things right.

She simply shook her head, a defeated and reserved smile graced her lips. God, those same lips Leon had missed so much. How he wished he hadn’t taken her for granted. 

It’s for the best.

And with that, she gathered her bag and herself. She mustered up enough courage and willpower to heave herself up to her feet. Even outside with the wind breezing past them and the world still revolving around them, she felt just as suffocated and as still as ever. She refused to look him in the eyes, refused to study the way his face fell and his eyes glazed with tears. 

I look at you, with nothing to say.

Leaning down for one last kiss, she placed a chaste and small peck on his cheek. Feeling the stubble caress her skin and mouth. She dared not bid him farewell, nor did he. Neither lovers dared to lift their faces to meet one another’s gaze, afraid it might shatter whatever defense they had left.

Isn’t it strange? How people can change From strangers to friends Friends into lovers

So she walked away, never looking back. 

And strangers again.

[totallyjustabunchofhocuspocus]

Fic Preview

A sneak peek of the next chapter of Come Away, O Human Child

He meets Shannon at the same restaurant they decided to end their marriage in less than a month ago.

It’s strange…he’s well aware of just how drastically your life can change in a short amount of time. How drastically everything can change in an instant. He’s had his own share of moments that changed everything—split seconds where the before and after were entirely different lives. Meeting Shannon. Her telling him she was pregnant. Holding Christopher for the first time. Getting shot down in Afghanistan.

Walking into the 118.

Meeting Buck.

He knows how drastically your life can change in a short amount of time, but Christopher’s birth is the only thing that has ever made him feel so much like a different person. He’s not the same man that he was the last time he and Shannon sat down together to talk. Shannon seems to sense it, watching him with sharp, curious eyes as they place their orders.

“How’s apartment hunting going?” he asks as soon as the runes woven into the fabric of the tablecloth flash blue and their drinks appear a moment later.

“Good. I’ve got it narrowed down to a couple of places—if you don’t mind, I’d like to sign Chris out of school early this Friday and take him with me for the walkthroughs. I want him to have a say in where he’ll be staying when he comes to visit. Thought we could take the weekend to see some of the sights, maybe get a fancy hotel room?”

Eddie nods, mentally flicking through the calendar of appointments and plans he has over the next few days. Chris has a doctor’s appointment early next week, but there’s nothing pressing. “Yeah, of course—he’ll love that.”

Shannon smiles at him, taking a sip of her drink and leaning back in her seat. She looks good—relaxed and happy in a way she really hasn’t been the last few months. He wonders if she sees the same in him, and it makes his heart ache for both of them. Trying so hard to do the right thing and just hurting themselves and each other doing it. And isn’t that just the story of their entire relationship?

“I’m glad things are going good for you,” he says, and sincerely means it. Shannon’s smile widens, and it strikes him how very much their son looks like her. He sees more of himself in Chris’s mannerisms and expressions, but in looks, he’s practically Shannon made over.

“Thanks, Eddie,” she says, and then tilts her head with that shrewd look that has always made him feel like no one would ever know him as well as this woman does. He knows that’s not true, now. Buck knows him every bit as well as Shannon ever did…knows him better in some ways, understands him on levels that Shannon was never able to reach no matter how hard she tried.

But Shannon knew him first. She will always be the first person who looked and saw him, he thinks.

“But I’m guessing you didn’t ask to meet up just to tell me you’re happy for me?” The runes on the tablecloth light up again, and they both sit back as their steaming plates appear—mushroom risotto for Shannon, salmon and asparagus for him. He stalls a moment by grabbing his fork and poking at the (perfectly done) fish before shrugging and nodding.

“Yeah,” he admits. “I’ve, uh, got something I want to talk to you about.”

Shannon raises an eyebrow at the serious tone of his voice. “Okay,” she says slowly.

“So, I know we haven’t really talked about, uh, how we want to handle it if…when…we want to maybe introduce someone. To Chris. Someone new.”

The other eyebrow shoots up, surprise and something a little hurt flashing across Shannon’s face. “You’ve already met someone?” she asks. “And you want to introduce them to our son? Eddie, we’re not even divorced yet!”

And oh…oh, yeah, okay, it sounds bad when she says it like that. “No! No, not like that—” He breaks off with a heavy sigh. “It’s…complicated,” he finishes lamely. Confusion joins the surprise and the hurt, and Eddie mentally throws his hands up. “It’s someone Christopher already knows—someone we see all the time. Nothing was going on while you and I were still…anyway, it’s new. For both of us. But I don’t want to try and sneak around Chris when we see this person so much. But we already talked about it, and we don’t want to do anything you’re not comfortable with. You’re his mom, Shan—you get a say in this.”

Shannon’s brow furrows, and she tilts her head slightly. “Who is it?” she asks.

“It’s Buck,” he says simply.

It surprises him a little, actually, how easy it is to say. They’ve kept it totally between them, this new…development in their relationship, agreeing that they don’t want to throw anymore hand grenades into their lives until everyone knows about Buck’s curse, and why he can’t try and get his magic back. They’d also agreed that Chris needs to know before anyone else in their immediate circle, and that Shannon needs to be a part of that conversation. It should feel bigger, he thinks, more momentous, telling someone else for the first time, let alone his soon-to-be ex-wife.

Like everything with Buck, though—every damn thing—Eddie finds that it just…fits. It’s easy, when it comes to Buck. The truly important things are always easy.

Shannon’s jaw actually drops, and she stares at him wide-eyed for a few seconds, before abruptly shaking her head. “Okay…is it weird that that’s not even in the top fifty of things I thought you were going to say and completely unsurprising?”

[someverygaymoth]

So, so, so— afterdeath to destructivedeath pipeline, yeah?

With little teensy Goth.

Reaper meeting Error and romancing him and all of this, Error slowly beginning to love him, because he loves Error despite the fact that he's not Geno anymore, but moreso, he starts to feel guilty for lying to him. He feels guilty for knowing Reaper's coffee order, his favorite snacks, remembering them all after all this time, guilty for having spent a lifetime with him, that he simply chose to ignore.

He sits Reaper down and talks to him about it, lost of crying, lots of careful kissing, lots of promises and boundaries laid out.

It only seems right to Introduce Error to Goth, now. But, Error is so nervous. So scared Goth won't forgive him for disappearing, even If he couldn't help it. (Goth is like 6 or 7 now) Reaper talks away all his fears, reassuring him and comforting him, and they come up with an idea...

Reaper: hey kid...

Goth: dad's home!!!

R, scooping him up in a big hug: hey dove!! Hi! Sorry, work was long today... And I had to go and get someone...

G, curiously: get someone? Who?

R: in a second, dove.

He laughs, before thanking Blue for looking after Goth today. Reaper walks over to the couch and sits Goth down.

R: you know how I met someone special, a little while ago?

G: yeah, you met somebody you love!

R: yeah, yeah I did. Just like I met your Papa, and loved him.

G: oh.

R: you okay?

G: you don't like to talk about Papa.

R: no, no, I just... Miss him sometimes. And that's not a bad thing. People, they come and go. And sometimes they come back. Sometimes they don't. But, if they come back... Things are always different.

G: why?

R: well, people, they change. And grow. And sometimes, to change and grow, you have to be away from people. Even some people you really love.

G: like... How Papa went away?

R: yeah, like how Papa went away...

G: ...

R: Goth, do you know how caterpillars become butterflies?

G: oh, yes, they... Make a cocoon, and go in it, and then they become a butterfly!

R: that's right! But, it takes time for caterpillars to become butterflies.

G: how long?

R: weeks, sometimes.

G: gasp that's forever!

R: snickering yeah, well, people are just like butterflies. But going into their cocoon to grow... And change... It takes even longer. It takes years, sometimes.

G: years? But... That's so long... Won't they get sad?

R, tearful: they get very sad sometimes, yes. But we need to be sad to grow, sometimes. Your Papa, he went away because he needed that. And he was sad without you, and me, and the people he loved very very much. But, that's what he needed to grow and change.

G: he... He did? So... He became a butterfly?

R: yeah, he's... Very different now. He doesn't look the same. Just like a caterpillar doesn't look like a butterfly. And he doesn't act the same, just like Caterpillars don't fly and butterflies do, and his name is different, just like a caterpillar is called a Butterfly when it comes out of its cocoon. But one thing stays the same, do you know what that is?

Goth shakes his head, frowning

R: he is still your papa. And your papa loves you, more than anything in the whole multiverse.

G: do you promise?

R: it's not my place to promise.

G: oh...

R: do you, want to see him?

G, looking nervous: ... Are you sure...?

R: sure about what, dove?

G: that... Papa still loves me.

R: I'm never been more sure of anything, bud...

G: I... Want to see him.

R: Error, you can come in.

The door opens, and Error hesitantly steps through. He looks to Reaper first, and when his eyes fall to their little souling, tears come to his sockets.

Error: Hey, dove.

G: Papa?

E, walking over: yeah...

G: you're... Like a butterfly now?

E: yup, just like a butterfly.

G: do you have wings like dad now?

E, snickering and sniffling: no, not quite... I look pretty different though.

G: your skull is all better!

E, outright crying now: yeah, it is.

G: do you feel better now?

E, sitting down on the coffee table: I feel all better now.

G: ... Then... Why are you crying?

E: because I missed you... And I missed your dad, and... I'm happy I'm home.

G: are... Are you going to leave again?

E: no, I'm never going to leave you again.

G: do you promise?

E: cross my soul, I'm not leaving you again. I promise, little dove.

Error holds out his pinkie in a gentle offering, smiling a little.

G: your hands are colorful!

They take the offered pinkie and the promise is sealed.

E: yeah, they are.

G: ... Can I have a hug?

E: yeah... Yeah, always.