#oh well I am prone to ramble. it happens

[ambrosiagourmet]

hiiiii i have a quick question about no reason but to starve: when does it take place relative to the postcanon labru comic? i ask partially so i can integrate this knowledge into my understanding of laios & kabru's dynamic in nrbts, but also into my understanding of the diplomatic relationship between malini and kakha brud

(i love your fic so much thank you for your gifts to dunmeshi fandom)

Oooh fun question, thank you!! I assume you mean this comic?

This ended up being longer than intended lol, so tl;dr short answer: it would take place after the comic, though the comic is not necessarily 100% canon to it.

More details and rambling below the cut:

So, in general, I'm trying to write in a way that is compatible with, but not strictly canon to, any post-canon content we've gotten.

In part tbh that's because I had WANTED to construct the timeline with the Kensuke extra in mind but then I totally goofed it and like the story basically takes place at the exact same time that the Kensuke story would. So it ended up more being like handshake meme thematical/character similarities rather than strictly canon.

Also I don't want anyone who hasn't read the extras to have trouble following anything (which is actually why I had to go back and add a bit about the situation w/ KB during editing lol. In the rough draft it was just like yeah yeah the reparations we've all heard of them).

That is all to say the story does more-or-less take place after this comic. The way I'm thinking about it, the initial negotiations referenced in the comic sort of laid the foundation for (relative) peace and cooperation, but there are still lots of specifics to work out - that's what the current delegation is in town for. It's probably less combative then the initial, uh... conversation... but I imagine there's still a fair bit of a "wring everything we can from these people" attitude from KB, so it's a slow process with a lot more smiling and nodding and going back to grumble privately later.

In terms of Laios & Kabru I think the story fits well after the comic for their relationship too... The group of them & Marcille are very much A Unit in the point where the story picks up (with Yaad also included, but not necessarily as close as the three of them). They all have been working together for a little while now, and are all committed to the work. They know a bit about how to navigate each other, and have some rhythms they've fallen into (like Marcille checking w/ Kabru about her hair, or everyone knowing that things are tense between Laios & Yaad wrt Marriage Talk).

What's still left unsaid is a lot of the deeper, more sensitive things. Part of the reason the fic opens on the question of Laios' Political Marriage (TM) is because I think it's a good example of a thing that WOULD remain buried for a while. Laios seems to not have given himself much room to think about romance, so it's something that hasn't been addressed out in the open. But they've got to deal with it eventually!! They have a life long task ahead of them all, and shoving skeletons into closets only works for so long.

(Laios romance tangent: whether or not you read him as aro or ace (and I personally put him somewhere in some grey zone there), I don't think that's a thing he would have realized yet in canon. Repression =/= happily uninterested, and I personally think Laios has repressed that shit hard.)

Anyway, the same goes for various things with Kabru and Marcille, as well. They already trust and care about each other, but being vulnerable with other people is a long, messy process. Especially with all the baggage they have. It's something they still need to figure out!

It is also, conveniently, very fun to write about :3

[retphienix]

I like playing games years after they are recommended to me :)

I'm not doing a thorough/full blog playthrough because it became evident very quickly this is an "at your own pace exploration" game and I don't have the mental vibe right now to twist that into a fun reading experience when it's gonna be a lot of hours of me wandering- often in circles :P

I'll post what I feel like.

Anyways I spent 10 years and some change exploring the crater and got a quick reminder of something I didn't 100% remember about this game.

It's time loops with the sun exploding- I now recall that I had that spoiled (does that even really count when it's the whole game?) back at launch, but I did genuinely forgor and only half remembered as I booted this up and started wandering and thought "... Oh, isn't the universe gonna pop or something?" yea

I won't ramble on Everything I've found and read so far- it isn't too much- but I will say it's neat to find another person experiencing the loop. Also when the hurricanes hit they literally just stay lounging until it puts them down lol

I will also say I went on the probe launcher thing, read about how they overcharged it and launched, went to the water planet and read more about the same thing, and then I noticed the above which confirmed something I was suspicious of.

When I started wondering on specifics of the loop I thought "Well, it's not the universe doing it, it's Nomai tech.... I need to figure out more on WHY both it's happening and affecting us through the statues."

And my lounging buddy just reminded me that we see the satellite fire on each loop.

And they said 'Maybe we shouldn't say it isn't working- it sure seems to successfully launch each loop'.

So while I don't know why the sun is accelerating it's supernova, or why the statues affect us, or blah blah blah a million things I just started-

I CAN say I have noticed that the probe satellite is launching in a different direction each reset. And since the purpose of the satellite is to launch a probe to find the Eye, and it was activated remotely (I believe, or it was the couple still alive on it but I am guessing not because don't we believe the Nomai are extinct?), I can suspect that a Nomai(s) still exist somewhere and they activated the statues so that they could launch again and again and again until they find it- and if that's the case I'd bet it's less that we were chosen by the statues and more that they activated all the statues and we happened to be there.

Anyways!

Neat game so far. I am beyond relieved that the "time limit" is less of a time limit and more of a nudge to go do another thing and stop wandering in circles lol

It gives me plenty of time for my usual Ultra Meticulous Exploration that I'm prone to doing in... well every game. I like seeing all the things and talking to all the people- it's how I play games.

But it also pushes me to go different places and I haven't felt too punished (yet).

[autisticempathydaemon]

Hi hiii!! :DDD Doing this bad boy to see what happens. >:333

What song are you fixated on at the moment? What lyric or verse, and why? Rule 34 and Dinner and Diatribes. I don't know. Something about the just barely masked tension in both those songs, the way they both fit so well with characters/ships/dynamics I adore, and their general energy and instrumentation SINGS to me. <3 <3 <3. I may not listen to them as often as others but they are my entire brain constantly. Favourite lines from both are: "You look so good There on your knees Such a good girl knows how to please Look at me look me in the eyes Forget yourself, surrender your mind" - Rule 34 (Mostly for the visuals and the change of voice) And "I knew it from the first look of The look of mischief in your eyes" - Dinner and Diatribes (This line sets the tone of the entire song so well, the visual is so interesting and the way it's sung is so intimate in a way I cannot describe. Literally so good.)

What is your Enneagram type? 4w5 :3.

Do you love gargantuan Youtube video essays, and if so, which is your favorite and why? I fucking love them so bad <3. I think currently the Lightlark and Nightbane ones by KrimsonRogue are really good. Just... so much content, and also writing advice, and also dying inside listening to a review of a cringe book. Literally sustains my life.

Tell me about your childhood imaginary friend. I didn't really have them in the traditional sense, but the closest things I had was imagining chatting with or interacting with characters I liked from shows, especially once I found visual novels XD. And that evolved into characters running around in my brain and now I am a writer. :P So. These bitches clawed their way into my head at age 10 and never left.

What is your go-to way to fall asleep? Rain sounds. Storm sounds. Wind sounds. Especially if they just come from outside but I also do just put them on on my computer and turn off the screen often, letting them play on the stereo. :P

If you had to change your name, what would it be, and why? (In tandem, if you have changed your name, why did you pick that one?) Names are fucking weird man. I am currently in the process of reconsidering mine, and I am starting to like the idea of something more wacky, and star themed, or snow themed. :P I don't know if I'd like it long term but Redacted and DnD have very much warmed me up to names like that lol.

What is your favorite of Redacted’s audios, and why? Why must I chose one? You're so mean. Uuuuum... Deferred Judgment methinks. It shows a lot of Vega's softness and even some selflessness, while also a bit of the risk that his mission entails and MAN- THE EMOTIONAL IMPACT WHEN IT CAME OUT WAS SO MUCH. I hated it way back when but damn... it was really good. Still is. Cannot wait to see him again. Miss him real bad.

What Redacted boy holds no appeal to you, and why? Like, not the one you hate but the one who you don’t get the hype for. (I won’t judge, I promise.) Um... Guy, Ollie, NICK. OH GODS NOT NICK. And most of the fooliverse boys besides Milo. I am not exactly the type for sweet boys. I like some of them but their chaos or overt sweetness is... too much.

Tell me about that one book/movie/tv show you know all the words to. Can't say I have gotten that obsessed with media like that sadly. I am more of a Podcast/ASMR/Audioplay/Music person buuuut... hm... I mean- does a book I'm writing count??? I have quite a bit of the words of that thing up in the noggin often. It's not done yet but :P.

Which Redacted boy are you platonically attracted to? Like- forget dating, which dude do you want to be your best friend? Oh man. Damien. He is super similar to me in his passion and his love of learning and his general personality (minus the anger, that I am less prone to.) And the other boys up on top of my list I am more queerplatonic about so. :P

Do you have a go-to thing you ramble about when you’re tired, and if so, what is it? (For example, my boyfriend knows I’m ready to sleep when I start talking about space.) Oh no I will ramble about anything at any time. <3 <3 <3. I am not well ever <3.

Tell me your go-to gas station and drink combo. Spicy or Soup chips (Salt and Vineger, Chili/Cheese, etc), often Doritos or Cheetos (or Hickery Sticks if they have them), and either mineral water or an orange Soda/Slushy. And if it's cold I often go chips, sour candy and hot cocoa <3.

Tell me about your favorite playlist at the moment.  Hozier's Unheard and Wasteland Baby. Both have songs I utterly adore.

What’s your guilty pleasure media, and why? None. I feel guilty about nothing that I consume <3 <3 <3.

And whatever else you think tells me about who you are! I am a lover of art and the arts, and am actually studying art currently for my major. I would consider myself very much Vampiric in some ways (My disconnect in the way I write/speak from a specific time period or place, humanity is familiar but also fucking weird, the sun burns, I'm dramatic and want the fashion to prove it, blood good (no I won't explain) etc.), and I am a weird philosophical bastard who likes to make characters out of vague concepts, and then explore them to their most painful depth. Also varied morality and/or moral quandaries are very important to me. Morality is a weird soup and I like to play with it. (Ironic since my own morals are so strict and fixed, and yet I love writing characters who have different ones.) Aka Evil Bitches Good. And also I am one of them (if only as a writer. Love writing cruel angst to hurt my friends and characters with <3 <3 <3.) Anyhow that's all for me for now. <3 <3 <3 (Hope this is not too obscenely long.)

Pssssst- .3. Hellooo- I submmited a matchup thing but I think I did an oopsie XD. I'm an Enneagram 5w4 but I think I flipped them. So- just saying that. If it changes anything lol- My baddd- I just noticed when thinking on it. :P

Hmm, this enneagram type is characterized as creative, intelligent, and stubborn, with something to prove to the world- which tracks as you relate to Damien. With that in mind, who else could I pair you with but Huxley?

Huxley is a kind, patient, go with the flow kind of guy but not too silly which you said you don’t vibe with. You give me the impression of an insular, cerebral person, someone with a lot of ideas and thoughts that need to be finalized and put on paper, and Huxley seems like a good partner to help with that, to be your rock (ha) and help you keep those trains of thought on track while also being vocally supportive and hyping up your work the whole time. He’s sweet to you but not so sweet he doesn’t love you and your love of villains and their fucked-up deeds.

And it’s a wonderful love Huxley gives you every day, with the sturdy support and cool shade of a great tree. When you’re studying or doing schoolwork, he’s always there bringing you water or food, massaging your shoulders if you’ve been slouching. He listens to your rambles with rapt attention and affection, retaining every detail. He is your beta reader and biggest fan. He drives you to and from school with a thermos of homemade hot chocolate because his leagues is better than the store-bought stuff, and he won’t let you forget it.

Song:

And I remember being younger and my mother told me the truth/ Find someone who grows flowers in the darkest parts of you/ Take heed when things get hard and don't you ever turn around/ You'll find someone, someday, somewhere that grows you to the clouds

I feel like this song choice needs no explanation. One, the vibes are kind of just right if you’re a Hozier fan; the folk-y, country-like longing is just what the matchmaker prescribed (the matchmaker being me). Two, it’s delightfully charming and ironic given your dislike of the sun and the pet name of Sunflower I will soon have him give you.

Runner-ups:

Cam is a fun runner-up for you because I think he, as a therapist, would have a lot to contribute to your writing and dissection of villains along with the empathy to see the depth and dimension you want to give them. Lasko is another runner-up I like given how much you relate to Damien, because Damien/Lasko has always struck me as a darling pair, two sides of the same coin.

Bonus: (For you, my one hundredth match-up~)

“Sunflower…”

“Fifteen more minutes, Hux; I’ve almost figured this out.”

“You said that forty-five minutes ago, baby,” Huxley says with a soft, warm laugh and big, warmer hands on your shoulders, gently turning your chair around. “It’s time for bed.”

“But my chapter-“ you say with a tone you won’t admit has a hint of a whine.

“Will be there tomorrow,” he interrupts, taking your hand and gently tugging you out of your chair against your weak protests. “And you’ll be able to write and edit it even better once you’ve slept.” You fall into the bed with a fwump, a deep sigh, and a muttered stream of thought falling out your lips like the air out of a balloon. The earth elemental can pick out odd, familiar words in the ramble like “heart”, “stars”, and “Vega” and chuckles as the stream peters off into slow breaths and soft snores. Huxley queues up a familiar YouTube video on the tv, a ten hour loop of light rain showers, and places a blanket over your sprawled, sleeping body.

“Good night, Sunflower,” he says softly, pressing a light kiss on the top of your head before climbing into bed beside you, turning off the light with a fond, content smile.

Read this post and send me an ask if you’d like a match-up of your own! 💌

[danthediamondminecart]

yO

guess who couldn't hold it in

(I WONT SPAM I PROMISE 😃😃😃😭😭😭👍👍👍👍)

I just wanted to ask a teeny tiny lil question, can you give us a semi-detailed summary of how you potray the BLSMP battlers????

Like how do u wanna show them in the series, cuz i have a feeling we r potraying them VERY differently, and i wanna know how YOU think of them before i start to theorize once again >:3 (hopefully i will soon)

And also, ships. Can you ramble abt rbb ships?? U said u were gonna ramble abt some??? Im still waitin' Xd

Cuz some of them r so weird dude like WHAT 😭😭😭😭🤚🤚🤚🤚

I’ll start with the ships question first, because I feel like the second question is a hell of a loaded one. Basically, I’m not a shipper, and don’t really get it. But ship and let ship, don’t ship and let ship, as long as you’re not being an asshole about it, I won’t get upset. Hence why I haven’t made one of ‘em ‘ranking ships’ lists, because I really don’t care.

Won’t stop me from having capital-O-Opinions, though. My friends will know that TanqrCraft became a bit of a NOTP for me because of its overabundance and some poor interactions with the forefathers of the ship (2021/2022 RBB fandom was wild, guys, be glad you weren’t there), and my theory on PinkNebula feels controversial, as I've said. I am slowly working on the PinkNebula essay, but it’s not a priority, so it might not come out for a while.

As for the second question, as much as I love rambling about characterisation, I think attempting to show how I characterise all fourteen of BLSMP’s main cast (including Jimmy and Russo) would be quite difficult, especially trying to keep it short. I do have my hypothetical 'bios' for a hypothetical ref sheet, but those are as much about their backstories and set-up than it is about their personalities.

So…who’s up for a drabble under the cut? This is something that I feel like definitely happened during BLSMP, but it doesn’t fit anywhere during the story, plus you know the cast, so you don’t need a scene like this.

Perhaps I'll post this as supplemental material (like, in a separate 'work') on AO3?

“You know, Russo.” Jimmy pipes up, snapping Russo out of his thoughts. “Remind me. How many Robloxians got trapped again?”

“Twelve.” Russo answers. “How come?”

“Well, you know. I don’t know any of them, and I kinda want to know a little bit about your friends! Well, I know, BigB, but you get the gist.”

“Jim, if I attempted to explain my friends to you, we’d be here all day.” Russo chuckles a bit.

“Okay, well, why don’t we make it a game?” Jimmy suggests. “You attempt to explain your friends to me in 3 sentences or less.”

“Oh?” Russo raises an eyebrow, so Jimmy elaborates.

“Like, uh, using BigB as an example. Kind but mischievous, enjoys mucking about, cares deeply for his friends.”

“Hmm. Okay, I can do that, though I’m probably going to go over the limit. Repeatedly.” Russo takes a second to think, before starting. “We’ll go in alphabetical order:”

“AshleyTheUnicorn, RB Battles S2 finalist. Fearless, reckless, goes headfirst into battle, always encouraging her friends to be the same, BigB, we both know and love him, but he’s a little quieter around Robloxians from what it sounds like, DenisDaily, also a finalist - can charm anyone that he meets with just his smile, generally more aloof unless it’s a matter to do with someone’s wellbeing, DylanHyper, though we usually just call him Hyper - yet another finalist, prone to nervousness but also the smartest person in a room, if he's got a plan for something he'll have considered every detail, Flamingo, aka Albert, lover of chaos and breaker of rules, the type of person to kidnap people for fun, but does love his companions in his own way-"

“Slow down, what do you mean kidnap-"

“KreekCraft! Another finalist and the former victor. Jack-of-all-trades, super confident as long as you don’t question him and his determination is unmatched (even when it gets unhealthy), LeahAshe, finds it easy to make friends and teases them all, generally likes to act as both a mediator and as the cause of strife, adaptable but cowardly at times, MeganPlays, likes to know everything she can about everything and is always curious, a bit of a pessimist, and tends to hold grudges for longer than she can even remember, PinkLeaf, quiet and dislikes social situations, but with one heck of a temper so don’t anger him (we all think he’ll be the favourite to win Season 3), prefers to run away from fights both verbal and physical, iAmSanna, or just, well, Sanna, unafraid to speak her mind even with a sword pointed at her, super perceptive and spots everything, prone to intense emotions of whatever variety, Sketch, an ‘act-first-ask-questions-later’ kind of guy, likes to mess about and has a tendency to end up as a bit of a load, will look out for his team though always himself first, Finally, there’s TanqR, current reigning champion. Normally laid back and chill but has a fiery side, likes his control, likes the fact that people are intimidated by him, would rather solve his problems through punching.”

“Okay, there’s a lot you glossed over there, but I won’t bring it up.” Jimmy’s still reeling from the ‘kidnaps people for fun’ comment. “Ooh, ooh, actually, do me! You’re good at the 3-sentences thing, do me!”

“Hmm…only if you do me. SolidarityGaming, you’re, hm…prone to yelling and making mistakes, but more courageous than you first appear, and dedicated to whatever cause you choose.”

“Aww, that’s…you know, with the way that started, I really wasn’t expecting you to be nice there.” Jimmy admits, somewhat bashful. “As for you…well, you’re optimistic at all times and clearly will do whatever it takes to protect your friends, though I have to say, you’ve got some wild ideas.”

“I’m going to take that last part as a compliment.” Russo jokes, leading Jimmy to giggle.

“Well, your friends sound like a colourful bunch.”“We’ve gotten pretty good at controlling the more chaotic personalities. Uh, not perfect, but pretty good.” Russo replies.

“I certainly hope so.”

[ghostflowerhotpotch]

Oh sorry to hear you had been in pain, can we ask what it is? If you don't mind telling.

Normally I would try to redirect to at least my main account, but I also haven't really talked about it there. Guess since I was the one who brought it up may as well talk about it a bit.

A few years ago I broke my ankle, which ended up giving me arthritis, I also had some nerve damage in my knee because last November I had an accident with my knee being lightly stabbed. I am hypermobile in some of joints (very common with Neurodivergent people somehow,) which makes me more accident prone.

I also use light sensitivity glasses and will try to stay with headphones on most of the time I am outside to handle noise since I have auditory processing issues.

Mental health wise is a shit show, I have Autism and Adhd, these were diagnosed late, which ended up with me having Anxiety and Depression at a very early age.

I don't want to throw a name at this since I haven't been diagnosed, but more times than I would like I had issues at work because something (a song, a picture, something someone said,) may end up giving me a panic attack, or too anxious to talk properly; thankfully nothing really big has happened but it leaves me like a shaking chihuahua for the rest of the day. There is more to it but I don't want to make this too long.

Those would be the most pressing issues.

Oh jeez, this became a bit too long, sorry for the ramble. If I am honest mentally health-wise, I have never been better.

[trenchcoatsbi]

hallo!! its your nonbinary egg prosecutor again to talk about kin stuff :DDD, I hope you guys are doing alright with the entire thing with wil..and because rn things on the qsmp are a bit of a mess with the team, but I'm here to whip you guys back to reality and send you a lot of hugs!! this is a bit of a random thing but usually when I kinshift to franziska I picture myself as her young self either baby fran (that is basically child franziska) like rn or rookie prosecutor where she was like 13 and rarely when she is 18, maybe because I'm a teenager?? but I'm not really sure I was wondering if it could be an agere thing but I am not so sure about that either, regardless of that I'm feeling much more calm regarding everything that has been going on qsmptwt is burning ig? but eh not my issue at all I'm sure things will turn out fine in the end, I have faith in quackity as well as the admins

welp! see you later folks!!! please take care of yourself :DDD

-(cannon divergent llulah anon) franziska von karma ace attorney⭑

oh geez i didn't realize this was still in the inbox! I coulda sworn that I responded to it! ah curse my faulty memory! anywho geez sorry for leaving you on read so to say? i mean its not a big deal i just ughghg I like talkin to ya. lowkey sucks to realize i've left ya hanging but eh that's just how it is sometimes.

anyway franziska!! hi hello! happy to hear from you again :]! Hope things are all good with you too! Stuffs been fucked lately but I'm gonna pull through, t's gonna take a lot more than a little stress to kill me. [also thanks for the hugs. sending some your way too! hope they find you well]

Kinda piggy backin off of your thought cause t's really interestin to me. I remember a lil while back I'd align a lot more with the uh younger version of one of my kintypes but with time it's kinda shifted? idk augh I'm just more prone to reminiscing abt stuff that's more related to source which happened when I was older.

Just in general I've been thnking abt how like almost all of my kintypes are older than me rn. Feels weird tbh always thinkin I'm older than I am, but eh t's probably just a me skill issue on top of my habit of being old men in terms of kin stuff. Seriously some one stop me from being old geezers with children, I'm too young to be adopting people at the rate I've been at it...

Anyway I'm gonna just cut myself off there. The rest of my rambling can go into my private journal it's all a bit much haha. aight I'm gonna get back to responding to asks faster again I swear. I'm gonna claw my way back into being on top of things one way or another. I miss this blog which is a weird thing to say but idk I think about yall anons a lot. You all take care and all that! The eleventh month anniversary is right around the corner (it's the 16th so uh yeah literally just right there) and I might be sappy abt it again but I think I'll save the really sappy shit for the 1 year anniversary. yall watch out!!! it's ridiculous how easy it is for me to be emotional abt people I pretty much just know through an inbox.

[hekate1308]

Give me that, before anything happens.

Prompt: "Give me that, before anything happens."

Fandom: Supernatural

Pairing: Drowley

When Dean wakes up and finds himself alone in bed, he immediately gets up because it’s not like Crowley not to let him know when something’s gone wrong. There’s too much at stake for both of them if he wouldn’t.

So, really, he should not be surprised to find a guy he has never seen lying unconscious on the living room floor, but he sort of is, especially because his husband is holding –

“What the – how did you – “

He did not even know that they keep a gun in the house – he would have opposed it. He too clearly remembers Dad’s drunken rambles around with his own.

“I was just dealing with this –“                                                                

“Dealing? That’s not – give me that, before anything happens.”

And he does actually manage to take the gun out of his husband’s hand, studying the prone body in front of them. At least he only hit him over the head and didn’t actually use the gun. Then they would be in real trouble.

Not that they are not in a spot of bother as it is. It’s bad news that someone managed to break into their house. They’ve gone to great lengths to make sure their address is nowhere to be found – Charlie was a big help in that regard – and only friends and family know where they live.

“What were you planning on doing, anyway?” Dean asks.

“First of all we need to know how he found us” Crowley says matter-of-factly, leaning down. “Would you get me some rope? I’d say he’s going to wake up in about ten minutes, and I’d like to secure him before that.”

Dean knows this is not the time to start discussing things, so he does what Crowley tells him. He’s very good with knots anyway, since Dad insisted on taking him out hunting from the time he could walk.

“So what do we think?” he asks as they are working away. “Revenge? Or a hit?”

Crowley shrugs. “Probably no professional. He was too loud for that – when I came downstairs, he’d barely made it into the living room.”

Really his own fault, Dean thinks – if one wants to catch his husband, it’s not enough to get up early – one should not go to bed at all.

“Sorry about the blood on the carpet.”

Dean shrugs. “some things can’t be helped. AT least it’s the old one.”

“Oh, I made sure of that.”

And that’s just the thing – Sam can complain all he wants that Dean married a bastard, and he’s not even wrong about that, but deep down, Crowley is a big softie who would do anything for those he loves, and Dean’s just lucky enough to be one of them.

“I’ll call Gavin and Fiona” he therefore announces, “Just making sure all is well.”

“Thank you, darling” Crowley drawls before pulling him into a short kiss. “I’ll stay here with our guest, just in case.”

Yes, just in case he has to cut his throat or do something else drastic, but Dean doesn’t mention it.

It quickly turns out that everything is fine on Gavin’s and Fiona’s end, even if they sound rather worried, but Dean assures them they have everything under control and hangs up.

The man is just coming around when he returns to the living room. “All’s well. Nothing on their end.”

Crowley nods at him gratefully before turning to the man and saying calmly, “Since I assume you know who I am, you must be aware that this was a very stupid thing to do.”

The guy stares at both of them with big eyes.

“Now” Crowley announces, “You have about one minute for telling us what you were doing here and who sent you before I start to take measures…”

As it turns out, their guest is not as stupid as he looks (as his husband would say) because he immediately starts talking.

When he is done, Crowley brings down the handle of the pistol on his head once again and shakes his head. “Simmons” he mutters, “One really should think she should be happy enough that she got to take over the organization when I left.”

Sometimes, Deans till marvels that he did. But his simple ultimatum – Crowley could either have him or his mob, but not both – had the desired effect.

“We’ll have to deal with her, won’t we” he sighs as they carry the guy to the car. He’ll wake up at the other side of town, no doubt feeling very lucky.

“If we want to continue living here” Crowley says, sounding just a little bit too gleeful, but Dean supposes he can’t begrudge him a bit of fun.

“Fine. Let’s deal with this, then we can decide what to do.”

Crowley looks at him, his eyes sparkling, and Dean can’t help but grin, feeling like the luckiest guy in the world.

[squibbymun]

I genuinely forgot I gave Emperor a disability (He has problems with his ink pressure which makes him very prone to melting i wrote a whole post about it) but ANYWAYS i wrote some lore for it get jumpscared

do however keep in mind that i wrote this in dms to a friend randomly at 3 am because twitter was down so its not written in the most eloquent manenr but it should do the job okay GO

Considering that recovering from melting makes you so exhausted, Emperor was probably. very tired all the fucking time. hes probably still tired a lot actually thats why he conks out so damn hard. probably made him very irritable which you can imagine didnt help. It was probably an issue more-so when he was younger because it DID get better as he got older but after practice for the day he would immediately conk out. Gets home and he instnatly falls asleep for like. awhile ? I have no idea how long but he probably sleeps longer than average. Probably snacks on shit a lot (shoutouts to carbohydrates and sugar for the momentary energy boost). Between being stressed about people finding out and about training he was not fucking vibing. Now heres smth Navy and Emperor related though- During that 30 matches thing Emperor would strategically let Navy splat him. Why ? Respawning restabilized his ink pressure!! Probably not for TOO long but enough for the rest of a match so that means that Navy always got atleast 1 splat in during those battles Also Emperor definitely bought. some type of snake oil at some point. You know how people are like ''Buy this thing from me and youll be cured of whatever'' yeah Emperor was probably scared enough of people finding out he fell for one of those. THANKFULLY he ended up realising it was a scam and hes rich so he didnt lose a lot of money but its still sad how he was so worried about the public finding out about this that he got himself roped into a scam Also i entirely forgot about the melting feeling either numb or ''that tingly feeling your leg gets when it goes numb'' and oh my god that must be fucking horrible to be happening on your ears/face. Sometimes emperor's ears will just twitch WILDLY and no one knew why. Thats the fucking reason hes trying to shake out the fucking TINGLING. Thats not even getting into how worst it would be for reverse emperor (stressed all the time,even more so than regular emperor, anxious, doesnt eat as much because he just cant find the energy to eat before conking out, hes younger than regular emperor so hes more prone to it yadah yadah poor guys not handling it well its a shocker no ones realised smth is up)

ANOTHER THING the reason emperor didnt show any symptoms earlier is either because he was just nowhere near as active (really depressed 10-14, hes a rich white kid so not much to be stressed about yadah yadah that kinda stuff) or because symptoms only started showing when he reached humanoid form. I still havent decided on which one is canon but its one of those. Regardless he thought it was normal for everyone to be like that when they first get their humanoid forms until he randomly googled it when he was 15 one day and went ''oh.''

Anyways thats all i have thank u for reading my insane emperor ramblings

[vostok3-ka]

heyo friend! this is my official request to learn more info and/or backstory on Snowy Plain, White Moon, if you feel inclined to share :)

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE HEY HEY FRIEND! You've asked this just as I updated the fic oh my goodness!!! Thank you so much for the ask, I'm so excited to ramble on about it because I love it so much, it's so gentle to me, and yet still somewhat uncanny.

Got the inspiration for it from a movie called Compartment No. 6 (an absolutely beautiful Russian-Finnish film that won multiple awards and yet I feel like it's very underrated!) I was like yo what if I put Bucky on a train and set the fic entirely around the train (the train is a character in the tags lmao), and I was also feeling very frustrated (I'd just watched The White Sound with Daniel Bruhl which is so heartbreaking and warm and kind all at the same time, would recommend even though it is a student film) about the lack of schizophrenia portrayal that doesn't make the schizophrenic out to be a nutcase, or a psychopath, or a tragic story and I just HAD to write in schizophrenia as an every-day way, as well as I wanted to subtly delve into Bucky's past with hints here and there as to what his time with the Soviets were like.

I also wanted to write a fic that kind of showcased Bucky's struggle with social skills, seeing as he literally had them all scooped out, scrambled and shoved back into him multiple times, and I wanted to focus more on the dissociation that he is bound to have, what with him losing time, losing awareness- feeling hazy. He feels like he is moving through a dream, he feels not quite reel, as if he is split in half, as if the winter soldier was somebody else and it had never happened to him, except he knows it happened to him because he wakes up with the taste of blood in his mouth and the smell of burning buildings choking him. He wakes up with flashes of his victims screaming, his victims dying in silent gurgles as they breathe in blood, the sounds of gunshots echoing through his mind. So they MUST have happened to him. He has nerve damage from all the electroshock therapy dialed up to a thousand he had to endure, it IS real, and yet doesn't feel real

I also am a sucker for the uncanny, it's the SCP fan in me, I think, so I had to add in a creepy element, and yet Bucky's so disconnected from everything that he finds it scary in the moment, but the fear fizzles out, because he doesn't feel alive. So I kind of wrote him as not really being able to care beyond terrifying flashes of clarity. He's a walking mess that boy.

I will also admit I have no idea what I'm doing with every single word as I write this fic, I don't have it plotted out, I just have a general goal and a rough idea in my head lmao, but I'm enjoying writing in all the aspects of Bucky I really want to see myself but cannot find in other fics, as well as I am enjoying myself making it subtly funny in a strained sort of way, like things are hysterical only because they're not quite right!

Alexei is a fun one to write. He's young, still in university, has a regular part-time job at a regular place, and yet he's ill. He's schizophrenic, he's been to psychiatric hospitals, and yet he has a life. He isn't a psychopath, isn't prone to violence, is somewhat aware of his condition, and is as silly and stupid as anybody in their early 20s (this includes me. i am 20. i am thoroughly stupid in many areas 😂) He however has a background with Bucky, one that I'm yet to reveal, and I think it makes him more aware, sharper, he KNOWS what Bucky is like, and he feels comfortable with him. The fact as to why they are on the same train I still haven't completely written out but I have the plot point down and it's borderline silly, serious and unreal, like I have tried to make everything in this fic feel like!

Panarin, the soldier, I wrote as being a regular soldier, climbing the ranks regularly, as any other soldier would do in the military, and he is somehow the image of Bucky in a different universe. Bucky could have been him. Could have lived a regular life as well as being a soldier during WWII. They're like broken mirrors. Panarin is a soldier. Bucky was The Soldier. It's different, and yet they come from the same essence. It's an interesting dynamic to write, and I think once Panarin figures out who Bucky is he's going to have the shock of his life.

Bucky also feels guilt for his time during the USSR, but at the same time he is so proud, he's so damn proud, he was the pride and heart of the nation at one point in time, before Hydra got their grubby hands on him even while the USSR was still around, and he feels so ill at the thought of this. He isn't supposed to be proud, proud of the rank he got in the USSR military but was never acknowledged in the States. Somewhere inside of him, he's feels affection for the communist cause and he hates this, he hates it so much it drives him insane so he tries not to think about it.

But yeah! I honestly lost the motivation to write for this fic for a while, but I got some real sweet comments that just kickstarted it all back up and I'm buzzing with excitement to get back onto wrapping it all up!!! Cannot wait to share more of it with you ;)

Thank you so much for the ask, I honestly coulda talked more about it, but the answer was getting way too long LMAO. Hope your day is absolutely lovely!!! :)) <3<3<3

[mysumeow]

Hello!! I've been a huge fan of your work for some time now, actually. I actually like your writing style because it's neat and somehow appealing to my eyes, from one writer to another! I'd like to try this matchup game and this is also my first time as well😭😭 I hope I'm doing this right. I'd like a genshin matchup please and thank you!!!

For appearance, I have long hair and I work out from time to time. I'm skinny with a slight curve!!! Working on that. I do dancing but never singing because many of the people I know express their distaste for my voice😭 Point is, I do exercise and dance a lot. (Im a girl btw!!! don't know where I should slip this in)

I'm not really smart, I consider myself to be quite dull but not at the same time. I have amazing grades and sometimes get into the top 5 but I get distracted too easily, especially the day before exams(somehow I still pass.) When I'm with the people I like, I get extremely comfortable no matter where the both of us are. There are multiple times where I almost got hit by a vehicle because of how carefree I am around my friends.

I'm a people person, talkative extrovert 100%!! I love people and everyone I meet, I wave at strangers who wave at me and I strike up a conversation whoever is next to me anywhere, anytime. There was this one time I talked to this cute mom outside of a mall because I was bored, I also remember getting scolded a LOT by my friends because why do I even talk to strangers willingly? I don't know. It's just who I am, really.

I have a strong distaste for shameless and loud people, I don't usually mind the most of them but when they are in front of me or during an important event where everyone is supposed to be quiet, my head just hurts. I also engage in gossip from time to time, but not those who bring people down. Just the sharing of opinions. I also don't like fish. a lot.

For my bigger flaws, I have a highly anxious avoidment attachment style and I apply it to everyone I meet. I am also very prone to overthinking and daydreaming, a day cannot pass without both of these happening. I'm not proud at ALL. All of this happened because of something that happened in the past, I constantly look for the same feeling the person gave me in everyone I meet, and feel disappointed when I don't find it at all. BUT I DONT LEAVE WHEN I DONT. I like people. But I'd like it better if they gave me the same warmth she did in the past.

Oh this is getting really long I gotta stop ramblingAAAHHH. So my hobbies are writing and gaming. I have great pride over what I write and I never doubt my plots. I also love animals except those that are taller than me(doesn't apply to dogs). I like eating. I eat four times a day and I don't even get breakfast.

OKAY I think that's all, sorry for the ramble!! 😭😭 Thank you for reading this, and wow this feels like a Twitter profile thread. Only thing missing is the More About Me ↓

. . . ꒰ MATCHUP II

A/N: A fellow writer!  Hahaha don’t worry anon, I like reading these submissions! Also, I think it’s the first time someone has described my writing like that, so it was a bit surprising for me :OOOOO  Thank you! <33

I match you with Kazuha! He finds it endearing how genuine you are and your knack of opening a conversation. Even as a wandering samurai, it’s few the amount of people he has met like you, and your friendly demeanor captures his heart with ease. When you ramble on about your day or anything you want to speak about with him, he looks at you with fondness. He pays attention to everything you say and remembers important details, without interrupting or feeling bored about hearing you speak.

He has a scarily excellent memory. He’ll ask you about how’s it going with the last story you were writing like, months ago—after you had spoken to him about it once…

He doesn’t scold you when you get distracted, instead opting for redirecting your attention or guiding you back into safety while keeping the conversation with you. If it’s a life-or-death situation, he’ll grab you by the arm and pull you away from the danger, while apologizing for taking such an abrupt decision but letting you know there was peril awaiting you.

Thanks to Kazuha’s patience and forgiving nature, he sees beauty in your amiability and in your whims. He does get extra vigilant when you get distracted or opts to choose safer routes within his means whenever the two of you are strolling around or traveling.

If you travel in the Crux Fleet, there’s plenty of gossip going around, even during your brief stay. Kazuha isn’t one for seeking gossip, but without putting any effort into it, they make their way into his knowledge. You’ll have lots of conversation with him.

Likewise, Kazuha likes to daydream. He enjoys the moments of silence too, and you’ll often find him daydreaming while looking at the sea or writing a haiku. He’ll recite it to you if he sees you’re curious about it.

Kazuha deals well with your attachment style. Even if your absence isn’t pleasant to him because he really enjoys your company, he’s understanding and won’t hold a grudge for it. He’ll wait for you to come back and welcome you.

Honorable mentions for this matchup: Thoma and Kaveh.

Very broad explanation: As long as you’re not causing any trouble to the Kamisato Clan, Thoma’s a people person too. Kaveh loves to talk. He’d match your energy when you want to chat with him.

[detective-ws]

i was full of poorly hidden annoyance and i just need to air it out bc the gc i normally ramble in theres something else going on

(this is NOT about anyone i know over here on tumblr /gen)

ugh why do people use the general chat, in a PUBLIC discord server, as dms

im just like, annoyed

there is a chance itll get covered, and they in general they are just WAY less likely to see it

i have to help moderate this chat, but i dont want to see 2 people talking at length about a show with no room for other members to join the conversation (thats the main issue with doing it)

i understand if a conversation starts from general and thus continues there, but @/ing someone and just attaching a link is like ‘??? just do this is dms, please oh my cod’

sorry im just like so annoyed, this has happened multiple times

when i asked the first person to take their messaging the person to dms though they were very nice

the second time the two people (different from the first person) just misinterpreted every single point i was trying to say..

while i am pretty bad at phrasing, but it feels awful to have people seem to constantly not listen to you or not care about what your politely asking/suggesting of them

im a mod, but i dont want to abuse mod privileges, because thats not cool of me, but i have to physically stop myself and force myself to step away (i muted the chat and moved to the second general)

they just continued chatting until one of them had to go, i feel so bad for feeling relieved that they had to go, because they are a known member (we have had many convos and they seem cool) but i feel so relieved right now

i need to get over these things but this members friend (the one who started the convo out of dms in the first place) just wasnt super nice in the beginning and also hasnt really been. i dont dislike them i dont think? but being mean to people as, what i presume to be, a joke, isnt funny from the outside if you dont know they are joking.

also, they just refused to get roles, it bothers me when people dont get a single role, or when people join a server for a SPECIFIC FANDOM, without being in that fandom for no reason other than their friend inviting them

i mean i dont think i hid my annoyance well, but they just responded to my ‘hey you can do that in dms you know’ (they were sending a link unrelated to literally anything that has happened in the server before, to my knowledge, seemingly umprompted) with just justifications. then when i responded with reasons they were constantly misinterpreted

maybe i should just try and learn to phrase things better.. its an issue

sorry i just needed to vent all that to nobody in particular, maybe delete(/private if its possible) this later,, idk

ive been really prone to almost crying today over slight things, maybe a side effect of forgetting my adderall, probably not though. im just more emotional today for some reason, so that may be affecting my feelings on the situation

[kitkatscabinet]

Your aemond in the morning post was beautiful, if you have any more aemond thoughts please share them!

I’m glad you liked my little ramble I have so many more Aemond thots thoughts but here’s some random Hcs for now. nsfw under the cut.

Regarding his blind side. Naturally, he positions himself in a way where he will always have the best view of everyone else, and he particularly keeps you in his line of vision as to best keep you safe.

It takes a long time and all of his trust but eventually he’ll let his partner operate in his blind side, serving as his eye in his stead.

With a partner that he’s truly in sync with it gets to a point where there are no words needed. All it takes is a shared look and you know where you are needed that day.

He's 100% attracted to power and confidence. He adores a challenge and someone that can keep up with him intellectually

yet I honestly believe the best match for him is a) someone that can keep up and b) a caretaker.

Aemond has never really had anyone that has truly unconditionally loved and cared for him in a healthy manner, and apart from his mother he is the primary caretaker of his fucked up family.

yes he needs an equal, a partner in machinations and politics but more than that he needs someone to ground him, to stop him from throwing himself into the fire.

Caring for Helaena is and his nephews is a must as well. He won't tolerate anyone around his sister that would further torment her.

if he is truly in love then Aemond is LOYAL, there will never be any bastard children sired by him if the marriage he finds himself in is one of love.

I am personally an inexperienced Aemond truther. The combination of hating his older brother's tendencies and that forced brothel experience means that until he marries he unfortunately does not fuck.

what he does do in preparation though is find any literature he can for 'research purposes.' He's a quick learner though and oh so desperate to please. he will do what you want when you want, dropping everything just for you.

as your relationship grows and he builds confidence, however, hoo boy.

TEASING. Aemond will 100% rile you up during a family dinner, when he takes you for a flight on Vhagar. He'll tease you awake when you refuse to leave bed and then just fuck off like nothing happened. Forcing you to wait until you retire for the night.

I don't see him as subby in the way Aegon 100% is. No Aemond is mostly in control, except for those few days when he's just so frustrated and exhausted that he needs you to take care of him.

I also don't truly see him as a hardcore dom, his entire life has been violence and I don't see him wanting to bring that into the bedroom and around you unless you specifically want it too.

He can definitely be rough, especially when he's in a mood but I think he'd be prone to dom drops a lot.

Aemond has a temper and he often makes rash and hurtful decisions, and on more than one occasion he has made some particularly nasty jabs towards you.

Something that he regularly grieves about and causes him to dom drop when he might spit some particularly filthy talk your way when you are craving rougher treatment.

I think it also links back to the way he has seen his brother treat women, the epitome of everything he absolutely does not want to be.

[arielmagicesi]

ok finished CBS Ghosts because again, I have nothing else to do for a few more days... Definitely grew attached to the characters. I’m less annoyed that Trevor is Jewish now that they’ve hardcore leaned into it so it’s not, like, he’s just an evil money-loving man that happens to say oy gevalt, he’s just a douchey frat bro with a surprising heart of gold who’s confirmed Jewish, which is whatever who cares. also I continue to have mixed feelings on Christmas Episodes- they’re usually the ones where we get to see the main crew in shows bond and have sweet loving friendship moments, which I love, but it’s also always in service of teaching everyone that Loving Christmas Is Equivalent To Morality, which is super weird, especially in the context of a several-thousand-year-old caveman who initially found Christmas to be a “new fad” saying that it might stick around (very “well, the other fads didn’t have Jesus Christ on their side” energy), or a Viking who was initially mad that Christmas appropriated his culture deciding that he “learned his lesson” that it’s about friendship instead? Again, I love Robin and Thor learning to soften a bit and accept the love of their found families, but what does that have to do with Christmas? (you can say the same for Abed Nadir or Leslie Knope or Frasier Crane, the list goes on) ANYWAY sorry for my annoying rants which I’m sure someone will come educate me on how it’s problematic of me to be Jewish or whatever, sorry, it’s not really specific to this show, I’m just PMSing which gives me a tendency to ramble on about unrelated things.

But re: the show itself I think CBS Ghosts is very cute and charming and heartwarming, and it’s fun to see them explore stuff that BBC Ghosts doesn’t. Like, it feels like fanfic in the sense that it’s self-indulgent, but instead of being self-indulgent with the specific details like regular fanfic, it’s self-indulgent about plot stuff, which I love. It’s like “fuck it, let’s have the ghosts be able to possess people. Fuck it, let’s have ghost romances and ghost romantic drama. Fuck it, let’s have Sam run into ghosts of people who are relevant to her life and the past lives of her ghost friends” which would not work with the more carefully crafted worldbuilding in the BBC version and would kind of feel like it was cheapening it, like “oh really, now the ghosts can just do anything? so all those emotional moments feel sort of unearned” but in the CBS version it’s already MUCH more lighthearted (again, I know they’re both comedies, but the BBC one is a little more... grounded? Well-written? Idk how to describe it) so it’s like, why not explore wacky Ghostbusters-level antics? It’s like the Three’s Company to the BBC version’s, idk, Parks and Rec. They’re both silly sitcoms but a Three’s Company plotline would feel out of place in Pawnee. Again, I am prone to rambling. But the point is that both shows are fun, even though I do like the BBC version better. It is weird that they currently have the same number of episodes released due to American seasons being way longer lol.

Also I thought it was fun how both Curtis and Cary from The Other Two AND Derek from Shadows show up in it

[sm-baby]

Family Vacation (Chapter 3)- "The Trip to Poseidon"

AH, THE LONG-AWAITED CHAPTER IS FINALLY HERE, GREAT...

Chapter 1 : ("Carriage Ride")

Chapter 2: ("The Motel Room")

Word count: 11,921 words 65,612 characters

GOD... THESE JUST KEPT GETTING LONGER..I will say this will probably be the longest a FV fic is going to be, from this point on I everything else will be ficlets uwu

Go enjoy my ramblings!! I know this was messy I didn't use many writing techniques ;;

Ok Bye bye!! Enjoy~ <3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

8:30am in the morning. Leftover cold polluted the air. Water droplets slowly fell from the ceiling edges. The weather was colder than most. Aside from the obvious wealth, Zeus was known for its cold weather as they neighbor the north Iceologers. Most everyone outside was wearing sweaters and long sleeves, while the most prone were wearing full-on coats.

Speaking of the people more prone to the cold: Gracious Simpleton, alongside her companion Leonardo Birch, finally stepped outside after their two-hour nap. Leonardo was off wearing a sweater that he rolled up to the elbow, while Gracious, not only wore long sleeves, but also a jacket on top. This time, with thicker material.

     "Alright, I'm ready." 

Leonardo cleared his throat. 

     Grace turned her head in confusion. "What?"  She literally just woke up and she messed something up already.

The man pointed passed her, towards her messy bed. She cleaned herself up but seemingly nothing of her surroundings. The big man did his fair share on his side of the room, you wouldn't guess which one the noble would be if you entered it without seeing them first. 

     The woman rolled her eyes. " Room service will handle it."

     " It's rude to leave a mess for other people to clean up." Leonardo crossed his arms. He was already nearby the exit earlier while he was getting ready to leave, but this time it was almost like he was guarding it. "Besides, you're not going to have room service in the vacation house. "

Grace stared at him as if it was a completely unheard-of thing to ask of her. She would be incredibly insulted had it been someone else. The woman was very reluctant, but she followed through after much convincing.

The Seniors were finally out of their Motel room to the cold morning. They descended the outside stairs, Leonardo went down first and Grace was not that far behind him.

There lounged their kin. Noah, Wilbert, and Flint were down munching on their breakfast, while the adults were off further into the kitchen. Catherine and Sheldon were manning the stoves, while Erma and Simon chatted with them from their seats. 

     Wilburt paused mid-chew to greet the big kind man who he saw not that long ago "hello, Mr. Leo!" This took the other’s attention.

Noah waved happily upon seeing his grandfather.

     Sheldon, pan still in hand, took a few steps back to see his father in view "Heyyy, there's the man of the hour!” Everyone turned with him “Good morning, Papa!"

     "Hello, Papa!"

     "Good morning, Papa."

     "Bonjour, Papa!" 

     "Buenos Dias, Señor! And…” Simon squinted his eyes to see the white silhouette behind the man “Mama!" He flinched, his body immediately arranged to tend to her. “Excuse me for a moment, I’ll be right-”

     “Simon?” Catherine frowned, She looked more concerned than anything. “Hon, We talked about this. “

    “I-” He sighed “...know. But just this once? I do want to see if mother is well.”

    “Oh, of course, don’t let me stop you! Just-” Catherine put her hands up in a sort of shrug, and scrunched up her face, wanting to find the appropriate words. Her fiance knows this look. “...Know your limits?”

     “I will try.” He gave her a quick kiss on her nose and started walking off  “I promise, I won’t be long! ” 

Catherine waved to him with a reluctant smile and an unsure look in her eyes.

      “I have no idea what’s happening there, but boy am I worried about your fiance.” Erma raised a brow. Although they were looking reserved, She and Sheldon were listening in to the couple’s chat.

    Catherine shrugged, “ He’s working on it.”

Simon arrived as quickly as he left. His mother had barely even touched the floor yet. The nobleman's posture was a little more straightened the closer he was, and he fixed his outfit to at least not look like a mess in front of his mother. She deserves a clean son.

     "Boker tov, Mama!" He leaned down to give her a kiss on the cheek and laid his hand out for her to hold. He escorts her often when she is in unfamiliar territory. It eases her worries for at least a little.

     "Hola, Hijo."  

     "Do you need anything? A coat? It is quite cold this morning-" her son asked. It was freezing after yesterday’s storm, he was wearing a jacket himself! His own frame was also quite thin for someone his size. 

     " Hijo-"

     Simon could only imagine how his mother handled the temperature! He had his darling offer him some body warmth last night and earlier this morning; surely white sheets weren’t the most warming. His mother was wearing a coat and her gloves but was that truly enough? " I could give you my coat! I'm using it right now but I have a couple extra-"

     " Hijo, I don't need anything!” His mother interrupted. “I wouldn't go downstairs unprepared. "

     " Are you sure?"

     " Si. estoy segura. Now, Off with your friends you go. Don’t let me be a distraction."

     " .. well, alright. But if you need me…"

     " I will call you. I know."

Leonardo dusted off the table with his hand and sat down. His children turned to greet him with small talk and to see if he needed anything. He did already feel his energy draining as-- he was running on less than 5 hours of sleep, so he shut down the conversation from him in a very subtle, clever, and tactful way that only a man who’s interrogated spies and higher-ups could come up with. " What's for breakfast."

    Sheldon rolled his eyes. " Oh, you know what’s for breakfast, papa." He tapped the order Flint wrote that was taped to the wall, returning back to cook his steak 

     When all the attention was taken from him and back to each other, Erma, with her usual devious smirk, slipped away to the sleepy old man who was currently resting his face on his palm on the table. 

     " I'm surprised you're not the one staying up cooking.” 

Leonardo flinched, a little surprised and honestly impressed that he hadn’t heard her. You learn a thing or two from serving Athena I guess.

    “ You usually wake up at 4am to cook for us when we were little. When you were home, that is."

     " Mrs. Simpleton and I had a talk."

     " Simon’s mum?” Erma nodded along “I’ve heard a little dingy or two about her, She seems quite alright with me." she snickered, “You know, aside from the snot-nosed capitalism.”

     " I’m not giving you material to gossip, Erma."

     " Oh you know I don't like gossiping about you! Makes me feel dirty."

     " Mmmhm." Leonardo rubbed his eyes and was losing focus on the conversation.

Erma saw this as her queue to leave and left him a classic smile. " Alright, I’ll give you some space, old man." She pats his back before walking off to the Birch siblings in the kitchen.

Erma wasn’t alone, as Simon had also come back from a conversation with his mother. That was fast. Hopefully for a good reason. 

Grace was overall impressed by how the Motel was set up. For an establishment in Artemis, She thought the place would be a little more run down. But apparently not. The public kitchen areas were separated into large booths with their own tables. She can hear other tourists talking among themselves in their own areas. With a place such as this, not to mention one so close to the gate of Zeus, it must have been funded by a Zeus witch such as herself. 

The noblewoman turned her attention to the bunch she came with. Everything was quite lively. From the young ones at their table to the adults in the kitchen area. The last time she saw this much chatter was at a noble party where, as far as she knows, most everyone was faking their chipper attitudes. But this time was…strange. It was a little overwhelming. She wasn’t used to this. 

Her face scrunched up unsure of the sight. Until she noticed the half-asleep Ares- er… Man at his table. He was the only one not talking to anyone. And the only one who she knows isn't the most chatty.

     Ahem

Leonardo sighed. What’s a man to do to have some peace around here? The man looked up to find Mrs. Simpleton. The woman he was rooming with last night. Wow, taking initiative. He’s impressed.

     “Uhm..” she stammered and gestured to the space beside him. “May I?”

The old man nodded and moved over. He hadn’t even bothered to greet her. He just went back to resting his head on the table. Not that Grace minded.

A comfortable silence fell between the two. Leonardo crossed his arms on the table and placed his forehead on it. Grace was just sitting calmly, with her back straightened, still with her proper etiquette. Admittedly, she too was resting and closing her eyes. 

     “What did you tell Simon.”

     She opened an eye “Excuse me?”

    “What did you tell him.”

    “I told him nothing, uhm. Leonardo.”

     “Did you. ” he turned his head to peek at her. “Can I take your word for it.”

    “If not mine, then his.” She shook her head, brows slightly furrowed. “I have no reason to lie.”

     Surprised, The Birch completely turned to her upon hearing her tone. She almost sounded defensive. “What exactly did you tell him then.”

    “I told him that I didn’t need anything and that he should head back to his company. He offered me his coat, but I denied it. Nothing more, nothing less.”

     Leonardo exhaled and leaned back from his seat. “Good.”

    “It's the bare minimum, as you've said.”

     “It is. And I’m not praising you for this behavior. What I will tell you though,"

    From the corner of her eye, Grace spotted her son laughing during a conversation with his friends. His fiancée fed him a dish he hadn’t tried before, and his eyes lit up at the taste.

     “...is that he looked like he needed that.”

     The woman had an unreadable expression on her face. It seemed to still be quite the blank mask, but her thoughts could tell you otherwise. “...Hm.”

     " Alright! Pork Chops and baked potatoes for the great elders!" 

Grace flinched, her attention completely taken. She hadn't even noticed the Junior walking near them. 

     "Sorry, I burnt some of the pork chops. " Sheldon placed the plates on the table and rested his palms at the corners. He wasn't paying too much attention. He hadn't even noticed that he gave the burnt pork chops to his future brother-in-law's mother.

     " Thank you, my boy." Leonardo nodded.

     His son smiled and started walking back " Bone apple teeth, as how Erma would say"

     Erma frowned " Sheldon, you're so lame."

Grace just stared at her meal, barely even paying mind to the family's shenanigans. The woman was not the eating type, she never even agreed to eat this morning. But she was in too deep so she might as well. Goodness, what would her business partners say if she put on more weight… that must be quite the turn-off. She's at least glad that she's retired now.

Other than the subject of weight, she didn't think the junior was aware of what he was doing. The meal was prepared in a way that she was extremely unfamiliar with. She was already missing her personal chef's cooking. She might have taken them for granted..

All that, but what turned her off the most, was that she was given the slightly burnt dish which wasn't the most appetizing. That part just made her a little…sad, however. If she were perfectly honest, she was looking forward to a good meal today. Not that she would care. She didn't need to eat.

     "Grace."

She didn't notice him calling out to her. What he saw was a woman staring blankly into the dish and thinking to herself. She had the utensils in hand, but she didn't even have the energy to use them. She barely had a grip on them.

    "Grace?" 

God damn it, Grace. Why can't you just grow up? Why does even food make you uncomfortable?? You can't even finish a single plate that isn't perfect?? Your father would be ashamed of you!

The woman put her hand up to signal that she needed a moment. Her head was building up again. She just needed a minute to reassess herself. " I'm fine." She sighed.

     Leonardo frowned at the sight quite honestly. Maybe it was a little too quick to put a posh woman in such a completely different environment. It was just food. But…baby steps. She's already doing quite a bit of progress. 

     " Here. Have mine." The man slid his plate over to her side of the table and took hers to his.

     " Thank you. "

And, trying to make the best of the situation, Grace regained her grip on the utensils and started eating out of her plate. She covered her mouth with her hand while chewing, though it shouldn't really be that bad.

     " What's wrong?" Leonardo followed not that far behind her.

     " It's nothing." Grace sighed. She never really shared this with anyone, but she couldn't lie to the man either. " Sometimes there are days when I get very uncomfortable when I eat certain meals. There are very few dishes that I'm safe eating, but weeks go on when I eat only that specific dish I don't end up meeting my healthy diet. " The woman turned away from him. She would cross her arms if it weren't for the fact that she was holding the spoon and fork. " I'm just being picky. That's all. " 

     " Hm." Leonardo rested his elbows on the table, head turned towards her. "Tell me, what's this dish that you can't get enough of?" 

     " It's…" she muttered, "...salmon. "

     " Salmon."

     She nodded.

     " Well. Thank you for sharing that with me."

     Grace managed to turn back to him again. Briefly making eye contact before going back her plate. " Thank you for listening. And...for not judging."

     " Ofcourse." He shrugged and went back to his business. This man is a father. And a good one at that. Hes done this before.

     " I hope you're not going to spread it around."

     " I'm not one to gossip." He shook his head, but interupted himself not long after. "Well… I'm one to listen, but not to spread it. "

     She felt a smile coming through. This man can be a little funny sometimes. " Thank you, Your majesty-…Leonardo." 

     Leonardo squinted his eyes at that. "You know, when I said that you could call me by my real name, I didn't mean it as a command. You can call me whatever is comfortable. "

     " Oh, Of course, I knew that! "She turned to him quickly, no less than embarrassed. " It's just a bit of an adjustment-- That's all." Grace lost eye contact with him. But this time, it wasn't because she felt bad.

The Birch siblings were still cleaning up their cooking while Erma and Simon were waiting for them at their table. They had to wrap up breakfast soon and pack everything up to get back on the road.

They chatted and gossiped about their time in the military, while Simon nodded along and sipped from his cup of coffee. Sometimes he forgets he's with people who've experienced war. He can't say he can relate. He stood up from the table and went over to the sink to put away his cup which is, coincidentally, where Catherine also was!

     "Querida…!" He whispered

     " Hm?"

     " I need to go to the toilet, I'll be right back. " 

     " Don't take too long. Sheldon and I are right about done"

     " I won't be. Can I have a kiss before I go?"

     Mwah

     " Thank you! I'll be right back!"

     After finishing up his dish, Leonardo stretched his limbs and stood up from his seat. "Alright kids, wrap it up." All attention was given to him. He took both his and Grace's plates and walked over to the younger adults at the kitchen to clean. "Once everyone's done, you should pack your bags and settle in at the new carriage up front. It's a self-driving one, you can't miss it." The senior pointed at his son " Sheldon, you know what to do. Man of the house. Take control if I'm not there." 

     His son nodded and Leonardo left the booth. 

     Grace followed behind him as she said she would, only she realized that he was going in the opposite direction from their room " Where are you off to?" 

     "Toilet. Pack your things, make sure you don't forget anything."

     "Ofcourse, sir." She nodded a slight bow and started walking off.

As Leonardo was on his way to the bathroom entrance, he was about to turn the nob before he was immediately interrupted by the Junior Simpleton opening it from the other side.

     "Señor! Hello again!"

     "Simon." His future In-law bowed politely, almost like a greeting.

     "Pleasure seeing you here!"

     "It's the bathroom, Simon." 

     Oh my god, this mumbling idiot can barely greet this man Hello without dying first. He felt just as silly as he did last night! “Oh! Alright alright, don’t let me get in your way!” He moved over to the other side of the door, clearing the entrance for him and joining him outside. Leonardo just looked back at the man twiddling his fingers. 

     "Señor, might I tell you something?"

     "Yes, son?"

Simon flushed at that. He was aware that the man refers to most men below him as such, but with the newly added context, he can't help but be happy to hear it from him.

     " I wanted to say that…"  He folded his hands together, and cleared his throat. "Thank you. For giving me and my mother such a wonderful trip. I have never seen her so sure of herself and so happy to be around people. " He said. " I've seen her at your table! She smiled! You're very kind and patient to both of us and I can't thank you enough." The boy bowed at him slightly. White coven etiquette.

     Leonardo stared at him, eyebrows raised. He didn't expect this today, but he was glad that the two of them felt welcomed. " My family and I are more than happy to give you this opportunity. We like you. I don't speak for my children, but I'm happy to invite you two to these occasions moving on. "

     " Really?"

     " Ofcourse." Leonardo pats his shoulder, "You're family now, son." 

Simon froze, eyes sparkling at him…he looks like he could burst from happiness! He was a smiling idiot! cheeks flushed and hands playing with each other happily.

His future father-in-law rolled his eyes. It was just as amusing to see him try to contain himself as it is to make him feel embarrassed. Recalling the physical touch his daughter gave him, Leonardo put his arms out.

     " Bring it in."

Oop! There Simon goes, clinging onto his future father-in-law at a speed that almost made him stumble back. "I won't let you down sir!"

    The Senior almost choked from the fast pressure but, managed to give the boy a pat on the back. This man does not get fatherly attention often. "Take care of my daughter and you got yourself a deal." 

Erma was just done helping her friends pack their things. And by helping, I mean she sat at the side while she watched her red coven suckers carry her luggage. Truly, another day of hard work by the purple menace herself. 

She was just escorting them to the carriage their father said was waiting outside for them, but low and behold she was impressed by what she saw. "Shells! Cath! Take a look at this baby!"

The Birch siblings caught up with her, and something about their ride immediately caught their eye. A white carriage, large, but this one was larger than usual. What was especially strange though was the symbol at the back entrance. It was obviously a white coven carriage, but that wasn't the official white coven insignia. It was familiar. Though they feel like they've barely seen it around. 

     " Huh! And papa said this was self-driving?" Catherine tilted her head to look at the front. " Doesn't have any horses either." 

    Erma replied. "It's that wack white coven technology, I tell you.  Perks of being close allies of Poseidon I guess. " 

     " No matter! A bigger carriage means more space for us. " Sheldon huffed and placed the bags on the carriage floor "  Cath! Help me out here!"

     " You got it, Don!" 

     " Erma?"

     " No."

     " Whore." Sheldon jokingly shook his head at her as if telling her to be ashamed. It was Erma. He was practically expecting that reply. "Hey, speaking of little menaces, where's my son?" 

And as if right on queue, his little iron golem was practically waddling in with his, Wilbert, and Flint's bags stacked in his arms. Noah held them all with no problem! The bags were almost as heavy as he was!

     "Woah! Did you bring all that yourself? Good job! " Sheldon gave his little delivery boy a pat on the head and took some of the luggage from the top. He piled it along with the others at the carriage floor which Catherine stored at the trunk. " Say, where's your cousin and friend?"

Noah signed to his father.

     " Having fun with the vending machine, huh? Well alright," He crouched down to his son's height as if to whisper to him. "In 15 or so minutes, I want you to get them back here in time. and in return, I'll get you some extra ice cream for dessert. Deal?"

    Noah's eyes sparkled at that request before nodding his head excitedly. Sheldon took that as a yes. " Atta boy." He reached into his pocket to pull out some emeralds, placing it in Noah's itty bitty golem hands. " Here's some money. Get papa some chips and soda." 

Noah ran back to meet the others, and then Sheldon promptly stood up. Erma could feel the earth's vibration from Noah's heavy steps.

     Erma crossed her arms and nudged her best friend "I love your kids, man." 

     " Right?" Sheldon shook his head light-heartedly and went back to helping his sister with the luggage.

     " Hey, some of that soda better be for me!"

     " I can't keep you away from them even if I wanted to!"

     " Yeah, you know it!

The two men were on their way to the front entrance from the bathroom. The Junior Simpleton decided that he might as well wait for him since he was there, and now they were off to the gates to meet their family. 

     " Señor, can I ask?"

     " Mm." Leonardo turned his head

     " You did not charge me for this vacation, and trips like these are usually very expensive. What with-- all of you moving from Ares and Athena to Zeus, and then us moving to Poseidon-- to- renting our own space near the beachfront." Simon rambled. "No offense, but I did not take you as a richman."

     Leonardo looked back forward to the gates, calmly explaining " An old friend of mine insisted she paid for everything. She said she owed it to me for all my service." He shrugged. "She's one of you, actually. Zeus Witches."

     " Oh do I know her? Who is she?"

     " Uhhh.." He squinted his eyes to think, trying to remember. "The Queen?"

     " THE QUEEN!?"

From a distance, near the carriage, Grace had just spotted them. Previously, she was standing near Erma, watching the Birch siblings take her bags. 

     " Leonardo! Hijo! " She called out, waving at them.

     " Coming! " Her son yelled back.

And with that, the Birch siblings had finally wrapped up putting all the luggage away! All that was left was to get their families' butts in here to prepare for the road. 

Speaking of putting his family's butts in the carriage, Noah should be coming right about… ah! The Birch saw his son running to him, literally carrying his cousin and friend in his arms! Sheldon placed a palm on his face, but he loved how proud of themselves they all looked. Noah was happy to have extra Ice cream, and Flint and Wilbert were happy to have so many snacks on hand.

     The sight, to the father, was adorable. The hand that was previously on his face was now on his lips as he crossed his arms, endeared. "Catherine. Look at your child. "

     " Oh I'm looking." His sister stood beside him having the exact same stance.

     "Come here, little man." Sheldon picked up his son after he put down his live delivery. Someone was definitely getting ice cream later.

Grace put her hand down after calling out to her son and his father-in-law. It wasn't long until she noticed who she was standing with. Erma Blaire. She knew nothing of this woman except for the fact that she was the only other person here who had access to the book of maps. She didn't look related to the family, and she seemed to be of Athenian descent from her fashion style. She was just some random woman on vacation with them. Maybe she was a close friend like how the little ones brought in a child villager.

     She knows her for something else though. Leonardo had previously told her of the woman who chose the vacation spot near the beachfront. The one that she particularly swooned over last night. " Are you the little lady who chose the place we're staying at? "

     Erma nodded pompously, "The one and only! What can I help you with? "

     " Nothing. I just wanted to say that I think you chose a very beautiful place to stay at. I don't usually like these sorts of events, but your picking makes it all worth it." Ms. Simpleton smiled at her calmly with a slight nod on her head "You have excellent taste, young lady. "

     Erma was just left incredibly flushed at that! Frozen even! What's she supposed to say to that?? She looked around flusteredly and panicked before smiling in confusion! "... Oh! Uhm-- thank you! I'm-- I'm glad!" This woman does not get motherly attention often.

     " Mrs. Simpleton! " Sheldon called out, finally gathering up his family inside.

     " Coming..! " Grace said, walking up the carriage stairs that she, being the shortest, struggled to get up on without help. Luckily, the funky librarian was there to give her a hand.

     Speaking of helping short people walk the stairs, "Erma!" He called out to the woman who was honestly still flustered and frozen in place. " Erma, you okay?"

     " I think I just had an inner child moment. " Erma mumbled.

     "oh my god, an inner child moment…" Her best friend calmly gasped and matched her energy. "Come on, you can tell me all about it in the cart." 

And with that, the two families went on about their journey. This carriage was double the size of the old one, which in itself was already big and stable enough to hold a family of 8 or more. It was shaped into a big square except for the entrance at the back, and a table taking up the whole front side. The ceiling was MUCH higher, with a space for the luggage being lockable at the back. The glass of the carriage was completely down, but if they were up, you could tell that they were bulletproof. What was the most impressive of all was the extra tea bags hidden in a glove compartment. Technology at its finest.

The children sat on the right, while the older adults sat on the left. The great elders were seated at the space from the back cut off to the far right by the entrance. 

The families had spent half the day just to get through a little bit of Artemis. They made quick stops in the middle of it, joining tourist attractions and eating some meals. Leonardo often showed Grace the map to help him decide on a stop, which she was more than happy to do with him. He offered her a sense of control and warning which she greatly appreciated.

Near the end of their tourism, almost everyone was exhausted, and Grace ended up asleep on his shoulder. Leonardo, now seeing that the family has had enough, put the book of maps away and rerouted the carriage.

This was an endearing sight to him; The kids had found out that there was a bed mode on their side of the seats and decided to lay down and take naps. The younger adults had already been tired of their chatter and decided to be exhausted with each other in silence. Sheldon and Simon laid their heads on Erma and Catherine's laps, while the women slept on each other.

Yeah…This is what he was fighting for…He would kill for this family, and he has. Leonardo was the last to fall asleep, putting one leg over the other and crossing his arms.

Some of them were awakened by the feeling of a rocky trail under the carriage wheels. It had made the ride shake a lot which made it hard to sleep. not to mention, the very high and strong winds coming from the windows, yet somehow it was almost suffocating. It didn't take long before they started shaking each other awake, and the sounds of panic filled the air.

     " Huh…?" Erma opened her eyes to the fear of everyone's voices. They were all looking outside in which she turned around to look for herself. They were at the side of a mountain... They were so close to reaching the skies they could no longer see the bottom! Catherine rushed to look at the front of the carriage to see where they were headed and was met with horror…

     "...Why are we driving to a cliff?" 

     " Leonardo?? " Grace shook the man who was already half-awake during the whole commotion.

     " Hm? Oh, don't worry about it. "

     " Señor, we're serious. There’s nowhere to turn here. " 

     " Mhm.

     " PAPA! " Everyone screamed frustrated, in unison.

     At this point, the carriage had gained a lot of speed! By that rate, maybe they wouldn't crash into the mountain below, but they will most definitely die of the fall!

The wheels reached the end of the cliff and drove off the mountain. The passengers were holding each other and saying their prayers. They all started being lifted from their seats as gravity took the carriage first. This would be..a little fun if it weren't for the fact that they were gonna die.

But mere seconds later, as if they spawned there, wings have accumulated at the side of the carriage and caught them from the fall. Any real physical damage was safe. Emotionally, maybe not so much. They all plopped back down in their seats as the carriage made its way through the air.

Everyone was looking around trying to process what had just happened. They all looked outside again and Sheldon recognized fully functional wings made with similar technology as elytras at the side of the ride. He hadn’t recognized this kind of machinery, though admittedly it was a little familiar… This technology has never been released to anyone before!

      well...anyone except for-

      " SEÑOR, IS THIS THE QUEEN'S CARRIAGE!?"

     "THE QUEEN'S WHAT!?!" They all yelled after him.

     They were all met with the shrugging Leonardo still with his little look "It's. One of the queen's carriages, yes."

     "Woahh!!" Everyone's attention was taken by the young Wilbert looking out the window.

When the clouds cleared up, the family had a very clear view of Artemis. They passed through cities and villages with ease, and flocks of parrots sometimes joined them on their flight. Flint, Noah, and Wilbert wanted to pet a few of them.

It didn't take long until they all started looking out the windows to admire the view. Flight technology has not reached the public yet-- ever! Unless you yourself were a trained professional or if a machine was specifically built for it! It's never something as simple as a carriage! For all they know, they could be the first people aside from the queen to experience Artemis from this high!

Simon and Erma were enjoying the wind in their hair, Sheldon saw a beautiful waterfall in the distance, while Catherine spotted a beautiful forest clearing that she'd love to camp at. Noah saw the mountains, Wilbert saw the Ocean, and Flint was still fixated on the birds.

Leonardo was at least glad that they were enjoying the view. This is what he was hoping to happen, just, without the brush of death from earlier, in which, he felt a little guilty for. He turned to his right. Grace. Unlike the others, she wasn't indulging in any way. She was just crossing her arms and looked frustrated at him

" So I take it that you're mad at me." Leonardo frowned and looked at her.

     Grace's expression couldn't make up its mind, however.  She looked more like she wished she was mad. "I can't. " She sighed. "You make it so hard to." Her crossed arms broke and she just went back to relaxing her shoulders. "I'm not going to elongate this. We were all so scared. Why didn’t you just tell us?" 

     " If I told you, I would just be giving you excuses."

     " Well?" she nudged him " That's what I'm asking for, isn't it? Tell me."

     " I was incredibly tired didn't want to handle it. I knew everyone was safe." He shrugged, looking down.  " And I." he muttered to himself. " I thought it would be fun for them. Looking back, that's a very foolish assumption. But I didn't know that. Otherwise I would not have let it happen."

     Grace frowned at him. But there was a part of her that already started to forgive him because of the explanation. He did sound rather remorseful. "You're right." She turned to him. "You are quite foolish." 

     Hhh Leonardo nodded at that! " You can be mad at me."

    " Oh I am aware." The mother turned her nose and lost eye contact.. " And I am not mad. I'm just disappointed."

     OOOGH The younger adults felt that in their BONES. Sheldon felt physical pain from that phrase! Leonardo's expression also looked like the very definition of "fair, but ouch".

His kids tried their best to conceal their snickering. They were just happy to see their old man getting scolded. Though most of them forgave him, they loved the taste of sweet vengeance.

     He squinted and sighed through gritted teeth. He feels as if the woman was enjoying this a little too much. “As you should be.”

     Grace smiled. She could hardly contain her own laughter. " Mhm." 

A piece of Leonardo died that day.

It didn't take long until they all went back to resting again. Heading to Poseidon by air was faster, but it still took quite a while. The only downside to it is that they couldn't make that many stops, but they didn't seem to be particularly eager to anyway. 

Grace took a look at the book of maps again. Ahead of them was nothing but water and sea. This-- honestly gave her a bit of Anxiety, but she shook it off and didn't let it get to her. She was sure Leonardo got them on the safest route. Besides, open seas were a good sign. They were close and they could feel it.

From the corner of her eye she saw Simon and Catherine sharing a short kiss before continuing on with their lounging. Grace was actually a little happy for him, as much as she didn’t approve of the woman he chose. She didn't have the privilege to be as in love with her husband as they were, so she was glad he could have something that she didn't.

She sat in comfortable silence for a while. This time, the bunch she came with was quiet, and yet they all seemed so calm and relaxed. They were doing nothing but be comfortable in each other's presence. She didn't even know that was possible. The air from the open windows was refreshing, and the flow from the ride felt like a gentle cradle. She took a deep breath to take everything in and exhaled. For the first time in a while. She was grounded. Like she was in her body.

Grace closed the book and put it to the side. Feeling the most relaxed she's ever been, she skimmed through her bag and pulled out a pen, paper, and another book to help her write. She had a lot to say. Her penmanship was once again noble, but this time, in its own subtle way, it was calm.

     "My dearest sister," 

Simon was back laying his head on Catherine's lap, where she sat petting his head. It was a most gentle one. and he looked up at her with a happy smile on his face. His fiancee's smile didn't seem to be the same one though. Hers seemed a little sad.

     "Aren't I just the luckiest man to be able to wed the most beautiful woman in the world?"

     She chuckled." You're not lucky, Simon and you know that."

     " That's right. " He hummed and gave his future wife a gentle tap on her nose. " I earned you myself. fair and square. It's what you deserve after all."

She managed to get out a fairly sad laugh. But her fiance caught on to it easily.

     " Are you alright, my love?"

     His fiancée shrugged. " I’ve seen better days. But I. Don't think I want to talk about it right now." 

     Simon frowned and sat up to see her. " Well, can I ask for a short summary?"

     Catherine frowned. Her response was delayed just thinking about it. Her voice got just a little bit sadder, as well as her eyes. " I thought I lost you there, Simon…"

     " Because of what your father did?"

     " Yeah." 

A short silence went between the two. It was half to let Catherine breathe, and half for Simon to process what she had just said… oh his poor darling…

     " You didn't lose me." He put a hand gently on her cheek and looked her in the eyes. And with a soft voice, he continued. "I'm here, you are here, your child is here. Nothing bad is happening. We are fine." 

Catherine leaned into his hand, eyes still a little sad. She knew what he said was right, but it was still a very sad thought. 

     " We will leave it here. I just wanted to let you know."

     " I know…" she put her hand on Simon's. " Thank you."

     " Ofcourse." no longer eager to put his head on her lap, he leaned back to give her space.

     " Actually, can I have a kiss?"

     Mwah

Catherine chuckled softly and leaned her head on his chest. "I love you."

Flint woke up from their wake to the sound of the open seas. They yawned, and rested their head near the window. It sure was cold out… They wished they could take out one of the blankets they packed; It would've been perfect for the bed option. But, instead, they just took off their coat and put it over themself.

     "Helloo, good afternooonn…" you know who else had woken up from their nap though! Wilbert Smith who was laying next to them! 

Wilbert Smith was the other child Noah had brought along. The adults didn't want to make him feel lonely so they insisted that he bring a friend with them. As far as they knew, Wilbert was a normal villager child who lived in a normal villager town…well..if you called The Player's city "normal" that is… Wilbert wasn't even at all scared of any of the witches when he saw them. Sure a little shy, but it was almost as if none of their instincts told them to run away. How odd!

     "Oh hey, you're up. What's up, little guy?"

     " I'm bored." Wilbert also rested his head on the carriage window. Only his was-- plenty more sleepy than tired.

     "Oh man, if only I could use my soundboard, that would entertain us a lot."

     "Why not?" Wilbert turned to them.

Flint shrugged. "Too loud and too much noise. Papa wouldn't let me use it when there's others around."

Wilbert blew a raspberry at that. That blows. He would make sick ass tunes with that soundboard.

     "How about… a good ol' game of I spy?"

Wilbert shrugged and nodded his head. Oh well, at least it's better than nothing.

     "I spy with my little eye…" 

Leonardo woke up and stretched his legs. To his right, he saw Mrs. Simpleton writing on a piece of paper, but what surprised him was the fact that she had on the red jacket that he set aside.

     " Cold?"

     " Hm?" Grace looked back, caught a little off guard from her focus and onto him. "Oh! Uhm- Yeah! it's just-- so cold here, you know?"

     " You took it because it was comfortable."

     " Yes I took it because it was comfortable." she quickly admitted,  " It's like a bed that wraps around me, I swear. " and shrunk back in the monstrous sized coat.

     Leonardo raised his unibrow. That is. Strangely an adorable way to put it.

"Well, we do have tea bags here. I can make you some tea if you're that cold."

     " I'm… not that eager for tea at the moment. For the same reason as before."

     " Well. What are you eager for?"

Mrs. Simpleton went quiet for a while, and Leonardo could tell that her posture became a little bit more timid. She didn't want to admit this or if she was even allowed to ask for it. But since he insisted… "Do you have any of that hot cocoa from last night?"

     Leonardo paused. "Oh. "

Grace at this point just looked embarrassed and kept looking up at him.

     "Oh." 

He knew he was a great brewer

He was flattered, he didn't expect that! Alright then! " Well. I ran out last night so I can't." 

     " Ofcourse, nevermind, I don't need anything."

     " But," Leonardo continued, " I can buy some when we arrive at the resort. They should have shops nearby." 

     " Oh you really don't have to--"

     "Nonsense. I like my own cocoa too, thank you."

     " I spy with my little eye something green."

     " Green, green, green… hm…" Flint looked around. There really weren't that many green things in the carriage. The whole ride was white and everyone was wearing their warm civilian clothing. "is it uncle Sheldon's eyes?" 

     Wilbert shook his head. "Nope!" 

     "Hmm.. is it… the emeralds on Uncle Sheldon?"

     " Noo, it's outside! "

     " Uhh…" Flint looked back at the window and thought nothing about what they saw. "Oh is it that island?" 

     "Ding ding ding! It's the trees."

Hell yeah, score one for the Flintstone! The Island in question was big. There seems to be a landing doc, but otherwise, it didn't seem to be surrounded but any sort of civilization. In fact, the nearest village seemed to be quite a while away! They were getting real close to it and pretty low, I wonder- anddd they were landing. 

They made it.

Once safely on land, the adults were out to take their bags, and The children were told to wait outside, which they happily did. Playing little games and making chatter along the way.

The kids found a fallen tree bark and used it to sit on; Wilbert found some rocks making a trail and decided to hop from one to another. And yet, they were still playing their little game.

    “I spy with my little eye something brown”

    “Tree bark. I spy with my little eye something hard.”

    “Rock. I spy with my little eye…”

     Erma Interrupted. "I spy with my little eye a little blue man walking towards us. "

    Leonardo turned his head upon overhearing their chatter. He sighed and muttered under his breath "Poseidon."

     " Heyyyyy!! Welcome to Poseidon, asshat!"

Leonardo was told there would be someone in the island to escort them. He didn’t anticipate this little surprise. Poseidon seemed to have some men with him, Perhaps assistance if anything happened. Lord, he hasn’t seen him since he announced his retirement. And his old friend seemed to be oh so thrilled to see him again.

He pinched the bridge of his nose and walked over, telling his kids that he had it handled. 

Marcus Poseidon, arms wide open and a painfully fake smile on his face, greeted his old friend with an aggressive handshake. "Oh, Ar- old friend, how are youuu. I see that you brought the kids!"

     " Mhm."

     Quickly, Ares felt a squeeze, and before he knew it Poseidon pulled him inches away from his face to whisper. " Do you have ANY IDEA how much trouble I had to get into just to make sure Zeus knew you were safe!?"

     " Oh I can't possibly know."

     " YOU DON'T! I told her that I could get a lookout to escort you, but she INSISTED I go cuz she trusts me. So now you're stuck with ME, asshole."

     " I miss you too. "

Poseidon huffed and pulled eachother off.

    “ Excuse me, uhm, who might you be?” Simon pulled a finger up in question and crooked his head confused. The blue man’s demeanor seemed to have completely changed upon seeing him.

    Ahem 

     “ Greetings, friends! I will be your escort for today. The Queen has personally assigned me to guide you safely in your current residence! “ The petite man bowed. His little introduction took the family’s attention. “Seeing as your ride is…” Poseidon stared at the white carriage behind them. Ah, it's like looking at your child who came back from college. “Special, and clearly engineered by the ever most handsomest smartest engineer around, You will be shot dead if assassins found their way here thinking that queen was inside! “

A few of Poseidon’s men made their way to the carriage, taking their bags from the trunk and the Birches who were previously tending to them. “My team and I have provided you with a regular set of horses to guide us to town. You will be escorted first and your luggage will be delivered after. Any questions?”

     Flint raised their hand “Uh, how long will the ride take?”

     “By horse? 1 hour 30 minutes. But Poseidon has developed advanced transportation systems so the time should be significantly lessened. Any other questions?”

     Everyone stayed quiet.

    “ Perfect! Now come, don’t dilly dally! I have more…” Poseidon stared Ares dead in the eyes “Important. Things to tend to.” The guide turned and left to his own horse. 

     “Well, he seems nice.” Simon said in sarcasm

    Catherine chuckled and shrugged at him. “He is. I’ve seen him around, He’s nice when he wants to be. ”

And there they were set! They passed through the Poseidon island by horse. Grace and Simon were seated on a white stallion, Catherine and Flint on a brown one with a red tint, Sheldon and Wilbert on a brown one with a black back, Erma and Noah were on a cream-colored one, and Leonardo sat on his own on a black one with a diamond on its nose. They were all led by Marcus, with a gray horse.

They arrived at a tunnel riddled with some sort of brown sand. Now that they think about it, the horseshoes were looking rather strange. They had that familiar funny glow on them.

The tunnel had a sort of aquarium-like setup to it. Above were fish and squid going about their day. The only thing separating them from the ocean life above and beside them were thick glass

     "This is one of Poseidon's systems. Soul sand is scattered across the entire tunnel, where under is water. The old greats used this as fast travel in the olden times, but we figured out a way to engineer the two to avoid--"

Poseidon notices that none of them seems to be paying attention. He agrees it was pretty, but Is he the only one who finds this fascinating?? God, he feels like a math teacher. He's getting too old for this.

     "Oh whatever, it's old science stuff. Just hold onto your horses!" He laughed at his own pun, some seemed to chuckle with him. " No seriously, cuz we will not be able to notice if you fell off." 

And there they were, going through the tunnel at around 50-60 m/s! behind the tunnel was one of the towns on the island. It seemed to be a smart community, a very well about place. The witches seemed to be friendly, smiling and waving at them as they passed the town with their horses. Already, they could spot shops and restaurants they could go to if so needed. It didn't seem to be vacation-worthy, but it sure did look like a lively village to stay at. 

That wasn't where the vacation house was, however. They were going uphill just passing the town on a road owned by a big business renting out houses near the seaside. Some of the townsfolk envied the fact that they were going to that trail.

They arrived at a blue gate, briefly stopping so Marcus could show them proof of visit. But just as they did, Simon was incredibly captivated to see the ocean, in all of her glory,  from the side of the mountain… The wind blew strongly on his and his mother’s hair, and he can’t help but love every possible minute of it. They saw boats just passing from far away, islands far and near…

  “Mama, look!”

Simon and Grace had never seen such breathtaking nature before! Or at least ones that weren't plastic or coddled in pots! These looked like they were grown on their own! Living organisms thrive by their own will!

They found themselves staring in clear amazement. Catherine noticed and smiled endeared… She was happy that she was able to help him see these sorts of things. She could almost see him melt in the horse saddle! Oh my! Her fiance was adorable sometimes.

They all held on as the horses trotted downhill. Even from the distance, they could all spot the vacation house from afar. Grace recognized the green surrounding it. It was far from the forests, away from any potential aggressive mobs, but also comfortably near the ocean. Despite the beach, it didn’t shy away from having its own indoor pool, which in itself had its own little separate building.

God, it looked huge, and modern with its design. This must have been… quite expensive. It looked so big, like every one of them could comfortably have their own rooms. Ofcourse, it’s not as big as Grace’s mansion, but she must admit… It looked so much more fun.

They all got off their horses once they landed on the beach. Most everyone was enjoying the seaside, the wind blowing through their hair, and taking in breaths at the fresh oxygen. Simon was once again checking on his mother, this time more excited and wanting to bond with her about their shared wonder. Catherine was marveling at the view with Erma, Flint was running around with Noah in the sand, yelling their “Woohoo!”s at such an open space, And Sheldon, arriving last, helped his little villager friend off the horse to join his buddies.

Leonardo however, wasn’t with the crowd, as he was walking with Poseidon towards the house, making sure everything was in order. 

Poseidon jingled the keys over and handed them to The Ares. "If you need a couple of extra just ask the owner of the establishment. Your bags will catch up shortly."

     “ Right.” Ares sighed and put the keys on his person. It didn’t take a genius to notice that his old friend wasn’t at all making eye contact. He didn’t know what to say to make it a little more comfortable for him. Or even if he could…

Ahem. 

     ”Everything aside… Thank you for coming all this way, Poseidon. I know it must have been a lot. It’s nice to see you again.”

     " Yeah, yeah.. " he rolled his eyes and looked away, arms crossed. Body, slightly turned away from him.

     “ I’m.. sorry that I left you behind. I haven’t seen you in years and I didn’t exactly get to say goodbye after I left..”

    “ God you’re being all gross and sentimental again!" Poseidon groaned, "You and your stupid brain-- reading people so easily!” he pinched the bridge of his nose. His tone sounded like he finally let out a breath that he was holding for too long. “I’m not mad anymore, Okay?? I’m just upset, and I-- miss-- you and your stupid face!”

     Leonardo blinked in surprise! Maybe he didn’t realize it but Marcus when in distress seemed to struggle with his speech. It almost felt like he was taking a breath every few words. 

     “You- just-- Haven’t replied to any of my letters, and It makes me feel like you don’t like me anymore! Or that you never did! Which-- sucks, because, aha, newsflash motherfucker, I like you.” Marcus took a deep, almost shaky, breath and sighed. “A-And what you did, really hurts me, because you, are one of the best people I have met in life, and-- actually made me feel wanted-- without wanting anything in return.” he continued “I’m hurt, and I want you back, but I’m scared, and I don’t feel like I deserve it.”

Leonardo’s eyes soften at that. He had no idea that’s how he felt after all this time… he felt great pity, but was also proud of him for allowing himself to say it. He was being vulnerable with him, which wasn’t the case years ago when he struggled to accept any sort of help.

     “ So there! No need to make it all dramatic...”

     Leonardo, after so many years, slowly started smiling. A small one, proud as it could be.“ How did you learn to express yourself so well like that?”

     “ I’ve been...” the petite man grumbled under his breath “...seeing a therapist. ” Marcus, upon seeing the smile on Leonardo’s face, had an instinctual, grossed-out, and embarrassed frown “dON’T give me that look! I swear, You fucking whore.”

     His friend chuckled softly. “ How is it going for you?”

     “ It’s good. I’ve been meeting new people lately.”

     “ Oh really?”

Just as The blue man was about to answer, he shook his head as if interrupting the thought “ You know what? We don’t have the time to catch up. I have meetings to go to and projects to finish, while you have these little bastards to manage.”

     “You’re right.” Leonardo shrugged and rolled his eyes, speaking with a sort of casual mischief in his voice. “We should talk about it over tea sometime.” He raised his unibrow, looking back at his friend expectedly.

     “...Oh, you’re good.” Marcus smiled at him. “You asking me to hang out?”

Leonardo shrugged once again.

     “ Oh, You piece of shit… make it pizza and you have yourself a deal.” he put his hand out to shake, in which Leonardo accepted the gesture

    ”Deal.”

     The little man howled a laugh and started running down the stairs from the house entrance “Suck it, loser! You’re paying for everything!” he yelled!

     “You mean Zeus is paying for everything!”

    “ HAHAHAAAA!” he laughed but stopped himself mid-run after remembering something “Oh right! Speaking of Zeus, I’ll let her know you made it!! SHE SAID HIIII BY THE WAAYYYY!!!”

    “ Tell her I said hi back!”

    “That's what I thought you’d say you stupid fucking whorree!” Poseidon went back to running to his horse.

Sheldon whistled at how big the vacation house was. It was crazy how his father could just get these sorts of favors from the queen… but like the others, he was quickly distracted by the wind the beach brought. It reminded him of a sweet memory. The feeling of finally being able to be free wearing his brown coat. To finally take off his hat and sit under a tree not having to worry about the next war. It took a lot of sacrifices. But he didn't regret where he was now. 

At the corner of his eye, He saw the little blue man struggling to get up on his horse. The ex-witch knows this man. He doesn’t remember much from him at a young age, but he managed to start a sort of bond with him during his time serving the witches. They haven’t spoken much since he left. And he was sure he wouldn’t be able to speak to him again any time soon.

Sheldon took a deep breath…

and before he knew it his legs were already moving.

Ahem.

    “Hello,, Uncle Poseidon.”

    Marcus scoffed, sensing the familiar looming aura. “Leo, I got it handled oka-... Sheldon?”

    “Yeah, it’s…” The boy rubbed the back of his neck ” It’s me!”

The blue man had not seen his nephew in a while. He was much bigger now, he had to look up at him. But he can't help but drop everything to talk to him.

    “Oh, it… it really is you, huh.” What does he even say? Last he’s seen him, he was just another one of the leaders he could sass and order around! But this? He hasn’t seen this man in decades! Until recently,  he was fully under the impression that he was dead! Last he saw him, he was just a kid! He didn’t have a son-- or extended relatives, or a family?? What do they even have in common anymore??

    “How’s the uh… son.”

    “He’s doing good.” Sheldon smiled at him, as gentle as he could muster. “I’ve been considering getting him enrolled at a school, but. You know.”

The silence continued between the two. It looks like it wasn’t just Marcus who was having trouble continuing the conversation.

     “And the. Wife?”

    “I don’t have a wife.”

     The man laughed at that “ yeah, well, don’t need one to make a kid am I right?”

His nephew laughed with him, though softly and so much more endeared.

Marcus’ smile fell a little after hearing it. Sheldon really did resemble his old man so much. It was kind of bittersweet.

     The man stretched his arms and leaned back on his horse.“So how’d a king like you end up hanging out with these losers? Don’t you have some books to read?”

     “Ha! Yeah actually, I do!”

    Marcus’ smile crooked and brows furrowed in a sort of light hearted cringe. “God, you’re as nerdy as I remember you.”

    “You are literally an engineer.”

    “Exactly. That should really say something coming from me.”

They laughed. 

     "Oh gorgeous!" Simon gasped upon stepping inside the house door. Some members of the families have already started settling in the home. The house had a big kitchen, multiple bathrooms, and a long corridor with doors leading to 8 separate bedrooms! The house's bedrooms were similar, but enough slight changes for them to be unique in their own way. "Mama, look! Poor people Interior!"

     "I can see that, Hijo. Yes."

The Birches sort of recoiled upon hearing that exchange. Sometimes they forget that these two bumbling idiots lived their whole lives in a mansion. It was almost gross to hear. Blegh.

     Erma was passing by all the rooms in the corridor, before stopping dead in her tracks the moment she spotted one littered bookshelf after bookshelf. She quickly started admiring the hardwood and making herself at home in the room. It had a king sized bed too! Perfect for a sleepover for two! Well she knows which room she and Sheldon are staying in! "Shells come look at this beauty!" She yelled.

… 

     After hearing no response she perked her head out the door. " Shells?" 

She later met with Catherine at the porch, leaning on the railings, and looking down below. 

     "Cath, have you seen your whore of a brother?"

     "Shhh… " The sister shushed and pointed at what she was staring at. 

From a distance the both of them saw Marcus and Sheldon sharing a soft embrace. Their brother had to really perch down, while his god-uncle pet the big man's back. Despite the size difference, it was Sheldon who felt more like the child in the situation. 

The ladies awed at the sight. Unlike her brother, Catherine never really met the man when she was a child, so they had no connection. But she knew her brother had something there with him. Even the way Marcus talked was more akin to an uncle talking to his nephew. If they met during a meeting, Sheldon came back a little more cheered up than when he came in... 

     Erma sighed, endeared. "Can't believe Sheldon's having an inner child moment."

     " Oh my god, an inner child moment… " Catherine chuckled. " What do you need him for anyway? "

     " I found us a good room filled with books. If papa doesn't give it to us I am so questioning his parenting choices. "

     " This house has 8 rooms and you still wanna room with Sheldon? "

     " Yeesss. Wouldn't you want to be roommates with your best friend? "

     " Fair, fair. "

Back at the corridors, Noah and Wilbert already made themselves home in one of the bedrooms. One with a clear view of the ocean and with two twin beds at the center. Wilbert was happily jumping from one bed to the other while Noah was sadly not allowed to. He was happy to just swing his little itty bitty feet at the side however.

Flint was just outside, peeking in but not entirely joining them. They scanned the hallways, and walked towards their grandfather as soon as they saw him. They had something else in mind for themself.

     " Дедушка?" Flint asked meekly. 

     " What is it, Sweetie."

     " Can I have a separate room from the other two?” They asked “ As much as I love my cousin, I… sort of want my own privacy. "

     Leonardo's brows got a little sad hearing that… he had a sneaking suspicion that they felt out of place during the entire vacation. They didn't exactly have someone their own age to be with. "I thought so. Here." 

     Flint smiled softly at the key in their hands…they were happy to just have this little thing for themselves for the time being.  " спасибо, дедушка." 

     Their grandfather shook his head, " Don't thank your old man. " And put his hand on their shoulder. "Я тебя люблю. And I'm sorry if this hasn't been fun for you."

     "No, no. It's been great!" they said. "  I'm just…a little homesick is all. " The DJ leaned their head on their Grandfather's chest, in which he replied by wrapping his arms around their back, and patting their shoulder. 

     " You can still write letters." he said. 

     " Yeah but it's not the samme.." 

     " You know what is the same? "

     Flint tilted their head up. “ What?”

     " My grandchild being the darndest, most talented bard I have ever met. "

They laughed at that one! That was cheesy, but very in tune with what their grandfather would always tell them in these kinds of moments. " Papa! "

     " I said no lie. " Their grandfather shrugged. " You charm your way into people's hearts very easily. That town did have some very friendly witches. "

    " I guess… " Flint chuckled, " Okay." And pulled away from their grandfather who later gave them a kiss on their forehead. "Thanks for the room keys. I'll see you around, Papa!" 

Leonardo waved as his grandchild left to their room. Two other familiar faces approached their father not long after. Erma Blaire and Sheldon Birch overhearing conversations as always. They were just happy to see their little buddy go. It has been a rough few years for them.

     "Good for them." Sheldon said. 

     "Aren't you worried about Wilbert and Noah being left on their own devices?"

     "No." Their father shrugged " I'm more worried about the person who's going to tell them. "

     " Not it! "

     " Not it. "

Sheldon Blinked. " Oh wow you're really just going to leave me like that. "

     " It's your kids, man. "

     " Papaa..! "

Leonardo looked away. He didn't seem to have any objections. He wasn't saying Erma was right. But Erma was right.

     " Father, why have you forsaken me?"

The sun had started setting and Catherine was looking for her fiance deeper into the corridors. She was just told by the kids that he was scouting for a room, and she wanted to look with him. She slid her finger tips against the wall while she walked by, her blue proposal ring glistening in all its glory.

She stopped as soon as she saw her fiance on one of the room's balconies. He was leaning on the railings, watching the oceans and nature from a distance. Seemingly admiring it. It was hard not to spot the man, as he wasn't exactly the most camouflaged in his all white fit. She smirked and went inside the room. 

     " Hey, you!"

     " Querida!" He perked up from the railings. " Nice of you to join me." 

     " Do you like this one?" Catherine joined him on the balcony, she herself leaning her arms on the railings and feeling the wind going through her hair. 

     " Yes, I'd say so. The other rooms don't have as amazing of a view. "

     " Then we can have this one. "

     " Don't you want to explore the other ones first? " Simon crooked his head to the side.

     God… what could she say? Her fiance can be adorable sometimes. She's never seen him be so fond of his surroundings before. His eyes were beaming, but his smile was much softer and calmer than how it normally was. She really was happy that she got to see this side of him. And she's happy to be a part of the reason why. "I don't need to..." 

     " How are you, my love?"

     " Okay now. I still don't think I'm ready to have that talk from the carriage though."

     " You have all of the time in the world. I am even okay if we end up talking about it after vacation."

     " I know. But I think I just want your presence for now."

     Simon smiled at her before turning his body towards her, away from the railings. " Well I have two arms and a warm body. That is what I have to offer. "

     Catherine chuckled and shook her head in amusement before leaning her forehead on his chest. "You are the best."

     Her fiance softly put his hands on her back, one palm over the other. and there they sat in silence for a couple few moments. 

At one point, Simon went to kiss her on her forehead… 

later on her nose, 

her cheek, 

Then they looked at each other's lips… before leaning their heads in to-

     "So you two are taking this one." Leonardo said from the doorframe. 

Simon's whole everything instinctually stiffened at his future father-in-law's presence, entirely out of embarrassment. Can't a man show his Fiancée some love in peace?

     Catherine however, took it very light heartedly. She guessed the comical interruptions continued even after her father's blessings. The spy laughed. " Yes, Papa! We're taking this one!" 

The sky looked more and more beautiful now that the sun had completely set. The temperature slowly dropped cold as it entered the night. 

The families turned their lights on inside the house.

Sheldon heard the small carriages outside, presumably the ones that held their luggage. He went to call for his father to let him know, and Leonardo was about to walk over, but… 

     " Leonardo? " The white coven called out to her friend just outside a bedroom door. 

     " Grace. "

     " I like this one." She pointed, and went inside. 

     The man told his son to go on ahead of him, before following the madame to her preferred room. 

He wonders what made it so admirable to her. The house didn't exactly have any fancy decorations. As soon as he went inside though, he could tell very easily. "Ofcourse you'd go for the white based one." 

     Grace frowned, salty at his judgmental comment. " Don't act like you weren't eyeing the room with red sheets, king Ares." 

     Leonardo couldn't argue, and just shrugged his shoulders. " You caught me." 

     The woman crossed her arms and walked towards the bed, later picking up one of the many plushes neatly placed around the room. " Besides, it comes with these little darlings." She had a stuffed pink colored rabbit, and held it in her arms as if it were a newborn. 

…Oh.

Leonardo had a mental gasp of realization. He couldn't tell if this was healing her inner child, or generally nurturing her motherly needs. Whatever it was he didn't mind. As long as the room treats her well. 

After helping his family with their belongings, visiting each room to see how they were doing, and saying goodnight to his rascals, Leonardo finally had the chance to head to his own quarters. He didn't get the opportunity to enter it that whole time. He barely even got to see it.

It was based on red and black furniture, but still carried its own modern look to it. He didn't need to see the spare ones, he already made the decision. The balcony had red curtains, the bedsheets were a nice ribbon color, and the bedframe was made of dark oak. He started taking off his foot wear, but opened the curtains before he decided to collapse in bed.

Even from where the bed was, he can see exactly what he came here for. He didn't have the best view of the house but he can appreciate it for what it was. The sound of the waves of the ocean, the stars twinkling at night, and the moon making a lovely reflection on the water. 

The man felt pleasantly cold from the ocean wind. He could wear a blanket but...Nah. he’ll do it later. His body was already great at dealing with colder temperatures. And once again, he enjoyed it too much to change it.

[bonny-kookoo]

Tiny Treasure Shorts: Bunny Tantrum ❤️☁️

Paining: Jeon Jungkook x Reader

Genre: fluff, angst, hybrid!AU, hybrid!Reader, human!Jungkook

Tags/warnings: Kookers be ignoring his bunny, bits of angst, bunny has thoughts about him not wanting her anymore bless her heart, thumping, bunny behavior, kook be kinda dense ngl, god he’s frustrating, thoughts of abandonment, but nothing drastic lol

Summary: it’s one thing to have friends over. It’s another to ignore your little bunny when she’s right there. And it’s a huge thing to not even realize what you did wrong.

You like to think of yourself as not too clingy.

Of course, since he's your owner and you love him lots, you want to be close to him at all times if that was possible- but you also had a human brain, and common sense. Of course there were times you had to be alone. For example; whenever he's working, you always make sure to stay extra quiet. He needs to concentrate after all- so if you ever visit him in his makeshift office in his apartment, you tend to simply take a nap; the almost rhythmic typing sounds and gentle sighs here and there providing the perfect lullaby for you.

Jungkook likes to have you close during other times, however.

He has stated numerous times again and again that he would never think of you as clingy or that you were getting onto his nerves; more like the opposite. He enjoys having you follow him around the house, noticing how you watch him play video games, or have him talk to you about the most mundane of things. With Jungkook it never mattered if the conversation was deep and meaningful or not- simply exchanging some food for thought was enough.

And of course, he liked to keep you very close throughout the nights.

Now, at first, he had been a little worried. He's anything but a calm sleeper- he moves a lot and due to the size difference between the two of you, he was simply scared to roll you over at night. But eventually, the two of you had found a solution to it that satisfied you both equally. If he held you close during his sleep, he was less prone to shift and turn around as much. And at the same time, you got to cuddle him while sleeping. A win-win situation, really.

So why were you mad right now?

Well it was perfectly fine that he had his friends over. You understood that this was a rare occurance, and that you had only little to really input into the current game of CS:GO- hell, you barely learned the game mechanics yet. And it was fine that he only conversed with them, even after hours had passed.

What didn't sit right with you however was, when he had dismissed you when you had asked if you could go outside to get some snacks from the nearby grocery shop. It would've been okay if he had simply told you no. But that's not what he did; instead, he had waved you off like a bug flying too close to his face.

It felt demeaning, in a way. And it upset you.

And the worst was only to come. Because, naive as you were, you had at least thought that someone if not Jungkook himself would've heard you closing the bedroom door a little louder than usual.

But no one came. And you knew, in a way, the thoughts of him maybe really having gotten tired of your presence were nonsense; you knew for a fact that Jungkook loved you dearly. But that didn't help at all. Already, your brain had come up with scenes of you packing your bags, going back to Taehyungs place just to eventually occupy your old room at the shelter. It made your eyes sting- but you simple pulled your ears over them, as if to force yourself to shut them off.

Only after hours of you laying alone in the bedroom did Jungkook eventually join you in bed. As if nothing was off, he attempted to wrap his arms around you; but he got a reaction he never would've thought he'd get from you.

You pulled in your leg a little, just to kick out with a power that could only be described as anger. You were upset with him- visibly so. "Bunny?" He asked, genuinely confused by your behavior as he leaned over a little to catch a glimpse of your face. But you kicked out again, suddenly standing up before grabbing your blanket, and walking out towards the couch in the living room. It wouldn't provide a good nights rest- the couch way too drowned in too many scents by now, but it would do. You didn't want to be close to Jungkook right now, no matter the cost. "Bunny, no, whats wrong?" He asked, a slight whine to his voice as he squatted down close to your sitting form- your face turned away from him as your arms were crossed; entire body language showing him your stance of defense. "Can you tell me what's wrong?" He asks, and you huff. "Did I do something?" He dares to ask, and your foot hits the ground forcefully.

If you weren't so goddamn angry at him, he would've actually found the action cute.

"What did I do?" He asks, and again, your foot thumps the ground- tiny bunny tail wiggling in frustration as your ears are turned backwards. You're still not looking at him. "Bunny baby if you don't talk to me I can't-" He starts, but you don't let him finish.

"Oh, so now you want me to talk to you?" You ask bitterly, glossy eyes meeting his widely opened ones, and he genuinely hurts seeing the state you're in. You're clearly upset- and he really doesn't know what happened. "You didn't want my attention the entire day- so why now when everyone's gone? Am I like.. just a place-holder so you don't feel lonely?" You say, your voice breaking at the end because for some reason, saying it out loud actually makes you think about it more deeply. Because it seemed to actually make sense to you. Why else would he ignore you when his friends were over- but give his attention to you when you were alone with him? Were you just a toy for him?

"Baby no, no no no." He rambles out, and groans, as things suddenly click inside his brain. In hindsight he suddenly thinks about his actions more clearly- it makes sense that you're this distressed. After all, the way he had simply dismissed you like a fly unwanted had been uncalled for and absolutely stupid on his side. "I'm so sorry- I didn't mean to do that.." He states, a whine now clearly lacing his voice as you still huff only in frustration, a single kick to the floor showing that you were maybe calming down- but still not okay with his behavior. "Bunny baby.. don't be mad please.." He softly begs, kneeling in front of you so he can rest his hands on your knees- his chin on top of them to catch a glimpse of your face.

"Do you even want me here.?" You softly ask, almost scared of his honest answer. This time he doesn't reply right away- but stands up, to sit on the couch next to you. He pulls you close, uncaring that your leg kicks out, an annoyed whimper escaping you. He holds you tightly however, rubbing his nose over the skin from the side of your jaw down to your shoulder. The affectionate gesture soothes you immensly- and you hate your stupid instincts for doing that to you.

"I'll always want you." He says, voice nowhere near playful or whiny. He's honest, raw, and wants you to understand him. "You're my.. everything. What I did was uncalled for- and I'm truly sorry." He states. "I know it doesn't justify my actions, but this is all still super new to me too.. I'm not used to having someone around twenty-four-seven." He says. "And before you say anything, no, I WANT you close. I want you around all the time." He squeezes you a little tighter once he notices you relax in his arms. "I'm so grateful you're here. I'll better myself. Promise." He says, and you nod after a while, turning in his embrace.

"Koo?" You question tiredly, and he hums a reply. You close your eyes and lean your head on his shoulder as you speak your next words. "I'm tired." You say.

He chuckles. "Let's go to bed then?" He questions, and you nod.

"Will you make me pancake for breakfast?" You ask, as he picks you up, blanket and all, to carry you back into the bedroom.

"Anything you want, Bunny." He says, laying you down onto the mattress before climbing in as well, arms around your form as he sighs. "Anything you want.