#oh yeah and then blue adopts him/silly

[fl00mie]

can't help but think of fatalberry in a "i can fix him" on blue's part sort of way and i'm totally into it

[kuroko-no-cuties]

GOM + Kagami Headcanons: Nicknames for you 💝

AKASHI ✂️

Elegant nicknames. Will call you things like

My love, darling, beloved, empress, my queen,, cherry blossom.

Man makes sure you feel as if you’re being treated like royalty because you are nothing less in his eyes.

“Good afternoon, my empress. How has your day been? My my, what’s with the red face? Don’t tell me your nicknames still get you flustered after all the times we’ve been together. Well I suppose I’ll just have to use them more often so you can get use to it..”

MIDORIMA 🍀

Can definitely see him going for more traditional nicknames

Dear, love, darling, sweetheart, my pet, when he’s feeling especially dominant help

Uses them rather sparingly because he knows how much you like them and he loves to tease you freaking tsundere and he also got flustered the first few times he said them to you bless him.

Takao once overheard him calling you darling while all three of you were out together. Midorima didn’t hear the end of it for a week. Every once in a while Takao will bring it up to see Midorima blush. It’s totally worth the bombastic side eye and occasional head smack he gets afterwards

“Going to spend the afternoon with your Darling, Shin-chan~ 😘”

“Shut your mouth, Takao!”

AOMINE 🧢

Ofc he gives you very flirty and sexy nicknames.

Babe, hottie, baby girl, sexy, kitty, mama, cutie, babydoll ok I’ll stop😮‍💨

Will call you them often either in public or in private he doesn’t care. But he’ll live for how flustered you get when he uses them especially if he uses them in front of his teammates.

Speaking of which he’ll make sure to lay it on thick if he sees one of them being a little too friendly with you

“Hey there babydoll~” a deep voice purrs into your ear as you’re in the middle of a conversation with Sakurai. You tilt your head up to see dark blue eyes boring hungrily into you. “I’m getting bored so, why don’t you meet me up on the roof so I can finally get some excitement?…” his suggestive tone immediately sends a fiery blush along your cheeks. You begin to quickly dismiss yourself from the brown headed boy in front of you only to find that you have no need.

Aomine wasn’t even trying to be subtle when he spoke with you, and the apologetic mushroom had already sped off while stammering a muddled apology for taking up too much of your time.

MURASAKIBARA 🍇

Doesn’t really bother too much with cutesy nicknames, but when he does decide to call you by a cute nickname it’s usually teasing you about your height because ofc.

Yeah unless your literally built like Shaq, he’s most likely gonna tower over you, even if you are taller than the average gal you’re still a squirt to him

His nicknames will include the following: chibi-chin, tiny, shortie, peanut, munchkin, little girl, baby-chin

“Mmm~ chibi-chin, give me some of your chips~” “No way you just ate a whole family bag you glutton!”“Hah? Peanut’s being greedy. How rude…~”

KUROKO🩵

Rarely ever uses nicknames. Even when you two become a couple he’ll still address you by your last name with the specific honorific.

You literally have to beg him to finally address you by your first name

But when he is a feeling a little flirty, he’ll address you by: a shorten version of your first name, dear, honey, and maybe if you really get his gears going: vanilla

He’s a sweet simple boy in everything he does.

“Here’s your milkshake Tetsu”~ you chirp happily as you slide beside him in the Maji Burger booth. “Thank you, Vanilla”

“Of course it’s vanilla, silly. I know you’re not fond of the other flavors.” You smile as you nudge him gently with your shoulder.

“Oh well, thank you, but I was calling you vanilla, Vanilla.”

“Oh… I see ☺️ Well your welcome, my fuzzy blueberry.” You gush as you ruffle his heart causing your Blueberry’s face to adopt the hue of a strawberry.

KISE✨

Every nickname in existence and then some

honey, baby, babe, sweetie, sweetheart, snookums, muffin, honey bunny, doll face, Snoopy, cutie

He’ll also make up some of the most ridiculous ones you’ve ever heard

shmoopy, cutie patootie, boo boo keys, shtunky, star eyes, shmooshy, peewee, foofoo , momo, kitten whiskers- you get the idea

A lot of times to two of you just battle to see who can come up with the stupidest nickname and make the other one laugh first

“How are you today, cutie?” “I’m fabulous, legally blonde bombshell!”

“Love that for you, kitten whiskers!” “Thank you very much, smoopy poo!”

“Would you like to walk to the convenience store with me, boo boo keys?” “Of course shmooshy-“

KASAMATSU: “WILL YOU TWO SHUT UP ALREADY?!”

KAGAMI❤️‍🔥

similar to aomine with the hot nicknames

mainly uses babe, baby, doll/dollface Rarely uses your actually name - 9/10 if he wants your attention he’ll uses either babe and baby

but occasionally you’ll get momma, hot stuff, cutie, missy, or little girl out of him - mainly when he’s trying to fluster you 🫣

The two of you were spending the afternoon at the basketball court. Kagami using this time to practice, while you chose to sit on the bench and observe your hot boyfriend work up a sweat.

While gawking at Kagami was certainly an enjoyably pass time, you decide this was also a good time to break out the new over ear headphones you had purchased that morning. Choosing your current favorite tune from your library, you get lost in your world of music.

Meanwhile Kagami had decided to call it a day after sinking one last free throw. He quickly went through his mental checklist and proudly found that he was able to go over all the things Riko told him to focus on.

His thoughts were soon halted when his stomach growled loudly, reminding him that the two of you still hadn’t decided on what to eat for dinner. He uses the bottom of his t-shirt to wipe the sweat from his face as he tilts his head in your direction to ask,

“What’re you in the mood to eat, babe?” After a few moments of silence, he raises an eyebrow and walks closer to you

“Babe?” He questions again. After closing a bit of the distance between the two of you, he sees why you’re leaving him on unanswered. You’re too busy dancing in your seat - eyes shut, head bopping - completely oblivious to the world. A short laugh leaves him as he makes the executive decision to have some fun with you while you are distracted. He quickly makes his way behind you and gently lifts your earphones off your head.

“Having a fun concert by yourself, doll?” He bites back a snort as you jump violently, almost it falling off your seat, as you whirl around to face him.

“Oh…ha..s-sorry..” you stutter, getting shy at your boyfriend’s intense gaze boring into you. Kagami chuckles and, now feeling cocky at the reaction he got from you, leans in closer to press a passionate kiss against your lips.

“You’re adorable mama…” he mutters against your mouth - the nickname sending a delicious shiver to trek through your spine. You can’t help but melt into the red-head’s passionate kiss.

Unfortunately, the moment was cut short when another loud growl emanated from his belly. He pulls back with an embarrassed groan as you giggle at the light blush that spreads across his cheeks. “Alright, fine.” he relents as he give a harsh pat to his toned abdomen.

“To be continued. Let’s go eat babe. I’m freaking starving,” he leans forward gives a short kiss to your lips, pulling back with the similar playful glint from earlier sparking in his fiery red eyes.

“And I can’t wait to have you for dessert”.

Bro I went so try hard on Kagami’s part idk what came over me 🫣kinda proofread kinda not I just wanted to get this posted

[ideas-4-stories]

Sfw omegaverse anon -

The "omega bestie" thing was smth Shanks probably told Luffy - ((Shanks sees a tiny unscented little pup all alone and went "Oh it's free real estate" /hj.)) In actuality, Makino raised Luffy for a good deal of time, but he is a rambunctious child, and I think he'd pester Shanks for stories and songs and all sorts of things. Shanks is a softie and so absolutely caved. Luffy learned a lot of the pirate's code from Shanks as a very small child and he treated it like GOSPEL, bc Shanks was, is and always will be his hero. So he definitely also got some very silly stories about Shanks' youth, and Buggy starred in more than a few, but never explicitly by name, it was always "my best friend" or "my packmate" or, on really sentimental evenings, "my baby brother".

When Luffy first met Buggy in Orangetown, the few braincells he has left sparked a connection - blue haired, sweet smelling, silly, greedy, trickster clown man? Blue haired, sweet smelling, silly, greedy, trickster omega packmate of his semi-adopted dad? Yes, that math is mathing. Small world. Anyway, gotta beat this clown. His hands are rated E for Everyone.

So yeah Luffy definitely knows Buggy is an omega, and when Buggy mentions "we served on the same crew", it just clicks. It's not really a big deal to him anyway, it feels stupid to care about that kind of stuff. You could not PAY him to care (but if you want to try, it's best to pay in food).

But yeah, Rayleigh and Crocus just both went "Ah, the kids will be fine" and then the kids went and were very much Not Fine At All. But that's a conversation for a different time.

Their parental instincts only kick in when Buggy gets flirted with or when Shanks gets hit on with complete seriousness for followup. It's both obnoxious and also funny.

Shanks gets a heart flutter, and by nightfall his denden is ringing bc Rayleigh is 🤏 close to swimming out there what is going on, red-?

When Crocodile and Mihawk finally get their shit straight and start the whole Courting Thing, the Dad Squad Of Remaining Rogers are in perfect synchrony detecting a Disturbance In The Sanctity Of Their Children.

Crocus calls Rayleigh. Rayleigh talks to Crocus. Neither have Buggy's number. How did that happen? Damn. If only Rayleigh lived with a woman who has an expansive information network where she can check for Buggy's contact information. If only Buggy was part of a widely known business with contact information for business needs. If only they considered this information and just how many options they DO have at hand.

Instead, they call Shanks - Shanks who is having a meltdown because "Bugs is growing up" and "two Alphas, really?!"

This does NOT bode well.

One prospective courtship is one thing. TWO simultaneous courtships are complicated. Those two Alphas enacting the courtship being former warlords, a mafia boss and the world's greatest swordsman, is something else entirely.

Crocus is sharpening his harpoon, debating his options. Rayleigh is seriously debating free swimming to the New World. Things are about to go DOWN and it's chaos all around.

Meanwhile, on Karai Bari, the Cross Guild Poly has finally hit the Holding Hands Stage, because they're stupid, silly and none of them are actually working with anything resembling game. Buggy blushes every time Mihawk pulls out his chair, he melts whenever Crocodile gets the door for him, and he's absolutely LOSING IT every time they ask him to spar.

Fighting has become their love language somehow and every time Buggy lands a hit of some kind, the others damn near swoon, which makes HIM swoon, and the crew and mercenaries are just watching this like the weirdest slow burn soap opera ever conceived.

Anyway yee I'm sleepy so I'm off, byyyeee~~~~

Shanks definitely did a Roger, looking at Luffy asks around who's child this is and proceeds to pick him up to Benn’s dismay (That is not paid enough to deal with his captain’s bullshit) Good thing Makino raising Luffy for a good bit of time. Luffy pestering Shanks for all sorts of things too, that's so Buggy.

Shanks talking about talking about Buggy without saying his name, I wonder why he won't say Buggy’s name to Luffy. Maybe Shanks didn't want Luffy to go and find his packmate, but that didn't matter when Luffy met Buggy. Good thing Luffy has some braincells after all that training Garp put him through. And the ‘Yes, that math is mathing. Small world. Anyway, gotta beat this clown. His hands are rated E for Everyone’ Yeah that's so Luffy, like damn he don't spare anyone.

Not Rayleigh and Crocus thinking that Buggy and Shanks will be fine. Indeed that is a conversation for a different time. I understand that Crocus would of given the kids a few things they would need in life while Rayleigh probably like I taught shit, you are good. And dips into the night without saying goodbye to grieve his captain and be with Shakky (for some reason that seems like he would do that. Its a headcanon)

THEN not their parental instincts kicking when Buggy gets flirted with or when Shanks gets hit on with complete seriousness for fucking followup. OH NOOOOOOOOOOO, that’s not how parental instincts should be (I mean to be fair, neither were planning on having kids probably, but then Roger metting those two happened, but like… dudes that’s not how it’s supposed to work)-(Indeed it’s obnoxious and also kind of funny if you ignore that’s not parental instincts should work…) Shanks getting scolded by Rayleigh when his heart’s fluttering, I wonder who that person is, anyway Mihawk and Crocodile getting their shit together and start trying to court Buggy (you know he’ll first think that they are threahing him, so it takes sometime)

Started laughing at ‘the Dad Squad Of Remaining Rogers are in perfect synchrony detecting a Disturbance In The Sanctity Of Their Children’ I love that, you know it’s not only Rayleigh and Cronus because most of the veteran Roger Pirates helped raised them too (hc/)

Crocus and Rayleigh not having Buggy’s number is so them… but what if it’s the same number he always had and they think it’s the wrong number now? Have they bothered to check? Or if they had, Buggy had openly said it wasn’t Buggy’s number? There could be so much more drama, but anyway yeah if ony Rayleigh lived with a woman that can find people’s numbers because she got that information network, if only Rayleigh knows where his child’s business is, oh no it’s too sad that they can’t find anything…

THEY CALLED SHANKS! Oh no! That’s the last place to call to find Buggy and to check if he’s alright! That man is fucking drunk, crying, ranting and raving about this! Oh dear! RIP to Crocodile and Mihawk, even the littlest teasing bullying their clown will land them in bad graces if those men see it (dear gods what if they found out they beat the shit of Buggy one day, that’s when shit would it the fan. Buggy’s followers will have a fucking telenovela to watch, they just need to be a safe distance away because holy shit someone might fucking died in the crossfire) Truly things are about to go DOWN and it's chaos all around… “Big News” Morgan would having the time of his fucking life with this.

Meanwhile on Karai Bari Island, where nobody knows about what might happened later down the line! Awwwwwwwwww, they are now in the Hand Holding Stage!!! That’s so cute! It took awhile because of so many things, good thing they worked it out.

Mihawk and Crocodile being gentlemen to Buggy is amazing, and them asking to spar is like BIG invalidation for him. Fighting and bullying each other (affectionately) is definitely one of their love language. Truly is like the weirdest slow burn soap opera ever conceived.

[t0ast-ghost]

S2 Episode 17 (A Piece Of The Action) haven’t we had enough action? The last episode was so much. I’m tired let me rest.

I’m watching it anyway:

- What the actual fuck is happening? An intersection?

-

“Let’s not argue about it, let’s go study it.” Yeah Kirk knows they’d be on each other in a second (edit: not like that)

- Spock pushing McCoy and Kirk out of the way of a car. I can and will watch this clip all day

- “You trying to make trouble?” “Who, me?” “Don’t give me those baby blue eyes.” “What?” Hehe

- “Which one are you guys the captain?” “Depends.” Depends on what Kirk???

- He grabs Kirk and both McCoy and Spock look so protective

- Kirk just wanting to go on a fun planet study with his boyfriends and now they’ve ended up in a life or death situation

- They’re sitting on the boxes in such drawable ways. I lobe them

- Spock mumbles his objections because he thinks Kirk is just inaccurate when he’s really just bullshitting

- Kirk’s bullshitting and Spock listening so intently to the random rules he’s making the fuck up

- “Spock what’re the odds of getting a royal fizzbin?” “I’ve never computed them, captain.” “Well they’re astronomical, believe me.” Spock then just mouths ‘well okay’ while looking so defeated

- They were so ready to beat the shit out of the mobsters

- McCoy complimenting Spock

- McCoy and Spock arguing about how to save Kirk, they will go off about anything holy crap

- Kirk is more resourceful than they think, though one of these days I think Spock would like to actually rescue him

- “Incredible as it seems, Dr. McCoy and I are once again prisoners of the chief criminal boss of a society patterned after old earth gangsters.” As incredible as it seems?!? McCoy warned you about this shit, but you insisted on going in headfirst to save your boyfriend

- “Logic and practical information do not seem to apply here.” “You admit that?” “To deny the facts would be illogical, doctor.” McCoy is somehow softer in this episode? Like more soft spoken

- *Kirk leaning into the bullshit* *Spock and McCoy sharing a side eye* they’re so done with his shenanigans

- They’re so confused by cars, it’s adorable :))

- “Captain, you are an excellent starship commander, but as a taxi driver, you leave much to be desired.” “It was that bad.” I love them I love them so much

- I would not trust Kirk to be a babysitter

- For a split second, a very split second, I could imagine an au where Kirk and Spock adopt a kid and are running to find their child or smt and it made my heart melt goddamnit

- “That’s peanuts to someone like the federation. Right?” “Unquestionably.” “Riiighht?” “Right.”

- I love Kirk’s mumbled normal voice “Kirk to enterprise.”

- “Right?” “Check.” They’re adorable

- How is Bones doing?

- “Must we?” “It’s faster than walking.” “But not as safe.” “Are you afraid of cars?” “Not at all, it’s your driving that alarms me.”

- Oh there’s Bones “Knock it off, sawbones.” Sawbones and Spocko, this man is a menace

- How would you feel if Kirk called you baby then sweetheart? Poor Scotty, gotta put up with this bullshit, he’s an engineer for crying out loud

-They gave Bones a gun. Holy crap.

- Kirk is just standing on a table cause he wants to. We were also ROBBED of McCoy in a mobster suit

- Kirk looks so tired, like me when I’m in my binder all day (edit: I think I was tired from being in my binder all day when I wrote this)

- McCoy looks so pleased. He wants to go home.

- Kirk: *bullshitting again* Isn’t that logical?

- That was such a silly ending I can’t even begin to describe

What is happening. My brain is melting at this point. The sillies are getting out.

Masterpost

Episode story by David P. Harmon

Teleplay by David P. Harmon and Gene L. Coon

[artyandink]

Light My Fire (Again) | beau arlen

Summary: “I thought I’d swore off love, Jenny.” I smiled, chuckling a bit as I looked down to my feet then back up the skies, taking in the twinkling lights. “God, I really thought I did, and I was doing such a good job at it too. But, well, I just… I couldn’t help it.” I wet my lips slightly, biting the bottom one. “It’s improper, but it’s true.”

SERIES MASTERLIST

MAIN MASTERLIST

(divider credits go to @cafekitsune)

A/N - Inspired by Take Me Home by @zepskies

A/N 2 - Him in this outfit is MMM

five - make him hurt, make me bleed

PREVIOUSLY ON LMF:

A man with sandy blonde hair and blue eyes strolled into the newly opened diner where Olivia met Tom, whistling under his breath. His phone was on, a photo of him and a redheaded woman displaying a ring on the lock screen, a heart drawn around her made up face. A worker called Dan put down his mop, strolling over with a sunny smile. “Evening, sir, can I help you?”

“Yeah, thanks, man.” The man nodded with a friendly grin, eyes darting around the room as his fingers fiddled in his pocket. “I’m, uh, I’m lookin’ for my son. His name’s Tom Holden. Have you seen him?”

“He went off with a girl, Olivia Barlowe, earlier.” Dan informed, hand running through his hair as he gauged the man’s character. “Why, you have something to tell him? I can pass the message on, y’know.”

“Oh, that’d be great.” He took out a notebook from the inside of his jacket, writing an address in neat handwriting before ripping it out and handing it to Dan with a chuckle, his cerulean eyes twinkling. “Just tell him his old man’s in town, yeah?” 

“Does his old man have a name?” Dan raised an eyebrow with a small smirk as he folded the paper, careful not to read the address since it was a breach of privacy.

“Oh! Oh, yeah.” The man nodded, looking down for a moment with a deep laugh before he glanced back up. “Harry. Harry Holden.”

NOW:

“Alright, you know what to do.” I gestured in front, leaning back in my seat as I glanced at Olivia. “We’re moving onto slower roads, so clutch, change gears.” She did as I asked, and I grinned, clapping as quietly as I could to not spook her. “Good work, sweetheart. You’re a natural, just like your mom.” We pulled up at a grocery store, so I grabbed my wallet, prepping to get out. “Hang tight, gun’s in the glovebox, keep the car door locked until you see me at the passenger’s door, ok?”

“Got it, auntie.” She nodded, so I relaxed, getting out of the car. I shut the door, making my way inside the store while whistling a little tune. I made a beeline for the fruits, picking up a basket on the way before picking out the best ones, dropping them into my basket. My whistling turned into a hum, brushing my curtain bangs out of my face before inspecting a box of strawberries.

“Sunflower, I’m plannin’ on making some strawberry cheesecake, do you think these are good?” Lucy held up a box of rasberries, grinning innocently because if she didn’t know. I smirked knowingly, and replaced the box of raspberries with a box of strawberries. “Oh! Thanks. Silly me.”

“Issy?” I was yanked reluctantly out of the memory, looking up and my blood running cold as I saw… Harry. A wide grin spread across his face as he stepped forward, tilting his head slightly. “It is you, oh, I knew it!” There he goes again with that British accent that makes my skin crawl. It used to make my knees weak.

“Harry.” I sighed, smiling politely, but it faltered when I saw Rhea walk up with… Tom. I locked eyes with the boy and it clicked instantly, a sharp pang of pain shooting through my chest. “And Tom’s… your son?”

“You know my boy?” Harry grinned, clapping Tom on the shoulder. “Well, my darling-” He held Rhea’s hand, which I noticed had a shiny ring on it, “and I adopted Tom a while ago. Rhea, you know Isabelle, right?”

“You’re Tom’s old friend, right?” The redhead smiled, putting out her hand. “Rhea Summers- no, sorry, Holden. Rhea Holden, neé Summers, it’s hard to compute.”

I shook her hand, forcing a chuckle, my mouth feeling dry. “Elle Joyner.”

“Three’s a crowd, but four’s a party.” I heard a familiar Texas accent behind me, and I instantly knew it was Beau, and he laid a protective hand on my shoulder. Harry’s eyebrow twitched, his Adam’s apple bobbing slightly as he glanced between Beau and I. “Who’s this, sweetheart?” He knew exactly who this was, so it confused me a little.

“Harry Holden.” Harry introduced, putting out his hand for Beau to shake, seemingly bothered and slightly intimidated since the man was taller than him. “I’m, uh, Elle’s old friend.” Beau’s eyebrow quirked, instantly clocking that Harry was lying. But he shook the latter’s hand anyway, adopting a smile.

“Sheriff Beau Arlen.” He introduced, putting unnecessary emphasis on the first word of the sentence. He then put his hand on my hip, drawing me closer in a manner that was almost possessive. “I’m Belle’s boyfriend.” Oh. Oh, we’re doing that. “Ain’t that right, sweetheart?”

“Yeah.” I nodded, then decided to play along, kissing Beau’s cheek (albeit I had to stand en pointe, and I am NO ballet dancer). I saw a tinge of red flood his cheeks, but he affectionately rubbed my side with a chuckle.

“Your boyfriend.” Harry repeated quietly before clearing his throat and raising his voice slightly. “Well, Olivia will be seeing Tom tonight, won’t she? I’ll drop her off, if that’s ok.”

“Mhmm, yeah, it’s ok. I’ll, uh, see you tonight.” I nodded, swallowing as Beau’s grip felt more prominent on my hip, as if he tightened it slightly. When Harry, Rhea and Tom trotted off like the happy family I seldom had but wanted, I turned to Beau with an apologetic look. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“Yes, I did.” He smirked, kissing my cheek in what I assumed was revenge, because my ears went red, my eyes widening slightly as I swallowed on a dry throat.

So… more of an attempt.

In the dimly lit basement of an abandoned warehouse, Cal Joyner found himself bound to a rusty chair, the metallic restraints digging into his flesh, adding to the weight of fear and desperation already bearing down on him. The flickering bulb overhead cast erratic shadows that danced across the grimy walls, framing his captors—members of a notorious crime syndicate—as they loomed over him with a menacing presence.

Remy, a burly man with a scarred face and eyes as cold as steel, stepped forward and snarled, "You think we're playing games here, Cal? We want Lucy's phone, and we want it now."

Cal's eyes darted around the room, searching for an escape that didn't exist. His pulse raced, and his throat felt dry. "I already told you, I don't have it!" he protested, his voice strained with a mixture of fear and defiance. "I don't know where it is."

Beside Remy, another thug with a menacing smirk etched into his features cracked his knuckles. "Maybe you need a little more convincing," he sneered, his eyes glinting with malice.

Cal's thoughts flashed back to that haunting night six years ago when Lucy, his beloved daughter, was taken from him. The pain was still raw, a wound that refused to heal. The memory of her murder lingered like a relentless specter, its grip tightening with each passing moment. And now, these men were threatening his only remaining daughter.

"You touch Elle," Cal spat, his eyes burning with defiance, "and I swear—"

The thug cut him off with a menacing laugh. "Oh, we will touch her, Cal. Unless you start being honest with us."

Cal's jaw clenched, his mind racing through a fog of fear and desperation. He was backed into a corner, and lying was second nature to him, even in this dire circumstance. "I already told you, Lucy's phone is gone. Destroyed."

Remy's patience wore thin. He seized Cal by the collar, his grip like iron. "Listen, you scum. We know you're lying. Lucy kept everything on that phone—information that could bury our client, and he paid a large sum o’ money for our services. We like to deliver. So, we want it back, and we'll tear this whole town apart if we have to."

Cal's eyes flickered towards the door, his thoughts scrambling for a way out. But the goon's grip tightened, yanking him back into the harsh reality of his predicament.

"Last chance, Cal," Remy growled, his voice low and dangerous. "Where. Is. The. Phone?"

In that tense moment, Cal's mind raced. He thought of his daughter, of the desperate need to protect her as she tried to protect him. He had to buy time, he had to think. "I don’t know!" he blurted out, his voice trembling. "I… don’t know."

The thug exchanged a skeptical glance with Remy before nodding. "You've got twenty-four hours. If you don't come up with answers, we'll bring Elle here."

As the syndicate members filed out of the room, leaving Cal alone with his thoughts, he sagged against the chair, his heart heavy with dread. The cold sweat that had formed on his brow trickled down his temple, and his hands shook uncontrollably.

He closed his eyes, trying to calm the tumultuous storm raging within him. The memories of Lucy flooded back—her bright smile, her laughter, her dreams shattered by a cruel twist of fate. He couldn't let the same fate befall his only remaining daughter. He had to find a way out of this, but the odds seemed insurmountable.

Hours passed in agonizing silence broken only by the distant sounds of the city outside—a world oblivious to the terror festering in this forsaken basement. Cal's mind raced through a labyrinth of regrets and fears, each turn leading him deeper into despair.

When the basement door creaked open once more, Cal's heart skipped a beat. The heavy thud of footsteps echoed through the dimly lit space as Remy and his men returned, their silhouettes casting elongated shadows against the grimy walls. The flickering bulb overhead bathed them in an eerie light, rendering their expressions unreadable beneath the dance of light and shadow.

Remy's gaze bore into Cal like steel. "Well, Cal, any revelations?" His voice was low and commanding, cutting through the tense silence that enveloped the basement.

Cal's throat felt dry as he searched desperately for words, any words that could appease these dangerous men. His mind raced, grappling with fear and uncertainty. "I've been trying to remember," he stammered, his voice hoarse with anxiety. "But it's all a blur. Please, just give me more time."

The thug standing beside Remy snorted dismissively. "Time's up, old man. We're not in the business of waiting."

Remy's eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin like fraying rope. "You're testing our goodwill, Cal. That's dangerous territory."

Cal's pulse quickened as he felt the weight of their scrutiny bearing down on him. He knew he was running out of options, but the thought of Elle's safety propelled him forward, a flicker of determination igniting within the depths of his despair.

And then, as if a spark of inspiration had ignited in the darkness, Cal's gaze fell upon the shadows creeping along the walls—the same shadows that had become his silent allies in this harrowing ordeal.

"I remember something," Cal began, his voice steadier now, laced with a glimmer of hope amidst the prevailing fear. "It's a long shot, but... Lucy used to talk about a storage unit she kept for sentimental stuff. Maybe the phone is there."

Remy's eyes narrowed further, skepticism etched into every line of his scarred face. "Don't play games with us, Cal."

"I'm not," Cal insisted, the lie slipping effortlessly from his lips. "I'll take you there. Just... spare Elle."

The thug exchanged a meaningful glance with Remy, their silent communication speaking volumes of the danger that lingered in the air. After a tense moment of deliberation, Remy finally nodded, a glimmer of reluctant acceptance in his eyes.

"Fine, Cal," Remy relented, his voice tinged with caution. "You've got one chance. Lead the way."

Relief flooded through Cal like a rushing tide, though he masked it behind a façade of determination. He knew he was treading on thin ice, balancing on a knife's edge between deception and survival. But for his youngest’s sake, he would navigate this treacherous path with unwavering resolve.

As they unbound him from the rusty chair, Cal's limbs felt heavy with both exhaustion and renewed purpose. He rose to his feet, the cold basement air biting against his skin as he prepared to embark on this perilous journey.

Together, they ascended from the depths of the basement, stepping out into the frigid embrace of the night. The distant sounds of the city seemed muffled, drowned out by the weight of their shared secrets and impending dangers.

Cal led the way through narrow alleyways, empty highways and deserted streets for hours that felt like days, his mind racing with the urgency of their mission. Each step forward carried the weight of uncertainty, a delicate dance between deceit and salvation.

The storage unit Lucy had mentioned existed on the outskirts of town—a forgotten corner obscured by neglect and urban decay. As they approached the weathered metal door, Cal's heart hammered against his chest with a mixture of apprehension and hope.

He fumbled with the lock, the metallic clink resonating in the silence of the night. With a creak, the door swung open, revealing a dimly lit interior cluttered with dusty boxes and forgotten relics.

Remy and his men followed closely behind, their wary eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of deception. Cal's gaze swept over the disarray, his memories of Lucy flooding back with a poignant ache.

"She kept it somewhere here," Cal murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. He moved cautiously through the labyrinth of forgotten treasures, his hands trembling with a mixture of anticipation and dread. He searched desperately, found object after object, but no phone. He knew that the game was up, that his lies had only gotten so far. “I swear, it’s here-” He collapsed in a crumpled, lifeless heap as a gunshot rang out through the hollow space, smoke pluming from Remy’s gun as he blew it off.

“My patience wore thin.” Remy’s sighed, storing the gun back in its holster. He turned to the rest of his team, nodding resignedly. “You lot know what to do.”

Markham poured himself a glass of wine, trying to settle his nerves as he set the table for dinner. Olivia was visiting for the weekend, as she did when no one was at home, per the arrangement with her aunt. Markham’s relationship with Olivia was polite but distant, a delicate balance between the roles of stepfather and guardian. He often struggled to connect with her, unsure of how to bridge the gap that had formed between them over the years.

When Olivia entered the dining room, her eyes brightened at the sight of the beautifully set table. “Wow, this looks amazing, Mark,” she said with a warm smile, taking her seat.

Mark nodded, attempting a smile in return. “Thank you, Olivia. I’m glad you’re here.” He cleared his throat, trying to find the right words to broach the subject that had been weighing heavily on his mind. “How have you been, sweetheart?”

Olivia glanced up from her plate, her expression softening. “I’ve been good, thank you,” she replied politely. “School’s going well. Aunt Isa says hi, by the way.”

“That’s good to hear,” Mark said, trying to hide his disappointment at the mention of Olivia’s aunt. “Listen, Liv, there’s something I’d like to talk to you about.”

Olivia looked up curiously, her fork pausing midway to her mouth. “Sure, what is it?”

Mark took a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation ahead. “I’ve been thinking… maybe it’s time for a change. I know you’ve been living with your aunt for a while now, but I’d like you to consider staying with me permanently.”

Olivia’s eyes widened in surprise, and then her brow furrowed slightly. “Oh,” she said softly, setting her fork down. “I… I appreciate that, Mark, but I really like living with Aunt Isa. She’s been taking care of me for so long, and I feel comfortable there.”

“I understand,” Mark replied, trying to keep his tone even. “But I think it would be good for us to spend more time together, to get to know each other better.”

Olivia fidgeted with her napkin, a troubled look crossing her face. “It’s not that I don’t want to spend time with you, Mark. You’re nice to me and everything. It’s just… Aunt Isa has always been there for me. She’s like a second mom.”

Mark’s heart sank a little at Olivia’s words. He had hoped that she would see him as more than just a distant figure in her life. “I see,” he said quietly, hiding his disappointment behind a forced smile. “Well, I want you to be happy, Olivia. That’s the most important thing.”

Olivia nodded, her expression apologetic. “I’m sorry, Mark. I don’t want to hurt your feelings.”

“It’s okay, sweetheart,” Mark said, his voice tinged with sadness. “I just want what’s best for you.”

The rest of the dinner passed in strained conversation, both Mark and Olivia making an effort to keep things light. As they finished their meal, Mark cleared his throat again, summoning the courage to address the inevitable.

“Well, Olivia,” he began, “it’s getting late. I should take you back to your aunt’s place.”

Olivia nodded, pushing her plate aside. “Okay,” she said quietly, her eyes downcast.

Mark stood up and walked around the table to where Olivia was sitting. He placed a hand on her shoulder, trying to convey a sense of reassurance. “Thank you for coming over, Olivia. I always enjoy having you here.”

Olivia looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “Thank you, Mark. I’m sorry I can’t… you know…”

Mark smiled sadly, squeezing her shoulder gently. “It’s alright, Olivia. Maybe one day things will be different.”

Olivia nodded, offering him a small, grateful smile. “Yeah. Maybe.”

Mark fetched his keys and jacket, and together they made their way to the door. Olivia grabbed her coat and bag, her movements slow and deliberate.

Outside, Mark held open the car door for Olivia, waiting patiently as she settled into the passenger seat. As he drove towards her aunt’s house, the silence between them was heavy with unspoken words.

When they arrived, Mark pulled up in front of the house and turned off the engine. He turned to Olivia, his expression earnest. “Take care of yourself, Olivia,” he said softly.

Olivia nodded, her eyes shining. “You too, Mark.”

I opened the door, adopting a wide smile as I ignored the mixture of red, blue and green cars, along with a random black sedan, as my eyes focused on Olivia, her golden curls bouncing as she bounded up to me. She threw her arms around me, and I returned it with a laugh. “I missed you too, gumdrop.” I grinned, kissing her hair. “C’mon, I got ice cream.” I led her inside, closing the door with a curt nod to Mark. “What flavour are you feelin’ tonight? Vanilla or mint chocolate chip?”

“How about both?”

“I like the way you think.” I smirked, going to the freezer and pulling out the two tubs. “We’re gonna have this snack before heading to the sheriff’s trailer, because he hosts movie night. That ok with you?” I gave her a soft smile, only willing to go if she was.

However, her eyes lit up and so did the rest of her face, a broad grin spreading on her lips. “Yeah, of course! I still can’t get over the fact that my aunt has movie nights with the sheriff.” Olivia smirked. “Is there something you’re not telling me-?”

“Olivia Autumn Barlowe, where do you get these ideas from?” I passed her a bowl of ice cream with a laugh. “Jenny, Cassie and Carla will be there too.” I gave her a stern look, but couldn’t help but break into giggles again alongside her. “You’re insufferable.”

“You love me.”

“I do.” I was about to open my mouth, but there was a loud bang on the door. My hand rubbed my exposed forearm from where my plaid shirt’s sleeves were rolled up to the elbows, a small frown on my face as another, more forceful bang shook the doorframe. It didn’t sound like it’d hold, and the many men’s voices from outside told me that this was a situation that I needed to get Olivia out of. I grabbed the keys to the back door just as a look of terror crossed her pretty features, breaking my heart.

“A-Auntie? What’s going on?” She whispered, looking to me with pleading eyes. I walked over quickly, acting on my feet and putting the keys in her hand.

“I don’t know. But you need to go.” I gripped her shoulders tight, my eyes flickering to the door, which was echoing- bang, bang, bang - and making it hard to think as the door rattled on what I knew were now flimsy hinges. “Out of the back door, ok? Our phones are upstairs, so there’s no time to get ‘em. Don’t get in the car, they might see you. Just run, keep on running, you know where Sheriff Arlen’s trailer is. Go tell him what’s happening, and he has backup with him already, ok? I need you to be strong for me and stay calm, alright?” Tears were starting to well up in her eyes, so I hugged her quickly, then kissed her forehead. “Please, sweetie. Run.” And she did what she was told right as the door busted down. I grabbed a knife from the kitchen drawer, ready to attack. Five men rushed in, all younger, taller, and with stronger builds.

There’s no way I was winning this fight.

“There’s Cal Joyner’s little girl.” One of them smirked, stepping towards me. “And she’s got a knife.”

“She’s a pretty little thing.” Another added with a matching wolffish grin. “D’you reckon we should have our fun with her?” The statement made my blood run cold and heart thank my mind over and over that I got Olivia out.

“Not if she’s wielding that pigstick.”

“That won’t be a problem, Yates, we’ll have that out of her hands in seconds.”

“Don’t you dare.” I spoke up, holding the knife out cautiously, trying to remain strong. “Deputy Elle Joyner, Sheriff’s Department. Tell me what you’ve done to Cal.”

“Cal’s got a bullet in his brain, sugar lips.” The one at the front chuckled, stepping forward, and with one clean swipe, his beefy hand knocked the knife out of my hand, another fist connecting with my cheek and knocking me to the floor. My fingers touched my bloody lip gingerly, but I found my back crashing through the glass coffee table, the shards slicing my clothes and skin. My brain tried to compute the pain as I let out a small groan, even more so when the wood of my dining table chair came into view. I rolled over, letting it hit my back with a strangled cry.

Olivia was running like her life depended on it- or her aunt’s, more accurately, sprinting over to Beau’s trailer with her legs pumping and tears flying from her pretty blue eyes.

“Say, is Belle gonna take any longer?” Beau chuckled deeply, his fingers drumming on the chair leg.

“Give her some time, Beau.” Carla chastised. “She has a life.”

“Yeah, Beau.” Jenny smirked, nudging him with a cheeky grin.

“You tell her, Carla.” Cassie added with a giggle, and when Beau looked to Emily for support, she shrugged in a way that said ‘don’t look at me’.

“You inducted my daughter into your little support group.” Beau faux-gasped. “I’ll never forgive you. Never-”

“SHERIFF!” Olivia came bounding up the driveway, and all of them sensed right away that something was seriously wrong. Beau met her halfway, catching Olivia as she practically collapsed into his arms with rasping, shaky breaths, on the verge of having a panic attack.

“Easy, Liv, sweetheart, what’s going on?” He asked with a frown, stroking her hair in an attempt to calm her down. “Shh, easy, talk to me.”

“It’s A-Aunt Isa!” She cried, holding onto him like a lifeline. The sentence made Jenny, Cassie and Carla stand up, the latter gesturing for Emily to stay put. “Some men s-started breaking d-down the door, s-she told me to run; why did I run-”

“I’ve got you.” Beau nodded, sharing a look with Jenny and Cassie. “Your aunt’s gonna be ok. I’m gonna go with Jenny. You stay here, with Carla and Cassie, alright? I won’t let anythin’ happen to her, sweetheart. I promise.” Then he turned to Jenny, grabbing his keys from a side table. “Hoyt, let’s go.”

“I’ll call for an ambulance.” Jenny announced, pulling out her phone as they rushed to Beau’s car, Jenny’s panicked voice and the emergency line operator filling the atmosphere. After a drive that felt like an eternity, they pulled up at their destination and almost leapt out to find the door ajar and shards of glass and splinters of wood on the floor, along with a stain of red that only sent chills down their bones.

“BELLE!” Beau yelled as he ran inside, and the moment he saw my body, lying weak, barely conscious and covered in blemishes and remnants of blows, he fell to his knees beside me. I recognised his face only barely, a short, raspy breath leaving my mouth as I tried to say his name. Was Olivia ok? Is she safe? Of course she is, otherwise Beau wouldn’t have found me- God, my everything hurts. “Hoyt- Hoyt! I need an ETA on the ambulance.” Panic riddled his voice as he checked me over. “I-It’s bad, J-Jenny, it’s bad, she’s bruised all over- what did those bastards do to her?” He looked down at me, my eyes meeting his pretty green ones as he smoothed back my hair from my face. “Stay with me, Deputy. Don’t go passin’ on me now, don’t you dare.”

I tried to whisper out anything at all, but my lungs and/or ribs hurt too much.

I woke up groggily in Beau’s cabin for the third time this week, rubbing my forehead as I grunted softly, propping myself up on the pillows. Beau now no longer trusted the safety of my own house, which had now become a crime scene, therefore prompting him to insist that I stay at his trailer while Dean took care of Olivia. I had taken a beating that day, and my limbs felt like Jello.

“Mornin’ sweetheart.” Beau stepped in with an affectionate smile, sitting down beside my legs, his hand on my knee while his thumb stroked it. “You doin’ better?”

“Physically, yes.” I nodded, sighing dejectedly as I took in the angry red marks on my forearms. He tried to meet my eyes with what looked like concern add even pity flashing behind his.

“And… emotionally?”

“I…” I bit my lip, frowning as I looked down at my hands. The hands of the law, or so I claim. “I just feel useless, Sheriff.”

“Useless?” He looked incredulous, his hand tightening on my knee. “T-The hell you calling useless, Belle?”

“Me.” I sighed, licking my lips nervously. “I have been so… weak lately. I’ve taken but after hit and… I was a niece to protect. If I can’t protect myself, how can I protect her from others? I feel like I’ve failed her, Sheriff. I’ve failed my baby.” My voice cracked at the end, the pain tearing at my heart.

“Your first instinct was to protect Liv.” He assured. “You didn’t think of anyone else before her. You got her to safety first, and I’d label that a damn good aunt, Belle. She’s safe and sound. No longer in danger, and she’s with her dad. She’s ok.”

I nodded. “I guess I can rest now.”

LMF TAGLIST:

@nancymcl @deans-spinster-witch @hobby27 @thej2report @winharry @abramswife

Make sure to like, reblog with feedback and comment! Comment if you want to join the taglist!

[prismaticpichu]

i know free day for zackseph week is over and you got your own things going on but if i may unleash a few plot bunnies for you to play with : what are zack and seph doing on the first day of school? what if transfer student situation :3c any grade or level of university, are they already friends or are they meeting for the first time? and like yeah sure super smart all honors classes sephiroth and jock bro zack, what if we reverse it? how silly can we get?

*leaves the box of plot bunnies open and runs*

YESSS ANON I LUV YOU!!! 🤣❤️ Plot bunnies wooooo!

(Intentionally OOC crisis core characters!! Kunsel & Zack besties forever lmaoo.)

~

(Zack, sitting alone at the lunch table, with stacks of books surrounding him on both sides as he scribbles furiously in a green spiraled notebook. He is completely oblivious to the distant snickers of the Jocks, who have just adopted ShinRa High’s recent transfer student—Sephiroth Crescent, a scorer of over 170 on the pacer test—into their sporty clique.)

Lux: Annnnd that’s him, over there. Zack Fair. The biggest bookworm you’ll ever find on the planet. Kisses every teacher’s ass, spends every waking hour in a book… bessst to just keep your distance.

Kuns: No kidding. Can you imagine your entire life revolving around school? Like… pick your damn head up, dude. Smell some fresh air.

(Another round of chuckles sound around Sephiroth’s table, yet the silver-haired senior remains silent.)

Lux: Oh—get this, Sephiroth. Y’know Mr. Hewley? The English teacher? He goes there during his free periods. Can literally just come here and get a snack; instead, goes to write speeches or shit with a teacher nobody likes.

Kuns: Heh, well, what do you expect when you got no friends? Gotta have someone of equal level. Right, Sephirot—?

(But Sephiroth was already gone, having sailed across the cafeteria, mercury hair swishing behind him as he takes his new seat across from the black-haired junior.)

Sephiroth: May I sit here, please?

(Zack glances up, blue eyes blinking in what could only be described as complete and utter surprise.)

Zack: …Y-yeah! Of course :)

(He moves his lunch bag and texts, then immediately shuts the green notebook to make some room.)

Zack: Are you new around these parts? Don’t think I’ve seen you around.

Sephiroth: Heh, yes. I just moved to Midgar this year. I’m Sephiroth.

(He reaches out his hand, and Zack happily shakes it)

Zack: Zack Fair! At your service :)

(He then notices the empty area where Sephiroth is sitting, blinking again in puzzlement.)

Zack: …Do you have any lunch with you?

(There’s a beat of silence, slightly thick.)

Sephiroth: …I, heh. Don’t eat lunch.

Zack: …Oh? Well, there’s lots of good food here! First thing anyone should know about any school, if you ask me.

(He pushes his box of french fries across the table.)

Zack: Help yourself!

Sephiroth: …Heh, that’s okay. Thank you.

Zack: You sure? It’s good for the soul :)

(In spite of himself, Sephiroth can’t help but smile a little. Nor can he help the sense of ease that settles over him; a warm, budding comfort that lets the next words slide out not as jaggedly as they may seem.)

Sephiroth: Thank you, truly. It’s, just… heh. I don’t think my father would like me eating those.

(In an instant, empathy flickers across Zack’s face, and he nods in understanding.)

Zack: …Ah. I got ya. No worries then. My dad can be a little strict too.

Sephiroth: Oh?

Zack: Heh, yeah. Pushes me really hard to get into all our AP classes, y’know? Can just be… super stressful.

(Now it’s Sephiroth’s eyes that suddenly flicker, softening in understanding.)

Sephiroth: Mmn, I see. I’m… sorry to hear that.

(Zack smiles a sheepish smile as he rubs his neck.)

Zack: Aww, thanks. Don’t worry about it though. Managed to make some really cool teachers in the advanced classes! Speaking of~

(He starts to pack up his stuff, popping the last of the french fries in his mouth before tossing it in the trash.)

Zack: Gonna head over to Mr Hewley’s for a bit! You wanna come?

(Inconspicuously, Sephiroth spares a quick glance to new batch of “friends”, the likes of whom had been gaping at it for the past three or so minutes. And it was then that he realized his decision could not be any clearer.)

Sephiroth: Absolutely.

~

Be a friend, folks!! ❤️💕 The world needs more of ‘em!

[serene-sun]

𝖂𝖍𝖔’𝖘 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝖉𝖆𝖉𝖉𝖞? Pt. 1

Pairing: copia & child/teen gn reader

Release: 5/26/23 10:14pm

Summary: copia has a bit of a surprise for you!

A/n: this is part 1 of a small series I’m doing parallel to @ghostussy AU “faith” plz go read it, they are a phenomenal writer (they hit the feels so good)

“Amore, I have a bit of a surprise for you.” Copia says, sneaking into your room as if he’s hiding from someone.

“Hm?” You look up from the homework on your desk, eyes catching onto his arms behind his back and his lips trying their hardest not to flip into a smile.

“Ta-da!” Copia exclaims, presenting you a brightly dressed envelope.

You look at him in confusion, but excitement, who doesn’t love gifts? Taking the white and black bow wrapped around the blue paper off, you pull out papers that seem to be important looking.

“Copia, what is this?” You ask, even more curious. Your eyes hurt looking at the small font on the white paper.

Copia just stands there, tilting his head to let you know to look more closely.

Your brain freezes, your breathe hitches, your lungs hold, your joints ache, your stomach hurts, your muscles tense as you read the heading words.

Adoption certificate

You blink, your heart beating once more, your brain is so shocked it can’t send the signals of excitement to your soul.

“Papa?” You say, a small crack in your voice.

You look up at him, only your head moving as you hold tight the paper. Your so surprised you don’t even feel emotion, all you feel are droplets falling down your cheeks that start to get heavier.

“Papa?” You repeat, more emotional, you fall apart as you realize you won’t ever have to think of anything harmful again.

“Oh child…” copia hums, kneeling down to wrap you in a hug.

A hug so tight your eyes might pop out, a hug so tight it’s greater than the sun’s gravitational pull on anything in the galaxy.

“Papa….” You cry, tears now streaming down your cheeks like a river.

His name seems to be the only word you know, in-fact it’s not even his name, it’s the name you first heard when you arrived at the ministry. How kind his face was, how soft his touch was, how gentle he was helping you while recovering from the accident. You remember just how lovely that warmth spread in your chest when he had brought you flowers while in the infirmary.

“Papa, what does this mean? Does this mean your my legal guardian now?” You ask, in a rush over the tears, “do you mean I won’t ever have to see them again?”

“Amore, there’s a bit more to it.” Copia says, trying not to ruin the mood.

But the concerned look on your face forced him to explain more in detail.

“Well…we still have to go to court for a hearing, it won’t be longer than 50 minutes though!” Copia smiles.

You nod, lifting your chin up to give him a smile.

“When is the hearing? Doesn’t this take a long time?” You wonder

“Well, believe it or not it was a surprise for me first.” Copia chuckles, bringing a hand to wipe away your tears.

You ask him more about it

“Well mo- sister imperator has actually been working for these silly inked up papers since you arrived. And after talking with some, higher officials, it was approved for court.”

“Higher officials? You mean nihil?” You sniffle, bringing a hand to his and taking in his warmth as he continues.

“Eh- yeah…no- I-I uhm….hard to explain.” Copia stutters, “but he’s the one who will acually be there for the hearing, like a representative kinda.”

He tries to explain, but when is it ever easy to explain economic policies to a mere child!

You nod, maybe not understanding, but still happy that copia would legally be yours, or is that the other way around?

“So when is it?” You look into his glossy eyes, happy for himself as much as he is for you.

“We have a few weeks, i wanted to tell you as soon as I found out but….I refrained. I honestly don’t know how I kept it under the blanket for so long!”

“Do the ghouls know?”

“Do the other papas know?”

“What do I wear?”

“Who all will be there?”

“Who will I sit with there?”

You bombard the poor old man with questions.

“Eh- hehe let’s wait a moment bambino!” Copia attempts to calm you down.

“Sorry, it’s just….you don’t know how much this means to me copia.” You mumble as tears appear like flowers in the spring.

“Oh bambino….” Copia smiles and brings you into a tight hug.

“Do- what do I call you then?” You ask

“Oh, well uhm…anything you want! You can keep on calling me by my name, or papa, really anything your want dear.” Copia says, wiping away a strand tear.

A/n: reblog and leave a comment if you enjoyed, lemme know what you would like to see next!

[silvertws]

PETRO WAS CRYING AND I WAS CRYING OMFG.

SABRE WHY.

WHY MUST YOU DO THIS TO US.

Nah.

Nah.

Bro better pull a fucking 180 on that freaking little fairy-blue thing BECAUSE HELL NAH, HELL TO HELL TO THE NAH.

Leave the boys alone bish.

I'm too attached to them.

I cannot.

I CANNOT HANDLE ANOTHER APO-OWEN SITUATION OK?!!!

I think I would simply perish.

Gone.

Just like that.

Poof!

I hate how attached I am to the silly Minecraft guys.

BUT MY BRAIN... THE PARASITE... THE DEMON IN MY BRAIN WANTS TO LIKE THE SILLY MINECRAFT GUYS...

I need someone as unhinged as me to talk about the sillies, for my own sanity.

Which is, barely there honestly, but that's besides the point.

I believe in redemption arcs PETRO PLEASE, PLEASE YOU CAN STILL FIX THIS.

Please, I just want them to all be happy, I'm sobbing.

ncjekwlalls PLEASE.

Let the fellas be happy.

Like, I usually don't ship characters ok? After Origins I just don't.

But tbh platonically??? Hell yeah, let the fellas be wholesome, no kissing no nothing, just hugging, telling each other sweet things- I will literally be kicking my feet like a little kid.

Also, on a side note.

Ruined Reality rants and theories up ahead.

Heyyyyy guys how are we feeling about the Newest Ruined Reality episode??? Yeah all good? Just doing a check in on all of us.

I mean, yeah, as expected.

Also, alright, this is gonna become a slight theory moment.

Rainbow crystal + heart of the soulstice?

You know how the rainbow crystal is made with the energy of the chromatics?

Yeah well, if the rainbow crystal still works, which I'm led to believe , fusing that energy with the heart, could potentially... Either give life back to the chromatics... Or... Create new chromatics but using the older souls, kinda like reincarnation.

ALSO AH, MY THEORIES WERE KINDA CORRECT HELL YEAH.

Mf First Curse better not bother Light smh Balance, go punch him, you literally can, since you belong in the same omniverse-? So go and punch him thank you very much.

Anyway.

I seriously do not know if Light will be able to bring everyone back.

If he manages to bring Steves back, it's definitely not gonna be everyone.

Not only because a lot of bodies were destroyed, but also for a storytelling factor.

Which is why all of them staying dead is a bittersweet victory, sure, you did it Light, good job! Every Steve who's left is now safe from that! Except... Well, the last Steve kingdom kinda... Doesn't like you. So I don't know if you're going to be allowed there...

Oh, so living with the professor? Yeah sure, if you want to have another metal rod in your leg you can.

Living with Ellie and uh... Cassian....?(I am so bad with names omg) in their little magic thing?

Yeah sure.

Go on.

They already adopted you my good sir, come on, they saw you and were like "yes, this one, ours now, yoink"

Also NCIEKSKSLLSLK PROXIMA.

Proxima the GOAT.

The FUCKING GOAT.

Even in death, EVEN IN DEATH BRO WAS STILL THE GOAT.

Another possibility.

TFC: "yo Light, sup"

Light "gtfo"

TFC "No u"

And then Light gets sent to ANOTHER UNIVERSE Just to suffer AGAIN.

Because remember kids.... TFC cursed Light to suffer FOREVER AND EVER AND EVER AND- yeah you get the gist of it.

So what happens when there's nothing more to make him suffer with in one universe...?

That's right... You send him to another one so he has to start all over again... And again.. and again...

BUT BIT BUT

I find this very unlikely because the reset trope is kinda overused and annoying and I also believe it would take out from the whole experience.

Like on a long run, it makes sense that TFC would do that.

BUT THIS IS A MINECRAFT ROLEPLAY GUYS.

There's just some things you cannot do or play with enough depth.

So, going back on the main topic.

What happens now?

Well, Light, Seer, Galaxy and To- FUCK THAT MF KILLED SOREN AGAIN I CANNOT.

I CANNOT WITH THIS GUY.

Smh, letting Light go through the loss of Soren not once BUT TWICE.

smh.

Anyway.

Now.

I already tried to explain how I think the rainbow crystal might be tied to "fixing" this.

And I think that's honestly our best bet.

Like, before this episode, I honestly thought they were simply going to yoink it from Lewis and Light was gonna use it.

But apparently they didn't do that...

Also like I'm sorry.

WHY THE FUCK DID THE RAINBOW CRYSTAL, STAY FUSED WITH LEWIS EVEN IF HE WAS DEAD.

Nah cause like, I always found that, not particularly logical.

Without the energy from the host, the only thing left with energy IS the crystal.

It would have made sense, in that case, if the crystal, its energy, also caused Lewis body to "live" but without actually being Lewis. But pure energy.

How would the crystal stay fused with Lewis?

Does that mean bro still has some energy somehow?

Was it the soul energy that kept them forcibly united?

I'm probably looking too much into it ngl, it's probably another plot hole or simply something that will be explained later... Maybe.

If the rainbow crystal is not going to be used in any way with the heart, I'll be surprised.

It could be like, a rainbow heart or whatever.

It's seriously the only thing I have going on right now.

Because it's the only thing with enough chromatic energy left to actually do something.

Unless SOMEHOW Light goes back to the other Steve Kingdom and Genesis is fucking alive, just like that, randomly, because he can.

I have no idea if any other deities are actually canon in RR.

Is Origin Steve canon? Or any of the other things in Rainbow Quest? Because Seer, Colle, Genesis, are all things from there as we know.

So just how much from that universe also transpired into this one?

Are demon Steves a problem we're going to have to deal with after everything and Seer is finally put to rest?

Also, yes, Seer will die.

I mean, he literally asked to be killed guys, what do you want? I say let him die. Colle is gone, that's enough pain already, I'm not gonna watch Seer becoming Void again (which btw, I think it's already happening or has already happened during the fight and Void is simply playing with everyone as per usual).

Still hoping for a Light corruption/villain arc (more like corrupt) because bro deserves to let out some steam and I support Light in literally everything he will do at this point.

He needs a beach episode fr.

Actually, no.

WE need a beach episode.

... I'm drawing that shit, I'm putting that in my nonexistent list of things I need to draw for my own sanity.

Oh.

Wait.

I completely forgot about the redstone core guys.

I mean, I don't think that's gonna help..? Idk I feel like it's a different energy from the one in the crystal or the heart so... Idk...

But maybe it could still be used for other things???

Also, we could simply get a time skip, to like, months later or something.

It has happened before and I honestly wouldn't mind it.

There's like, the option of going to the last Steve kingdom and asking them for help, but they must have moved by now, sure we can locate them with the assistant I suppose, if it comes down to it.

Also, one thing.

(idk man, some of y'all might find this offensive or call me chronically online for this :/)

Me whenever gay is used mockingly in a Steve-verse story while literally everyone is the same fucking gender as the other and their reproduction is literally based on MAGIC.

Like I'm sorry but make it make sense.

It's probably one of the things that annoys me the most.

I'm not saying that now everyone is forced to accept ships between certain characters.

I'm saying that there are not many sexuality options in a world where there's usually one gender.

You're either, Aromantic or something on that spectrum, Asexual or in that spectrum, Gay because there's literally one gender there to be attracted to.

Unless we're talking about universes that use more.

Or we could bring in the possibility that since they're all Steves or Alexes, they're all canonically non-binary.

I don't give a single fuck about romance, I can live without it.

But it annoys me, when comments are made, that logically speaking, don't make sense.

One of the biggest plot holes in RR until Ellie was introduced, was Cliff talking about women.

Which was resolved when Ellie came through and was like "no yeah, we exist actually, well used to".

Which again creates another plot hole to how tf did Cliff even meet one of those if they went extinct.

Disclaimer

I wanna clarify that I love RR and the other Steve verse stories or I wouldn't be talking about them. And that my rants are not directed towards the creators in any way, I do not, nor cannot, dictate how they decide to write their stories.

It's their tale to tell, I'm just here to watch, and listen.

I have opinions just like everybody else and if anybody ever takes offense (for some reason) to what I say, suck it up , talk to me like a normal person.

There are opinions to which I'm not willing to change my mind on, but I will still listen to others, just like there's some of which I will probably change my mind on.

As long as you're respectful about it, so will I.

Anyhow, I'm shit at explaining my opinions, because I'm horrible at conversations and English isn't my first language, so I'm sorry if I made it look like I was being rude or judgemental.

[leonawriter]

Kaitou Kid

(I'm gonna just go with Kuroba Kaito rather than Kid as a composite character or whatever)

First impression

You know, I'm not sure? It's so long ago now. But I probably got caught up in the cool factor of "class clown plus Phantom Thief."

Impression now

Still one of the coolest and most amazing characters Gosho ever created. Needs more friends. Needs a hug. I think I'm less taken in by the "silly guy" impression that he wants people to have of him, but that just means I'm leaning harder on the "oh, oh no, he needs help, several more assistants, real friends, and a sense of safety."

Favorite moment

The first that came to mind was actually the "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN" and grin from the Midair Walk.

Also high on the list are: the moment he shoots out the windows of a building in, I think it's Private Eye's Requiem? As well as two less bombastic moments, with the Dove Scene at the end of that one movie (Lost Ship in the Sky, I think) and... spelling out Happy Birthday Aoko at the end of Blue Birthday.

Idea for a story

For all that I've got a lot of dramatic ideas up in my head, and I have the "Hakuba saves him from a collapsing burning building" one that I posted about a while back still in my head, I'm gonna go with...

A story that covers Kaito's own birthday. Maybe he's been having a bad few days, and someone has sent out a challenge for Kid (maybe Jiroikichi, maybe not) that coincidentally happens on the same day that he can't get out of, and he expects to just have the worst birthday since years back, but... instead, the heist is weirdly quiet and when he gets home there's a small party that's been waiting patiently for him to get back from "whatever" he's been doing - Aoko's made a cake, Akako seems strangely tired, Keiko's there with some of their classmates, and... Hakuba's finishing up a call with Nakamori to say he can deal with whatever's left another time.

Kaito realising these weirdos are his friends.

Unpopular opinion

Huh, I don't know? Being a cousins truther feels like low hanging fruit.

Perhaps that Kaito doesn't actually have anything against wearing black himself, as long as it's a) civilian clothes, or b) part of a trick to misdirect. I've seen the headcanon around that he won't wear it, but I think that expecting the bad guys to wear black more of a Conan thing?

Favorite relationship

His dynamic with Hakuba is the number one in my head right now, with Aoko is currently slightly under that.

It's compelling. Detective and Thief? Of course I'm interested. Add to that, the fact that Hakuba comes to his own conclusions about Kaito that don't align with following the law? When he's a detective? I'd love to get inside Hakuba's head. I'd love to see what got him from "I'm going to handcuff him" to "I'll call him from France and tell him how to succeed in his very illegal heist."

It's Hakuba being logic-driven and the idea of "what would happen if something pushed him to make an irrational, illogical decision in the heat of the moment, because he has to choose between Kaitou Kid and the law in a way that can't be rationalised away?" and it's "the one case that drives me crazy" and. YEAH.

Favorite headcanon

Hm... a lot of my ideas about him come from either canon or things I've seen other people come up with that intrigued me or that I adopted. I don't know where it fits in, but-

The idea that if he's not in full control of himself (in pain, or just drunk off his ass, or so tired he seems drunk) he starts slipping between all sorts of voices. Aoko is used to this. She doesn't get why Hakuba is looking at him like he's grown a second head the first time he sees it happen.

Thank you for the ask! :D

[fokrons-art-hell]

doodled my guys to stay sane. forgoted tumblr hates wide images :-(

I'll introduce my guys undercut :-)

Hi welcome to me talking about my guys.

(I'll preface this by saying, in my oc headworld (pippaf), the dominant species are called "creatures" and all creatures can shift at will between fragile (humanoid) and primal (animal forms), the primal forms seen herer.)

The blue one is my favorite, their name is Amek (21, they/he). And by favorite i mean i emotionally torture them the most <3. Amek's species are called Storm Spirits, they are shapeshifters, but think of them more like dittos. they can't significantly change their color, eye-shape, or markings. they can voice/sound mimic tho! Storm spirits typically have weather magic. Storm spirits are a rare species, nearly hunted to extinction due to prejudice and their association with the god of chaos, Okkjuk. Amek's full name is actually Ameokk, after getting "adopted" by September, she gave him the nickname Amek, not wanting to unsettled others with the Okkjuk themed name. Amek is a long way from his original home, but he wouldn't consider it home anymore, even if he wanted to. I realized

I realized i haven't spoken of their personality at all. Amek is an upbeat goofy silly guy, he is a charmer and loves entertaining a crowd. He is very good at acting, his job requires him to.

the black cat is August (19, he). Amek is August's adopted brother. He is a prince but his mom (september) hates him bc she's ableist but also she sucks in general. August likes art and painting, and crowds make him very nervous, having been discouraged from going outside for much of his childhood. He also loves loves books, especially history and romance.

the picture on the left of him sitting he's 16 actually, bc i drew his proportions wrong. and all the pics where he has the torn ear and eyescar he's around 22. It's from an assassination attempt :- ). Oh yeah August's species r called spinecats. They're like cats but what if spines and posable tails and maybe some bug-like traits.

The doggy looking thang is Hyun (17. she/he). She is rabid and unhinged but probably the sweetest of my ocs, next to August. Like a rough kind of sweetness. His species is called Keyhorn, because keyhorns store their magic in their horn (magic energy is called 'keyaa'). As you can see, Hyun's horn was broken by a meaner :-( , this guy is called chrrris and he sucks. Hyun's magic is permanently weakened by this, but he is an optimistic bugger, don't worry.

Hyun was raised by these wild animals (not creatures) called night yips (imagine a wolf if it was as smart as a parrot and upright like a gorrila and the muzzle of a sawfish and rabbit ears). She also masqueraded as a local god so that she would get offerings from the local village. Then she lived in a cave for a bit. Don't worry about it.

[mbirnsings-71]

okie dokie!! So Alexander is an adopted kid of a wealthy Vampire family tho he was human up until he was 15, he has a heart transplant that failed so his mother made him a vampire, he wasn't a favorite outside of his mother, his older sister and brother in law hate him, he's dad hate him, and his bio parents are hard to find, when he turned 27 (because they age until 50, immortally don't mean he ain't getting gray hair) he got kicked out of the house momma not happy about it and is devoicing her husband fot that but anyways he goes to college to be an architect he meets this werewolf couple Jade and Eric, they're def bi4bi and it is Everyone problems lol but they become best friends that Eric tells Alex he's sterile so he helped them have a baby, little Richard or Richie, but the couple had him in December and driving home they died in a car crash but the baby lives so alex took him ofc and Richard is spoiled and loved by alex and alex mother his grandmother, but alex keep jade and eric memories alive so his kid knows his parents unlike him (shady adoption center) and there's rp alex who happens to find love, Oc world alex who married two humans Elizabeth and James, and there's another alex who doesn't want love just raising his son

And I might change it for other Alex to maybe have his best friends and they all raise the kid queerplatonic (well with Alex because like, I do enjoy a good one of those) but I love my tragic blonde beanpole AND I WILL DRAW HIM BECAUSE I HAVE TO HE'S MY BOY I have to draw a lot of my ocs all..... Looking.... 68 of them and growing lol

OH and he has a major sweet tooth his little sunshine (son) loves sweets but can't finish them so he does and he loves them

Hello??? Your OC lore is insane??? what the hell??? I need you to draw Alexander like Asap so I can draw him please and thank you /hj

BUT NO NO I LOVE THE IDEAS OF VAMPIRES STOPPING AGEING AFTER A CERTAIN AGE like it's something I 100% incorporate into my vampire lore because YEAH-

now I'll give you OC lore back!! Silly Madi OC lore under the cut cause I'm shy

All I can offer you right now is OC lore of my favorite Enby Vida Alegría!! This isn't usually their look but I had their doodle page open so I figured might as well test out a hair cut on them!!

Here's what they actually look like normally

but yeah they're my Enby Ace Florist OC who ends up dating my sunshine boy OC Atsushi!! They're a ex-skater kid who got kicked out by their parents when they were in high school and they now run a flower shop with their best friend, cousin, and aunt.

They're Atsushi's soulmate and they are both foolishly smitten for each other it's kinda funny like Atsushi was sooooo nervous to ask them out and to go on the first date that his sister figure had to lock him out of their shared apartment so he wouldn't be late it's so silly.

They're definitely a highlight of Atsushi's life, cause this is Atsushi's first partner after a really bad ex-girlfriend hence the nerves about asking them out and going on a date, but Vida's been really understanding and kind to him that it all works out. It helps he gets a kiss goodnight from them after that date and blue screened for a solid few minutes outside his apartment.

Just they're my sweet couple who I love thinking about while falling asleep because they're so soft and care about each other and RAGGHHHHH-

[acutiewithagun]

if we were friends irl (please just delete if this makes u uncomfy 😣)

You would be that white duck and i would he the yellow one on top of you

I would follow you around like a little duckling or a shadow just watching you quietly and occasionally offering funny words

You would be my cool older friend who I honestly see as like a very older sister or some type of not so old mother figure

I would be the silly little quiet child that follows you making the O_O face the entire time

Honestly you might forget I was even there until I say something crazy like "that guy was annoying. He wouldn't shut up 🙄" and you he like 😦 "amor ur still standing there??"

I would go to you for advice on almost anything

Probably more than my real mom

i could totally imagine us chilling in a quiet library

Like i come straight from school, drop my backpack down and IMMEDIATELY start spilling the tea about my day

"And then he had the audacity to say I had no personality! And he wonders why I don't like him 😐" "amor, you have algebra homework to do" "oh yeah right."

I would do my schoolwork while you do work or write or whatever you might do. I would probably ask you for help on homework but you seem you are better at English which I am as well

i feel like we would probably atop for pretzel or another quick snack on the way to dropping me off home

I would be all excited and happy to talk to you, rambling all the way there. But sometimes I might get a little bit quiet and I'll just stare at you waiting for you to talk

I say some very random things and I have shower thoughts throughout the day so I would just ask random out of the blue questions or say something weirdly wise

I love this. Absolutely.

Gonna add to this-

I could see us, in the case we know each other irl, having nights we just call. Like for you to vent or just chill as we do something.

I'd definitely have introduced you to the Person family and added you to the group chat.

Oh, absolutely would try and schedule little hangout sessions in public places and drag you around.

Rip, you'd probably be subjected to the jealousy from my platonic wife. Or adopted. Maybe both.

Honestly I'd buy you little gifts that make me think of you.

[mythologyfolklore]

Death is now a welcome guest

(A/N: This is a Hanahaki fanfic, but the disease is called Huā Késòu ("flower cough"), because Chinese. Here there be lots of angst and no happy ending. Title is a line from "Dido's Lament" in Henry Purcell's opera Dido and Aeneas.)

.

Sūn Wùhuàn folds his hands in his lap, as a figure approaches through the garden.

On the table in front of him are two sets of porcelain and a pot of tea for himself and his guest.

He has expected him, of course, nothing will surprise him. But then again, this visitor is almost as familiar to this place as his own disciples.

As soon as the newcomer has joined him in the gazebo and greetings have been exchanged, the white monkey demon says: “You're here for your medicine.”

The other person – a tall, very handsome man with long black hair and a third eye on his forehead – nods affirmatively. “Yes. I hope I wasn't bothering you.”

“Don't be silly, you're always welcome here. Besides, you couldn't show up unexpectedly, if you tried. Not with me.”

From the folds of his ice blue robe, he produces a vial with a pink liquid.

“You know the drill by now.”

“Of course.”

“Good. Now, why not make yourself comfortable and have some tea?”

The man smiles gratefully and sits down, as the white monkey pours him a cup of tea.

“I've had to take it more and more often lately”, the man tells him. “I think my condition is getting worse.”

“Yes, I can hear flowers growing in your lungs.”

“Gross.”

“Well, imagine what that's like for me, who has to hear it! But yes, your illness is indeed progressing. Has something happened lately?”

“I reconciled with your eldest brother.”

The Six-Eared Macaque tilts his head. “Oh?”

The other's smile grows into something between happiness and woe. “I happened to encounter him during my last travel.”

“With Nézhā.”

“Obviously. You know he sticks to me like a leech.” He says this, while rolling his eyes, but the macaque can see the fondness in those black ireses. His guest may feign annoyance, but clearly he loves little Nézhā like his own son.

“So, when are you going to officially adopt lotus boy, hm?”, he teases.

The other sighs: “When my illness is gone.”

Wùhuàn frowns. “My friend, I have told you-”

“I know, I know!”, the man snaps back. “I just … I can't. Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah. Nézhā and I encountered your brother during our travel in the mortal world. In Europe to be exact – still don't understand, why Nézhā wanted to go there – he saw and recognised us, we chatted and caught up …” His face softens a little. “… He asked to speak to me alone, so we met, when Nézhā was asleep. I apologised to him for every wrong I did to him and he … he gave me a bouquet of hydrangeas.”

Hydrangeas. The flowers of apology and forgiveness.

Suddenly the man has a coughing fit and chokes up a few blood-stained blossoms.

He and the Six-Eared Macaque both freeze.

Gladiolus, the flower of strength, integrity and personal growth.

Which just so happens to be the favourite flower of Sūn Wùkōng.

Wùhuàn understands and his frown deepens. “They're for him.”

“… Yes.”

“They always were.”

“…”

“I guess that explains, why you don't want to confess.”

“…”

“Huā Késòu is one of the few diseases that can kill a god. You have to tell him.”

“Where is the point? He will never love me.”

There is so much resignation and hopelessness in these words, that the macaque's ears droop.

“If you don't tell him, you will die. But if you do-”

“I will still die. Except then I will have humiliated myself by laying my heart bare.”

“And what about Nézhā? Are you this determined to put your pride before him? To die and leave him alone? You're the only father figure he's ever had and he loves you dearly. Would you really be willing to break his little heart like that? You're not that selfish. I know you're not.”

The other's face crumbles and Wùhuàn takes his hand.

“I know it's hard, Èrláng. But for Nézhā's sake, consider it.”

.

That night Èrláng Shén doesn't go to bed.

Instead he sits at his desk, drafting bridges.

He quit his job as a warrior god mortal decades ago to focus purely on his job as an engineer. And damn, the mortals really need an engineering god these days, holy shit, the bridges in China are a mess! Fucking corruption …

(Èrláng may not be willing to swear out loud, but that won't stop him from doing it in his mind)

To quell the increasing aggravation, he glances at the vase full of hydrangeas on his desk.

Indeed the sight charms a smile onto his face.

But then he chokes and goes into a full-on coughing fit, that lasts for way too long.

In the end he's crouched on all fours beside his desk, wheezing for breath.

With a sneer he regards the bloody blossoms scattered in front of him.

Love truly is a curse.

.

“Èrláng, what's wrong?”, asks Nézhā, after they have finished their training for the day.

The engineering god frowns. “What do you mean?”

“You're out of breath quicker than usual.”

Sometimes, he hates this god's observation skills as much as he loves them.

“I'm fine”, he lies. “Just a bit out of shape.”

Nézhā frowns. “We train every day. How can you be out of shape?”

Yep. He hates them.

Suddenly the child cries: “Oh! Are you feeling under the weather? Do you have the Celestial pox? Maybe you should take a break-”

“Nézhā, if I had the pox, there would be blisters all over my face.”

Nézhā laughs sheepishly, clearly having forgotten about that.

“Oh. But still, you should take a break. Maybe see the old man. It could be serious. Take a break for the day, drink lots of herbal tea and be sure to eat enough. I want you to be okay.”

Èrláng can't help but smile. “Well, if it makes you happy, I will do as you say. But you should be taking a break too”, he says and ruffles Nézhā's hair. “You have been working so hard. It's not right, that I should be relaxing, while you're toiling away. Why don't you go on a holiday with me?”

Nézhā beams at him, like it's his birthday, the Lantern Festival and New Year combined.

“You're the best, da- Èrláng!”, he hastily amends and Èrláng laughs.

He doesn't give a damn, what Lĭ Jìng says, Nézhā is the sweetest kid ever – even if he's a tad too fond of setting things on fire – and has to be protected at all cost.

.

A few worldly days later, Èrláng and Nézhā are getting ready to depart from Èrláng's earthly home on Plum Mountain and head for Beijing, because the former has some business, before they go on their second world trip.

Nézhā honestly doesn't understand, why the demigod he not so secretly views as his dad even has a mortal day job, after all it's not like he needs money. But Èrláng seems to be content with that job, so the Third Lotus Prince isn't going to rain on his parade. Especially not now that he seems to be more melancholy than he has been in a millennium.

The three-eyed god is helping Nézhā to put on his coat (why? He doesn't need help, he's over 3000 years old!), when Xiàotiān Quăn comes running with a letter in his snout.

The dog places the letter at his master's feet and it's picked up by Èrláng.

“No sender. Weird”, Èrláng mutters and opens the envelope.

“Should you open that? For what it's worth, it might be a letter bomb or something”, Nézhā says unsurely.

Èrláng gives him a deadpan look. “Nézhā, everyone in this house is immortal and immune to mortal diseases. A murder attempt will do jack.”

“Still …”

From there the man ignores him, fishes out the letter and reads it.

As soon as he's finished, his right eye twitches.

“You've gotta be kidding me.”

The twelve-year-old tilts his head. “What's wrong?”

Èrláng scowls: “Our favourite monkey menace wants to come over in an hour. Why the heck is he assuming that I've got no plans for today, like all I do is hang out at home with nothing to do!”

Nézhā shrugs: “Just call him up and tell him we were just about to leave the house and won't be here for the next weeks.”

The older god takes the advice (huh. That' a new one), stomps over to the phone and dials the Great Sage's number.

After a few seconds Nézhā can faintly hear the voice of the Great Sage answer: “Y'ello?”

Èrláng almost immediately lays into him: “Good morning, Great Sage. I've got your letter and I'm calling to inform you, that if you come over in an hour, you will not find me here! Nézhā and I are just about to leave the house and we won't be back for another couple of weeks! Not to mention I've got business to do! What gave you the idea, that you can announce your arrival on such short term and expect me to be home, like I've got nothing else to do?! You wouldn't like it either, if I just showed up at your mountain with only an hour's notice!”

“Whoa! Take it easy, Little Sage! And what business are you talking about? Because I happen to know, that you quit your mortal job a month ago under the pretense that you're suffering from tuberculosis! Tuberculosis! Seriously?! That's what you came up with?! Why?!”

Wait, what?!

“That's none of your business!”, Èrláng snaps into the phone. “And just for the record, I never claimed it was work related! Now if you will excuse me, Nézhā and I going a trip abroad!”

Èrláng is just about to hang up, when Sūn Wùkōng snaps back: “Oh no, you're not hanging up on me! I have questions and if you're not going to be at Plum Mountain in an hour, I will come over immediately and accompany you wherever you two are travelling, until I get my answers, do you hear me?! Also, does Nézhā know that you quit the job you allegedly love so much, because of a made-up lung ailment?!”

Before Èrláng can answer, Nézhā snatches the speaker from his hands. “Well, I do know now, because in case you didn't realise, you're on speaker! And just for the record, you've got some nerve to intrude on our quality time! I don't care, if you have questions and want answers! They can wait until we're back in China! But you just ruined the morning for both of us, because we're in a hurry to get to Beijing for dad's business and you're wasting our time, as if we're got nothing better to do than prioritise your whims over everything else, little brother!”

“I never said that, kid. I just have concerns-”

“Well, your concerns can wait too! Dad and I are leaving! Bye!”

And with that, he hangs up and slams the phone back onto the charger.

Seriously, as much as he loves his younger sworn brother, he's not going to have any of his nonsense, especially today.

When he turns to face Èrláng, the adult is gawking at him and his three eyes are sparkling, like he's about to cry.

Nézhā frowns. “What? Something on my face?”

“… You called me dad.”

The child deity blushes. “Uhhh …”

“You called me dad twice. In front of a witness.”

Èrláng is grinning from ear to ear, as if he just received the best present in the world.

“Yeah. So what if I did”, grumbles Nézhā and blushes harder.

Next he knows he's trapped in a warm embrace.

Èrláng is hugging him.

At first, Nézhā's eyes widen. Then he relaxes and hugs back.

This is nice, Èrláng gives wonderful hugs … wait …

Suddenly, the Lotus Prince feels his blood run cold.

There is a barely audible rattle in the older god's breathing.

.

Sūn Wùkōng feels his eye twitch, when his “older” brother just hijacks the phone call and hangs up on him.

He really just wanted a few questions answered in a face to face conversation, how was he supposed to know that Èrláng wouldn't be home today?

Oh well, no matter.

Nézhā has asked him not to intrude on his quality time with the guy he claimed was totally not his dad (riiight).

Sure, he supposes he can do that. He's a Buddha after all. What's a few months.

Yet Wùkōng feels anxious about doing so.

Something's wrong, he just knows it.

Why has Èrláng quit his job over that pretense?

There would have been so many other reasons. He could have just said something along the lines of “low job satisfaction” or “done with the corruption” or whatever.

But tuberculosis? Really? Gods don't even get TB! That doesn't make any sense!

Unless … he actually has a lung ailment.

Èrláng is a terrible liar, always has been.

Something fishy is going on.

Wùkōng swears, as soon as Three-eyes and Lotus Boy come home, he will needle them like no tomorrow!

.

Èrláng still has no idea why Nézhā likes touring about Europe and the Americas so much.

But oh well.

Nothing wrong with seeing the world with your kind of adopted kid, when you have a terminal lung disease.

Not that he's going to tell Nézhā, that the reason he indulges him in this is because he wants to spend as much time with him as possible. He will never tell him, how badly he just wants to smile and laugh with this boy, that all he really wants now is to have at least a few happy memories with Nézhā and for the latter to have happy memories with him.

Èrláng knows he doesn't have much time left. His Huā Késòu is getting worse and once they come back to China he'll have to visit the Six-Eared Macaque again and get more medicine.

Medicine that can only soothe the scratching in his throat and delay the inevitable.

Sooner or later he will have to explain the situation to Nézhā, but he knows that faced with this, the child will be devastated and that's a thought Èrláng can't bear.

Without the boy, Èrláng would accept dying. The man he loves will never love him back and why would he, when Èrláng has done nothing to deserve his heart. Besides … he has been tired of life for a long time. At this point, death is almost welcome.

But Nézhā has suffered so much and losing his new father figure will only cause him more pain.

This just isn't fair.

This is what Èrláng thinks, as he and Nézhā are standing on the viewing platform of the Eiffeltower (this structure used to impress the engineering god, but today he's just annoyed, do the French really think a paint job can hide how decrepit this thing is?).

For now though, he wants the- no, his child to smile.

So he gets out his phone and turns on the camera function.

“Nézhā!”

The Lotus Prince makes a startled noise, as Èrláng pulls him close and into the frame of the camera.

“What are you doing?”

“Smile for the picture!”

Nézhā still looks a bit confused, but does as told and smiles toothily into the camera.

Èrláng puts on his best million dollar smile and took the photo.

Then he checks it out in the gallery.

Perfect.

The three-eyed god nods in satisfaction.

“Let's make more of these! Let's capture the good moments of this trip!”, he suggests.

For a second, Nézhā looks surprised, before smiling and giving him a hug.

From here, as they photograph themselves in every picturesque location they encounter on their world journey, Èrláng goes out of his way to seem as carefree as possible.

And one night, when the boy is busy playing mobile games on his phone, the engineering god goes to an open-late shop and has the photos printed out.

After all … he wants Nézhā to later see these pictures and remember those moments fondly.

.

Of course Nézhā is enjoying the time with Èrláng.

He's savouring every moment they get to smile and laugh together.

At the same time, however, he's getting more and more worried about the older god.

He's pretty sure Èrláng doesn't realise, just how much Nézhā has noticed during the months they have spent travelling the world.

How Èrláng seems to be out of breath more often.

How he has to take breaks during walks for the first time ever.

How he takes his binder off more often, which Nézhā knows he hates having to do.

That undeterminable sadness in eyes, even when he smiles for the camera.

The increasingly frequent periods of lethargy.

How he goes out of his way to pretend that nothing is wrong.

How he will lock himself inside a bathroom for extended amounts of time, while Nézhā has to stand outside and listen to the sounds of retching and coughing and sometimes even muffled weeping.

Nézhā has never felt so helpless, not even when he was abused by his sperm donour and had no one to turn to, or when he had no other choice but to commit suicide to save his loved ones.

But something tells him that cutting his own throat won't help at all this time. It won't cure whatever ailment his dad has, only break his heart.

Obviously that's the last thing the Lotus Prince wants.

Throughout the entire trip, Nézhā feigns obliviousness and does his best to seem light-hearted, knowing that once Èrláng notices how much he worries, he'll feel guilty and sad.

But the uncertainty is driving Nézhā insane.

The boy has a hunch, that the truth must be horrible, but anything is better than being stuck in this limbo of ignorance, helplessness and worry.

If only Èrláng would tell him what's wrong.

.

“How pretty!”, marvels Nézhā. “It's been so long, since my last visit to Nepal! Uhhh, dad, are you okay?”

“… No”, Èrláng gloomily admits. “I can't stop thinking about the earthquake that wreaked havoc here nine years ago and I'm sad.”

He doesn't mean to be a buzzkill, but it's true. When he heard about the earthquake, he was reminded of the Sichuan Earthquake of 2008, which still haunts him. Sixteen years just aren't enough to heal the trauma of feeling the earth tremble violently under your feet and seeing buildings collapse left and right, while you were minding your own business. And Èrláng can't even fathom what it felt like for the mortals living in his province!

Nézhā seems to understand and wordlessly gives him a hug.

They spend the rest of the day just wandering around, until in the late evening Nézhā decides they're gonna do the rest of the sightseeing for the day by flying above the area.

As it turns out, he is just looking for a summit, where they can watch the sunset.

The sunset is beautiful up here, but Èrláng is almost too busy gasping for breath to be able to appreciate it – oh, how he longs for the days, when breathing wasn't an issue, because he was an immortal god!

Sadly, the younger deity notices. “Hey, are you okay?”

“I'm fine”, Èrláng lies.

Nézhā, who so far has been watching the sunset, now turns back to him with a frown on his face. “Dad.”

Uh-oh. That tone. Èrláng is overcome with a sense of foreboding.

“Has anyone ever told you, what a terrible liar you are?”

… Fuck.

“Nézhā …”, he begins, but gets interrupted.

“Don't you 'Nézhā' me!”, the boy snaps, “You think I haven't noticed?! You think I haven't heard you coughing your lungs out in the bathroom? The rattling and wheezing, when you breathe? How you can't do anything anymore, without gasping for air?! And don't even get me started on how weird you're acting all of the sudden! Until some time ago, you seemed to be getting better mentally and now you're back to faking smiles and locking yourself away to cry in private! And why do you suddenly insist to record everything we do together, like this might be the last time we're together? You've never done that to remotely this extend before! I don't know what's up with you, but this isn't right! You keep telling me you're fine, but you're so obviously not and it's driving me nuts! This ignorance isn't bliss, it's fucking torture! Why can't you tell me, what's wrong???”

Èrláng is silent, as he regards the child god in front of him.

His heart cracks at seeing him so distressed and he knows that the truth will hurt even more, but he also knows it's high time to fess up.

“I was planning to tell you when we're back home”, Èrláng confesses. “But you're right. An explanation is overdue. Sit with me and I'll tell you the truth.”

Nézhā settles down beside him and leans on his shoulder.

“When I quit my earthly job I lied about having tuberculosis, but I didn't lie, when I said I had a lung ailment”, he starts.

He takes a bloodied paper tissue from his pocket and unfolds it.

Nézhā gasps, when he sees the blood-stained gladiolus blossom. The horror in his eyes tells Èrláng, that the- no, his child understands. Good.

“I don't need to explain to you how Huā Késòu works, I assume?”

Nézhā shakes his head, which is probably reeling from this new information.

“The only real cure for it is for me to profess my feelings and have them requited. But that's not a viable option for me.”

The Third Lotus Prince stares at him in disbelief. “Are you serious?! Why not???”

“There is no point in telling them. They will never love me either way.”

The boy jumped to his feet. “How can you be so sure? How can you be so sure of his answer before even trying?!”

“Nézhā, please listen-”

“No! How dumb do you think I am?! How many people do we know who like gladiolus flowers the most?! That's right! Only one! You wanna know what I think?! You're just scared! You can't tell Wùkōng the truth, because you're too scared to look him in the eye and hear his answer! You're a coward!”

Èrláng scowls: “Watch your mouth, young man-”

“You watch your mouth and listen to me! For once in your life, you will fucking listen to me! You're dying! You're dying, don't you understand?! And there is only one chance to prevent that and you refuse to take it! How can you be so accepting of your own death with no regard for all the people who love you?!?”

“Well, maybe I don't deserve being alive!” Èrláng regrets these words as soon as they leave his mouth, but it's too late.

The boy's face is blank as he stares at the older god in silence, but his pink eyes are filled with heartbreak and betrayal.

The engineering god scrambles to apologise: “N-Nézhā, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean-”

“Shut up.”

“Just let me explain-”

“I SAID SHUT UP! I HAVE TO WATCH YOU DIE!!! YOUR BROTHERS HAVE TO WATCH YOU DIE, YOUR FRIENDS, YOUR DOG, EVERYONE WHO CARES ABOUT YOU HAS TO WATCH YOU DIE!!! HAS TO GRIEVE FOR YOU WHEN YOU'RE GONE! DON'T YOU CARE AT ALL?!? YOU THINK I'LL BE FINE WITHOUT YOU, WELL, WHAT IF I WON'T BE?!? WHAT IF I TURN INTO A MAD GOD, BECAUSE AFTER THOUSANDS OF YEARS I FINALLY HAD A FATHER FIGURE WHO GAVE A SHIT ABOUT ME, ONLY FOR HIM TO DIE, BECAUSE HE DIDN'T GIVE A SHIT ABOUT HIMSELF?!? I WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE YOU FOREVER, AND NOW YOU'RE LEAVING ME BEHIND! HOW DO YOU THINK THAT MAKES ME FEEL?!? AM I A FUCKING JOKE TO YOU???”

All three of Èrláng's eyes grow wide as saucers. He jumps to his feet and has to fight a dizzy spell from getting up so fast, but he needs to calm the boy down!

“No, Nézhā, no! I would never think of you like that! You mean the world to me, I don't want to hurt you-”

“WELL, YOU ARE HURTING ME!!!”, Nézhā shrieked. “ALL I WANT IS FOR YOU TO BE HAPPY! I'VE BEEN TRYING SO HARD! I'VE BEEN TRYING SO HARD TO MAKE YOU WANT TO LIVE! I'VE BEEN TRYING SO HARD TO MAKE YOU SMILE AND LAUGH WITH JOY! BUT YOU STILL WANT TO DIE!!! WHY?!? WHY IS EVERYTHING I DO NOT ENOUGH?!? WHAT AM I DOING WRONG?!”

Èrláng's heart breaks into a million pieces.

“Nézhā, you've done nothing wrong”, he starts gently, “this is all on me, but- WAIT!”

But the boy has already summoned his flaming wheels and takes to the sky, before Èrláng can stop him.

.

“Nézhā! NÉZHĀ!!! Oh no …”

Èrláng decides to pursue the rapidly receding younger god. The night is approaching fast, he can't let Nézhā fly around by himself in such a mental state, he can't! With that in mind, he summons his cloud and gives chase.

But no matter how fast he flies, the- no, his child doesn't seem to come any closer.

I can't catch up to him … why can't I catch up to him?! Why am I so slow?!?

Èrláng doesn't know, how long this seemingly fruitless chase goes on, but before long the moon and the stars are the only guiding lights.

At some point he gets a dizzy spell – that's nothing new, it's just a consequence of his breathing difficulties and the thinner mountain air.

What is new, however, is the sudden feeling of heaviness. It feels as if his body suddenly weights as much as the mountain he just passed.

And then his cloud dissolves beneath him.

He falls.

It takes a few seconds for his brain to register.

Then comes the terror.

Any attempt to catch himself with magic is fruitless. He just continues to plummet hundreds of metres from the sky to certain death.

And though he's not really scared of death anymore, he can't help but think: No! I can't go out like this! I can't! Not like this!

As the ground approaches fast, Èrláng's horror inexplicably turns into grief and tears fall from his eyes to be carried away by the wind. A sob escapes him. This isn't fair. This isn't fair! He has been prepared for a death slow enough that he can say goodbye to everyone, but now it looks like he will die suddenly and without warning and he will never see them again! And Nézhā … oh poor, dear child, he's going to be devastated! He's going to think this was his fault!

“DAD!!!”, a terrified voice screams from the distance, he barely hears it over the roaring of the wind. From the corner of his vision, he sees the familiar glowing pink aura and fiery wheels coming towards him, tearing through the air at rapid speed.

But it's no use.

He's too close to the ground now and Nézhā won't reach him in time.

All he can do now is close his eyes and send a silent prayer to Nézhā.

I'm so sorry. Please forgive me …

The same voice cries out again, this time filled with anguish: “NO!!! DAD! NO!!!”

What happens next is a bit of a blur.

First there is a loud boom and a flash, like something's breaking the sound barrier.

Next, someone who isn't Nézhā catches him just a few seconds before he hits the ground.

His saviour doesn't speak at first, opting to safely place him onto the snow first.

It's too dark for his normal eyes, so Èrláng opens his third eye to better make out his rescuer. But the two glowing red eyes and golden pupils glowering back at him make his heart sink.

“… Great Sage?!”

Right then, Nézhā drops down right by Èrláng's side, crouches down, takes him into his arms and starts crying hysterically.

“I'm sorry!”, he wails, “I'm sorry! I'm sorry! It's all my fault! If I hadn't run away …”

Èrláng sighs and rests his chin on the boy's shoulder. He's just as shaken as Nézhā after very nearly falling to his death, and ashamed of himself for having to be saved by the Monkey King of all beings.

But in the child's arms, Èrláng grows calm.

“Hey. Hey, easy there, little lotus”, he coos, “It's not your fault, it's mine. If I hadn't said what I said, you wouldn't have run away. I'm sorry too. I don't know why I said those things.”

Nézhā just cries some more.

“Ahem! Excuse you, I'm still here too!”

The Great Sage Equal to Heaven is sitting there with folded arms and a done-with-this-bullshit expression on his face.

“Alright, let me get this straight; you two had a nasty fight, Nézhā ran away, you pursued and then you – who's been immortal and able to fly for over 4000 years – suddenly fell from the sky like a meteorite.” The macaque's tone is flat.

Èrláng blushed with shame. “Yeah … that's pretty much it.”

“I see~ Well, in this case I would like to know~ WHAT THE FUCK JUST HAPPENED?! OR MORE IMPORTANTLY, WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!?”, Sūn Wùkōng roars, making Èrláng flinch. The Monkey King sees this and lowers the volume: “You stupid fuck! You're a dead man and you're trying to fly in that state?!”

Èrláng's shameful blush is replaced by shocked pallor. “How do you-?”

“I asked Lăozi! You didn't think you claiming to have a lung ailment wouldn't make me suspicious, did you?! I just went and asked the old man, if gods can get lung ailments, and guess what he fucking told me! Huā Késòu! Are you fucking shitting me?! You're suffering from a fatal disease and you didn't tell me?! You tried to ride a somersault cloud in this state?!? Did you forget the part where that disease takes your immortality and the weightlessness that comes with it?!”

“To my defence, this morning it worked just fine, so I didn't expect to lose it in midair just a few hours later”, the older god admits sheepishly.

The Monkey King facepalms. “Ugh, you're impossible! Who the fuck are your flowers even for?!”

Before Èrláng can answer, he chokes on something and has a violent coughing fit.

No! No! Not now! Not here! Not in front of him! No, please, no!

But it's already too late.

Soon the white snow around him is tainted with blood and blood-stained flowers. And they just keep coming, because he just keeps coughing and coughing without reprief. Panic seizes him and he desperately gasps for air, but the flowers are clogging his wind pipe.

I can't breathe!

A sudden wave of comfort washes over him, calms his mind and soothes his body. The coughing and the panic attack come to an end and finally Èrláng can catch some of that sweet, sweet oxygen.

But it seems what just happened has taken quite a lot out of him – or maybe it's just the thin mountain air – because he faints anyway.

.

He wakes up in his own bed. When he looks around, he finds Sūn Wùkōng sitting by his bedside with a grave expression and Nézhā sitting on the other side with his face buried in the blanket.

“Hey”, Èrláng says softly.

“Hey”, the Monkey King replies. “Good to have you back. How are you feeling?”

“Bit better for now”, he mumbles. “How long was I out?”

“Nine hours. Enough time to take you two home, call my brother, because we were worried you wouldn't wake up again, then call all your brothers and your friends. I know you want to be able to say goodbye”, Sūn Wùkōng tells him. “Also, sorry for taking off your binder without your permission, but you need all the air you can get now. Don't worry, I didn't gawk at your chest like a creep. I really just wanted you to be able to breathe better.”

Èrláng smiles lopsidedly. “The last thing I'm worried about is you of all people stealing glances at my body.”

“I'm just saying, damn! Establishing that shit is important to me! I've seen the looks people give you! They're so disgusting, I wanna snatch their eyes out!”

“Such a gentlemonkey.”

The Monkey King rolls his eyes. Then his face becomes serious again. “Your brothers ought to be here soon. But before they arrive, there's something you and I need to talk about.”

He pulls something from his pocket; two bloodied gladiolus flowers and carefully places them on the blanket. Then he turns to the boy: “Kid, you might want to leave the room. I don't think you want to hear this.”

“No, I do”, Nézhā insists. “I want to hear him say it! I want him to finally tell the truth!”

Èrláng can't find it in his heart to glare at the boy, as he normally would.

Instead he sighs: “Saying it out loud won't change anything and I'll prove it.”

He takes the Monkey King's left hand with his right one and, for the first time in his life, confesses his heart.

“I love you, Sūn Wùkōng. With all my heart and soul, I adore you. You make me feel like myself again, after having to wear a mask for so long. With you, I'm not Èrláng Shén, nor the True Monarch, I'm just Yáng Jiăn and it feels so enlivening. Your boundless energy and love of life fascinates me. There is so much pain between us and yet, being with you feels like a weight has been taken off my shoulders and by the time we part, I feel light and at peace for a while. I'm in love with your laugh, the twinkle in your beautiful eyes, your cleverness, your brutal honesty towards me, our invigorating spars, and your dedication to those you care about. You are so willing to shower people with your love of life and your affection and sometimes I find myself wishing I could bask in your warmth and be as special to you as you are to me. But I've known from the start, it was never meant to be.”

By the end of his confession his shortness of breath is worse from talking so much at once, but other than that he feels nothing different. Isn't talking about your feelings supposed to make you feel lighter or something? Hah! What a bunch of baloney!

A touch on his fingers draws his attention back to the macaque by his side. The younger being clasps Èrláng's hand in both of his tiny monkey hands and gently caresses his long, thin fingers.

Wùkōng's face is sorrowful, as he speaks the words Èrláng has always anticipated but never wanted to hear: “Yáng Jiăn, I'm truly sorry. You are special to me. But I don't feel the same.”

At these words, Nézhā suddenly jumps up and starts to shriek and wail in abysmal despair, as if he's not the Third Lotus Prince, but a keening ghost.

Èrláng's heart breaks, not for himself, but for his child whose last hope of saving him has been dashed.

Still he has to lay down the law, when Nézhā starts cursing Sūn Wùkōng and showering the poor monkey with profanities and reproach.

“Nézhā, that is enough”, Èrláng says as sternly as his state allows. “Don't put this all on him. It's not his fault, that he doesn't love me, nor would I ever expect him to. Not only have I wronged him greatly in the past, he's aromantic asexual. Love cannot and should not be forced. Why don't you go into the kitchen and make some tea? I'm thirsty and these flowers are hurting my throat.”

Nézhā deflates, gives Èrláng a heartbroken look, runs from the room crying and leaves the two men alone together.

Sadly, Èrláng looks at the door for a minute, before turning to Wùkōng: “Please don't hold it against him. My child is heartbroken. It will take a while for him to get a clear head again.”

“I understand”, the Monkey King assures him. “I know grief.”

Èrláng bites his lip, then asks: “Wùkōng, may I make one last request?”

“Whatever you want”, is the reply, to his relief.

“Please, take care of Nézhā, when I'm gone. I know he's older than you, but he will need someone to be there for him. He means so much to me, the thought of him being all alone …”

He weeps.

The Monkey King moves closer to his head and wipes Èrláng's tears with his thumbs.

Èrláng melts under the tenderness and can't help but lean into these little hands.

“Put your mind at ease, Little Sage”, the macaque coos. “I will do everything I can to stand by Nézhā and be there for him. You have my word.”

The sigh of relief Èrláng releases triggers another coughing fit. But the Great Sage cradles his head in his arms and sends another wave of comfort through him. Èrláng feels his respiratory system relax along with the rest of his body and breathing becomes a little easier.

“Thank you”, he whispers.

The Monkey King smiles. “Anything for you. I meant what I said earlier, you know? You are special to me. It's a shame that this accursed disease doesn't consider queerplatonic feelings as valid. I truly wish I could save you from death, but as it is, all I can do is help ease your passing a little. Do you want me to stay?”

Èrláng leans further into the hands cradling his head and smiles, finally feeling completely calm.

“I'd like that very much.”

.

When Nézhā comes back with a cup of tea, Èrláng's sworn brothers and his dog are with him.

The six men look distraught and Xiàotiān whines and curls up on Èrláng's pillow next to his head.

The dog's licking tongue wakes Èrláng from his nap and upon seeing his faithful companion and friends, he smiles.

Just a few minutes after the group, Cháng'é arrives and immediately bursts into tears at the sight of her dying best friend. The last to arrive are the Six-Eared Macaque and Guānyīn, both looking like they're trying to be strong while crying on the inside.

Wùkōng can feel the sheer happiness radiating from Èrláng, can feel how loved the dying man feels.

Nézhā seemingly can't stop crying. He cries, when he sits on the other side of his father. He cries, when he helps Èrláng drink his last cup of tea. And he cries, as he curls down beside the older god.

Èrláng uses his last bit of strength to stroke the child god's head with his free hand in comfort.

Eventually, he smiles at everyone one last time, whispers “I love you all so much” and then falls asleep for the final time.

Sūn Wùkōng listens to how the intakes of breath are growing shallower and counts them.

One … two … three … four … five … six … seven … eight … nine … ten … eleven …

Then Èrláng Shén draws his last breath.

[uncaaj]

Fanfic: Two Guys, a Girl, and an Udon Place (Beastars)

READ NOW ON AO3!

“Louis,” I said with a smile, reaching out to shake the red deer’s hand. 

“Legoshi.” He returned his own mild grin behind tired, baggy eyes and gave me a firm handshake.

He was in a simple brown blazer and slacks, no tie around his buttoned blue shirt. I had come still in my stained cook’s jacket, the humble noodle shop’s logo on the back.

“Thanks for coming to meet me,” I said as we made our way to the counter and took two red velvet seats.

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“Well, I know this bar isn’t the nicest.” We turned to the approaching bartender as his mouth dropped open seeing who was with me. “A-and people talk.”

“Old fashioned, please,” said Louis to the bartender. He nodded and walked off briskly. 

“Uh, p-plum wine soda, please!” I shouted after, my ears drooping as the barkeep unlocked a safe and retrieved a whiskey bottle from it..

”Let them talk,” said Louis. “I’ve long since accepted that my status is my shadow. My weight to bear.”

“I never thought being the best chef in the country would feel like that,” I said.

Louis smirked. “There’s a lot you don’t understand of my world.” He patted me on the back. 

I could hear the whispering over the gentle jazz and my fur bristled. A deer interacting with a wolf like this? Especially a deer of his caliber. Still very much taboo…and dangerous. But I always knew there was a predator behind this prey’s eyes. That why Louis was where he was, at the head of the hottest restaurant in the country-by reaching for the stars.

“But we’re best friends,” he continued, gripping my shoulder. “And who would I be if I forgot my friends?”

“Uh, still the best chef in the country?” I messed meekly.

“You sound like my father, silly wolf.”

I gulped. “Oh, yeah, heh heh. Right…” I knew how deep that rift lay between Louis and his adopted father,

A throat clearing drew our attention to our drinks. The barkeep took a low bow and left to attend to others. We grabbed our drinks and toasted the night. I nodded. “Thanks, Louis.”

“So what’s new?” asked Louis, leaning an elbow upon the bar.

I scratched the back of my neck nervously. “That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about. I need help.” 

“Help? How’s the udon shop treating you?” he asked, sipping his drink.

I didn’t know how else to breach the topic so I just said it. “I…own it.”

Louis gestured to me with his drink. “That’s the spirit! I knew you had it in you to be a great cook.”

“N-no, I mean I own it.”

“You said that already, and I’m proud of you for keeping up.”

“No, Louis!” I exclaimed. “The owner retired and gave the restaurant to me and I don’t know what to do!” I didn’t know how plainer I could say it.

That sure did it. His eyes strained as he violently spat out his drink first onto me, then off the side. He coughed and sputtered as he stumbled off his stool and to his knees, holding his chest.  My protective instincts kicked in and I followed him to the floor. “A-are you okay?!”

He choked out, “Since when do you own a restaurant?!”

I could feel every eye in the place on me as they stopped their conversations to see what the culinary legend I called my good friend was yelling about. Only the tinny sound of the jukebox remained as I flattened my ears.

“Today, I suppose,” I said in a small voice.

Louis cleared his throat and stood back up. “You suppose?! Is there something I’ve not known about?”

My brow started to sweat. “Uh…would you believe it’s a funny story?”

+++

The smell of comfort is a simple aroma that hides hours of work and many complex components. The perfect broth simmered to extract every bit of umami goodness from the fish. The udon noodles, soft yet toothsome and ripe for slurping. Fried or fresh toppings providing a crunchy contrast in texture. And of course, a little bit of 7-pepper powder to add that special touch.

“Order up!” I called, and a waitress promptly met me at the hot pass. I gingerly placed the steaming bowl on the pass. “Table three, one veg tempura udon soup.” She nodded and took the bowl away to be served. 

One could argue that exacting this amount of painstaking work for a bowl of udon is unnecessary. But I would argue that the surge of pride I get every time a bowl goes out and makes a customer’s day brighter is addicting, and makes every step on the way worth it. This feeling kept me on my toes throughout the busy lunch rush.

I stabbed the old ticket onto the “done” fork and took another from the pass and skimmed the writing. “Working now, Table 7, two aburaage udon, one gyoza,” I said to the beasts in front of me.”

“Heard!” they barked in unison.

I’ve always loved cooking, but I only ever saw it as a hobby, something nice to do for other beasts. My friends at Cherryton High loved my food and asked me to cook all the time for them. It brought us closer together and forged a bond stronger than steel. I discovered I could connect with other beasts, share a part of my soul even, through my cooking. It did all the talking for me when my anxious nature would glue my snout closed.

“Legoshi?”

My tail bristled. Even now, I had to fight to keep my anxiety from taking me over, especially when it involved people I held in high regard. I cleared my throat and looked down. A snowy barn owl wearing a black jacket and cap waddled over to me. “Yes, sir?” I said, crouching down.

He gestured to a hallway off towards the back of the kitchen. “Can we talk in my office now, please?”

“Of course,” I nodded.

He did back and waddled a short distance before unfurling his wings and flying the rest of the way.

I gulped away my fear and sighed when it settled into my stomach. Many years of school had taught me that when the head of the place calls you into their office, it’s never good news. So as I opened the door to the office of my employer, I couldn’t help but assume the worst. 

A hand tapped my shoulder and I startled. A lioness smiled at me, easing me instantly. “I’ll cover your tables for now. You’d better not keep him waiting.”

I bowed. “Thanks a lot.” I gave her my ticket and headed for the shop owner’s office.

Peeking through the cracked door, I said, “You wanted to see me, Sunaga-san?”

The barn owl flapped his wings upon his perch. “Legoshi, great! C’mon in and uh, shut the door.” He leaned in as he said that and I closed the door with great care.

My respect for this man was far bigger than his small stature would lead you to believe. When I had no idea what to do with myself after dropping out of school, this was the beast that took a chance on a gray wolf with a newly minted criminal record and allowed me to earn my own money for the first time.

“Is something wrong?” I said, tapping my long nails together.

“First of all, I want to assure you that you’ve been doing a great job. Our customer ratings have actually gone up since you started cooking.”

My ears perked up. “Oh, that’s great to hear!”

“Yes, I’m very proud of how quickly you’ve grown up. From chopping green onion to being a big part of our recent success. Which is why I wanted you to be the first to know this.”

Here it was. Either it was good news or bad news and I braced myself for either. “Yes, sir?”

“I’m retiring as manager.”

My ear twitched. I wasn’t quite expecting that from Sunaga’s beak. “E-excuse me?”

“My wife has laid her eggs and I want to spend as much time as I can with them. Managing this shop won’t allow me to do that, so we both decided I’d let it go.”

“Well, wh-who’s gonna run the place? You’re such a great boss. I don’t know if anyone could take your place.”

Much less me. 

I grunted. My low self esteem was rearing its ugly head again. Any other time I’d dismiss it as a reflex I fought against every day.

“That’s what I wanted to speak to you about,” Sunaga continued, “I think you could take my place.”

But this time, it was a prophecy.

“What? N-no, sir, not me!”

“Why ever not?” Sunaga wondered, head tilting to the side.

“I’m just a cook!” I implored. “Th-that’s all I know. I couldn’t run a restaurant!”

He flew across the tiny office and onto my lap. “I say again, why ever not?” He placed a wing on my shoulder and somehow all my anxiety melted. “Legoshi…this industry is fast paced. An owl like me doesn’t have the wings to keep up anymore. You’re young and highly skilled at your job. You’ve got a bright future ahead of you. I know you can take this humble shop and make it soar.”

I was fully content with my bright future at that point containing bowls of udon and the words “Order up!” But once those words were said, they played over and over again like the faulty kitchen radio.

The office melted away and the path that lay before me outlined itself. I blinked and saw in front of me the single doorway that had always been accessible to me ever since succumbing to my predatory nature. I blinked again and doors upon doors appeared without warning. I yelped, seeing multitudes of new options at my disposal, along with Sunaga-san’s gentle hoot, “Bright future…bright future…”

I felt the fear of overwhelming uncertainty begin to tower over my tall, toned frame, just as the door grew ever taller and leaned in toward me. My life had suddenly gained too many possibilities and I was certain they would smother me.

+++

“He said he’d think it over, so I went back to work. But when Sunaga-san announced his departure after tonight’s service, he still named me successor.”

Louis tapped his fingers against the bar we had long before made our way back to, no discernible reaction on his face. I hoped he was not about to throw my desperate cry for guidance out the window like prep scraps. 

Louis leaned in. “Legoshi?”

I blinked. “Yes, chef?”

“There’s a lesson to be learned here.”

I leaned in as well, tail wagging as my prayers were about to be answered. “Yes, chef?”

“Don’t call it a funny story if you’re going to include your existential self-loathing.”

My head and tail fell into a bow. “Yes, chef. Sorry.” The bridge from line cook to restauranteur was not to be built for me.

A finger touched my chin, and a cold sweat ran down my back. Louis tilted my snout toward his gentle face and I found myself smiling along with him. His uncanny ability to calm and center me with a glance had driven me forward and provided a certainty in a very uncertain time in my life. I loved herbivores, and he held a special place in my heart. Him and Haru.

A sharp pressure against my nose drug me back to reality and I sneezed into my arm. “Why do you always do that?”

“Because you need to buck up,” said Louis, kind but firm. “You’ve hit the ground running here, but this isn’t as bad as you think.”

“Wh-why are you telling me this?” I asked, rubbing my nose.

“Because you can do this. Sunaga-san believes in you, otherwise you wouldn’t have the restaurant. And I believe in you because I know what you’re capable of.”

“…meat offending?”

“Greatness, you stupid wolf. Greatness.”

His expression remained unchanged but behind his eyes, I could see the wheels turning. Louis was great at thinking on his feet, coming up with a plan in seconds, and making you believe it was the original plan all along. “What are you thinking about, Louis?” I breathed.

“When’s his last day?”

“Uh, Friday. Then on Monday, it’s my restaurant.”

“Okay, listen. I’ll be there on Monday and I’ll help you run the place for a while. You’re getting the crash course of your life.”

I yelped in surprise. He was dropping everything to come help me?! “B-but what about Horns?!”

“Don’t worry about that,” he assured me, standing up and brushing down his jacket. “Just know that you’re my focus from here on.”

“I…” Any words of gratitude or complete reverence died in my throat. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Then don’t.” He fished out a bill from his wallet. I balked at the amount on it. “But ready yourself.” Louis slammed it down on the bar counter, and I stared in awe as he took his leave. He sent me a wink before disappearing behind the doorway, leaving his unmistakable aura in his wake.

“How does an udon cook get to know the legendary Louis of Chez Horns anyhow, wolf?”

I turned. The bartender had the bill stretched taut in both paws, holding it up to a nearby lamp to check its authenticity.

“W-we’re school friends,” I said.

[thedickgraysonrp]

"How do you know when you're in love?"

@the-demons-son

Dick nearly choked on his morning coffee, doing his best to gulp down that sip instead of spitting it out as his befuddled blue eyes turned sharply to look at Damian. That was a considerably emotional and philosophical question to ask so early in the morning, let alone coming from someone like Damian. He stared at him for a moment, as if expecting him to brush off the matter like it was some odd joke, but no. He was being entirely too serious, if not a little embarrassed about asking something like that.

"Well, uh..." Oh boy, how should he even answer that? There were hundreds upon thousands of words written upon that very subject, it was the very epitome of artistic masterpieces in various media forms: How does one know when they're in love? Was there a ruleset, was there ever a guide? It was like trying to navigate the most complex labyrinth in the world with a broken compass, but it never felt easier.

"I... Wow. Um, well, I can only tell you how I think I know when I'm in love. But it's very individual. It's a gut feeling that nobody can quite explain, and when they do, it's always going to be a different experience, I think." Dick fumbled with his words for a moment, then took a breath.

"For me, I guess... Falling in love is a process. It starts by thinking about them often, and the room that they take in your life becomes very significant. It can be silly things like picturing the two of you doing stuff together, maybe even stuff you would usually do alone. You want to know them better because they make you feel better. They make you better with their presence, as challenging as it may be sometimes." He stirred his coffee a little as he spoke his thoughts aloud.

"You're happy with them, more than you usually are with a good friend or with family. It's a funny kind of happy, one that makes you feel butterflies in your stomach, and your laugh rolls so genuinely when they are trying to be funny. You find yourself adopting every part of them, even the flaws. You can be honest with them because they listen and accept you for who you are, too. And you find that you can compromise when you don't agree on everything, because at the end of the day, you love each other enough to find that shared ground with one another." He offered a small smile.

"You take pleasure in doing all kinds of things with them. It can be grandiose dates like going to a gala together, or just mundane stuff like watching the TV together in your pajamas. You enjoy their company and they make you feel whole, both as yourself or with the two of you together. You look at them and the stars and heaven, and yet you never felt more glad to be alive on this earth with this very person by your side." He was quiet for a moment before blinking, then let out a soft chuckle.

"Sorry, I got a little carried away. But yeah, I guess... You know when you fall in love. And even if you don't, and you think you are, there's no harm in trying to find out. Love comes in a lot of shapes and forms, and even if it doesn't turn out romantic, well... You still love them in different ways."

@the-demons-son

[gemsandr0ses]

I MADE A SHIPCHILD AGEISHOBEJF

HERE SHE IS :D

Uh here’s what the text says bc it’s kinda hard to read lol

14 years old

Oodle + Bone + maybe Tivo’s adoptive daughter

Knew Oodle when she was younger (first met him when fey were like, six)

Young performer in the making

Same species as what Oodle is (Doodlies, as I call em) (oh yeah Oodle’s not a demi-god anymore that was retconned) (she’s a doodle of a small blue flame)

Fey got ✨magic✨

Oodle thought she was dead for like 6 years 💀

(Here’s her object design)

I LOVE HER SM

Also silly little bonuses:

“‘Beach hunk’? Dude what are you, a middle aged divorced dad—”

“Hey! It’s the only hat I’ve got.”

“Omg that’s worse—“

“>:(”

“TIVO PLEASE DON’T DROP ME PLEASE—”

“Oodle calm down I’m not gonna—”

sillies