#portals are blooming all around you

[crazyskirtlady]

Falling down the garden passage....lost in the heavenly fragrance.....

[amongemeraldclouds]

so high school

you know how to ball, I know Aristotle

Mattheo Riddle x f!Reader (Modern AU)

Warning: fluff, no use of y/n

Author's note: I can't think of a good summary for this, but it's all about going on a motorcycle ride with Mattheo because he aced the test you tutored him for.

✿ Masterlist | TTPD Masterlist | 643 words

“Come on, pretty girl,” Mattheo said, handing you his spare helmet. You eyed it suspiciously, but held your hand out anyway, accepting it.

Your plan worked a little too well. Tutoring Mattheo was anything but easy, so to motivate him, you agreed he could get a reward each time he scored well on a test.

He said he would show you how to have fun. You smacked his arm and he promised he would be an honorable gentleman and keep things wholesome, unless you wanted more. To which you insisted, you did not.

Never mind the way your stomach fluttered when you were near him, or how your thoughts would get derailed when his arm brushed accidentally against yours. You knew better than to get involved with the resident troublemaker at your school.

You countered instead that fun looked like different things to different people. So if he showed you something he found fun, you’d also get to show him something you enjoyed. He shrugged his shoulders and agreed. Besides, if he got top marks in class, you’d receive a hefty bonus, which was more than enough of your savings goal for university.

That was how you found yourself rock climbing, racing cars, and now, your arms were tightly wrapped around his torso, hair flying in the wind, as he whisked you both away in his motorcycle.

After a while, you found yourself relaxing as you got used to the speed and found you enjoyed the rush as you cut through the air, cars and buildings blurring past you. There was something freeing about it and it certainly did not hurt to feel his toned body snug against yours.

You almost complained when he slowed down as you approached the beach. “So?” He asked, grinning as he took off his helmet. You were tempted to fix his helmet hair and run your fingers through his luscious locks, but held yourself back.

You couldn’t, however, stop yourself from mirroring his grin, adrenaline pumping through your veins. “Not bad, Riddle.”

He laid out a blanket he packed and you both settled in, listening to the waves, as the sun painted the sky a blend of red, orange, and yellow. You took a moment to breathe it all in, the salt air and the warmth of Mattheo beside you.

It was your turn to tell him all about the book you were reading about. You showed him how fun could also exist in far away realms with magic and dragons. How books were portals to these worlds where mysteries get solved and people find happy endings. Despite his initial eye roll weeks earlier, you found he was a great listener who seemed genuinely enthralled by your stories.

Little did you know it was because of you. Mattheo loved watching you come to life, the spark twinkling in your eye when you showed him something you thought was fun. You were a captivating storyteller. He could listen to you for hours and it would only feel like minutes. You always left him wanting more.

Your eyes could rival the sun and he wanted to kiss you then and there, but stopped himself. He watched your feelings bloom slowly with the way you had to pause when his arm ‘accidentally’ brushed yours. How you always seemed to have his favorite pack of candy around and you always leaned into him when you laughed.

He loved your laugh, and everything else about you. He was going to wait until your feelings grew to the point where you could no longer deny them. Then he would be honest. It had been a few weeks since he fell for you with the exact same approach he took with everything else in his life - fully and unapologetically.

When it was your turn to fall, he was ready to be a safe place to land.

✿ Masterlist | TTPD Masterlist

A/N: This is one of the least literal interpretation out of all my TTPD fics so far, but the song ‘So High School’ is just PERFECT for this vibe.

[self-awared]

The Rock's Crack

Inspired by @lum1nesc3nce

Tw/Cw: not proof-read, angst, violence, murder, fighting, betrayal, reincarnation

The pain of your lover's betrayal hurt worse than the actual stab of the spear. The countless times he had placed his contracts above you should have been the first red flag, but, as foolish as it sounds, love is a powerful force.

One of his contracts was to eliminate any threat towards Celestia. Obviously, the person on the other end of the contract was Celestia themselves.

The contract stated that Morax would have to kill anything that was even remotely threatening Celestia's rule. If he failed, Liyue would be destroyed just like Khaenri'ah had been destroyed years before.

You were deemed a threat by Celestia the moment you discovered that Celestia was the cause behind the fall of the nation you had loved long ago, Khaenri'ah.

You still remember the flash of remorse in Morax's eyes fade to coldness as his spear plunged into your chest.

He tried to make it quick and painless.

He failed.

You laid on a rock protruding from the ground, your golden blood dripping off of the rock and onto the warm grass below. You had barely registered the moment a blonde-headed boy approached you, an abyss herald standing behind him.

"How cruel the gods are. To kill their own lover with zero remorse." The boy spoke harshly as he placed a hand on the wound that had barely missed your heart and lungs.

You felt the warmth of the boy's touch spread through your body like a warm ray of sunshine. You welcomed it. Even if you could, you wouldn't fight as he picked you up and walked through a strange portal.

The nausea from teleporting knocked you out, which could have been for the better.

You had discovered that the person that saved you was named Aether, Prince of the Abyss. Ironic, isn't it? Being saved by the world's enemy, betrayed by the world's protector?

Nevertheless, as payment for the Abyss saving you, you joined them in their journey and traveled alongside Aether.

The fact that Teyvat was still prospering should have been a dead giveaway that you were still alive. And to Morax, the fact that the flowers still bloomed and water still reigned calm in Liyue's harbor, was a sign of hope.

The hope was multiplied the moment he saw you. Yet, he still failed to understand why you were surrounded by Abyss Heralds, mages, hilichurls, and numerous other monsters.

"...[Y/N]? What is this?" Morax held his spear loosely at his side as the adepti fought the abyss standing by your side.

"Isn't it obvious? You made a mistake. I'm the consequence." A small smirk creeped into your face as you lunged towards the God of Geo, your sword extended towards his heart.

"Please don't do this!" He cried out, blocking your blow with his spear.

"Sounds familiar, doesn't it?" You couldn't help but compare this moment to when you fought against him all those years ago, the memory of you begging for your life sticking in both of your memories.

The sound of metal hitting metal was the only thing that you heard, besides the screams of the civilians around you.

A swipe towards the feet, a thrust towards his heart, a swing towards his hands to disarm him... Your movements were calculated precisely.

Harnessing your elemental powers felt easier than ever.

You made the ground shake, the vines tear people around you to shreds, summoned lightning strikes that hit Teyvat with much force, formed tornadoes and hurricanes, started wildfires, made the air freezing cold, made tides rise...

Teyvat seemed to be as angry as you were.

In the middle of it all, Morax still fought you with grief in his eyes.

"Don't make me do this." He said breathily, swiping his pole-arm up diagonally, barely missing you as you stepped back.

"You actually think you can win?" You laughed, thrusting your sword at his chest.

Your tried to tune out the pained screams of the people dying, until you felt the pull of a prayer. Everytime someone prayed to you, there would be a tug on your heart, as if conveying you to answer it. You never thought you'd feel that when you were the cause of their pain.

"Creator!"

"Creator! Help us!"

"Creator!"

The screams of people calling out to you filled the air, making you falter in horror. What were you doing?

You never meant to go this far- You just wanted revenge, you never meant to kill anyone- you just wanted-...

He had plunged his spear straight through your chest, making you wheeze as it hit your lungs, taking advantage of your distracted stage.

You met his eyes.

There were tears in them, as he knew there was no way you would survive this time.

"Im sorry..." His voice cracked. The air stilled and became warm again, the vines receded, the tides calmed, the fires went out, the ground became still, and the storms faded.

"Don't be... I'm the one that's sorry." You coughed, falling into his arms as your golden blood tainted the spear.

"I'll come back. I swear on it."

Your last words were written in the history books. He still remembers the pain in your voice even as he became Zhongli.

You had become etched into his memory like a crack in a rock: unable to be removed or fixed.

He wrote stories about you, told your tales, read fanfiction of you to see what people thought, and making sure those that tainted your image were punished.

Even after that fateful day, even after all the chaos you caused, he still loved you.

So, there was no way he couldn't recognize the sense of warmth that filled him when the traveler entered the teahouse with Childe.

And, low and behold, your reincarnation followed the traveler shyly.

You kept your promise.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Wrap My Teeth Around the World

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as tentacle sex, monster fucking, cosmic horror element, and possible untagged elements. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: As you work on your latest novel, the line between reality and horror are skewed.

Characters: Nick Fowler

Note: I hope you all enjoy this. Hoping to have another scary story on the way.

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me❤️

Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!)

I love you all immensely. Take care. 💖

The moonlight gleams like moisture on the unfurling tentacles. Horror shines in her eyes as she watches the beast emerge from his mortal shell. The man is not what he seems. He is creature, he is beast. His svelte silhouette contorts and convulses. 

He real form bursts into the night. An otherwordly coil of limbs and scales and things she cannot name or make sense of. The cosmic being lets out a deep rumbling declaration, a voice she doesn’t hear but rather thrums into her from the earth. 

‘It is I. The doom. The end. The consumer of all.’ 

You take a breath as your fingers hover over the keyboard. You tend to hold it in when you’re focused. You’re a bit woozy from not only the pressure in your chest but the scene you’ve painted into words. Slowly, it fades away from your imagination and you’re alone in that room. 

Your apartment is far from the vast seascape of your story. There is so vibrant horizon, no storming waters, nothing but a window peering out into the grey city. The walls are no less dull. The plaster is a lifeless white, the floors a worn hardwood with scratches and scuffs, and the furniture is a motley collection of what does the job. 

You sigh and rub your eyes. Your dead line is more horrific than the fictional beasts. You’re so close yet it feels so far away. You can do this. You can get something done. 

You get up and take your empty mug to the kitchen. You rinse away the dregs of tea leaves from your last refill. You flip the switch on the kettle and peruse the sampler kit your grandmother sent you for a new flavour. Maple Black. Mm. It’ll do. 

That’s all that life is. What will do. But writing, that’s a doorway to what you wish could. It’s a pathway to possibility. A portal to potential. In your mind, on paper, you can be anything, and the world can be everything. 

Existence is futile. Brutal. There’s always that most basic truth of being. There is no control. There is no change. The world is exactly what you see. It’s four walls and roof; a stained mug and prepackaged tea. Reality is inescapable. It wraps its tendrils around you until you can’t breathe and all at once, as quickly as it bloomed, it’s gone and you’re dragged back into the ether. 

You might be spending too much time in the lore. Your eyes come back into focus as a shadow shifts against the wall. You flinch and blink. You look around, searching for the source. How strange. The window can’t possibly cast into the kitchen and the only light on is the stove light and the lamp at your desk. You must be seeing things. Sleep deprivation at its finest. 

You fill the mug with steaming water and return to your perch. The chair squeaks under your weight and the wheels barely roll as the plastic warps with use. You set your cup down and yawn. 

Finish the chapter, then you can nap. 

🦑

Your timer beeps, tearing you from a skull-pulsing slumber. You push the heels of your hands into your eyes and groan. Your intended three hours was maybe two at best. The anxiety of writing kept you tossing and turning as you found yourself weaving narrative in your mind as your body ached for rest. 

You silence your phone and sit up dizzily. The rectangle of light shining through the window ripples on the wall, as if sheer fabric were dragged across the glass. You turn, catching yourself on the arm of the couch as you narrow your eyes.  

It’s only the window. Streetlights blare through in a yellow glaze that makes your eyes hurt. You shake your head, rattling the stone behind your brow, and make yourself get up. 

Tea, a few biscuits, and then you begin. Your keyboard stays silent as you stare at the blinking cursor. You know what happens next but that’s not the problem. 

You rest your thumbs on the plastic and blink. Your eyes stick shut and your fingers tingle. Suddenly, a tight pressure cords around your digits, squeezing at your knuckles. Your fingertips slam into the keys and your eyes snap open. 

You look down at your hands and the inky black tendrils around them. You shriek and they disappear like black mist. You raise your hands shakily and pull up the sleeves of your shirt. Great. You know you need more sleep but you can’t afford it. If you don’t meet this dead line, you don’t meet rent. 

You wiggle your finger push your hands over your hair. This is real horror. The torture of keeping yourself alive. Scraping just to subsist. Not to thrive, just to be. 

You sniff and take a sip of tea. It burns your tongue. Shit. 

You look down at the keyboard and splay your fingers, holding your hands just above. You brush your palms over it and sigh. Get your shit together. 

The iron sky is still and unblemished. No cloud, no sun or moon, it is no sky at all but the vastness of nothing... 

You let yourself sink into the atmosphere of that other world. The one that very much mirrors your but with those distorted nuances. Those little terrors and tremors that make your blood flow cold. 

It trickles out of you. Letter by letter, word by word, paragraph by painful paragraph. Half a chapter down. 

You sit back and the monitor blurs to a white fuzz. You cover your eyes with your hands and slowly exhale. Your drop your arms and lean back, letting your eyelids close, just for a moment. A moment becomes more than that. The soft glow against your eyelids dims to a dark void. 

Like tentacles, the blackness curls around you. You drift down into the lull of your subconscious and wade into the waters of exhaustion. The tides are thick like mud and the current pulls you under until you’re drowning. 

You give a start at the noise of the error. Ding. Ding. Ding. 

You sit up and grunt. You touch the imprint of the keyboard against your cheek. Shit! 

Your doc is a mess. Thank god for the cloud and version history. Still, the time it’ll take you to sift through the gibberish is enough to put off your entire plan. Of course. You always fuck something up. 

You lean your face in your hand and scroll through the pages. Up and up and up. Your fingers flick back and forth as you drag the pages by. 

Wait no. No. Page 50; you wrote more than that. 49, 48, 47... 20... 19... they’re all just filled with clusters of nonsensical symbols. 

Page ten stops your scrolling. The font changes. Bolder, bigger, icons you’ve never seen before. Geometric spirals and clusters of dots and sticks. You frown and go up to the language bar. 

Language undetected. 

You scroll up and down. You go into the version history. You pick the autosave from an hour ago. The whole doc transforms. The symbols are spaced out deliberately. You don’t understand. You zoom out on the doc. It’s an image? 

You zoom out, further and further. You change the settings so that you can view two pages side by side and keep hitting the minus. When at last you can see all the first ten pages, the image is clear. 

It’s a man. His eyes are spirals and his square jaw is set menacingly. His necktie is like a snake, slithering down his chest. And his jacket is a series of tentacles woven around his arms and torso to mimic fabric. You shudder. What the hell is this? 

The screen goes black. Everything does. The streetlights, the other buildings, the sky. You sit the silky darkness, paralysed, confused. You must be dreaming. It’s a nightmare of your own making. 

You’re shaking. No, the room is shaking. The floors, the walls, you can feel it. The chair wobbles on its wheels and you put your toes to the ground to try to still it. Then you hear, no, you feel laughter rumbling through you. 

The rocky snicker is like an avalanche. It crashes down on you, crushing you so you’re crushed against the chair. You grip the armrests and blink but cannot see through the dense darkness. You can’t move as a dripping surrounds you. It isn’t wet but cold and dry. How... 

It starts at your toes. As if you’re being submerged in a thick substance. It creeps up your body, encases it, slithering, coiling, up to your knees and thighs, hips, torso, arms. All of your right up to your chin. Your head is forced up by the tight constriction around your neck. 

You’re lifted by the otherworldly force. You feel the shift, you hear the chair roll and crash. You are brought flat parallel to the floor. You wheeze in terror. 

“Fear what you long for, for you cannot comprehend the perils of desire unknown,” that voice with no noise flows through you. 

You cannot answer. Your arms are pulled straight, stretched out from your sides. Your legs snap open, ankles wide, and back arches as an icy sheath spreads over your skin. You feel your clothing dissolve beneath the grip of that unseen force. 

There’s a tickle up your cheek. Flicking and slimy. You shudder and search the darkness instinctively. Your heart hammers in your chest. You cannot discern what’s happening to you. 

As you’re enshrined in a coldness so raw it hurts, your insides boil to a flame. You moan and squirm as your veins flood with fire, coursing into your blazing core. You quiver as the battle of hot and cold drenches you in sweat. 

You let out a choked squeak as the pressure around your thighs tightens. The tickle between your legs strikes the heat in you to paramount. You rasp as your whine is muted by the thrall on your throat. The sensation along your cunt intensives, centering on your tender bud. 

The sucking pinpoints on your clit, drawing the weight in your core down on your cunt. Your toes curl within the shell of your entrapment and your eyes wet in confusion and overstimulation. 

“It is I.” The horse thunderous voice says. “The doom.” You feel something else along your ass, it creeps towards your cunt. You tense as it prods along your entrance. “The end.” The voice declares, “The consumer of all.” 

As your impaled, you whimper out. Your vision lights with a ghastly bluish glare. The tint illuminates a face you know. The one you imagined when you wrote, the same etched in those mysterious icons, yet it is distorted in some way you cannot place. 

His eyes are blue and green at once, stirring like currents in the ocean, and his features are sharp and exaggerated, yet enthralling. He is beautiful unlike anyone or anything you’ve ever witnessed. He is beauty wrought of malice and malcontent. He is the evil of desire. The consequence of longing. 

“Let yourself be consumed,” he purrs. 

Your eyes travel down his thick neck, a muscular chest limned in the blue light, veins black beneath his flesh. His torso is corded with muscle and his pelvis angular and defined. Yet below is something horrifying.  

A long tentacle unfurls from him where a man’s cock would be. You follow the length down to your own body. It is inside you, sliding in deeper and deeper, filling you to the point of intolerance. You watch helpless as he invades your body. 

From behind him, his shadow proves to be more. From his back extends dozens of tendrils, all of which coil around your body, holding you at the mercy of his intrusion.  

The tentacle delves deeper and deeper until you see your stomach distend beneath the winding shell around you. The blue light illuminates your body and his as he pulls you closer. You groan at the pressure inside you roils with that on your clit. The suction of another tender latched and unmoving. 

Your eyes roll back as you surrender the maelstrom of the creature’s thrall. You are bursting at the seams as your climax tears through you. You flesh tautens, your muscles split, and your bones snap. You spasm and cum, gushing out around the tentacle, gagging and choking on your mindless cries. 

Your wails follow you into the darkness. The blue light fades and the rumbling voice recedes. You sink down into the ether, back to whence you emerged. You melt into the sludge of life and death. You are not you. You are nothing. 

You are them and they are you. All is all, and one is nothing. The end, the doom, the consumed. 

[suppose-i-was-worm]

Ghost on the Stairs

**alright, alright. I asked and y'all answered. Here's my siblings Bruce and Danny fic!**

“Boo!”

Bruce clattered to a stop on the floor, holding his arms out for his baby brother as the boy toddled his way forward.

“Hey, Danny! Did you miss me while I was at school?”

Danny waved chubby arms, clearly delighted that Bruce was waiting for him. He was all of two years to Bruce’s seven, and the two of them were almost inseparable.

Chancing a look over to his mother, Bruce found her and father smiling fondly at the two of them. Alfred was coming up behind them with a tea tray.

“Boo!”

Bruce turned back to his brother, only to lurch forward as his tiny brother took a step straight into a swirling green portal that opened up from nowhere.

Danny’s screech as he fell was cut off by the portal shutting with a snap, leaving Bruce on his hands and knees, reaching for air.

Mother, father, and Alfred all clustered around him as he began to cry, and the four of them began desperately looking for the youngest member of the family.

They never found him, and a year later, Bruce lost his parents to a gun. At least that was something he could fight against.

When Bruce became Batman at the age of twenty-two, he finally erected a gravestone for his baby brother, right next to their parents. If Danny ever came back, he wouldn’t be the same boy who had vanished.

~~~

Red Robin swung into the building, breaking through the window with his momentum. The cult surrounding a magic circle on the floor of the warehouse had been causing a ruckus in Gotham, and the bats had finally had enough.

Just as they finished knocking out the cultists, the magic circle flared to life and a green pool bloomed from the floor.

Tim, purely out of scientific curiosity, leaned closer, only to be pulled back roughly by Batman.

“Stay away from it.”

“B?”

Batman grabbed a batarang from where it had landed in the melee and threw it with a precise hand, cutting through one of the lines of chalk surrounding the pool.

Narrowing his eyes, Tim watched Bruce’s face- his expression right now was all Bruce, no Bat in sight- sorrow mixed with relief.

Once the pool had vanished completely, Bruce pulled Tim into his arms.

“Woah, what’s up B?”

“I cannot lose you too.”

The moment passed, and Red Robin found himself following Batman as the vigilante swept out of the building.

~~~

“Constantine.”

“Bats. Nice of you to call. What do you need?”

“I sent you a data packet. What is the summoning circle for?”

Constantine was quiet for a long while as he perused the files Bruce had sent him. Bruce paced in front of the batcomputer, glad that all his children were in bed for the night. Somehow they had known something was wrong, and every single one of them had come to the manor- even Jason.

“Looks like an attempt to summon a being of the Infinite Realms to me.”

“Infinite Realms?”

“Mhmm. The afterlife, if you will.”

Bruce couldn’t help the small wheeze as his airways caught. Constantine didn’t seem to notice, as he continued.

“The ghosts haven’t been as active lately, not since the new king came into power. It’s been maybe two decades since?”

“I would like to meet this king.”

“Why?”

“It would be politically intelligent of us to make allies.”

Constantine sighed, long and loud.

“Fine. Give me a week to gather up the stuff.”

~~~

Jason glanced over the thin information brief that Bruce handed down, skimming it at first, until something caught his eye.

“B?”

“Hn.”

“According to this, the being we’re trying to summon is damn powerful. Wouldn’t it be better to do this on the Watchtower with more backup?”

“Yeah B,” Dick chimed in, “Constantine’s report does say that the guy is rumored to be a wandering spirit, which limits his power, but what if that’s not right?”

Jason looked back down at the papers, his eyes darting through to find out what a wandering spirit was.

A ghost that couldn’t find its grave. Part of Jason ached at the thought, and he didn’t quite understand why.

“Fine. We will summon the king at the Watchtower.”

Small victories.

~~~

Bruce was not a praying man, and yet here he was, hoping against hope that this ghost could assist him in finding out what happened to his brother.

The sigils on the floor flared to light, and a now familiar green portal swirled into being. The entire room waited with bated breath for a few moments, and then a young woman rose from the portal.

Batman knew what it felt like to be stabbed. There was no way he could have been, and yet there was a knife in his gut as he stared at this girl who looked so much like his mother, except for the inverted colors.

“The Ghost King thanks you for your call- Unfortunately he is currently unavailable. Please leave your message after the-“ the girl’s professional, almost robotic voice petered off. “Wait a minute- it’s here!”

Her eyes were wide, as was the smile she flashed at the group.

“Please hold.”

She sunk back into the pool, and Bruce took a step towards it, despairing of his chance.

And then she returned, dragging a young man up with her.

“Can you feel it, Phantom? It’s here! We can find it!”

“Calm down, Phantasm. We can go looking soon- first we need to find out why I was summoned.”

The young man turned to Diana, who was standing at the front of the group. She had been chosen as diplomatic leader, seeing as she was a Princess and Ambassador.

“Pardon my sister, how may I assist?”

Bruce let their conversation wash over him as he cataloged the young man’s features. They were so very similar- so close.

The man was both too young and too old. Daniel would be in his mid-forties had he lived, and only two if he’d died. This young man couldn’t be older than thirty.

As Diana’s explanation ended, the young man smiled.

“I agree. It would be advantageous of us to be allies, knowing what I know of this reality now. As allies, I must ask- what is the real reason I was summoned?”

He turned his green (wrong, too much like Damian’s) eyes to Bruce.

“Will you explain? The summoning was filled with great longing for something.”

Bruce stumbled forward, and surely to the shock of his teammates, friends, and children, fell to his knees before the king.

“My- my brother. He fell through a portal so similar to yours and I- I need to know what happened to him. Please.”

The king and his sister looked at each other before looking back at Bruce.

“The Infinite Realms are just that, infinite. However, I may be able to help.”

“Phantom!”

The king ignored his sister.

“What was his name, this brother of yours?”

Bruce hadn’t spoken his brother’s name in decades.

“Danny. Daniel Wayne.”

The room was so silent he could have heard a pin drop.

“And you gave him a grave when he never returned to you.”

Bruce looked up at the king, who was looking back contemplatively. The king’s sister was staring up at her brother with her mouth agape.

“I did.”

The king was very, very quiet, and the moment stretched on and on and on.

After a time, the room grew darker as the green pool closed slowly, and the two ghosts landed with barely a whisper of sound.

“I died at age fourteen,” the king began, musing his own thoughts. “As I died, I thought that the color of the ectoplasm surrounding me was too familiar in color and movement for that to have been my first experience with a portal.”

He took a step towards Bruce.

“It was terrifying and I was so afraid that I would be ripped away from everything I ever loved again.”

Two bright white rings circled the king, and Bruce found himself looking at a man who looked just like his mother, but with a twitch of the lips that was entirely his father’s.

“Hello, Boo. I’m afraid I can’t remember your name properly.”

Bruce took his cowl off slowly, wanting his baby brother to see him despite the fact that he was crying.

“We’ve got his chin, Danny.”

The girl was standing a little behind Danny, smiling. She winked at Bruce.

“He always did want to find his bio family.”

Bruce held his hand out, and Danny took it, using his position and apparently superior strength to pull Bruce into a hug.

“Bruce. Bruce Wayne.”

“Danny Nightingale- well. Nightingale-Wayne, I suppose.”

~~~

Danielle Nightingale (Wayne?) watched her original and his brother(!?!) hug it out. The big man in black was obviously not used to hugs.

“Miss?”

She turned to the inquirer, the nice looking ambassador from before. (Sue her, Dani hadn’t been listening to the conversation. She had been trying to pinpoint the location of their grave!)

“How can I help?”

Ambassador lady smiled at her.

“We were unaware that our teammate had siblings, and clearly Daniel has introduced himself. May we ask your name?”

Dani grinned.

“Oh, I’m not a sibling. I’m sibling-adjacent. Sibling clone? One of those. My name is Danielle, but I go by Dani with an i. It gets a little confusing since he’s Danny with a y.”

“I see. Welcome to the Watchtower, Dani. May I ask what you and his majesty are looking for that was found here?”

“Our grave, of course! Since I’m Danny’s clone, I can feel it too- a little distantly, but it’s not like I’ll get my own. I was born dead.”

Ambassador lady was looking a little faint. Dani took pity on her.

“But now I’m a kickass princess, so all’s well that ends well.”

“I suppose so.” The ambassador looked over at Danny and surprise brother with a small smile. “I suppose so indeed.”

[anonymousewrites]

Nature of the Human Soul (Book 1) Chapter Thirteen

Platonic! Hazbin Hotel x Teen! Reader

Father Figure! Alastor x Teen! Reader

Chapter Thirteen: Fight for their Souls

Summary: The Hotel faces the exorcists.

Mouse Note: One more chapter after this! Here is all the action. Let me know what you guys think!

            Morning arrived. (Y/N) stood under Hell’s red sky. Around them, their friends and the people of Cannibal Town stood with their weapons ready. It was time for the exorcists to arrive.

            (Y/N) flexed their hands, making sure their vines and briars were ready. The plants held angelic weaponry—ready to kill the angels who once wielded them. (Y/N) themself had a knife strapped to their side so that, if it came to it, they could fight one-on-one with an angel, too.

            They also proudly wore their new outfit, feeling like a true member of Hell in it. They wore a red dress with a proper collar and cuffs, and overtop, they had on a long black vest. Finally, they wore black boots. It was a simple outfit, but it was put-together, and (Y/N) felt like they fit with their friends. More importantly, (Y/N) felt strong and like themself. They felt ready to fight.

            In the skies above the Hazbin Hotel, a golden portal to Heaven opened up, and everyone tensed.

            “Here they come,” said Vaggie, standing next to Charlie. Both sported their own outfits for battle. “Get ready, everyone. We fight together!”

            “Come on, let’s go,” muttered Cherri, tossing her bombs to herself.

            “Let’s do this,” said (Y/N), narrowing their eyes and grinned.

 ��          Angels dove through the portal.

            Vaggie raised her spear. “Now! For your souls!”

            Angels, cannibals, and hotel guests alike let out a war-cries and ran/flew towards each other.

            “Let’s fuck them up!” said Charlie.

            The groups clashed, and violence became the theme of the day. The exorcists, expecting to easily destroy the sinners’ souls, were shocked as their own golden blood was spilled. None of them were aware they could be hurt or killed, and the sinners used that to their advantage.

            A cackle from the roof of the hotel alerted everyone to Alastor’s presence. His magic swept over the hotel, and a shield of runes and shadows collected around the hotel. It kept the foolish exorcists in, trapped to be killed. Outside of the shield, shadows with angelic weaponry swung at the remaining exorcists (and Adam).

            Inside the shield, no one wasted time and immediately took advantage of the exorcists’ surprise at facing further resistance. (Except Charlie, who just discombobulated them and let the others finish them off). Cherri threw bombs, laced with angelic steel shrapnel, and tore the exorcists to bits. Husk took several down with his cards, and Niffty ran around stabbing them to ensure their death. Angel shot them with six different machine guns, strong as ever.

            “Come and get some!” cackled Angel.

            “Eat shrapnel, fuckers!” cheered Cherri.

            “All angelic weapons, fire at will!” Pentious had, of course, set up cannons and technology to take down angels. He had used his intelligence well, and the exorcists were falling.

            On their part, (Y/N) was making full use of their magic. Briars of thorns grabbed and pierced the skin of the angels, throwing them towards other vines or people with weapons to kill them. (Y/N) stood at the center of the growing vines, roses blooming as their strength grew. Their grin never left their face as they tore angels apart and slashed exorcists to death. Despite being on the ground, (Y/N) could feel every single one of their plants like additional limbs. They sensed them growing, dying, killing. The power was positively addictive.

            An exorcist dove through (Y/N)’s protective brambles. She raised her spear and let out an angry shout. Vines wrapped around her, stopping her in the air.

            “You know, I really don’t appreciate you trying to kill me,” said (Y/N), narrowing their eyes at her. “I didn’t get to enjoy myself in life. I had to always hold myself back.” They grinned. “So it’s fucking rude of you to interrupt me when I’m having a good time.” The vines sprouted thorns and roses, choking the angel. “Please leave,” chirped (Y/N). The vines slammed the exorcist down onto her own abandoned spear.

            (Y/N) looked at her dead body, and their grin didn’t leave. Their plants had already ended other lives, yes, but this…this was more of their own hand, own direct awareness. And they didn’t feel guilty. (Y/N) had killed again, and again, they felt like they’d done the right thing. (Y/N) stood straighter. They were leaving behind any guilt or shame that people had tried to tie to them in life.

            (Y/N) felt powerful.

            “Alright,” they said, grinning. Their plants lifted them off the ground, and they floated in their magic. “Who’s next?”

            The exorcists launched at them, and (Y/N) met with them equal ferocity.

            “Alastor’s shield is working!” said Charlie in relief.

            “Try to focus, sweetie,” said Vaggie, pirouetting and stabbing an exorcist. (She had learned more than a few techniques from Carmilla).

            “We might actually have a chance!” said Charlie.

            “Love the optimism,” said Vaggie, smiling. “Still trying to focus.”

            Wham!

            The entire shield shook as Adam slammed into it with a powerful punch from outside. Cracks of holy light splintered through the shield, and it shattered. The hotel was exposed once more.

            “Fuck,” cursed Angel.

            “Oh, no,” said Charlie.

            Adam dove to the roof of the hotel where Alastor still stood.

            “Alastor,” murmured (Y/N).

            “Focus, kid,” said Husk, throwing several cards into exorcists’ necks. “Alastor will put up a fight.”

            “Right, right,” said (Y/N), shaking their head and putting their frustration into their attacks.

            A giant flash of gold cut through the air, and everyone looked up to see Alastor being thrown, unprotected, across the roof. Far away, the On Air sign of his radio tower flickered and died.

            (Y/N)’s eyes widened. Alastor was injured. He’d been beaten. Their plants grabbed them and lifted them up, but Husk darted through the air on his own wings and pulled them back down.

            “If Alastor couldn’t beat him, stay here,” barked Husk. “Do not go running to get yourself killed, kid!”

            “But—”

            “We still need to fight!” said Angel.

            (Y/N)’s eyes narrowed, but they knew they had to keep fighting. And with how this was going…they’d get a chance to face Adam. Would that go well? Logic said no, but (Y/N) was angry and wanted to unleash that fury on the man so eager to hurt all their friends.

            “There are more coming on your right!” said Pentious from the balcony of the hotel where he was looking out for angels. “Get ready for them, Vagatha, (Y/N)!”

            “Not my name, but got it!” said Vaggie, lunging for the exorcists.

            (Y/N)’s vines, as furious as their master, lashed out at the angels, ripping them apart and stabbing through them viciously.

            “Sorry! Sorry!” said Charlie as she hit angels with her shield so cannibals (and Niffty) could finish them off.

            “Stop apologizing, they deserve it!” said (Y/N), their vines supporting them through the air and assisting them in dodging the exorcists. “Come here, you fucking bitches.”

            Angel and Husk were also still fighting as energetically as ever, though the fight was never-ending.

            “These fuckin’ angels won’t stop comin’,” huffed Husk.

            “Hah!” laughed Angel.

            Husk cracked a smile. “Okay, I walked into that one.”

            Angel grinned before turning on an exorcist attempting to kill one of the Egg Bois and shot her down.

            “You alright, squirt?” he asked.

            The Egg Boi hugged his leg. “I nearly scrambled myself.”

            “Get somewhere safe,” said Angel.

            Bam!

            Part of the hotel exploded, and people were set flying. When the dust settled, (Y/N)’s eyes narrowed. It was Adam, fighting with holy light.

            “Suck my holy light, fuckers! Yeah!” he cheered with glee.

            The angelic power was too much, and the demons were sent flying. (Y/N) winced as their plants were destroyed, feeling them cry out as they died.

            “We aren’t going to last unless we do something about him,” said Vaggie.

            “But what? Alastor was supposed to handle him!” said Charlie.

            Hearing them over his monitors, Pentious made a decision. Pulling Cherri to him, who was beside him, he dipped her.

            “I’m trying to fight here! Are you out of your fucking mind?” said Cherri.

            “Yes.” And Pentious took a chance and kissed her. “Miss Cherri Bomb, I love you,” he declared. “Remember me!” He slithered off to his most prized creation—his ship.

            Cherri blushed. “That was kind of hot.”

            Below, the battle continued to rage, though the tides had turned on the demons as Adam’s holy light threw them around. It was all they could do to avoid getting hit, let alone really deal damage to the exorcists.

            Then, the shadow of Pentious’s ship loomed over them. The hotel group stood, and their eyes widened.

            “Pentious…?” whispered Charlie.

            “That crazy motherfucker,” said Angel.

            “He’s going to die!” cursed Husk.

            “He’s doing it for us,” said (Y/N).

            Pentious’s ship went to fire, and Adam lifted his hand. Pentious’s shot and Adam’s holy light met midair, and the holy light pierced through Pentious’s attack and struck the ship. The entire thing exploded. The Egg Bois and Pentious were gone.

            “Oh, whoop. That could’ve been ugly,” chuckled Adam, sneering.

            “No!” screamed Charlie.

            Cherri covered her mouth in shock, and the rest of the Hazbin Hotel’s eyes widened in sadness. Pentious was dead, killed by Adam.

            “Fuck…” Angel hung his head. “You did good, buddy.”

            “Thank you for your sacrifice, Pentious,” murmured (Y/N).

            “No, no, no.” Charlie fell to her knees.

            “Charlie, I’m so sorry,” said Vaggie, holding Charlie.

            Charlie let out a growl and stood back up. “Razzle! Dazzle!”

Her voice had never been so angry. The two goat demons flew around her, and she rose into the air. Flames erupted around her. Horns extended from her forehead, and the entirety of her eyes turned red. A trident appeared in her hand, and Razzle and Dazzle grew to giant dragons. This was Charlie Morningstar, daughter of Lucifer, heir to the throne of Hell, in all her demonic glory.

            Charlie and Vaggie leapt onto the backs of the dragons, and Charlie pointed her trident up at Adam.

            “Let’s ride!” she declared.

            (Y/N) wasn’t about to wait around, this time. Adam had hurt Alastor and killed Pentious. They weren’t letting him do more. Their vines carried them up into the air, killing the angels in their way.

            Lute and Adam hovered above them, ready to face them. Lute dove at Vaggie and Dazzle and slashed through Dazzle’s throat. Vaggie let out a shout, and she and Dazzle fell towards the hotel. Lute pierced Dazzle again and sent them all crashing through the roof of the hotel. Vaggie didn’t waste anytime beginning a fight with Lute, and the pair fought all over the foyer of the hotel.

            “Vaggie!” In concern, Charlie dove down towards her girlfriend.

            “Charlie!” shouted (Y/N) in warning.

            Too late. “Surprise, bitch!” Adam appeared before Charlie and sent her flying with a powerful attack. “Your turn, you fucking brat!” shouted Adam, turning on (Y/N).

            Holy light shot at them, and (Y/N)’s briars tossed them onto the remains of the roof before they were chopped in half by the light. Landing hard, (Y/N) rolled to a stop and pushed themself back up as Adam landed on the roof.

            “You fucking sinners are so fucking stupid,” sneered Adam as he looked at them. “I’m Adam. The first man. Created by God. What makes you think you have anything on that?”

            “Yeah, well, for being created by God, you fucking suck, don’t you?” sneered (Y/N).

            Adam narrowed his eyes and sent several blasts of holy light at them. (Y/N) dodged, expertly using their plants to pull themself to safety each time.

            “Hold still, you little shit!” cursed Adam.

            “I thought you were the first man,” said (Y/N), refusing to stop moving. “But you have no style and only one move!”

            If they did, they were dead. They weren’t stupid; they couldn’t win this fight. They didn’t have that strength (yet, said a small voice in their mind, a whisper like the rustle of leaves). But that didn’t mean (Y/N) wouldn’t stall Adam for as long as it took Charlie to recover and for their friends to handle the other exorcists. (Y/N) wasn’t backing down.

            “No wonder everyone hates you,” sneered (Y/N).

            “I’m a favorite of God! I’m adored in Heaven!” shouted Adam.

            Ironically, his pride was his weakness. (Y/N) would use that. “Yeah, well, Earth doesn’t like you. You fucked up just like Eve, eating that apple,” said (Y/N). “I wonder why you’re not in Hell, too? You must have kissed a lot of ass to get out of that. Kind of pathetic. You got to Heaven, but you’re just as bad as all of us down here!”

            “I’m an angel! I’m better than you fucking sinners!” said Adam.

            “Watch it, pride is a deadly sin,” said (Y/N) with a wide grin. “Wouldn’t want that, would we, oh-so-heavenly-angel?”

            “Don’t act like you’re better than me, bitch,” said Adam. Another blast of heavenly light, and the explosion knocked (Y/N) sideways. “I punish you fuckers because you deserve it. I’m acting as God intended!”

            (Y/N)’s eyes turned red, and their pupils flashed into roses for a moment. Across their body, tattoos of leaves and vines glowed green. Their rose into the air, the roses of their hair blooming, thorns and brambles joining them. (Y/N)’s demon form began to emerge.

            “As God intended?” (Y/N)’s voice echoed, and the unheard voices of the trees and leaves and flowers, angry at human interference and destruction, furious at the abuse of humanity, flowed through their words. “Oh, yes, the infamous excuse of the righteous. When they harm others, when they abuse the unprotected, it is as God intended. I hate that excuse.” Their grin widened. “You're all just righteous cowards hiding that they’re the worst of humanity.” They cocked their head. “And I killed the fucking righteous cowards on Earth. So I think I’ll kill you, too.”

            For a moment, Adam stared as (Y/N)’s words cut to him, cut to his one fear: his inadequacy. Lilith had left him; Eve had left him. Then, as usual, Adam’s anger and desire to prove himself superior came to the forefront, and he glowed with angelic power.

            “Come at me, bitch,” sneered Adam. (Y/N)’s vines struck, and Adam laughed as he fired holy light into them. “Pathetic! What is that supposed to d—”

            Thwip!

            (Y/N) flipped by him, and the dagger in their hand slashed through his mask. Adam stumbled back, clutching his cheek as golden blood flowed. He had been injured. It wasn’t much, sure, but a sinner, a common mortal soul damned to Hell, had harmed him! Adam! The first man!

            He didn’t even bother speaking; his rage overtook him. Holy light exploded out from him. (Y/N) barely dodged it, and the plants on their body were singed, sending agony through their veins. They cried out, and as the roof exploded, (Y/N) was thrown over the side. They landed on the ground hard, groaning, barely surviving since their plants managed to catch them with the strength they had left. The light in their eyes and newfound tattoos faded, leaving them unprotected and injured on the ground.

            Adam stood on the side of the nearly-destroyed roof and aimed down at (Y/N) again. They stared up at him with narrowed eyes. This felt like their first death. But this time, they felt only satisfaction. They had found freedom briefly. They had found friends. They had found family. (Y/N) had even injured Adam. If this was their final death, then so be it.

            (Y/N) would die knowing they’d done the right thing.

            Before Adam could kill them, though, Charlie slammed into him. She had recovered her strength and immediately come to defend her friends. The Princess of Hell was there for her people, always.

            Unfortunately, as the fight went back and forth, it appeared that the first man’s strength as an angel was still more powerful than a demon’s. Adam slammed Charlie down, and as his exorcists surrounded her friends, he grinned and closed his hands around her throat.

            “This fight was cute n’ all, but it’s time to die with the rest of them,” sneered Adam.

            “Charlie!” screamed Vaggie.

            Thump!

            Adam cried out as a punch sent him flying. Charlie slumped forward, and a shorter man caught her.

            “Dad?” she gasped.

            Lucifer Morningstar, King of Hell, had arrived. He smiled at his daughter as he held her. “Sorry I wasn’t here sooner, sweetie.” He placed her on her feet, and they faced Adam as he crawled to his feet.

            “Okay, seriously?” he said, aggravated. “How many of you freaks do I have to fight?!”

            “Oh, I’m the only one that matters,” said Lucifer with a smirk. He rolled up his sleeves. “See, you messed with my daughter, and now I’m going to fuck you.”

            Silence.

            That could not have been said worse, thought (Y/N) blearily as their body tried to repair itself.

            “It’s fuck you ‘up,’ Dad,” whispered Charlie awkwardly.

            “Wait, what did I say?” said Lucifer, blinking.

            “Agh!” Angry, Adam grabbed Lucifer and slammed him through the wall of the roof.

            Lucifer transformed into a snake, escaped, and poofed back into his original form with three pairs of wings extended. He laughed at Adam as the man attacked and flew at him.

            “So, this is what you’ve been up to since Eden?” Lucifer chuckled. “Gott say, you really let yourself go, buddy.”

            “You, judgin’ me?! You’re the most hated being in all of creation!” sneered Adam, grabbing snake-Lucifer by the tail and throwing him.

            Lucifer transformed into a duck, flew away, and then became himself again. (He was showing off, angering Adam’s pride). “Well, your first wife didn’t seem to hate what I had to offer,” said Lucifer. He smirked. “Or the second, bow-chicka-wow-wow.”

            Adam grabbed him. “I’ll fuckin’ end you!”

            Lucifer began a horse and bucked him off. “Whoa, missed me!” He became himself and dodged a blast of holy light. “Hoohoo, not even close! Hehehe, nice try, douchebag!”

            “Hold still, you slippery fucker!” cursed Adam.

            He threw a giant blast of holy light at the hotel, and the entire thing exploded, sending Charlie falling towards the earth. Charlie let out a scream, and Lucifer dove towards her. He caught her and smiled softly at his daughter.

            “I got you,” he said.

            Charlie’s demon form flared as Adam cackled and prepared an attack since Lucifer was distracted. “Dad, look out!” she cried.

            Her arm turned large and demonic, glowing red. She caught Adam’s hand, stopping his attack.

            Adam’s eyes widened in shock. “Woah, wait, what the fuck?!”

            Lucifer’s eyes narrowed, he turned, and he grabbed Adam. With a tingle throw, Adam was sent hurtling towards the earth. He crashed into the ground, leaving a crater behind. His entire mask was shattered, and bruises littered his body as he looked up at Lucifer and Charlie.

            “You come at me and my daughter, don’t forget, you’re in my house, bitch!”

            Lucifer’s eyes glowed red, horns sprouted from his forehead, and flames hovered between them. This was the King of Hell with the Princess. Lucifer didn’t give Adam a chance to even feel fear, put Charlie down, and lunged at him. He punched Adam over and over, pummeling the first man into the ground. Lucifer raised his hands, and flames collecting between them. With a single move, he could kill Adam.

            “Whoa, whoa, Dad.” Charlie grabbed Lucifer’s shoulder. “He’s had enough.” She spoke gently, as kind and merciful as ever. Even in the face of the man who had hurt her friends and killed so many, Charlie refused to change her ways.

            Lucifer frowned, but he listened to his daughter. He stood straight and looked down at the beaten, bleeding angel. “Alright.” He sneered, allowing himself anger even if he wouldn’t kill Adam like he wanted to. He would try to do what his daughter would do. “How’s mercy taste, you little bitch?”

            Knowing Adam could do no more and couldn’t do anything against him, Lucifer turned away and walked back towards the gathering survivors of the sinners. The exorcists hovered a ways away, unsure if they could keep fighting and in shock at Adam’s defeat.

            “No,” groaned Adam, pushing himself out of the ditch he lay in. “You don’t get to end this.” He had to crawl, his wings hanging uselessly at his sides. “I’m fucking Adam!” He glared at Lucifer, Charlie, Vaggie, Cherri, Angel, Husk, and Niffty. The sinners just stared back, seeing him barefaced and as he was: just a man. “I’m the fucking man! And you’re just some fucking clowns or something!” Adam couldn’t take the even looks in all of the demons’ eyes. They didn’t see him an angel so far above them. They just saw a man, nothing special. Adam couldn’t take that. “I started everything on Earth! All of mankind came from these fucking nuts! You al should be worshipping me!” Looking over them, Adam felt the dangerous feeling of inferiority settle in as no fear shone in the eyes of the people united against him. “You ungrateful, disgusting, fucking losers—!”

            The shadow loomed over him, and everyone’s eyes widened. Adam whirled.

            Squelch!

            A knife pierced Adam’s stomach. It twisted, and Adam let out a strangled cry, eyes wide.

            “I hate false righteousness,” sneered (Y/N), pulling the knife from his stomach.

            He stumbled back and fell.

            “(Y/N)?” said Charlie, eyes wide. The rest of the hotel stared.

            Adam stared up at the plant that had carried (Y/N) to the battle. “Fucking…every…time.” The apple tree loomed over him like a sick joke.

Taglist:

@kyalov

@pandaquick

@boredwithlifeatthispoint

@jaytheaceenby

@paastaboi

@bettybabys

@gxdoesstuff

@grippleback-galaxy

@just-here-reading

@dmitrytherat

@a-small-tyrant

@marxo5

@rory-cakes

@andsoigotabutterfly

@theblueslytherin

@romyoia

@ray-rook

@thereeallink

@pandaquick

@funkyexistence

@theyaremorethanjustfictional

@lanxianschoenheit

@justyourfriendlyneighbourhood1

@ringsofpersonti

@futureittomainn

@enderpearltv

@oo0lady-mad0oo

@falsemain

@a-huge-bi-nerd

@lost-in-the-hellaverse

@tagthetrekkie

@amberforest08

@picklehat3r

@lunalixya

@rl800

@crystal-freak24

[abbysimsfun]

Sims In Bloom: Generation 2 Pt. 74 (Welcome to Glimmerbrook)

With the sun setting over the Glimmer Mountains, Conrad and Bella approached the door to the Magic Realm. Blue and green swirls of light beckoned through the centre of a carved stone archway, while geysers popped in a pool of water hugging the edge of a cliff.

"This is the place? What are we supposed to do?"

"Just walk through," said Bella. "You'll see nothing but swirls of light until you walk about ten steps and come out on the other side."

"That's it?"

"Well, you're going to want to watch out for the jump-scares."

"What jump-scares?"

"Like this!" She pulled a face and lunged at him. He jumped back, petrified, as Bella's face broke into laughter. He stopped cowering and chuckled, slightly embarrassed.

"Mrs. Goth, I'm a little wound up here."

"Don't be so uptight, Detective. If the spellcasters smell too much fear on you when we get there, they'll try to take advantage."

"What am I supposed to do to show no fear even though I am definitely full of fear? Jump-scare them?"

He pulled an even fiercer face than Bella and she gasped, choking a little on her breath until she let out a hearty laugh.

"It's worth a try. You really got me!"

(The both autonomously scared each other and then laughed about it before I sent them through the portal. 😂)

Conrad smiled, turning back to the stone door and swirling lights. Glancing at Bella, then at Gord, he asked, "Are we ready?"

Gord barked, and Bella nodded. "Lead the way."

Just as Bella had described, he walked ten steps forward, emerging on the other side of the bright lights of the portal. He looked up, and around, then back to ensure Bella and Gord made it through behind him. "What is this place? Did you just change while we passed through the portal?"

(Why she changed clothes autonomously I still don't know. To look fabulous is my guess.)

"There's no wind here. Don't you feel it? Some say this is the centre of the universe, but if you believe that then you believe we're all just conjured up by witches and warlocks to do their bidding."

"What do you believe?"

"I think it's the centre of one universe. It doesn't have to be ours. Spellcasters are tricky, but they're not in control."

"Could those floating rocks hit us?"

"Not likely. But don't look over the edges too long."

"All I see are trees. Where's this alley we're supposed to go?"

Bella looked toward a floating rock much bigger than the others, with dilapidated Victorian brick buildings perched somewhat precariously against the edges of the massive stone. "See that door at the edge of the welcome block? It's another portal to Casters Alley over there on that rock."

"I'm going to float through space?"

"No, you'll walk through, just like the main door. Here you can see what it looks like from a different perspective."

"Mrs. Goth, this is impossible."

"You're here. It's definitely not impossible. But Gord shouldn't pass through to Casters Alley. They assume all animals are there to be sold as familiars and they'll fight you for him if you let him follow you."

Gord whimpered. "It's okay, Gord. I don't want to be in this place any longer than I have to, anyway. I'll get the angelfish and we'll get out of here." He turned to Bella. "Stay with him, please. If it goes south can you get him back to the house?"

"Of course, but you'll be fine. Just remember: you're not afraid, and you're not a detective."

With a deep breath, he jogged toward the portal to Casters Alley. Bella said he only needed to walk, but seeing the distance between the two blocks, he felt a running start was somehow necessary.

He disappeared into the swirling blue and green lights. Emerging moments later on the other side, his feet had never left solid ground.

The cobblestone streets were torn up and uneven, the brick buildings falling to pieces even though several friendly ghosts manned various stalls. "Hello sir, my name's Takashi. What have you come looking for? A wand, broom? Maybe a familiar?"

Conrad shook his head, trying not to look as stunned as he felt to be speaking to a ghost in a place he could scarcely believe existed, even though he could see it with his own eyes. "Just some angelfish, please."

"You're not a spellcaster," he said knowingly. "Ambrosia?"

"I hope so. The Ambrosia Society led me here."

"You're in luck! We've conjured more than enough angelfish at the society's request."

Conrad grinned, purchasing the angelfish from Takashi's ingredient shop on the ground floor of a building missing the entire back wall. "So if you're not a spellcaster, what is it that you do? There's a smell to you. Brindleton Bay?"

"Is that fish?" He forced a laugh, trying to make it sound casual. "I'm a vet, and cats like fish, but I knew it was the wrong season to catch any angelfish out in the Simlandia Sea."

Takashi offered a smile as he packaged the fish. Conrad paid with a respectful nod, his heart beating quickly, before he returned through the portal to Bella and Gord.

Back in Brindleton Bay, Heather had kept her mind off Conrad's dangerous mission by caring for her son and fishing for angelfish in Dachshund's Creek, to no avail.

She'd put Ash to bed by the time Conrad and Bella returned from the Magic Realm, and she was thrilled when Conrad put the purchased angelfish in the fridge.

"How was it?" she wondered, burning with curiosity before he headed upstairs to tend to their plants. "Was it safe?"

"It was the most unbelievable place I've ever seen. We were floating in space, Heather. But it wasn't terrible, and I got what I went for without any trouble. Maybe one day we can go back and you'll see what I mean."

Heather grinned. "I don't mind staying home to make sure the baby's safe, but I like when we do things together. Even when that stuff is almost too wild to believe."

Before she returned home, Bella summoned Grim on the Grimophone she'd lent Heather and Conrad. She met her old friend down the square with a warm smile, as telltale hearts popped above her head. "Hello, Grimmie. It's been too long."

A soft chuckle echoed from the Reaper's hollow black hood. "I'm always busy."

"I just went back to the Magic Realm for the first time since I divorced my husband."

Grim shuddered. "Spellcasters," he groaned. "They make my job so much harder."

"I didn't see any of our old friends, but it did remind me of our night together all those years ago."

"It was a great night...I really thought your son Dexter might be mine."

Bella laughed. "He's not. Still, if you hadn't reminded me how it feels to be loved, I might not have tried to rekindle things with my husband. But Mortimer's disinterest was less about me and more about him."

"I can't believe he left you, or that useless bartender. But I like it when you're single...Did you want to watch a movie sometime?"

Bella offered Grim a coquettish wink. "I'll call you."

Having seen the Magic Realm for himself, Conrad was convinced the quest for ambrosia could only get stranger from here, but he and Heather had invested too much time and effort to stop now. ->

<- Previous Chapter | Gen 2 Start | Gen 1 Summary | Gen 1 Start

NOTE: Gord could or would not go through the second door. He would absolutely follow if he could so I made up a last minute thing, but I brought him because I wanted to take him! He went through the first one fine, but he didn't go when Conrad crossed over to Casters Alley and I've deleted TOOL for now (I also suck at it, anyway!) to get through the Reapers Rewards challenge glitch-free. I assumed I couldn't bring him over with MCCC, since the alley's not a lot, so he stayed with Bella on the main rock, unfortunately.

NOTE 2: I could have had someone just socialize with Grim for Week 4 of Reapers Rewards, but I wanted someone to flirt with him for the challenge points and it didn't make sense to be Heather or Conrad. I mentioned Bella had affairs in Gen 1, but surprise! One of them was Grim. I don't care that it's not canon (yet?) in Sims 4 because it's been canon in earlier games and Bella or her lore has been in every one. Bella also helped with the aspiration goal XP since both Heather and Conrad were pretty far away from one of their own this week. She just needed to introduce herself to 10 sims and has made herself so useful lately!

[starhvney]

𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐎 𝐘𝐎𝐔

𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆: mcd garroth x reader

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘: everyone was back in the village, except for garroth. his absence haunts you everywhere except for in your dreams.

𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐒: angst, reuniting, hurt/comfort, love confessions

𝐂𝐖: none? mentions of garroth’s injuries

𝐀/𝐍: rah rah mcd angst

𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓

it’s been a week.

a week since you and everyone escaped the irene dimension.

everyone but garroth.

you remember the look he gave you. the guilt, the resolve, the anguish. guilt for being weak enough to succumb to the mind control and manipulation that put you all in this jeopardizing situation. resolve to amend his mistakes by condemning himself to stay in this hell falsely veiled as heaven. anguish that he couldn’t properly say goodbye. it was only seconds after the portal opened that laurance was carrying you through kicking and screaming for another way that it had closed once again.

you’d begged zoey to open it again, both of you barely able to stand on your own with your energy drained and spirits depleted. but you knew it couldn’t be done.

now, seven days later, you lay in your bed, staring at the dilapidated and dark ceiling above you. not that you had any room to complain. your house was nothing but shambles after fifteen years, so the fact that levin even provided you with any sort of housing for free was generous. it seems providing you with your own bed was useless, though, when you couldn’t even sleep in it. it by no means was because you were energized–you were in fact exhausted beyond belief. rather it was because every time you closed your eyes, your mind kept replaying that moment. 

over and over and over and over again.

you’re not sure when you managed to finally fall asleep, but when you open your eyes again under a large tree instead of a cracked wooden ceiling, it takes only a moment to realize you haven’t truly woken yet. everything about it was so vivid, though. you could hear the leaves in the tree ahead rustle in the breeze,. feel the soft grass beneath your fingertips. smell the sweet scent of the flowers that bloomed from the ground. everything else beyond the hill this singular tree was on dissipated into a strange haze you couldn’t make out, like when exhaustion blends your peripheral vision with the regular into a strange blur. 

lifting yourself up to stand, you take a look around at the peaceful scene when a soft groan of pain sounds from behind you. when you turn back to the tree, you nearly jolt yourself awake into your physical body at the sight of the man leaning against it.

him.

it was him.

that pale golden hair, the usual soft waves mussed and sticking to his forehead. his face was pale and a large cut marred the skin near his jaw, his eyebrows pulled together and eyes shut from pain. slowly his eyelids crack open when his ears seem to catch your gasp, blue irises meeting yours a moment later. you can’t hear anything but your own hitched breaths for the few moments you both stare at the other, watching as the head guard’s eyes haze over in a vulnerable emotion you hadn’t seen from him before.

the sudden clinking of his armor barely alerts you that he’s moving before he’s suddenly right in front of you, large hands grasping onto you desperately and pulling you into his chest. shaky breaths brushed against your hair and over your skin, rough gloves squeezing your skin like he was sure you’d dissipate in front of his eyes if he loosened his grip any further. he pulls back, and you only briefly see the beautiful shade of deep cerulean in his eyes before his gloved hands slide up from your arms to the sides of your face and his lips clash against yours.

it feels so real. his cool armor against your skin and the firm grip of his hand on the back of your head as he tilts your head back to mold his slightly chapped lips with yours. it’s desperate, the way his fingers thread through your hair–it’s like he was hoping he could pull you closer than you already were. 

he doesn’t pull away until you both have no more air left in your lungs, and with incredible reluctance he barely pulls back, your lips brushing against his.

“i wish you were real.” he rasps, pressing his forehead against you with a groan. “if only you were real.”

your eyebrows pinch together. you’d say the same, but you’ve never had a dream where the other people in it were aware. and this all felt so vivid.

was it possible to be brought together with the one you love in your dreams?

you want to speak, say something, but you’re too overwhelmed by it all to do anything but whisper out his name.

“if i’ve died and this is my afterlife, i’d gladly spend the rest of eternity here.” he pulls away, rough thumbs brushing against your cheeks as his eyes dart across your face—committing every curve and detail to his memory. “maybe this is my mind’s last way of giving me peace before i’m killed.”

“what?” your eyes widen at the ramblings coming from the reserved guard’s lips. “garroth… is this—?”

“i love you. even if this is a delusion, at least i can feel like i told you once before i’m gone.” he gulps back a lump in his throat, eyes misted over. “i love you so much it hurts. i’m so sorry i’ve let you down. the fact i was so weak to ever risk your life like that is enough for me to realize this is the fate i deserve.”

you begin shaking your head, breaths short and quick.

it is him. somehow. someway. this was real.

“garroth. i don’t know where we are or how this is happening, but you can’t die. please promise me you’ll live until we can find a way to get you.”

his lips pull tight in confusion before shakily murmuring your name.

emotions bubble forward from your chest, crowding your throat as tears involuntarily pool in your eyes. “if somehow this is real, please don’t give up. you can apologize when we reunite. don’t let zane win this way.”

“i… i won’t, but how…”

“i love you, garroth.”

“i love you.” he says through a pained exhale, like the words were coming out of his last breath before his lungs collapsed in grief. “i promise you i’ll come back to you. i swear it to you.”

his fingers brush away the teardrops from under your eyes as a quiet cry leaves your lips, his expression pained. it was like each of your tears were a stab wound into his chest, your trembling lips a twist in the handle. the peaceful silence of the dream is interrupted by the loud ringing of what sounded like church bells in the distance. it echoed and shook the air around you, sending everything into a white haze.

no, were you waking up?

“please don’t give up.” you repeat, somehow unable to find any other words despite having so little time left. “i love you.”

you hear another hoarse “i love you” from his lips, before his features fade away into a blindingly white haze and then disappear into the darkness. the next moment you’re back in phoenix drop, staring up at the warped ceiling. the only thing reassuring you from letting the empty pit in your chest from swallowing you whole was his voice, the deep timbre still ringing in your head.

“i’ll come back to you”

©starhvney, 2024. please do not steal or repost my works as your own.

taglist: @wasting-away-on-the-internet @angelhyperfixates @valentique

[azure-cherie]

Rituals for moon phases

according to your astrology, manifestations, affirmations and offerings .

Full moon

Please note that all of this can be followed and done by anyone regardless of their placements 🌷 they're intuitive and research based 🌷

Aries : moon /sun/ rising / Jupiter/ Venus

Full moon is about manifesting, as an Aries you are to be really focused on yourself, you're born in this lifetime to embody the energy of your own self and give to yourself,

You can consider doing , self confidence spells , manifestation to get leadership positions , or just being happy in general.

" Ithe energy of the full moon to lets me embody the highest most confident and abundant version of myself , i hold strength and assertiveness in all times , i hold kindness and pure energy that my soul is born with , I work with the universe to live my life potential fully "

Offerings as an Aries to nature / god's / the moon :

Chamomile

Cinammon

Apple

A dance , acrobatic moves , yoga

Tattoos

A walk

Red candles

Taurus : moon /sun/ rising / Jupiter/ Venus

Full moon to you is about being stable grounded in sync asking the power that is already yours you're connected to nature and your own gifts .

Your lifetime is of conception of beauty and of appreciation of creation and to create as a form of endearment.

" The energy of the full moon makes me abundant and divinely blessed I'm in tune with my feminine energy and in sync with my creative abilities I see the world with the eyes of an observer I stay grounded beautiful and blessed "

Offerings as a Taurus to nature / god's / the moon :

Makeup

Roses

Dresses

Skincare

Handmade crafts

Paintings

Rose quartz

Red Jasper

Gemini : moon /sun/ rising / Jupiter/ Venus

Full moon to you is about open communication feeling the energy of your throat chakra , embodying teen like wonder and the portal to infinite curiosity

Your lifetime is of watching , knowing , exploring learning and giving knowledge

" The energy of the full moon blesses my mind and my heart my intelligence, curiosity and wonder is overflowing I'm filled with knowledge and the urge to know more , i put my words into actions and live life how I want to "

Offerings as a Gemini to nature / god's / the moon :

Writings

Crafts

Rosemary

Mugwort

Sodalite

Jade

Bloodstone

Drinks

Cancer : moon /sun/ rising / Jupiter/ Venus

Full moon to you is about embodying yourself fully , the emotions the feelings , it is also a time to manifest things , you're the most powerful this time but also very vulnerable remember to stand your ground as manifestation requires the stableness as well as the dream .

" The full moon brings me deep realisations about myself and the things around me I'm grateful blessed and ready to absorb good energies from good sources and repel the negative I'm fully blooming I'm blessed "

Offerings as a cancer to nature / god's / the moon :

Datura

White flowers

Milk , bread

Moonstone

Selenite

Sage

Water = ( you can use it later as moon water )

Rice

Leo : moon /sun/ rising / Jupiter/ Venus

Full moon to you is about awakening the beast within you and this beast doesn't destroy but it destroys the selective negativities and the limiting beliefs, it calls upon you to believe in your own divine power the natural energy of strength that you embody .

" The full moon empowers me to believe in myself and I call upon the most blessed opportunities in my life , I know my courage goes beyond everything and with that courage in my heart I'll get everything "

Offerings as a Leo to nature / god's / the moon :

Honey

Fire offerings like candles , campfires

Red Jasper

Citrine

Cranberries

Dragonsblood

Red or orange flowers

Virgo : moon /sun/ rising / Jupiter/ Venus

Full moon to you is about rising in your calling now that you know who you are it's about maintaining the valor and the confidence to be unshaken and unwavering in your divine power . You're intelligent and awakened

"The full moon empowers me to use my abilities for the best of me and the people around me I'm grounded , smart and always channeling the best version of myself , the creation , the invention is all in my hands , I'm getting all the best "

Offerings as a virgo to nature / god's / the moon :

Wood

Stationery items

Fluorite

Portfolio, manifesto

Twigs and stones

Pyrite

Drawings

Libra : moon /sun/ rising / Jupiter/ Venus

Full moon to you is about finding balance in your life , you my dear are super powerful because you can walk with logic as well as emotional like miley said you're the best of both worlds it's time to get back to who you are at heart.

" The full moon empowers me to manifest the best energies in equal form and importance I'm the masculine and the feminine the container and the flow , the logic and the intuition I'm whole I'm complete I'm expanding"

Offerings as a Libra to nature / god's / the moon :

Opal / opalite

Makeup

Drawings

Witch hazel

Advice a friend

Tea with various herbs

Neem

Scorpio : moon /sun/ rising / Jupiter/ Venus

Full moon to you is about connecting to your energies whether light or dark , your energy is flowing with strength and valour , your mystery is divine and you're attracting the raw power of the full moon at this time .

" The full moon empowers me to accept all the parts of myself the ones that I enjoy the ones that I hide the ones that I wanna embody I'm mysterious, sexy and alluring I get closer to my desires with each moment"

Offerings as a scorpio to nature / god's / the moon :

Obsidian

Moldavite

Orgasms

Spell jars

Stones pebbles dead organisms

Radical changes in your life like - " I'm gonna stop people pleasing" , " I will no longer over spend " etc

Sagittarius : moon /sun/ rising / Jupiter/ Venus

Full moon to you is about embodying the eternal wisdom of the undying moon before you and after you to have the power to travel not only in the physical realm but also in mental and spiritual senses , you're the teacher the hierophant you're embodying yourself now

" The full moon empowers me to recognise my own potential and take steps towards embodying my full energy I know I'm capable of travels and wisdom in the physical, mental and astral I'm forever growing and forever protected "

Offerings as a Sagittarius to nature / god's / the moon :

Travel to a forest , with a pendulum and follow the directions

A walk

A book , stationery

Sodalite

Amethyst

Compass

Capricorn : moon /sun/ rising / Jupiter/ Venus

Full moon to you is about gaining power over you routines and you goals , for yourself and for others to be more assertive and loving to yourself, you know that discipline is the greatest act of love and you act towards it with each phase of moon you are stronger and braver

" The full moon empowers me to gain my clarity in every situation, I get good insights and logic guides me to my greatest self i set standards for myself and for others I attract all that i desire because it's already mine "

Offerings as an Capricorn to nature / god's / the moon :

Manifestations or list of things you'd like to achieve

Garnet

Setting routines

Fenugreek

Fruits mainly green to brown toned

Spend time in nature

Hit the gym

Aquarius : moon /sun/ rising / Jupiter/ Venus

Full moon to you is about breaking patterns and getting in touch with the real you , you know you're not here to conform to any norm , you know that one finds the other weird only because they can't do what you can do , you're getting closer to your truth because you're not afraid .

" The full moon empowers me to be myself and bring in necessary changes for me and for others , I know the rules and i break the rules when required, i believe in my power and the power of my choices I'm at my best and at full bloom "

Offerings as an Aquarius to nature / god's / the moon :

Pot / vessel , soup pot

Honey

Amethyst

Do something you are scared to do

Pour the plants with water

Basil

Visit a childcare, heathcare ,

Pisces : moon /sun/ rising / Jupiter/ Venus

Full moon to you is to connect to your highest self to the eternal spiritual beautiful brimming human you are , if Aquarius is the vessel you're the flowing water always nourished and wise and flowing with beauty.

"The full moon empowers me to connect to my intuitive powers and be excellent in all my pursuits I'm eternally creative , powerful and blessed , all my dreams and manifestations come true , I create my ways for my best version to arise I'm blessed in all ways "

Offerings as an pisces s to nature / god's / the moon :

Daydreaming

Walks

Sodalite

Water

Shells

Skincare and self-love

Thank you so much for reading, have a great day/night ahead 🤍

[codingquill]

What happens when you start your computer ? ( Booting a computer )

We studied this in the lecture today, and it was quite interesting. What makes something a hundred times simpler than it is? Creating a story about it. That's why I made this super fun dialog that will help you understand it all.

I've set up a drive to compile everything I create related to the Linux operating system. Feel free to explore it for more details on the topics discussed in the conversation below. Check it out here.

Have a fun read, my dear coders!

In the digital expanse of the computer, Pixel, the inquisitive parasite, is on a microventure with Binary, a wise digital guide. Together, they delve into the electronic wonders, uncovering the secrets hidden in the machine's core.

Pixel: (zooming around) Hey there! Pixel here, on a mission to demystify the tech wonders . There's a creature named Binary who knows all the ins and outs. Let's find them!

Binary: (appearing with a flicker of pixels) Pixel, greetings! Ready to explore what happens inside here?

Pixel: Absolutely! I want the full scoop. How does this thing come alive when the human outside clicks on "start"?

Binary: (with a digital chuckle) Ah, the magic of user interaction. Follow me, and I'll reveal the secrets.

(They traverse through the circuits, arriving at a glowing portal.)

Pixel: (inquiring) What's the deal with this glowing door?

Binary: (hovering) Pixel, behold the BIOS - our machine's awakening. When the human clicks "start," the BIOS kicks in, checking if our components are ready for action.

(They proceed to observe a tiny program in action.)

Pixel: (curious) Look at that little messenger running around. What's it up to?

Binary: (explaining) That, Pixel, is the bootloader. It plays courier between the BIOS and the operating system, bringing it to life.

Pixel: (excitedly buzzing) Okay! How does the computer know where to find the operating system?

Binary: Ah, Pixel, that's a tale that takes us deep into the heart of the hard disk. Follow me.

(They weave through the digital pathways, arriving at the hard disk.)

Pixel: (curious) Huh? Tell me everything!

Binary: Within this hard disk lies the treasure chest of the operating system. Let's start with the Master Boot Record (MBR).

(They approach the MBR, Binary pointing to its intricate code.)

Binary: The MBR is like the keeper of the keys. It holds crucial information about our partitions and how to find the operating system.

Pixel: (wide-eyed) What's inside?

Binary: (pointing) Take a look. This is the primary boot loader, the first spark that ignites the OS journey.

(They travel into the MBR, where lines of code reveal the primary boot loader.)

Pixel: (in awe) This tiny thing sets the whole show in motion?

Binary: (explaining) Indeed. It knows how to find the kernel of the operating system, which is the core of its existence.

(They proceed to the first partition, where the Linux kernel resides.)

Pixel: (peering into the files) This is where the OS lives, right?

Binary: (nodding) Correct, Pixel. Here lies the Linux kernel. Notice those configuration files? They're like the OS's guidebook, all written in text.

(They venture to another partition, finding it empty.)

Pixel: (confused) What's the story with this empty space?

Binary: (smirking) Sometimes, Pixel, there are barren lands on the hard disk, waiting for a purpose. It's a canvas yet to be painted.

Pixel: (reflecting) Wow! It's like a whole universe in here. I had no idea the operating system had its roots in the hard disk.

(They continue their microventure, navigating the binary landscapes of the computer's inner world.Pixel gazes at the screen where choices appear.)

Pixel: What's happening here?

Binary: (revealing) This is where the user picks the operating system. The computer patiently waits for a decision. If none comes, it follows the default path.

(They delve deeper into the digital code, where applications start blooming.)

Pixel: (amazed) It's like a digital garden of applications! What's the enchantment behind this?

Binary: (sharing) Here, Pixel, is where the applications sprout to life. The operating system nurtures them, and they blossom into the programs you see on the screen.

Pixel: (excited) But how does the machine know when the human clicks "start"?

Binary: It's the BIOS that senses this initiation. When the human triggers "start," the BIOS awakens, and we embark on this mesmerizing journey.

[crazyskirtlady]

[multi-fandom-imagine]

➤It is you || Rolan ||

A/n: Just a small drabble I've been thinking about for Rolan.*implied smut*

Takes place after the game

It was nice to be back in the very city you saved,plus spending so much time in Avernus with Wyll and Karlach was starting to take it's toll on you so you decided to part ways from the budding romance blooming between the two deciding to take some time to live a quiet life. You did your best to catch up with your former companions and exploring the city since you could actually enjoy it with out something happened but their was one place that was constantly on your mind, the one place that you wanted to visit was Sorcerous Sundries, the very place the held the very man that you had feelings for though you hated it took you this long to realize it.

Following the familiar path and through the very familiar portal you spotted the very Tiefling you were looking for. "You finally got a desk?"

Rolan, didn't notice you at first, the man was too absorbed in the old book he was reading, ond hand rubbing his temple as he concentrated on the paperwork that covered nearly every inch of his desk though it was your voice the broke his concentration as he finally looked up at you.

His eyes flashed with recognition, a flicker of amusement before it quickly turned into a scowl, something you were very familiar with seeing. "Oh... it's you again."voice was flat, still holding that arrogant tone. "What have I done to be honored with the presence of the Hero of Baldur's Gate? Tire of Avernus already."

An airy laugh escaped your lips as you tilted your head to the side. Still smiling you moved to sit on the edge of his desk. You did miss this, miss the banter that you two would often share back and forth.

"That's it? That's all the greeting I get? No hug? No! Oh how I missed you!."

The tiefling scoffed and rolled his eyes as you sat on his desk, causing papers to flutter around. He set aside the book then looked at you. As a smirk formed on his lips as he leant back in his seat. "Well, well, look who finally decided to grace me with their presence! Though I’ll have you know, that I am a very busy man and don’t have time for your whimsical greetings." His expression turned to a pout “But I suppose the feeling is mutual, especially after you saved my life more times than I care to count..."

You barked out a laugh, shaking your head for a moment. You were happy that he was still himself,you weren't quite sure what you would do if the man had changed.

"You look good Rolan....happier now."

The tiefling's gaze lingered on you, his eyes traced the outline of your figure, the soft curves that had filled out.But despite these changes, there was something captivating about you. There always had been.

A smile tugged at the corner of Rolan's lips. "Happier?" He repeated, his voice soft, almost a whisper. He leaned forward, resting his hands on his desk "How do you know my happiness is not an act?"

Letting out a scoff, you still had a smile on your lips as you lent into closer to the man, your eyes sparkling. "You have a twinkle in your eye... that can't be an act Rolan."

It was nice seeing him like this, happier. He and his siblings went through so much."But if it is then maybe you should think about switching careers."

A soft chuckle escaped Rolan’s lips as the corners of his mouth formed into a small smile. He reached out and gently traced his warm fingertips across your cheek. "Ah, I knew you would see right through me, my clever friend. My smile is real, I can assure you."

His fingers lingered on your skin for a moment before he gently retracted his hand. You could faintly see a hint of rosiness on the tiefling's cheeks "You are right though, I am happier now that the Sword Coast is no longer in danger of extinction."

Letting your eyes slip closed, you did your best to ignore the shiver running down your spine from how good it felt from when he touched you. You were embarrassed by how much you hated from when he pulled away.

You enjoyed how warm his touch felt on your skin and you did your best to try not to imagine those fingers gliding else were across your body.

"Thats good, you and your siblings deserve it, after all that has happened."

Rolan felt the shift in you, the way your body responded to his touch. He saw your eyes flutter shut, the shiver that ran down your spine, the subtle hints that you did not want him to pull away. It was all too familiar to the tiefling, a feeling he had tried so hard to ignore.

His golden eyes widened slightly before a hint of mischievousness lit up his visage and played upon his lips. "Is that a hint of desire I see before me? Or am I merely imagining things?" He leaned forward, his voice a whisper of a tease.

You sucked in a breath as your cheeks dusted with pink. "I haven't the foggiest idea on what you're talking about." You muttered, a small pout on your lips.

You couldn't believe that you were caught, you were usually so good at hiding yourself

His smirk widened as he observed your flushed cheeks, that beautiful hue of pink that spread across them. Rolan reached out and brushed his fingers against your cheek, feeling the heat radiating from them.

“Oh, don’t give me that innocent look." The tiefling chuckled, leaning in closer. “I've seen the way you look at me." His voice lowered to a seductive purr as his thumb traced the contour of your lips. “I’ve felt the way your body quivers under my touch…”

Letting your eyes slip closed again, a breathy sigh left your lips as you tried to not arch into his touch though you gave him a crooked smile as another small jolt of pleasure hit you from his voice alone.

"And do you feel the same way Rolan?"

A low chuckle reverberated in Rolan's chest, a sound that sent a shiver down your spine. He moved even closer, closing the distance between them, his golden eyes gleaming with a fiery intensity, a mixture of passion and anticipation.

"Do I feel the same way?" He repeated, his voice laced with desire. "You have no idea how much I've longed to touch you…taste you...devour you completely."

Shifting your spot on the desk, you could feel your heart hammering in your chest. You didn't know how much you longed to hear those words spill from his lips.

"Well what's stopping you Rolan?"

Rolan's eyes darkened with desire as he took in your words. Lust. Affection. He needed you.

"Absolutely nothing."

With a swift and fluid motion, Rolan stood up from his seat, his hands grasping your hips and pulling you closer. He pulled you against his body, his slender frame pressing against yours.

"Gods, you don't know how hard it's been, not being able to touch you this entire time." His lips sought yours, capturing them in a hungry kiss.

Melting into the kiss, you let your eyes slip closed. Your fingers clutching his cloak tightly, you wanted this too, for so long, you didn't want it to end. Your body and mind were craving more, more of him, more of this.

Rolan's tongue danced and tangled with yours, his touch possessive yet gentle. His hands roamed your body, caressing, exploring every contour and curve, desperate to feel more of you.

He deepened the kiss, tilting your head back slightly to delve deeper, to claim you completely. His slender frame pressed further against you, pinning you to the table as his hips grinded gently against yours. A low groan escaped from deep within his throat.

You felt a moan escape your lips as you pressed more into him. Your hips grinding back as your nails dug deep into his shoulders. Your body felt hot, it tingled with desire, desperate as you rubbed yourself into him craving more.

Rolan growled low in his throat as you rocked your hips against his, the friction driving his body wild with desire. His hands grasped your thighs, gripping the supple flesh before slowly sliding up to your rear, cupping your backside.

The tiefling broke from the kiss and pressed his face into your neck, his hot breath tickling your skin. His lips claimed your flesh, showering your collarbone with hungry kisses and love bites.

Arching your neck out, you let your hands drift to his back as your legs wrapped around his hips instinctively rutting into him. Your heart was pounding wildly in your chest, his name spilling from your lips.

A low groan rumbled in Rolan's chest as your legs wrapped around him, trapping him in place. His hips rocked against you, matching your rhythm. The friction sent a wave of pleasure through his body, intensifying his desires.

He pressed his lips to the crook of your neck, his tongue teasing the sensitive skin there. His breath came in hot puffs against your skin as he whispered your name, his voice hoarse with need. "... Gods, you drive me mad, my love."

Doing your best to catch your breath, you looked up at him with wide eyes. Lips swollen as you placed a kiss against his jaw nipping at the skin.

"Please take me Rolan, I need you."

Rolan's breath hitched at the sound of your desperate plea. A low growl rumbled deep in his throat as he tightened his grip on your hips, pulling you closer to him.

"With pleasure, my dear." His voice was a whisper in your ear, laden with a heady mix of desire and need. The tiefling knocked the rest of his papers off his desk as he pushed you down on to the desk. "I can not wait for you to shout my name, be as loud as you want my dear...know one will hear you." He whispered against your neck.

[sheepheadfred]

Ectoberhaunt Day 16: Bloom

Summary: Jack and Maddie Fenton have been growing a special flower in secret for months, finally its buds are ready to bloom! But why is Danny becoming more avoidant than usual?

Ao3 link

At long last!

This rare flower, thought to be extinct, is finally blooming after all their hard work gardening. Well, mainly her hard work. Maddie took care of the more delicate and meticulous side of things. Jack tries but they both know he's not good at that sort of stuff. She can be hyper focused on the minute details but Jack gets bored easily if its not something he can freely do and has little patience for botany despite his best efforts.

A flower long thought to be gone for good grown right here in the lab. Sure they had to make a special enclosure for it but they didn't want ghosts or the kids with their rebellious, 'pro ghosts' phase, to mess with it before it could be ready to flower.

Heck, they were unaware it existed until one day when they were going through old Fenton Family Photos- the way Jack says it implies it is all capitalized- where they found notes by a witch hunting ancestors buried at the bottom mentioning how they were used to trap spirits and keep them from helping their witch masters.

It is said they are a great danger to the supernatural but completely safe, even delicious, for human consumption.

If enough bloom, they can use it in more anti ghost defenses if the stories prove true. Might even make a new weapon to capture a specimen if they get that far. The possibilities are endless!

While the kids were at school, they put it to the test. All throughout the house the blossomed flowers were arranged in every room. Red blooms decorate the walls and windowsills and other various surfaces connected by their black stems twisting around each other. Unassuming to those not in the know. Just a beautiful decoration to most.

And who else would even know about them? Not many for sure.

No ghost can leave the zone from their portal when the house has these flowers! If they come, they'll be trapped in the lab!

She's making a snack for her and Jack for the taste test, too!

Well, that and that she has been at this all day and does need a snack. You can't study and fight ghosts on an empty stomach after all!

Jack is in the basement lab working on a new weapon incorporating these plants.

The kids will never be safer here at home!

There haven't been any ghost attacks all day.

None of the ghost alerts they had set up around town have acted up. Sure, those only register ghosts above a certain threshold to compensate for the ectoplasmic background radiation the town is soaked in and that no good Phantom can seemingly hide in plain sight, but this has to mean it works on some level!

Anything coming through their portal will be trapped in the lab even when they're not home!

Oh, this is fantastic!

The kids will be happy that those spooks wont get in the way anymore. They should be, anyway. She can never really read them anymore, especially Danny. A shame, they used to be so close, too.

Speaking of the kids, it's about time for them to come home about now. Or it used to be before they both got so busy. Well, Jazz at least tries to be around them and return her bags before going back out or locking herself in her room to study.

Danny, though, keeps skipping school and ignoring curfew. When he doesn't skip, he has detention! That boy and his poor priorities. Why can't he be more like his sister? At least this way he will have more time to devote to his studies for once with his school getting attacked less!

"Mom! I'm home!" her eldest announces once she walks into the door. Dutiful and making sure they know shes home. What a good daughter!

Maddie, who was working on the Fenton Finder again, as its glitches keep detecting Danny, makes her way out of the kitchen to greet her oldest child.

"Hey, sweetie! How was school today? It's quite late, did you get some studying done or was it tutoring?" She couldn't help but gush.

Maddie is sure Jack would be asking the same, albeit with more arm pulling and back breaking hugs. She loves that man but he really doesn't know his own strength most of the time. Or keep it in check. There is a time and a place for it, after all.

"Things went fine, mom. What's with all the flowers, though? Didn't take you one for home decor."

There she goes, always questioning stuff. Such a strong, scientific mind.

Not that Danny doesn't but he tends to not want to use it. From what she has simply observed and all.

If something was truly wrong, then he would tell them. Right?

"Oh, just trying something new. Do you like it?"

"Um, yeah. I guess? But, why so many? And... you put these in every room?"

"Can never have too many flowers! These are a rare breed after all. They have special cleansing properties to ward off ghosts!" Maddie is excited to share this good news! They don't have to worry about one of those nasty ghosties waking them up anymore!, "And don't you worry about your rooms! Jack and I still remember your lectures on 'privacy' and 'personal space'. I just left a vase full in both yours and your brother's room, nothing too obstructive, on your windowsills."

"Uh huh. How did you find out about these flowers? What are they called, anyway?"

"Blood blossoms! We found an old journal from one of Jack's ancestors, Jack Fenton-Nightingale that held fascinating records we couldn't wait to see if they worked. I'm so glad you asked! You're welcome to join us if you want, sweetie."

Jazz looked more unnerved than enthused, but she's always busy with her own passions rather than wanting to focus on theirs, much to their chagrin.

"That's great, mom!," Jazz's enthusiasm sounds strained, "I'll let Danny know about the new floral arrangements before he gets home. I need to go study, they gave us a lot of homework today and I spent all afternoon torturing. Call me when it's time for dinner." And she is rushing out, clearly done with this conversation.

For some reason, it stings Maddie's heart at how flighty and avoidant her kids are. She knows they are at that age but it hurts her to feel them drifting.

"Wait," Maddie stops her daughter before she could leave, "before you hole yourself up. Where is Danny? Do you know? He usually tells you nowadays. I just... really do hope this helps him."

"He's with his friends like usual, mom. They have a project coming up and he might be staying over with them tonight. How do you think these flowers will help him?"

Jazz is fishing for information but Maddie can't bring herself to care. She desperately needs to share this worry with someone else. She has Jack, but sometimes he doesn't get it in a way that she needs and her social circle is depressingly small. A sacrifice she was willing to make for her studies and passion even if it's lonely.

"Your brother," Maddie begins, hoping the explanation will be able to let her oldest know her worries for her baby boy, "is always so frightened and runs away whenever ghosts attack. He can't even handle a conversation about them. I'm hoping that these ghost warding flowers will give him some peace of mind. Make it easier to sleep and study and catch up on school stuff. Where his priorities need to be if he wants to do well for himself. I know he has done well when given the chance. A mother worries, after all."

Jazz gave her a thoughtful, pensive look, like shes warring with herself, before settling on a sad, small smile.

"I get it. I'll make sure to let him know about the Blood Blossoms so he won't be caught off guard at the sudden change."

"Thank you for understanding, dear."

"Who knows, maybe Sam might think it's cool. She does have an interest in nature and preserving rare species."

It's obvious that she's trying to change the subject delicately and Maddie appreciates her thoughtfulness and more than willing to change it herself.

"That is a wonderful idea! I will have to bring that up next time I see her."

Maddie's joy at such a suggestion made her almost miss her daughters face fall, when she thought her mom wasn't looking. Such a sad, fragile smile as she made her way to her room.

I can feel the gap between us widening, but I'm unsure why or how to fix it.

It's been days and Danny still hasn't come home, not even to say 'Hi.'. Always at a friend's place for one reason or another. Maddie has grown increasingly worried. Sure, sometimes he skips curfew and sometimes he's not in his room at night, but outright avoidance is unlike him!

And she knows he didn't just up and leave. He still goes to school and is seen around town. Just never comes around here anymore.

What did they do to make him outright shun them? Shun her?

It wasn't until he did finally come home and stay the night that she saw something.

He's always been a bit withdrawn, more so since the portal activated, but this was a whole new level.

He was pale and shaking for at least an hour of him being home and out of his room. He avoided any food with the black stemmed rose-like buds, claiming to not be hungry when he hasn't left his room all day. He just smiled shakily that night, pretending nothing was wrong and claiming to just be tired. But his head drooped when he thought Jack and Maddie weren't looking. The bags under his eyes were more pronounced and he seemed to get worse the longer the night dragged.

Danny seemed nervous and on edge like something would come out to attack him. Which is silly, with our new defenses no ghost has left through our portal since they made these changes.

But, for some reason, he's more hesitant and distant from us. Like he expects us to hurt him.

Ridiculous.

I miss my baby boy. We used to be so close. I thought this would help him but it seems to have driven him further from me. I don't know what I did wrong.

[itsscromp]

Syzoth/Reptile x reader platonic

One thing I haven't done yet on my page is grace you all with platonic cuddles, aka the best form. For this, I have a very interesting story so enjoy !!! Word count:1K

You were visiting Outworld to see how Syzoth was doing since you all saved Earthrealm and the universe. But also you two missed each other, you both formed a close friendship during the time together. The others saw it too. With the help from lord Liu Kang, He was able to open a portal to outworld for you so you can see him again.

Syzoth has never been so happy to see his best friend again, He always thought about the fun memories you two shared together, To have you here in person again is the up most blessing by the elder gods.

"Hey Syzoth" You smiled when you saw him tending to his garden.

"Can I help... Y/n !!" He smiled incredibly wide when he saw your face. "It feels like it has been eons since i last saw you"

"I had the same feeling here bud" You looked down into his garden.

"Wow this looks amazing, what kind of plants do you have ??"

"I usually tend to the traditional flowers and fruits and vegetables, But I managed to get some traditional outworld plants courtesy of empress Sindel for helping her"

"That's nice of her, what kind of plant is it ??"

"So this one is called a cold lace flower, and this one is called a Scotus. The Scotus can make an exceptional tea once it's fully bloomed and extracted."

You knew Syzoth was a plant enthusiast and it felt like home to hear him talk about his favourite plants again. Inviting you inside to make tea. You caught up on everything that has happened in your life, Like how you recently got a job at madam bo's.

"It's a dishwashing job but at least I'm earning some pocket money" You smiled softly sipping your tea.

"That's still a tremendous accomplishment my friend" He smiled as he patted your arm.

But as he patted your arm you noticed something... More like felt something strange that radiated off of him.

"Give me your hand please ??"

Syzoth was confused but obliged, giving you his hand you gently took hold of it. It was... unnaturally cold, like he's been touching snow for a long time.

"Your skin is cold..."

"Ah yes, Because of my reptilian powers, I am cold-blooded. That is also one of the reasons I like to garden, so I can be able to warm my blood up."

Wow, outworld had it's surprises every single time.

"Are all zaterrans cold-blooded ??"

"Only some who possess the reptilian transformation ability, I'm the only one who posses both abilities."

But regardless of that, It made you appreciate him even more. Making Syzoth the person he is, But later that night you noticed that it was unnaturally colder than normal, your mind rushed to Syzoth when you put two and two. You saw him in the living room trying to warm himself up with blankets, But it wasn't working.

"Syzoth are you cold ??"

"It's fine y/n, I can manage" But you noticed he was shivering, He was really cold. You tried to find something to warm him up so you opened a fire and brought him closer. It worked a little bit but not a lot, so you decided on another idea.

"Open the blankets"

He then opened the blankets confused about what was going on before you sat down and wrapped your arms around him, snuggling up to him as you wrapped the blankets again.

"Is this ok ??"

Syzoth slowly smiled.

"It is perfect my friend." You noticed he leant into your touch. Seeking your warmth. Smiling you snuggled closer to him.

Syzoth liked this, It felt comfortable. It felt right, He was with you his best friend. He gently wrapped an arm around your shoulders and invited you closer. By the time the fire went out you two were off to bed.

"Are you sure your gonna be ok ??"

He stood there thinking for a bit, While yes he was warm now. there was something comforting when he hugged you, it made him feel warm and fuzzy inside. Like he was home.

"If you don't mind... can I stay with you tonight ??" He looked at you.

You smiled and nodded, inviting him into your guest room and climbed in, you opened your arms for him.

He climbed in and snuggled up to you, wrapping his arms around you. You doing so in return as well.

"Goodnight buddy..."

"Goodnight y/n."

He did not let go of you the entire time, Moments throughout the night he snuggled impossibly closer to you. If he could spend his life just hugging his best friend, he would take it up no problem.

The next morning you woke and saw Syzoth fast asleep, He looked so peaceful you smiled. Falling back asleep.

Cuddling has become a tradition for him every time you visit Outworld and see him, Even though he still won't admit he's a cuddly person. You can see how much this makes him happy, just being with you. His best friend in the whole of outworld.

One morning you woke up and noticed something heavy lying on your chest. What you saw made you smile wide. Syzoth got so comfortable with you last night that he transformed into his reptilian form and laid his head on your chest. It showed also how comfortable and safe he was with you. Running a hand gently over his scaly head, he softly leant into it even though he was still asleep.

Gently waking up and seeing you smiling, He transformed back to his human form but still snuggled up to you.

"Good morning my friend" He said tiredly.

"Morning Syzoth" You still gently ran your hand over his head, gently scratching his scalp as he sighed contently.

"Was I in my Reptilian form ??"

"Yeah... You looked comfy"

"I just felt nice and warm... and safe with you"

"That's what friends do Syzoth, They make each other feel safe and happy."

"I am forever grateful for our friendship y/n, I really am"

"Me too Syzoth, Me too"

Syzoth loved platonic cuddles so very much, He could hug you till the very end of time.

An important note to give your bestie a hug :D

Taglist: @callofdudes @fun-k-board

[infiniteeight8]

A sequel to the Ironstrange prompt of an orange cat named Megatron where Stephen realised why Peter and America named him..that (orange cats has *only* one brain cell and a menace) somehow Tony's the one has to deal with the kitten

The first story is here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/57574132

I’m glad you explained the reason for the name, because I had no idea. 😂

-

Tony picks up the phone and doesn’t even get out a hello before Stephen is saying, “This cat is driving me insane.”

“It’s a kitten, how bad could it be?” Tony says, grinning. 

“He climbed the shelves in the library!” Stephen all but wails. “He jumped up and grabbed the dial on one of the dimension doors and spun it. It took us six hours to find that apprentice again. Somehow, he got into the special fridge!” Tony is outright laughing now. “It’s not funny!” Stephen says, aggrieved. “This cat has no sense of self preservation and more energy than he knows what to do with. Help.”

Tony scoops an item up off his workbench. “Cast me a portal.”

Stephen hangs up without a word, a portal blooming immediately after. Tony steps through, giving Stephen a quick kiss of greeting. “All right, where is the menace?”

“Probably destroying my bedroom,” Stephen says darkly. “I shut him in there after the fridge incident.”

When they step into Stephen’s room, Megatron is sitting on his desk, paw raised, a picture frame teetering on the edge. He freezes when he spots them, and for a moment there’s a staring content before the orange kitten sets down his paw and looks away like he was never planning anything at all.

Chuckling, Tony rescues the frame—him and Stephen on their third date—and raises the item he’d brought from his lab. Stephen frowns. “Is that some sort of—”

He breaks off when Tony activates the laser pointer. The red dot instantly captures Megatron’s attention. With a twitch of his wrists, Tony soon has the kitten frantically chasing the dot of light, heedless of the fact that Tony is steering him around the breakables. Stephen looks dumbfounded, and Tony can only laugh.

“He’s got energy to burn, Stephen,” Tony says, sending Megatron skittering around Stephen’s legs and then back up a spare wall, leaping to catch the laser dot. “Playing with him might not fix everything, but it’ll help.”

“He might have energy to burn, but I’m done,” Stephen groans. He flops onto the bed. “Wake me when the menace has calmed down.”

“So maybe never?” Tony teases, but when he glances over, Stephen is already asleep.

[abbysimsfun]

Sims In Bloom: Generation 2 Pt. 59 (Celebrating Holly & Kris' Good News)

On one of Ash’s weekends with the Landgraabs, Heather and Conrad finally pulled themselves from work in Brindleton Bay to visit her sister Holly in San Myshuno.

"Holl, you look great!" Heather said, smiling down at her large baby bump. "I'm so glad we could get back to the city to see you before you and Kris are knee-deep in diapers!"

"You make it sound like it'll be a bad thing, but we can't wait!" She grabbed her stomach and laughed. "Oh! She's kicking! Want to feel?"

Heather excitedly placed her hand over Holly's stomach, grinning as she felt a baby's foot against the palm of her hand. "I bet she can't wait to come out and meet you. It won't be easy, but at least you and Kris will have Mortimer and Uncle Karl around to help out."

Karl smiled. "I never thought I'd ever get to be so hands-on with a baby, but I think being Great-Uncle Karl will be pretty neat."

Mortimer smiled. "I'm already looking forward to when my grandson Michael can meet and play with his cousin Tetra."

"Tetra?"

Kris returned from cleaning plates in the kitchen. "Yeah, I mean, Holly loves fishing, and Tetra's a really cool name."

If Holly and Kris wanted to name their children after fish, Heather didn't care. "Whatever her name is, I'll love her the same."

Mortimer mixed non-alcoholic cocktails to toast Holly and Kris' impending parenthood, while he and Karl chatted with Conrad about his work.

"So, Conrad, how's life as a detective on the coast? Do you see many smugglers in the area?" wondered Karl.

Conrad shook his head. "I'm told it can get worse in the spring and summer, but the docks are pretty quiet this time of year."

"Smuggling was a lot worse before, but Brindleton Bay's starting to pull itself together," said Mortimer. "When Bella and I moved there after we got married, the place was pretty lawless. It fed right into Bella's depression and had us paying two nannies at a time to watch the kids. But the clinic really started turning things around, and the historical society pitched in to fix up the school and museum. One day, the town might even have a mayor!"

"Still, law enforcement can be a dangerous profession," said Karl.

"Brindleton Bay's a much sleepier town than San Myshuno, and it's a good team there," said Conrad. "I trust them."

"I think he just worries about any of it ever touching his niece," said Mortimer, with a loving glance to his caring husband.

Conrad smiled. "Only our dog ever comes to work with me. I'd never put Heather or her son in harm's way."

"Uncle Karl watches a lot of true crime documentaries," offered Holly with a groan. "Lots of stories about organized crime coming after cop's families."

"I'm not working any organized crime cases in Brindleton Bay, but if it came to it, I'd lay down my life for both of them."

"It'll never come to that," said Heather quickly. She made a mental note not to tell her uncle about her trip through the flame portal to learn from the dead, nor that they still intended to pull out Bella Goth's Grimophone to summon the Reaper himself, when they finally felt ready. "This celebration turned dark awful fast!"

"Sorry, sweetie. It's just nice to see you with someone who takes his responsibilities as seriously as Conrad."

They all knew he was slighting Malcolm but didn't bother to voice it, spending the rest of the weekend enjoying each other's company. ->

<- Previous Chapter | Gen 2 Start | Gen 1 Summary | Gen 1 Start