#proofreading? proofreading is for chumps

[gammija]

Passing through

Sam was nowhere and nothing. No sight, sounds or senses entered his mind, no feelings of pain, no need to breath, or digest, or pump blood. It felt relatively peaceful, which was strange. He had the vague notion that he had been struggling, fighting something, something evil, something watching, and then...

Shattering, falling.

And now he was here, in the nothing behind everything.

"Ah. Hello, Sam."

If he'd had eyes, he'd had groggily blinked them open. As it was, he fuzzily found his awareness of the space around him... expand. He reached outside of his own thoughts, and felt a presence near his. The contours of a personality. Something a bit prickly, though soft underneath. And the voice that had spoken - if it could be called a voice, when there was no sound - felt familiar. He couldn't quite put his finger on it.

"Don't worry, we're going to try and get you out of here soon."

Sam startled. A second entity had been there, besides the first, he realized. Whatever sense Sam was using to interpret the non-space he found himself in, it was slowly getting sharper. This second personality seemed smaller in some ways, and kind, though with a surprisingly rough core.

It spoke again. "Would you, uh - would you like some tea?"

In spite of everything, the essence of a perfect cup of tea sprouted near Sam. It felt steaming, steeped for just the right amount of time, exactly what he'd want a cup of tea to be.

Something in him bucked at taking food or drink from strangers in strange places. He tried fruitlessly to shake his head and decline the offer. The concept of "No," seemed to make it across, despite having no mouth to speak with.

"That's alright," the first entity said. Sam felt its attention lift from him to address the identity besides it, sighing. "Wherever we send him, I- I'm afraid that that," it gestured at something, though Sam's awareness didn't reach far enough to tell what, "will end up in the same place."

"Yeah, I know." The second entity hesitated. "I, uh, I've got an idea... but you won't like it."

The first seemed to get what was being implied. Sam vehemently did not.

"No," it replied, although its tone was resigned. "We're not going to, to just send them to Georgie, so she can clean up someone else's mess. She's got enough to deal with, after..."

"I'm sorry. You're right, it's not fair to her. But you've got to admit, it makes sense: she's already monitoring entry points, and," the second chuckled ruefully, "she might be literally the only person in existence who has both the knowledge and the resources to be able to actually help, here."

"Or, you could... send me back?" Sam tried to get across. He felt strongly that going back home would be a much better option than whatever it was that these two were discussing.

They ignored him. He wasn't sure if they didn't care, or if his thoughts hadn't actually survived the journey to theirs.

"Yes, you're... you're right." Sam wondered why a creature in a realm without physical bodies would perform the act of sighing, which this one seemed to do often. "But I don't like... I don't want to keep haunting her life like this. She- they were supposed to be free of all this. And now... What was the point?"

The two entities had already been quite close to each other. Now, they started to overlap. Sam started having trouble telling the first from the second.

"Hey. We did make it better."

"For one world, maybe, after I ended it," one muttered. "And even they are almost worse of now, than before."

"Yeah- Well. At least now, they've got us to help? It's not all terrible Powers and Fears, anymore. I think that counts for something."

A scoff. "They had us before-"

"Hello! Uh, you, uh... you... beings?" Sam tried again. Finally, he felt something escape beyond the confines of himself, across to the other identities. "Weren't you going to... let me go?"

"Oh! Right, sorry!" The smaller entity peeled off from the first one. "Sorry, didn't mean to keep you this long. Last chance for that tea?"

"Martin-"

"Yeah, yeah, no time," it told Sam apologetically, and turned back to the other. "So, which one is it, exactly?"

The first entity indicated to somewhere far, far beyond Sam's awareness, the pair reached out to him as one, grazing his presence, and with a light push-

-he was falling-

-shattering-

-and crashing into real, muddy soil.

For a moment he was aware of breathing air, and seeing sky, and hearing something click, before his eyes fell shut, and Sam lost consciousness.

[the-cat-and-the-birdie]

you can absolutely tell that I never proofread ever and also I use swype texting so I literally be waving my fingers like little magic wands to conjure up the most unintelligible bullshit known to man then I hit post close the app and pray I don't come back to a call out post or something

[spidey-bie]

Adding on to this whenever they go on outings/dates in Ansi's world Ansi always drives.

Most of their outings are usually picnics, vinyl shopping, taking photos across town, fishing, libraries, museums, crafting at the park, or just taking a ride across town. (Ansi souped up her bike so it runs on sunflower oil. She don't gotta pay for gas.)

Every picnic Ansi makes some new recipe for Hobie to try out. He eats every bite while giving her an honest review. It's mostly sweets too because Ansi has a sweet tooth. (Hobie doesn't tho but he's not gonna waste good food.)

Whenever they have a picnic on the beach they'll stay to watch the sunset while sitting on the sand. Occasionally Ansi takes photos of their silhouettes. Despite some cheeky remarks from Hobie he cooperates until she gets her perfect shot.

(I think imma write a mini fic on this later.)

Fun fact: Ansi loves a good sundress.

He actually has no qualms about what clothes he wears most of the time, excluding pants. But, he loves dresses in particular because that means no pants.

If he wears a dress he only goes by he/him pronouns to mess with people.

[kingkatsuki]

— appreciative

I just know quickies are IMPOSSIBLE with Togame, okay?

Pairing: Togame Jou x f!reader.

Warnings: 18+, dirty talk, assplay, spit, spanking, mirror sex, creampie, not proofread.

Word Count: 2.4k.

“We don’t have time.” You mutter when you feel Togame’s arms circle around your waist inside your tiny bathroom, his lips quick to pepper kisses against the curve of your jaw as you try to shrug your shoulder and tilt your head to the side to avoid his assault, “You’re the one that planned this dinner.”

“What’s the rush, sweetheart?” Togame drawls, his fingers already finding their way beneath the hem of your skirt as you’re forced to decide on whether to block his hands from reaching their destination or his lips from ruining your freshly applied lipgloss, “We don’t have to be there for at least another thirty.”

“You and I both know you can not be quick.” You glare at him through the bathroom mirror as he hides his smirk against the column of your neck, teeth pinching the supple skin as you fight the urge to angle your head to give him more space.

“I thought you enjoyed how much time I put into pleasing you, sweetheart,” Togame murmured, taking the opportunity to delve beneath the short hem of your skirt.

“That’s why we need at least an hour.” You huff, placing your tube of lipgloss on the counter as you hold onto the surface in an attempt to push back and escape his clutches.

“You should be glad I’m not a two-pump chump,” He laughs at his joke, strong arms tightening around your frame as he pins you against the counter, “It seems like a waste if I don’t have time to appreciate you.”

“You can appreciate me when we get home later,” You scoff, trying to ignore the slender fingers that now trace against the delicate lace of your panties.

“That’s way too long when I need you right now.” Each word that leaves his lips is articulate and thoughtful. His lips smooth over every syllable as he speaks them slowly and with purpose.

Togame catches you by surprise as he cups your sex, feeling the heat radiate through the flimsy fabric of your panties as you find yourself grinding against him. The curve of your ass presses against his crotch as you feel his want and desire for you. The rough press of his bulge is firm and constant as your body betrays you, chipping away at your restraint as you find yourself grinding back against him. The friction pulls a deep, raspy groan from the back of his throat as he reaches up to palm one of your clothed breasts.

“Fuck,” He hums, already feeling your resolve dissolve into nothing as he lets his fingers slip beneath the damp fabric, parting your folds as he drags thick digits through your messy slick.

“Jou,” You try again, but it’s futile. The sound leaves your lips in more of a moan than a command, the final nail in your coffin as he finds your puffy clit.

“There you go,” He hums, circling it with purpose as you continue to rock your ass against the bulge beneath his sweatpants, “Knew you wanted it, sweetheart. Look at you—”

He meets your gaze in the mirror and it’s debauched, his lazy eyes stare back at you as he mouths your pulse point. His tongue salves the skin as you feel your palms tighten against the side of the counter.

“Five minutes.” You offer to placate him, pretending that it’s not the unbridled desire that ebbs away at your resolve or the way Togame’s fingers press against your clit so meticulously.

He already knows he’s won.

“Whatever you say, baby.” He coos, pressing a kiss to the curve of your neck before he steps back to move onto his knees.

“Jou, you literally just said five minutes—”

“You said.” He hums, dragging your panties down with him as he settles himself behind you.

“This won’t take five minutes.” You don’t even listen to his rebuttal as you rant, “You said you— oh,”

Togame makes you forget everything in an instant as he holds your upper thighs, his calloused thumbs spread your ass apart as he licks a long swipe through your messy folds. The words catch on your tongue as you arch your back, giving him more space as he drags his tongue from your fluttering hole to your clit, flicking it gently as you writhe against the counter.

“Fuck,” You whine as the lewd sounds fill the small bathroom, echoing off the walls as he slurps at your cunt. His pace is firm and constant as he dips the tip of his tongue inside you, lashing against your inner walls as all you can do is grind yourself against his face.

“I could do this for hours.” He goads, positive he’s trying to get a rise from you whilst at the same time Togame has proved the statement to be true. You’ve lost count of the number of times the man had you coming undone on his tongue, the time spent taking such meticulous care of you as he made a mess of you.

“Well, you have four minutes now—” You break off into another sultry moan when he lay the flat of his tongue against your needy clit, moving his hands to the fat of your ass to open you up more for him.

“You talk too much, sweetheart.” Togame grins, and before you have a chance to shoot back a cocky retort he closes his lips around your sensitive clit and sucks hard, “Turn that pretty little head off and stop thinkin’.”

Your legs buckle at the motion, thankful to Togame’s strong hands for keeping you pinned against the counter as you lean forward onto your forearms. Your forehead is almost pressed against the mirror as you feel the pressure inside you continue to grow, chipping away at any final embers of restraint that burned inside you before Togame turned them to ash.

“Oh, fuck.” You gasp when Togame pushes two fingers inside you without warning. The sudden stretch has you bucking your hips as he immediately curls them towards the spot he knows better than the back of his hand. Focusing his ministrations as he lashes his tongue against your needy clit, “I’m gonna cum.”

You warn him, but Togame already knows. With the way you tremble around him to the way your thighs quiver as you struggle to stand, keeping his pace as he pumps his fingers with precision and his tongue remains constant against your clit.

Togame hums softly, the vibrations pulsing around the sensitive nub and it’s all it takes for the dam inside you to rupture as you swan dive directly into bliss. A desperate, elongated cry of his name leaves your lips as he helps you ride out your release. His fingers maintain their consistent pace as he presses a few more lingering kisses to your clit, lapping up the mess he made as he tastes you on his tongue. Thoroughly satisfied with your response as he pulls out of your fluttering hole, greedily sucking his fingers between his lips to clean them of your essence as he moves to stand.

You want nothing more than to wipe the cocky smirk off his face when you look up at him through your reflection in the mirror, feeling a wetness against your skin as he wipes his spit-soaked fingers against your ass.

But before you even have a second to turn your head to tell him off he’s already canting his hips forward to bury his hard cock inside your warm, wet hole.

The words you want to say catch on the tip of your tongue as you feel impossibly full. The stretch creates a pleasurable ache that resonates in your pelvis as you feel his blunt cockhead graze your cervix, the position gives him the perfect chance to feel every inch of you as he flexes his hands on your hips. Reaching down to give your ass a playful swat before starting a languid pace with absolutely no sense of urgency.

“Jou,” You whine, barely able to hold your head up as you meet his gaze in your reflection, “Hurry up.”

“There’s no sense wasting an opportunity when I’ve got you like this, babe,” He drawls, “I mean, look how pretty you look.”

He keeps your skirt bunched at your hips so he can see his cock disappear inside your greedy hole, the length glistening with your slick as he continues fucking into you. He’d spend every waking second of the day buried inside your tight heat if he could, certain nothing could ever compare to the sensation of you clamping down around him.

“We’re definitely gonna be late.” You mention the time again, and it has Togame locking his jaw in irritation as he slows his pace even more.

“Yeah, but now you’re suitably fucked.” You have no idea how he manages to exercise such restraint as he keeps his slow, steady pace. Each forward motion is pronounced with a rough rut of his hips to ensure his tip hits as deep as possible every time.

“You’ve got the most perfect pussy,” Togame groans, snapping his hips forward to bury himself inside you to the hilt before stilling, just to feel the way your walls clench around him, “She sucks me in every time.”

It’s practically torture when he pauses, your body craving that euphoria of relief as you begin to grind your hips back into him. Setting a steady pace as you push back from the counter to fuck yourself on his cock.

“Oh, fuck.” Togame grunts as he watches you use his cock for your own pleasure. Backing yourself up on his length as he curves his back to watch you do all the work, marvelling at the way your ass bounces against his hips with each messy thrust.

“Jou,” You whine as you look at your reflection to see him shamelessly staring down at where your bodies are connected as though he’s found the meaning to life itself, “Move.”

“So bossy,” He pretends to sigh before taking hold of your hips as he starts a rough pace. Calloused pads dig into your skin as he fucks into you with vigour, a pace foreign to him outside these intimate moments as Togame works you towards your climax.

You try to meet his movements, but it’s all in vain as you’re pressed harder against the counter. Your thighs dig into the hard surface uncomfortably, but you disregard the ache in favour of the harsh throb of pleasure that builds in your pelvis. Your forehead is pressed against the cool glass as he can’t resist sliding his hand against your ass to thumb at your fluttering asshole.

“You gonna cum for me, sweet girl?” Togame hums, leaning forward to spit on your asshole as the thick glob lands on your coccyx. His thumb is quick to catch it as he smears it against you, pressing the pad of his finger against your rim to test the resistance. His lips curl into a smug grin as he watches you take him to the first knuckle as he hooks his thumb inside you. The stretch only heightens your pleasure as you feel the coil inside you close to snapping, your toes curl against the cool tile as you find yourself dancing on the edge of your release, “You always get close when I shove a finger on your ass.”

Togame’s words are so blunt and crude that they have a sultry whine spilling from your lips as you clamp down around him. You chance a glance at him and see his throat on full display as he throws his head back in sheer pleasure.

“Oh, you clenched so hard when I said that baby— fuck.” He groans, his balls hot and heavy as they knock against your clit with each forward motion.

You can’t hold back as you find yourself finally surrendering to the white-hot pleasure that courses through you. Crying out his name as you tumble headfirst into your bliss, trying to blink back the tears that gather in your lashes so you can watch Togame through the reflection.

“Shit, baby— that’s it,” He uncharacteristically rambles as he watches you come undone. Both your holes clamp down around him roughly as he has to fight to drag his cock in and out of your stretched hole, “Cum on my cock.”

It only takes a few more sloppy thrusts before Togame is following you into euphoria. Burying himself inside you to the hilt as he pumps wet, hot spurts of cum inside your eager hole, filling you to the brim as he stays buried inside you.

You whine when he finally pulls out, his half-hard cock still wet and heady as he leans over your body to press a sloppy kiss against your cheek. The other is still pressed against the cool mirror as the pleasure still makes you dumb, a pleasurable fire burns between your thighs from the feel of him stretching you out and it’s enough to make you whine when Togame presses another lingering kiss against the curve of your lips, tilting your head for him to give you another as he laughs softly. The wetness of his cock leaves streaks against your ass as he shamelessly lets it droop on top of you.

“You said you’d be quick,” You murmur as you feel Togame’s cum slowly start to drool from your spent hole and trickle down your inner thighs, “That was not five minutes.”

“There’s no way in this world that I could ever appreciate you in just five minutes, baby,” Togame grins, giving your ass a playful smack as more of his cum leaks from your hole, “What’s the rush?”

“We’ve definitely missed dinner.” You glare at your boyfriend as he helps you stand back upright, his chest tight against you as he nuzzles your neck softly.

“So now I have all the time in the world to appreciate you some more?”

[cursedcola]

Prompt: "Will You Marry Me?" - Proposal Headcannons Characters: Everyone :) Part(s): Heartslabyul, Savanaclaw, Octavinelle, Scarabia, Pomefiore, Ignihyde(here!), Diasomnia(Pt.1)(Pt.2) Fandom: Twisted Wonderland Warning(s): The relationship is kinda toxic because it's Idia and I have to be realistic - but it gets better as you read. Just know that there are themes of miscommunication, self-sabotage, self-neglect, and insecurity in both Idia and the MC. I gave him some character growth at least and some maturation to the character. Note: All Ignihyde has is Idia so I gave his piece some extra love(super long. Like, this isn't even considered a headcannon set anymore. I really went overboard, I'm so sorry). Not proofread for grammar since I'm a bit lazy right now. Also, I haven't finished his chapter in game because I'm too weak (seriously wtf is up with these fights). I know the plot mostly but forgive me if there's an inaccuracy in a reference

Idia had it made during his youth - and deep down he knows it despite all his complaining. He knows that he won the introvert lottery. For three years he was able to live in a reclusive dorm room with no expectations beyond showing up to class (via a tablet of all things) and doing his work. Sure, he had to return home at some point and deal with that hot mess...but it was a displaced problem. One to be dealt with whenever. As a full-time 'student' he had junk food readily available, his brother down the hall, all the games and tech he needed, and somehow managed to land himself a loving partner despite his quirks.

The Ramshackle prefect - someone he initially wanted nothing to do with. Chaos seemed to follow their every move and Idia wanted no part of it. He never expected to come within a twenty-foot radius of them without force.

For the record, force indeed was used. Unfortunately they had a nasty habit of being nosy. Very 'main character complex' of them, if you ask him.

Yet it worked in his favor. Their stubbornness and intrusive ways wormed a place in his stone-cold heart. It fueled his ego much to everyone's chagrin. Out of everyone - princes, busy bodies, future doctors and the literal fish mafia - you picked him. The noob cursed to lose all his 50/50s and rot in bluelight. Idia seriously questions your tastes, but hey! He beat the normies and that's all he cares about.

Well, at least that's how he phrases it. Underneath that god-tier ego is an inferiority complex that he tries to keep down for your benefit. Something about your mood dipping by 20% when he talks trash? He'd need Ortho to run another test on that. Just to be safe.

Unfortunately, he still can't reign it in all the way. Victories can be temporary and who's he to say that your relationship isn't a one-shot story? Nothing worthwhile is ever that simple. Good games always get sequels...so the question lingers, will he still be a main character in yours?

When Idia graduates, he fully expects for you to walk out of his life. He returns to S.T.Y.X and leaves NRC to fulfill his role back home. You have no reason to care about him when he's no longer nearby. Life isn't like an isekai manga. You won't wait for him - no, you'll get a taste for how life is without him and indulge. Slowly you'll stop texting him, calling him, playing games with him - well, he'll do it first! He refuses to be the second male lead that gets dumped when you finally find your prince. That's for chumps.

He'd rather you just up and leave this world! At least then he wouldn't be in this pitiful situation...but he's seen that crow's shitty work ethic. You're stuck.

Idia's scared to say the least. One could say that his self sabotage was in action before your relationship even began. Old habits die hard, and no one could stop his spiral. Not even Ortho. Idia left his little brother behind as well. The boy sent him off with a smile, promising to take good care of you in his big brother's stead. After all, you both were in the same year.

It's not surprising that he reverts to his old ways. A hard battle is even more difficult to win when you don't have the motivation to fight it in the first place. Idia loses his drive...and in turn his already negative outlook grows worse.

Needless to say, Idia ... neglects you.

Your relationship has always been more of an 80:20 than a 50:50 - with him taking more than he ever gave. You always set aside time and made sure he was comfortable. You respected his anxieties and dealt with his temper on more than one occasion. His jealousy. You indulged his hobbies, always tried to include him in on activities with your friends (even though he rarely ever accepted), wore your heart on your sleeve and always took the lead. You were always too good to be true.

Two years. Two years with him at S.T.Y.X and you at NRC. Not a day passed where you did not text him or call. Not a week passed where you did not video-chat or play a game with him. You made time. You checked in. Told him stories about your life an friends. Ortho often would send him recordings and clips as well. During vacations you'd make plans to see him and always invited him to come to campus for events. Even though he never accepted, you still always offered. Throughout it all he kept you at a distance, yet unable to fully let you go at the same time. He needed you to do it. He needed his inner thoughts to shut up and to have someone else to blame.

You. You. You. When would you stop? Why weren't you tired of him yet? On a good day he can be frustrating, so how were you not mad when he was physically trying to make you hate him? Were you waiting until graduation to drop the bomb on him that you'd leave for good? On another's arm or back to your world?

Imagine his surprise when neither happened. On the dawn after Ortho's graduation ceremony, Idia came out of his cave to greet him at the S.T.Y.X entrance. He would no longer be as lonely, and perhaps without Ortho around, you'd finally put distance between yourself and the Shroud family. All would be as it should.

He did not expect to see you at the gate as well. Ortho flew up to him with a bright grin and twirl in the air - babbling on and on about how he arranged for you to come work as a research assistant in the lab. After all, you had an extensive knowledge of blot as well as field experience. It was a win-win situation for the company and your relationship! You could now be a happy family! Isn't that just amazing?

"It was extremally difficult to keep this a surprise!...Brother?" Ortho halts mid-rant, his receptors going haywire, "Brother, your heartrate has increased and your temperature is dropping below stable levels. You must regulate your breathing pattern!"

White noise rang like television static in Idia's eardrum. He watched you thank one of the guards while handing off your suitcase. His pulse increased and mind went under water. How long had it been since you were together longterm? You looked different. More mature. Meanwhile he was still the same - physically and emotionally. Still the pasty shut-in with dark eyebags and energy drinks running through his veins instead of blood. He wasn't used to seeing you in person. How should he react? Should he hug you? Do you want him to? That's weird. He hasn't held you in a while - yeah, it would be creepy. Does he even deserve to? What made you want to work here anyways?! You could have gone anywhere. ANYWHERE. - Shit. You're looking this way. What should he do?! aHH! You're walking over!

He does what he knows best. Shuts down. You receive a disgraceful greeting. No affection. Not even a smile.

Idia's brow furrows at your approach and he buries his hands deep into the pockets of his lab-coat. When you lean in to kiss his cheek, he catches you by the forearms and holds you in place. "Since when were you going to work here? You do remember what S.T.Y.X is in charge of, right? Once you're in, there's no going back. Are you a masochist or something?" Ah. There goes the heartfelt reunion. Being home did bring out a more harsh and cut-throat side of him after all.

Despite his poor treatment, you don't react upset. Now the relationship has now become something of a 90 : 10. He knows you have no reason to come here other than for Ortho and himself. You really are an Otome protagonist, jeez. Willing to do all that for him? Giving up your future and friends just to be at his side...dammit. Don't give him hopes! Don't undo all the work he's put in to survive without you! Stop welcoming misfortune for his sake! You're stupid. Stupidstupidstupid .... man he loves that stupidity. Gods he missed it.

Shit. Not even an hour in and he's reverting.

You don't realize it but you're heading straight for a bad ending. He does though. He's read the guides and played more visual novels than he can count. As a pro, he needs to steer you off this villainy ending and towards the true route.

After all ... what was that one saying? Heroes will sacrifice you for the world, while Villans will sacrifice the world for you? He heard it from some normie bookworm...but it seems fitting right now.

Idia's no hero. He'll destroy his world if it means you get to be happy. Not that he had much of one to begin with. You...gave him a life beyond fiction while all he's offered is a curse. Literally and figuratively. Its time he returned what he so greedily stole. He'll make you move on through force.

The months are slow and difficult. Despite being nearby, Idia only ever seeks you out for work-related reasons. Even then he is very cold and dismissive . He also does not turn you away when you take the initiative. Just like old times, you linger around his room and prod him for attention. He wants you to leave, but also doesn't want to be cruel. So, he maintains this impassive position and lets you do whatever you please. Yet the situation is scarily similar to how you both were at NRC. Except instead of using his past as an excuse, he now uses your work dynamic to enable his noncommittal ways.

There really is only so much one person can take. After Idia left NRC, you pinned his switch in behavior on the lifestyle change and distance separating you both. You knew Idia would be someone you had to work hard for when you started to date, and so the situation was one you viewed as an obstacle to overcome. The solution was simple - you would go to S.T.Y.X and prove to him that you were willing to make it work. Without the physical distance, you hoped that he would let you in again. That you wouldn't have to hear reassurances from his brother anymore, and instead hear his feelings from his own mouth instead. Then you both could work out the details together in time. Seeing him reject you at first was discouraging, but you did not let it rest there. Perhaps he needed time and to get used to your presence in his home. After all, these were new waters. You would be patient. You would prove yourself capable.

Life becomes a time capsule. As the days went by, a bitter feeling grew in your stomach. Why wouldn't he laugh? Why wouldn't he look in your eyes anymore? Why is he retreating even further? What were you doing wrong? How could you fix it? Is it you? Your performance in the lab is outstanding according to your supervisors, and your work friends seem to find you agreeable enough. Can't he see that you've adjusted well and are happy here? There's nothing to worry about. How else can you prove yourself?

These thoughts plague your mind to an extend that Ortho felt the need to preform psychiatric evaluation. You dismissed his concerns with a long list of things about your new home that make you happy - including him. It pacifies his panic and somehow mitigates your own as well.

Until one fateful day, when you decided to take your lunch early and overheard a conversation between two senior S.T.Y.X employees

"Isn't the boss' partner kind of pitiful?" One technician spoke in a hush whisper, taking a bite from her salad, "He doesn't give them the time of day. I can't believe they've stuck around this long. Screw the job, I would have been out after the first week," "Shhh! Quit gossiping, it's bad. Especially about the one who pays our bills," The other scolds. "I know....but isn't it just sad. They're clearly being taken advantage of. I can't help but feel sorry" "It's not just you...to tell the truth, I had no clue Director Idia had a partner up until recently. If anything, I thought he disliked Assistant MC and kept them around for Director Ortho's sake. Imagine my shock..." They both snicker at the notion. "Yeah. I give them a few more months...maybe a year. Despite being smart in the lab, they clearly can't read the room:

It was the last straw. Like ice water being dunked over your head after a hot shower. The lunch pale in your grasp suddenly felt like it weighed ten times heavier, and a cold sweat dripped down your back. They were right. He didn't want you here. It was time to move on or else you'll just be living out an endless loop. Nothing has changed since your youth aside from the location. No matter how long you wait, no matter how much effort and time you offer ... the relationship is doomed to fail. You gave him everything...and it was time to stop waiting. To stop expecting and hoping. Time to accept reality.

Your lunch goes discarded in a nearby bin and your shift abandoned. You would not work another second for S.T.Y.X despite the facility not being the source of your anguish. Your shoes clack loudly against the tile flooring as you speed-walk to Idia's office, where he was lazily reviewing data on a recent experiment. His phone set off to the side with some automated gatcha daily playing.

You use your 'special' pass (curtesy of ortho) to get in. The metal door swings out as you march inside and turn off his screen without asking.

"H-h'-hey! What are you-" He shrieks and turns in his chair. "We need to talk" "Can't it wait until later? I'm busy working, if you can't tell" "No" Your tone is demanding. Definite. You all but yank the badge from around your neck and drop it in his lap. In that motion, he knew. Your eyes scrunch tight and teeth grind together. He was prepared for this. For you to lash out and yell at him for your suffering. Make him the bad guy in your story and finally beat the game for good. Not for you to deflate. Not for the glassy, disappointed stain on your eyes. Or the shallow breaths as you calm yourself - not letting your emotions frighten him like a spooked cat. "I'm quitting," "S.T.Y.X? You know you can't just quit. There's a process," He refutes, lazily pushing his chair back with an anxious fidget. "Not just S.T.Y.X...I'm quitting us. I can't do this anymore," "Oh. Alright. Let me get the paperwork," "Alright?" You whisper, gaping at him "...just alright? That's all you have to say to me? Not even 'why' ?" He pauses typing on a holographic keyboard, cocking an eyebrow at the question. "What? You want me to beg you to stay or something like that? We're not in an anime," His words die out at the end, and had it not been for your disbelief you would have caught the note of sadness in them, "you want to go? Then go. I warned you about this place" "No...you warned me about the facility. It's not the facility I have a problem with. I actually like it here" "So it's me then, huh? I warned you about that too," He grumbles and continues to type, "I'm not whatever it is that you saw in me. It's your fault for sticking it out this long. I knew this was how it would end from the start" A silence follows aside from the occasional noise from his computer. That's it. The nail in the coffin. You finally realized the truth. He was no good for you. He couldn't be 'fixed'. With an approving chime, he finally has all the departure paperwork pulled up for you to sign. "Alright. Sign these and I'll get you an escort," He holds out a tablet in pen without looking from his computer. You don't take it. "Hello? I said - " he turns to face you, irritated "....here" Silent tears stream down your cheeks and pool at the tip of your chin, dripping to the tile below. Wide eyes lock in his general direction. Your hands tremble slightly at your sides, as if your mind was thousands of miles away. His heart breaks. "You never even gave us a chance, did you?" He says nothing. "It wasn't about 'making it work' for you. It was always a matter of 'how long'. You've been waiting for me to leave you, all this time?" It wasn't a question. "All this time, I've been trying to prove myself. I've been thinking that I did something wrong...that I needed to be better" the word stings your tongue and seems to strike him, " but I was never even close to enough" we were never enough

With languid movements, you take the pen from him and sign the papers. You would not hide your sadness. Your grief. Your pain for a relationship that was never actually one. For a battle that only had one party fighting.

He lets you go, the metal door swinging shut and rattling him to his core. Idia's hands shake as he tries to return to his work. They tremble over the holographic keyboard, making his blue nails look like moving neon streaks in the air.

He had always thought you ere just being kind. That your self-sacrificing nature was natural, and that someone else was more deserving of it. He failed to consider the possibility that all the things you did...you did for him alone. You did out of the same anxieties and fears he felt.

In a way, you both were at fault. He led himself down a self-fulfilling prophecy - letting his anxieties and what-ifs become reality. And you? You thought everything could be fixed with time. With sacrifice. That eventually he would grow. You both were plants, one overwatered and the other left parched in the sun.

He did get one thing right. This was defiantly a bad end. Just not in the way he originally believed...

Somehow, life becomes worse than before you arrived at S.T.Y.X. At least when you were around, people did see him more out of his office or room. Seeing him revert to his previous ways without so much as an inkling of sadness for losing you....yeah, it did not look good. Worse than people not even knowing you were his partner at first. After your departure, rumors began to spread that you had finally snapped. The pity felt for you morphed into judgement towards his character. Others saw him as a heartless recluse, and the pity was extended to Ortho of all things. If Idia could toss out a loyal partner of years, what about the little robot? Perhaps despite all the gossip, the others at S.T.Y.X did not fully believe that he would let you leave so easily. That he wasn't as detached as the Shroud name dictates.

Little do they know that he's become a shadow of his former self. He can't even act self-depreciative. Pleasantries don't hit like they used to. Having you at a distance...well, was still considered as being with you. Now that you're never coming back, it's harder. Everything reminds him of you. Your favorite snacks are still stocked in the cafeteria, and there are blankets in his room that still have your scent. Occasionally a file will pop up with your work in it while he's doing reviews...and then there's Ortho. When you left, he was crushed. He pestered Idia for days - the security cameras giving him full knowledge of what happened. Yet no matter what the robot said about the situation, Idia didn't want to hear it. Eventually he took away Ortho's access data to his personal spaces.

That didn't stop the bot from talking through the door and spamming his brother's inboxes. Despite cutting off contact with his big brother, you still spoke to Ortho regularly. He refused to let his big brother lose all connection to you, and updated him on your well-being. Regardless of what Idia said, hearing about you made a difference. At first it increases his anxiety and drops his mood...but every time, like a scheduled delay, his serotonin levels will spike. Be it from a clip of your voice, a picture, or even just the mention of your name.

"Brother! I just finished a call with MC. Today they decided to adopt a cat! Would you like to see a picture?" His computer beeps with an incoming missive. Idia clicks it, and the screen displays a photo of you with a small white kitten in your arms. "They've decided to name it Grimm Jr. From what I heard, the predecessor was not pleased to be 'replaced,' as he calls it" Ortho laughs from the other side of the door, but Idia is too focused on the image on his screen. The curve in your smile and the way you gently cradle the kitten. You seem...happy. Much better than how he is doing. He fails to hear the door beep, granting access, neither the bot fly up next to him to look at the picture. "Big brother, why don't you apologize to MC? They would listen," Idia startles, clutching his chest as his hair flairs cherry red for a brief moment. He swivels in his chair and closes the image quickly. "I'm not apologizing for nothing. It's not like I miss them or anything. My life's great without having a normie relationship to manage" "Your body language suggests that you are lying" Ortho states, his eyes squinting cheekily. Idia hunches over, glaring at his keyboard and fiddling with his sleeves, "It's not like they'd want to see me anyways. I blew it. Only an idiot would forgive what I did," "That's not true! MC loves you!" Idia glares at him from the corner of his eye, "Yeah? They look pretty happy without me. They were miserable here" "Because you purposefully made them miserable! You are very smart brother, but even I understand emotions better than you and I am an artificial lifeform!" "Then what should I do, Ortho? Go beg them to take me back like some cringe sitcom?!" "Yes!" Idia blanches at the thought, but doesn't entirely dismiss it. Ortho glares holes into his head, causing Idia to shrink into his chair. "You are always afraid, brother. You lost them to your fears once...do you want to regret that? Are you really satisfied with pictures and stories? Why deny yourself wonderful things! We are not trapped anymore!"

Ortho leaves him with one piece of information - an apartment address. He sends it to all of Idia's emails and even somehow makes it the background of his tablet. He can't change it or take it off.

He stares at it long and hard. Searches the place up and even uses virtual reality to scope out the building. While perhaps a bit creepy...he hacks the security cameras and watches feed of you coming and going over the past moths. Some days you look perfectly well, and others you look worse for wear. If he went...would you even want to see him? Would you let him in? Kick him out? Is he willing to even try? What if you already moved on...no, Ortho wouldn't set him up for that if he knew you were happy with someone else.

Idia leaves S.T.Y.X for the first time in months. His request for leave shocks other employees. Yet he's gone the moment it's approved, afraid that he'll lose his edge if he thinks too long on it.

He finds himself at the door of a middle-class apartment in the Kingdom of Roses. Second floor, third door to the left, just like he memorized. He knows its yours from the ribbons tied on the doorknob, themed after one of your favorite animes. One he introduced to you...

In his hands is a small box of candies - a peace offering, just in case you want to kill him on sight.

His boney knuckles wrap around the doorknocker and thwack it three times. Sweat pools in his palms and he jolts away. The seconds like hours as his painted nails dig crescents into his palms. The door opens. "Hi, how can I -" You pause mid-sentence, your mouth going dry. Grimm Jr. snuggled in one of your arms while the other holds the door open, "I-idia?" "T-that's my name," He grimaces, looking anywhere but at you. "What are you doing here?" His tongue feels heavy and the tips of his hair fade to a pale orange. He studders and fumbles with the box of candies, holding them out to you with a grimace. "I wanted to see you...urk. I hope that's not weird! Can ... I come in?" You eye the box in thought, before reaching out to take it and opening the door further. It was a start.

You hear him out - through the stuttering and the self-depreciative comments that he hastily retracts. This isn't just about him. It's about you and everything else in-between. Shockingly enough, you agree to give him a second chance. It wasn't entirely his fault after all ... and you did still love him. Although now there are ground rules. You would not be returning to S.T.Y.X. You've finally created a stable home for yourself and have a life in this new city. You have a career, friends, and a life that doesn't include him. You need the individuality. You would no longer try to morph yourself for him or be placid. If he wanted to spend time with you, he would have to leave S.T.Y.X and come stay at your apartment. You would no longer be the one always reaching out, he would have to start showing initiative and making time for you. You would see how things progress from that point. He was not a child, and you would not beg for basic needs to be met anymore. Words would not be enough, you need actions. It was time for 50 : 50.

Weirdly enough, he agrees to all your rules without a single complaint. Not a normie comment or slang filled statement leaves his lips. He's still that nerdy dork you fell in love with at heart, but these 'normie' things? Well, Idia's accepted that he wants those things. As much as it is difficult for him to admit, they only grossed him out so much before because he always believed they were unattainable

He's true to his word. He calls you every day, first thing when he wakes up (in the late afternoon. He still is a hermit at heart). At first it made him anxious, and he'd hover over the contact for fifteen minutes before dialing. Yet it soon became easy, with his heart only beating fast from happiness. He takes the weekends off and comes to spend them at your apartments. Sometimes he brings Ortho and it becomes a sleepover with games - and at some point you start inviting your other heartslabyul friends from back in the day too. Eventually you do come around the compound again. It's awkward to say the least, considering how you left. Yet at the same time, it's a breath of fresh air. The others are shocked to see him out of his office, and he eats IN THE CAFETERIA. Woah. He calls you by your name and not 'assistant' when in public. Homie scares some people. That's what he does. He gives you a special watch for your anniversary. It's paired with on he has and solar powered, so you can contact him at any time. As a natural born worry-wart, he can't help but worry for your safety. Since watching the appartment CCTV is 'creepy,' he just asks that you wear the watch if you're going out anywhere. It won't die and with the click of a button he'll be alerted. In exchange, you can use it to contact him whenever you want. He'll always get back instantly since it might be an emergency. The watch is also directly linked to Ortho's system, so you can contact him as well. Who needs Cortana when you have Ortho?

For the first time, Idia feels secure in a relationship. He can't count Ortho since the boy is technically his creation. Ortho would always be there...and now? Idia's confident you will too.

Does that mean you should get married? Isn't that the next step in all this?

Well....shit (pleasant connotation)

He never would have tinkered with this idea before considering his 'family'. Who the hell in their right mind would marry a Shroud? A fool. Are you a fool? Maybe.

It's late evening on a Sunday night when you're both walking home together after hitting up a local diner for hearty eats. Wow. Look at him. On a date. So weird...pshh.

Idia walks at your side, forcing his pace to match yours. Not everyone is graced with his long stickman legs. His hands are buried deep in his hoodie and his posture is slightly slouched. Classic scary dog privilege for a nighttime walk - well, if his hair didn't scream valentine's day pink to the world. Although no one else has flaming hair other than the Shroud family, so he doubts anyone would interrupt.

You decide to take the long path home and through a nearby park. The night was still young for nightowls such as yourselves, and fresh air was always crisp at this hour.

Along that path you decide to stop at a cement bench by some vending machines and chill out for a bit. Despite having just ate, Idia gets you each a can of coffee.

He'd be leaving to go back to S.T.Y.X tomorrow. Like he does every Sunday. His gaze drifts to the watch on your wrist and thinks about adding some new features - maybe video chat? So he can see you throughout the day. He wonders what you'll be up to while he's stuck in the lab. Maybe you'll go shopping, or play a new game. Maybe you'll try out a new recipe or take Grimm Jr. out to play. He wishes he could see you during the week.

Ah. You're talking. He should probably tune in or you'll get mad at him. Why's it so hard to focus? He hasn't felt this uneasy in a while...

Why is he having these kinds of thoughts? It's weird.

"You okay? You seem a little spaced," You pull him from his thoughts, a concerned crease wrinkling your temple. "Eh. It's nothing. Just not looking forward to the week," he chuckles weakly. "I know that feeling. It's always a bummer when you dip. Not to sound clingy or anything" His golden hues spark for a moment, a pale pink dusting his cheeks as he whips his head to look at you.

"W-wait - really? I was just thinking the same thing...." "You were?" "Yeah. It's...kind of weird without you. Everything's emptier. Wow. That was pretty cringe. Sorry." He grimaces, internally screaming and knowing that this was going to replay when he tried to sleep later. You tilt your head at him, a slight frown on the cusp of your lip. Something tickles at his fingers and he looks down to see you lace your hand with his. "I miss you too," your words are soft. Genuine. He feels his neck grow hot, the pink glow radiating off him betraying him. Idia looks between your interlaced fingers and the drink in his hand. There...wouldn't ever be a 'right' time for this. Would there? You've waited long enough. He pulls his hand away and pops the soda tab off with deft hands.

"Hey..." he twiddles with the soda tab in his hands, "on a scale of 1-10, how are my odds of getting a yes?" "A 'yes' to what?" "To this, " he sighs through his nose, holding the tab out towards you with a shaking hand, "will you marry me?"

{A soda tab from canned coffee. Not the most charming offering, and it barely fits around your pinky finger. Yet, Idia's always been impulsive at his core. Had he not acted in the moment, he likely would have ran countless possibilities over and over in his mind. While not your forever ring, the tab will remain a sentimental piece}

{Idia is not a man with a keen eye fore jewelry - but he knows quality. Combine his eye for perfection with his craftsmanship and behold - a ring made from purified blot. The center gem is a piece of magestone in it's most refined state. The band is titanium and there are small sapphires along the molding. Since he would be wearing a matching band, Idia decided to keep the design simple. He prefers functionality over all. Yet he does want you to feel proud of his handiwork, so he includes vintage molding on your band only. He wears a smooth black band on his ring finger, and never removes it}

[quantum1mmortality]

Guess who's suffering from writers block!!! No but fr I wanna write SO BAD but I just can't 😭😭 so take some twst pp hcs until I decide to work on commissions again

Not proofread idc shank me

♧CW!!! Fem reader! twst dick hcs duh, every NRC student EXCLUDING ortho, might have some other hcs too

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~♧♧~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Riddle:

Its... cute? Idk how to explain it

He is VERY sensitive

5.5 inches

Slight curve downward

The tip is a really deep red

Cum is watery, tastes like rosewater(this is a fantasy world i can make cum taste like anything i want)

Balls aren't all that heavy, very soft and squishy tho

Likes rimming. No further comments

Trey:

EEK MY BOY

I'm gonna try not to be biased

Hes BIG tho

I know you've seen him. Let's be honest, we all know he's PACKING

So I'm gonna say a solid 7-8 inches with a nice amount of girth

No curve, but very veiny

Heavy balls. Like, HEAVY. Bros got a whole bakery in there

Soft pink tip

Cum is the normal consistency, he takes care of himself

If you're sucking him off he'll change the flavor of his cock and his cum to whatever you want (thank god for doodle suit)

Cater:

Easy 7 inches

Not too sensitive, it takes a while for him to cum

His cum is pretty thick, its all the spicy ramen he eats

Curve upward, huge thick vein going from his balls to the tip

Cum tastes salty, but not overwhelming

Will have his clones fuck you silly

Deuce:

Another small boy

I'll say 6 inches, no curve

Hes sensitive too, but not as much as riddle

He really like getting his balls sucked more than his cock itself

Cum is watery too, but it tastes good

Like sweet in a way

Tip is a light blue dont ask why

Ace:

Another small boy 😭

He is CLUELESS

Poor man is a one pump chump

5.6 inches, curve to the left

SENSETIVE. pussy got this boy on his knees

Balls squishy, balls soft?

Yes to both

His rip is red, like a blush red

Azul:

A good 6ish inches with a curve downward

Not as sensitive as you may think

I think it would be funny if the bottom of his cock had like little suckers or some shit

Tip is dark purple and he has some veins, not many tho

Heavy balls, no squish :(

Cum is thick and black bc octopus

Tastes like what watered down hand sanitizer smells like

Jade:

😨

Its slimy.

No further comment on that

No but its like wet, a lot

So is floyds but we aren't there yet

Its like lube 🥺

Okay but he's LONG

8.5 AT LEAST

He also enjoys rimming

Tip is dark cyan

Cum is slimy too

Add some borax water and sell it on etsy

Floyd:

Basically the same as Jade

Hes smaller tho

Hes 6 inches but has SO much girth

His cum is more watery than slimy and the tip is a light blue

Lots of veins too

Kalim:

6 inches

So sensitive

He begs.

Loves blow jobs but would NEVER ask for them

Heavy soft balls

A dark brown tip and there's lil red swirlies

Cum is thick

Tastes like coconut toothpaste

Jamil:

mmmmmmmmMMMMMMM

BIG

So big

Destroy me PLEASE

7.8 inches and a big curve upwards

Likes fingers in his ass, just like Kanye west

Doesn't like blow jobs he cums too quick :(

Gets overstimulated easily and when he does hes highly submissive

Cum a lil thick (its all the curry he eats)

Its yummy tho

Tastes salty and a lil sweet

Like a pretzel

Tip is a redish-brownish

Vil:

Hes a very odd case

Hes big, dont get me wrong

But mans does NOT have sex 😭

He complains it ruins his makeup

7.4 inches with a few veins

Oh yeah hes unclipped too idk why but he is

Tip is a pinky purple color

Balls got some weight, they're not sensitive

Rook:

Hes an even weirder case

Hes very big but almost NEVER penetrates you

Hed much rather be in between your legs for hours on end

Making you cum on his face gives him so much pleasure

He doesn't touch himself either

When he's eating you out he has one hand thrusting fingers into your pussy, the other hand thrusting fingers into your ass(hes an ass man I know he is) while he sucks on your clit the whole time

He cums on the sheets whenever you do bc he knows how good you feel

Hes 8.5 inches with a curve down, large vein going upward

A creme colored tip

Cum normal consistency, you don't know what it tastes like because he never let's you suck him off :(

Epel:

Small boy

Whimpers

A lot

Hes 6 inches with a curve to the left

Light purple tip bc I said so

Light balls, but no squish :(

Cum is watery and tastes like lavender oil

Idia:

Oh god

Contrary to popular belief he has a lot of stamina

He doesn't have ANY experience tho

Played a lot of hentai games but thats the extent of his experience

I think it would be really funny if instead of whispering dirty talk or praise during sex he tells you the fnaf lore

Like he'll be blowing your back out and he'll just be like "so the crying child was actually william aftons son-" and then he cums

After hes done and doing aftercare he'll quiz you on the fnaf lore

If you get any of the questions wrong he'll fuck you until you can't walk as a punishment

If you get them all right he'll eat you out for hours until you also can't walk

Win win honestly

8 inches

TIP IS BLUUUEEEEEE

Cum is thick and salty, he doesn't take care of himself

Heavy, HEAVY balls. Very sensitive

He loves blow jobs too

Leona:

8.8 inches, but if we're being real to how ACTUAL lion anatomy is hes closer to 3 inches but yall aren't ready for that convo

Not sensitive at all, it takes so long for him to cum

But when he does hes so sweet, whispering praise after praise to you and lots of kisses

Cum is normal consistency, a lil on the thicker end

Its a bit bitter with a sweet aftertaste

Hes also unclipped and I will not elaborate

Idk if lions have them but if they do then he has a knot, not as big as jacks tho

Heavy balls, they're sensitive

Brown tip, like, dark brown tip

Ruggie:

7ish inches with a curve down

Also likes eating you out

Doesn't like having his balls touched

They're cute and squishy tho

Cum is also thick and doesn't taste like anything

Tip is a light brown and has a vein going through it

Jack:

8 inches.

Has a huge knot. Physically cannot pull out when it comes to it

Cum tastes like strawberries

Doesn't let you suck him off often bc he doesn't wanna knot in your mouth

Also gets pleasure from eating you out

Tip is grey and sensitive

Malleus:

Hes also like rook in the way he'd eat you out for hours if you'd let him

But he does penetrate you

Our big dragon boy loves the feeling of being inside your tight cunt

Will probably cum if you praise him

He has 2.

One on top one on the bottom

The one on top is longer, 9 inches while the one on the bottom is 7ish, the bottom one is a lot thicker tho

He'll be so slow easing them in and almost never goes fast when it comes to sex

He sees it as love making

They both have a black tip and the cum is normal consistency, tastes like... eggs? Hardboiled don't ask

Oh yeah his cum glows in the dark

Lilia:

Idc what you guys say this man is SO EXPERIENCED

He knows how to have sex properly and can make you cum in seconds if he feels like it

7 inches, his dick is where all his height went

Because he's so experienced he doesn't cum easily

PINK TIP PINK TIP

His cum is normal consistency, a little watery maybe

Tastes like citrus

Silver:

Loves when you ride him

Likes missionary too tho

7 inches too

His tip is grey

Very sensitive and gets overstimulated easily

Hes also just very submissive in general

Cum is watery and tastes like what a new car smells like

Sebek:

LOUD

SO LOUD

CANT TAKE THIS BITCH ANYWHERE

Cries during sex

Loves when you pull his hair

Does he have horns? If he does they're very sensitive

Cums if you touch them

Hes a crocodile right

Nah he has horns

8 inches no other comments

GREEN TIP

Cum is thick and bitter

We love him tho

Balls squishy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~♧♧~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/n: im so fuckibg tired god help me

[hyenahunt]

Obbligato: The Punishment of Kaname Tojo - 6

Writer: Akira

Season: Spring

Characters: Kaname, Tatsumi

Proofreading: Remi (JP) & honeyspades (ENG)

Translation: Peace

Tatsumi: Idols are those who bring smiles to others’ faces, after all.

[Read on my blog for the best viewing experience with Oi~ssu ♪]

Kaname: ......

(Okay. Now that I've finished reporting to my brother, I've got to get onto my next job.)

(Hm? Wasn't I supposed to have lessons today? I thought I was doing something else...)

(I'll check my schedule — my brother's perfected it down to the second, so I'll know for sure then.)

(I have to follow it precisely. As long as I do exactly as he says, then I'll be fine.)

(I have to heed his instructions at all costs. I have to. No matter how hard it gets, I have to—)

... Hm?

(Huh? Who's that walking past the window... Wait, is that—)

Location: Reimei Practice Room

Kaname: —Tatsumi-senpai!

Tatsumi: ......

Kaname: I thought that maybe my eyes were playing tricks on me, but it really is you!

But... W-What are you doing here? Weren't you hospitalized?

Tatsumi: ... Ah, HiMERU-san. Good afternoon.

It's been some time since we last spoke, hasn't it? Have you lost some weight? I've heard that you've been flourishing lately, but it's best to rest every now and then.

Kaname: That's my line! You look terrible, senpai.

Why would you come back to school when you're still sick? Are you an idiot?

Tatsumi: Hahaha. I might just be an idiot, truthfully.

I was merely staying in a hospital, you see, not some prison where I'd be isolated from the world. I was still able to have a connection with those outside.

Though there were restrictions on when and where one could visit, patients are still able to use the internet and write letters to the outside world.

Kaname: What are you going on about?

Tatsumi: How wonderful life is, of course.

I was truly blown away by just how many people were calling for me to return. Not only the staff I had worked with, but all of my fans...

As well as my companions, with whom I worked beside and ate with.

So many people wished to speak with me again. How could I ever ignore their countless requests?

I decided then that I'd do as they asked no matter what it took, even if I should die.

Kaname: You really will die though. I'm serious. You were hospitalized for physical and mental reasons, Tatsumi-senpai — you don't look recovered at all, you know?

I can tell just looking at you. You know people really do die like this, don't you?

Their luck runs out, they push themselves too far — and then they die.

If you died, then all those who wished for your return would mourn you instead.

Please get your priorities straightened out, Tatsumi-senpai.

Tatsumi: I can feel your worry through your chiding, and I'm grateful for it.

In the perspective of others, particularly here at Reimei Academy, you and I are whom Special and Non-Special Students look to respectively...

As such, there seems to be rumors of us having something of a conflict of interests, as their representatives of a kind.

Kaname: To those who haven't a clue of what's going on, that's exactly what it looks like. In truth, I have acted as if I was taking what is rightfully yours.

Everyone thinks you must resent me for it, too. Anyone would.

Tatsumi: But I don't.

In fact, I'm grateful that you've continued my work while I was gone.

Kaname: Is that so? How like you, Tatsumi-senpai.

I know from the bottom of my heart, without a shadow of a doubt, that you don't resent me whatsoever.

Just as Judas Iscariot betrayed a saint for nothing more than chump change, so have I. But you won't resent me for it— you'll only grant me love and affirmation, won't you?

You'd even forgive those who'd crucify and kill you, wouldn't you!

Tatsumi: I am no saint, but thank you for thinking of me as such, however ridiculous the claim.

It'd be embarrassing to put me on the same level as those genuine saints who lived long ago.

I simply want to live up to everyone's expectations. I wish I could have shown you my hospital room, filled with fanmail from those who missed me.

Each one was filled with love, from every person I’ve met...

I want to give back the love I've received. I want them to feel as warm as I did reading each one.

It sounds rather odd, doesn't it?

But I do love everyone.

And, like anyone else, I want those I love to be happy as well.

Kaname: Then listen to me. If you were to collapse and die, no one would be happy! They'd just cry their eyes out and mourn you instead!

Honestly, Tatsumi-senpai, you've really screwed up your priorities.

You're so stupid I could laugh, you idiot.

Tatsumi: If I've made you laugh, then I've done my job well...

Tatsumi: Idols are those who bring smiles to others’ faces, after all.

Kaname: ......

Tatsumi: You know, HiMERU-san, I do want to be an idol.

I don't want to be the reverend of a shady religious following; I want to be someone who can be loved by others.

♪~♪~♪

[ ☆ ]

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[zephyr-rat]

Green Giant Saga Update: February 23rd, 2025

Heya folks! Just want to give an update on the series.

The first draft of part 12 "Osweld Rehabilitation" (Originally sump scavengers) is done with the rewrite of act 1 being nearly complete. I will still take my time proofreading and rewriting crucial scenes, but this is slated to come out before mid march. Excited to show you all the story since this will primarily be a Twitch and Chump story and a first look at a brand new take on another champion from League.

However, after part 12, I will take a break from the series to do game dev work on my end. I got assigned to do some exciting contract work and with this side gig and my current job as a software engineer, it would be hard to maintain my current flow with the fanfic stories. This side job will last me until mid July.

Don't worry, I will come back to this story since it's not fully over yet. I planned a 20 episode series, and by golly will I release those 20 episodes.

In fact, on the side, I might look into actually making a website or a separate blog for this story to help with visibility and to have all updates in one place.

Sorry about the news on the hiatus, but I promise I will finish Twitch and Zac's story.

—————————–

If you want to read more of Zac and Twitch’s adventures in Zaun. Check out the entire saga!

Ao3 Series

Main Tumblr Page

[catsandpens]

Say Yes

Kento Nanami x Reader/ Akari Nitta x Reader (platonic)

Reader trying to move on after Nanami death with the help of Akari Nitta

Angst, fluff, Bold is flashback (proofreading is for chumps)

“ Hey Kento, Did you call the resort to see if they have that room available? '' Y/N asked while sprawled out on the couch scrolling through her phone. As Nanami and Y/N started planning for their trip to Malaysia, she lazily searched for flights while Nanami looked for where they were going to stay.

“Hmm. They said it was still open, so I booked it.” Nanami responded as he sat upright on the other side of the couch with her legs resting on his.

“Already! That was super fast.” Y/N propped up from her rested position.

“ I know you like that one more than the others and I want to try their outdoor spa.” He joked with a small grin as Y/N let out a small chuckle and went back to her long search for flights. Nanami and Y/N have been so drained from juggling between exorcizing cursed spirits and working regular jobs ,that they were in desperate need of a small vacation. Y/N knew that Malaysia was a place he always wanted to go, so she suggested the idea to him and he agreed. They were both excited for this new adventure and Y/N wouldn't want to spend it with anyone else but him.

“Y/N.”

“Yes Kento.”

“ I'm going to head out on a mission to Shibuya.. and I want to make sure that you're prepared if worse comes to worst.”

“Nanami, you're speaking nonsense” Y/N breathed out with a grin, slowly sitting up.

“Y/N, I don't want to leave you, but if I do, will you be ready?”

“Are you ready to leave me?”

Nanami sat in silence as he started to contemplate what his next response should be.

“No.”

“Then there's your answer.” Y/N said in a flat tone looking at her phone, completely over the conversation. Nanami rubbed his eyebrow as he let out a long sigh. 

“Can you please say yes?” Nanami pleaded with his head facing upward, leaning against the couch. Y/N was aware of what he was asking her to do, but she chose to ignore the request. Nanami acknowledged the silence and got up from his seat and walked to their shared room. 

“Hey Y/N I have some chicken and rice warmed up for you” Akari announces to Y/N bedroom door. she let out a grunt of acknowledgement and stayed in a fetal position on the bed. She rubs her face against the pillow to wipe the neverending flow of tears as she replays the bitter message that was given to her.

 Y/N heard a knock on her apartment door and quickly wiped the pasta sauce from the dinner she was making for Nanami on a small washcloth. She opened the door to see a familiar blonde girl standing with her head slightly bowed, avoiding making eye contact. Y/N knew she was one of the managers at jujutsu headquarters considering she used to be a manager herself.

“Hello Miss Nanami, I am Akari Nitta and I have been sent here to give you an important message.”  The young blond announced.

“Ohh.. well, Come inside.” taken aback from the sudden visit, Y/N led her inside towards the couch.

Akari sat on the couch with her head still facing downward, while Y/N  on the other hand slowly became more concerned with what was going to exit her mouth.

“ I'm sure you're aware of the recent incident that is happening in Shibuya” Akari questioned

 Y/N nodded her head in the silent room

“ Well..There were a significant number of casualties and I am so sorry to inform you that Kento Nanami was one of them.” she said in a shaky voice with her head fully bowed down to her knees.

“Huhn, I'm confused” Y/N muttered.

Akari rambled as she breathed heavily and slowly lifted her head up showing the few tears running down her face.“I'm so sorry. There were so many cursed spirits ,and all of them were so strong , we couldn..”

“That's impossible, I think you need to go." Y/N huffed, quickly interrupting the crying girl , completely ignoring how rude she would seem .

Akari got up from the couch and made her way to the door with a small limp. As soon as she was on the other side , Y/N shut the door and locked it. She made her way to her empty bedroom and grabbed her phone. Y/N went to Nanami’s contact  and pressed call. The phone rang for a minute as she waited for him to answer but was faced with disappointment when it went to voicemail.

“Nanami, can you please call me back. I need you here right now!” sobbing to the phone.

Y/N laid on her bed with tears streaming down hoping for him to call her back

 Y/N took a deep breath and got up from her fetal position. She walked to the dining table and took a seat across from Akari. The past month has been a wreck for her, so Akari heavily insisted on helping around the apartment. Y/N understands how important this would be for her, therefore agreed. They begin to eat as she wonders what could be on Akari’s mind knowing the close relationship she had with Nanami. Y/N knew that Nanami cared for all the students in jujutsu high and how much of an influence he made in their lives. She could only imagine the hurt Akari may be feeling after losing Nanami.

“ Want to hear a story?”  Y/N blurted, grabbing Akari's attention.

“Uhh, of course.” She sat upright in her chair.

“Before Nanami left, we planned a trip to go to Malaysia so he can finally get away from the jujutsu world and he could if he wanted to, but there was something that kept calling him back.”  Y/N said as she picked at the soup infront of her.

“What was it?” Akari questined with eyes.

“You.” looking softly into Akari eyes.

“Me?” the young girl mumbled.

“ Yep. He said that the Jujutsu world is giving young sorcerer's wounds that they can not heal. He wanted to make sure that every one of you all have the opportunity to experience the joys of life, even if it means giving up his.” Y/N said with my voice cracking in between.

“Wow, Nanami was truly an admirable man.” Akari added.

“He sure was.” 

“ I hope I'm not being rude when I ask this but would you still go to Malaysia?” Akari questined.

“Well.. since Nanami left, I lost the desire to go. I was thinking about passing the tickets to a friend or just letting them go to waste.”  Y/N responded with a shrug.

“ I think you should go. I'm sure it's what Nanami would have wanted.” Akari blurted out.

Surprised by her respondes Y/N burst into awkward laughter.

“Oh, I'm sorry if I offended you.” Akari tried to apologize.

“Don't be sorry, Youre just something different.” 

The room soon became silent as Y/N  started to grab the empty dishes to move them in the kitchen. Akari helped me carry the dishes to the kitchen and she began to think of a nice surprise to thank Akari for being supportive. As they finished cleaning the area, they both stuck to their routine of watching a random movie on the tv at the end of the night. After being in an hour in the movie  Y/N decided to finally tell her the surprise.

“Hey Akari.”  Y/N called out while pausing the movie.

“Hmm” she responded

“ I want to give you Nanami's and I tickets to Malaysia. The hotel, food, and activities are already paid for, so you won't have to worry about paying for anything.”  Y/N said.

“WHAT! I can never accept that ! ” She cried out.

“ Akari please, you have done so much for me and you deserve this. I'm sure Nanami would have wanted this.”  Y/N responded in a calm tone. Akaris sat in silence with her head down as she tried to think of what to say next.

“Would you come with me?” She answered with her head coming up. Y/N sat still from her response.

“Yes.”  Y/N simply replied knowing she is finally ready to say yes to Nanami's question.

[ao3feed-ineffablehusbandz]

What To Do When Your Angel Dies?

What To Do When Your Angel Dies?

by Emotional_Support_Owl

Crowley finds the bookshop in flames. He demands that Heaven gives him answers.

Words: 794, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Fandoms: Good Omens - Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett

Rating: Not Rated

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: M/M

Characters: Crowley (Good Omens), Aziraphale (Good Omens), Gabriel (Good Omens)

Relationships: Aziraphale/Crowley (Good Omens)

Additional Tags: Angst with a Happy Ending, Temporary Character Death, Crowley Thinks Aziraphale is Dead (Good Omens), Face Punching, Angry Demon mad about boyfriends “death”, Gabriel is a scapegoat, Crowley Loves Aziraphale (Good Omens), Cussing, proofreading is for chumps

From https://ift.tt/KC6srx1 https://archiveofourown.org/works/48325210

[abronzeagegod]

Facing the Sun is very good and you should read it

I'm putting off doing the writing I should be doing by doing something I haven't done in a long time, literary analysis. For Facing the Sun a very good the-apocalypse-is-happening-right-now story about a girl and her robot.

There will be spoilers, there will be pictures! Ye be warned!

First let's talk about genre because I'm not entirely convinced that @artbytesslyn isn't secretly writing some cosmic horror in this romance/drama. There are four main characters (I'd say five but we'll get to that) and they are almost all in different genres. Maryann and Grace, the moms, are in a family drama/sci-fi story as they navigate their difficult relationship and the relationship with their children while trying to do their best to save the world mid-apocalypse. Aarya is navigating a romance/drama with her love of the prototype L-001 (Liza) and all the drama and problems with that comes with it, and the different conflicting motivations of Maryann and Grace, along with her own trauma and guilt. Liza the poor android just obtaining sentience and learning what means to be alive is living in a romance/cosmic horror.

Look at these hallucinations/visual glitches that Liza is experiencing after she get sentience and tell me that Tesslyn isn't writing some cosmic horror stuff in there.

And that's to say nothing of the drama/family drama stuff going on. [extremely heavy spoilers from here on out, I'm talking about everything released on the early access patreon from here on out, so you've been warned]

Maryann and Grace had two children together Edith (who later changes her name to Aarya) and Alex who died in a climb accident that left Aarya severely injured and with lasting, continuous pain. The tragedy of losing a sibling and child is not something one can simply get over, but it has been a very long time. The grief has morphed into something a bit darker. Maryann uses Alex's memory to continue the work on the Insula Implant, the device that gives Liza sentience (but also the intense visual glitches and memories that are not her's as the Insula Implant has been used before) and has been implied to have resulted in the death of dozen or so people (1). Grace uses Alex's memory as a motivator for convincing her students to leave Living Industries the company in which the majority of the story takes place that is trying to do whatever it can to stop the end of the world, or as far as we know. And Aarya uses Alex's memory as her reason for her isolation, and her work within Living Industries, a company that she left more than a decade prior.

But this is mostly a story about Aarya and Liza, a girl and her giant robot. And they are adorable y'all.

Aarya has a lot of trauma in her life as you can see in the above picture with the gnarly scar on her leg and the scars up and down her hands and arms. Aarya was a rock climber and suffered a very bad fall where she was very badly injured and wasn't found for some time (implied if not outright stated she was there for several days before being found). Aarya goes into recovery and Maryanna gives her prototype L-001 (Liza once she starts experiencing sentience) to provide long term care. Aarya is going through it. And you can tell just in the color pallets associated with her. She's always around very muted colors, especially when she is around Maryann (put a pin in it we're gonna get there). But once Liza is there, has the insula implant, and is arguably alive/human, the colors around Aarya get warm and bright.

(also let's just take a moment to appreciate Tess' hands, she draws good hands)

Liza brings out the colors with Aarya. She makes her happy!

But here's the other thing about Aarya, she's trying really hard to distance herself from who she used to be. Edith, the daredevil rockclimber who left Living Industries and her family to go out in the world and do what she wanted to do. And when her brother Alex came to visit her and see what made her happy, it killed him. Aarya describes herself as only happy when she does something selfish. She returned to work at Living Industries, possibly because she feels like she owes Alex's memory but also because she feels like she owes Maryann for caring for her and giving her Liza. Edith was a brown eyed, dark haired woman. Aarya bleaches her hair and wears colored contacts to change her look. To look more like Maryann, to be the daughter that she feels she is supposed to be.

LOOK AT THIS PANEL WITH YOUR EYES! The layout, the word bubble, the everything. Aarya is looking up at Liza. She's talking about her past and Edith. She's Aarya now. She's Aarya now and that very though is covering her face and erasing her from the panel. THE DEPTH! THE MEANING! THE ART! ART!!!!!

Then there's Liza. Poor robot girl that asked for the upgrade but now she has anxiety.

A scene that didn't happen but makes sense: Grace: Look what you did. You took a perfectly good robot and you gave it anxiety! Maryann *smoking a cigarette*: L-001 is more than a robot. She's something more now. Grace: She's afraid of death! Is that any better? Maryann: I thought you didn't like philosophy anymore.

The thing about sentience and having an identity is that it is a fragile thing. The human mind experiences all of this stuff slowly over the course of years and interpreting stimuli and learning and even then it can take a very long time for a human person to understand or grasp their own identity. Liza is doing this all right now, in like 48 hours. She's doing her best and she's got some problems.

I've talked about how Liza is in the cosmic horror portions of the comics as she experiences vivid hallucinations and visual glitches because the Insula Implant is implied to be the same implant that was given to L-14 the other android in the series who had the implant which was forcibly removed by Grace resulting in L-14's broken speech patterns and Grace's eye injuries as the removal did not go smoothly. Because it is the same implant, Liza is starting to experience memories or visions of things she didn't experience or know about as residuals from the previous attempt at sentience slips in. The most recent chapter on the patreon early release gets heavily into the self and the definition of what makes a person and how much of the past and holding on to that makes you who you are today. Do you destroy the painful parts of your past to get rid of them and spare yourself the hard memories? But getting rid of them is also losing a part of yourself, is it not? And what of Liza who is dictated by programming, by the will and skill of another person for something she didn't choose? Who is she and who does she want to be? How much of Liza is a glitch that started before the start of the story that started the sentience? How much of Liza is now the Insula Implant, the thing that pushes her further into sentience but has borrowed/stolen knowledge from someone else? (2) There are no easy answers, and where we are in the comic there likely aren't going to be easy answers anytime soon. But until Facing the Sun ends I'm going to be eagerly anticipating every issue because this shit is so good.

(1) as of this posting (10/10/22) there is no exact knowledge of what happened. It is implied that the previous Insula Implant was in L-14 who was stationed in the habitat that Aarya and Liza currently live that used to house a hundred or so people. Another implication is that several people died, although it is unclear if it was an active or passive death as a result of the Insula Implant. (by that I mean, it is unclear if it was murder, active, or the new implant overriding programming that resulted in negligence and death, as an example "I was busy stargazing and forgot to turn off the stove, resulting in a fire, which killed several people) Grace very much things that Insula is an instrument of death and removed it from L-14 and it went wrong, resulting in injuries to both L-14 and Grace. (2) Personal Bias Alert: I love cosmic horror stuff, and my all time biggest fear is the loss of identity. If my personality is dictated by my brain and memories if something happens to change how I think against my will or my memories than who am I? It also works in the reverse. I find this super fascinating and deeply scary. Am I reading way more into this and subscribing some themes and genres that aren't intended? Almost certainly. That's the nature of literary analysis though.

And now some art that I loved but couldn't find a place for in the analysis.

[dragonpropaganda]

tbh I do wonder what scavenger names are like. Ancients get these long two-part names like seventeen axes, fifteen spoked wheel, and the iterators get names that are like, only one part versions, presumably diminutives. perhaps either as a form of affection (... unlikely, though the fetal imagery of the puppets/oracles is prominent and moon considers the ancients her parents) or to symbolically lower them in the heirarchy (much more likely, poor iterators.)

and if the *iterators* get half-names, what names must the scavengers have? I've seen theories they were purposed as servants or manual labourers, hence their defiance towards the ancients and iterators. (notably, the scavengers' main expression of this is violence towards overseers, which could imply that the iterators were used to control the scavs in some way, coercion? this plus moon expressing that *even* scavengers didn't try to hurt her if you interact with her at 4 neurons kinda implies the iterators had some role in the system, though likely involuntary)

much of that is kinda besides the point, I meant to make this post about names, sorry

back to names: if iterators get diminutive names, would that imply scavengers get the same naming scheme? or something more truncated, owing to their lower position in the ancients' fucked up heirarchy?

a step below scavengers are the slugcats, which don't get proper names but rather are referred to by their chosen path, hence why the vanilla slugcats take the names of their corresponding passages. (downpour slugcats were named pre-1.5 so the naming scheme wasn't clear yet, they're still each associated with a passage though)

sorry about the lack of proofreading I wrote this on my phone, it was just gonna be a small lorepost.

my fingers hurt

[jimmy-j-james]

okaay hii can i request something?🤭 Ghost x male reader who is stuttering and have some speech impediment? shsjsj i hopeyou have a good day!!

JITTERS

- M!reader x Ghost

- Proofread:

- Genre: Fluff

- Synopsis: Reader has a speech impediment caused by past injuries, and while training some of the newest recruits, he finds that they aren’t as respectful as they should be. Slowly enough, the stress of their words builds up, and Ghost is the first to notice, giving the rookies a piece of his mind.

════════════════

“Alright c-chumps, prac-practice today won’t be as easy.” (Y/n) starts up as he enters the gymnasium, tossing down the files on the recruits. He’d been assigned to train the new guys, expecting well prepared and mature soldiers, though it’s clear that won’t be the case.

A couple snickers follow after his words, delivered by a small group of privates. Their hushed whispers accompanied by laughter as they poke jokes. It’s clear they gave no care for whether they were caught or not.

“S-something to sh-share p-private.” He gives himself a silent curse, knowing that the sentence was filled with struggling words, though he pushed through.

A scowl sat on his face as the self-claimed leader of the ‘posé’ stepped forward. “Sh-shouldn’t someone more.. skilled, be teaching us?” He mocks, crossing his arms over his chest. The other three give their own sounds of agreement, earning a tight frown from the sergeant.

“I’m p-perfectly sk-skilled for this job.” He argues, standing tall before the group. His confidence wavers though, knowing his stuttering wouldn’t provide useful for intimidation.

“Sure you are, Jitters.” The cruel name stuck, earning silence from the sergeant as he silently calmed himself.

“T-ten laps around the base.” He demands firmly, his eyes glued to the private. “All f-four of you.”

The group groans and curses him out before making their way out of the gym, leaving the rest of the group stood patiently.

“C-continuing wi-without them..”

════════════════

The bickering didn’t stop there. The snide comments continuing as he passed them within the halls. Having the bitter group mock and pick at him.

It grew to the point that the other began noticing (y/n)‘s stress. The way he seemed so irritated to teach the privates. Flinching as people struggled over their own words.

The harassment had a clear impact on himself, and Ghost was not going to let it continue. He worked hard to track it back to the source. The pathetic group of privates that deemed themselves worthy of talking down to a sergeant.

He wasted no time gathering them into the gym. They stood anxiously beneath his glare. Practically sweating bullets as his cold glare kept watch over them.

“You lot think it’s funny to disrespect your superiors, do you?” He questions rhetorically, shutting down the first private to try and speak. “Think makin’ fun of sergeant (l/n) is amusing?”

Their faces notably pale, looking anywhere but towards the lieutenant. “Did you even bother asking why he’s got those stutters? Bet you slags didn’t even care to ask, just thought it was funny to pick fun.”

Ghost grunts, rolling back his shoulders as he eyes the four. “M.I.A, sergeant (l/n) kept us all safe despite the risks of his life. Kept his mouth shut as a group of terrorists interrogated him.” He starts up, basking in the way the privates flinch at his tone.

“He spent weeks with a broken jaw. Weeks of barely being able to make out simple noises. When we finally found ‘im, he was unable to speak without slurring everythin’. All to keep us safe, like a loyal soldier should. And you lot think it’s funny to go poking about his ways of speech?”

Ghost gives a weak huff, one of mock amusement as he scowls. “That man is more of a soldier than any of you will ever be. You’ll be transferred to a different team. Expected to be on the tarmac by five-hundred exact tomorrow.” He informs before making his leave, leaving behind the pathetic and guilt soaked privates.

════════════════

The sergeant’s mood noticeably picked up at the lack of the privates. Happily working with the rest of the group, going back to happily chattering with friends, and living worry free within base.

And all due to his ‘secret’ admirer’s work, or as he would place it, blessing. Removing all threats, small and big, so that the sergeant could live a decent life.

Going as far as to twist the harmful things into new opportunities. And of course, (y/n)‘s favourite, being his new call sign. Gifted with a new meaning of playful banters and pure affection, the team had slowly progressed to call the sergeant by the call sign Jitters.

And he couldn’t be any happier to have such a fitting name. A name that started with harmful intent to becoming an adoring title from his own lieutenant.

════════════════

© Copyright @jimmy-j-james, 2023

All rights reserved

do not copy/paste, claim as your own, post on different sites, or translate without prior consent from me

[wheelermike]

The introduction to my stozier fic has been written.... now I gotta wait for the Ao3 invitation to arrive in my inbox

and some proofreading but w/e editing is for chumps!!!!!

[forgottenangelic]

"This is my fault.." ((heck me up, heck me up inside))

send me “this is my fault...” for my muse to die in your’s arms.

Everything hurt. Angel’s head spun, her eyes were blurry. Her entire body ached with such ferocity that she wasn’t even sure where she’d been hit. She looked down at herself, but her eyes were too unfocused to make sense of the image before her. Someone was holding her, cradling her fallen body softly. Were they shaking, or was that her...? 

She looked up, squinting as light from the sky behind them assaulted her eyes. and her vision swam again. Black hair, blue eyes... he was saying something to her. Angel started to remember, and a crooked smile crossed her face slowly. 

She’d saved him. 

Rekker was going to take the blow, he didn’t even know it was coming. She’d tried to warn him, but it had been too late. She leapt. She didn’t think, didn’t hesitate. Angel jumped in front of the blow meant for him and she saved him.

He was alive.

Angel laughed weakly, the sound bubbling up and making her cough. Was that blood? She couldn’t tell. Her vision was darkening further, the light behind Rekker’s head didn’t even seem to bother her anymore. She heard him speak again, the sound far away, but brought her back to the present for the moment. 

“This is my fault...”

Angel shook her head, smile fading. She reached up a shaking hand and touched his face, wiping a tear that had traced itself down his cheek. “No... no.” She mumbled, voice quiet and rasping. She coughed again, every nerve lit with a fire that even then had begun to die down. She was dying, and she knew it. She just couldn’t go without saying something. 

What was it that she wanted to say? There was something, but her mind was addled, her movements sore. It was all she could do to hold on to what scrap of life she had left, and it was getting more and more difficult by the second. She couldn’t remember. There was something, but it was gone. 

Angel weakly pulled against Rekker’s head, and he leaned down to her. She couldn’t hear anything anymore, couldn’t see anything but his face. That was fine, she didn’t need to. She just had one last thing she wanted to say, and she hoped--God, she hoped--he’d believe her. 

“Rekker...I love you.”

[hollowed-boy]

*gets u started on lockwood's feelings on the skull*

*cracks knuckles* my time has arrived.

Alright, so we all know the Skull hates Lockwood. A lot. It’s said as much multiple times, urging Lucy not only to kill him, but to leave him completely. I’d argue he hates Lockwood more that George even (and he really hates George, but I digress). 

Yes, there are arguments to be made about the Skull’s moral alignment, but there is no doubt in my mind that it would kill Lockwood without a second thought. The murderous comments are (I believe) just a sarcastic mask to his true intentions, which are to isolate Lucy from her friends so that it’s easier to pray on her mind. Lucky for us, Lucy is very strong willed and won’t go down like that without a fight, but still. It’s the thought that counts.

Lockwood’s feelings for the skull are mutual. He knows he can’t get rid of it (for a lot of reasons), but he hates it and he’d chuck it into the Thames without a second thought if it wasn’t so important to Lucy and the company.

He hates how it has Lucy tied around it’s finger. He hates that there’s an active, sentient ghost in his house around the people he loves. He hates that the likely hood of losing another important woman in his life grows exponentially every time Lucy talks to it. 

The Skull is bad news. Everyone knows it. The god damn skull knows it, but somehow it’s wormed it’s way into their lives and there’s no getting rid of it now. It used to be a cool spoil of war against the establishment, and even more recently it meant great things for the company! But now he has a terrible feeling that it’s going to do more harm than good in the long run...