#ra-dios

[instarsandcrime]

Over the Radiowaves (2/2)

@ripelytoo So imagine me kicking down the door, completely out of breath with my hair partially on fire because hoo boy that took so long and thank you so much for your patience! Writing Vox and Alastor + life stuff got in the way of everything but I finished within the deadline baby! I hope the wait was worth it! We got silly, hurt/comfort, a smidge of emotions and feels, fluff, etc. Plus questionable, slightly less one-sided Radiostatic?

This is a sequel to @rosieknows's own request Under the Weather, so go check out part 1 if you're interested in starting from the beginning!

Quick cw: there is a small bit of mess at the end, though it's not very detailed. But I wanted to give a heads up at the end!

I'm gonna go lie down...in the meantime, thank you for the request and enjoy the fic! 🩷

---

Vox would not call himself a reckless man.

He prided himself on his maturity, his restraint, and a dash of opulence for good measure. All in all, he was the definition of the highest perfection in technology, a one-man revolutionary that never seemed satisfied.

But fuck did he need a vacation.

And that was just the case, glaring at the very screen that not too long ago sang a song that continued to haunt his processors. And the worst part was that he didn’t know why. He couldn’t quite place it, but it bothered him beyond belief.

“Ht’chhzzzt!” Speaking of which. It's not that his vents were irritated by Alastor's flu. It was just some bug– a minor glitch in the system. He was, without a doubt, above such an outdated virus! Clearly the rattling of his exoskeleton was from the malfunctioning air conditioning because holy Here it was fucking freezing. Clearly the excess electricity that rose his core temperature was from a long night’s work. And clearly the tingle that came with it, the static shock that ran from his processors through his wiring…down to his sk-skull…building with electric sparks until– 

“Het’chhzzzzt! ET’CHHZZZZT! HET’KSHHHZZZT!” The sound of shattering rained down like knives, luxurious chandelier lamps burst and broken by uncontrolled power. “Eh…heh! HEKT’SCHHZZZT! Guhhh…”

Vox pursed his lips, flicking a shard of glass from his shoulder. Well, maybe he should pay the walking germ fest a visit anyway. Just to rub his good health in that smug prick face. He nodded curtly, ignoring the overwhelming dizziness and cooling fans that sputtered like an old, rusty engine. It was clearly a warning for his overheating mind. But he couldn't not be all there, could he? Because he was fine! Taking a deep breath-- or one that didn't result in a debilitating coughing fit-- he focused on where he wanted to go. Flipping through channels and pathways, he had planned on not looking too desperate.

Which he wasn't, of course.

Maybe in front of the hotel. A few blocks away, even. He could see it now: he'd stroll up to those stupid, gaudy double doors and invite himself in. Make a grand show of the lack of security. Brag about how weak and defenseless The Radio Demon was, and how Vox was clearly superior because machines don't...hheh...cahhh-catch the–

“Hekt’SHHHZZZ’hoo!”

It was around midnight when Alastor returned from his little excursion. Not to say his meeting with Zestiel was difficult, but it was...interrogative. The seven year absence can only boast mystery and intrigue when it remains an intriguing mystery. But now he felt quite silly for stringing one of his oldest friends along-- a little sympathetic, even. After all, the demon faced down on the hotel floor gave him a confusion and frustration that he didn't know was in him.

“Vox?” Alastor craned over the poor soul. Only for him to spring to life, finding balance with a hand to the wall.

“So we meet again, Alastor!” Vox laughed.

“What is happening.” His rival replied flatly.

“Isn't it obvious?”

“Is what obvious.”

“That I won! I beat you! You got sick and I didn't!”

A pause. Alastor looked at the state of the intruder. Then to the radio on his bookshelf, still flickering a striking electric blue. Then crossed the carpet with a sudden smirk on his face.

“I see! Then please, by all means, recount your glorious victory over the poor, defenseless Radio Demon!” He cried, holding a hand to his chest. “I deserve to hear it. All of it.”

“Well look who finally decided to give up and throw in the towel! And after I saved you from freezing face down in the snow!” His rival smirked drunkenly, tugging on his lapels– as well as himself, nearly stumbling into the corner of an armchair.

“A tantalizing sight, my life right in your claws for the taking.” Alastor recalled, catching Vox under the arms by the heel of his cane to push him upright.

“And– and I was the guy who carried you to the tower’s main office without being seen.” He slurred, pointing slightly left of himself. “You better be fuckin’ grateful, by the way. You almost blew my cover! Twice! Seriously, it's like your stupid flu was as disgustingly dramatic as y-yuhh-youhhh...are…! Hup’TSHHHZZT! HUTSCHHZZZZT!” 

A battered desk lamp flared in a firework of light before settling back again. The overhead bulbs momentarily shook with a sudden burst of energy. And in the middle of the flickering, flashing mess stood the Tech Overlord, sniffling miserably into a sleeve.

“Truly you are a paragon of grace and wit.” Alastor assured as he strolled towards the bathroom. Leaving Vox to follow him in his delirious, rambling rage.

“And then! And– Hep’shhhzzt! Sdnff!” His body jerked forward, screen glitching wildly just for a moment before resuming the one-man battle that he was definitely winning. "And then I treated you pretty good I think!"

"Well."

"Whatever! I– ihh- It’schhhzzzt! Ughh. Th’ point is that I took care of you! Monitored your temperature, gave you blankets, made you tea. And then you just LEFT! How's that for morality--" Alastor hummed nonchalantly, passing him a downy comforter. "--oh, thanks. I mean come on! I already had like ten different projects I'm working on so the least you could do is..."

The Radio Demon stood, waiting expectantly while his potential patient trailed off. Vox stared down at the gathered blanket in his arms, hoarse voice lowering. "...you're taking care of me."

"Ah, I see your wires have finally uncrossed! Truly a headline for the ages, don't you think?"

"You're taking care of me?"

"Would you rather I show you the door? Because--"

"No!" Vox blurted. Then remembering himself, cleared his throat with a thick sniffle. "No, no, uh. It's. It’s juhhst- huh! HUT’SCHHZZZT! Ughh..." Already overworked vents shuddered with the effort, and his entire frame followed suit as it struggled to adjust. "I just-- I haven't seen you in a while. The, uh, other you."

The silence was heavy, and it smelt of dust and mold stuffed deep in the back of a closet full of unwanted things. Alastor paused. He inhaled. Then exhaled. "Let's make a deal."

At that Vox opened his mouth, stopped by a hand. "Verbally. And one I'm sure we would both prefer."

"...Okay." He exhaled wearily, wobbling to sit by the fireplace. "Lay it on me."

Alastor replied with another contented hum, sitting opposite, Cheshire grin still plastered on his face. "You’ve had the chance to kill me before, but decided instead to spare my fate. As you mentioned quite loudly." Vox’s flushed face spread to the corners of his screen, sinking into the blanket. “And judging by a severe exhaustion not dissimilar to mine, I’m sure that returning to your tower would be a near-Herculean task. So, for your repayment, I will assist you for tonight and tonight only. No strings attached, no loose ends untied. Do you understand?"

The Vee swallowed harshly, stuffing down his pride as far as it could go. “Fine. It’s a deal. You win.”

"Excellent! Now, then." In a snap a flurry of inky creatures circled the two, hammer and nail at the ready. “I believe it’s time to claim my prize. Shall we begin, old pal?"

Alastor expected whinging and moaning. Maybe a little bit of desperation. But instead Vox was eerily silent. Sensors glazed over lying propped up on the headboard of his newly built bed, watching. Waiting. Mind completely and utterly glassed over with fog. Not even a half-witted jab at the old-fashioned mercury thermometer that slipped from between his fangs. Sighing heavily, Alastor poured a spoonful of medicine from a bottle, humming softly to himself as he tipped the rim into his patient’s mouth. And ever so slightly some color seeped into sepia tone. Alastor was sure the second of cognisance was the foul-tasting syrup until a few weak notes echoed back– breaking into occasional coughing fits that rattled the poor man's chest. 

“You can't seem to stay quiet, can you?” The Radio Demon snapped, though it had no bite. Closing his eyes, the soft broadcast of a song began to whisper. 

“Does this satisfy?” Vox nodded slowly. Alastor swallowed a nauseating pang of relief. 

It wasn’t long after that his caretaker was jolted awake, eyes pried open by screeching static and shouting voices. Pushing himself to his hooved feet, each delicate step across the room grew heavier and heavier as the deer demon approached. Through mucky speakers it sounded as if this fever dream was submerged in muck and grime. But between the two of them, the tangled mess of a memory from seven years ago might as well be clear as a spring. The reflection in the water stared back at him, and Alastor couldn’t help but watch. It was like a bad telanovela, and yet he could read every page of the script by heart.

“Listen asshole! You don't get to tell me what to do with my company and how I run it! I make the rules, not you.” The bitter voice crackled painfully behind the monitor.

“I assure you that my ‘rules’ are sound. These flashy entertainment devices and security systems you flaunt are completely and utterly worthless in the face of the exterminations, and yet you claim they bear the freedom and safety to back it up. It’s foolish and irresponsible to half-ass a game if you hold all the pieces.” Alastor muttered, mimicking his younger self that responded in kind. He squeezed a fistful of comforter until it ripped. 

“Fuck no! VoxTech was made so sinners can feel safe. Seriously, what is your damage? You hide the fine print just like us, so why the Hell are you throwing a bitch fit about a few white lies?”

“Sinners need an honorable deal, not a gaggle of snake oil salesmen. The Vees are built on false hope, I have the power to actually fulfill my promises.  And that, my dear, is the difference.”

“They want an out, I’m giving them an out!”

 Alastor shot upright to face the bastard, every twisted feature hemmed by an eerie artificial glow. “If you cannot understand why I despise your nonsense business practices made of flowery language and empty promises, then I r̵̨̞͑͠e̸͉͚͛f̸͈̅ù̵̹s̶͈̅ë̵͇͉́̎ to join your useless little team you absolute–!”

“--Listen asshole! You don’t get to–”

And all too suddenly, Alastor snapped back to the present. The angry burn on his cheeks faded as the same memory played again. And again. Skipping on repeat over and over and over like a useless, broken record. 

He stumbled, collapsing back on the edge of the bed. Calm yourself, it's just a nightmare. He'll break out of it eventually. But time passed again. And again. The horrid sting could not reduce itself to a dull itch, finally breaking its pattern when a pathetic whimper passed Vox's lips and– alright, that's enough. 

Waking a person from a nightmare was dangerous, doubly so if said subject was a demon– triply so for an Overlord. And although The Radio Demon held far more power and control over his rival, the Vee still had countless amounts of voltage coursing through his veins. Hauling himself to his feet, shaking his previous nerves loose before plucking a snuff box from a high shelf.

Well, he decided, better a sneeze than the electric chair.

Sitting again by Vox���s bedside, Alastor held the powder under the vents that dotted the sides of his patient’s face, watching them shallowly suck in air– taking a small portion with it.

“Hhh..!” The reaction was immediate. The sound of sniffling and hitching replaced the cacophony of his dream, and he twisted with discomfort. Stuck in a torturous loop, unable to sneeze out the irritant. Alastor huffed in annoyance, rolling his eyes.

“Always with the dramatics.” He chided.

“Snffff snff! Ugh! And whose f-fuh-fault is…is thahhhHHH–! Hhhhghh…th-that!” Vox warbled out, airy voice pitching higher and higher. Finally deciding to end his misery, Alastor traced the tip of his claw around his vents with a feather-light touch. Quickly distancing himself, as a final shuddering gasp was his one and only warning before–

“Het’tshhzzzt! H’tshzzzt! ‘Zzzt! Zzt! hhhhHHHH–! …Hekt’SHZZZZHOO!” 

A pop, and a firework of electricity branched from his core, erupting from his suit and branching out– which Alastor casually stepped to the side to avoid. “Gesundheit.” 

Unfortunately, the blessing was premature. “HUT’TSHZZZOOO! HUP’TSHZZZZZT’hoo…huh-hehhHHHTSHZZZOO!” The ground rumbled with scorch marks from the lightning storm. Somewhere in the hallway, the shattering of a bulb made Alastor’s ears press to his head.

“Do you want to wake the entire hotel?!” He hissed through clenched teeth.

“I cad't hhhheh! helb ihhdt! IT’SCHZZZZTHOO! Heh! Hhh! …hghh…” The chaos began to settle, leaving the cyborg gasping for air as Alastor slapped his hands against his vents. Cringing as a thick fluid brushed his ungloved palms.

“S’rry.” Vox mumbled sheepishly.

“You're ill.” Alastor spat regardless, pulling back in disgust, “If you're going to annoy me, don't take credit for things you didn't do.”

“...Okay?” The sickly demon blinked blearily. He tried to sit up, stopped by the head of a cane to his chest.

“Ah-ah, don’t get up. I'll be back in just a moment.” The other sneered, plucking a tissue from the nearby nightstand and, wordlessly, exited. Ignoring the harsh, obnoxious blow that followed.

It took minutes for Alastor to wash the unidentified liquid from his hands and handle. It took an eternity for Vox to fall back asleep. Maybe he did regret that argument from seven years ago. Maybe not. Either way, he scowled and turned his back to The Radio Demon.

Because just for tonight, Alastor had won. Again. He had been cared for, doted over, and treated with the utmost respect. For the first time in a long time, he had a taste of happiness from an old friend.

And honestly? It was awful.

[jstedward515]

At this point reality doesnt exist. Every other piece of media that isn't Final Space is a Garycato AU that i will consume, and yes i'll elaborate on it until i die

"I love you. I love you in every universe"

[unpersoniverse]

*me after going through the most emotional draining experience watching a show because I got too attached to the characters* ooohh that was so cute I love it :)

[somos-amor-luz]

En un Creador infinito solo existe la unidad. No existe polaridad. Somos todo, cada ser, cada emoción, cada suceso, cada situación. Somos unidad. Somos infinidad. Somos amor/luz, luz/amor. SOMOS. Esa es la Ley del Uno.

–El material de RA, humilde mensajero de la Ley del Uno.

[sheyshen]

thinking about making more alts again. lol

i've got the wolkids on my mind and i'm kinda tempted to make them and dio in game again. but not sure which server. plus i have a bunch of alts already lol

[ian-the-existential-crisis]

Chapters: 1/1

Fandom: Hazbin Hotel (Cartoon)

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Alastor & Lucifer Magne | Morningstar

Characters: Lucifer Magne | Morningstar, Alastor (Hazbin Hotel), Mammon (Helluva Boss)

Additional Tags: Snippets, School Dances, Alternate Universe - Human, Post-Break Up, Frenemies, Alternate Universe - Middle School, Unhealthy Relationships, Slight Mammon/Lucifer, Mentioned Suicidal Behavior

Series: Part 13 of We could (never) be friends

Summary:

A snippet of when Lucifer and Alastor were in their last year of middle school.

[are-we-really-doing-this]

When the singer has the pipes to backup the epic, soaring, badass lyrics>>>>>>

[kaiowut99]

live audio of me as I finished working on my finalized 99-101 subs

[instarsandcrime]

Overworked and Under-managed

I've noticed that stress seems to be catching, so I thought I'd go for some silly, goofy fluff with a bit of feelings at the end! Also soft Caretaker!A/la/stor because I need more practice with him and that kind of angle. And Sick!Lu/ci/fer in denial because I miss writing him. This is a little further in the series in a universe where they do start to trust each other more despite their rivalry, so it does border a bit on Ra//dio//Apple. But as always, it can also be seen as platonic!

This is also part of Sick//tember//2024's prompt The Sniffles™️, but I've decided to not submit the prompts. However, I'm still technically participating in the challenge, and will try to finish everything by September!

Enjoy! 🩷

---

"Hm. Well. That’s not ideal."

Alastor stood there at the center of the hotel library, blanching at the sight before him. He reviewed yesterday’s events in his mind over and over like a checklist, wondering what went wrong. He was sure he'd left Lucifer with only a few meaningless contracts– not that he would let a simple sinner, much less The Radio Demon, touch the important ones. So he'd sent himself to bed and back again with the usual hourly morning routine. Cleanliness is next to godliness, ironic as the saying may be.

So if Lucifer was the closest thing to divine power, then what the fuck was he looking at? 

The fallen seraphim was practically passed out. And judging by the grooves in his seat he had apparently never left it, asleep or otherwise. His hat had tumbled to the floor by his cane, revealing a bird’s nest of hair. Despite his current state his eyes sported rather ugly eye bags, colored bruises striking against grayish, clammy skin. The center of his flat, snake-like nose was raw from rubbing– and horribly clogged by the rumbling snores that filled the room. His clothes were rumpled in all directions, vest buttons completely mismatched in what seemed like a rush to look even slightly presentable. All this chaos amongst piles of paperwork that seemingly appeared overnight. “Your Highness?” He called.

No response. Alastor risked stepping closer. “Your Highness.”

The idiot only responded with a louder snore. A crimson eye twitched. With all the pomp and circumstance of a man who could care less, he took his cane and swiftly whacked the side of the desk. “Lucifer!”

And in a white and red blur the fallen king snapped upright, sending little bits and bobs of stationary in all different directions. “I’m awake!”

“So you are.” Alastor said slowly, narrowing his eyes.

“Aw c’mon Al, don’t be so uptight!” Lucifer bent backwards to crack his spine back into place. “Seventy-two hours isn’t much for an immortal guy like me– oh, thank you.”

The sinner raised an eyebrow, completely unimpressed as his apparent superior snatched the folder from under the other’s arm like mindless clockwork, pausing to search for a possible sliver of space left to put it on.

“Now if you’ll excuse me, I-hhh-I’m-hihh!” His breath caved to small hiccups, and quickly snatched a folded handkerchief from his pocket as he pitched forward into it. "Ikshhh’hieww!!" 

“Clearly in need of a break.” Alastor finished.

“Pfft! Me? Take a break? Nooooo no no nononono! Don't be sihh-hih-! silly– Ikt'chieww! 'ITSHHH! ‘TSHHH! hhHHH-! H’TSCHHH’HIEW!” He blinked back irritated tears as a puff of gold smoke filled the air. And to his dismay, he found that the crimson fabric in his hands had turned from red to a bright yellow. "Snff! Oh– hih! Oh, dear-- ‘TSCHHHEW!"

“I must say,”

“Ht'schhhh! Hhhih-HITSCHHH'hew!”

“I believe I may have assumed too quickly. If something’s bothering you this terribly, you're certainly not fit in any way, shape, or form to continue.” Alastor bit back a wince at a nose blow that did nothing to stop the unrelenting fits. Watching the rosy blush of his cheeks grow stripes, spots, hearts, and back again.

“I'b ndot-- h-hih-hekt'tschieww! I'm pehh-perfectlyyyYYISHHH'hew! I've just got a...a bit of a...het'TSHHH’HIEW! HETSCHHHIEW! Snff snfff! Ughh, b-bit of a tickle.”

Alastor rolled his eyes as he picked up a newly crafted bouquet of venus fly traps–  hurriedly held at arm’s length when their heads grew large, snapping wildly at the air.

"Hm! How strange. I don't believe I've ever seen your powers act up like this. Or at the very least flare up when it’s just ‘a bit of a tickle’.” He countered, dropping the abomination into the black abyss of his shadow.  “Perhaps it only happens when you overwork yourself--"

"No!" Lucifer yelped. Then froze, slapping his hands over his mouth. Carefully, cautiously he stood, taking one step back. Then another, inching for the exit. "That's-- ha! Y-you're imagining things. Besides, I can’t stop now! There’s so much I need to do! So much to-to catch up on, you know? There's the architecture of Hell that needs some restructuring. And yes the Overlords can run their own di-districts, but I definitely need to start– snff! start accepting their invitations to meetings! Oh, and all that missed bureaucratic shit and wow my new room is a mess so the least I can do i-ihhhs-! …HET'KSHIEWW! ‘KSHHH! ET'SHHH! Guhhh...helb. Sdnff!"

Before he could take another step, slender fingers locked on his wrist. Tugged back with a twirl until they were back to front The Radio Demon firmly grabbed his shoulders, clawed tips nearly digging into his skin before his prey could escape.

“Mmm no, I don't think you will.” He decided. “You, my dear, will remain in my sights for the rest of the evening. You are a ticking time bomb after all, and it would be a stain on my flawless reputation to sit back and watch my hotel turn into a child's plaything.”

Somehow, by sheer miracle, Lucifer paled further. Mahogany shelves turned to pink pastel plastics, lined with faux books that touted fused pages. Elegant wallpaper patterns turned to simple swirling decals lined with glitter. He sheepishly waved the curse away with the snap of his fingers, throwing his hands up in defeat.

”Fide, fide! So I’ve got a tiny case of the s’diffles. But I swear idt’s just a liddle glidtch, it won’t h-hahh..!” Panicking, he pinched his nose and held his breath. The all-powerful Overlord himself took a step back, both heaving a sigh of relief when it passed. “Nghhh...habbed again. I've got— snrff! eeeverythi’g under codtrol."

Worsening, Lucifer cleared his sinuses with another honking blow. Looking up from fluttering fabric to find his unwanted caretaker glancing him up and down.

“...What?”

“Hm?”

“What's with that look?”

“I'm afraid I don't follow.”

“That! That right there!” Lucifer huffed, poking at Alastor's chest, “That 'I'm scheming' face!”

“Oh? Can I not scheme in your general vicinity?” The other poked back square between the eyes, watching the demon king stumble backwards with some satisfaction. “If you're so jealous of those who have thoughts in their heads, why don't you spend some time with your royal psychologist instead of bothering me?”

“Ugh! You're so...s-so…!” Lucifer's snarl wobbled at the seams. His breath hitched again, and he couldn't help but groan in frustration as he hovered his handkerchief nearby with one hand, fanning his face with another. "Chhh! ‘Tchh! Ht‘Chnx! Het’CHNX’iew! Oh– hnkt! Oh n’do– hEH’CHNXT!”

Stifling was clearly a useless solution as well, stomach dropping as he felt the telltale wind of his wings snapping open. And, to his further dismay, only made the tickle stronger.

"Ndothi’g’s whh-worki’g! I cahh- ca’dt– hhhHH-!" Suddenly, the familiar soft fabric of his was pressed to his face, and he looked up and past it to find Alastor staring him dead in the eye.

"I won't let anything happen." Alastor's permission was somehow all his body needed to hear before it finally let go.

"H-hehhh…! HEH’TSHHH! HET’SHHH! HEKT’CHHH! ‘TCHHH! ‘TCHH! HEH’TCHHHHF! hhhHHH–! HETCH’TSHHHIEW! Ohhh..." Lucifer felt an icy shudder crawl up his exhausted body and leaned against his cane for balance, taking the momentary relief of the stubborn itch to tuck in his wings. “Is everything...”

“Yes. We were lucky. A few books fell this time, nothing more.” Despite the barrier he raised in the kitchen. He pulled back the well-soaked handkerchief, pulling a horrified face as he dropped it once again into the void. “You, on the other hand, are a mess.”

“But I'm—”

“Trembling.” Alastor's cane thumped sharply against the carpet, and Lucifer winced as the other finally put his proverbial foot down. “You know, it's quite unbecoming of a king to be dishonest with his subjects, even for the Father of Lies.” 

Lucifer felt a hand on his back, and it nearly chased away the sudden chill when the radio static he'd heard for so long lulled. And to his shock, a very human voice broke through the illusion of a monster. 

“The truth this time, Your Majesty. How do you feel?” Alastor urged gently.

“I-I. Uhh.”

How…how does he even argue with…

“I just told you I…I feel fi-!” Lucifer blinked in surprise as the two words he usually repeated like a mantra suddenly caught in his aching throat, pressing a hand to his chest. "'Scuse me, heh! Don't know what happened there. I said I feel...I-I feel..."

He opened his mouth a second time, and the last of his pride finally, finally crumbled to nothing.

“...awful.” He moaned, “God, so fucking awful! My-- snfff-- my head hurts! I'm freezing and sweating at the same time! Everythihhh...everythi'g aches! Mby ndose is– Et'shh'hiew! 'Tshhiew! Guhhh...rudd’ig like crazy. I ca’dt sto--...stohhhp...stop snehhhh...hih! Het'SHHHH'HIU! Sn-sneezihhhHHET'SHHHH! HET'SHHHH! HET'SHHH'HEW! Ughhh, I ca’dt even gedd the word out!" Fat droplets lined the corners of his eyes, "For Heaven's sake, now I'b clogged! A-a'd I feel like cryi'gg! Why do I feel like cryi'gg?!”

He could feel himself be guided from the desk, Alastor making a sympathetic noise.

“And there we have it.” Alastor’s radio filter returned, and yet he himself was surprised to find every word was laced with something soft. So, he decided to use the opportunity given to him. He was sure he could use this sudden development to his advantage...somehow. But for the moment he felt Lucifer start to shiver again, wobbling dangerously at his side. Chills, Alastor noted. Writhing tentacles pulled up a chair for his patient to sit, handing his spare handkerchief for the ailing demon to clean himself up.

“Ugh, tha-that was embarrassing. I d-don't know wh-what came over me.” Lucifer chattered out, body rocking with another violent shudder.

“Certainly not the sniffles with such a terrible fever. Why, it only took a single poke to the forehead and I nearly burned myself!" 

Lucifer scowled.

"Don’t be so dramatic! We both know that you wouldn’t let me take your temperature without a fight, and you’re hardly in a position to do so. It would only exacerbate your condition, or worse. Bore me. Now don't you touch that dial, I’ll be right back.”

“Trust me, I couldn't m-make a break for it if-- snff! if I tried.” Another shiver, and Lucifer rubbed at his arms, “It’s f-freezing in he-here…”

In a snap a bonfire lit near a reading chair, Alastor casually plucking up the throw draped over the side.

“Oh ha ha.” Lucifer grumbled, watching the sinner leisurely stroll to an old, worn hardcover. “What, are you waiting for the fun to start up again? Don't bother, I'm-- snff! I'm all sneezed out for tonight. Humbling myself must have d-done the trick…” He pouted, last sentence unraveling to a faint whisper.

“Precisely.” The other stepped forward, holding out a hand. “I'm going to take the spotlight for once while you, Sire, get to play second fiddle.”

Lucifer hesitated, staring at his hand. Ruminating, tasting the words on his forked tongue before he wilted in defeat. “Fine, but just for tonight. What did you have in mind?”

Alastor released a breath he didn't realize he was holding.

“A simple, old-fashioned transformation would suffice. One worthy of a sinner such as myself.”

“...Oh. I c-can do that.” Lucifer shot him a small, worn smile. And in a flash of scarlet and gold, he very literally snaked up his arm, white-gold scales wrapping loosely around his shoulders.

“Good man.” Alastor sat back in the pillowy armchair, adjusting the blanket until both of them were covered— biting back a spark of satisfaction when the shivering frame slowed to a stop. A comforted sigh brushed his ear.

“This feels nice.” Lucifer rasped, coiling further around The Radio Demon's neck and deeper into his makeshift hide.

“Obviously.” The Overlord huffed.

“...Sorry.”

“Hm? Whatever for?”

“For being so tesssty.” Lucifer hissed, flicking out his tongue in distaste. “I haven't been a ruler in so long. And to be with Charlie again, to schedule meetings with old friends I haven't seen in years since The Fall, and...”

Alastor snuck a glance at the old serpent, and he swore those golden eyes aged centuries in seconds.

“It must be terrifying.” The other finished for him. “To take in so many responsibilities at once after being alone for so long.”

 For a moment, the crackling fire was all that answered.

“It's certainly…over...whelming...” Lucifer yawned, jaw unhinging to unnerving lengths. “Oh my, pardon me.”

”Well, it's best you recover.” Alastor cracked open the book in his lap, “It would be a rather dull place without your constant whinging.”

“Hey! I'm not whinging! I'm complaining, there's,“ Another fang flashing yawn, “a lot that I can't stand about you.”

“And yet the horrors persist.” The Radio Demon shot him a grin.

“Oh shut up.”

“What a shame. Here I am about to read in peace, but there’s still so much pesky noise. And in a library, no less!”

“You sssstarted it.” The king grumbled, slit pupils shrinking to needles.

And began to un-tense as a lilting voice carried in the air.

“Alice was beginning to get very tired of sitting by her sister on the bank and of having nothing to do…”

The first sentence barely passed when Lucifer finally succumbed to a restful sleep.

[royalarchivist]

Several participants have already been confirmed, including Rubius, Quackity, Aldo, and Spreen!

The official trailer for Squidcraft 3 just dropped, and it features some of our favorite Spanish-speaking creators from the QSMP!

(Please keep in mind that cameos aren't necessarily an indication of confirmed participants!)

[somos-amor-luz]

Estamos conectados y conectadas entre nosotros y nosotras, con la naturaleza, con los elementos, el universo, TODO.

Somos una unidad que está fragmentada en miles de millones (o billones) de partes y vidas. Solo olvidamos que somos esa unidad, la humanidad está dormida, pero no por mucho tiempo.

Fuente: Erika Arévalo - Coach Espiritual (FB)

[lions-and-men-musical]

Odysseus and Diomedes in Lions & Men

These are two characters that are SO interesting to play around with. (And I know there are many people who love unrequited angsty odydio so here you go.)

Odysseus (“Hijacker”) is an engineer and the main strategist of the army. When we first meet him, he’s a very ‘quirky’ mad scientist character (think Entrapta from She-ra) but as the war goes on, he loses his spritely nature and becomes more bitter (if I make an Odyssey spinoff there will be MUCH more of this).

Diomedes (“Timebomb”) is an explosive specialist in the army. He is not a commander, but is an incredibly gifted fighter, due to being a warrior from a very young age (likely 10-12). He is scarily loyal to his commanders (one of which being Ody) and believes the Army rescued him. He is spontaneous and reckless, becoming a possible liability.

i believe a lot of my Odydio ideas come from @ellilyre, (I’m not completely sure tho)

Diomedes has a weird crush (but not quite? His brains a lil messed up so it’s complicated) on Odysseus that Odysseus does not reciprocate. Diomedes looks up to Ody, and pretty much thinks he’s the greatest person ever.

Odysseus thinks Diomedes is a gifted fighter, but is also VERY anxious about his spontaneous nature. Ody tries to respect Dio for his talent, but can’t shake the feeling that it’ll get them both killed.

these thoughts come back during the Palladium heist (which, in L&M is a game of sci fi ripoff poker between Ody & Helen), where Ody tries to stab Dio after Diomedes almost drops the Palladium.

This is an interesting emotional moment for Diomedes, as it tests his undying loyalty and alters his perception of Odysseus

I could yap more if anyone wants but this is all I’ll do rn lol

[incorrect-jojolands-quotes]

some interesting things to consider with chapter 13

Spoilers below and I might add more to the list soon.

Dragona's mispronounced name is a play-on Dragona's name and the word for trash. In Kanji, the first part of Dragona's name can be reinterpreted as JoJo (do-ra) and the term used for trash (gomi) is often used as an insult to call someone useless, shit, worthless, etc. So, Dragona is basically called "JoJo trash/useless JoJo" under the guise of mispronunciation. If we were to translate this into English, Dragona would be miscalled "Crap-ona" since Ds can be misread as Cs and Gs as Ps.

A popular drama known as "The Glory" became popular overseas around 2022 due to its story about a girl severely bullied by rich students ultimately gaining revenge. It was praised for the rawness of the bullying portrayed and it was based on a real life situation in 2006 where the victim of bullying experienced what was portrayed in the drama. What was not portrayed (I think) was the experience of the real life victim having their chest mutilated to the point of scarring.

Dragona mentioning about not wanting to live due to the circumstances reference Bruno echoing similar sentiments to Giorno before passing away. Both felt like they have nothing left to live until the Joestar gave them hope due to their actions.

Jodio's thoughts on why things happen reference Pucci having similar sentiments after Perla's death-- which leads him to reunite with DIO. While Pucci wonders why the knowledge he was forced to take in hurt him, Jodio wonders why the knowledge he was denied to have hurt him instead. We see how his quality of being methodical also has a flaw that explains him mentioning in chapter 2 how the "unfairness" of the world drives him mad.

To be blamed for the insurance payout and Barbara Ann being mostly a stay-at-home-mom means Jodio and Dagona's father must have been very high ranked to end up in such a situation while serving as a breadwinner of the family before his abandonment. Jodio and Dragona's father leaving is similar to Jotaro abandoning Jolyne for their safety. Both had to leave their children behind because otherwise their children will be harmed.

Meryl Mei's detail about school tuition is interesting due to McKinley High being a public school and initially thought to be an error. Remembering how Barbara Ann mentioned Jodio's academic performance earlier, she could have put him in a private school intended to bring his performance up, and that's why Barbara Ann mentioned school tuition. It makes me wonder if Jodio had just started going to public school; did he actually improve, was tuition ultimately too much, or did Meryl Mei manipulated things to put him in her high school so she could keep better watch on him?

Howler references King Crimson song "The Howler", which comes from an album trilogy (Discipline, Beat, Three of a Perfect Pair) that came out after the band's hiatus and known for introducing a brand new sound. Discipline features the song "Matte Kudasai", Beat has "The Howler", and Three of a Perfect Pair is yet to be referenced. There's a song in Beat called "Requiem", which caused the group to break up due to creative differences but later reconcile.

Three of a Perfect Pair has exactly 9 tracks with one side representing the New Wave style that Beat introduced and the other side representing the Industrial style that Discipline introduced. I got a whole post made about the albums here.

As a infrastructure group worth 50 billion dollars, they may have great influence over the community similar to that of Meryl Mei and branches that hire people for contract and whatnot. Is it possible that Usagi's father used to work for them? Is it possible that Jodio's father has some sort of connection to the insurance payout that Usagi's family currently live off?

Howler could be a play-on the Hawaiian world Haole, which is used to describe something not native to Hawaii, particularly foreigners. There are a few irl construction/infrastructure companies called Howler that are notably not from Hawaii. Given rich corporations' histories with exploiting resources such as land, Howler could be a company with malicious intentions towards Hawaii's lands.

The Japanese term used for "absurdity" can also be translated to "illogical", "nonsensical", and interestingly "unjust". When we see the characters mentioning absurdity, they could just not only be saying things don't make sense but things aren't fair or equal. It makes a callback to Chapter 2 more interesting.

ABSUЯD is a song written by Guns N Roses from their album Chinese Democracy, which was known to take a long time to come out and a rather very unpopular album due to how different it sounded from Guns N Roses' previous music.

[chestcongestion]

I saw sickromancer's post about cold viruses making their hosts cute and pathetic and huggable and I couldn't get it out of my head.

So here's a ra/dio/ap/ple ft. the return of the dressing gown.

[instarsandcrime]

⭐ Poll Time! ⭐

Hi hello! It's been a week since I opened up my request box and I think that it may be a good idea to do some little prompts to make things easier for those who want to submit but can't think of anything. It was helpful for people last time so consider this a part 2!

[return-of-a-space-cowboy]

🧚‍♀️ Anon

I’m not sure about what to suggest for your 1,000 milestone, but I want to say congratulations!!

I’m rewatching Tim Burton Batman Movies and I thought to myself, what about JJBA as a Batman AU? (But maybe different versions of Batman besides Tim Burton to give more flavor and depth)

Jonathan, Joseph and Jotaro are Batman (They all fit as Batman and I honestly couldn’t pick one) and they’re siblings

Jonathan is 28, Joseph is 26 and Jotaro is 24 (He’s in college)

Jonathan - He donates to charity and holds charity balls to help the less fortunate while working with his pal Speedwagon to make the streets better (He’s the eldest and handles the Joestar Family Company)

Joseph - The Playboy of the brothers and flirts with different women, he hangs out with his friend Caesar a detective, he’ll get serious under the mask but will mostly stay behind to keep appearances with the Public

Jotaro - The stoic and serious one of the three and is currently the only one who’s still doing school (He’s the youngest) and is friends with Kakyoin who’s an Art Major at the University they go to

Giorno, Josuke and Jolyne can fit as the Robins and Batgirl (I refuse to see how this wouldn’t work) but they’re mainly young teenagers to kid (Josuke

I’m still working on the Villains’ list but this is what I have so far

Dio/DIO - Joker (But he knows how to stay in the Shadows and hide) and his partner is Pucci who’s his Harley Quinn (I actually keep forgetting Dio is canonically Bisexual 😭)

Kars - Poison Ivy and Ra’s la Ghul (It was the earth that birthed him) and has no problem killing millions, half or all of Humanity for the planet (He also looks very cunty already)

Wammu - Bane (This works because he ‘breaks’ the Bat *Joseph*) but he’s intelligent and not an idiot (I actually rage whenever there’s versions of Bane that are unintelligent) he still has a code of honor in battle or course

Diavolo/Doppio - Two-Face (Doppio being a lawyer does sound interesting to me, but he’s seen as a joke by his fellow lawyers because he’s clumsy and timid, until his accident) Doppio and Diavolo share the same body, with one side of their Face Doppio and the other a disfigured Diavolo (Because Diavolo is the evil one) and now they’re the most dangerous Mobster out there with Passione

Darling is either a Therapist who works at the Asylum for the Criminally Insane (No she will not become Harley Quinn) or a Reporter and Photographer who thinks the Caped Crusaders are Heroes to her City instead of Threats (She’ll work with Caesar as his partner)

There’s more but I’m trying to figure out who fits where and it’s actually very fun for this AU

Ooh batman, I do love the Tim Burton adaptation, his style in my opinion really gives Gotham a stand out feel. Big fan of Tim Burton's older works. Though I do feel his modern works have lost the German impressionist roots that really drew me into his work (can you tell that I did a Tim Burton analysis for a whole semester in art class?)

Darling is a psychologist that works at the asylum and knows all three Joestars. She's very bold and speaks her mind. Both complimenting and criticizing those she speaks to.

Jonathan visits the asylum often as he wants to help reform the justice system and as one of their biggest funders it's his right to know how they are conducting their operations as well as a secret second thing...

He usually offers darling invitations to any galas as she's a huge help to him.

Joesph is a university friend of hers, they both studied criminology. Though it was Joesph's major. He has tried to ask her out but due to his playboy status she is quick to remind him that they maybe close but she doesn't believe he's serious about a relationship. (At most it'd be a secret friend's with benefits relationship)

Jotaro like his brother also chose criminology, though his major is Marine ecology. Occasionally daling comes in to help her former teacher as a guest presenter and perhaps through her was able to get an internship at the asylum.

He probably ends up going through and copying all her work files to share with the other two.

She's at this point the only one equipped enough to deal with the high risk inmates. Of course they all have specialized cells to keep them in.

Dio was adopted into the Joestar family at the age of 12 and was set to be another successful member of the Joestar family before George's death. He was found guilty of murdering him as well as planning to kill Jonathan so he could get his hands on the inheritance. Of course in the asylum he tries to gain the empathy of others with half truths. Doesn't work on darling, it's technically a conflict of interest due to her association with the Joestars but she's the only one who can work with him. She knows the other side of the story. She also knows Jonathan also visits him during his inspections and is trying his best to reason with Dio.

As she puts it

"You were set for success, you had the money, the intellect and the looks but like Icarus you flew to close to the sun"

He likes the challenge darling presents, most would have fallen head over heels for him. He just wants to get in that pretty little head of hers. He's already planned his escape with the asylum priest Pucci, who he's already charmed.

Kars was prolific scientist in the bio engineering field before his DNA was was spliced with an unknown material. He's gone mad, claims he's the apex being and that humans are destroying the natural order.

She doesn't really get anywhere with him at first. But when Wammu and Saitana (who I imagine could be clayface) got incarcerated, darling finds out they're cousins. Kars actually cared for them when they were younger but they became estranged as adults due to their careers. She brings it up and it strikes a cord. Gets him to finally start talking. He realizes that darling is a good person, just very misguided in his eyes. Perhaps he could get her to realize the truth.

Wammu was an athlete, always pushed his body to the limits and so when his body began to fail him he began relying on steroids to keep him competing. Eventually that was not enough and he underwent a experimental treatment that worked a little too well. He needs to be in a mostly metal cell in the basement as he could've easily punched through a brick wall. Even now he seems to only be getting stronger, soon steel won't be enough. The staff decide to sedate him to keep him in check. Even a specialized diet to avoid anymore muscle development.

Despite being sedated he's still awake just not entirely there. Darling does still visit him and talks. She also informs him that Kars is there and relays conversations between the two as it's giving her a lot of insight.

Doppio's life was changed when the priest who adopted him was murdered and home was set on fire. He wanted to become a lawyer to bring justice to those who who ruined the lives of the less fortunate. Little did he know the one who had ruined his was himself.

No one really took him seriously, he seemed way to soft to be in that position. Even though he was the top of his classes at university. He is hopelessly clumsy, dropping documents or tripping over himself. However during one trial he was able to put a major crime lord behind bars and it felt like he was finally getting somewhere... until one of his subordinates caught him and pushed half his face into acid.

That was when he became aware of his other, darker half. Who managed to break out of his binds and kill the perpetrator. He was let go as it was self defense but Doppio was no longer the same, two people now fully aware of one another in a shared body.

After a string of crimes he was brought in and darling was assigned to him.

Doppio is very understanding and soft spoken, and thus darling offers him the same. He knows why and has no objections to being imprisoned.

Diavolo is more cold but is prone to outbursts. Doppio is always his greatest concern and know that he has a crush on their cute psychologist and he promise him he'll get her, he promises.