#second chance shadow can have like three dads

[south-sea]

don’t let my obnoxiously biased fondness for aruna fool you, he and his shadow Do Not get along

like he said one dumb thing and semi-modern immediately decked him in the face for it. technically deserved. some blood was definitely spilled that day, and none of it was shadow's. i doubt they will ever have a father-son relationship whatsoever

aruna wants neutrality at best, but from semi-modern's perspective it's just insulting. he does not have the full context of what runa's been through up to this point to make it possible for him to have changed. so to semi-modern it's like this guy just did a complete 180 out of nowhere, when in reality it's like, that alien has been through the wringer for 13 years behind the scenes, two in a completely new setting to teach him how to behave. he has earned his right to simply exist. he's not a threat anymore.

but shadow just can't let go of that image of his "father" being a terrible bastard after all these years. and that's fine too. aruna isn't entitled to shadow's forgiveness, and shadow isn't obligated to give it to him. at least they had one (1) good conversation before then

[hanahaki-disease]

Paralyzed by My Own Will

Hell or High Water- Percy Jackson/DC crossover

Summary:

“For a moment, for a heart aching second, it was just like that first night Bruce found them.

For a moment, Percy could believe that everything would be alright.

But it’s not alright, Percy has to tell him. His dad has to know.”

Please go read “To Stand by Idly” before you read this. You don’t have to, but it’s helpful.

*******************************************

It was quiet at the top of Wayne Tower. Cold, too.

The wind cut through the protective gear he wore, making the hair on his arms stand and shivers run up his back. Autumn was on the horizon. It showed itself in the breeze once the sun went down, in the slowly, but surely, browning leaves in the trees. It was in the clearer nights that made the stars shine brighter the closer it got to winter.

The bow and arrow charm on his necklace felt colder against his skin at the thought. He undid the clasp in the back, the gloves making it a little difficult, but he managed. Green eyes inspected each and every single one of the additions. He thumbed them through the glove, letting his mind wander. Three beads, he counted, one charm cold to the touch, a singular sand dollar, and the fate of the world will be decided exactly one year from today. Three hundred and sixty five days to prepare his mind and skills for the war of the century. The war he might not survive.

In eight months, Percy would be the same age Jason had died. In eight months, Percy would be older than Jason had been in his first life. In eight months, Percy would live to see April twenty-eighth at the age of fifteen. Something Jason never had the chance of doing, his life cut short the day before and that haunted him since.

Two days ago, Jason turned eighteen. The prophecy never once influencing his actions and it’s dreams had never plagued his mind, keeping him awake. He’s never had to worry about what Percy has to; of red eyes following him in the shadows, of ancient names cursing him and wishing for his downfall, of the survival of his friends and peers against a force they never thought they’d go against.

A part of him is jealous that Jason never had to be the prophecy child. He didn’t have to worry about the fall of Olympus or the rise of Kronos as the Titans took over. He was even sure that Jason never had to worry about monsters going after him. He cant remember Jason interacting with one or even mentioning it back when he had been alive. Because Percy can remember all the crazy that’s happened to him. The cyclops stalking him his first year in Brentwood academy, the shadow of a winged horse on a rooftop in the distance, even the uneasy feelings of being watched he would get before and after Bruce had taken them in. But, had Jason ever felt like that? Did he ever see it?

Maybe he hadn’t, after all the prophecy was clear to point out that it wouldn’t be him. Jason had never been a candidate to save the world, much like Thalia wasn’t since they both died before they even reached sixteen. And here he was, not even a day into fifteen and his future hanging in the balance.

There was also another part of him still that believed that he wouldn’t see the age of sixteen, like Jason had. That something would happen to him on the cusp of his birthday and he’d join the fallen campers and his mother in the underworld bellow. Maybe, if he joins them, by his own volition or by accident, either one works, he could finally get to know her. He could know what her voice sounds like and how she smiles. And they’d be dead yeah, but then he’d be able to know what her hugs felt like.

That was also something Percy envied his big brother for: he knew what their mom looked like. He had been old enough to develop memories and, while they not be totally accurate since he was six the last time he saw her, they were memories nonetheless. Jason knew what her voice sounded like, how her eyes crinkled when she smiled, and everything else Percy didn’t know.

He looked down at the street below him. Late night city-goers went about their activities; a girls night, a college party, a heist or robbery. It was pretty far. A good hundred stories maybe, a little under a hundred? He should probably know this, he’s been allowed inside the building for years and Bruce let him wander arou—

Percy’s heart tightened at the thought of his adoptive father, at the strained relationship they had now.

It wasn’t even that long ago that Percy was clinging to him like a koala all because Bruce was strong enough to hold him without trouble. Wasn’t that long ago that Bruce would tuck him into bed as he did every night before he went patrolling. When Bruce would rough house with him and Jason on the training mats all because he could, because he wanted to.

Percy can’t remember his mother’s laughter, but he knows Bruce’s. It was loud. It boomed and kicked up the pitch of his voice just a tad. His lips would curl back into a wide smile, the corners of his eyes would crinkle, and for a second the weight of Gotham would vanish off his shoulders. Percy remembers the rumble of his chest when he laughed. When Bruce would snatch him up with a hug, squeeze him tight till Percy—and Jason if he was fast enough to catch the teen—squealed with delight.

Gods, what he wouldn’t give for a hug from his dad right now.

With everything that’s happened, and everything that’s going to happen, Percy felt like he had no control of his own life anymore. He had no choice but to become the prophecy child since the other two died before it, he couldn’t give it to the younger two candidates since one of them is dead (his fault) and the other ran away (also his fault) and isn’t even twelve yet. He can’t help out with the vigilante part of his life since he himself isn’t one of them, and even then, he hasn’t really helped with any cases or investigations since his first summer at camp.

He’s helped Alfred patch them up, yes, but actively partake in the cases? He hasn’t done that in a while. Percy wouldn’t even know where to start. Not to mention whatever it was that Dick was doing in Blüdhaven or Jason down in Crime Alley. So it’s not like he could just pack a bag and help them. He doesn’t want them to be caught in the crossfire of a monster fight.

Percy hasn’t even told Jason he was a demigod yet! He has not even hinted at it once! He could’ve told Jason when they had talked a few weeks ago, but the thought completely slipped his mind in the jumbled mix of emotions because his brother was alive again. And once that jumbled mix had straightened itself again, once Jason had hugged him goodbye and headed back to Crime Alley to avoid Bruce, Percy had come to the realization that he also had to tell Bruce about him being a demigod too.

If he tells Bruce,then he has to tell Jason and Dick and Babs and Alfred as well. And of course Stephanie and Cassandra will have to know, too. Maybe Aunt Kate will want to be informed as well, same thing with Mr Fox and Luke, since they work on their weapons and gadgets. They’d need to know what Percy can use and what attracts monsters to most. Oh, and then Tim knows, wouldn’t he get in trouble with Bruce? Bruce would be upset that Tim knows what Percy, and subsequently Jason, is. He’d be upset that Tim knew before he did. He’d be mad at Percy for not telling him sooner, for keeping it a secret for this long. Bruce would take Robin away from Tim because of this wouldn’t he? Bruce would strip the one thing Tim had busted his ass for all because Percy trusted him before Bruce. Would Bruce be mad that Percy didn’t trust him with this? Would he—

Percy snapped up to a defense stance when he heard the shuffling of feet behind him. Fists raised to guard his head, body lowered and knees bent to attack if needed, and his chest heaving from his racing thoughts.

Though he lowered his hands and stood like normal, Percy didn’t let his guard down at the sight of Batman. His cape draped over him and hid his body, the lights of the city was enough to help Percy make out his chin and the whites of his cowl. He didn’t speak to Percy when he walked out of the shadows, nor did he acknowledge him when he made his way to the edge of the rooftop and sat himself down.

But then he pulled down his cowl, black hair lighting up in a reflection of the city from the sweat he builds up, turned his head to Percy, and patted the concrete next to him.

There was a struggle within him. The seven year old that loved his dad and the twelve year old who hated him. One side wanted to run up and join him, wrap himself up in the warmth of the cape, lean his head on his shoulder like he’s done before, and just be. But the other was urging him to turn his back to the man, slip into the shadows he had sprung from, forsake the affection being offered, and leave.

Gods, why was this so hard?! Why did he have to care about him so much! He shouldn’t! Percy shouldn’t care about whatever Bruce was going to talk to him about, shouldn’t care about the olive branch being offered! Percy should take a page out of Jason’s book. Become an anti-hero, terrorize the bad guys of Gotham, gain Bruce’s perpetual annoyance at his methods, and then the man would leave him alone. But, now that he thought about it does Bruce really leave Jason alone?

How many times has Percy seen Bruce’s tracker at the edge of the Narrows, the red dot stagnant for a good few minuets before moving back towards the rest of Gotham. No doubt he was talking to Jason, or just watching over him from a far, close enough to show concern but far enough to not seem over bearing. The invisible barrier Bruce was willing to stand up to but not cross, the one he’s willing to wait at forever long it takes.

Was this Percy’s line? The line he didn’t know he drew, the one Bruce was standing on the other side of. Like camp and the barrier, Bruce could see but never enter.

He glanced down at the sand dollar on his camp necklace, the only gift he’s ever received from his father for his birthday in all his fifteen years of life. The father who doomed him and his brother’s life from the start. Who didn’t care about him till he needed his name cleared and to do his bidding. When he first got claimed by Poseidon, he wondered if the absent god for a father would step up a little, he never did though. And like humans who worshiped them, the gods of Olympus were flawed as well.

They made mistakes, regrets. They wished and hoped, they—though rarely—admitted their wrongs. And here was a man who could go up against most minor gods and win. A man who knew this city like the back of his hand, who can defeat the justice league in a heartbeat, who could kill if he so wished but chose not to …And here he was, admitting his faults and his regrets to Percy.

“I…” Bruce began when Percy lowered himself onto he concrete, his necklace still in his hand and his domino in the other. If Bruce wanted to be unmasked for this, then Percy would return the same courtesy.

“After my parent’s death, I’d never thought I’d have children,” he said. “I didn’t want to put them in harms way or risk them loosing me the same way I lost my parents.”

“But then I had Dick,” Bruce smiled, “And he was angry and little and—I couldn’t not take him in when I knew how he felt. I knew that if I hadn’t taken him in, he’d be another rogue on the street or a Talon in the Court.” There was a lightness to him as he spoke of his eldest, recalling the memories of when their family of six had only been three. “At first he was just my ward, a child of the state I took in to make sure he didn’t go down the right path. Then he became my son and he’s been my son ever since.”

“Eight years ago when I found you and your brother,” Bruce looked out at the city. Percy could see the words swimming in his head, looking for the proper order to put them in. “I knew from the first moment that Jason was my son, no doubt about that.” Oh, ouch. Percy tried not to wince when his heart did the weird stab thing when he gets sad.

“But you, Percy?” He looked up at the sound of his name. Carefully, as if Bruce was trying to not spook a bird, he reached out his gauntlet and brushed back the long bangs Percy was too lazy to cut. “You are my baby, and I have loved you as if you were my son since you made me promise to never hurt you.”

Percy could feel his vision blur as tears began to well up. “And I broke that promise, many times, without even realizing I did because I was trying to keep you safe, and I am sorry.”

“Losing Jason was one of the worst days of my life, but to loose you? If I had lost you, Percy, I could never recover,” Bruce admitted. “I pushed you away because I thought that if I kept you close you would get hurt too. That something would rip you away from me and I’d be helpless to stop it.”

Guilt was beginning to build Percy’s stomach. There was something that could rip him away, though. Something that Percy has been fighting against for the past three years, in a war that would end a year from today. How was he supposed to tell Bruce about the monsters now? That every time he leaves the manor or camp, he’s hunted down and attacked almost twice a month all because of his father. All because he wasn’t supposed to exist.

He could feel the corners of his mouth twitching downwards, the tears he’s been trying to hold back had won the fight and rolled down his cheeks. And his lungs, that had finally returned to a normal breathing rhythm after his little attack earlier, began to sputter and refuse to work properly as he cried.

Bruce wrapped his arms around him, tugging the cape over Percy as he held him close. One hand held black fabric closed, entrapping the warmth inside and kept the cold out. The other cradled the back of his head, patting down the windswept hair.

For a moment, for a heart aching second, it was just like that first night Bruce found them. When he lifted Percy into his arms, guided Jason by his hand, and drove them to their new home. The days where Percy’s feet didn’t touch the ground when he got scared and the nightmares could be brushed away with a kiss on the forehead and a cup of cocoa.

For a moment, Percy could believe that everything would be alright.

But it’s not alright, Percy has to tell him. His dad has to know. Because what if he needs Batman’s help in the fight on the mortal front. To wrangle and help civilians, to keep rogues and villains away from the real fight. In case something were to go wrong and Percy would need his dad.

“Dad, I,” Percy leaned back from the hug, the cold of the oncoming autumn made his wet cheeks freeze. “I…There’s something I need to tell you.”

“Anything, son,” Bruce said.

“It’s—It’s about my father,” Percy looked down at the necklace, the sand dollar unassuming and innocent despite it’s origins and it’s intention. “Mine and Jason’s father, actually.”

*******************************************

So??? How we feeling?? Was it as angsty as I promised? Was not angsty enough??

This was a long time coming, I know, and I really hope you’re all satisfied while reading this. I had to rewrite their conversation a few times because it never really felt quite right, and I still think that it could be better or maybe Bruce could’ve said more, but, it is what it is.

And I hope it doesn’t make it look like Bruce is/was just making up an excuse for his past actions. Because keep in mind, since Percy came back to Gotham after TLT, Bruce has been and still is making up his past actions to Percy. And progress isn’t linear, people can and will make mistakes (*cough* Jason’s return *cough*)

But, I digress.

Thank you so much for reading!! I hope you all like it!!

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When tumblr lets me link stuff again, I’ll link everything

[cyncerity]

Finally! The Store Shifter AU dad story!!

Holy shit this took so long, i’m still not fully satisfied with the ending but this story has been like genuinely over 5 months in the making so i’m leaving it as is. also this will need a part 2 so expect that hopefully in a shorter period of time than this one took!

guys this thing is like almost 5k words lol

tw vore: don’t like it don’t read it

“Bad, are you sure this is the best idea?” “Yes I’m sure, now be quiet, we’re almost there.”

Skeppy huffed, blowing a few loose strands of hair out of his face. Bad always got like this when they went on retrieval missions. The kind and funny (if not somewhat naïve) man he married buried beneath a stoic, focused outer shell. He couldn’t blame him, though. Humans were horrifying to be around, and if Bad felt like he needed to turn off everything to get them all out of there safely, so be it. Usually it was just the two of them, Skeppy and Bad against the world as it always seemed to be, but Sam was with them today. He’d been pretty silent through their walk, but Skeppy could sense the unease practically radiating off him. Sam was a builder, after all; he almost never went near humans. But, according to him, some homes in their colony had been damaged by storms and needed repair work that would be significantly easier with human tools.

So, here they were. Bad, Skeppy, and Sam, headed towards a human market. Skeppy had been fully opposed, but the hunt and crops had been poor at the colony, and their supplies likely wouldn’t be regrown until a few months from now if they were lucky. Bad suggested the human’s market, where he’d heard other borrowers say they’d seen humans come in with nothing and leave with bags full of god knows what. He was confident they’d be able to find the necessary rations there, and even if he was scared, he wouldn’t let Bad go to some human infested place without him. Then Sam had joined them and off they’d gone, promising the rest of the colony to be back in a day or two.

As they neared the market, Skeppy could see Bad tense. Anyone else wouldn’t have noticed the slight crease of his brows, the minute shaking of his hands. That’s part of what made him a great leader for their colony; he was able to stay calm and collected no matter what. But having known him for so long, Skeppy could read him like an open book. He was scared. Sam, meanwhile, wasn’t even trying to hide it. He was quaking, clearly terrified of going into a space filled with creatures he knows could and likely would kill him if given the chance. Skeppy, honestly, was equally terrified. They almost never ventured this far into human society, and certainly never into human inhabited spaces. But, all for the good of the colony.

They approached the building and saw humans leaving the store, making Skeppy’s stomach turn in fear. He was sure that his fear was just as noticeable as Sam’s was, and he wasn’t sure how Bad was managing to keep his cool while him and Sam were panicking right next to him. But somehow, Bad pressed them forward, and they had little choice but to follow. They’d already made it this far, and like hell Skeppy was gonna back down and leave Bad to do this alone now.

They managed to get in the door right behind a human before scurrying back to the shadows for safety the second they entered the building, and holy shit was it bigger than he’d thought it was. There were dozens and dozens of rows one hundred times bigger than any one of them, even if they were small compared to the trees of the forest. “We’ll have to search from above,” Bad whispered quietly, breaking the unspoken vow of silence that the three had been following since nearing the shop. “Skeppy, lend me a rope. We can hoist each other up on each level.”

So, that they did. One of them would climb, then throw a rope for the other two to climb to meet them, only occasionally having to hide behind whatever human product was nearest to avoid being spotted. Thank god there weren’t as many humans in the place as he’d initially thought there would be. After a while, the three had made it to the top, overlooking pretty much the entire shop. Skeppy took note that most of the food they’d need was farther back in the store, unfortunately, but at least the platforms they stood on were close enough together that they could jump them. He also took note that a good number of humans were leaving, which was great for them, but also meant that night was likely coming soon, so they had to be fast. It wasn’t safe to travel the woods at night. Bad seemed to recognize this, as he gestured for Skeppy and Sam to follow him, leading them towards what they’d need. After a few more minutes of the three heading to the back, almost all the humans were gone except for a few in bright green vests. Skeppy reasoned that they were the ones who operated the place, if they all dressed the same and stayed when no one else did. But he wasn’t worried; what were the odds that the humans would look up to see them?

“Hey, Nick, you wanna head home early? You don’t look so good, I’m sure Dream wouldn’t mind.” Skeppy heard a human say. He knew it’d be best to stay back, but Skeppy was nothing if not stupidly impulsive. He leaned over the edge of the platform they’d been walking on, catching the attention of Bad and Sam too late to stop him. The human who had spoken was wearing a white sweater and gold chain with blonde hair and pale skin. He was talking to another human, “Nick” apparently, who was slumped over some boxes he was putting on a shelf, back turned to where the borrowers were. This one had a dark red hoodie and black beanie pulled over his head that almost matched the shade of his hair. The first human was right, though; if human body language read anything like a borrowers, this guy really wasn’t looking good. Nevertheless, he responded. “Hm? No, no, I’m fine, Punz, really.” He mumbled, barely looking up. The blonde one, “Punz,” didn’t look like he believed it for a second. “Bullshit. C’mere, let me take your temperature.” He said, pulling the other human to face him, and-

No.

No fucking way.

Skeppy could feel that Bad at this point had noticed his absence and had come over to drag him away from the conversation by force, but he shook himself free from his grip, eyes never leaving the scene in front of him. That was him. There’s no way it wasn’t. His hair was different, far different from the hazel brown he remembered, the same shade as his father’s, but it was him. He even had the discoloration around his eyes to prove it, the scar that had nicknamed him “Pandas” all those years ago. He looked older, much older, no longer the teen Skeppy remembered, and more tired. Worn down, even. He really did look sick.

Bad wasn’t letting go, and now Sam was trying to help him. Punz and Nick- no, Sapnap, he was sure of it- were still idly chatting below, Punz trying to convince Sapnap he needed to go and Sapnap insisting he was fine. At another insistent yank from Bad, Skeppy finally snapped, pulling away and grabbing Bad by the front of his hood, dragging his face close. “Bad,” he whispered as quietly as he could with tears threatening to spill from his eyes, “it’s our son.”

He saw Bad’s eyes light up for a moment before fear masked his expression. He looked down at Sapnap, who was now sat alone, staring at the ground. Punz must’ve left at some point without him noticing. Bad sat in stunned silence, and for once Skeppy couldn’t read his expression. An expression he could read, however, was Sam’s. He looked an odd mix of confused and mortified. Skeppy was confused at the odd reaction before it hit him; Sam didn’t know Sapnap was a shifter. “That’s Sapna-mph?!“ “Shh!!” Sam whisper yelled before Skeppy slapped a hand over his mouth. “Ok, i don’t know what he’s doing here but yes, it has to be. He can…do this. I mean, he can look human. But he’s not! It’s…it’s a long story, dude.” “I- He..what?? Bad, you knew about this?” Sam whisper yelled again, quieter. “…Yes.” Bad took a moment to answer, like it pained him to admit out loud that the ‘human’ down there was his own son. “How can…how long has he-“ Sam cut himself off as Sapnap’s head snapped up, revealing that his eyes were almost black with how large his pupils were. He looked out of it entirely. He looked…predatory.

Bad gasped, stumbling back from the edge of the platform he’d been watching from and fell to the ground, clutching his chest, unable to control his ragged breathing. Skeppy and Sam were immediately right there beside him, Sam trying to lead him through breathing exercises as quietly as possible as Skeppy asked him what was wrong. After a few moments, Bad managed to choke out words. “We- we need…to go. We..we need t- to go now.” “Why? What’s going on?” Skeppy asked. Before Bad could give any semblance of an answer, they heard boxes be knocked over. To curious for his own good, Skeppy went to see what it was, and Sam and Bad reluctantly followed.

Sapnap was stood again, back turned to the three as he looked up at one of the shelves near him. And there stood- “Alex?” Skeppy heard Sam whisper, hope full in his voice. Skeppy had almost forgotten that the day Sapnap ran away was the last time Sam had seen his own son. Quackity looked older, too. His hair was longer and he looked more well nourished and muscular than the scrawny, scrappy little boy Skeppy had watched grow up. He also still wore his stupid little bandana and the face covering Karl had made him after he’d got that gash through his mouth. But even with that mask on, Skeppy noticed the confusion and pity in his eyes as he looked at his boyfriend.

“Sapnap?” Quackity asked, but there was no response. He kept looking for a little bit before sighing and looking around. What for, Skeppy didn’t know, but what he did find was them. Skeppy saw Quackity’s eyes go wide as he noticed the three, and he looked horrified. Sam stood and waved, moving to say something before Quackity violently charaded to keep quiet. He then started to shoo them, and Bad immediately took the hint and tried to pull the both of them away, but Skeppy and Sam held their ground. “Why?” Sam said just barely loud enough for Quackity to hear across the aisle, but also loud enough for Sapnap to notice apparently, as he started to turn around towards them. “Just go!!” Quackity screamed, drawing Sapnap’s attention back to himself as his head snapped back. Quackity took a step forward about to yell something else before time froze.

Faster than he could blink, Sapnap had reached up and roughly grabbed Quackity off the shelf, holding him to his face for a short moment before stuffing him in his mouth. He could hear muffled yelling, too distant to make out any words, and could see indents of Quackity pushing against Sapnap’s cheeks trying to fight his way out. Bad was silent, ghastly white and completely unmoving, not even breathing, which left Skeppy to turn his attention away from the scene in front of him to keep Sam quiet. He quickly and forcefully wrapped his arm around his mouth and pulled him back, using his other hand to push Sam’s head into the crook of his elbow to muffle him. Sam was yelling and screaming; clawing, kicking, doing anything just to make Skeppy to let him go, but he endured it. It was all he could do to not think too heavily into what he’d just seen. There was no way Sapnap would…eat him. He’d watched Quackity and Sapnap grow up together. Before Karl came along, it’d really just been the two of them. They were best friends from the start, and early in their teenage years, it turned to something more. Sapnap cared more about Quackity than himself, he knew that for a fact. There had to be something he was missing here, right?

All at once, Sam fell silent. The screaming, kicking, everything stopped. Everything but his crying; Skeppy could feel his sleeve growing wet with tears. Maybe this was a good sign. Maybe Sapnap had spit him out, maybe it was all a prank, a joke, anything. Sapnap was raised by him and Bad, after all. He’d seen his fair share of trolling from his fathers. Sapnap couldn’t do this, he and Bad hadn’t raised a monster. This wasn’t happening. Everything was ok.

As he looked up, the sight ahead of him said otherwise.

Sapnap had his head tilted up, one hand lightly pressed on something- no, someone in his throat, while the other was holding something just outside his mouth; a tail. Quackity’s tail. Quackity was moving under the pressure; squirming, thrashing even, under Sapnap’s skin, yet the expression on his son’s face read nothing but bliss. Skeppy could even swear he saw drool seeping out of the corners of his smile. He couldn’t watch this. He couldn’t stay here and stand to see the boy he had raised, had loved his entire life, kill someone that Skeppy had thought he’d watched him grow to love. But he couldn’t move. He stood frozen, tears welling in his eyes and his body cold from fear with Sam limp and silently sobbing in his arms. Sam, poor Sam, who sat here watching his son be eaten alive not only by his previous future son-in-law, by his own best friends’ son. Bad, who’d been so silent that Skeppy had nearly forgotten he was here, barely seemed to be breathing. His only signs of life were the tears pouring down his face and the violent shaking that wracked his entire frame. He looked so scared Skeppy was surprised he was still standing.

The three of them watched in silent horror as finally, after what felt like hours, Sapnap let go of Quackity’s tail. They watched his form fall farther and farther down Sapnap’s throat little by little until finally his struggles had disappeared beneath his lover’s collar bones, sealing his fate. Sapnap dropped his head and sighed, the blissful, at peace expression he wore making Skeppy sick. He watched Sapnap seemingly subconsciously trace a line down his torso, no doubt following where Quackity was within his body, until he finally placed a palm on his stomach. And if there was any doubt (which at this point could only be chalked up to wishful thinking) as to what fate Quackity had truly met, it had all been dispelled as the three heard horrible, violent gurgling sounds coming from Sapnap’s stomach. Sapnap covered his whole midsection with his arm, face tinged pink in apparent embarrassment as he whipped his head side to side to make sure no one was around. Luckily for the three of them, he still didn’t think to look up. He blinked a few times before looking down at where his arm laid for a few seconds and subsequently sighing, rolling his eyes (which Skeppy belatedly realized were back to normal instead of the horrifying all consuming black). He began rubbing his stomach as a few more gurgles were heard and he pulled a little thin black box from his apron, tapping it a few times before holding it to his ear.

A few seconds of silence later, Sapnap was speaking. “Hey, Dream! Did Punz tell you I was sick? He said he was going off to find you like 10 minutes ago.” More silence. “Yeah, yeah, I’m fine now. I think I just needed something to eat, if you know what I mean.” Skeppy’s heart skipped a beat hearing Sapnap so nonchalantly refer to his own species, to someone he loved, as food. “I’m just gonna go on break now if that’s ok. Could you meet me by the security office? I need you to help me, uh…get rid of something.” Another break. “Ok, sounds good, I’ll meet you then. Bye.” He said, tapping the black box again before slipping it back into a pocket and moving to leave the aisle. At that, Skeppy decided it was far past time to go. He went to grab Bad before realizing that he was fully unconscious, likely having passed out from fear. Sam, on the other hand, lay sobbing. Skeppy could do nothing but try to drag him to away, but ultimately failed. “Sam,” Skeppy whispered, voice cracking through tears and shivering, “We…we have to go.” “I failed.” he responded, not bothering to whisper since Sapnap was gone. “I failed as a father. I couldn’t save him. I- I couldn’t save them. Either of them.” He chocked out, tears pouring harder. Skeppy stood shocked; Sam rarely mentioned his other son anymore. It’d been so, so long since he’s been around that Skeppy (as much as it pained him to admit it to himself) had almost forgotten he existed completely. And didn’t that just make this all the more sad; Sam didn’t deserve to lose another kid. He didn’t deserve to have these old scars ripped back open again. ��You couldn’t have known.” Skeppy said, sitting down beside him. “There’s nothing you could’ve done. I…I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry, Sam.”

Skeppy wasn’t sure why he felt the need to apologize, but in some way, this felt like his fault. Sapnap was his son. What had he done wrong? How long had Sapnap been planning to do this? What would Karl say if he saw this? Is Karl even still alive, or did Sapnap get to him first? How were they gonna tell Tina that her younger brother got killed by his fiancé, of all people?

Skeppy was only snapped out of it when a hand rested on his own, and he turned to see Sam looking at him. His tear-stained expression held no anger, no contempt for the man who had raised the person to have just killed his son, just…pity and sadness. Sam didn’t hate him. Sam felt…sorry for him. Sorry that his son had turned out like this after so many years being away from home. Sorry that the boy who they’d both loved growing up was gone, twisted into a psychopath and cannibal. In a way, they’d both lost their kids today. Skeppy couldn’t do anything but break down, clinging to Sam and sobbing as he finally processed everything that he’d seen today. Sam just hugged back tightly, like Skeppy was his only lifeline, and sobbed with him.

“We should get going.” Sam sighed after what felt like hours. “We need to help Bad, and I’m sure the others are wondering why we’re not back yet.” Skeppy, still numb, just nodded and helped sling one of Bad’s unconscious arms over his shoulder while Sam took another. The walk back to where they had come from was silent, neither of them willing to bring up the fact that they hadn’t actually retrieved any supplies and the whole trip was kinda pointless, but were met with a sight that neither had been expecting.

The doors were tied shut with chains. They couldn’t get out.

They were stuck there till morning.

~~~~~

Sapnap sat in the break room fiddling with his phone when he saw Dream come in, twirling a set of keys on his finger. “You said you needed access to the security room?” “‘Bout time.” Sapnap responded sarcastically, standing up off the beanbag chair with a hand over his stomach to keep the extra weight in his gut from swaying as he moved. Seriously, no matter how many times or how often he’d done this, he was never going to get used to it, was he? “Sorry I needed to lock up the store, asshole.” Dream replied, leading him out of the room to the security office down the hall. “Ranboo is staying at my place tonight so Tom and Tubbo aren’t alone, so I had to lock up from inside today cause someone invited me to stay the night to work on parkour stuff.” “Don’t pin this on me, I’m being nice to you for once.” Sapnap replied, lightly elbowing Dream as he tried to unlock the door and messing him up. Dream flipped him off without even moving his vision away from the lock before getting back to work. “Are you at the security office yet?” Quackity asked, startling Sapnap which in turn startled Dream, who gave him an odd look. Sapnap just pointed to his stomach and Dream rolled his eyes and went back to work on the lock.

“Yeah, we are. Holy shit, dude, you scared the fuck outta me, I thought you were asleep. You haven’t said anything like this entire time.” “I couldn’t fall asleep. Something…something happened, man.” “…Well that doesn’t sound ominous at all. What kinda something? Something bad?? Are you ok, did I do something?” “I’m fine!” Quackity quickly responded, picking up on his fiancé’s nervous tone. “It’s just…well I don’t know yet. You’ll be able to see for yourself on the video camera. I don’t want to freak you out if it’s nothing.” Sapnap went to ask what that meant before Dream finally managed to open the door with a little cheer of celebration. He ushered Sapnap in as he started to log into the camera’s system.

“Ok, so can you tell me what happened?” Dream questioned. “It’s been a while since I did the instinct thing, so I guess I looked kinda sickly, so Punz ran to get you. After that I started to feel nauseous and sat down and passed out. When I woke up again, Quackity was in here and I felt a lot better. I think my instincts just fully took over so I wasn’t conscious, like, at all. I figured I would see what exactly happened and then delete the footage so no one else could see me lose it.” Dream nodded. “Yeah, I figured that’s what you meant by ‘needed something to eat.’ Kinda also figured that instincts had something to do with why Punz said you looked sick, so I asked Quackity to go and look for you.” Sapnap vaguely heard Quackity confirm what Dream had said. “Oh, thanks dude.” “No problem. Now, where and when was this again?”

Sapnap gave a few more specifications on what had happened, and at this point he could feel Quackity nervously pacing in his gut, which felt…weird, to say the least. “Quackity, dude, are you ok? You never move this much in there, it’s kinda freaking me out. And it feels weird.” “Sorry.” He heard as he felt Quackity drop back down to sit, almost immediately starting to tap his foot. “You’re nervous about something.” “No I’m-“ “You’re sitting with your eye sockets pressed into your knees while tapping your foot. I’ve known you my entire life, I don’t need to be able to see you to know what you’re doing. You only do that when you’re really anxious, what’s up?” “Like I said, you’ll see on the video.” Sapnap was about to respond again, but was agin cut off by Dream. “Found it! Oh shit, yeah, you look really out of it, I’m surprised you made it as long as y- what the fuck is that??” That bit caught Sapnap’s attention. He moved closer to the tv and noticed what Dream was questioning: on the grainy monitor, there were 3 small silhouettes on top of an aisle in front of Sapnap. “Are those…borrowers?” Dream asked, looking over to Sapnap. “They have to be. What the hell are more borrowers doing in the store? Q, is this what you were worried about?” “…Mostly.” Quackity responded, and Sapnap nodded to Dream so he could follow along. “…fast forward, see if you can tell when they leave.” Sapnap relayed the request to Dream, who did as he asked.

“Oh no…” Sapnap whispered. “What?” Dream asked, but Quackity was apparently more than aware of the issue. “They didn’t listen, did they? They didn’t go when I told them too?” “No, no they didn’t…” Sapnap whispered again, in shock. He felt Quackity stand and start to pace again, but this time couldn’t care to correct it. “What? Who didn’t what?” Dream asked. “The borrowers on the aisle. Quackity was signaling for them to leave so they wouldn’t see me do..that, but they didn’t. They’re seeing everything.” Sapnap gestured back up to the screen, where at this point he could see Quackity entering his throat and the borrowers backing up, one even kicking and fighting another to do something. “Well…thats not good, but it can’t be that bad, right? I mean, what are the odds you’ll ever see them again? I mean, sure they can tell a colony about a human that ate a borrower, but you guys have always kinda been under the impression we did that anyway, right? At the absolute worst, they’ll have another horror story to get kids to bed on time.” “Dream, I just traumatized 3 random borrowers for life.” “I was under the impression you were all just kinda traumatized from shit in general, is this really that much worse?” “Sapnap, tell him to shut up.” Quackity interrupted. Sapnap obliged by smacking a hand over Dream’s mouth and putting a finger over his own lips. “…I need you to let me out.” Sapnap looked confused for a moment. Quackity had only been in there for a few hours; normally when this happened he would just stay the night since it was more of a hassle to get dry and clean just to put on pjs. Something was wrong, still, Sapnap would never hold the man he loved against his will.

Sapnap quickly brought him up, placing a hand under his mouth as Quackity climbed out. Quackity’s head snapped immediately to the security footage. At this point, Sapnap could see himself finally swallow Quackity down, and the 3 borrowers react accordingly with varying levels or fear and distress. One of them even went unconscious. Quackity watched with a look of worry that made Sapnap anxious; in all the years he’d known Quackity, he’d never seen him like this. Why was he this worried? He barely registered that in the video he had regained control, only focused on what could have caused the fear in his fiancé’s eyes.

Until one of the borrowers turned enough for their face to be seen in the camera.

That…that was his dad. That was Skeppy, holding onto someone who had to be Sam. His other dad was taller than that. That means that the last one, the borrower who’d passed out when Sapnap had swallowed Quackity was…

Sapnap felt his breath speed up. He quickly set Quackity down on the desk as he clutched a hand to his chest and his vision started to blur. “Sap?” Dream questioned, hands hovering around him in concern, “Sapnap are you ok??” “That’s…Those are…” He couldn’t get the words out. Fuck. No, fuck, god no, this wasn’t how this was supposed to go, they weren’t supposed to know, they weren’t supposed to ever see him again but now they knew everything.

They knew he was a monster.

“…those are our dads.” Quackity whispered, barely audible as dreams eyes widened. “The one crying is my dad, the other two are Sapnap’s.”

[gx-gameon]

More about Jaden growing up with Yugi and the DM crew

He doesn’t have favorites in his family but he has different relationships with each of them.

Yugi

is his Dad and his hero.

The king of game!

The one who saved him from the orphanage.

He’s also super kind and teaches Jaden how to take care of himself and his friends.

Seto

is his Oto-san.

He’s more strict, way more strict than Dad. But he obviously cares for Jaden.

He’s so protective and isn’t great at showing his emotions.

But he loves hard and deep. He’d rip the moon from the sky if Jaden, Yugi, or Mokuba asked.

Jaden likes superhero’s? And he really loves the Elemental hero cards? But theirs only four of them, and they’re super weak? That won’t do. He reaches out to Pegasus about making more hero cards.

At first he tries to make them a private collection just for Jaden but Yugi finds out and scolds him. He can’t give Jaden his own archetype! (Especially when Jaden already made his own) so the cards are realeased to the public. But you best believe Seto got three copies of every Hero card for his son.

The Destiny hero’s infuriate him. “How come that kid (Aster Phoenix) gets his own private set of hero’s but our son can’t, Yugi?”

In actually he feels a lot of guilt over sending Jaden’s cards to space. Jaden doesn’t remember, but they found the records of it. Seto sent Jaden’s soul monster and defender (neo spacians and Yubel) to space and has been trying to get them back ever since. Until he can get his son’s cards back to him the least he can do is make sure Jaden has cards he can trust. (His idea, not Jaden’s or Yugi’s)

He couldn’t imagine someone sending his blue eyes away from him forever. He has the records of Jaden’s powers lashing out after they took Yubel from him. (He needs to get those cards back for his son)

Atem

Atem adores Jaden. And Jaden adores his uncle Atem.

Atem has always dotted on Jaden. He’s truly grateful for this second chance at life and the opportunity to be part of Yugi’s family.

He’s also very protective of Yugi and his son. Yugi and their friends fought so hard for the world. They deserve to have a peaceful life now. And Atem will defend them the same way they defended and helped him.

Once they find out about Jaden’s powers and blocked memories, Atem becomes even more protective then he was before.

He feels a lot of camaraderie with Jaden. Not just the missing memories, but also the shadow powers. Though Jaden’s comes from the Gentle Darkness and Arems from his time wilding the millennium items.

Atem always shows Jaden little magic tricks and uses his powers to play with Jaden. Even being duel spirits to life. Jaden can’t see spirits until his entrance exam but he grew up with someone who could. So he doesn’t feel like he’s going crazy when he starts seeing and hearing spirits.

Atem wanted to try and unblock Jaden’s powers but Yugi had been worried. His boy was so young and what happens if his powers lash out again. He doesn’t want Jaden to blame himself if anyone gets hurt because he’s a little kid who had a tantrum. Atem agrees but still works with Jaden. His powers will unlock one day. It’s best he’s prepared and knows that he doesn’t have to fear himself. Yugi agrees, Atem would never go against Yugi’s will.

Joey

Don’t tell the others but… Joey is Jaden’s favorite uncle. (Mainly don’t tell Seto, Atem, or Mokuba)

Joey is so fun for Jaden. He’s silly and energetic and matches Jaden’s energy.

He duels Jaden and it’s so fun. Seto can’t bring himself to go easy on any one. Yugi and Atem go easy on him, but they won’t give him the game, he learns a lot from all three, but Joey? Joey’s crazy.

Joey will pick up booster packs and they will make random decks and duel. Just for fun. Just to learn. Just for fun. Yes your deck is your heart, but theirs a lot to learn from quickly cobbling together a deck.

When Jaden’s older, Joey is the first one to break out his real deck on him (well besides Seto, who knows no chill) when Jaden beats Joey’s real deck for the first time he’s so pumped, and so is Joey. His littlest buddy is an amazing duelist!

Joey is so laid back. He loves dueling and he’s serious about it. But he remembers it’s a game. It’s fun. Something Seto’s never been good at. Atem struggles with (trauma) Yugi knows but his deck is almost unbeatable. All three of them love the game for the strategy, Joey’s here for fun and chaos. Yes he’s strategic but he also chaotic and a risk taker.

Jaden takes after him in a lot of ways. Jaden love’s strategy to, he’s learned form the best. But at duel academy? If he was like either of his father’s his identical would be blown so fast. So it’s a good thing he takes after Joey. No one thinks the prince of games to be a laid back slacker. But he learned from the best, Joey. (If Seto ever heard that statement he’d set the city on fire.

[heartfullofleeches]

RuthieLand

 Yandere Amusement Park Staff [F,M,G.N/NB] + G.N Reader

Summary: A proper intro into Ruthieland. A park full of fun and colorful characters. A few with their eyes on a certain someone.

Word Count: 2.8k

The letter in your small hands is drenched in sweat, and the sticky combination of spilled soda and melted ice cream. You were the last to get up from the picnic table, placing you right at the back of the line of antsy children waiting to pass off their papers to the teacher waiting at its front. The excitement felt throughout the day dissipates the closer you get; your eyes locked on the untied pair of shoes beside you to avoid seeing just how many students you'd be competing with. The owner of the mitch match sneakers grips the sleeve of your coat, working their bandaged fingers into its opening to hold your hand with a comforting squeeze.

“Don't worry, Y/n. I’m sure you'll win.”

“I don't know…. The whole class is trying.”

“I can always ask my dad to pick you.”

Your anxiousness dies with a giggle of disbelief; your elbow gently nudging the other child's shoulder. “No way! That’s cheating. Besides, the main reason I want to win is to spend more time with you, but you said you don't even like it here that much.”

Their hold grows tighter.

“I'll go anywhere, as long as you’re with me.”

-

Knock- Knock-

A pause.

Knock-

“Just a minute!” 

You pause the brainrot currently playing on the TV, and dust off your clothes as you walk over to the front door. The alarm you set for the occasion goes off the second you rise to your feet. Huh. Tv- Bit later than usual today. On most days, your visitor arrived five minutes before it went off, even when you adjusted the schedule to the new time. Opening the front door, a shower of confetti meets you with the same familiarity as an old friend; the colorful onslaught sending you a wave of shock no matter how many times you're blasted with it. A sharp gasp comes from behind the barrel of the popper.

“O-oh, crap- Sorry about that, Y/n. Didn’t think you'd be so close this time.”

Dressed in a stereotypical mailman outfit with a new miner changes, the figure shoves the remains in their bag and straightens their back; fixing the rim of their bunny-eared hat over their face. The shadow of a sheepish smile appears under the lid. They extend their hand, holding out a bright pink envelope. 

“Got your tickets for you, same as always.”

You take the paper, bittersweet nostalgia lingering on the tip of your tongue like your favorite food you haven't tasted in ages. Ruthieland. The talk of both children and thrill seekers across the county and beyond. It would’ve been anyone's dream to even have the chance of winning lifelong tickets to an amusement park. Imagine your unfortunate luck to be the one child to win that once in a lifetime prize.

“Thank you, Cass.”

The carrier pulls their hat down further. “It's no problem. I actually have something else for you.”

They retrieve another item from their satchel. A single red rose. You take it with addled glee. Normally you didn't get any extra gifts unless it was at the park, or for your birthday or a holiday. 

“This is.. different.” 

Cass rubs at the back of their neck. “It's from me. I thought it'd be nice to give you something myself after all the time we’ve spent together.”

You can’t help but smile, partly from the guilt racking at your nerves. Cass has been delivering your tickets personally for the better half of two years. They were a reserved individual, only opening up to you about three months ago. In the beginning, they just left your tickets at your door and ran off. You weren't even sure if Cass was their name. It was pinned on a jacket they wore in the winter, and they never argued when you called them by that name. 

“That's sweet of you.” You press your fingers over the seam of the envelope. “Would you like a ticket? I can treat you to a float if you show up one day.”

Cass raises their hands. A dark substance is caked beneath the nails of the hand placed to their neck. “N-no thank you. I’m not good with amusement parks… Too loud and not a big fan of roller coasters. I gotta go. Can't be late. See you next month, Y/n.”

Cass flees the scene, running straight down the block instead of climbing into whatever vehicle they came in. You’ve never actually seen them drive. Hopefully they had some sort of transportation. With your company gone, you open the envelope. Four tickets wait for you in the pouch, decorated with four of the park's most beloved mascots. Ruthie Hare, Farmer Crow, Serenity the Baker, and a newer addition to the crew – Bashy Fox. Four tickets for four days of the month. You figured it was the right amount of days. Anymore and you'd probably get sick of going honestly. Since you had nothing better to do, the timing for their arrival was perfect. 

-

Throwing on some casual clothing, you hop on the nearest shuttle to the park. There was a number you could call for a lift, but taking the stroll felt like a nice start to the day. You lived roughly twenty minutes from the location and the stop was only a five minute walk. Excitement peaks for fellow riders of all ages as the park's largest coaster rolls into view, screaming from its passengers clear as day through the thick glass as the carts loop through the biggest hurdle. That one most likely wasn’t in the cards for you together. Especially after you saw someone losing the horde cotton candy they'd eaten before the ride during your last visit.

Stepping off the bus puts you front and center to Ruthieland's main entrance. The park's main mascot smiles down at you and all the other guests, hand raised in a partial wave.

Ruthie Hare was a silly character, as one would expect from a character originally solely targeted towards children. A root beer loving, flute playing hare with a whole gang of friends waiting inside. The anthropomorphic creature was soft pink in color, a black diamond around his left eye and a spotted bow tie from his early days as a circus mascot. He wore brown overalls with one sleeve always pushed down and large, oversized gloves. He had a bite mark on his right ear the comics and shows based off his gang never explained.

Reading your ticket, you march up to the counter to hand it to the attendee on staff. The woman stares at the sky as she aids another customer, cinnamon sugar powered around the corners of her lips. The hat she wore was dawned with rabbit ears just like Cass', but hers was a baseball hat and the ears had been snipped to keep them out of her face.

“Thank you for visiting our fantastic park today. We hope you have a hop-tastic day, and to see you soon… Or not.”

You walk up to the counter.

“Welcome to-Fuck" The woman wipes at her mouth and fixes her cap, adjusting her collar as she leans against the back of her seat.

“Y/n. Sup. Finally gonna let me treat you to the good shit today?”

Her relaxed attitude is a complete one eighty from how she first acted towards you, and the rest of the park goers. Ell, or Dashiell as her tag read, has been manning the ticket booth since high school; when she isn’t cleaning up messes she’s partly responsible for around the park. She was apparently homeschooled which is why you never saw much of her, and hardly showed emotion except for when you were around or in the company of her favorite snacks.

Like everyone else, she thought little of you in the beginning, but when she became aware of your status she figured it wouldn't hurt to get to know you a little. Majority of her coworkers had picked up on the crush she developed over the years, while you still remained obvious. 

“If I’m still here when you get off, then sure.” You pass her your ticket. Ell wipes it through the reader and shoves it directly into her pocket rather than the bin by her post.

“Gonna hold you to it. If I catch word you bailed on me, I'll find out where you live.”

Ell plays off the threat with a pat on your shoulder. “Alright, you better get going. Don't need the head of the lap dogs biting my ass again for holding up the line.”

You heed the warning and take your chance to go on ahead. The last time Ell was able to brew up a conversion, it took nearly a half hour to find your way out. Luckily it was a slow day. Finally entering the park, your senses are overloaded by the smell of buttered popcorn and sugar, and the amplified screams and laughter of everyone else at the park. Today felt like one of those easy days. Just a couple of the more relaxed rides and maybe a look at the other types of attractions till the firework show later in the evening. Maybe it was finally time to go back to the carnival area. 

“Well. Well. Well. Look what we have here.” 

The thick southern drawn slithers up your back like the snake the shadow behind you was. You watch from the silhouettes on the ground as its arm reaches over your shoulder, the handle of a shovel keeping you from going anywhere anytime soon.

“Well I'll be- I knew I could recognize that pretty head of hair from any angle. And here I was thinkin' these weary eyes of mine were foolin’ me.”

“Hello, Farmer.”

The farmer chuckles, voice fluid as  molasses and course as gravel. They step in front of you, twirling the rubber tool before planting it in the cracked concrete for support as they lean on it. They lift their head high so they’re able to see you past the rim of their sun hat and the tip of their beak.

“Howdy, there. Ol' friend.” 

Farmer Crow was the periodic villain of the park. A foul tempered soul, who hunted after the main characters for stealing their supplies. A lot of people sympathize with the crook for this reason, though their original methods for getting rid of the crew were – quite harsh.

The farmer was mostly humanoid and leaned slightly more towards scarecrow than anything with burlap skin and straw coming from the sleeves of their flannel shirt. The upper half of their face was fashioned after a regular crow with a long beak and black feathers. The shovel they carried was once a scythe, but after an accident that resulted in a young boy losing his eye, a petition was created to have it changed. 

“I missed ya dearly. Couldn’t catch a wink of sleep without seeing that face of yours. Here. On the house. As a welcome back present” They palm the breast pocket of their shirt and extend their hand, a small pin resting in their gloved palm.

It depicts the character Serenity offering the grumpy farmer a bouquet of roses. She had always been a neutral figure in the group, baking pies and other goods for them all to enjoy. You met the character at the themed restaurant in the park, and she was as sweet as her desserts. She even snuck you an extra treat on those days when you weren't feeling like yourself.

“A special gift fer a special friend. Long as you stay away from that darned rabbit, and all the other troublemakers we can be pals.” Farmer Crow readjusts their grip on their tool. Their tone is quiet, almost hesitant as they continue. “We are pals, ain’t we?”

“Course. Thank you, Crow.”

You take the pin from them. As you do, a group of kids runs up to them for an autograph. One of the older teens bumps right into you and just keeps running ahead. Strange. Farmer Crow grumbles something under their breath, but faces the crowd; body still angled towards you. You wave. 

“I'll catch up with you later, Crow. Try not to murder anyone.”

“I'll try…” 

Continuing ahead, you barely make it ten steps before another person is running up to you.

“Hey, Y/n! Wait up!”

The male catches his breath as you stop, standing to full attention now that your focus is solely towards him. He turns slightly so you can get a good look into his good eye; his right lidded and iris milky.

“You- Whew. Dropped this.” He holds out your phone to you. You slap your hand against the pocket it was held in, unaware of its absence until then.

“Crap. When did that happen? Thank you so much, Atlas.” You return your phone where it belonged. What would you do without this man? A newer hire, but one of the most helpful park employees you had met to date. He helped you out on those scarily frequent occasions you lost your phone or your keys, sometimes driving you home when the shuttle didn’t show. It was honestly no surprise really that he became head of security in such a short time.

Atlas waves off the praise. “It's nothing, Y/n. Just helping out a friend is all. Everything else okay? Need a chaperone around the park? Someone to take you home later?”

“Nah, I'll be fine. I think I’ve been coming to the park long enough to know my way around.”

Atlas looks a little down, but quickly picks himself back up. “I understand. If you need anything, you got my number and I'll be in the back checking the cameras for your every move.”

Realizing his error, the guard backtracks. “N-not that I’m watching you specifically! I meant it like I'll be watching out for everyone, but you especially. Cause I care about you and all.”

Atlas fakes a laugh. “I probably said too much, huh? I'll get out of your way for now. Talk to you another time.” 

The guard politely excuses himself; retracing his steps just to make sure you have his contact information including an email and back up phone. He leaves you to your business and with no further interruptions you go about your day. Getting on your rides of choice, exploring the on-plot museum and trying out some of the seasonal treats. You even meet back up with Ell at one point to fulfill her previous requests. You wonder about blissfully unaware to all the eyes that follow you; a mix of human, faux, and from behind the lens of a camera. 

As the day draws to an end, you finish your trip by sitting on the ledge of the fountain in the middle of the park and watching the fireworks. It was the central hub of the area, giving attendees easy access to all the different junctions. Small droplets of water sprinkle the back of your shirt as the fountain recycles its stream, but you don't mind. Vibrant flashes of color bead across the sky, blinding you momentarily from their brightness and the sheer wonder of it all. If there was one thing you could never get tired of – it was this. With the fireworks soon coming to an end, you stand up. Where did everyone go?

A sharp whistle pierces through the loud booms.

 You look around.

There’s a short breath, before another whistle. The sound stops for a solid five seconds, and then another.

It continues longer this time. You’re able to trail it back to your left, towards the circus themed corner of the park. Your breath quickens. 

Standing right beneath the sign was an all too familiar, buck toothed face. He waves his arm in your direction, drooping ears swaying with the motion. They looked longer than the poster's pictured them to be – every part of him did. 

“Ruthie?”

The hare nods, beckoning you towards him with a finger. You haven’t seen him in ages. While his face was still plastered everywhere, the mascot himself had been retired from walking about for reasons even you didn't know. He points over to the large circus tent at the back of the park, forming a heart with his thin fingers. 

“I can't come with you. The park is going to close soon.”

His arms fall to their sides. He stomps his foot before pointing again. Seeing you won't budge, he steps forward. He moves as though an unseen weight is dragging his body to the ground, dragging the left side of his body forward. Paralyzed by fear, you remain glued to your spot as he nears. The fur around his mouth glistens with a dark substance. As he stands over you, you shut your eyes, fearing the worst. It's only when you hear the mascot shuffling away that you open them.

In your lap is a napkin with two, mug shaped candies nestled in it. Ruthie's favorite. Beneath the sweets are three words.

Some-bunny likes you.

[rose-of-oz]

𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗕𝗨𝗡𝗡𝗜𝗘𝗦

Turns out my brain never knows when to stop (😅), so now I have even more plot bunnies for Descendants and I thought I’d share them with you!! Keep in mind that I probably won’t do official intro posts for most of these, but you can still feel free to ask me questions about them if you want!!

Bella Wolf, daughter of the Big Bad Wolf, poly Carlos/Jane ship, Fivel Stewart FC. A member of the VKs, despite being a total sweetheart for a villain kid and never really wanting to be evil, because she was the only kid who tried to befriend Evie when she had her mother were exiled and she and Evie have been stuck like glue ever since. Not originally selected to go to Auradon, but the VKs managed to sneak her through the barrier and Ben decided to let her stay. Genuinely befriends Jane pretty quickly since they’re both really sweet and quiet, and doesn’t necessarily like her friends using the girl, but she goes along with it and it breaks her heart to distance herself from Jane after Family Day. Has also had a crush on Carlos forever but doesn’t realize she likes Jane too until after Jane and Carlos start dating, and she thinks she’s missed her chance with both of them until they approach her about being a part of their relationship. Has been purely in human form, like her dad, for most of her life because of the magic blocker on the Isle, but when she gets to Auradon she discovers that she can shift into a wolf and back at will, and also has heightened senses and reflexes, which she uses to join the tourney team after it becomes more inclusive after the second movie.

Charlotte Cogsworth, daughter of Cogsworth, Gil ship, India Eisley FC. Homeschooled in Auradon’s palace for most of her life, because she’s been in training to follow in her father’s footsteps and become an advisor in Ben’s future court and also because Cogsworth is a very protective father, but Ben manages to convince his parents to convince her father to let her go to Auradon Prep shortly before the VKs come to Auradon (and she almost gets pulled out of school again when Cogsworth learns about villain kids coming, but thankfully it doesn’t happen). A bit socially inept since she hasn’t spent a lot of time around kids her age other than Ben, but a very sweet and fiercely intelligent girl who’s accepting of the VKs right away. Offers to tutor the Sea Three and catch them up on any education they might lack after Ben brings them to Auradon after the second movie, and falls in love with Gil that way. Absolute besties with Ben since they grew up together, and is also really good friends with Lonnie and Evie and Doug (and also forms a kind of unexpected friendship with Uma after a while). Her father nearly has a heart attack when he finds out she’s dating Gaston’s son, but he eventually comes around.

Beauregard “Beau” Beast, son of Belle and Adam, poly Harry/Jay ship. Younger than Ben by less than a year, but has always grown up in his brother’s shadow as the “spare heir”; even though Ben never tried to make him feel less than, he’s always known that his father didn’t care about him the same way, that he was meant to just be Ben’s right hand and nothing else. Inherited his mother’s love for reading and knowledge and has spent most of his life locked in his room or the palace library studying history and politics, hoping that he could become a well-known senator or ambassador to another kingdom. A bit wary of the VKs at first, but eventually befriends all of them and starts dating Jay (to Adam’s consternation, especially since Ben’s already dating Mal), and winds up being the one Uma’s pirate crew kidnaps instead of Ben when they go to the Isle to bring Mal home. He and Harry are intruiged by each other and flirt a little while he’s captive (awkwardly on Beau’s part), but he finds out after the Sea Three come to Auradon that Jay and Harry were actually involved for a short while before the fight between the VKs and Uma’s crew got really bad. Eventually Jay and Beau realize that they (still, on Jay’s part) have actual genuine feelings for Harry, and invite him to be part of their relationship. Beau is very sweet but intensely awkward and insecure due to never being the first choice growing up, but as he gains more friends and starts dating Jay and Harry he’s able to come out of his shell and starts being able to stand up for himself.

Wesley Darling, son of Wendy Darling, Mal ship, Tom Holland FC. The son of Wendy and the man she married after becoming a writer and putting Neverland behind her, but there are rumours that he’s actually Peter Pan’s son because of all the mischief he gets into. Hates Auradon’s thinking of “moving past” magic and how perfect and prim everyone pretends to be, so he’s constantly pulling pranks and getting into trouble with Fairy Godmother. Immediately recognizes that Ben’s under a love spell because he sees him eat the spelled cookie and approaches Mal about it, not to confront her or rat her out but just because he’s impressed by her prank skills (he obviously doesn’t realize that it’s part of a bigger plan). He and Mal fall in love leading up to the coronation, and Wesley is so relieved when she chooses good and admits to Ben that she doesn’t have any feelings for him - which he’s fine with because he’s a good friend and genuinely likes Wesley - so they can be together. The very definition of a class clown, laid-back and mischievous and doesn’t take a lot seriously, but also a lot smarter than most people think and would do anything for the people he cares about.

Aurora Andersen, daughter of Ariel and Eric, poly Mal/Evie ship, Zendaya Coleman FC. Ariel and Eric’s younger child, after her older sister Melody who’s already graduated Auradon Prep. Shares her mother’s curiousity and sense of adventure, and so she makes a strong effort to befriend the VKs when they first come to Auradon. Realizes she has feelings for both Evie and Mal after they almost steal the wand at the coronation, and is thrilled when they choose good and decide to stay in Auradon. Confesses to them sometime between the first and second movies, and they all become Auradon Prep’s power throuple. Pretty much exactly like Ariel in terms of personality, bold and inquisitive and kind, but with Eric’s occasional recklessness thrown in. Can change between mermaid and human forms at will, thanks to Fairy Godmother’s magic. Wanted to be on Auradon Prep’s swim team but it was deemed unfair since she’s a mermaid, so she settles on joining the R.O.A.R. team after Lonnie becomes captain.

Delfina Madrigal, daughter of Dolores Madrigal, Lonnie ship, Rachel Zegler FC. Daughter of Dolores and Mariano, and the oldest of the five children that her father always wanted. Received a gift from the family miracle on her fifth birthday like the rest of her family, becoming able to create illusions through her singing voice. Homeschooled for a good portion of her life, like most Madrigals, but Mirabel, now head of the family, decided she and a few of her cousins should be allowed to go to Auradon Prep after the coronation, since she thought that King Adam’s attitude towards magic might be changing. A clumsy lesbian disaster, a bit like her Tía Mirabel, who gets an insta-crush on Lonnie and whose brain tends to stop working when she’s around her. The two of them get together shortly after the events of the second movie, and Delfina attends all of Lonnie’s R.O.A.R. tournaments religiously despite not really knowing anything about the sport. A bit quiet and nervous like her mother, but also has her quiet strength and her tía’s tendency to let her mouth run faster than her brain. Joins Auradon Prep’s acapella club and makes them into sensations, due to her gift making their performances into full spectacles.

Theodore “Theo” Maldonia, child of Tiana and Naveen, Chad ship, Jonathan Daviss FC. He/they kid of Tiana and Naveen and heir to the throne of Maldonia. Very studious, quiet, and dedicated to learning how to be the best ruler he can be, but also doesn’t have very many friends as a result. Unexpectedly winds up becoming close to Chad after being assigned to tutor him when he starts failing a class, and actually helps him to reconsider his ways and mindset when the VKs come to Auradon. They develop a crush on him eventually but acknowledge that he still has a ways to go before becoming a better person, so it’s a while before he asks him out, but they’re very cute when they do get together. Through dating Chad, Theo starts to come out of their shell a little, and becomes really good friends with Doug and Carlos. A member of the Auradon Prep student council, and eventually becomes the tourney coach’s assistant as an effort for them to better learn how to plan strategies.

Maizie Hatter, child of the Mad Hatter, poly VKs ship, Erin Kellyman FC. Wacky non-binary sweetheart, and a complete outcast in Auradon, as most kids from Wonderland are, due to their odd style and outlandish personality. When the VKs originally come to Auradon (already all dating each other), they try to befriend Maizie because they figure it will be easy to convince them to help them steal Fairy Godmother’s wand, but all four of them find themselves falling in love with Maizie over time. After they all choose good at the coronation - and Mal profusely apologizes to Ben for the love spell and explains that she doesn’t really have feelings for him - they ask Maizie to be a part of their relationship, which they’re only too happy to do. An incredible artist and lover of tea who forms Auradon Prep’s art club with Mal and gets all four of their partners addicted to rose hip tea. Exactly what you’d expect the child of the Mad Hatter to be, wacky and curious and often living inside their own head, but also a lot more observant and smart than people expect. Becomes besties with Ben after the events of the first movie when they start to become more accepted by Auradon society and, later, the Sea Three.

Tagging my Descendants besties: @auxiliarydetective, @dancingsunflowers-ocs, @ginger-grimm, @ginnystilinski-reblogs, @cecexwrites, @come-along-pond, and @manyfandomocs!!

[ash5monster01]

Truths of Our Past Part 8

Pairing: Older!Charlie Dalton x FemReader

Warnings: 18+, angst, mentions of nudity, mentions of infertility, mentions of suicide, depression, depressing thoughts, past trauma, facing trauma, romance, understanding, fluff.

Summary: You had met Charlie in University, were married shortly after, and had become accustomed to a beautiful life together. When you receive a wedding invitation to one of Charlie’s previous classmates weddings you discover that Charlie had a dark past, one he had been trying to forget. In the midst of it all you try to help him through it while finding out that he’s not the guy you thought you married at all. Maybe he’s even better.

word count: 5k (It’s gonna be a long one folks)

Part 7 ←→ Part 9

Masterlist

10/10/69

Day 8/8

You and Charlie never got the chance to talk the rest of the day considering Todd had come home with them to spend the night apart from his soon to be wife. Chris had used this and your fight as an excuse for you girls to have a sleepover in her room and kick Knox out. The boys didn’t put up much of a fight and Knox ended up sleeping in his easy chair and Todd on the couch. Then the next morning Chris had you out the door before Charlie was even awake and over to Ann’s house where the bridal party was to be getting ready for the big day. Chris had been much more lenient on you after you stayed up late, curled under the covers, telling her everything that happened with Charlie.

“I feel like I’m going to throw up” Ann spoke from the chair where Maggie delicately worked on pinning her blonde curls up.

“You’re not going to throw up” Maggie told her, giving her a stern look through the mirror and you lightly hit Chris for turning to look since you had been trying to curl her hair.

“Don’t tell me you’re getting cold feet” Rachel smirked through her own mirror, hands slowly putting eye shadow on.

“Not cold feet, I’m just scared of being in front of such a big crowd. I mean I’ve never kissed anyone in front of my parents and now I have to in front of hundreds of people” and you were snorting a laugh as she lightly panicked because you remembered not very long ago it was you in that chair with the same kind of worries.

“Ann when you get out there and you see him in that suit you’re not even gonna know the crowd is there. You’ll be to happy to be with him” you told her, remembering exactly what Charlie looked like when those church doors opened. Not even a car accident could’ve got you to turn away from him.

“Is that what happened with you?” she curiously asked and you smiled, hands slowing as you worked on Chris’ hair.

“I was in a panic about kissing in front of his parents. They were so strict and I still couldn’t even tell if they liked me. Chris had to fix my hair three times because I wouldn’t stop pacing. Then the doors opened and as I was praying my Dad wouldn’t let me fall I saw Charlie. He smiled so big the second he saw me and those brown eyes of his were all misty and I thought to myself ‘If this man loves me enough to be emotional in front of a hundred people then I can kiss the shit out of him in front of anyone’.” and all the girls awed as you recalled this story and Ann seemed to instantly calm down as you explained the worries of your own wedding day.

“What about now?” she asked and you gave her a confused look. She almost looked sheepish over asking the question. “It’s just, you and Charlie weren’t talking yesterday and you left the church without us”

“Oh, that” you nodded, eyes dropping to Chris’ hair that you were putting the finishing touches on. Chris shot you a nervous look through the mirror, indicating you didn’t have to talk about it if you didn’t want to.

“What do you mean ‘oh that’, I thought we were in the antarctic based on the cold front you were giving him” Rachel snorted out and Maggie tried to suppress her giggles but you noticed anyway. Deciding you didn’t want to make things awkward by hiding it you spoke.

“I suggested us moving here and he shot it down before I could even really explain why” you said and the girls all silently nodded as they processed your answer. They could feel your sadness and they weren’t sure if they should continue to joke or not.

“Why wouldn’t he want to live here?” Maggie curiously asked and Ann reached around to pinch her to which she just yelped. “What was that for?!”

“This town brings up a lot of bad memories for him and I guess the good still doesn’t outweigh the bad” you sighed, trying your best not to cry. You were struggling with so much more under the surface. You had been trying to make it not seem like a big deal to Charlie that you hadn’t gotten pregnant yet. You were just trying to be okay and do things that would make you happy, moving here would make you happy.

“Maybe it’s a good thing, he wants you to have him somewhere he can be himself” Rachel suggested and you shook your head, moving to sit now that Chris’ hair was done.

“He’s more himself here than anywhere else, he just doesn’t realize it. I think he lets Neil’s death hold him back because whenever we visit he laughs more, sleeps better, and seems more like the guy he was before I knew him” you told her because it was all true. You think he was just scared that maybe this town could be where bad things happen, that the further he is from it there is no chance of him or anyone else getting hurt.

“I’d give it time” but he had ten years already. Maybe he didn’t know how to cope, he needed to learn a way to bear the pain. Ten years is a long time to hold yourself back from a life without worry and guilt.

“Sorry I’m late, my Mom forgot to wake me up” Laine burst through the door, looking completely fresh for just waking up as young sixteen year old girl. You were thankful for the distraction, the turn of the conversation.

“Come here kiddo, I’ll do your hair”

It wasn’t long until you were all lined outside the church. Ann’s guests, the pastor, and Todd all behind that door. The boys had obviously shared some whiskey in celebration because your husband smelled just like it. You liked how alcohol could mellow him out. His eyes were glassy from the burn of alcohol and he looked handsome as ever in his tux. You missed him, you hated giving him the cold shoulder, so even if you hadn’t entirely forgiven him you walked to his side anyway, arm interlocking with his own. Slowly you tipped up on your toes and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. He gave you a look of surprise and adoration, clearly having missed you himself. He wasn’t entirely sure where the sudden affection was coming from and you felt guilt rush through you as he clearly tried to figure out the best way to approach you.

“I’m still upset but I also love you more than life itself. Not many people get to walk down the aisle twice” you told him, head falling to lay on his shoulder. Even though he hated not talking to you it also gave him time to think, to go over a lot of stuff in his head that he hadn’t before.

“Yeah, but we do” he grinned and as if he cued it himself the church doors opened and the wedding planner started to count each couple off, urging you all out of the door where the guests had turned to look.

You held onto Charlie like it was your wedding day all over again, pouring out love for him as best you could while still holding your ground in your argument. You needed something to change, something to feel good about while you waited to have the family you always dreamed of having. Yet your thoughts were cut short as Charlie’s grip on your arm tightened and you looked up to see a large picture of Neil had been placed on the alter, right behind Todd in line with the groomsmen of boys.

“He’s so handsome” you whisper and Charlie felt a soft smile cover his face as he processed what Todd had done. He had made it possible for Neil to be in his wedding and it had worked because it felt like he really was there. It had felt like that all week and maybe that was why Charlie had struggled so much.

“Figures, Neil always showed up looking better than me” Charlie whispered back and you were suppressing your giggles as you got to the front where you’d have to part and move to your correct sides of the alter.

“Girls always like guys who put little effort into their looks better anyways” and Charlie was gasping at you and you gave him an evil grin and moved to stand beside the girls who had made their way down the aisle before you.

You didn’t have much time to laugh at your evilness because Ann was coming down the aisle prettier than ever. You loved weddings and now you could stand here and try to hold back tears as Todd cried while saying his vows. Behind him was his brother and all the Dead Poets including Neil. The idea of Neil getting to stand with all of them as their friend got married made your heart soar. Especially since you had made Charlie feel more happy than sad that a picture of Neil was beside them instead of the real thing. Then pretty soon Todd was kissing his wife and you were all heading to the reception hall, still soaring over happiness and family that filled the room. You felt the same when you got to the reception to find there had been a chair reserved for Neil again.

“Todd, this came for you. It’s marked urgent” Rachel said as she rushed over to the wedding party table. Todd furrowed his eyebrows as she slipped the envelope in his hand.

“It’s from Keating” he muttered after inspecting it, a wide smile creeping across his face. The rest of the Dead Poets shared shocked and excited looks as they glanced at him.

“Open it!” Charlie urged, eager to know the contents inside. Todd carefully opened the envelope. Slipping the letter out and trying to hold back his glee.

“What are you waiting for? Read it!” Knox quipped and the boys agreed, them practically buzzing in their seats knowing Todd held the first words they’ve gotten from Keating in ten years. Quickly he cleared his throat before reading.

“Dear Todd, I am sorry I could not be in attendance of the big day. It would’ve been exhilarating to see the mousy boy who couldn’t even read a poem in my class recite vows in front of hundreds of people. In all honesty I don’t have to be in an attendance to know what will happen. I’m sure the man you’ve grown to be recited his vows loud and clear to convey the love you hold for the undoubtably wonderful girl you’re marrying. For Todd you have always been quiet but inside you’ve always held an outpouring amount of love for the people around you. If there is anything I’m most sorry about is not fighting hard enough for you boys all those years ago. I know not to worry too much, all of you too strong and hard headed for your own good. Especially Charles. Me and my wife have sent along a gift I hope you will use for years to come but I’ve also included a letter for Charlie. I know it’s your wedding day but until now I’ve had no way of knowing how to reach the boy. This letter has come ten years too late and for that I hope he can forgive me. I went into the woods because I wanted to live deliberately and during that I’ve found all of you. My best wishes Todd, love the Captain”

All heads turned to Charlie as Todd slid the letter to reveal another behind it. Charlie was unmoving, not saying a word as Todd shakily handed it to him because he knew that hand writing. The soft and low swung loops of Charlie’s name inked across the front. Charlie knew too and no one said a word as he slid the chair away from the table and rushed out of the reception hall. He needed to be alone. They all knew it and you did too. So you let him go so he could have a moment alone with the words of his lost friend. Once safe at a bench far enough away he couldn’t hear the music coming from the hall, he unfolded the letter with shaky hands.

Charlie,

I’m sure you’re angry with me. In fact I know you are. What you need to know though is this was my only choice. The only way I could be free. Please know I would never willingly leave you behind like that. You’re my best friend, my first friend. The greatest and most confident guy I know. I always wanted to be you. To face the world head on like you did. That’s why I know you’re going to be okay. I don’t have to be sad about not seeing the rest of your life because I know what’ll happen. You’ll graduate and go to some big fancy school. You won’t be nervous because not even the school will be big enough for you. Then you’ll meet a girl, a nice one, not some ditz you tricked into going out with you. In fact in my version of things she’s going to be the one to seek you out because a real women doesn’t need to be wooed by the charms of Charles Dalton to see him for who he is. Then you’re going to love that girl for the rest of your life because if my friend Charlie is anything at all he is loyal. Loyal to me, to the Dead Poets, and to the people that care for him.

You don’t need me for all of this, I’ll be there watching anyway. I’ll be there for your wedding and the birth of your kids which I know will be named after me because let’s face it, you love me too much. Then I’ll be there to watch them grow up and help them through the same hardships we faced growing up. I’ll do that for all the Dead Poets kids because we now know what it feels like to suck all the marrow out of life and not be sad when it’s our time to leave it. I’m not sad, I got to do what I loved tonight. Now I’ll get to do what I love the rest of my life while watching the people I love do it too. Tell the boys I love them, that I’ll miss them. I’m sure they know it, especially Todd. Todd is going to be okay too, I know it. The only person I couldn’t bear not saying goodbye to is you. You were the first person in my life that made me feel loved the way I was and as my life ends I know it to still be true. My dear friend Charlie, the one who always knew my worth. You’re perfect the way you are and I can’t wait to see you do everything I know you can accomplish in this lifetime and the next. After all only Nuwanda can face the challenges life holds and still make something of himself.

Always with you, Neil

A large sob broke past Charlie lips as he gripped the paper in his hand. He clutched it to his chest as he cried harder than he ever did over Neil’s death. In fact he wasn’t sure he ever got to cry for him. When he got the call he didn’t have time to cry because he had the job of informing everyone else. Then he was expelled and his parents were too mad to offer a shoulder for him to grieve on. He had never cried for the loss of his best friend and now here in his hands was a letter frozen in time from ten years ago. Somehow Keating had it and all this time Charlie had no idea he had been trying to reach him. So he cried harder than he had in his whole life, face red, and snot coming out of his nose.

“Oh Charlie” and then Knox was wrapped around his friend, Charlie gripping onto him instead of letter. The other boys stood there, tears in their eyes as Charlie held onto Knox as if he would somehow leave him too.

“It’s okay Charlie” Todd said with a sniffle, delicately removing the letter from his hand that was crushed against Knox’s back. He knew it was something he had to keep. It wasn’t the kind of thing you just lost track off.

“He told me goodbye Todd. He told me goodbye and I was stupid enough to get myself expelled and never know he did” Charlie sobbed against Knox and Todd sat on the other side of him, trying not to cry at the sight of Knox quietly crying in his shoulder.

“Maybe it happened for a reason. At least you have it now and maybe it’ll give you the closure you need” He told him and Charlie slowly started to calm down.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be over the fact he’s gone” Charlie told him and Knox slowly pulled back, keeping one arm around his friends shoulders.

“None of us are” Knox told him, free wrist wiping at the tears in his eyes.

“Yeah Charlie, Neil is not the kind of friend you just get over” Meeks told him as he moved around the bench to face him.

“Neil was the best of us, you don’t just get over that” Pitts said joining his red headed friend and Charlie let out a breath, finally calmed down from his minor moment. A moment that came ten years too late.

“We miss him together, that’s how this works” Todd reminded him and Charlie sighed, getting his breathing back to normal.

“I need to see my wife” he finally said and the group nodded as he stood and began to round the bench. Yet he stopped in his tracks fairly quickly because there you stood in your mint green bridesmaids dress, shawl drawn tightly around your arms to keep away the autumn chill. The tears in your eyes were a strong indication that you had found him just as the boys had in an absolute wreck.

“We don’t have to move here Charlie, it’s okay” and then you were turning around and walking back towards the reception. He had his friends to comfort him, after all you didn’t know Neil like they did. Ann’s wedding deserved to be one filled with happy memories and after seeing how badly Charlie broke down over that letter you no longer wanted to fight for this place. You’d just make do because you loved your husband more than anything else. If Vermont reminded him of things that would make him react like that then you didn’t want to live here either.

“Is everything okay?” Chris curiously asked you as you returned to your seat and you nodded, reaching for the champagne in front of you.

“Yeah, it’s all good”

It wasn’t long until the boys had returned. Their previous teary frowns replaced with wide and laughing smiles. After that the wedding picked right up again. The champagne had allowed you to mellow out and enjoy the festivities. You laughed at the correct place in each of the speeches and cried as Ann and Todd took their first dance as a married couple. The wedding was perfect and based on the smiles on both their faces you knew the marriage would be a success too. As the rest of the weddings guests joined the couple on the dance floor you could only laugh from your empty seat at the table as you watched Pitts attempt a swing dance with Meeks.

“Don’t let them fool you, this isn’t the first time they’ve danced together” Charlie’s voice made you freeze as he slipped in Chris’ empty seat beside you.

“That doesn’t surprise me” you said trying your best not to tear your eyes away from them and look at Charlie.

“I’m sorry” he finally said after a beat and you sighed, your head dropping between your shoulders.

“No, I am. I shouldn’t have pushed” you said, the tears starting to prick at your eyes again.

“No Y/N, you should have. I needed a push” his hand was squeezing your own and you lifted your head, a look of confusion flooding your face as you looked at him.

“But Charlie, I saw you out there” but he was shaking his head and cutting you off.

“That letter took me back to that night, the emotions seventeen year old me should have felt when I got that call. You were right though, that I was letting it hold me back and after the closure this letter has given me I know that now” and the hand that wasn’t holding your own was passing the letter over to you. You gave him an unsure look but he urged you anyway until you were reading the letter for yourself.

“Wow, he- he really knew you” you said, tears for both him and Neil now rimming your eyes.

“He predicted you. Our love, and if it’s any indication I think it means he was there the day we met. He sent you to me, an angel on earth” Charlie told you, heart still thrumming over the fact Neil had somehow conjured you up three years before he ever even knew you.

“That’s possible, I wasn’t normally the kind of girl to approach strangers on public transportation” and Charlie was laughing, lifting your hand to press a kiss to it.

“I’m glad I was the lucky one then” he told you and a smile finally broke across your face and you leaned closer to your husband. This was the closest you had felt to him since the drive up here. You hated feeling so distant.

“I’ll always choose you Charlie, over everyone” you grinned at him and he smiled as he leaned the rest of the way to press a small kiss to your lips.

“Well that’s good because I bought a house” and your eyes grew wide as he nonchalantly drank from the whisky glass in front of him.

“You what?!” you exclaimed and he chuckled lightly as he set the glass down and turned back to you.

“Todd’s Uncle is a real estate agent. He told me over at the open bar that a town house three down from Knox and Chris had been put on the market. Great condition, two stories, four bedrooms, and three and half baths. I made an offer” you were gaping like a fish, trying to process how all of this could happened in the last hour and half since he had received that letter.

“So we, when? How?” you we’re questioning and Charlie was smiling as he drew you close to him.

“Look that letter made me realize a lot of things. One being that I want to stay close to my friends for as long as I get to have them around, two was realizing I never recovered or learned how to cope with Neil’s death, and three was that my behavior all this time had been hurting you as a result” and you were shaking your head, trying to tell him it was okay but he held his hand up to stop you.

“So I’m buying a house close to my friends, I’m going to see a therapist even if I think it’s a scam the entire time, and I’m going to give you the life we always wanted to have together” and then you were kissing him as hard as you could, hugging him close because the man in front of you was the one you loved more than anything. A perfect mixture of who he was and who he turned out to be. Your Charlie.

“I love you Charles, forever and ever” you told him, arms wound tightly around his neck and he grinned right back, pushing some hair out of your face.

“I love you too Mrs Dalton, forever and ever” he told you right back and you smiled as you pulled away and grabbed your own glass.

“Well now that we have this all cleared up did I tell you I ran into Richard Cameron” and whiskey was spluttering out of Charlie’s mouth as you deviously giggled, knowing you’d receive that reaction.

“You ran into who?” he asked, using Chris’ napkin to wipe his chin and the small mess he had made.

“He gave me a ride home when he saw me walking in the cold after the rehearsal. I have to say he is not at all like you had described. He actually seemed a little morose about the whole thing” and Charlie felt all five stages of grief rush through him as he thought of that fink. He had always hated Cameron and yet he felt the smallest part of him curious as to what his old pal had turned out like.

“Keating would be proud of me” Charlie said after a moment, having processed your words.

“Why’s that?” you asked and he smiled back at you, remembering the good times for once.

“Because I married a girl who uses the word morose instead of very sad” and even if you didn’t know what it entirely meant you were grinning anyways, pecking his lips.

“Well you also married a girl who likes to find trouble, want to help me bust Meeks and Maggie in the storage closet?” and Charlie was gaping at you now, shocked and surprised at the behavior of the woman he married.

“How?” he simply asked and you just chuckled, finishing of your champagne.

“I spotted them leaving the dance floor hand and hand about twenty minutes ago. That means right about now would be a good time to catch them before we see too much” and Charlie was matching your devious grin as he grabbed your hands and lifted you from the chair.

“Lead the way my beautiful wife” and you smiled widely as the two of you rushed off to cause trouble and make Todd’s wedding more than memorable.

“I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life causing trouble with you” you told him as you reached the storage closet door and Charlie smiled wide.

“That’s a good thing, because trouble is what I do best” he said and you both were gripping the door handle, devious eyes sparkling into each others as you swung the door open wide just to be met with the screams of both Maggie and Meeks. They both stood in their undergarments, lips red and swollen as they made out in the closet. You almost toppled over at the sight of Meeks boxers, white with red hearts.

“What the hell Charlie!” Meeks was yelling as Maggie tried to cover herself and you giggled into your hand.

“Careful Maggie, he barely knows how to use that thing!” Charlie teased before slamming the door back shut and you both laughed before joining hands and rushing off down the hall.

“I’ll kill you Charlie” Meeks yelled as he peaked his head back out the door but neither of you cared as you laughed and joined the wedding that had no clue what you were up too.

“I have the best wife” Charlie said as you both rushed to the center of the dance floor, safe from the wrath of Meeks. You wrapped your arms around his neck, falling into step with him as you joined the dance.

“And I have the best husband” you told him softly before you both laughed again, the image of Meeks in heart covered boxers undoubtedly to be funny forever.

“What did you two do?” Todd accused, him and Ann now dancing beside you. You snorted out a laugh again at the memory.

“You wouldn’t believe us” Charlie said and you were hiding your face in his chest as the laughter bellowed through you.

“As long as my cake doesn’t explode on us I really don’t care” he was saying and Charlie laughed, happiness filling the room.

“Hey Todd, what did Keating give you as a gift?” Knox asked as him and Chris danced over to join all of you.

“A desk set” and the soft smile on Todd’s face conveyed it meant so much more than just a simple desk set.

“That’s Keating for you” Knox nodded and the group fell in a comfortable silence, slowly dancing to the music that surrounded them.

“Y/N bumped into Cameron” and shocked yells came from each poet around you to which you just laughed.

“In my defense I didn’t know it was him right away” but they still questioned you, clearly shocked and surprised by the random encounter that had happened.

“Man, I can’t believe he’s still around” Todd said with the shake of his head and Knox just shrugged.

“I bump into him a lot, kind of comes with the territory” he explained and Charlie snorted.

“I’d love to see the two of you duke it out in a court of law” and Knox was just rolling his eyes at his hyperactive best friend. Only Charlie could conjure up an image of an actual fight between the two.

“That’s not really how it works” he was muttering and Charlie just grinned because he liked to get under his friends skin.

“Hey guys, have you seen Meeks?” Pitts was asking as he approached the three couples and the laughs that came from both you and Charlie indicated you knew exactly where he was.

“Not sure Pittsie, but when you see him ask him if I can borrow his boxers sometime” Charlie said and Pitts furrowed his eyebrows in confusion but stalked off nonetheless to find his friend.

“You’re bad” you told him, smiling wide because tonight had turned out so much better than you could’ve ever imagined. Tonight in fact was the best night you had ever had.

“Yeah but good thing for me that you all love it” he was telling you and you nodded, head coming to rest on his chest.

“That’s true, and I wouldn’t change a thing”

Taglist: @octaviasdread @miaandthediamonds @cherrybabyssssss @inky-sun

I’ve added people I figured would enjoy, if anyone wants to be added or removed let me know <3

[autisticlenaluthor]

Supercorptober - Kara

TW: Grief

There’s a plastic pillow Kara sleeps with every night. It’s blue and crunches when laid against, with a thin white case that falls off whenever jostled. It’s so flat— flat like a pancake or another sheet. At least, that’s how Eliza tries to justify it when Kara catches her trying to throw it out while cleaning her room. 

Kara takes the thing back with a speed she didn’t know she possessed and returns it to her bed, making sure it’s known that she is keeping her pillow for as long as she lives. She needs it the way she needs air, and that explanation is bursting to escape. It’s the last thing she has, her last real connection. But there’s no way to say that, no way to ever give its meaning justice when Kara knows Eliza will never truly get it.

Because she was in the waiting room when Kara went with Casey and the EMTs who took a sleeping Lena, still in her bed, up to the helipad on the roof. She didn’t see the helicopter (the life flight, as the hospital called it) and all the medics standing around it, waiting for Lena’s arrival. No, Kara was the one who felt the frigid wind rushing through her hair, prickling at her face from such a height, it made her nauseous just to stand. 

She was the one who felt the chilling loneliness. That indescribable twinge in her chest as she watched them move, counting down seconds in her head until Lena was taken from her. Kara had stood, on an island by herself, surrounded by people, as she watched her best friend be slowly and strategically transferred from her bed to a stretcher, where she was strapped down at the legs, stomach, and chest. She’d been holding her breath when they made the switch, and has been clinging to it ever since. 

When Lena was finally moved, Kara was the one who was handed the plastic pillow she had been lying on for three weeks straight when Casey carefully swapped it out for a clean one. Kara took it and hugged it close to her chest, while Casey adjusted the blankets and stroked Lena’s cheek with her palm. 

Six months later, and Kara’s still hugging that pillow every chance she gets. 

She doesn’t have Lena anymore. She doesn’t know if anyone does.

But she has the thing that kept her best friend comfortable. And on the days when the world seems especially quiet, it makes it that much easier for Kara to keep looking for her.

She sees her in twilight skies, when the air is filled with stars and the orange sunrise after another sleepless night. In the bracelet that hangs from Kara’s wrist, made of string now tinted brown from dirt and wear, so unlike the vibrant green and orange thing it was three years ago. It makes Kara cry at first when she sees a picture of how it used to look; so pretty and put together. But like so many other things, she learns to be okay with it. Because to be loved is to be changed and nothing has changed her more than Lena. 

Lena’s nowhere. But she’s everywhere. 

And suddenly, Kara is eleven years old again, thinking about the girl who bought her vending machine candy and made friendship bracelets with her to distract her from the fact that her parents were dying. She’s looking for Lena in every stranger on the street and every shadow she passes. Wondering if one day, she’ll get lucky and sprain her ankle or break a finger and see her in an Urgent Care waiting room.

She looks for signs the way she does with her parents.

When two bluejays land on Kara’s windowsill on the first day of spring, she knows undoubtedly it’s her mom and dad coming to say hello. And when she spots a double rainbow while walking home from school with Alex in a thunderstorm, she can feel it’s the two of them looking out and making sure they get home safely. 

But with Lena, they’re a double-edged sword. It stings when she’s reminded of just how much she doesn’t know and it stings when she’s hit with the reality that maybe Lena really is gone and maybe these moments aren’t just the universe letting her know she’s alright.

It hurts in ways she’ll never be able to explain to lose both parents in an instant. But for all that pain, at least Kara will never have to wonder again if it’s real. She’ll never fear for the day she’ll be told they were out there all this time but now, they’re dead. 

Kara thinks back to that evening on the helipad more often than she’ll admit. When she’s alone in her room, hugging Lena’s pillow close (the last thing she touched. The last thing of hers) it becomes increasingly harder to filter out those thoughts. 

It was never an emergency. They were transferring her to another hospital– one in Metropolis that the Luthors had bought for her. It was a newer facility with doctors who had bigger names and researchers who in seconds, could put the ones in Gotham to shame. 

Casey had said it was better this way. It meant they’d get to say ‘see you later’ (not goodbye, never goodbye) – a luxury not every loved one gets. And perhaps this hospital was an act of love from the Luthors. They were putting Lena’s needs before theirs, and that had to stand for something. 

Kara doesn’t know.  She doesn’t know anything, except that Lena’s a hundred miles away, or in another world, and still, she consumes her.

She’s the reason Kara checks out medical textbooks from the library that she studies instead of her homework. She’s why Kara gets on her knees before bed and for the first time in years, prays to a God she isn’t sure she believes in anymore (because what kind of God could allow one person to lose their world so many times?). She asks for Lena to still be alive because she deserves a chance to get away from all the hatred in her life and to finally live for herself. She asks for her to be healthy and in remission, with the beautiful, thick hair, she’s spent the past three years missing. 

And even though it feels selfish– her problems pale in comparison to cancer, Kara asks for a sign. A real one to show Lena is still out there. 

In the weeks that follow, she feels ridiculous for hoping. It’s like throwing a penny into a fountain and asking for a thousand dollars– those things never come true.

Until one day, she stops at the library after school instead of going home. The librarian stops her before she can find the non-fiction section and asks Kara to come to the front desk. 

Kara does as she’s told, wrapping her fingers around her backpack straps as she waits to be told she’s finally been caught on overdue books or she’s being kicked out for coming in without an adult. But there’s nothing. No scolding. No reprimanding. 

“You’re always reading those medical books,” the librarian says instead. “So I set one of these aside for you. I thought you might find it interesting. Came in yesterday.” 

She pulls out a magazine and hands it across the table to Kara. It’s thick like a book with glossy paper– the kind of thing they keep in doctors’ offices and hospital waiting rooms. And when she sees the cover, Kara nearly faints. 

It’s Lena. Fourteen-year-old alive Lena. Lena, who has short, dark curly hair. Lena, who is free of her NG tube and central line, who wears makeup– real makeup, and freckles on her cheeks from finally going outside. 

Lena Luthor - the Medical Marvel of the Oncology World, the cover reads. The most incredible nine words Kara has ever seen.

She can’t help the way she beams down at the photo. Her heart pounds so hard it feels like it could beat right out of her chest, but Kara doesn’t care. Lena is alive and she’s okay. 

For the first time in seven months, Kara feels like she can breathe again. 

[androgynousblackbox]

How I Met Your Father. 17 [Appleradio, Radioapple]

How Hell Met Me

"Stuck up arrogant king?" asked Lucifer, tying up his bowtie for him.

After they had finished their plates, Lucifer had come back quickly to the palace in order to get his old clothing. As for the rest of his colors, a sigil on his wrist would do the trick. When pressed once it would keep the ilusion of him being just the same Alastor that everyone knew and pressed two times to undue the spell. It was going to feed off his own magic, just like his shadows, so it wasn't recommended to use it permanently, but with his new powers he should be able to keep it untouched for at least a few weeks.

Alastor didn't really need any help with the bowtie. He had tied it himself countless times before. However, when Lucifer started helping him out to dress, he didn't protest at all. Even through the fabric the touch of Lucifer was warmer than anything on Heaven. It felt like cleansing as he set up every piece of clothing, as if finally he could feel like himself.

"Sketchy as fuck?" asked in return, arching an eyebrow.

Lucifer had tied and untied the black piece on his hand at least three times, getting distracted by other details he wanted to perfect before trying again. He didn't want to lose the contact either.

"At least I said you were good lookin" defended himself with a pout. "You could have say something like oh, he is so beautiful I can barely concentrate around him, that is so annoying of him, or something."

Alastor snorted softly and bended a little to reach his ear.

"But if I said that, it wouldn't be acting anymore, would it?" whispered and when the expected blush came, he took his chance licking the cheek to his heart's contempt. Sensing the flow of the delicious blood right under the skin that now, after so many years, he could bite into if he wanted to.

"Ejem" called Charlie.

Alastor turned to her as Lucifer cleared his throat, finally resolving to finishing the bowtie. Charie looked to a side, a faint blush of her own, as she hold up her phone. Just because she liked seeing both of her parents alive and well, didn't mean she had to like them acting like that with her in the same space.

Lucifer was appropriately embarrassed to suddenly be reminded they weren't the only two people in hell. Alastor hadn't forgotten, but couldn't bother to pretend he cared too much.

"Um, I called Vaggie already to set up a meeting on the lobby. Everyone is waiting. Are you ready, dad?"

Alastor touched the sigil once and conjured his cane mid air to stomp with it the ground.

"How do I look?" asked to Lucifer, posing a little with his hand over the front of his red shirt.

Lucifer smiled and pulled out his wing to reach his lips, holding his cheek briefly to leave a soft and earnest kiss.

"Perfect" said, coming down and snapping his fingers. His comfy shirt and pants instantly changing into his usual outfit, minus the jacket and his hat. Alastor made a mental note to ask him how to do that for himself, it would certainly save him some time. Lucifer rubbed his hand together and brush them over his hair, some sparks of gold magic blinking between the strands for a second before they dissapear, finishing the look. He didn't asked how he looked, but if he did, Alastor would have to say he was dazzling as always. "We are ready, duckling."

Charlie nodded, going to the door for them as they followed behind. On the hallway, Charlie grabbed the sleeve of Alastor as if to make sure he wouldn't get lost on his way to the elevator. So painfully similar as to when she was a little kid dragging him to play with her that Alastor wouldn't dream of breaking her ilusion. Once inside, she wrapped her arms around the middle of Alastor without offering any reason or excuse. Alastor didn't ask for it either, petting her head pleasantly until the floor stopped moving and the door opened up on their own.

"I love you, dad" said against his side. Alastor hummed and kissed her crown, which made Charlie to giggle gently. "Come on."

When they came out, Alastor felt the hand of Lucifer on his waist, walking close to him. The hand laid there comfortably, almost possesive. Alastor pretended he didn't notice or cared, but it was comforting to have that warmth on that point. When they reached a glass door, Charlie pulled out her head through it making a gesture for them to wait a moment.

"Hey, everyone!" said Charlie. "I have kind of a big surprise to announce. I don't really know how else to prepare any of you for this so, here we go!" she sighed, opening the door fully and taking the sleeve of Alastor to pull him with her. "Look who came back from the death!"

"Alive and better than ever!" added Lucifer, making pop up confetti and sparkles out of his hand in front of Alastor, whose only reaction was a blank stare. "Isn't that great?"

This was the family he gave up Heave for. This is what he would have to get used to again.

"Holy shit" said Angel, as Pentious stand up from the couch and Husk recoiled in the couch.

Cherri, sat down in the floor near Angel, had her mouth left open. She too had seen the dead body and assisted to the funeral in Cannibal Town to pay her respect, not to mention pass in front of the memorial portrait on the entrance every day. The only one who didn't looked as shocked was Vaggie, but she was still surprised to actually see him there with her own eye.

"Well…" started Alastor when suddenly his whole head was covered by a tight grip, the smell of desinfectant being an obvious give away of what happened. He had no idea from where she came from. "Hello, Niffty. It's nice to see you again too."

"Scary pretty boy is pretty and scary, but not the same" said Niffty, her voice muffled as coming from between his hair that she was nuzzling. "There is no music when you are not here, so is very silent all the time and I didn't like it."

"I see" sighed Alastor, who couldn't actually see because of her puffy skirt. "I am sorry to hear that, dear."

"I don't want you to go away again, sir."

Alastor palped near where the voice came from, where he assumed was her head, and patted her reassuringly.

"I am not going anywhere, dear. You can count on that."

Niffty made a little groan and finally moved, grabbing to the front of his jacket to look at him. Her big eye still looked sad.

"Really?"

Alastor nodded, smiling bigger. If he didn't already had Charlie, Niffty would have been the closest to a daughter he could have. She certainly had the familiar bloodlust down already.

"I give you my word. Cross my heart and hope to die" said cheekily and Niffy giggle a little. He took her easily on her hands, putting her gently on the ground again"I suppose everyone has a lot of questions. I am willing to answer all to the best of my capacity."

"I have one" said Husk, glaring at him with his teeth barren. The hair of his shoulders and back were standing straight. "What the actual fuck are you doing here? We all saw your dead body and now you strot here like nothing happen. Was that some kind of sick fucking trick you pulled on all of us?"

"Uncle, please" said Charlie, standing in front of Alastor. When seeing her, Husk's expression did soften a bit, but his ears were still pulled back and his tail was swipping the floor from side to side, as if ready for a fight. "Dad had nothing to do with what happened to him. He didn't intend any of that to happen. It was only last night that he was able to come back home."

"Back from where?" asked Angel before Husk had the opportunity to do it. "Back from double hell?"

"Oh, I would say that, indeed. They probably have a different opinion than me, though" said Alastor, vanishing in shadows and materializing back to be in front of everyone. He put his hand on his back as a teacher delivering the right answer to a question that all of them were set to fail, enjoying the effect of anticipation before he spoke. Husk hissed, taking a step back. "They called it heaven instead. I was the first success of our dear manager Charlie and I got out as soon at the first chance I got."

"Bullshit" immediately said Husk. "You, in heaven? Now that is some sick joke if I ever heard one."

Alastor was about to pull out his wings again, let that be proof enough, when Lucifer jumped out first.

"No, it's true" said, going to stand close to Alastor. "He summoned me from Heaven so I could take him out of there and bring him back. I would never confuse that place for anything else."

"Wait, for real?" asked Cherri. "That means you have wings and stuff now?"

"Only wings" pointed out Alastor, tenshing his jaw. "I am not showing them off, so you will have to take the word of Lucifer or Charlie for their existance."

"Why?" continued Pentious, after Charlie confirmed with a firm nod.

Alastor stared at them, narrowing his eyes.

"Is that really the most pressing question right now? Did any of you heard? Redemption as Charlie proposed is possible."

"Okay, but how?" said Angel, shaking his head. "No offense, Smiley, glad you are back and all, but you aren't exactly the poster boy of good behavior so this is only the more confusing for us."

"Nobody told me either why I was there" recognized Alastor with a shrug. "Apparently dying to protect others counted, even if you only intended to take a break to come back and keep killing" He sighed, squeezing his brow between his finger. "I am afraid that any question about how or why Heaven operates the way they do are out of my knowledge. I was just told to be part of Heaven without any reason for it."

"And then you jusst… came back?" asked Pentious, as if the idea didn't made any sense. In a way Alastor could understand. He was one of the very few souls who was hoping to get that opportunity himself. "You… you had the chance to go to Heaven and went back to hell" He thought about it for a moment longer. "No, actually, sscratch that. I believe that coming from you. I can't picture the radio demon just liking Heaven."

At least he knew that.

"How was it like?" Cherri hugged her legs, attentive.

"Awful. Disgusting. Vile. Repulsive. Painfully boring, just to name a few characteristics" Alastor sneared. "For me at least, who had no choice. If you actually want to go there, you are probably going to be fine."

"So that is it then?" asked Angel, looking now between Charlie and Alastor. "Just do whatever the hell you want, die for someone else and that is your ticket? The fuck kind of bullshit is that? Why bother doing anything then?"

"Th-that was just the case for dad" added Charlie, correctly assuming that Angel was starting to get upset at the prospect that he had kept clean for nothing. That all of their hard work didn't really had an effect on whether they ended up in Heaven or not. "We don't really know. Heaven doesn't know either what does make someone end up there."

"That is real comforting, Sweet Cheeks" said Angel, sinking himself in the sofa with two arms crossed. "We are basically back on square one then."

"I disagree" Alastor reclined his weight on his staff. "All this time I thought you were a bunch of hopeless souls that are never going to seek any chance in your lives. Well meaning and full with good intentions, but what is the road to hell paved with again? I never believed any of this could actually change anything in hell" added, making a gesture for all of the hotel, before turning to Charlie. "I was only here because you were here, little fawn, no other reason. But now that I know for an unquestionable fact that it can be done? Well, my fellow sinners, then there might be hope after all. And what is hope if not the last thing to lose?"

Everyone stared at him in silence, trying to process the radio demon of all people in hell being the one talking about hope. The word itself sounded foreign in his mouth. Alastor was aware of how ill fitted that kinda of speech was for him. He was expecting if anything that would make it more impactful, but it seemed to have gained the opposite effect.

"Are we ssure thiss iss the ssame Alasstor?"

"Very well. How about this?" said Alastor instead, sharpening his smile like a butcher his best knife. "If any of you gives up on the efforts of my daughter, I will slaughter you all myself to see if you reach Heaven. We can always experiment and see what happens. Is that better?"

A weird sense of relief washed the room, before they all started voicing their agreement to keep trying anyway. Everyone with the exception of Husk, who was walking away towards another set of doors, away from his bar. Charlie didn't look particularly happy with this development, but couldn't argue with the results either.

As more questions piled on and Charlie was trying to answer with what she knew, Alastor looked over at Lucifer and made a gesture for Husk, just as the winged cat was already getting out. Lucifer nodded, although his face said clearly he didn't like losing sight of him. Alastor took his hand to leave a piece of his shadows inside his palm, before dematerializing right there to go after Husk. That at least would let Lucifer know that he haven't died again.

His new surge of energy made it so much easier to hear the steps of his target walking to the backyard and he made sure to appear in front, at a good distance to not ennerve him.

It didn't do much of a difference.

"Fuck!" yelled Husk, jumping back. He took a hand to his heart as his chest kept moving quickly. "What the fuck? I can't take a fucking walk outside now that you are back? The deal is done. You have no power over me and I don't you owe shit."

"I am aware" said Alastor, as calm as ever.

Husk looked at him up and down, trying to predict what he was going to do now. The lack of any tentacles or other shadows under his feet did not calmed him down. He lifted his arms, just in case.

"You can threaten all you like. I am not giving up my soul ever again."

"Understandable."

Husk hissed.

"Well? What are you waiting for then?"

Alastor looked up to the blood red sky, taking a deep breath. This wasn't any easier for him to say as it would be for Husk to hear it.

"I came here to thank you" let out, the words almost making him cringe at himself. Husk stared at him as if he had just spoken gibberish. Alastor kept going anyway, looking to the bowtie of the winged demon instead of his eyes. "Lucifer told me how things were while I was gone. You and the others were there for him and Charlie when I couldn't. Lucifer said that without your support the hotel wouldn't have come out like it did. You had no obligation to do any of that and yet you did." He did finally looked up and Husk flinched, not expecting the intensity of those eyes. "Because of that, I owe you. You can ask whatever you want of me and it's yours. It's the least I could do. I am not an ungrateful man."

Husk's shoulders finally relaxed, confusion now replacing fear as he continued to observe him, realizing a second too late that Alastor was talking without his filter. There was no way he haven't spend all those years under Alastor to not know what that meant.

"Man, fuck off" said, shaking his head. "I stuck around because I wanted to, not because of you. You can shove that favor up your ass if you want. I don't need shit from you."

"As you wish" Alastor shrugged, walking past Husk back to the hotel. Husk even then kept his distance, moving away from him. "The offer stands. I think it's fair for you to know that I can do a lot more than I could do before, Husk. That is the only one good thing the whole ordeal with Heaven has brough me."

Husk inhaled through his nose, a bitter snort.

"I don't care. I still can't believe they let you in."

"It doesn't have to be for you" added Alastor, already reaching the stairs back to the doors. "Just about anything you think is worth asking."

Alastor already was grabbing the handle when he heard Husk moving closer.

"Wait."

Alastor turned. Better to get this business done with. He hated having to be in debt with anyone.

"I am listening."

Ten minutes later, when Alastor came inside the hotel again, Lucifer pretended to be admiring a vase nearby.

"Oh, hey, Al!" greeted Lucifer, as if he had just realized he was coming and wasn't keeping track of him through the windows. "I was just seeing all these poor plants already. They need a little bit of new life into them, don't you think?"

As he said those words, he extended his hand over the demonic flowers with a golden glow, making them regain their red color and the shine over the eyes at the center.

"I can feel the proximity of my own shadow, you know" said Alastor, calling the dark energy back from the still closed fist of Lucifer. He came close to Lucifer and rubbed his shoulder. "See? Not dead. More than usual at least."

"I… I know" Lucifer swallowed and scratched his neck. "I just… sorry."

Alastor thought at least this time he hadn't called upon his collar. That would have been one awkward conversation to have outside. He considered that an improvement.

"If you are so eager to keep tabs on me, would you like to accompany me to do a small errand into the City?"

"You just came back and already have an errand?" asked Lucifer, turning to him. "Are you sure you don't want to just relax for today? You did went through a lot, babe."

"Oh, trust me, my dear, getting back into the swing of things in Hell is my idea of relaxation after Heaven" He looked over through the glass doors as Husk was sitting under a dead tree, probably licking his own arms to sooth any lingering doubt. It was hard to say since at the distance it was a blurry black spot with red. "Besides, the sooner I finish with this the better."

"If you say so" Lucifer also looked outside for a moment. "Did you managed to talk with Husk? Is he okay?"

Alastor arched an eyebrow.

"Careful, my love. I might start getting ideas if you are so concerned with another man's wellbeing."

"If that man is your daughter's uncle, you should be concerned too" Lucifer refused to take the bait for the distraction, rolling his eyes. So many years togehter didn't went in vain. "Just a yes or no question, Al."

"Then yes and maybe yes."

"What does that mean?"

"It all depends on how quickly can we finish" If it were for him, he would do it all by himself, but him still having to get a good grasp of his powers and Lucifer needing to be around him for the moment, it was inevitable. "I can explain on the way."

Vox was having a good day. Not all of his days were good, even after announcing the best news in decades about the death of a certain annoying deer demon. That high had lasted him for an entire month before the usual wearingess of everyday life came back with a vengeance. His work wasn't easy, but then again, it was a job that he loved to do. On his most stressful times at least he could comfort himself knowing that Alastor was gone for good, but on that day he hadn't even thought about that at all. Why would he need to when the ratings were good, his coffee came out exactly as he wanted it to and he had a bunch of new content ready to pull out for the rest of the day? Val had even been more calm than usual, keeping himself busy with a whole franchise that was due to come out next month.

All those good feelings flew out of the window as soon he opened up the doors to his studio. Alastor, or something that looked to be Alastor at least, was looking over the sizes of the platform where his chair was at.

"Why does this place need to be so big?"

Only then he realized that the aparition wasn't alone either. The tiny king that finally had come out to face the press instead of his daughter was at his side, hands behind his back as he contemplated down the platform. That didn't made any sense. Why would he be hallucinating about the king being there?

"How else is he going to contain all that ego, dear?"

That voice almost send him directly into another forceful blue screen. He didn't, but the hand that was gripping his perfect cup of coffee suddenly lost strenght and the mug shattered against the floor. Some portion of the hot coffe even splattered against his leg.

"Dear."

The king stared at him and pronounced one single word:

"Freeze."

Vox's entire body stayed still, one leg slightly up the air as he assessed the damage on his pants. His eyes concentrated on Alastor, wondering if maybe he was the one doing it somehow. Everything was stuck in place, like he had been drowned on gold and let it harden on top.

That, more than anything, told him that this was definitely not a dream.

He could still move his eyes, so he focused the camera inside his head to Alastor's face, searching the security footage. But there was no recognition from the entire system. It was like those two had just appeared in the middle of his studio out of thin air.

"Disconnect from external sources." continued the king, just as Alastor was taking a couple of steps to reach his chair and sit on there. Vox suddenly couldn't get anything out of the system. He couldn't call anyone or text. It was all message errors coming back, leaving him entirely to the reality of whatever was happening there. Alastor's smile was the same as always as he reclined, relax and comfortable. "Step closer."

His legs started moving on their own, his arms following with the same motions as if he was taking a normal stroll back to work. The king, without taking his eyes out of him, walked likewise at the side of the chair and tilted his head.

"Kneel."

His legs buckles up under him, making his knees to impact harshly on the floor. He gained control of his arms again, but now he was stuck in that place. He looked at the two intruders, his own eyes still focusing more in Alastor as he desperately tried to understand why did he looked fine. His drones had captured the moment in which Lucifer appeared through a portal with the dead body of Alastor, his neck sliced so nicely that the blood had tainted all of his front and back. He even screenshotted and put on his personal folder to see whenever he felt down about anything. That happened, he was sure and more of that was when this same king announced it to the rest of Hell. No illusion could be that convincing.

How, how, how. how.

"Your Majesty…" said, still trying and failing to lift his legs. Not even his feet would move. He was talking to the king, because that was the more immediate and concerning threat, but still keeping watch on Alastor. The Radio Demon tilted his head slightly, amused for his attempt at pretending he wasn't there. "What an honor to have you visiting us in the tower. To what, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Oh, don't mind me" said Lucifer, finally using his normal voice. "I just came for support. It's him you have to listen to."

Without another him in the room to adress, Vox directly finally his screen towards the one occupying his chair as if it always belonged to him.

"Hello, Vox" his voice practically purred. "I imagine it must be surprising to see me after all this time."

"Your stupid friends in Cannibal Town made a whole service for you" Vox pointed out, trying to see if it was an hologram projecting from somewhere, but he couldn't reach none of his other cameras around and the only one working was on his head. He pulled out footage of the funeral to see and definitely, the Cannibal Overlord Alastor was such good friends with was covered in a black veil to hide her distress. "If this is some sort of joke, it's a pretty fucked up one."

"No joke at all" Alastor reclined on the air, joining his hands together on his lap. "Unfortunately I had to pass through that whole ordeal to look for something better."

"What ordeal? Being dead again after losing a battle?" Vox said it hoping that Alastor was going to contradict him and explain himself, say that no, he was somewhere other place and everyone assumed his death.

But he should have known that Alastor wasn't going to do him that favor.

"Exactly" said Alastor as his antler grew bigger. His entire studio was enveloped in pure dark shadows, down to the floor he was against until it looked like they were all three of them floating in space. Even in the darkeness he could distinguish shapes and forms still moving, screams of tortured souls seeming to come from every corner all at once. Alastor stand up from the chair as a ring of green fire rised up around them. When he looked up again, the eyes of Alastor was two glowing green circles floating on the black hones that were his eye sockets. His voice was crackling like the fire, small fluctuation in the volume with each spark. "I might had a lost, but what I have gained in return I would say was more than worth it."

Vox's magic was never the most receptive one to other's people energy, and yet, he knew that this way beyond anything he had seen before. In all the years he had known about Alastor, he had never felt that icy sensation wrapping itself around his chest at the sudden realization of how out of his league he was. How vulnerable and defenseless he was from the moment he opened up the doors.

He looked over at Lucifer, but the king was just calmly looking back at him, not impressed or shocked by the display of horror, as if he was just waiting patiently for this to be over. Somehow that made it worse.

Alastor turned his head to the side, the cracking of his neck bringing back Vox's attention to him. After seeing the fear properly displayed on his face, Alastor slowly came back to a more normal forme. Red eyes almost twinkled with the fun of a kid burning ants with a magnifying glass.

"So you understand now! Excelent, that makes things a little bit easier" He casually turned and sat down again. The sounds of pain and sorrows were toned down, still ever present, as to not let him miss a single word of what Alastor said. "We can talk about what exactly you are going to tell your audience then. First, I will give you the privilege of announcing that I am back from the dead. I know, very generous of me. No need to thank me. You can even talk about this very meeting that we are having right now if you want. None of the details about how it happened or what I was doing during these five months are for you to care or know about. I would like to keep some sense of mystery at least. Are you following thus far?"

Vox realized he was trembling when he forced his head to nod. Alastor could have pulled a gun full of angelic bullets and it wouldn't have been half as terrifying. Something in the dark brushed against his hand and he pulled it closer.

"I want to hear you say it, Vox" said Alastor, his smile ever growing to the point his mouth wasn't moving as he spoke. "Say it."

Vox wheezed, as if he had forgotten to breath for a moment.

"I follow you" said. The ground under his legs seemed to be changing, pulsating. He thought that any moment now it was going to open up to some mouth and swallow him home. That would fit so perfectly with Alastor's style that it was almost funny. "You came back from the dead. With more power. Nobody will know why. You just did."

"Very good!" Alastor chuckled to himself, supporting his chin on his hand over the armrest. "Now to the second issue, the reason why I came back. You can add a little more flare to it if you want, but the short version of it is that I came to claim my new role in hell." At those words, even the king finally looked over at Alastor with a slight frown. Alastor winked an eye at him before he continued: "I am going to become the first ever King of Overlords here in hell. All other overlords are free to come and try me, and I will be ever so glad to take their souls once I devour theirs. I count with the full approval of the king of hell himself, isn't that right?"

"I mean" Lucifer said, shrugging. "Sure, why not."

Alastor almost rolled his eyes, as if he was expecting a more enthusiastic response than that, but didn't let that to water down his good humor.

"And as the new King of Overlords" he followed through, "I will overseas over the works of all others Overlord. That means that if any of them says a word I don't like, repeat a word I didn't approve or do anything at all that could bother me, they will be stripped off their power if I don't decide to kill them directly, whichever I think is more appropriate in each case. That very much includes you, Vox, so I hope you know to keep it professional whenever it come to report about me or the hotel I am working at."

"What?" Vox for the first time blinked out of his terrified state, looking confused. "Are you… are you serious? Are you still going to be working in that stupid idea? Why?"

At that, a tentacles wrapped itself around his chest, trapping his arms at his side. The pressure wasn't enough to start making his rib cage start to give, but it could, it very easily could. Normally at that point he would try to transfer his consciousness to any other device just in case, but didn't had that option there.

"What did we say about the details, Vox?"

The tentacles released him just enough to let him gather enough air to breath.

"They… they don't matter."

"No, you don't matter enough to know about them. There is a difference" Alastor smiled, amused. "You can also announce that the hotel Charlie Morningstar is managing is officially under the protection of the King of the Overlords. If anyone ever comes to damage any of those walls or touch a single hair from any of it's residents anywhere close to that property, they won't have enough time to feel any satisfaction from it before I had my own fun with their remains. Got all of that?"

"Y-yes."

"Very well" Alastor snapped his fingers and all the shadows dissapeared, along with the tentacles. The floor came back to be solid and the blue of all of his screen was almost as shiny as neon as they came. "You have been exceptionally receptive, Vox. I appreciate that. Who knew that all someone needed in order to get you to listen was to be more persuasive?"

Vox moved to stand up. It was useless, of course, because it wasn't the magic of Alastor retaining him there.

Alastor saw his attempt and hummed content with himself as he rose from the chair, conjuring his staff to shuffle it in front of him.

"You can make the announcement this afternoon. I have other things I want to put in order before then. How you feel about 5:00 pm exactly? Until then you can keep going with whatever mindless entertainment you were doing as usual."

Vox let his arms slump, knowing there was no other choice there. He had a segment scheduled for that timeslot, but what did it matter now?

"Fine."

Alastor nodded his head. He turned to the king and made a small gesture towards him. Lucifer looked over at Vox, his eyes turning to red for a brief moment as the words came out.

"You are free."

Suddenly the undefinable pressure was gone. Vox moved first his feet to test it out and them quickly stand up, almmost fumbling with his own feet before he could take a step back. His connections were still all down.

"Nice talk, my good man!" said Alastor, walking casually past him. The king followed, not even throwing him a second glance. Vox turned around, slowly making his way to his chair to control it manually and press the emergency button. He was under no ilusion that any of his defenses could do anything against the king of hell himself, but at least would alert everyone else on the tower that there was a intruder and maybe distract them enough.

"Ah! I was forgetting something else I wanted to show you" Alastor stopped in his tracks and walked a few steps to stand next to the king, taking his chin gently with one finger. Lucifer frowned a little at the gesture, but gave a small nod in response to a silent question.

Vox was still walking backwards when Alastor bended to kiss the king. He lose his footing and end up in the ground as Lucifer lifted a hand to hold the back of Alastor's neck. That alone could have been enough to make him sick, but the look that Alastor had for the king on the brief moment when they stopped kissing gave him the feral desire of eat his chair, one bite at a time. He had never seen him look at nothing or anyone like that.

Lucifer caressed the cheek of the radio demon and it was so disgustingly intimate that it was almost like he was the one introding there. That weird, unexpected moment, at least for him, lasted just a second before Lucifer returned his red eyes back at him.

"If you recorded any of that, delete it right now."

Vox already knew that resisting was not going to work, but he still lift up his hand to his head in horror as he could feel the footage he got going straight to the shredder. When he lifted up his vision again, Alastor was hugging onto the king of hell and keeping him closer to himself as his shadows consumed the both of them. Before they dissapeared, Alastor send him a tiny wink and that, that is what end up making him go blue screen, losing control of his body.

--

Valentino was having a stressful day. Five scenes had to be ready for editing for that day alone and it was like nobody was putting their backbone as much as they should have.

"Again, carajo! From the top to the bottom. On the two senses" ordered to the camera, so they knew who to follow more closely and also to redue the whole scene. The two actors on the school uniforms fixed themselves a little as the camera man prepared to make the signal.

When the door to his studio opened up, he turned around, ready to bark at whoever was interrupting that they could go fuck themselves. But the words dissolved into his mouth at the sight of who it was. Or who they pretended to be, because it was impossible to be the real deal. Vox made him watch the footage enough times to be convinced of that. The only thing new was the white snake around his neck, but otherwise he hardly could forget that tacky suit.

"Nice costume, guapo, but we aren't doing that kind of works today" said, regaining his composure. "If you can kidnly take your skinny ass out of here, I would like that."

The red demon laughed accompanied by radio sounds that made Valentino stare from his seat. He stand up slowly as Alastor strode inside the studio like he was on his own home.

"Oh, Valentino, has your sight gone even worse than it was since the last time I saw you? Don't you recognize an old friend when you have it in front of you?"

Valentino stand up, cigarrete in hand. If that fucker thought he could intimate him so easily, he had another thing coming.

"I see your personality still matches the outside" said with a smile, wondering why the fuck Vox wasn't doing anything about this. He had installed how many cameras around his studio and the towers, but this was the one time he wasn't paying attention? Around them, he could hear the rest of the crew whispering. "Alastor, how rude of me. How you been since crawling out of the grave? Was it nice? Was it comfy? Maybe you should get back to it."

"It was delightful. Certainly more than whatever disgusting trash you are doing here, of course!" Alastor laughed, smiling wider when Valentino huffed.

"You never could appreciate a damn thing that wasn't your own stupid ass" spat. "And people call me narcissist. At least I have fun while doing it."

"As much is always fun to exchange quips with you, Valentino, I didn't came for this. Would you mind leaving the studio for us alone?" said to the rest of the crew. Since none of them moved and Valentino didn't gave any indication they could listen to him, they just stayed on their place. "I wasn't asking."

Just about as he finished his phrase, a bunch of tentacles sprout of a bunch of shadows that invaded the studio. Each of them took someone and throw them out of the door that Alastor kept open. A couple of assistant tried to run, leaving the marks of their claws on the floor as they were being thrown out, knocking cameras, lights and props all over until they were the two only ones standing.

"¿Qué mierda has hecho?" Valentino looked around in horror at his set, his perfect good school set that had stayed with him during three very succesful movies and it's sequels. He sneared at Alastor casually closing the door behind him. "Do you have any fucking idea how much this is putting us behind schedule, cabrón."

"No hablo español" said Alastor with a big smile, "but if I did, I would tell you not to worry about any of that right now. Don't bother expecting for Vox" added, noticing the glance that Valentino threw to one of the cameras. "He is indisposed for the moment. Don't worry, he will be perfectly fine after another reset. You, on the other hand, I can't say the same thing about."

"I have nothing to talk to you" Valentino started walking towards one of his drawer, when one of the tentacles grabbed him by the waist and elevated him on the air. Just by touching that slimey dark texture he already knew something was different. A demon like him would never forget the tentacles that had touched him. "Well, well, someone got some extra juice on him. If you wanted to brag about what you can do now, you should have told me, Al. I would have gotten some girls very enthusiastic about this exact kind of things just for you. Or you prefer boys? Maybe both?"

The snake around Alastor's neck started hissing in his direction and Alastor chuckled, scratching under the chin of the animal.

"I didn't came for none of that" said, barely making a gesture with his hand to throw Valentino across the room. When the moth demon landed harshly on his side, another tentacles grabbed him by the ankled and hang him on the air. "I came for Angel Dust."

Valentino let out a laugh. Somewhere on his head was bleeding, making it drip into the floor. His heart shapped glasses were gone off his face, forcing him to squint to follow Alastor.

"Well, fuck me, papi, it seems you have bad timing. He doesn't work today."

"Oh, I know" Alastor lowered Valentino enough to be on eye level. "Nullify his contract and I will be out of your… non existent hair immediately."

"Ah, I see. So you are the reason why he is not coming here so much, huh? You two have been cozy in that stupid hotel of the Morningstar brat? Did you enjoy fucking that ass, Al? You don't have to be jelous because he comes to be fucked by bigger men than you. That is just a job, nothing personal" Valentino growled, reaching his hand for him, only for Alastor to slam him against the floor against before elevating him in the air. Despite the hit he had just taken, Valentino just laughed with whatever air he could get. "Fuck, that ass really has you down bad, don't you?"

"Charming as usual" Alastor's sarcasm dripped like petrolium out of his lips. "I would actually prefer to be in another place right now than deal with you. Just destroy his contract or else we both are going to waste a lot of time here."

Valentino didn't answered, taking a deep breath. He balanced his body from the ankle that was grabbed and spit a red puff smoke all over the face of Alastor, laughing to himself until he noticed that Alastor just swatted it with a expression of mild annoyance in his face. His pupils remained the saim, the same as if he was breathing the same air of hell rather than his fermons. In the past even Alastor could be affected by them, that is why the radio demon always kept his distance. Why wasn't it working anymore? Not even his stupid snake seemed to react in any way.

"Hard way it is" decided Alastor.

Two hours laters, Alastor had grabbed a towell from the bathroom to clean up the blood on his face and hands. He could have done it all with his tentacles, but where was the fun in that?

"You have to admit, he lasted a lot" commented Lucifer on his snake form, his white scales turned a bright red. "I thought he would give up when you crushed his foot."

Alastor nodded, untangling him from his neck to give him a quick wash on the sink. The water immediately turned red as Lucifer wiggled, rolling around between his hands to every portion of him got the water. Once he was all cleaned, he shook himself like a dog and crawled over the arm of Alastor to reach his head, planting himself like a living crown.

"Valentino was always a tough one" recognized, now cleaning up his hand with a bar of soap nearby. Lucifer at least had already clean up his suit and it was spotless, like usual. "Pity all that will went towards the worst goals imaginable."

"That is everyone in hell, babe" pointed out Lucifer, resting his head between the black antlers.

"You got a point, love."

"He did accept once you told him you were coming to destroy Vox" noted Lucifer, as if that fact still impressed him. Alastor made a neutral hum in response. It wasn't like it was any secret for anyone who knew those two what kind of attachment they had to each other. "Mmm, you know. We should probably not tell Charlie about this."

"Not a single word" Alastor cleaned up some splatters on his cheek too using his own sleeve. He wasn't about to put anything on that place near his face. "Hopefully she will appreciate Angel's freedom regardless."

Lucifer slithered his head down, bomping his snout gently against his temple as it were a kiss.

"I know you didn't do it because you care about Angel, but I want you to know I am proud of you anyway."

"Shut up."

Alastor looked down, splashing more water on his face that suddenly felt warmer than before.

From outside the bathroom, an alarm started ringing. The sound of multiple shutters closing over the windows could be heard. Either Vox had finally come to their senses or someone else had alerted about their presence. Squeads of security guards would come any time to pick what was left of Valentino and look for them.

"Time to go, dear" said Alastor.

"Where did you say you wanted to go after this?"

--

In the park of Cannibal Town there were always decorative statues, not about any one particular cannibal or being. Just families of bronze and stone to incite more families to spend time on the same space. The only difference was a bust smiling close to the sign welcoming visitant to that part of the city.

Alastor read the plaque underneath. The Radio Demon, friend of cannibals. Alastor Abaddon.

"I really consider it having your real name" commented Lucifer, resting around his neck. The snake sighed. "You weren't here, so what is the point of the secret, right? But Charlie was already having a hard enough time with everyone wanting to know more about the extermination or her hotel, so I didn't want to pile more on top of that by saying by the way, here is her secret other father."

"Thank you" commented Alastor, observing his own face closer. "It's remarkably well done. Who had the idea?"

"Rosie mentioned she wanted to have something to remember you by after the service. I think it was Charlie who suggested the bust actually. I had it made and them gifted it to the Town as a token of gratitude for their participation" Lucifer nuzzled against his neck, his longue flicker against the jaw of Alastor. "I am sure she will be glad to see you."

Alastor nodded, fixing up his suit even thought there was no need whatsoever. This was the only reason he told Vox to put off the announcement for a few hours. After he was gone, Rosie had been keeping in contact with Charlie to check on her regularly. The least she deserved was to be told directly about what happened instead of going with whatevere filtered version came out from the teleivision.

The town itself seemed to come back to normal, but Alastor didn't miss the way some black eyes were following his movements and started murmuring. Alastor pretended as if he didn't notice as he made his way to the Emporium of Rosie, but just as he was about to open the door it burst open for the owner.

"Oh" said Rosie, grabbing his face. She frowned deeply, pulling on his cheeks as if to pull a mask. When that didn't gave her anything, she inspected his hair, thankfully not pulling on that one as hard. "I heard a handsome devil like my good friend Alastor was walking around."

"So soon?" said Alastor, making his ear move just for her to see. "I have been barely out for a few hours."

"I know everything" Rosie made a dismissive hand gesture, swatting away any doubt on her capacity to get the latest gossip.

She tentatively went to touch his antlers, but at that point she didn't need it anymore. She let her hand slip from the top of his head to his cheek, looking into his eyes.

"Illusion spell" said under her breath. Alastor blinked. How the hell did she know that? She haven't even seen his sleeves, she shouldn't have been able to notice the sigil. "But those are familiar eyes all the same. Alright" said, crossing her arms at last. "Tell me one thing that only Alastor would know."

Alastor didn't even had to think about it. Getting closer to her and putting his hand to cover his mouth, he whispered into her ear in such a low voice that even Lucifer couldn't quite catch it.

"My husband makes me happy, just like my little fawn Charlie."

"Awww!" cooed Rosie, before realizing that is what she asked and she squealed, hugging him by the neck. Lucifer smile went up to Alastor's head, making Rosie to frown at his presence, but otherwise more concentrated on holding both hands of Alastor. "Come inside, sweetie, come inside right now!"

Inside of her emporium, Rosie put in charge of attending the clients to some of her employees and dragged Alastor to the back to sit him down on her couch as she occupied the seat at the side.

"First things first" said Rosie, pointing above his head. "Who is this little fellow coming with you?"

"Hi, Rosie" said Lucifer, waving with the extreme of his tail.

Rosie giggled softly.

"Should have imagined it. It's nice to see you again, your Majesty."

"Likewise. The store is looking pretty good!"

Rosie nodded, bringing two cups of tea and opening a box full of lady fingers.

"I imagine if you came like that, you want to be discreet" she commented, setting up the small table as Lucifer made his way down Alastor's arm, going for the box.

"Yes, but I don't want to interrumpt or anything. Just pretend I am not here."

"With your permission, your Majesty" Rosie bowed slightly her head and then grabbed the hand of Alastor. "Okay, now that is settled, do tell me everything. I want to hear a very good explanation for what happened!" insisted, more excited with having him there, unharmed and alive, than anything else.

How could Alastor ever refuse her with a welcome such as that one? Between cups of tea, he told him the most abridged version of everything he could without going too deep into anything. When it came to the part of Lucifer being summoned to take him out of Heaven, he still went with the deal rather than contract explanation. Rosie's lip pursed for a second, doubtful, but didn't ask further question once he said in a lighhearted tone that falling was probably one of the worst pains he ever had in his life.

"That is an incredible story, dear. And I am sure there are some pieces you are not telling me, but I will trust you have your reasons for it" said Rosie, never losing her polite smile as all of that informated crashed on her like an avalancha. Alastor didn't thought she would. She was a true lady, through and through. "But if you are here with Lucifer, I guess I will have to believe it" she extended her hand and squeezed his, just as Alastor returned the gesture. "I am so sorry you went through that, my friend. It sounds like you went through a whole journey of your own, but it's good to see that you found your way home."

Alastor lifted her hand to kiss it delicately.

"Me too."

"Now, would you explain to me why do you have a illusion spell on?" She clicked her tongue when he arched an eyebrows, questioning. "Honey, there is a store that sell those just two buildings from here. I helped the owner to develop them, so of course I recognize it. But this is something else" commented. "You could fool probably even that owner with it. Why do you need it?"

Alastor sighed, looking to the curtain of the entrance and Rosie understood. She stand up to close it more firmly and then do the same for her windows, leaving them with the lightbuld in the ceiling. Once that was done and Rosie was back on her seat, Alastor pressed on the sigil twice to reveal what was now his true face.

"Oh, goodness" said Rosie, cupping his cheek, darker now and inspecting the blood red hair now. "Well, that is different, for sure."

"Charlie this morning thought I was an imposter with a bad wig" commented Alastor, now incapable of not finding the humor on the whole situation.

"You can't blame that poor girl. She missed you so much and you didn't even thought of telling her as soon you came back. Of course she would be shocked."

"That was kinda my fault" said Lucifer, curling around the tea pots since it was still warmth. "I promised her I would have breakfast with her and then I didn't. I was… kinda all over the place."

"Your Majesty, you went through a lot already. I am not going to blame you for that. Alastor, in the other hand…" There was a teasing smile pulling at the corner of her mouth and Alastor had to shrugg.

"In my defense, my soul had just burn."

"Excuses, excuses" Rosie giggled, kissing his cheek just as Alastor was pressing the sigil again. "But once the shock wore off, how was she?"

"Better" said Alastor. "I think she will be good from now on."

"Keep an eye out for her anyway, darling. I should really visit one day of these days" Rosie sighed, serving some more tea for herself before going on a completely different tangent on gossip. Alastor crossed his legs and listened, grateful for the return to normalcy.

When they returned to the hotel, carrying a huge cut of meat that Rosie insisted on gifting them with, Alastor stared at his own portrait on the entrance, recognizing the style immediately.

"We should probably turn that down now" commented Alastor.

Lucifer jumped from his shoulder, transforming into his demon form to look at it too.

"Why? You look good."

"Not all hotels have a painted portrait of it's employees hanging for everyone to see."

"They would if their faces are worth seeing" chuckled Lucifer, conjuring a duster to clean it up a little before turning to Alastor. "The painting is staying, babe. I like to see it now and I am sure Charlie feels the same."

"If anyone ask, it was not my decision. I am not taking the narcissism accusations for it" Alastor walked into the lobby, immediately being received by six arms hugging him. Four of them lifting him up the ground.

"You-you-you are the best father everrr" was crying Charlie, which wasn't that surprising, but then also Angel was the one openly sobbing.

"Husk told me what happened! I don't know what to do to thank you. I promise you to never, ever, say another bad thing about you again, Alastor, thank you so much!" finally managed to understand Alastor before it degenerated into just whinny sounds of pure, heartbreaking relief.

Well, for another person that would have been moving. Alastor instead dissolved into his shadows from the ground and stayed on a side. Seemingly without minding, Angel and Charlie hugged each other as they kept crying into each other's arms. Eventually Lucifer joined them too, because of course he would.

"Hey" called Husk. When Alastor looked at him, he extended a hand. "You are still an asshole and I won't ever trust you with shit. I don't even want to know how you did it. But still… thank you."

"None at all" Alastor looked at the hand just as Husk was about to retire it and he took it instead, giving him a firm shake. "I paid my debt for looking after my family."

"It was never a debt, you dumb motherfucker. You are the only one who sees it like that." Husk huffed. They both released the other at the same time. "Whatever."

The winged cat rolled his eyes, going over to the group to try to talk down Angel, who now was kneeling in the ground, shaking on his sobs, squeezed between the two Morningstar. Alastor decided it was the best for everyone to let them be and kept walking to the kitchen, where Vaggie was setting up some tea. No doubt to calm down Charlie and Angel once they were ready.

"Ah, welcome back, sir" greeted Vaggie with a half smile. "I will just finish with this and I will be leaving the kitchen."

"Don't rush on my account, Vaggie" Alastor put the meat on the fridge, conciously avoiding the surprise look on her face as he gave her his back. He tapped on the door of the fridge as if looking for something else. It probably hurt like hell for her too when she fell. Lucifer had decided to like her on that base alone. He didn't know if he had that same inclination, but she too had stayed at Charlie's side through it all and that counted for something. She had even been there being the first supporter of her idea, even before both of her parents were. "Do we have coffe by any chance?"

"Um…" Vaggie needed a second to react being aknowledged by her father in law. She then cleared her throat and reached for the cupboard. "Y-yes, sir, there is a couple of bags still. Mostly for Angel and Husk because nobody else drinks it."

When she turned around, Alastor was already at her back and she almost dropped it.

"Thank you, Vaggie" said, taking it from her hands and moving to prepare it.

"You are… welcome. Sir" Vaggie brushed her hair as she went to attend the boiling water.

Neither of them added another word, preparing their beverages, but Vaggie still smiled a little to herself. When a soft melody started coming of Alastor's staff, Vaggie hummed with it when Husk finally managed to bring the trio over.

--

At night, Alastor was absolutely beat but satisfied. Charlie had not beeing satisfied until she gave her a fully detailed tour of the new hotel, showing off their new characteristic and giving a long explanation for each one. Alastor noticed that the circus theme of his husband was more present than ever, but it was still toned down to allow something slightly classier that almost didn't made him criticize the tacky aspects. He still had to do it, for sure, and Lucifer was at the ready to argue on it's favor until Charlie called their attention again.

They had a big dinner where Charlie asked for another story and he spoke with her arm hugging his, while Lucifer was locking his hooves with his under the table. Not to try to be sexy, just to keep touching him someway as he engaged in conversation with the others.

It had been fun, he had to admit. But also exhausting and he couldn't wait to get under the bedsheets and just sleep all he couldn't back in Heaven. He was sure that Lucifer too would appreciate the uninterrupted rest.

"Al" called Lucifer, stopping mid unbottoning of his vest.

"Mmm" said Alastor mid yawn. His brain started to stir awake again when realizing that Lucifer's eyes were glowing gold, looking to their window. He had never seen him do that. "What is wrong?"

"An angel has just fallen into hell."

[obsidiancreates]

Out Of The Shadows and Into The Neon (Part 14)

“Uuuuuhhhhhggggg!” Mikey lays across the waiting room chairs. “I’m so bored!”

“Just a little longer, Mikey,” April assures. “Once Leo figures out if he likes this therapist, we can start the real Hidden City Adventure!”

“Hopefully without any arrests this time,” Draxum mutters, keeping an eye out around him. Things are better, thanks to over a decade of heroism from both his creations and himself, but not all Yokai are quick to forgive and forget. Even after saving the world. 

“Arrests?! Cool…”

“Not cool,” Donnie says, frowning with his teeth showing. “I still want to join the Yokai scientific community someday!”

“No-one is getting arrested,” Casey soothes. “We’re going to have a calm, casual trip to see some sights with no fighting involved.”

“Trust him!” Cass throws her arm around her son. “He has become a TOP-NOTCH SIGHTSEER SINCE HIS ARRIVAL IN THIS TIME!”

“SHHHHHHHHHH!”

Cass nearly breaks her neck whipping around to glare at the other families and patients in the waiting room.

An owl Yokai scoffs. “Humans.”

“Hey!” Raph scoots off his chair. “That’s my aunt, you-you bent-feathered jerkface!”

The Yokai gasps and checks her feathers. “They are not bent!”

“They look like you folded ‘em up along with your manners!”

“You little–!” The Yokai barely has a chance to stand before mystic vines snap around her and yank her back into her chair. Above Raph’s seething little form, four pure-white eyes glow from shadows made of pure menacing energy.

The woman gulps. “You little… precocious, child. I’m um, going to rethink… my stance on humans, now.”

Raph looks surprised for a moment, and then smirks. He turns proudly to his family, who go from Deadly to Doting in a second as they all applaud his Very Intimidating Defense of His Family.

“Aw, man.” Mikey flops off the chair onto the floor. “Is nothing gonna happen the whole time we’re here?!”

“Hamato family?”

Everyone perks up as the therapist, a kindly old goat Yokai with beard braided into two loops connecting to his horns and glasses perched on the very end of his nose, walks out with Leo in front of him. Leo is rubbing his arm nervously, until his three brothers all barrel into him for a hug!

“That went very well,” the therapist, Dr. Tincaan, says. “He’s a very bright, intelligent young boy. He seems to know exactly why he’s here, and what he wants from our sessions.”

“That’s great!” April looks down at Leo, who’s being squeezed by Mikey like he’s a squeaky toy. “So you wanna keep comin’ here?”

“I think so.” Leo pushes Mikey away by his face, so Mikey grabs onto Donnie instead. Donnie just sighs and pats Mikey’s head, accepting his fate.

“Awesome! Thank you, Doctor. And I think my brothers already paid, yeah?”

“You’re clear to go.” Dr. Tincaan waves them off. “Enjoy the city!”

“We will!” Mikey calls back. He hops once in place, then springs up and lands on Draxum’s shoulders. “Where first?! Oh, oh! How about the wishing fountain!”

Draxum stops, face twisting as the memory of the demon child thrashing his teddy bear body into the ground brings back physical pain. “Not… that one.”

Donnie looks at the pamphlet map in his hand. “Luxury Resort, Battle Nexus, Witch Town… all the cool places are places our Dads said we should avoid!”

“We shall find our OWN COOLEST PLACES!” Cass picks Donnie up and launches him into the air! He flies up screaming, only to land safely on her shoulders! She points out towards the horizon. “This family outing will be the GREATEST OUTING THAT HAS EVER BEEN FAMILY’D!”

Casey smiles at his mom’s enthusiasm and holds his hand out, swinging Raph up onto his shoulders. April lifts Leo onto hers more calmly, and away they go.

They wander with a refreshing aimlessness for the most part, the boys “Ooooh”ing and “Ahhhh”ing at the sights. They stop in for lunch with a very friendly blind Yokai gyoza master, and then set out again.

“Whoaaa, look at this!” April looks up at Leo. “A Yokai amusement park!”

Mikey bounces on Draxum’s shoulders. “THEY HAVE A ROLLERCOASTER!”

Draxum rubs his ear. “Why rollercoasters are considered fun is a mystery to even me.”

Casey shudders. “Like being dragged by a missile, but with  no way to redirect it.”

“Then Cass and I will ride with the kids.” April holds her arms out for Mikey to jump into while Cass plucks Raph off Casey’s shoulders. Being world-defending besties with mutant ninjas really helps with muscle building, and thank goodness for it.

“We’ll take pictures.” Casey pulls out an actual polaroid camera, and Donnie lights up.

“Is that the one I made you last year?”

“I figured today was the perfect day to use it.”

“Whoo-hoo!”

The line for the coaster is thankfully short, the time of day on their side, and soon April, Cass, and the boys are all loaded up. Casey gives them a thumbs-up while Draxum squints at the ride’s supports, searching for any flaws that might put his family in harm’s way. A moment later, the cart begins slowly making it’s ascent.

“Wooooow.” Mikey looks out at the ever-climbing view of The Hidden City with awe in his gaze, Raph looking the opposite direction but with equal emotion.

Leo looks down. 

He has less awe in his eyes. 

He swallows, and looks up when he feels a hand on his shoulder. April smiles down at him, and offers him her hand to squeeze.

Even at his tiny age, his oversized hand completely covers hers as he takes it.

At the back, Donnie looks behind his and Cass’s cart as it climbs. “I wonder how it works.”

“Ah, it’s a gloriously simple mechanism! You see-!”

“I mean, if it’s mystic or not.”

“Ah! … I… do not know that one.”

“We can ask Barry when we get off the ride,” April promises from the front. “For now, Dee, just try to enjoy the moment!”

“Enjoy the moment,” Leo repeats, even as his heart races a little as they near the top. Suddenly he feels like something is chasing him. “Enjoy the moment.”

“Enjoy the moment,” April says again. “And remember this is totally safe, and scream as loud as you need!”

“Don’t tell Mikey that while I’m sitting next to him!” Raph cover his ear-holes preemptively.

“Ha-ha! Sorry, Raph!” Mikey bites his lower lip in sheer anticipation. “Three… two… WHEEEEEEEEEEEEE, HA-HA-HA, AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”

His scream is the loudest of the six as the carts plummet at high speeds! Raph lets go of his ears to throw his hands up and let loose, while Donnie grips the armbar and undoubtedly wrecks his throat with his own screaming! Cass laughs and hollers wildly, and April cheers and whoops as they go through twists and loops and bumps! Leo squeezes April’s hand as hard as he dares, but closes his eyes and joins in on the noise, and… it is fun!

And then someone, somewhere below, roars.

And the rollercoaster isn’t so fun anymore.

Leo doesn’t see anything, he just… feels it. Feels like something is on the coaster with him, with them, and it’s dangerous. He grips April’s hand harder and reaches for– something. He’s not sure what.

Raph feels the same shift, the same sudden grip of panic-adrenaline and not fun-adrenaline, and finds himself pulling Mikey closer. Mikey, having experienced the same thing, lets Raph hold him closer and reaches for his belt. All his hands find are some pom-poms he picked up at the entrance to the amusement park.

Donnie doesn’t feel chased. The rollercoaster itself is still fun. But the sound of the roar sends a shock through his system that feels like taking a beating. … Even though he’s, never really taken a beating before. But somehow he knows that’s exactly what this feels like.

Cass looks down to her side as the sound of the scream changes– and sees Donnie staring out at nothing with his eyes completely white. She pulls her hands down and shakes him a bit. “Donatello?”

At the front, April looks over at Leo to reassure him– and goes ashen. His eyes are fully white, and as she looks back so are the Mikey’s and Raph’s.

“Whoa, boys! Calm down!” She’s seen this before with her boys, but only in times of intense ninjocity stealth or mystic overflow. And she has never, ever seen it with the kids.

The screams of confused terror don’t help her feel any less panicked about the situation.

“KIDS, IT’S ALRIGHT! IT’S JUST A RIDE!” April looks at Leo, the only one she can actually help directly, and pulls her hand out of his. She cups both sides of his face so make him look at her. “Leo, look! It’s me, Auntie April! We’re okay, we’re just on a rollercoaster, nothing bad is happening!” 

“Something is after us!”

“Leo, look at me! I promise you, nothing is after us!”

In the back, Cass has hold of Donnie’s shoulders. “Focus on me, nephew! We are having a FUN RELAXING DA- ayyy, the yelling is not helping. I SHA- ahem, I shall keep my voice calm. Donnie, focus on me! Focus on how calm and collected I am. We are not in danger!”

“Leo, Leo, look me in the eyes. Please, focus.”

“Donatello, you are safe.”

“We’ve got you, Leo. It’s okay.”

Leo blinks… and the white clears away. His eyes water. “I-I was–” He looks behind him. “Wh– Raph! Mikey!”

“Leo!” Raph’s eyes are still white, but Leo’s voice draws his attention. “What’s–”

“We… we’re okay!” Leo closes his eyes and refuses to look down. “We’re okay. It’s just… bad dreams!”

Raph blinks… and his eyes clear. “We… we’re okay? … Mikey! Mikey, we’re okay!”

Mikey gasps a little, his eyes clearing too. “Wha… oh, man, I just had the weirdest moment! I… I don’t think I like rollercoasters!”

“Your turn, Donatello!” Cass moves his head so he’s looking right at Leo. “Everyone is okay!”

Donnie blinks… eyes clearing. He leans against Cass, shaking slightly. “What happened?” —---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Draxum, after being narrowly stopped from tearing the entire park apart for causing his grandsons terror, checks their pupils and their blood pressures and everything else that April can frantically name.

“I feel okay now,” Leo says, despite the way the four boys huddle together like they used to do when a movie was a little too scary for them. 

“Me too.” Raph glares at the coaster in the distance. “We shoulda let Papa smash it.”

“It’s almost relieving to see him angry,” April whispers to Cass. Cass nods.

“I think I blacked out,” Mikey says. “From the… velocities?”

“Velocities is right, good job Mikey.” Casey gives him a grin and a thumbs-up, but they only last for a moment. “But, I don’t think amusement park rides can reach a high enough velocity to make that happen.”

“Actually, depending on a few factors, it’s entirely possible.” Donnie gives Draxum his arm to feel for blood pressure before Draxum even has to ask. “But I don’t know if that’s what it was. I think… I think the adrenaline just made us all… freak?”

“I agree with Donnie.” Draxum nods to himself, and stands up. “Nothing is wrong with them physically. Just somewhat increased heart rates.”

“So… a fun ride was more adrenaline-pumping than a fight with a Yokai on a rooftop?” Casey itches the back of his head. “That’s not normal for non-apocalypse children, right?”

“It… could be?” April pinches the bridge of her nose. “I dunno, I can see how it might happen like that but-but the eyes!”

“It could simply be a third eyelid.” Draxum leans in and examines Mikey’s eyes close-up. “An instinct taking over while they felt they were in danger.”

“This blows.” Raph kicks a bit of trash on the ground. “When Dad said growing up makes you weird, I thought he meant we’d start wanting robes and health food and stuff. Not this.”

“Well… is everyone feeling okay now?” April looks down at her nephews. “Should we head home?”

“No way!” Mikey grabs April’s leg and looks up at her pleadingly. “We just got started, and there’s so much stuff down here to do!”

“I dunno…” April picks Mikey up. “That was… really freaky.”

“We’re all better now!” Donnie waves his arm like he can show off his totally fine blood pressure just by bringing attention to it. “Please?”

“Well…” April checks her phone. No texts from the guys yet, so… “Alright. But let’s stick to chill activities from now on! Like your dads are hopefully doing…”

[diangelofan]

Prompts: Video Games + First Job + Study Groups

For @drewtanakaweek's Riordan Flash Fic Fridays (707 words, got a little long and messy omg...)

This was Nico’s first job. He knew that, technically, he didn’t need to work a single day for the rest of his life, having Pluto as his father. He could literally go ask his dad for a infinite credit card. Is not like he hadn’t taken many from him before. Di Immortales, he still used Jules-Albert, the French zombie chauffeur Hades had gifted him for his birthday after the Second Titan War. Sue him, it was just much more convenient went he and his friends wanted to go out of Camp Jupiter and into the Mortal World for some really quick (to avoid encountering monsters) fun. Which wasn’t exactly achievable if he always fainted immediately after shadow travelling to where they wanted to go.

Thus, the French zombie chauffeur. However, pocket money was something else entirely. After the Second Giant War, in which Nico had found friendship (a concept before so foreign to him) in Praetors Jason and Reyna… oh, if someone had told him when he first enter Camp Jupiter that he would become close with the Praetors, Nico wouldn’t have believed it. Dam, if someone had told him that after he run away from Camp, he would had laughed and look at the person as if they were insane…

Regardless, he now had very persistent friends who cared for him and had been able to convince him that maybe staying at New Rome with them wouldn’t be that bad. However, Nico couldn’t spend all of his time with his busy praetor friends so, the year after the War, he started attending several study groups to get the education he severely lacked. He probably should had attended normal classes but, having not touched a school since he was 8 and that being more than 50 years ago, he would had been forced to start from Primary and he would rather fade into nothingness (which had almost happen before!) than learn next to little children (practically toddlers!). So study groups it was!

However, three years had come and go and, with the help of the other people at the study groups (specially one Annabeth Chase, daughter of Minerva, who was in charge of leading), he was finally up-to-date with his 21st Century peers (oh, what a headache delight). However, that left him with a huge hole in his days to fill or else die from boredom, which would greatly disappoint his father… he could already hear him saying “Son, of all the ways you can die, you chose this?” in his head over and over again… maybe he actually was saying it….

Agh, getting back to the topic at hand: so, when a Video Games store open at New Rome’s tiny mall, he went and applied for a job there. He had spent 80 years in the Lotus Casino playing every video game imaginable, so who better qualify for the job that him? Well, in all honesty there were probably tons of people (who this wouldn’t be their first job and who had at least actually gone to school), but for some chance of luck (or maybe the fact that nobody was interested) he was hired!

And it was great fun! Getting paid to geek talk about videogames with other people was the dream (even though, he was a bit useless regarding videogames released in the last 5 years, but no one is perfect, right?). Shelving could be a bit boring and helping customers could get difficult due to his social anxiety, but overall it was okay. His job was specially alright when a certain freckled blond son of Apollo visited, always browsing (spending a lot of time in the Mythomagic section!) but more often than not leaving empty handed. He was really cute. And he had once entered wearing a ‘Gaymer’ t-shirt! And he would sometimes smile, and on occasion wink, at Nico! And spend much more time than necessary at the register, asking him about his day (which wasn’t really that interesting to be honest)…

So, who knows, maybe this job would get him a boyfriend on top of pocket money (which had become such a excuse at this point, if it hadn’t always been one)… A boy could dream…

And, Gods, did Nico dream.

[wonderfuldeath]

.o| Bad Temptation : XIII |o.

Warnings : Violence, injury, graphic depictions, sex

Please, consider supporting me on Ko-Fi ! ♥

Jung Hoseok had no real ritual in his daily life. He lived a little from day to day, hoping to find good company or simply a few souls to serve him. It must have been around midnight when the doorbell rang, making him look up at the mansion's grand clock. The Underworld wasn't a very welcoming place. No one really liked to visit Lucifer's son in person, preferring to meet him in the beauty of the world above. So Hoseok dragged his feet to the huge doors, at least three times his size, wondering who could be bothering him at such a late hour. He hoped his surprise guest had a good reason to spoil his intimate moment with his pot of mint chocolate chip ice cream. An Ivanovich, obviously.

“- Elyzabeth?

- I… I need to talk to you… Can I come in?”

The demon's eyes gaze down at her. She's barely dressed in a nightgown that doesn't even cover her properly. She seems to have undergone the greatest ordeal of a lifetime, and Hoseok has to contain himself so as not to come out of his lair and go destroy the creep that was his beloved's husband. Without hesitation, he steps aside to let her in. She's shaken, shocked, trembling, and seems on the verge of collapse as she struggles to calm her asthma attack. Hoseok stays by her side to make sure she's all right, snapping his fingers to order his imps to bring him something to warm the new arrival, and quickly. He helps her settle on the sofa, then runs to fetch a cup of hot coffee, accompanied by small cookies homemade that very morning, waiting patiently for her to calm down so he can resume the conversation.

“- Heisukei kicked me out. He doesn't want to see me anymore, ever. He's going to ask for a divorce.

- What happened?

- He found out you and I were having an affair.

- How did he find out? That journalist creep said it? I swear I'm going to…

- No, you won't. Taehyung had absolutely nothing to do with it. Heisukei came across the pregnancy test I took.”

It takes a moment for the news to reach Hoseok's brain. His gaze remains lost for a second, before his eyes suddenly widen. He turned completely towards her, trying to understand what she had just said. Elyzabeth was pregnant. She hadn't slept with her husband in two years, since he'd made the despicable decision to cheat on his wife with one of his sophisticated magic students. Hoseok was the only man she'd had in bed since that incident. That could only mean one thing.

“- You're pregnant with my child.

- Who else do you want me to be?”

She stared at him, probably wondering if he had enough intelligence to raise a child. Hoseok, for his part, allows a smile to form on his lips. But his eyes also caught the marks on Elyzabeth's body. The bastard had surely tried to make the baby disappear. Hoseok couldn't stay calm and abruptly stood up, ready to put an end to the rotten wizard's life, but Elyzabeth's wounded little hand held him back, preventing him from committing a crime on her behalf. Obviously, Hoseok wasn't risking much, but she preferred not to take any chances. She couldn't see herself telling their future child that her father had turned to sushi. Elyzabeth played with her fingers, while Hoseok immediately calmed down, a million incoherent thoughts crossing his eyes. Then, a radiant smile finally lights up his face.

“- I'm going to be a dad.

- Yes.”

They both burst out laughing before kissing. They would no longer need to hide, no longer need to remain in the shadows. Hoseok felt the irresistible urge to pick up the phone, to call that despicable human and tell him the big news. He wants to shout it from the rooftops, hold a press conference, let the world know that he's about to become a father. But Elyzabeth brings him back down to earth. It was one o'clock in the morning, and Taehyung was with Jungkook. That meant they either had to sleep or… make babies. It was a bad idea to interrupt a vampire in the midst of procreation; it would be signing his death warrant. Very bad idea. Hoseok, like a euphoric child, couldn't settle down. He was going to be a father. But there was no room ready, no place to welcome a baby. And if it was a wizard, it would need daylight to grow properly. If it was a demon, it would need the dark corridors of the Underworld and fallen souls. No one had ever heard of hybridization between a demon and another species. Normally, the baby had to be either one or the other. Not both. Yet Hoseok had a doubt, if only for a moment, as he looked at his divining witch, as if she already held the answer.

“- No, you know I can't guess my own future.

- Let's ask Granny Ivanovich.

- Why should we? There's never been any problem with that.

- But there's never been a vampire marking a human before either.”

Hoseok's words make sense, enough to make Elyzabeth hesitate for the first time. She remained silent before nodding. The very next day, she would go with Hoseok to consult their future. And that of the little being growing inside her womb. Elyzabeth couldn't help smiling as she placed her hand on the new life. Hoseok embraces her passionately, wrapping his fingers around her belly as if he were holding the universe itself in his hands.

“- We're going to have a baby. A little being… Who do you think he'll look like?

- Me, of course.”

Hoseok puts on a falsely outraged face, which makes Elyzabeth burst out laughing. He follows her laughter with a loving hug. Hoseok promises himself: even if he had to destroy the world for this baby, he'd do it without hesitation. The world would disappear beneath his fingers if he had to. It was still very early when Hoseok and Elyzabeth went to old Mamie Ivanovich's divination salon. Mamie Ivanovich was an elderly woman, one of the oldest witches still alive in the world. Many rumors circulated about her, but she never said anything. Some thought she was science itself, others that she came from a time long past. She also possessed the largest grimoire of any witch. A grimoire so imposing that it couldn't levitate in front of her like the others; she had to put it on a desk. But to be perfectly honest, Granny Ivanovich didn't need it for this kind of séance. All she needed were a few candles and closed curtains. Everything took place in smoke and silence. She was not to be disturbed during her work, or face severe reprisals. Many people had already been banned from her salon for a simple misplaced laugh.

“- Oh, my children, I see a lot of problems with this pregnancy.

- Problems, Mamie?

- Nothing insurmountable, of course. But beware, shadows of evil will try to get in your way.

- What shadows of evil?

- I don't know.”

The old woman seems doubtful, searching the thick mist for more precise information. Unfortunately, for some time now, the magic of divination had become uncertain, unreliable. Not to say almost imperceptible. Mamie Ivanovich blew on the candles, stroking her chin in the manner of the great sages, her eyes marked by a life too full of knowledge. Knowledge was sometimes not the best solution, but it did make it easier to face challenges.

“Young people, a historic turning point is approaching. The world as we know it is about to change. Beware of the wolves that will devour you, fight for the right causes and you'll be saved. Or let the shadows swallow you up. The choice is yours.”

[gyozumaki]

Why the fuck did youtooz post that video on Springtrap, I did not need to see peepaw throw it back with his springcheeks. Anyway

Can I beat up a bear?

As a 5'7" twink, limited processing unit, and way too much knowledge on shit that doesn't matter, y'all know the drill.

EXCLUSIONS - Help Wanted 1+2, UCN, AR, FNAF World, books/comics, Dreadbear, The Blob (FUCK THE BLOB, FUCK BURNTRAP, FUCK THE AFTON ENDING IN SECURITY BREACH) alr let's go

Starting off, we have Phantom and Shadow Freddy. Both technically do things but not much. If I don't look, what are they gonna do? They're goobers in my peripheral, I'm going to forget they exist in about three seconds.

Classic Fredbear. Like Springbonnie, there is a non-zero chance of getting hurt that is extremely low. He's a hefty guy with a nice bite, yet he really can't do much. Not a problem.

Everyone's new dad, Glamrock Freddy is next. He CAN kill you, however the chance is low (in theory at least, we all know how broken the game is) He's a cool fazfriend, I like him. I don't trust the stomach capsule though, I've seen what suspicious animatronic stomach hatches can do.

Return of one of the most forgettable animatronic lines, Rockstar Freddy. Please deposit five coins. Please deposit five coins. Please deposit five coins. Please deposit five coins. Please deposit five coins. Please deposit five coins. Please de

We have our first trio lumping! Original, Withered, and Ignited Golden Freddy, all essentially the same. I'm not messing with Cassidy, hell no. Disregarding that, Golden Freddy is kinda just there. Not too much of a hassle if you don't panic.

Nightmare Freddy, father of three, pretty easy to deal with if you have a flashlight. Arguably the easiest Nightmare to deal with. I'm taking the Freddles for myself, they're adorable. N. Freddy should be scared of me.

Withered Freddy, the face of FNAF merch despite being almost nobody's favorite. He's oddly uncanny but easy to deal with. Honestly, he seems chill to be around. Though there's definitely a chance he'd catch me off guard. Not difficult but not the easiest.

Toy Freddy has finally regained meme status love thanks to CaseOh. He doesn't seem to be particularly aggressive but I'm not going to provoke him. Not much else to say, really.

Uuggghhh these lists have made me think about Security Breach and Ruin more than I want. Ruined Glamrock Freddy is a pretty creepy concept and I would avoid him at all costs. This is where we make the large leap between "yeah, shouldn't be difficult" to "yeah, I'm fucked seven ways to Sunday" with this guy being unique. An old friend becoming an enemy is gnarly in games, the first thing coming to mind is Akira Nishikiyama from Yakuza. Avoid at all costs, pray and run.

Another TJOC entry, we have Ignited Freddy. Easy to deal with if you know what to do but if you're stuck in a room with him, might as well get a quick prayer out. He's extremely quick, prominent, and bites??? Fuck that. He's no Ignited Bonnie but I'm still keeping my distance.

Molten Freddy and Creation are two mangled messes that I'm staying FAR away from. They are merciless beasts that won't stop to get what they want. What do I even aim for?? The body? That's either a wired mess or endoskeleton spine. Absolutely not.

Har har harhar har harhar har har fedd. Original Freddy is an absolute beast to deal with in the game. He's a sneaky bastard and difficult to track. Have you seen those eyebrows? He's one angry dude. How can I fight against that? And it gets worse from here!

Who doesn't love Funtime Freddy? I know I love his charisma. But I'm also terrified of charismatic individuals. And faceplates. Him and Bon Bon tag-teaming is a match made in hell. I lose. How can I win here unless I have a magic cattle prod or something?? IT STILL GETS WORSE????

Ohhhh boy. This is the highest I've had any FNAF 4 animatronic and for good reason. Nightmare and N. Fredbear. Sweet fuckin Jesus. If I look outside my door and see those red eyes, I'm calling it quits. There's nothing I can do except hope my death is quick. Their designs are so over the top and kinda goofy but I'm their setting, they're horrifying to me. So yeah, I'm not messing with them. Not a chance.

And that's it for the main cast! Should I do other FNAF lists of characters/animatronics? What do y'all think about this?

[pleasantspark]

Just Yours - Chapter One Yandere! Ginyu Force (Ginyu, Burter, Recoome, Jeice and Guldo) x Zarbon's Daughter! OC (Mikumi) Genre: Horror/Romance(?) Tropes: Yandere, Reverse Harem Part of the Just Yours Series Warnings: Yandere, Possessive Behavior, Multiship, Harems, Tropes being done over and over, Murder, Death, Stalking AUs Utilized: Overhaul AU A/N: Many people enjoyed the Yandere Frieza Series, so I decided to make something I was thinking about for awhile now. Hehe.

"Really Dad?!" Mikumi shouts with happiness, Zarbon sighed and placed a hand on his head.

"Yes, really. I decided to let you join the Ginyu Force, BUT. And this is a huge one, as a test run, to see if you really want to join." Zarbon said.

"Oh trust me father, I would like to join the Ginyu Force!" Mikumi said, Zarbon raised an eyebrow. He sighs and shook his head.

"Even with the tacky uniforms?"

"Yes!"

"Even with all those boys?"

"Yes, Father..."

"Even with-"

"Yes! I always wanted to dance."

Zarbon sighs. "Alright, fine, just this once. If you ever want to not stay around, please tell me. And I can remove you from the group." Zarbon said.

"Of course, father." Mikumi smiled.

Ginyu was trying to have the Ginyu Force practicing their moves the include a fifth member, Zarbon had called Ginyu and gave him information on his daughter.

Ginyu seen Mikumi around the ship, usually shadowing Zarbon or they would inspect or look around, Ginyu was already infatuated with her and felt a genuine connection.

He didn't have the balls to approach her, mainly due to overhearing from many lower ranked soldiers on how "dangerous" Zarbon was when it came to his daughter. So Ginyu stayed away.

It came as a shock, however, when Zarbon called him and asked him to include Mikumi in a trial run for a fifth slot in the Ginyu Force, Ginyu readily accepted wanting a chance to speak to Mikumi. So now here he was, teaching the other 3 on a new formation.

Guldo fell over, Jeice and Burter groaned. Recoome seemed to be annoyed.

"Captain Ginyu, why the fuck are we even needing a fifth member?" Burter asked.

"It's only a trial run, we don't know if they'll stay." Ginyu said.

"Aw, it was starting to get boring with all you 4..." Guldo said, "N-Not like I don't enjoy you all!" He sputters.

"I wouldn't mind a fifth member, it spices things up." Jeice smirks and smiled.

"I agree with Guldo and Jeice!" Recoome said.

"Look, I don't know how-" Burter begins before the door opened and Mikumi came in. Burter's attitude immediately changed upon seeing her.

"Ah, she is here." Ginyu said, walking up to her.

"Ugh, a girl." Burter groaned, but snuck a peek at her.

"A GIRL!?" Guldo asked.

"Finally, it was starting to become a total sausage fest here." Jeice smirked.

"Wow, she's PRETTY!" Recoome said.

"Ignore them." Ginyu said, waving his hand away from the others. "Welcome to the Ginyu Force."

"Thanks Captain Ginyu! I am glad to spend time with all of you. For a short time." Mikumi smiled. Ginyu's face blushed and looked away.

"Right, however long you may be here for, I hope you can enjoy your time with us." Ginyu clears his throat. "Now, let me introduce you to your teammates."

"Of course."

Ginyu escorted her over to the other three.

"This is Burter." Ginyu said, gesturing to the blue tall male.

"Seriously, why is a girl joining us?" Burter asked, secretly admiring her.

"This is Guldo." Ginyu said, pointing to a short lime green male.

"If you need someone to teach you how to dance on a bed hit me up~" Guldo flirts, Mikumi blushed, which led to the other 4 getting mad.

"This is Jeice." Ginyu said. slightly annoyed about Guldo's comment. He points to the red short male.

"Hello, I can show you a better time than Guldo~" Jeice flirts, pissing off Guldo and Ginyu, while Burter scoffs and Recoome glared daggers in the back of Jeice's head.

"Jeice... Shut the fuck up." Ginyu snaps at his second in command, causing everyone to get a little spooked.

"What, I was just joking!" Jeice said.

"Lies, you weren't fucking joking." Burter said, to his friend.

"Whatever, if you can't take a joke then it's on ya." Jeice rolled his eyes, Ginyu tried to take a deep breath to calm himself down before responding again.

"This is Recoome." Ginyu points to a normal looking human, and Recoome didn't know what to say, he wanted to respond like Guldo and Jeice, in the presence of someone as beautiful as her, but didn't want to concur the wrath of his buddies.

"Hey, nice to meet you." Recoome said. Which caused the others to slightly relax.

"And you already know me! I am Captain Ginyu! And together we're..." Ginyu began.

"THE GINYU FORCE!" They all said in unison posing.

"Now, all that introductions are over, are you ready to train for the trial period?" Ginyu asked.

"Of course!" Mikumi smiled.

>Next Chapter

[faerunsbest]

I wanna know more about Ma’na. You mentioned she was originally created as tav? Can you tell us more about her as tav/how she handles some main parts of the game? :3

lets be fair and honest here guys.

The game is basically a character creator for me. i mod as much i know how to get more hair styles and faces in, because im that ho, most of my playthroughs didn't make it to act two lol. Thats because i hate the shadowlands what a damn hassle. so i tried to maker her in game and then just wound up looking up all kinds of maps of faerun and build her up off all kinds of other stuff.

if she DID make it through the game, she would have been nicer to shadowheart than i am, but still not trust her. she would have kept astarion and before he told her what he is she would just leave 'snacks' out for him. I.E. passed out baddies.

she probably would have been a little oblivious and merced the guy chasing karlach before meeting karlach. She may be illiterate but she can read people just fine.

Speaking of Astarion, hes probably the one that would teach her to read. Yes hes selfish but if he can provide a service WITHOUT giving up his body that would be nice, so he'll take that route. She loves astarion but the one she trusts more than anything in all the world is lae'zel laezel and halsin.

shes a barbarian bard which sounds very strange but shes doesn't 'bard' much in battle. if you want to know what she sounds like its like this her songs aren't peppy.

she knocks out aradin ON SITE. He wants to be a racist? OKAY- she just knocks the shit outta him and pushes him outta the way with her foot so she can talk to Zevlor. Ma'na is incredibly respectful to Zevlor because he reminds her of her dad.

as for the grove and kagha, shes does the old reverse psychology to free arabella, but be aware given a free chance she would have knocked the hell outta that woman. no she does not investigate kagha does doesn't get a second thought. she loves making up stories with volo. she does however kill the harpies and even keeps a few feathers, chats and sings with Alfira.

Ma'na is used to shifts being up to a week long in dark caves just her a hammer and pickaxe, the goblin camp was ill prepped for that kind of stamina. no she didnt know the bear was halsin she just wasn't going to let them hurt the bear. she even says so right in front of the goblins. Ma'na knows Karlach and Laezel will stop the guards and Astarion has no qualms killing two and three.

its shortly after freeing Halsin and being done with the camp that she goes and looks for the creche, shes given the egg after talking to its keeper then goes to the 'dr' then vlakkith and well, you know.

the party goes on and she doesn't stay up particularly late, the celebration is more for the tieflings anyway.(game has no option to spend it talking with rolan but thats what she would have done lol)

because she isn't particularly close to shadow heart she winds up killing her for aylins freedom. i cant think of anything she does thats special in act two... ahhhh

honestly the rest of the game is kind of a blur lol is there a particular situation youd like to know about? the game just has so much going on

[monsterhunting]

📖 and ♥ for the ask meme?

thank you for asking!!!

📖"what has surprised you about your WIPs?"

hmmmmmmmm idk. maybe lately i feel like i’ve been coming up with a lot of jonathan focused fic ideas. a lot of them aren’t really like Ideas™️ worthy enough of being a google doc WIP but still. anyway it’s surprising bc i like jonathan of course but out of the main teens he is not my favorite. in fact my ranking would probably go steve > nancy > robin > jonathan. and yet!!!! many jonathan ideas lately

❤️"what are your favorite scenes from your WIPs?"

ok so I had three!!!! one is from a Stonathan WIP and the other is from a Robin pov stoncy + rovickie + platonic stobin WIP but I will put them under the cut so it doesn’t get too long

sooooo for context and without giving too much away i have a stonathan WIP where steve is a ghost that only jonathan can see and near the end they’re trying to get him back from the upside down which is where he died bc they think they can bring him back and jonathan volunteers to do it alone. i actually have no idea how they’re going to figure this out or how they’ll bring him back when he’s theoretically dead!!!! hopefully one day i’ll figure it out. anyway here’s the scene:

But when Jonathan opens the door, he finds Nancy and Robin behind it.

“We’re coming with you,” Robin says without preamble.

Jonathan sighs. “Robin — ”

“He’s my best friend,” Robin says, and Jonathan’s mouth snaps shut at the tremor in her voice. “He’s the most important person in the fucking world to me, so if there’s even the slightest chance he’s alive down there then, yeah, I’m going.”

Jonathan blinks, then slowly looks to Nancy.

“I’m going, too,” she adds, and when Jonathan opens his mouth to protest, she continues, “Jonathan, you’ve never even been to the Upside Down. Me and Robin have. Twice. Actually, it’s been three times for me, and I survived all of them. If anything, you need my help.”

Jonathan sighs again. “Guys — ”

“No, don’t even think about saying something like — like — like it’s too dangerous, or whatever,” Robin says. “So what? You think you get to be the one to sacrifice your safety for Steve all because he was just some ghostly shadow hanging over your shoulder for a couple of weeks?”

“Robin — ”

“Byers,” Robin cuts in. “I’m fucking going, alright?”

Jonathan lets out a heavy breath, and then, finally, says, “Alright.”

“And don’t think that I won’t — ”

“Robin, I said okay!”

Robin’s mouth snaps shut.

Nancy raises her eyebrows. “Okay?” She repeats.

“Yeah,” Jonathan says. Robin blinks, and Nancy’s eyebrows arch higher. “I mean, I know I should try to stop you, but…” He trails off, then admits, selfishly, “I really don’t want to do this alone.”

and then the next two are from the robin pov part two of you can hear it in the silence. the first scene takes place right after nancy calls steve about their “date”, and then steve promptly calls robin back home panicking and freaking out about said “date.” the second scene is a bit later when steve, nancy, and jonathan are already “dating”:

“Who was that on the phone?” Her mom asks as Robin returns to her seat at the kitchen table.

“Steve,” Robin answers before taking a bite of her mashed potatoes.

Her mom snorts fondly. “Course it was.” She takes a bite of mashed potatoes, too, then pauses. “Rob…are you sure you two aren’t — ”

Robin sighs. “Mom. Yes, I’m sure.”

She raises her hands in defense. “Okay, okay. Just checking. Again.”

“We’re just friends,” Robin says for the millionth time. Then she adds, for proof, “Actually, he was calling me to tell me he’s going on a date this week.”

Her mom’s eyebrows arch. “Oh? Who’s the lucky lady?”

Robin shifts in her seat. “Oh, uh. Just…one of our friends.”

“And how about you, Robbie?” Her dad asks. “Meet somebody nice up in Chicago yet?”

And the thing is — Robin likes her parents. Her dad is quiet, if a little absent-minded, and her mom isn’t her best friend the way some of the girls in her classes gush about. But they’re both good people. They give a dollar to homeless people when they pass them in the city, they recycle. They didn’t even vote for Reagan — although that’s mainly because they didn’t vote, period. Since Robin was a kid, her parents have always been the kind of people who claim they hate politics, who never watch the news because it’s too depressing.

But her parents are good people, and Robin likes them. She loves them, and what’s more, they love her, too. She knows that. She’s never had to question that.

And she’s terrified that one day she will.

So Robin just says, “Nope, not yet,” forces a smile, and takes another bite of mashed potatoes.

“So, how are things with Nance and Jonathan?” Robin asks.

Steve smiles. “Really good.” He opens his mouth to say more, then snaps it shut, as though he’s suddenly embarrassed.

Robin nudges him with her foot. “What?”

Steve fiddles with the throw pillow in his lap for a moment. “I think I love them,” he admits.

Robin feels herself start to smile. “Yeah?”

Steve glances up and nods. He’s starting to smile, too. “Yeah. God, so much. It’s kind of embarrassing, actually.”

“Why’s that embarrassing?”

“I don’t know.” Steve sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. “I mean, I’ve been a little in love with them since sophomore year? So — it just feels like a lot, I guess.”

“Hey,” Robin says sternly. “Your feelings are not a lot.”

“I didn’t mean it like that, I just meant, like…” Steve trails off. “I don’t know, it feels intense. I just feel so…full of it, sometimes. Like I’m going to explode, or something crazy, and I’ve never — I mean, even when I was dating Nancy…well, I was in love with her, obviously, but I guess with everything going on…even then, it never felt like this.” He laughs a little, sounding embarrassed. “I don’t know. I guess that sounds really lame, but I — it’s like I’ve never felt this happy.”

“Steve,” Robin says softly. “That’s amazing.”

Steve makes a face, ducking his head to fiddle with the throw pillow again.

“Seriously, I mean it,” Robin says. “You should tell them.”