#self ship fanfiction

[deathcapyandex]

I love you people who are chill with, encourage and interact with self ship blogs

I love you people who read others self ship fics and get invested in the story

I love you people who hype up others about their f/os

I love you self ship / f/o imagines posters

I love you self ship community

[afternoondreaming]

No Business Like Show Business (1/?)

It’s no secret that Mr. Puzzles isn’t the most…Creative guy around. So he makes the shrewd business decision to hire you- the screen writer! What could possibly go wrong? [Okay so my secret is that I adore Mr. Puzzles and that he’s my comfort character but I…Really don’t like SMG4 as a whole. Personally I just don’t like the show when the TV ain’t in it. So, forgive me if anything is inaccurate in regards to the world or lore! I’m working off the Wiki here ｡°(°.◜ᯅ◝°)°｡. Either way, this is the first of hopefully many chapters! Lemme know if you want more! Also RIP formatting]

The TV producer sat in his chair, hunched forward with his elbows against his knees as his electronic head rested against his steepled hands. Darkness ensconced him in his eerily quiet office, only the dim light of his own screen and the countless monitors in front of him for any light. His defeat at the hands of the SMG4 crew had been… Humiliating, to say the least. Not only did they beat his screen in, but they had bested him at his own game. What he dedicated his very life to. Television. They had gotten their five stars so much quicker than he did and with seemingly much less effort. There was no possible way the crew had studied more in the realm of film and video than him— he had literally seen everything! From eternal classics to infomercials, Mr. Puzzles could perfectly recall every piece of cinema ever created. And, despite all that work, he still lost.

“No, no use in dwelling on that now.” He muttered to himself, aching for a smoke. “What can I do differently…?” Rising from his chair, he began to pace his office as he wracked his brain. Perhaps branch into Japanese styled game-shows? No, he couldn’t possibly. If his ultimate game-show didn’t work, then zany Japanese game-shows wouldn’t, either. Maybe foreign films? Too niche an audience and it wasn’t as if his Italian endeavor went splendidly. What hadn’t he copied (or rather referenced) yet? There had to be something…!

His frantic patrol of his office stopped short. Maybe… That was the exact problem. He hasn’t made anything new. His knowledge of all things film was encyclopedic, but his creative muscles? Woefully inept. He had always produced everything alone. Scripts? Him. Effects? Also him. Hosting? Who else could possibly do that job? Not as if he would let anybody else take the helm; but if he hired a screen writer… Maybe he could finally write an original enough script to get a five star rating. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

You had heard of Puzzlevision before, I mean, who hadn’t? They were a juggernaut of the industry. Pumping out content hand over fist (for better or for worse). Yet, they were an enigma of a company at the same time- nobody ever seemed to have any work connections to them despite all the content they produce. It was the golden ticket of job opportunities. So, just like many of your coworkers, you submitted your résumé to their business address. Never expecting to hear anything back like the many others who tried their hand at it. However, currently, you sat in shock staring at the letter you just opened on your desk. The small TV logo on crisp letterhead, with a whole message to boot.

‘Dear Applicant,

Puzzlevision Studios has reviewed your submitted résumé and would like to thank you for your interest in our company. Given your stated qualifications and past headed projects, we would like to offer to you the title of Screen Writer. If you would like to pursue this opportunity, please visit the studio at the return address during regular business hours.’

Puzzlevision had never even answered applicants before, much less an affirmative response. Surely more talented writers had to have applied? It wasn’t as if you were inept. In fact, you had worked on many successful projects. Leading them through any bumps in the road you might have faced and being well regarded amongst your peers. But, a job at Puzzlevision… It all seemed too good to be true. Your coworker, Tori, rounded your shared cubicle wall to say her good mornings to you as she always did. “Yo!” She chirped, leaning on your shoulder as she looked ahead of you absentmindedly. “What’s got you so star struck? …Oh shit.” Her eyes must have skimmed your letter, given she was now just as shocked as you. “Well look at you! I can say I worked with a big shot before they got big~!”

“Yeah…!” You replied, excitement beginning to replace the shock. Of course you had to take this! You liked your company, sure, but anyone would give for an opportunity like this. “I gotta draft my resignation…! Pack up my cubicle, get my clothes dry cleaned for the interview- oh God I wasn’t expecting this.”

“Chill, chill!” Tori crooned, patting your shoulder gently when she removed herself from it. “No need to panic. That’ll get you nowhere. Just take your PTO today and draft the resignation while you get your things in order. Once you get the gig, we’ll grab a celebratory dinner, ‘kay?”

“Definitely!” You quickly grabbed the things you had just set down to start your day, ready to depart posthaste for all your prepping. “Tell the boss I’m outta here! Text you later!” You bolted back towards the entrance, waving back at Tori as she called out a goodbye. This was going to be a whirlwind.

[dust-tastic-1983]

Life with Turbo on the Internet (x reader head canons)

A/N: First ever fanfic(if this counts???) I tried to keep it in character lmk how I did.... lots of "probably"s in this one. I'm very unsure.

Genre: (Wreck it ralph) Turbo x reader headcannons, fluff and shenanigans! (Hehe that rhymed!)

Summery: He totally lived guys. He survived and escaped to the Internet guys. He's alive and well and living in a shitty website i promise guys (hcs of what I think living on the internet with post-movie turbo/kc would be like) based on this post I made.

You guys live in a website Turbo made with his trial-and-error-achieved coding skills… so its kinda shitty and cluttered. But its cosy and its yours so its fine. It'll probably improve the more Turbo improves his skills, anyhow.

As you'd assume, you'll be spending alot of time on racing related websites and games. He probably got himself banned from a couple games either by messing with the code to make himself better or for harassing players. He'll to try to bypass the bans and sometimes he succeeds! And gets you both banned again because he said a swear word in a kids game.

Of course he will go with you to places pertaining to your interests, whatever that may be. He might be less enthusiastic about it than his precious car games but he'll still go with you because he likes hanging out with you❤ he almost gets you banned again though

You need to stop him please

He's definitely an Internet troll. Would purposefully start or stirr drama on forums he doesn't like using throwaway accounts.

Lots of marathoning various games and movies/shows. Someone on tumblr said that he probably watches car crash compilations and like. Yeah. He'd binge watch the shit out of car crash videos and nascar fails. (I hc that he would enjoy Its Always Sunny but for the wrong reason.)

Lay next to him in a bundle of blankets and pillows use him as a pillow he is warm and squishy and soft and touch starved eating snacks and watching "8 most disturbing things caught on dashcam footage" on YouTube. He's probably the type to talk during movies and videos, there are so meny opinions in his little body and he will not shut up. Though is a bit more quiet when sleepy.

yeah ofc you guys would play alot of competitive games together, both racing games and other. He passes out after trying too hard on project diva.

Turbo messed with the computer avatar... things idk what they are called. Trips em up, makes peoples websites crash, etc. Until one of the ad blockers punch him. Then he stopped.

You guys are probably on familiar terms with Knowsmore. Probably one of the first people you and Turbo spoke to when you first entered the Internet, and still speak to since he helps you to get around. Turbo probably would find him annoying, though.

Same with Spamley. Turbo probably hangs around the darknet because of course he would... He probably would try the "Make money playing video games" spiel, success varies. Spamley, despite being a boyfailure, still knows his way around the darknet (barely like he did make that virus guy throw him across the room) Would also find spamley annoying but maybe less so.

Speaking of the darknet, he would bring you along whenever he'd go. he'd hold your hand or arm to make sure he doesn't lose you. Of course he does a myriad of illicit activities. Learning more about programming and hacking, plotting revenge, probably released a couple viruses in websites thatve wronged him, and- 🤢 and🤢 film piracy 🤮 /j

Idk if he'd try to take over another game or if he'd try to find fame another way... I'm still mulling over it tbh.

The artist Blackthewolf17 who drew a picture of turbo and y/n sitting on a bench listening to Spotify. Just think about it.

Use one of those relationship compatibility websites. Results depend whats funnier to you ;)

Regardless of wether you fled with him from Litwak's arcade or met him in the online world, if your feeling up to it, spend the rest of eternity bouncing around the interwebs with him until entropy takes you both to oblivion. It might be fun...

Thanks for reading! ^.^ hope you enjoyed!

[sanjiismystinkybaby]

♡ The Touch Starved Firecracker ♡ Moxanji fic

✎ Self insert x Sanji sfw

✎ One Shot

Ever since Moxie joined the crew, she hadn’t been the same. The wild, chaotic woman with spiky red hair and a booming, malicious laugh had softened into someone much quieter, almost unrecognizable. Her confidence seemed to vanish, replaced with an awkwardness that even a forced smile couldn’t mask.

At dinner, she barely spoke. She’d quietly eat Sanji’s food, excuse herself without a word, and retreat to her room. Everyone noticed her change, but it was Sanji who took it to heart.

He understood, though. How could she not struggle? Her entire life had been spent with her family, only to have them ripped away when Luffy had forcibly brought her onto the Sunny. Sanji sighed, watching Luffy wolf down a pile of meat. The captain meant well, and Sanji was glad Moxie was here… but it hurt to see her so miserable.

Suddenly, Nami appeared, dressed in a new outfit. She spun around, flashing a smile. “What do you think, Sanji?”

Usually, Sanji would’ve been on his knees, singing her praises. But this time, he barely looked at her, his thoughts elsewhere. “Yeah… you’re beautiful,” he muttered, barely glancing her way as he lit a cigarette.

Nami’s jaw dropped, and the rest of the crew exchanged confused looks. Since when did their love cook react like this?

Sanji, oblivious to their stares, stood and stubbed out his cigarette. He headed toward Moxie’s door, determination in his step. Once there, he knocked softly.

“Can I come in?” His voice was gentle, and he lit another cigarette to steady himself.

A strained “Yeah” came from the other side.

He stepped inside to see her sitting on the edge of her bed, staring at the floor. Her legs bounced nervously, the sound of her boot tapping against the wood filling the room. The air was thick with her anxiety—Sanji could feel it immediately.

“Mind if I sit?” He gestured to the space beside her, his tone kind but careful.

She hesitated, still not looking at him. “If you want to, I guess…”

Sanji moved slowly, giving her time to adjust as he sat down. His eyes softened when he saw her face. Sadness, worry, and something he couldn’t quite place swirled in her expression. Taking a drag from his cigarette, he exhaled the smoke away from her and placed a hand gently on her shoulder.

She flinched slightly, finally looking up at him.

“What’s wrong, Moxie-Moon?” His voice was low and soothing, a rare seriousness overtaking his usual flirtatious tone. “You know you can tell me anything, right?”

Her gaze darted away, guilt shadowing her face. Sanji could tell she was holding something back, too ashamed to say it out loud.

“Whatever it is, you don’t have to hide it from me,” he added with a small, playful grin. “If you need something, just tell me. You know I’ll do anything for you, Moxie-Moon.”

Moxie’s head whipped toward him, her eyes glistening with tears. “If I told you, you’d think I’m a freak… a big, stupid freak,” she said, clutching his arm instinctively before pulling away, realizing what she’d done. She turned her face, wiping her tears as her shoulders shook.

Sanji’s heart twisted. “How could you think I’d judge you?” He reached out, gently pulling her hands away from her face and using his own to brush away her tears. “There’s nothing about you that could ever make me think less of you, Moxie-Moon. Whatever it is, I promise, you can tell me.”

She sniffled, her lips trembling. “Pinky promise?” she asked, holding up her finger like a child, her vulnerability shining through.

Sanji chuckled softly, his heart swelling. “Pinky promise.” He linked his pinky with hers, letting the moment linger a little longer than necessary. Both of them glanced away, their cheeks flushing.

“Good,” Moxie murmured, regaining a bit of her fire. “Because if you broke your promise, I’d gouge out your eyes and feed them to a puma.”

Sanji raised his hands in mock surrender, laughing lightly. “I wouldn’t dare risk that.”

The humor faded as Moxie took a deep breath, crossing her arms tightly. “I… I have this weird thing,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper. “If I don’t hold someone—like, physically—I start to lose it. My brother… I used to hold him all the time. He was all I had. Now, without him, I feel all shaky and out of control, and I’m too embarrassed to ask anyone here for a hug because I don’t want to seem weird or clingy—”

Before she could spiral further, Sanji pulled her into a hug, wrapping his arms around her tightly.

Her breath hitched in surprise as he rested his chin lightly on her head, inhaling the faint scent of her hair. “You don’t need to ask, Moxie-Moon,” he murmured, his voice a mix of flirtation and sincerity. “My arms are yours, anytime, anywhere.”

Moxie froze for a moment before breaking into sobs, clinging to him like a lifeline. Sanji held her closer, whispering soft reassurances as she let everything out.

They stayed like that for what felt like hours, wrapped in each other’s warmth, as if the world outside didn’t exist.

————————————————————————

The next day, Sanji was in the middle of bickering with Zoro when he suddenly felt arms wrap around him from behind.

“Moxie-Moon—what are you doing!?” he exclaimed, his face going red.

“You said I could hold you whenever,” she replied, her green eyes narrowing slightly. “Unless you lied to me…”

“Of course not! I’d never lie to you!” Sanji immediately spun around and hugged her back, his hands resting on her waist. His heart raced, but he couldn’t help the goofy smile spreading across his face. “If cuddles are what you want, then cuddles are what you get!”

The rest of the crew stared, their jaws practically on the floor.

“When did this start happening?” Usopp whispered to Nami.

As Luffy started to shout for food, Nami covered his mouth. “Let them have their moment,” she said softly, a small smile tugging at her lips.

The crew watched as Moxie and Sanji stood there, holding each other, her face buried in his chest as tears of relief streamed down her cheek.

For the first time since she’d joined the crew, Moxie looked like she belonged.

[ambassadorarlert]

12 Days of Kelsmin 🎂

ambassadorarlert’s birthday event

8 — #4 holding hands in a happy moment

warning: domestic bliss, fluff, established relationship (husband/wife), dad!min, children + their given name (Dahlia)

They were biased, and they didn’t care. Their daughter was the most perfect, the most beautiful little thing they had ever seen. She laid on her back in the crib her father built just for her, staring up at the mobile her mother crafted from shells, beads, sea glass, and small pieces of driftwood. It clicked and dinged together whenever someone stroked the strings. Eyes as clear and blue as the sky watched the mobile dance above her head.

Dahlia was an equal split of both her parents. Her genes had helped themselves to taking her mothers hair color and texture. Fine, dark hair swirled around her head. As for Armin’s genetics, Dahlia had copied his finer facial details such as his lips, ears, and chin. No one could question or mistake where she could have gotten her sapphire peepers from.

Armin couldn’t believe it when he saw her for the first time immediately he was in love. There was a moment where time stood still. In those split milliseconds between her drawing her first breath Armin noticed every finger and toe, ten of each. When she cried, he swore her wailing could be heard from every which way now that the world was wide enough. She was just a baby bird without feathers.

Here she was, about to do so much more than eating and sleeping. Dahlia realized not only could she oohh and aahh, she could babble and screech as much as she wanted for as long as it pleased her. She was capable of flashing her pink gums with a happy smile whenever she was greeted with a familiar face, and made cooing noises when spoken to. She could do it all even with her toes in her mouth.

Armin stood over his wife while she was leaning over the side of the crib. He watched them both play, talk, and laugh with one another. Her hand rested on the smooth finishing of the wood for support. Armin hand, warm and larger than hers, gently covered over hers.

She didn’t break her eyes away from their baby, not wanting to miss a single second of being so cute. She automatically turned her hand over, letting Armin’s fingers interlock with hers. They stood against each other, rejoicing in the precious moment, admiring their one true love they shared. Little by little with each darling giggle, all of their sins washed away.

© ambassadorarlert 2024 all rights reserved. do not reupload or translate any content that is labeled to be written by ‘ambassadorarlert’ on any other platform.

[pastelpousay]

“Ask the Girl”

A/N: Fun fact I wrote this entire thing on paper 🙈 I’m so silly right 😋😽 I mostly wrote this so I can get used to writing them interact before I work on the second chapter which should be done by Late October if I lock in but yayyyyy Hadina content!!

Warnings: thoughts of self doubt, slightly ‘possessive’ thoughts (from Hades of course what else could you expect) kind of ooc Hades, this is really really long 😭but that’s it I believe.

For the longest time now, Rina has had a massive crush on Hades, and with how well he was able to read people— he sure as hell took notice after at least a couple months. It was so incredibly obvious, the fact he hadn’t noticed her behavior sooner damn near made him want to laugh out loud. How had he not realized? All the signs were there; she did everything he asked without much question, always taking over his work when the both of them were far too tired to, her mood boosting practically any time she saw him. All this on top of the general respect, kindness and compassion she showed towards him. She had never did any of that out of fear of him, he could look into her eyes and tell how utterly sincere she was and gods— that look she gave him was just everything to him. It was sweet like honey yet soft as the clouds on Olympus. Gods it just made the man melt, but oh- did it irritate him so. That lovey dovey feeling in his chest whenever the two of them held eye contact made his nonexistent heart thump. Why did he feel this way? It make him feel so…weak.

Hades took a moment to lean back in his office chair as he let out a rather exasperated sigh. He couldn’t believe this was happening right now, what the hell was wrong with him? As of recent he had been a bit on edge, how had Rina not noticed his so obvious advances? It practically drove the God mad. Was she that obvious with her feeling and that oblivious to his? You’d think an offer to be a God’s plus one to an Olympic party would be enough to get the point across, but apparently not. Perhaps he had misinterpreted her behaviors into something he would rather it be than just plain kindness.

‘I’m overthinking all this- I need forget about it— besides I’m Hades, lord of the dead. I don’t need to be worried over such a nonsensical thing— it’s only a little rejection, no biggie.’ Hades sat there for a moment thinking it over. Had she actually rejected him? Why was he even still thinking about this— he had work to do, he didn’t need to be stressing over something as futile this.

Hades sat forward in his chair, attempting to reassure himself that rejection was no big deal, he was so used to it after all.

But, it was a big deal to him, it really was. He could lie to anyone else about that but not to himself. He hated that feeling more than anything else in the world, and to be rejected…rejected by Rina…it felt like a stake to the heart. Soon enough the poor God began to overthink more and more as seconds passed by, the papers on his desk collecting dust at this point.

Maybe he had misread her kindness as a sign that she had been harboring feelings for him, perhaps she were like that with everyone? That thought…oh boy did it make his blood boil. He knew Rina was a kind soul but, he had to be the only one Rina acted like this with, that gave him little offerings, that smiled at him so warmly, that spoke to him in such a kind and sincere way. Because in his somewhat

‘sick and twisted’ mind she was his and he was hers, and it would have the stay that way. Dare he saw her that close with anyone else and he’d lose his damn mind.

‘…my gods— I’m starting to think Aphrodite might have something against me with all this bullshit.’ Hades thought to himself, trying to provide reason for all these thoughts and feelings that plagued him. Trying to ignore them was pointless— he just couldn’t get that girl out of his head.

He had to be honest with himself…he wanted to go to that party with Rina, badly. He didn’t even want to go to the party if he were being honest. He just wanted to be with her, not doing any work, hell— they didn’t even have to be talking he just wanted to be next to her, holding her, looking into those gorgeous big brown eyes of hers and practically drowning in them. That’s all he wanted…he wanted her. And if he wanted her, then oh boy was he gonna have her.

Now Hades really wasn’t focused on his work. Perhaps he needed a break, or was that just an excuse to run into Rina?

‘Holy fuck I needs some coffee—‘

…☆…

All day Rina had been running back and forth from her chores and her usual tasks. She had been hyper-focusing on cleaning the kitchen since Pain and Panic decided they were ‘above doing dirty work.’ Gods- as much as she loved the two, the fact she had to work twice as hard because the other two were slacking off. She honestly couldn’t care less not though, she were far too tired to and cleaning wasn’t much of a big deal to her anyways, well…compared to the usual work she was given so she didn’t mind it all too much.

She’d be lying if she said she hadn’t been looking over at the doorway the entire time…waiting for a certain someone to make his entrance in the room. She knew he was probably busy but this had to be the area where the two ran into each other the most— at least when he hadn’t called upon her.

‘Whatever— need to get back to work anyways.’ She waved the thought away as she continued mopping, thinking mindlessly as she did. What was that girl thinking about? Was she even thinking at all? The thoughts began to start flooding to her again. They always did it’s like they were haunting her, taunting her with something she didn’t even think she deserved.

What even was it about him? That charm, the jokes he made that always had her giggling, his so honest behavior that she dearly appreciated. Why was she so stuck on Hades in the first place? The thought of him being near her made her legs feel like led, she couldn’t help but hate and love that feeling all at once.

Then she thought back to when he asked her to go to that party with her…why did she say no?

Rina was well aware that she lacked most basic social skills and were far too nervous to talk to people unfamiliar to her— especially the gods but, wouldn’t it be worth it to at least have a reason to be with him other than just sorting papers?

Seems this girl had jinxed herself quite a bit, because the very man she had been thinking of had just walked in.

She could already tell it was him thanks to the hollowness in the walls of his abode, you could practically hear a hair drop from a mile away.

“Hey, you’re…cleaning? Again? I swear I saw you mopping in here two days ago—“

Hades inquired.

“Oh, yeah- yeah I was. I’m just in here trying to tidy up a bit” Rina explained.

“Yeah, yeah, because mopping the entire kitchen floor is definitely just ‘tidying up’.” He said chuckling a bit at her explanation as he walked past her.

“Well I would like for it to stay as clean as possible.” She responded in a slightly agitated tone, usually if it were anyone else he would have something to say but the sound of Rina’s rather quieted voice saying it amused him to no end.

“You neat freaks I swear—“

“Hey! I can’t help that I like it clean! Besides it’s nice, and it keeps everything in an organized manner.” She said with a huff in her voice.

“Shall we take a look at your room?”

“We shall not—“

“Mhm, thought so.” Hades said smiling, rolling his eyes a bit at her amusing antics.

“Coffee, at this hour?” Rina asked pausing for a moment tilting her head, she seemed a bit tickled at this behavior, not that it was unusual per say but it was only half past 2 by this point.

“I need something to keep me awake, I shouldn’t have stayed up so late last night” Hades said as he started fixing himself some coffee.

“Heh— what time did you go to bed?” She inquired.

“Maybe 3-2am give or take.” Rina looked at him like he had committed several war crimes. She knew he was a god, and probably used to staying up so late but— to go to bed for two hours before getting up was an insane idea.

“How- why— how does one do that?” she said giggling a bit, not even because she thought it was necessarily funny but rather from the pure absurdity of it.

“No clue, I’m honestly surprised I didn’t pass out when I got up today.” Hades said turning to her as he let the water in the coffee pot heat up, Rina shook her head at his words continued with her cleaning.

He kinda loved these little moments, where the two of them didn’t have to be endlessly working— well they were supposed to be, or rather he was at least. But he liked talking to her, as much as she made his cold black heart feel like it was beating out of his chest, speaking with her calmed him, it was nice. The two of them were rarely ever serious, most of the time it was just playful back and forth bickering or just the two joking. Gods he loved it. He adored hearing the sound of her voice, the way their eyes met when he was talking to her, he just couldn’t get enough of it.

Then he began thinking back to his earlier thoughts, about that ‘date.’ Perhaps he hadn’t made it clear enough? Maybe he wasn’t forward enough or perhaps too much. Although a thought popped into his mind…Should he ask, again?

“Sooo— how was work so far? Boring as ever I assume?” Rina said, breaking the silence that had momentarily fallen over them. Hades quickly snapped himself out of his thoughts, although he still wondered if he should go through with it but, he needed a plan.

“Oh yeah, yeah. Boring…, y’know nothing gets me going like a good pile of paperwork.” Hades chuckled to himself before taking a sip out of his cup.

Rina only shook her head, giving a small chuckle before proceeding with her task, that silence returned yet again leaving Hades to return to that dreadful place, his office.

…☆…

“Okay boys…” Hades started, taking a pause as he paced back and forth in front of his desk. The two imps in front of him anxiously waiting for what he was about to say next. It had been almost a full 48 hours since Hades finally decided to stop lying to himself about the emotions he were experiencing, all the while He had been silently questioning himself whether or not he had been correct about Rina’s affections for him, or if he should even attempt to ask her out one last time before he finally accepted he was probably gonna be alone for the rest of his; sad, miserable, eternal life. Or at least that’s what he would’ve gotten from that.

Hades had managed to practically drag the two imps out of bed, they were both still half asleep by this point, but as a alert as they could possibly be with the confusion and all.

“Uhh— sir, it’s 3:50 almost…we usually don’t get started till 4 y’know—“ Pain finally begged to question, pausing to check if what he said would upset Hades or not, and we’ll…it didn’t seem to. There he was, still pacing back and forth deep in thought.

“Ya think he’s okay?” Panic whispered to Pain, almost nudging him a bit.

“Hell no—“ Pain whispered back before continuing.

“Look boss, what we’re askin’ is—“

Hades interrupted “I know, I know it’s early boys, but work with me here,” he said sighing a bit leaning back on his desk before continuing.

“I need to know— and since Rina doesn’t shy away when talking to you two idiots—“ He said the last bit in a quieted tone, trying his absolute hardest not to roll his eyes. “I gotta ask…does Rina like, y’know…how does she view me? What’s her view on me? Just out of plain curiosity.” Hades asked crossing his arms as he waited for the pair to respond. He usually wouldn’t shy away from asking a question outright but knowing that Pain and Panic had a tendency to spill out secrets that weren’t to be shared, he couldn’t…especially when Rina was the only other person there to be told anything of the sort, especially if it were about her.

Pain and Panic paused at the question, blinking for a bit and doing a double take…did he really just ask them that? He could’ve asked Rina that himself so why was he up so early worrying them over it?

“Uhm, I mean…she likes you of course.” Pain answered confused at his question,

“Yeah, it’s pretty obvious.” Panic followed up.

“No— I know she likes me, but…look—“ Hades let out an exasperated sigh

“We aren’t getting anywhere with this,” he said rubbing his forehead a bit, he already knew beating around the bush wouldn’t help, considering how balloon headed his two lackeys were. If he had to risk Rina finding out about his plan, so be it. He’d be asking the girl out later anyways.

“Rina’s not like…Secretly engaged or something, right?” Hades questioned further. Pain and Panic exchanged glances before looking back at Hades.

“T-that’s what all this is about?” Panic asked, looking a bit baffled. Did he really get them up at almost 4am just to ask if Rina had a crush on him, did he not understand that she obviously did?

Well the thing is he did know, it was painfully obvious she treated him far different than anyone else, and he knew it couldn’t have been out of plain fear, she was far too kind. The doubt in the back of his mind seemed to have crept in however, he had been thinking maybe…he read her actions as something else entirely.

He waited, in an almost anxious manner for the two imps to say something else.

“Can you just tell me if she actually likes me or not?! goddamn it—“ He further restated his question, more than a bit firm this time. She had to have told them about her feelings, if she really did like him like had assumed before…right? They just had to know right?

“…sir it’s incredibly obvious.” Panic finally responded

“Mhm, very.” Pain relayed

“You’re sure?”

Pain and Panic nodded exhaustedly

“Okay, but— you’re sure, you’re sure?”

“Yes!” The two of them exclaimed getting pretty irritated at Hades rather oddly nervous behavior…okay who the hell was this god and what happened to the real Hades?

“You feelin’ alright, boss?”

“Yeah, you seem a bit on edge..?” The two said exchanging worried glances before looking back at Hades again, who has right now about ready for formulate a plan to ask the woman he so dearly cherished out on a date.

“Oh please— I’m fine,” Hades said rolling his eyes as he smirked a little, finding the question rather random, although it was only warranted with how off he had been acting. Gods- he had been getting really desperate again. Who knew it would only take two days for his desperation to truly shine.

“Alrighty then, boys! Time for daddy to start courtin’!” Hades said rubbing his hands together before walking over to a chalk board, just left of the table. Oh gods.

‘Holy Hera-ing fuck- he has this planned to a T.’ Pain and Panic announced to themselves simultaneously. Figuring that he had everything planned out with this oddly new found confidence.

“Did he have too much ambrosia today?”

“He sure is acting like it—“ Pain responded, in a rather comically concerned manner.

The pair watched as their boss turned the chalk board around with it now facing them. Surprisingly it was blank, nothing was on there yet. At least he wasn’t up all night scribbling on the board over some date like a complete psychopath.

“See, the reason I called you in here is because—“ Hades paused, dragging out the last bit of the word with a wavering tone of uncertainty. So…he didn’t have it planned out, at all.

“I need your help…quite obviously I have not a clue what to do for a date, ya feel?”

“You want us to…come up with an idea?”

“Yes you dumbass- look, just throw me an idea, I’ll do what I can and guess who’ll be setting it up” Hades said in a sing-song voice, and with a faux toothy smile to go along with it.

“Us?” Pain and Panic said in unison

“You sure as hell will be— now c’mon boys…ideas? Hello, hello, hello—“ he restated trying to get the pair back in focus.

“I dunno— I mean…it’s Rina we’re talking about, she doesn’t really like uhh— stuff all over the place y’know?” Pain answered tilting his head.

“I know, that’s why I’m asking you two imbeciles.” Hades said with his patience slipping a bit more than it already was.

“Just— look, y’know what don’t give me a specific idea, just tell me what type of date you’d think she’d like to go on.” Hades said, basically further simplifying the question he had already asked the two.

‘This is exactly why I don’t ask for advice.’

“Uhm uh, well…Rina isn’t much of a tough customer,” Pain paused as Panic followed up

“Yeah! She’s more of a ‘sit down and have picnic.’ type girl than anything else.”

“Hmm I see…” Hades said nodding his head along a bit, trying to come up with a date idea, but he knew he needed plan of action to actually ask the girl out.

“How about a stroll out next to the Styx! That sounds fun!” Panic said enthusiastically, whilst attempting to keep Pain, who was barely even awake to begin with, up and at em’.

“Huh— oh yeah! So fun, whooo whooo… whooo…” Pain said in a tired voice before mentally and physically clocking the hell out, and using Panics shoulder as a pillow cushion.

“Fine, fine, whatever. I can make do with that…alrighty then boys, see you in…,” Hades paused again, looking like he was debating on something almost

“I’m feelin’ generous today, you have an hour before you two need to get haul assin’ so, take with that what you will.”

Hades said dismissing the two of them as Panic rushed out, dragging Pain along with him.

As soon as Pain and Panic had left the room Hades let out a sigh of relief.

‘Oh gods— how in Zeus’ name am I gonna ask her?’ Hades thought to himself, rubbing his left temple as he sat down on his desk behind him. He had to ask her out, he just had to. That and his feelings of uncertainty towards Rina’s feelings for him, had practically been eating away at his mind for the past 2 or so days now. God— he felt like such a creep doing this but he couldn’t be stopped he wanted Rina, and badly. He needed to know that she had in fact liked him back, and even though he knew Pain and Panic were far too stupid to lie to him about such, he couldn’t help but wonder,

Had she them fooled as well? What if they figured no better than him previously?

Only Rina’s answer to Hades’ big question would truly be the thing to tell.

…☆…

Now here he sat, waiting. Waiting for the perfect opportunity to see if his assumption on his darling assistants feelings were true, waiting for the perfect moment to finally ask her out.

Some hours had passed since he finally planned this entire thing out— although he didn’t plan too much, he knew he didn’t need to go all out with it, it was just a date not a wedding ceremony, it’s not like he was gonna propose…so there was no need to be so nervous over it right? Right. It was only ten past twelve, and Rina had been on her break time as of right now, as she had been doing paperwork up until then. Hades had dismissed her a while ago, as he couldn’t focus much with her right in front of him, he was never able to to begin with but, now more than ever it seemed.

He was getting antsy now, should he ask now? Was it too early? Wrong time, wrong place? It’s not like he had many other options other than this one break they had in the day, so he knew he had to go for it now, If not Hades figured he might as well forever hold his peace.

‘Fuck it— I’ll just ask her now.’

Hades quickly got up from his chair, and headed out of his office looking for Rina. He didn’t have time to debate over it now, sure he could wait, but he didn’t want to. If Hades wanted something he was going to have it no matter what. Even if that something was Rina, he’d have to have to at least try. Rina usually at this time would be in the kitchen, getting a snack after all the work she had done, or somewhere in the library, checking out some of the old scrolls in there just out of plain curiosity. He had figured the latter since she had left a while ago, so he headed off to the library although he was sure to pass by the kitchen, just in case she had actually been there.

Hades finally made his way there, opening the doors rather slowly, being sure not to alert her too much if she were really there. The library was big, but not too huge, it was mostly just a maze of bookshelves and scrolls that had been tucked away, and covered in dust. He knew Rina had always liked to sit in the very back, in one of the chairs, so he slowly inched his way over there before spotting her just beyond an empty top of a shelf, curled up in one of the chairs reading a book. He nearly froze up when he saw her. She hadn’t noticed him yet thankfully, she practically had her nose buried in the book she was reading. She looked so at peace however, it oddly almost warmed his cold and empty heart, it always did truly but, he wasn’t just here tp sit here and admire her, unfortunately. He had something to do.

“Knock, knock, knock~” Hades said in a sing-song-y voice again as he knocked on the side of the shelf ye had been standing behind momentarily.

Rina looked up, finally noticing the tall, dark, and fiery god that was her boss.

“Oh— hi, hello, sorry! I was reading.” Rina said closing her book up, chuckling to herself a bit.

“You’re all good babe, don’t worry. I uh…psh— I just came here to ask you something is all…” Hades said awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck, doing his best to calm himself down. Not like he were going to let himself freak out in front of her— oh gods no. The anxious, nervous behavior he had been so scared of exhibiting…he couldn’t have Rina notice that, just yet.

“Oh, really? What is it?” Rina asked tilting her head off the the side a bit as she sat there waiting, listening intently.

“…do you…I wanna like, hmm, I dunno— want a break?”

“I am on break…”

“That’s…that’s not what I meant,” Hades said laughing a bit awkwardly, as he looked down at the ground, refusing to meet Rina’s gaze.

“I mean do you wanna go…out?” Hades went a bit silent, the faint, light hearted smile still being shown on his face as his dark eyes finally meeting Rina’s warm chocolate ones, the look and his eyes held nothing but anticipation and anxiety.

“Can you…be more specific please?” Rina giggled a bit, unsure of what he meant…or perhaps she did know what he meant, or what it could mean rather. Did he really just ask her that? Had he? Or maybe she were misunderstanding

‘Maybe he meant something different?’

“I’m afraid I don’t quite follow, sir—“ Hades cut her off.

“You don’t— you don’t have to call me sir, please…Catarina…you know exactly what I mean.” Hades said, their eyes practically locking at this point, as if they were trying to read each other, like a book almost.

“…you mean us, go out? Like—“

“Yes, just you and me. No body else. Just us, that’s all I want.”

“You’re not like trying to—“

“Rina, I’m asking you out on a date, I’m not trying to do anything but be with you.”

‘Did I really just fucking say that?’

Hades internally cringed as he then noticed the silence that had fallen over them. Rina’s eyes went wide, well now she knew for certain that’s what he was asking, and it’s not like she couldn’t just not answer his question.

“Uhm— I-… I’m sorry,” hades let out a stifled chuckle “I’m sorry I didn’t—“

“I would love to go out with you” Rina said fully closing her book as she gave him a content smile.

“Excuse me?” Hades said confused, asking her to repeat again,

“I said, I would love to go on a date with you, is that not what you asked?” Rina said getting a bit cheeky now, almost teasing him a bit but she was far too slick with it for her own good.

“…” Hades went silent for a moment.

“Really?”

“Yes, I mean it”

‘Holy fuck that was easy, I didn’t even have to bribe her!”

“Well, okay then,” Hades started as he straightened out his robes.

“I’ll uh- I’ll have Pain and Panic come get you at six O’ clock— sharp. I’ll see you then, you can have the rest of the day off it ya want.” Hades said contently, as he turned away to leave, Rina watching in surprise as he did. Rina opened her book again before bending over and putting her head in her lap and in her book. She sat in a fetal position almost, doing her best to suppress the smile that almost spread across her features.

‘Did that just happened?’

Rina questioned to herself she almost couldn’t possibly believe it, no one had ever went out of their way to ask her out, especially not someone who she enjoyed the presence of so dearly. Perhaps she had finally gotten what she wanted…she had won.

…☆…

As the hours in the day passed, it finally hit six O’ clock. The anticipation was practically killing Rina from the inside out. She had been in the bathroom that both her and Hades shared, doing her best to look at least half or more presentable than she usually did, but nothing too fancy. It was just a date after all its not like he asked her to marry him or anything— then again it’s not like she’d be all too opposed to that idea either.

‘I wonder where we’re going?’ Rina thought to herself. ‘Damnit— I should’ve asked him that! Ugh— mm..it’ll be okay I guess, at least I’ll be spending time with him’ Rina thought, smiling to herself as she finally finished fixing up her hair, pulling down a small coily strand with her finger as she let it go and watched it bounce back up.

Soon enough she had left the bathroom. Where the hell were Pain and Panic? They were supposed to come and get her right about now. She quickly shrugged it off, figuring they were probably on their way anyways.

Rina continued walking a bit further away from the bathroom, not to anywhere in particular, she was more so just wandering about as she waited for the pair of imps to finally make their appearance. Oh boy soon enough, they sure as hell would.

As Rina continued on walking for a bit longer she felt a presence from behind her, was it Hades? She had noticed it before after she had left the bathroom, however she wasn’t expecting it to pop up right behind her, and sure as hell didn’t expect to go and snatch her up and blindfolded out of basically nowhere.

“Augh— hey! Lemme go!” She exclaimed as she struggled against the person who had been obstructing her view with a cloth.

“Whoa— calm down sister!”

“Yeah, quit— quit strugglin’!”

Rina almost deadpanned on the spot as soon as she heard those voices, gods— of course it had been them, none others Pain and Panic. How had she not figured that? Rina stopped her struggle as the Blue and Red imps finally finished tying her blindfold

“…so— mind telling me what the freakidy fuck is this about?” Rina said crossing her arms, which usually they’d take pretty seriously but now they honestly couldn’t be bothered to.

“The boss asked us to.” Pain stated like it was no big deal. Rina would’ve rolled her eyes at this but she didn’t bother to, as she thought it didn’t matter if they couldn’t see it.

“Okay, well, why am I being blindfolded? Where the hell are we even going to anyways?” Rina asked as she lifted a brow, confused you the situation, as pain and panicle began leading her somewhere.

“You’ll see in a bit…”

Pain and Panic said in unison, it was almost a bit uncanny, although she payed it no mind. It hadn’t mattered, and either way she was more concerned about where she we’re going, as well as hoping for Hades to be there waiting for her.

…

Soon enough Rina had finally arrived to said date location, she, to be frank had no clue where she was at. She had been blindfolded before she even arrived, and hadn’t been paying much attention to where they were headed. The half of it was a complete blur, and her excitement to actually be going on a date with the man of her dreams seemed to be overpowering her emotions of curiosity about wherever the hell she were at right now.

Pain and Panic finally let go of her hands before turning to finally leave. Rina overheard some of their chattering as they walked off, likely back to the cold, dark, and gloomy underworld.

“Ugh— they grow up so fast” one of them said from off in the distance, she couldn’t help but giggle a bit at their little comment. Rina started to take off her blindfold before another presence seem to pop up from behind her,

“Sorry ‘bout all that, babe. Hopefully they didn’t freak you out too much.” Hades said, startling her a bit as he began helping her take off the cloth from around her eyes.

Rina hadn’t said anything just yet, soon the blindfold was off and her eyes became adjusted to the scenery around her. She knew it, the air didn’t feel warm and dense like it did in the underworld, the breeze was cool and refreshing, and the wind flowing past the many trees that were surrounding the river in front of her, the sounds of the water rushing past the rocks in the river, all of it was music to her ears. He had taken her back home, back on earth.

Her eyes soon trailed down to the very lake she stood In front of, taking in the sight of it and the reflection of the red colored sun that was still sparkling in the ever deepening blue shy, the gorgeous evening scene and the colors Rina so enjoyed, it gave her peace.

“Thought I’d take you out of the underworld some time soon y’know, figured you’d gotten homesick.” Hades said as he lightly placed a hand on her shoulder, waiting for her to finally say something— although she did admittedly looked rather shocked as she gazed upon the beautiful scenery.

“This is— this is so…gorgeous,” Rina said softly still taking in the scene before she turned to look at him, giving him a warms smile. He took in the red and orange colors of the sun shining on her almond skin and deep brown eyes, holy hera she looked like a dream.

“Thank you so, so much for taking me here.”

“Not a problem babe— oh, and I’ve got one more thing I wanna show you,” Hades put out his hand, silently offering for her to take it. Rina hesitated for a moment, what could he possibly have to show her that could make this little date of theirs any better?

Rina gave him her hand, silently taking note of how much larger his hands were compared to hers, she had noticed a while ago— and gods, she’d be lying if she said she didn’t make her heart beat a least a little bit faster. Hades quickly look her hand in his, rather macro-scaled, palm. He began leading her over through the grove of trees, and further down the bubbling river. She kept her eyes on the water, watching as the copper suns light hit it, although she did glance back up at Hades a few times throughout.

“You see that light up top?” Hades said breaking the calming silence. Rina looked over at him a bit confused by what he meant, before she looked forward, a bit further over in the bunches of trees.

She hadn’t seen anything yet, no light other than the ever sinking sun in deepening darkness of the sky.

“I’m not seeing anything…I don’t get it, what light?”

Hades let out a breathy chuckle before replying,

“Mmm you’ll see em’ soon babe, you’ll love it just know it.”

As they continued, Rina spotted some light coming from up above in the trees, along with a boat along the shore of a small pond the river had lead up to. It wasn’t a large boat, but it was big enough for two, and it even had two seats with cushions on them, pretty fancy, in Rina’s book at least.

Rina stopped momentarily for a moment taking in the sight in front of her. The golden light from the trees now shining in the darkness of the night that had just begun, she started walking over the the small grove of trees around the pong, looking a little closer at the golden tree leaves. It wasn’t just the shining tree leaves however, it was clusters upon clusters of gleaming golden blossoms that resided there. Gosh— they almost looked like stars.

Hades looked at Rina’s starry eyed gaze as she looked at the scenery, finding it a bit endearing if he were being honest. He kept her hand in his, although her rather small one began to slip so he intertwined her pinkie in his. Gods— she was just so sweet he almost couldn’t handle it.

“These are beautiful…, what are they?”

Rina said, her gaze never breaking the golden glow of the starry flowers that had captivated her.

“I’m not too sure actually,” Hades started, letting out a slightly amused laugh at Rina’s fascination.

“They call em’ Star Lily’s or something, I believe, I thought you’d like em’.”

“I do— they’re lovely,” Rina said looking back at him momentarily, with a small smile on her face.

“Uhh, what’s that boat for? It’s not for us is it?”

“What— I thought it would be nice to just…I dunno- sit on the water and talk y’know. You don’t get sea sick or anything do ya’?”

“No, no—I’m not I just didn’t, I mean I did but uhm—“

“What? You wanted to take a dip in the pond?”Rina let out a small chuckle at his comment.

“No! I just, I mean I uhm…I didn’t expect it is all…,”

“Do you not wanna?” Hades raised a brow, asking genuinely a bit confused by all Rina’s worried rambling.

“No, I do! I do, I’m sorry—it’s just…I don’t wanna fall in.” Rina said chuckling, covering up her face a bit from the embarrassment, but there was nothing she said that was really embarrassing. Perhaps she said if wrong?

“Sorry— I’ve…I’ve never been on a date before I don’t know how to—“

“You’re just fine, babe. Just relax, and take a load off. Just be happy we aren’t out here doing paperwork” Hades said laughing as he walked over to the boat with Rina, as she took a slightly tighter grip of his hand.

“You wanna get in first?”

“Hm? Oh sure uhm…how do I get in without it y’know…tipping over?” Rina said holding her free hand up to her chest as she looked over the boat. Hades shook his head at this with a smile as he kept her hand in his and help it up, guiding her into the boat.

“There you go m’lady.” He said chuckling a bit as she finally stepped in and sat down.

“Don’t call me that,” Rina said deadpanning a bit almost, despite the small grin spreading on her face.

“uhm…well..now what?”

“Hmm…uhh— we’ll see, just— give me a sec to figure this out, will ya’.” Hades finally let go of her hand as he stood up, and put a finger up to his chin. Thinking about how the hell he was actually gonna get this boat into the water, along with himself.

…

About 15 minutes later of Hades completely embarrassing himself and almost falling in the water— at last they were both finally in the boat.

Hades let out a rather loud sigh as she finally relaxed in his seat, leaning forward a bit closer to Rina.

“Goddamn—“ Hades said relived, just before turning to look at Rina who was doing her very best not to giggle.

“Oh c’mon, babe— don’t laugh at me now,”

“I’m not, I’m not, it’s just—“ Rina finally let out a laugh, giggling as she put her head down to her knees as she did.

“You almost fell in—“

“Oh you are just too tickled about that, aren’t you?” He lifted a brow, laughing along with her.

“So…,” Rina finally stifled her laughter before she continued,

“Now that we’re in this boat…now what?”

“Mmm, I’m not sure…”

Hades paused a moment, the both of them locking eyes once more. This moment felt like magic, the golden glow of the flowers reflecting in her warm eyes as they continued to drift down the pond and into the river. Rina eyes however kept trailing down towards Hades lips, but only for a second.

‘Are we about to kiss?’ Rina thought to herself as she looked back up at him.

“You have really pretty eyes…” Hades said smiling to himself.

“Huh-“

“They look they have stars in them,”

Hades went silent for a moment as he internally cringed once again.

‘Ew— did I just fucking say that?’

Rina smiled as she put a hand over her lips trying to hide it as she giggled a bit again.

“Um, thank you…I uh…I’m- I’m not sure what to say” Rina said with a huff while snickering a bit to herself.

“Yeah, I’m sorry—“ Rina swiftly cut him off.

“No, no, don’t apologize I appreciate it. Uhm…, I think you look handsome today…” Rina said with hesitations she looked away from him and down at the Running water just below them in embarrassment.

“Thanks, babe,” he paused before continuing on,

“So…your day so far?”

“Oh it was good, I uhm…I read.” Rina replied, her eyes fluttering up at him for a second before returning to focus of the water.

“Ohhh, she reads okay then. What have you been reading in the library anyways?”

“Uhm..books”

Hades practically bursted out with laughter at her rather vague response.

“What’s so funny?” Rina ask furrowing her brows a bit, seemingly offended and confused by his abrupt laughing

“None— nothing, babe. You’re just being a little silly is all.” He said in an amused huff.

“It’s not my fault! I dunno how dates work— I don’t even know why you asked me out of all people isn’t this supposed to be like romantic or something?…” Rina asked a bit frustrated and confused.

“Is it not romantic out here?”

“It is! I just dunno why you would ask me…?”

“Why not?” Hades asked chuckling, simultaneously getting on Rina’s nerves while he was at it.

“You’re not helping.” She crossed her arms as she sat back a bit in the boat away from him.

“Okay fine, fine,” He let out a sigh before he followed up,

“I mean what’s so bad about asking my assistant out on a date?”

“…do you want me to answer that?” Rina lifted a brow.

“No— look I- I dunno, if I could tell you I would but I just…look, I like ya’ enough to take ya’ out, or somewhere where we aren’t just doing paperwork.”

“…” Rina unfolded her arms, seemingly no longer upset, or not as upset as she was before.

“I could ask you the same y’know,”

“Hm?”

“Why you said yes?”

“I dunno…I mean a date with you doesn’t sound that bad…and I like being with you.”

Hades’ smile grew a bit whisper at her words.

“See you get it. I uh…sorry ‘bout all that—“

“It’s my fault I’m sorry, but let’s just enjoy our time here while we have it.” Rina said smiling as she took his hands in hers. Gosh— now that practically just warmed his heart, it damn near made him jolt, to say the least he hadn’t expected that.

‘Is she trying to make a move on me or…?’

Hades took in her hands, pulling her a bit closer to him.

“So…what do you wanna talk about?”

“Rina,” Hades announced sternly, making sure his eyes made contact with hers. She was giving him that look again, god how he loved her oh so dearly.

“What? I don’t know what to talk about…,”

“Y’know what people do when they have nothing to talk about on a date?

“What?”

Hades pulled her a bit closer, his hands now resting around her waist. Her nose and lips practically touching his, if they weren’t already that is, and before Rina was even able to realize what he was about to do, he leaned forward, with their lips finally meeting, much to Rina’s surprise.

She returned the kiss before they soon parted a moment afterward. Too bad heaven only lasted about 5 seconds, and Rina had been in complete surprise for at least half of them.

“Woah…”

Rina said before looking up at him again a small smile plastered on her face, more than ready to lean in for another kiss.

🍬Hi!! Thanks a lot for reading my story!! :3🍬hope you like it, I worked really hard on it!! :3. If you have any criticisms please let me know how I can improve my writing!! But other that I hope you enjoyed!!

Divs by @.Brokenhearted

[literally-just-there]

⭒˚.⋆✨️ 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕾𝖊𝖊𝖐𝖊𝖗'𝖘 𝕮𝖍𝖗𝖔𝖓𝖎𝖈𝖑𝖊𝖘

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 ɪ : 𝕬𝖓 𝕬𝖙𝖞𝖕𝖎𝖈𝖆𝖑 𝕬𝖗𝖗𝖎𝖛𝖆𝖑

Word count : 1,686

Content warnings : none

βeta read : yes (many thanks to Mrs G. !!)

Masterlist || Read on AO3

Author's note : the very first chapter of my main fanfic, already posted on AO3 but anyways, have it here too since the second chapter will (finally) come out soon !!

She opens her eyes.

Her small, clammy hands grip the leather of the armchair. It lets out a wailing creak as she slowly turns around in her seat, trying to make out her surroundings. 

It is dark.

The moonlight shines in through the large windows, illuminating the cluttered insides of the room.

She tries to get up, but quickly sits back down as the ground seems to sway under her feet, pressing her warm palm to her head in a futile attempt at stopping the sudden pain. It comes in short waves, steady as her own heartbeat, but nothing accompanies it. No images come to her mind that could possibly tell her how she ended up here.

Only darkness.

She catches her breath as she absentmindedly rubs her forehead. The pain soon fades away. She manages to get up, and makes her way to a window, where she is greeted by the sight of an empty, misty street.

Where am I ? 

She leans in, pressing her hand to the window, trying to make out anything helpful. Just then, a figure appears in a corner of the street, floating, yes, floating, she realizes, towards the window. It has no feet, and only the faint outline of a skeletal body can be seen under the black, swirling clouds coating it. Its eyes blaze red from under a worn-out hat. 

She jumps back with a shaky gasp, her dry throat refusing to let any scream escape. 

A click echoes in the shop, making her heart jump again as she frantically looks around the room, trying to locate the source of the noise.

What's going on ?

A pull.

Without thinking, she turns her head, sharply, towards a globe. It is in no way special, unlike the golden glow gleaming through the half opened trunk hidden behind it.

Was it open the whole time ?

The light is soft, and gently beckons the young woman forward. She pulls her cloak tighter around her, as a nervous shiver courses through her small body. It is suddenly warmer in the shop. The girl pushes the globe aside, her gaze never wavering as she stares at the trunk, the golden light reflected in her eyes.

She kneels down, and the lid squeaks as she pushes it open; the back of her hands brush an ancient helmet and a sculpted candle holder aside, as the light glows brighter with every movement that brings her freckled hands closer to the mysterious light source. Underneath books bound with fragile covers which faded gilt faintly glints, lies the artifact aglow.

Her hand does not hesitate before grasping the rolled parchment. As soon as her fingers make contact with the soft paper, its light fades off. She turns the parchment in her hand, observing the clasp holding it closed, and brings it closer to her face, to better see the elegant symbol of a tree and the arabesques forming a bas-relief on the clasp. As she approaches her other hand to open it, the mural lamp above her flickers on, making her gasp in surprise, as she looks up at the eclectic lamps hanging at the back of the room, which are now lit up as well. She momentarily forgets the strange parchment in her hand, when at the corner of her eye, she notices the street, outside.

The mist is moving.

She approaches the large window again, her hand resting on the lifeless shoulder of an old mannequin, lowering her head into her shoulders to see under the large letters reading 'ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES' backwards. The bluish mist swirls and rushes off the street, and disappears. The young woman cocks her head to the right and to the left, trying to see any sign of the shadow-like creature she saw earlier, but the street remains peaceful and unperturbed, as if nothing had happened at all. The full moon shines brightly in the cloudless sky, its large, all-seeing eye sneering at the clueless girl.

She is pulled out of her reverie by a man's voice, the words soft and unrushed, as if he were speaking to a frightened child.

"Don't be scared ! It's safe to come out now."

She could have sworn the purple clad gentleman was not standing out there a second ago. Yet, there is no hesitation in the way her hand brushes the lace curtain off the door handle, and pushes the door open. The man greets her with a smile, his cane clinking on the wet and irregular cobblestones as he takes gentle, slow steps towards her, the light of the streetlamps shining on his short red hair and sideburns. From under the brim of his top hat, his bright blue eyes twinkle with unknown knowledge.

"Welcome to Darkwood. I know who you are, and why you're here."

He stands still in the middle of the street, his hands resting on the pommel of his cane.

Darkwood ? What do you mean ? I… Who… am I ?

She steps forward, willing to inquire about her situation. However, he speaks again before she does, gesturing to the rolled parchment she is still holding firmly in her hand.

"The Map has chosen you, and it is your destiny to save this town from its Curse."

Her hand tightens around the parchment. 

So this is a map ? What do you mean it chose me ? Why was it glowing ? A Curse ? Why me specifically ?

"Take care of it, and it will help you in return. Good luck, Seeker…"

The man tips his hat as a goodbye. The young woman opens her mouth, to take a chance and ask him the thousands of questions she has before he leaves, but a barn owl's hooting resounds, and she looks up as the bird flies straight towards her, its black round eyes reflecting the full moon. Startled, she raises her arm in an attempt to protect her face, however the owl's wings only graze her forehead, letting her feel a small gust of wind created by the sharp feathers, before it flies away in the night sky.

While attempting to calm her heartbeat, she turns back towards the mysterious man, hoping for some answers; however, she is met with nothing. She turns confused eyes towards the street to her right, but it is utterly devoid of people. The man has vanished, seemingly into thin air.

Was that a dream ? Am I asleep ? I must be…

She is alone again now, with this strange… Map. She holds it in her hands, and her thumbs move on their own, pressing the buttons of the clasp with one swift movement, as if she had done this countless times before. The clasp falls open, and she unrolls the parchment. 

A city is represented with a great attention to detail, from the sharp coastlines to lonely letterboxes in street corners. 

This must be Darkwood…

Her eyes follow the countless tiny threads of golden light which seem to be woven into the very fibers of the parchment. The lights move in a shimmering, lazy waltz, before uniting in a bright and focused ballet, leading towards a single point. She squints, trying to decipher the small, curvy letters.

Grand Stage

A pull.

The young woman closes the Map, and starts moving. The silence of the streets is only disturbed by the echo of her sharp steps on the wet cobblestones. A stray cat stirs and runs away into a dark alley, hissing at the one responsible for interrupting its slumber. But the young woman does not stop, or even make a sign of acknowledgment. Her feet move on their own, their pace fast, steady, mechanical, leading her further into a city she does not know. Her hand is wrapped firmly around the rolled parchment, its tendrils of light crawling lazily towards her fingers.

꒰ 🧭 ꒱ؘ ࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ

A little further away, an old man is walking down the street. His calloused fingers move gently and deftly as they knot two loose threads together, to prevent a piece of his worn-out jacket from falling off. A few coins tinkle in his pocket. Maybe, had he earned more today, he would have been able to buy a ticket for tonight's magic show; it has been so long since he saw a performance… He needs not even sit with others in red velvet seats, only catch a glimpse of the colourful stage lighting up from a dark corner, his vision obstructed by flowery hats and newer frock coats…

He looks up. The stars are especially bright. His eyes narrow as he spots the small silhouette ahead. It stops for a second, before taking a sharp turn, and stopping again under a street light, in front of a wall. Intrigued by the individual's unusual pace, he takes a few steps closer, and notices long red curls strewn with flowers, cascading down the cloaked back of a petite woman.

"Hey, miss ? You alright here ?"

No answer. She has her back turned to him, and seems to be staring at the street sign in front of her.

"Erm… Are you lost ? You shouldn't be out alone so late, I've seen some—"

He lets out a strangled cry, stepping back, not daring to turn away from the bright light. Like two golden full moons, her eyes stare at him. He frowns, his wide eyes scrutinising her face, looking for any sign of hostility, but her expression remains implacably impassive. Not a single muscle twitches on her young, sun-kissed face. 

She takes a step forward, and he steps back again. Another step forward. And one backwards. And again. She steps out of the small circle of light around the street lamp post, her unblinking eyes boring into his as they illumine her features, still as an ancient statue's. 

A gust of humid wind rushes through the street, and his hand shoots up to keep his frayed hat from being blown away. Her long red hair flutters around her face like a bloody halo. 

She takes another step forward.

He runs, his nervous hand holding his hat down on his head. He mutters to himself, his jaw quivering, his eyes widening.

"That ain't human !"

[canon-can-fight-me]

Familiar Faces

Pairing: Kai3po

Word Count: 916 Words

Summary: C-3PO has a chat with a stranger. All aboard the angst train!

Warnings: Spoilers for St.ar Wa.rs Episode IX (Ri.se of Skyw.alker), mentions of loss.

“Excuse me…”

Blue eyes glance up meet his photoreceptors, and with her attention now on him, the droid continues.

“I don’t believe we’ve met quite yet.” He extends a hand to the woman, seated on a bench, sketchpad in hand.

“I am C-3PO, human-cyborg relations.”

The woman stares at him for a moment, expression unreadable, before she holds out a hand, using the other to steady the sketchbook now resting in her lap.

“…Kaiyo.”

The name seems familiar, though he’s not sure why. Perhaps it was just one of the many names of the resistance members his new friend R2-D2 had told him about.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Kaiyo,” he says, hand still in hers. He stiffens as he notices the ring on her finger before her other hand returns to rest in her lap. He debates asking about who holds the other ring, but quickly decides against it. Instead, he gestures to the sketchpad.

“May I ask what it is you’re working on? Are you an artist?”

Her lips quirk up in a smile that fails to reach her eyes.

“You could say that…”

She hesitates a moment before motioning for the droid to sit down, shifting her body to give him a better view of her sketchpad.

“Ah, is that…a starspeeder?”

“Mhm,” she affirms, turning the page to reveal more mock up sketches. “Ever since the fall of the First Order, I’ve had some more time on my hands.”

“This is quite an exquisite design, I must say,” Threepio compliments, “I am by no means an expert on starspeeders, but this one looks unlike any I’ve ever seen.”

He notices the human flush, what he has come to understand as a response to deep embarrassment…or flattery.

“Thank you. Well, you’re right, it doesn’t exist…yet. I’m working with a friend of mine who’s more adept at this kinda thing. They’re going to handle most of the actual inner workings. But…” she sighs, smiling, “I love creating new designs.”

The woman continues to eagerly show him more sketches, some of starspeeders like the first one, and others random drawings of wildlife, plants, and creatures. She seemed closed off at first, but she prattles on with an infectious enthusiasm that the droid can’t help but be drawn to. He feels as though he’s known her for longer than five minutes, combined with distant glimpses of her around the base. However, he was only activated a few weeks ago; such a thing, though strange, simply isn’t possible.

Kaiyo has flipped to another page, though she abruptly stops her excited rambles, eyes suddenly hardened at the sight of what’s on the next page. He looks down to see what the fuss is about and…oh.

“Is that…a self portrait?”

He is mainly able to tell because of the ponytail, though the anguished looking woman on page has a striking resemblance to the one sitting next to him, stiff as a board. Her eyes dart from the page to him, hand poised above the page like she wants to rip it off, crumple it up, or burn it. Maybe all of those things. Instead, she sighs.

“I didn’t mean to show you that. I…drew it as a form of self expression.”

He’s almost afraid to ask. After all, prying into one’s personal affairs is improper. However, he doesn’t need to pry when the words come pouring out of her like a leaky faucet.

“I drew it shortly after the battle on Exegol. Don’t get me wrong, a lot of us were happy to finally see the actual end of Palpatine, but…” she traces the portrait’s face almost as if she’s trying to comfort the sketched version of her.

“No war is won without costs. And he was a hefty one.”

“He?”

Her eyes widen, shaking her head as she realizes her slip up.

“Um…no one, I shouldn’t have said that…uh—“

“It’s perfectly alright if you don’t want to talk about it, Miss Kaiyo.”

“I haven’t for a while—or at least, it seems like it, but…” she fiddles with her ring, pointedly avoiding his attentive gaze.

“My husband…made a sacrifice. It saved the galaxy, and it was by no means the wrong choice. I’m…glad he did it.”

The shininess of her cheeks say otherwise.

“I’m sure that was difficult to learn of…but I’m sure it was a choice he made not just because of the galaxy, but because you’re a part of it, too.” He pauses. “I’m terribly sorry for your loss.”

She says nothing in return, even when he instinctively reaches up to swipe away a tear. His hand is metal, so it doesn’t help much, but it’s the gesture that counts, or so he thinks. Kaiyo seems to agree, reaching up to grasp his hand, still holding her cheek. She seems to lean into his touch, and it feels familiar, it feels natural, it feels—

“Threepio!”

Kaiyo yanks herself away at the sound of footsteps, quickly rubbing her eyes with her sleeve. The young recruit bows in apology for interrupting, explaining that the droid’s presence was requested by General Organa herself. The droid follows, bidding her goodbye, and Kaiyo watches. Her eyes flit down to the sketchpad, and in a fit of frustration she shuts it, tossing it next to her on the bench.

Dammit, Kaiyo. You’re supposed to be moving on from this. But how can you move on from someone who is only partially gone? The same person, just without everything that made him yours?

Note: I made this with the thought of “what if Threepio didn’t get his memory restored?” Because I think about that a lot and I enjoy the angst.

[deathcapyandex]

Lazy Day Off

[lazy Day off]

Inspired by this post(link)

Featuring Laios being an adorable idiot

The party was taking a break from dungeon adventures, resting up for a day on the surface before returning to try and make more progress down the floors.

Sparrow convinced their boyfriend Laios to sleep in, which lead to the two being lazy for the day cuddling each other.

"we should probably get something to eat, it's not good if we lay around all day" the blonde mumbled, nose pressed against the side of their head practically hiding his face in their auburn hair.

"later, I'm cozy" sparrow grumbled, nuzzling their face into the crook of his neck with a sigh.

Laios chuckled with a soft smile, holding them closer in his arms with a light squeeze before toning his voice down to a whisper.

"hey.."

"hm?"

"hey, you know who I love more than anything in the whole world?" His smile widened

Sparrow peered up at him in amusement "gee, is it me?"

Laios' eyes went wide with his bright smile of amazement as he raised his voice again.

"HOW'D YOU KNOW?"

Sparrow laughed at his reaction but the two were quickly interrupted by a call from a certain elf outside their door.

"come on lovebirds get up already! Foods getting cold! Falin and I are going shopping!"

Laios had a look of embarrassment as he sat up, letting go of his partner. "Guess we should - what's that look for?" He asked, noticing the mix of admiration and amusement in their smile.

"you're so cute you big dork" they chuckled

"hey- I am not-" laios stumbled a bit with his argument, a slight blush spreading over his face as his embarrassment furthered. "Well you're cuter!"

Sparrow laughed and sat up, wrapping their arms over his shoulders and leaning their head against his

He smiled and placed a hand on their arm, leaning into them a bit. "Let's go eat, row"

"yeah yeah"

[afternoondreaming]

No Business Like Show Business (3/?)

Hey there, everyone! Sorry it’s been a bit of a hot minute without any writings- celebrated my birthday this month, so I’ve been a tad busy! Now I’m rewarding myself with writing my dear Puzzle man. Also, can’t believe they let my man say fuck. We’re truly in the future, folks

“…Starlet? Oh, Starlet…? Do you make a habit of ‘spacing out’?” Mr. Puzzles leaned across the table to get closer to your eye level, waving his hand in front of your face. You were, as of current, left aghast at the man’s suggestion. Work alone? It was ridiculous. A studio couldn’t be ran by itself! Yet, the more you thought of it, the more the puzzle pieces fit together. A building bereft of staff, left obviously unused. The interviews where he simply posed the questions to himself. All the unanswered résumés constantly being shipped in… Besides those few actors he had on board briefly, which he seemed to hold a grudge against given his attitude in the shows, this was a one man show.

“How… Do you pump out all this content?” You spoke slowly, turning your focus to him again. He looked surprised that you finally spoke up, but quickly switched his screen to a more offended face.

“Excuse you! I don’t make content and it’s not ‘pumped out’!” If a TV could pout, it was about as close as one could get to it. “I make art! I make cinema!” Mr. Puzzles roughly slammed his hands against the desk, kicking up dust as he sprung to his feet. As you began to cough, he continued his confident rambling. “Puzzlevision’s film making techniques are proprietary, so! Until you sign on the dotted line and accept such a golden opportunity, you’ll never know~!” The man looked smug as he leaned closer across the table, goading you on.

As you tried to wave away the rest of the dust, you began to think. You were certainly curious and having such a big name on your résumé would certainly catapult you to whatever heights you wanted to reach. There was just one problem…“Listen, Mr. Puzzles, while I really want to accept this offer… The commute will be way too long. I need to find a place first before I can accept-“

“Oh! That. Easy fix!” He habitually interrupted you, rising from his chair to round the table towards you. “It’s rather common for companies to cover moving costs and provide local housing listings~ I believe there’s a few in the apartment complex across the street! We’ll simply get you settled in there.” Like a fact he said it plainly, hand coming down to pay your shoulder assuredly. “I take it you accept, then?”

“Well, yes, but-“

“Perfect!” The TV in front of you turned manic, eerie face with realistic eyes and smile jittering. “Time to share my genius Puzzlevision process, partner.” Suddenly you felt a pull. A gravitational force towards the man’s screen, all the while that disturbing face towered over you.

“Woah- hey- what’s going on-!” Before you could finish your sentence, you were pulled closer to the screen. Vision quickly going to black as you lost all awareness of the dusty interview room around you.

“Ugh… What just happened…?” You groaned, pushing yourself up off of the floor you were lying on. As you got your bearings, you wished you didn’t. All around you, you were surrounded by void. Giant TVs all around you filled with a low, droning static. Shaking, you picked yourself up off the floor. “Hello…? Is anyone there?” You were in an interview before, right?

“Welcome! To the Puzzlevision proprietary secret!” A booming, familiar voice called out. Up from the void below rose a giant, familiar figure. Right. Mr. Puzzles. How could you possibly forget. “You’re absolutely star struck, Starlet, I know~!” With a knuckle he tapped against the side of his head causing the whole world to shake, nearly toppling you over again. “My head always makes for the best sets and crew!”

“I’m… In your head.” It was hard to believe. I mean, who possibly could? First the man has a TV for a head in the first place. Now this? “Right now. Your head. In it.”

“Right you are, my dear little Starlet! Who needs a studio when you have the realm of imagination!” Mr. Puzzles dramatically struck a pose, a happy smile on his face as he waited for your reaction.

“And you expect me to work here.” It felt like your head was going to explode.

“Well, when we’re filming, yes!” Your question seemed to take him aback, pose dropping as he looked confused. “If you’d like to write in here, you certainly can… But I will gladly dust off the old studio for you and I to brainstorm in~” There it was again. The fact that only you two- and, let’s face it, it’s essentially just you- will be writing, producing, and workshopping movies. Entirely. By. Yourself.

“I…I think I’m gonna lie down for a minute...”

“Starlet? Starlet-!” You couldn’t hear the rest of the flamboyant man’s cries, as you quickly found yourself dropping like a puppet with its strings cut all the way to the ground.

[varganardi]

Home - Varganardi oneshot

Words: 1K Warnings: Angst, Hurt/Comfort. Cuss words, slight injury & mention of blood Summary: Just Laura comforting Nacho <3 Pr0ships DNI!

He kicks off his shoes, his heart heavy with anxiety, and his head, and shoulder, pulsating with pain. The TV is on. Is she really up at this time…? Guilt creeps up, realizing she’s been up. Waiting for him to get home. And here he is, bruised up, sore and exhausted. He limps into the living room to find her, his beloved Laura, asleep under a blanket, with a documentary playing on the tv. He wants to walk up to her, hold her in his arms and seek comfort in her warm embrace. 

Instead, he sneaks - at least tries to limp quietly - to the kitchen. He opens the fridge, which is almost empty. He takes out a beer, the freezing bottle feeling good against his sweaty palms. He puts it against the bruise on his face, and hisses at the pain but then sighs in relief, when the coldness numbs the pain. It has the same effect on the bruise on his shoulder. If only it worked for feelings too. He scoffs at the thought. How bitter he sounds. 

“Nacho?” 

Shit! He turns around quickly, as if paranoid it's someone else. But of course, it’s only Laura. Laura… She looks tired, but as soon as she sees the look on his face, she looks more awake, concerned. Shit. He fights the impulse to throw the bottle away. Instead, he removes it from his skin slowly, giving his girlfriend a sheepish smile. The glare he receives says: I’m not dumb. He sighs. She’s seen the bruises, of course. She’s too observant, too worried about him. Too damn stubborn. That’s what I love about her, though. 

“Hey… You awake?”

No reply. The ticking from the clock on the wall is almost a relief, because at least it’s not completely silent. Usually, he and Laura have a comfortable silence. They don’t always need, nor want to talk. They don’t need background noise either, just the company of each other. 

This is different. She crosses her arms and looks him up and down. His shoulders slumps down, and he barely notices his girlfriend's absence. He blinks his eyes and stares at the closed fridge in an attempt to lose track of time. That’s when Laura returns, but this time carrying a bottle of wound cleanser, cotton pads and band-aids. Noticing how zoned out her boyfriend looks, she takes his arm, guiding him to sit down in a chair. He almost whines when he bends his hurt leg to sit down, almost. But then yet again, Laura notices his tiny grimace. Damn it, Laura. 

“I’m fine.”

“No. You’re not.”

He doesn’t even protest when she sits on the chair next to him, and carefully helps him off with the shirt, so she can inspect his bruises. 

He can see the thousands of emotions on her face - confusion, anxiety and worry, anger, and then… She swallows hard to hide the emotions from seeing him like this. Her beloved boyfriend, exhausted and wounded next to her. She hates it, and hates his work, hates to know that she could lose him, just like that. She blinks her eyes. Not now, not now. She tells herself. 

But she’s not the only observant one. Nacho sees the pain in her face, and it kills him. 

“This will sting for a bit.” she wets the cotton pad with a solution that makes him crinkle his nose. He flinches as she puts it against his skin, dabbing at the sore skin of his shoulder, and then the face. His eyes tears up at the discomfort, but her presence, and the gentle touch, makes it feel ok. She mumbles apologies, but continues the work.

“What happened?”

“Laura…”

“Nacho.” 

I give up. He thinks. But he tells her about what happened. He tells her about work today, and everything that messed up. As he talks, she reacts to his words, but never interrupts. If it’s one person he trusts, it’s her. She’s concerned, of course, but never too judging. She hates the fact Nacho is in the cartel, but knows how difficult it is to leave. She’s stayed by his side all this time, even before they started dating. Always on his side. After some minutes the wounds are treated and his face and shoulder is covered in bandaids. I probably look ridiculous. She’s thought of everything, and he even has a bag of frozen beans against his leg, which still hurts.

All of this, for him. 

“What did I ever do to deserve you?” he whispers. Laura looks at him, her soft green eyes meeting his dark brown eyes. The pain in his voice is reflected in her eyes. They both feel it. 

“Stop it.” 

“I…”

“Stop. I mean it.” She walks into the bedroom and returns to the kitchen with a new shirt for Nacho. After helping him put it on, she walks him to the couch. She’s about to leave again to go get him something, but the urge to feel her close is too overwhelming. She protests as Nacho pulls her down next to him, wrapping his strong arms around her. He just holds her like that, and she hugs him back. Laura moves her hand over his head and shoulders, in a soothing way, and Nacho melts into her touch. He inhales her shampoo and the scent, her scent, of lavender and peppermint. It smells like home. She is his home. He holds her, and wishes to never let go. 

“I love you.” Nacho mumbles, his voice hoarse with emotions. 

“I love you.” her voice too is full of emotions, and shaky. 

For the first time in what feels like forever, he allows himself to be vulnerable. His eyes burn with tears, but he doesn’t hold back. Nacho knows he doesn’t have to. Not now, not with Laura. 

“Let it out, Iggy.” she whispers. And he lets it all out. “It’ll be ok.” 

He actually believes it. 

“Stay. Don’t ever leave me.”

“Never, amore. I’m right here.” Laura’s voice is full of determination. “You’ll be ok.” 

Her words, her touch, and the reassurance is all he needs right now. He knows that whatever he faces, Laura will be by his side. 

Home. 

She is his home.

It's angst o'clock YAYYY

Been working on this one for a while, but GUYS!!!

I'm finally out of my creative block and my motivation AND inspiration to write is coming back!!! 😭💕

Here's a little Varganardi hurt/comfort :3

If you've read this far and like my writing, please share OR comment! Interactions means a lot on fanfics (or just any writing)!💕

Taglist 💕

(Sorry if you guys don't want to be tagged in this- Lmk! <3)

@mashedpotatosinacup @jokerislandgirl32 @tireddovahkiin 

@sharkruss @stoneshipper 

@sheepie-self-ships @scarecrowbf @emmamagorobisgirlfriend 

@sunflawyer @literally-just-there @fomybeloved

Form to be added!

[amalthea-wolfwood]

Favorite Person

Summary: Molly thinks back on a previous interaction with Ogata as it helps an injured Koito, following Ogata's escape from the hospital.

Setting: Canon Ships: Molly x Ogata, Molly x Koito Warnings: Violence, injury, spoilers

Dividers

"Let me ask you something."

Molly looked up from its work upon hearing the familiar voice. He stood there in the doorway, cold black eyes fixed on Molly, his emotion was unreadable.

"What is it?" It stuck the needle in its holder and folded its hands atop the jacket that was sitting in its lap.

"What is it you want with me?" He asked.

It furrowed its brows and laughed awkwardly, what did it... want with him? "What do you mean?"

He huffed, obviously frustrated at not receiving an answer immediately, "If you didn't want something to come of this, you wouldn't be sticking around. So, what is it? Are you trying to repay me- or are you trying to turn it around so I'm in your debt now? What is it?"

"You're asking this because I do things for you? You really think that's why I do it?"

"What else would you want?"

"It's not anything like that, Mr. Ogata," Molly smiled, "I just want... to be your favorite person."

He looked rather unimpressed with its answer, "That's all?"

"You make it sound as if it's something small, Mr. Ogata. But that's a lot to ask of someone, isn't it?"

"No," He rolled his eyes, "It's not a lot to ask for something you already have, is it?"

Molly was taken aback by the comment. He really liked it that much? It grinned, "You mean that?"

"I mean it, but don't go making a big deal out of it." He said, waving it off as he turned his back to it.

It nodded, "Uh... Of course. I won't."

"Good."

That was the last he had to say on the matter before walking away and leaving Molly by itself again. Molly smiled to itself and picked the needle back up, picking up where it left off on his jacket.

His favorite person…

***

It was a strange time to be remembering the conversation, as it knelt on the ground in the hospital, tending to Koito's wounds after Ogata had escaped through the window.

It was a good thing that, despite his obvious interest in Molly, Koito seemingly hadn't managed to pick up a word of Dutch. He had bought into Molly and Ogata's little performance, the fake argument they put on in Dutch for him. He had no clue what they had actually said, he had only their tone of voice to go off of and that's what Molly had been banking on.

Though now Molly had to grit its teeth and endure the harsh words Koito had to say about Ogata. As much as it wanted to snap and defend him, now was no time to be losing its temper. It had to maintain a cool composure and keep Koito and the others in its favor for now, or it would never be able to get back to Ogata.

Koito sat up, clutching the side of his head where Ogata had struck him and muttering another curse under his breath.

"Don't strain yourself, you got hit pretty bad." Molly scolded.

It did feel guilty, it liked Koito despite the tensions between him and Ogata, and it didn't like seeing him hurt. It would have to chew Ogata out for kicking him so hard when they saw each other again. At least it could do that.

"Don't worry about me, Morgan, I'm fine," He smiled reassuringly, "We have to make sure Ogata doesn't get away."

No, it had to make sure Koito didn't get in the way.

Koito stood, but he nearly tumbled over immediately, falling against Molly's arms to brace himself. It helped him stand upright, but stood firmly between him and the doorway, taking a handkerchief out of its pocket and wiping the blood that trickled from his mouth.

Or... kill himself trying.

"I appreciate you helping me, but I need to-"

"No," Molly cut him off sternly, "Please. The others are out there already, they'll handle this."

Despite its best attempts, Koito was simply too persistent. He gently but firmly pushed past Molly and hobbled out toward the door with his hand pressed against his head. It grimaced and followed behind him hurriedly.

"Mr. Koito," It sat its hand gently on his shoulder, "Please sit down."

Molly peaked out over his shoulder into the snow as he stood there. It could see Sugimoto and Asirpa, standing in the snow, watching something off in the distance. It couldn't see what they were staring at, but its breath caught in its throat, anxiety bubbling up as it waited for something to happen.

It continued watching as Tanigaki and Shiraishi came running up to meet Sugimoto and Asirpa. Sugimoto had turned and was heading back towards the hospital, Molly had to hold itself back to keep from showing the joy and relief it felt when it heard him loudly announce that Ogata had fled on horseback and they hadn't been able to catch him.

"Damn it," Koito hissed angrily, bracing himself against the door, "That bastard got away."

Molly took Koito's hand, he turned to face it, his expression softening as they locked eyes.

"I'm sorry... about all of this... everything he's done. I can't believe I-" It made it sick to even say this but it swallowed that feeling for the sake of the plan, "I can't believe I ever helped him. He's sick, that man." It raised its other hand and placed it to Koito's cheek, "You'll find him, but... there's nothing you can do for now. Won't you please come sit down now, Mr. Koito? You're in bad shape."

Koito sighed and nodded, "Fine. But we can't stay here much longer."

"Of course."

Koito allowed Molly to lead him back into the building and to a place where he could rest for a moment. As it sat him down and looked about for something it could give him for his pain, all it could think about was its reunion with Ogata, what he had said to it before he left.

"I'm going to meet back up with the old man. Once you can get away, come find me."

It would. The moment it had the chance to slip away from this group unnoticed, it would. It would find him and come back to him. No matter how difficult it was, it wouldn't abandon him. Because it was his favorite person, and he was its.

[ambassadorarlert]

12 Days of Kelsmin 🎂

ambassadorarlert’s birthday event

1 — #20 sneaking a romantic moment

warnings: comedy, post-rumbling setting, established relationship (husband/wife), domestic bliss, kissing and physical intimacy, children + their given names (Owen, 9), the Scout Regiment and old government definitely don’t exist anymore 😀

When making a roux, it must be stirred continuously. Otherwise, it will stick to the pot and burn. The darker the roux, the better. To get it at the perfect color and consistency, it would take about 30-45 minutes of uninterrupted stirring.

She stood at the stove, using her wooden spoon to cook. To her legs rh had diced vegetables on a plate, waiting to be sauted, and rice cooking on the back corner of the stove. The ambience of the pot simmering and the contents brewing and the sound of her children playing on the floors above her put her at ease. They all tied together with the sounds of home.

Out of her peripheral vision, her husband slid his way next to her, leaning over the counter and hovering over her workspace.

Whatever she makes, Armin will eat it without question or complaint. There would be hardly anything left on his plate to complain about. Armin wasn’t too concerned with what tonights dinner was. He was much too focused on who was making it.

“Smells good.” Was all he said, looking down into the pan of roux still being stirred to perfection.

What Armin was smelling wasn’t the food. She hadn’t added any of the ingredients yet. It was the smell of her hair. He was standing so close he could smell that the oil she used in her hair was derived from rosemary and mint. He couldn’t get enough of that aroma.

“Looks good, too.” Her added.

Flowy skirts abd dresses were reserved for hot weather. Tighter fitting clothes were more practical for housework. Her dress was a simple black. Armin had seen her in it a million and one times. And, every single time his body would reject his conscious commands to swallow the lump in his throat, or to steady his pulse, or to stop his hands from grabbing the first bit of skin they touch.

Armin lightly pinched the flesh of her hip, where her muscle lay smooth over the dip of her pelvis. That groove in her skeletal structure was his greatest weakness, one that Armin was not afraid to surrender to, one that he would gladly die by-- given the chance.

He took a quick look around. There were alone, at least in the kitchen they were. Ge geld his breath whole he came up behind her. His palms taking in the way the soft fabric of her dress felt across her equally soft skin. Armin stepped closer, his chest coming at the same height as her back. 

They stood together for a moment. She allowed herself to be held as she got closer to the twenty minute mark on her stirring. She didn’t have it in here to ask Armin for a little personal space. She never would have imagined that she’d be with anyone, and would die before ever having the chance to settle down/ Yet, somehow she made it out alive, being embraced and making food for the one person she ever wanted to be with.

Armin’s hair brushed against her cheek. His lips peppered themselves along the line of her jaw. His stubble was starting to peak through, making him initially soft but prickly when he turned his head in certain angles. She flinched at the tickle moving down her neck.

“That tickles.” She mentioned, giggling as she spoke.

“Should I stop?” Armin asked. He pulled away briefly to feel his own face, worried he was too coarse.

“No.” She replied.

Spoon still going to work, she turned her heat to look at Armin. She had her heart set on Armin since being a cadet. After the war between two countries had turned into a global genocide, Armin still had his round and flushed cheeks, wide curious eyes and a bashful smile that had her in a chokehold since day one.

There lips were only centimeters apart. There was no sense in keeping their distance. A sensual peck grew into intimate kissing. Armin had pulled her all the way to him. Surly, dinner wouldn’t be ruined if she stopped her mixing for a beat. She laid her arm across his shoulders, eyes shut, matching the pace and energy of the kiss.

“Ew.”

They stopped, lips breaking apart to see who made the comment. Their only boy son produced from their litter of four kids appeared out of thin air. Owen wa second born, placing him smack in the middle between an older sister and more sisters his junior. He stood in the entryway of the kitchen, lip curled in disgust as he narrowed his eyes at his parents and the love that brought him into this world. 

“Do you have to do that everywhere, all the time?” Owen griped. No one noticed he had an empty glass in his hand until he walked to the sink to fill it.

She had turned her back to resume cooking, leaving Armin in the spotlight for a good talking to. Her lips pressed together to stifle her chuckling, pretending as if she hadn’t been disturbed in the first place.

“Oh, haha, um… Well, yes I do. Because I love her everywhere, all the time.” Armin confessed, clearing his throat and swallowing loudly.

Owen and Armin, father and son, carbon copies of each other, stared and blinked together. For five seconds, Armin bit his tongue and prayed that his clever and witty nine year old boy wouldn’t start asking more questions. Owen couldn’t wrap his young mind around why his had just couldn’t keep his hands away from his mother. Is thar all adults did? Wake up, go to work, eat, kiss, then go to bed? Being a grown up was inevitable. How else was Owen going to be a Scout? He took a big, loud gulp of water before he stated,

“When I grow up, I’m never going to kiss my wife. That’s just gross.”

© 2024 all rights reserved. do not reupload or translate any content that is labeled to be written by ‘ambassadorarlert’ on any other platform.

[pastelpousay]

💘Love Birds🕊

Little Drabble I decided to make for not reason what so ever, look out for a Rayco Drabble cuz I’m very tempted.

Warnings: slight mentions of blood and wounds(??) (Not any angst it’s all fluff just a warning for you!!💗)

“You got little bit of a cut right here…,”

Hades stated as he held Rina’s face in his hands, brushing his thumb just over the small laceration on her lower lip.

He had been examining her face for a while now. The two of them had been just staring at each other, silently longing for the other as if they hadn’t been talking just moments prior. Now they were here, with Rina trapped between Hades arm that had been wrapped around her waist, and himself.

She had to admit she had never been this close to him in all the time they had been together— or anyone for that matter. The whole thing just made her heart skip beat. Seriously if the girl could blush she’d be the finest shade of scarlet right now.

“Oh, yes I know…I’m not bleeding am i?”

“No,” Hades said as his eyes still scanning over her lip before they headed back up to her chocolate eyes, in which he so adored. “Does it hurt?” He questioned.

“Only a little.”

“Want me to kiss it better?” A wide grin spread across his face, the same grin that made her heart skip a beat the first time they met. Rina couldn’t help but smile back, a strike of pain coming from the cut on her lip as she did, but she payed it no mind. It hurt but how could she care when she was looking up at the man— or god she loved so dearly, the god she wanted to spend the rest of her life with no matter how long, the person that looked at her in the most adoring way anyone ever could. how could she not smile?

“Don’t smile at me like that, unless you want me to fall in love you you again.” She responded, letting out a small giggle.

“Maybe I want that…” he said, moving his face a bit closer to hers, teasing her in a way.

“Hm,” Rina’s smile softened along with her gaze as she leaned in further, their lips finally meeting, with Rina throwing her arms around his neck. She swears every time they kissed it just made her heart feel like it was dancing on clouds, and all the thoughts in her head seemed to just disappear leaving her with an empty headed satisfaction just before he had pulled away.

‘Fuck!’

“Still hurt?”

“Yep.”

“Awe, my sweet starry eyed baby—“

“Don’t.”

“Lemme take care of you okay, baby? Okayyy?” Hades teased sarcastically as he began placing kisses all along her face. As much as she wanted to resist,

She knew she couldn’t complain. How could she after all?

[literally-just-there]

⭒˚.⋆✨️ 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕾𝖊𝖊𝖐𝖊𝖗'𝖘 𝕮𝖍𝖗𝖔𝖓𝖎𝖈𝖑𝖊𝖘

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 ɪɪ : 𝕾𝖙𝖔𝖑𝖊𝖓 𝕾𝖔𝖚𝖑𝖘

Word count : 3 107

Content warnings : people vanishing I guess ? nothing graphic.

Masterlist || Read on AO3

Author's note : heyyy this is not dead. very much not, actually. just a heads up, I'm basing this story on the "new" incipit of SN, published on yt and all, which was changed back some time ago, which, when I learned about it, while I had finished planning the work, welp. not changing now. okay. here is Confused Seeker who does not know yet she is Seeker :)

The theater house is like an ancient temple laid onto the large square. The white and pale yellow of the walls, illuminated by the faint gold of the street lights, are a stark contrast against the dark night sky. The pools of light are buzzing with life, people converse, feathers and fabric ruffle in the wind, droplets of cold drizzle catch the light on top of hats.

Heads turn when the young woman approaches, fear-filled gasps are heard at the sight of her glowing eyes, booted feet shuffle against the wet pavement, leading the aghast audience out of her path as she comes forward. From their place harnessed at coaches, the horses nonchalantly turn their heads in her direction, inky eyes staring at the strange visitor, unbothered by her eerie appearance. She does not appear to see any of them, humans or animals, and heads straight up the stairs, her vibrant red curls bouncing around her shoulders, her heels hitting the white stone with a sharp sound that echoes in the night, and disappears between the sculpted columns.

She enters the building, glancing up at the large high relief of theater masks at the top of the large staircase at the end of the entrance hall. One is gleeful, the other sorrowful.

The ticket seller awakens with a gasp, noticing a newcomer. She has her back to him, but he puts on a smile nonetheless, as his job requires.

"Good evening miss ! The interval is over but you can slip into the back of the room unnoticed…"

The cheerful young man does not look up at the young woman as he produces a ticket for her.

"Here, it'll be—"

A bloodcurdling scream escapes him as his eyes meet her own glowing ones. The ticket falls from his trembling hand and at her feet. She does not move a single limb. Their eyes stare into each other for what seems like an eternity, an emotionless pit of light facing a glistening gaze full of fear, before she turns away sharply, and walks through the hall and up the stairs. Meanwhile, he leans forward and looks out the window of his booth, watching her leave with an agape mouth and wide eyes, which he rubs with force as if to try and convince himself he is not still asleep.

She arrives on a balcony overlooking the seats, her eyes glowing in the dark, fixed on the magician on stage. His white gloved hands reflect the stage lights as they join in front of him as he seems plunged in deep concentration. A blue light faintly glows from between his palms, and as he suddenly spreads his arms, releasing it, a swarm of red roses erupts around him. Thunderous applause resonates as the flowers fall around the spectators, and several women catch a rose in their hands, grinning giddily as they give a small wave to the handsome magician.

The girl's solar gaze never leaves the man as she walks down the stairs, the spectators blind to the strange individual arriving behind them, in the shadows at the back of the room.

Once again, the magician plunges himself into deep concentration. However, this time the cold blue light goes to his eyes, engulfing his dark irises. As he spreads his arms, the shadow of large hairy spider legs seems to sprout from his back and into the room as he grins widely, letting out a dramatically evil laugh. The spectators clap again, gasping and laughing heartily at the exaggerated display.

And suddenly, a scream.

Had the woman not been already of a great age, her hair would have turned white from the fear of seeing a ghostly, wailing pixie-like blue creature emerge from the untouched green dress of the young woman who had been sitting beside her just a moment ago. Panicked heads turn around the room as a dozen similar pixies replace young women, floating obediently into the glass jar the magician had just conjured in his hands.

As soon as the last creature enters the jar, he briskly closes it, his crooked grin growing at the sight of panicked people running out of the room, only faltering slightly when his vibrant glowing blue eyes meet cold golden ones. However, he quickly regains his composure, and, with a mocking wave at the newcomer, disappears in a swarm of red roses.

The redhead comes forward in the room, her eyes still aglow, stepping on a discarded rose and crushing it in the process. Just then, a man, in his panic, slams into her as he runs out, not looking back, and her shoulder hits a marble bust, which falls down onto the floor with a loud sound, its head crushed to pieces. She leans against the wall as her eyes abruptly stop glowing, and blinks, her breath erratic, wincing as she rubs her sore shoulder.

As she slowly comes back to her senses, looking around the room that is now empty and eerily calm, save for the several grief-stricken people clinging to the clothes of the women who just disappeared. She walks silently between the seats, looking at the scene before her, but the people around do not seem to notice her, too shaken by this turn of events.

She makes her way to the front row, where a young woman is carefully inspecting the green dress left there, the seat, even the shoes on the floor.

“Excuse me…?” she speaks in a tentative voice. “What is going on…?”

The woman's head snaps in her direction. She seems a bit older than her, and her face is pale, making her painted red lips stand out. A little hat covers her short brown ringlets, her beige cape is tied by an elegant bow, and the azure of her dress is only matched by the one of her eyes, which sparkle seems dull.

“You saw what happened…?” she asks in a trembling voice.

The redhead nods before answering. “I did… that man did something… and now all these women are gone…”

“Yes… and that something is soul stealing, I'm sure of it.” the brunette responds, gritting her teeth.

The girl blinks, her gray eyes widening as she attempts to process the words. “What ? You… what ?”

The woman nods and looks down, fiddling with the silver ring on her right index finger.

“This is the first time I ever see this, but there are so many tales about it that is is impossible not to recognize it.”

The redhead mirrors her, nervously tapping the rolled map with her fingers.

“I… look. I don't know about any soul stealing, but… Maybe I could help ?”

The woman's eyes turn to her once more, widening slightly.

“Help ?”

“Yes,” she says, tilting her head in confusion. “Why ?”

The brunette shakes her head, a soft yet incredulous smile tugging at her lips.

“Forgive me, I didn't really expect a stranger to want to help right away. Though, I’m not really sure how you would be able to…”

“Well, I can at least try.”

With these words, the young redhead immediately gets to work, walking around the grand room at a slow, careful, almost relaxed pace. The dim, golden lights from the flower shaped mural lamps are reflected in her eyes, and cast a soft glow over her skin.

There, on the now deserted stage, among the roses petals iridescent with an eerie magic glow, lays a discarded top hat. The gray felt and the red silken ribbon around it catch the light of the spotlights, dust slowly gathering onto the fabric.

She picks up the hat, gently blowing the dust off, before peeking inside cautiously, almost expecting something to surge out from its dark depths.

Then, as she makes her way to the back of the room, she suddenly stops in her tracks as she hears a soft ruffling sound under her foot. She looks down, moving her foot away to reveal a rose. She bends down, and picks up the stem, mindful of its thorns. The crushed dark red petals fall into her palm, traces of magic escaping them in a purplish shimmer. Her eyebrows crease in a thoughtful frown.

How did it end up getting crushed…? The trampling, surely...

She quickly shakes her head, not intent on lingering on such a seemingly trivial detail, and returns to the woman, whose big azure eyes are set on her, curious and perhaps slightly impatient.

The woman stares at the items now gathered in the girl's hands. Her mouth is slightly agape, but no words come out. She faintly shakes her head, bewildered.

“Oh my… You’re a quick one ! I didn't expect—”

They both freeze suddenly as they hear a faint noise. The young redhead whispers.

“What is that ?”

The brunette frowns, listening closely. The noise occurs once again. And once more, small and plaintive.

“Is that…” her eyes widen. “Oh my…”

She rushes towards the noise, gripping her skirts as she runs. The girl follows behind. They go through one of the large blue doors leading backstage, and skip between the wooden and pasteboard sceneries, paint buckets and pegs disappearing under downy boas and sparkling costumes. Under a gilded throne adorned with engravings which coarse nature is visible only up close, is the source of the mysterious sound ; a small, dark furbag, with two tiny dark eyes glistening in the dark space.

“Just what I thought,” she says. “Amelia never leaves her house without Kaitie.”

“Who's Kaitie ?”

“Her dog. She must have ran off in fear...”

The redhead glances at her, and slowly comes forward. She kneels down at the door, not daring approaching the dog and scaring it further. She extends her hand, speaking in a soft voice.

“Hey Kaitie… it's alright little one, come out…”

The little Yorkshire terrier slowly approaches, sniffing her hand tentatively. She cannot help but smile as she feels its cold wet nose brushing her skin, glancing at the little pink bow on its head.

The woman looks at the scene, stunned, and after a moment spent staring, her blue eyes wide, her mouth agape, she exclaims.

“How did you do it ? All of this ?”

“What ?”

“It was as if… as if you simply knew where to look… and here... Kaitie never lets strangers touch her, but... you did...”

“I… suppose I did ?” the girl answers with a shrug, her faint smile masking her own confusion. She gently takes Kaitie into her arms, standing up.

The brunette looks at her for a while, torn between gratefulness and wariness in front of the strange girl.

“You did… Thank you…”

She then blinks suddenly, snapping out of her thoughts, and smiles apologetically.

“Oh my, but I forget my manners with all this ! I'm—”

"Helen ! Where have you been ?! I have been looking for you everywhere, for God's sake ! I thought I lost you in this mad crowd !"

The voice echoes in the empty room, startling the two women. The concerned party rolls her eyes, sighing, before turning to the irritated man. Salt-and-pepper stands escape from his otherwise neatly slicked back hair, his expression worsens the wrinkles on his slender face, and his reddening cheeks, his large front teeth barren and his small quivering moustache make him look as if ready to burst as he takes long, unnerved strides towards them.

"Richard, I am here and well, you needn't worry so much."

"You are my wife, of course I worry about you !"

The redhead looks back and forth between the couple, confused, and shifts Kaitie in her arms, then tentatively raises her free hand, speaking softly to try and calm the man.

“Sir, calm down, your wife is alright, there's no need to shout…”

The man turns to the stranger with a frown, looking at her up and down with a mix of confusion and disdain.

"Who are you ? I do not remember ever seeing you in town before, I would have remembered…"

The man's lips curve into a disapproving scowl, his frowning gaze traveling from the young woman's loose, unruly red hair barely held out of her face by wildflowers, down to her legs clad in loose white trousers, almost completely visible under a dark, worn-out cloak that seemed too big for her, and the thin shimmering layers of her ankle-length dress.

“... a mess of a faun such as you,” he mumbles, adjusting his burgundy satin tie. “What is your name ?”

What is my name ?

“What my husband means to say,” the brunette says, shooting a glare at him, “is that you are dressed quite unusually compared to what we're accustomed to… Anyway, I'm Helen, the mayor's assistant, and this is my husband Richard, he's a… businessman. What's your name, miss ?”

What is my name ?

The girl's mouth opens, then closes, not finding any words to say, any syllables to assemble, any letters to combine to forge the very words that could define her. Richard sneers.

“Well, do not look at me like that, what are you, a fish ? Well, you certainly seem to be out of water…” he sniggers.

Helen frowns at her husband's remark, but the redhead does not seem to pay it any mind, her face frozen in an expression slowly fading from confusion to horror.

“I don't know my name…”

The couple's eyebrows shoot up, Helen's in concern, Richard's in doubt.

“What do you mean ?” Helen asks in a soft voice. “You don't know your name ?”

“N— No…” she stutters, her voice shaky. The dog looks up at her, whimpering softly as it smells her hair, but she does not react to it. “I try to think about my name, where I come from, but nothing comes to mind…”

The couple's eyes widen, and they briefly look at each other before Helen speaks again, her tone suddenly more cautious.

“Wait, wait… What do you mean by where you come from ? Did you come from… outside of Darkwood ?”

“Darkwood… it's this city, right ? I think so ? I have no memory of this place…”

“No memories ? None at all ? Oh my…”

“What is this ?” Richard asks suddenly.

The young woman follows his gaze, looking down at the rolled parchment she is still clutching in her left hand. She does not answer.

“What is this ?” Richard insists. “It looks ancient, is it some kind of artifact…”

As he speaks, he stretches out his arm to seize the parchment, but she briskly steps back, shifting her body as if to shield it. The dog growls and barks at him. Helen puts a hand on her husband's arm, frowning.

“Richard, now is not the time !” she whispers. “You're scaring her !”

“I just want to take a look, nothing else…”

“Sure, sure…”

“I mean it !” he hisses. “I swear it reminds me of something I read about… I cannot quite put my finger on it, but…”

With a thoughtful frown on her face, Helen turns back to the girl.

“If you don't want to give it to Richard, could you give it to me ?”

She extends a hand, waiting for her to hand over the parchment, but the redhead does not budge, switching from frowning at Richard to gazing hesitantly at Helen. The latter, seeing the girl's refusal to cooperate, lowers her hand, sighing.

“Look, miss… if I listened correctly, you have no memories of who you are, you potentially come from outside Darkwood… You have been very helpful, but right now, you also seem very suspicious.”

The redhead softens a bit.

“I don't mean to… I just helped you as much as I could right now, I absolutely mean no harm…”

“I didn't mean to imply this.” Helen says softly. “But in those circumstances, you have to understand our wariness.”

“What circumstances ? What do you mean ?”

Helen bites her lip, hesitant.

“Well, miss, you are—”

“Helen !” Richard whispers, gritting his teeth. “It is probably not safe to tell her everything !”

Helen frowns, and waits, thinking for a moment before speaking.

“Wait for me here, I have to make a phone call.”

She briskly walks out of the room.

꒰ 🧭 ꒱ؘ ࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ

"May I use the phone ?"

The ticket seller jumps in his seat, in a way that would appear almost comical if it were not for the dire situation. His wide eyes lock onto the woman in front of him, before they close as he breathes out in relief, finding the beloved mayor's assistant a much more welcoming sight than any cloaked being with emotionless glowing eyes.

“O— Of course, Mrs Darlington, go ahead…”

She quickly thanks him, and goes to dial a number, the movements of her fingers quick and efficient.

After a short moment, a brief sigh of exhaustion can be heard, followed by the grave voice of a man.

"Hello ?"

She speaks urgently, "Mayor Smallcat, good evening."

"Good evening Helen, what is the matter ? I thought you were at the magic show with Mr Darlington ?"

"I am or, well… the show's been cut short."

"Cut short ? Whatever do you mean ?"

She sighs, "To put it simply, the magician was some kind of… dark sorcerer in disguise. He made several young women disappear, I think he stole their souls…"

"He— Their souls ?!" he cries out. "Dear god, are you alright ?!"

"I am, but Miss Anders was among the victims though… as well as Miss Sharp and Miss Granger, and others I'm not recalling at the moment."

"I am so sorry, Helen…"

"Mayor Smallcat, there is something else."

"What is it ?" he asks. His voice appeared to have aged several years in seconds.

"Right after those events, a young woman showed up. She doesn't seem to remember who she is."

"A young woman ? Do you know her ?"

"No, I don't remember ever seeing her in town either. She has no memory of where she came from and doesn't seem to be from around here."

"So she might come from outside Darkwood… Did you notice anything particularly unusual about her ?"

“Unusual is the right word sir. She is not dressed like a lady at all, and resembles some kind of adventurer. She also carries a roll of parchment with her, and refuses to let go of it.”

"A roll of parchment ? What does it say ?"

"I don't know, but it looks quite ancient, she keeps it closed in her hand, she is almost clinging onto it for dear life."

"I see… anything else?"

"Well, she helped me find a few clues about what happened, she was very good at finding them… Maybe she's an investigator ?"

A pause.

"Good at finding things you say ?" he says with a pensive tone.

"Yes ?"

"Could you bring her to the city hall, please ? I would like to have a word with her."

[dolls-self-ships]

Two Birds One Storm

heyyyy this is my first fic in a while also it’s not finished yet this is only part one so it’s a quick read if you’re interested! <3 inspired by this prompt by otp-fanfic-ideas

“Oh my, would you look at that?”

Mac raised her head with a slight curious hum in her throat at the sound of her voice, she looked over to see her .. em.. friend, sitting by the window of her hut, which was being rapidly spotted with heavy raindrops, making an aggressive tap.. tap tap.. tap.. tap tap sound on the glass.

Mac felt startled, she could have sworn she calculated this weeks weather to a T, and all accounts showed nothing but sunshine, but sometimes Mother Nature had a way of being particularly unpredictable. Either that or she had miscalculated, but Mac would rather believe the first thing than the second one.

“Why, it’s just raining cats and dogs” Daphne tsked, still observing the grey sky and the cloudy mist that now covered the island.

“Oh aye” Mac agreed as she joined Daphne at the window, looking up to study the clouds herself. “And that great big one looks like a cumulonimbus. An et looks like there’s more rolling in fast as et is.”

Daphne looked at her, a little confused at first but trying her best to remember what kind of cloud that was. She had been getting used to Mac’s way of putting things into very technical terms, on top of her thick Scottish accent- of which both she found endlessly charming- and she would hate to make Mac repeat herself, as she often had to.

After a couple seconds, Daphne was almost certain she remembered. “That means uh.. thunder right?”

Mac smiled at her, and nodded in approval. She gave a little "mhm!" as in 'that's correct!'.

"I must say hen, you're catchin' on faster than Mr. Rhodes ever did. Yer a fast learner!" Mac praised her with an approving grin and a wink. Daphne felt a small sense of pride swell inside of her when Mac said that, partially because she liked the feeling of being better than Rocky at something, but also because she liked that Mac felt understood by her.

“Maybe because we spend so much time together" she giggled.

Mac felt a little bit of a rush from that, a warmth filled her cheeks as she nodded. "Aye, that too." She looked back out the window,

After a few moments of staring out into the rain, it slowly began to dawn on Daphne that her hut was all the way on the other side of town, and getting there would be like hell in just the rain alone, let along when the storm starts picking up. She gently cleared her throat and stammered "W-well, I-I should probably start headin' out now"

Mac was shocked, what on earth was she saying? She couldn't go out in this weather. "What? Now? I donnae think that's such a good idea, lass."

Daphne sighed "If I don't get goin' now I'm not gonna make it home" she said, shaking her head, "and I would hate to be a bother to you"

The rain started to pick up more, followed by a loud crash that startled the two. Both their heads turned quickly back to the window, and their eyes slowly travled upwards to see clusters of rain clouds, more and more packing in as if they all had a personal vendetta against this one specific chicken-housing island. They could see tiny flashes of light coming from between the cracks of plush looking grey forms in the sky, but it wasn't sunshine like one would hope, the flashes were erratic and white, the lightning had already begun to start up.

"Hen, I cannae let you go out in that, ye could ge'y knocked over by de wind, lost in all de fog, shrivel up like a wee raisin from all the rain, catch hypothermia-"

Daphne watched as Mac counted on her fingers all the possibilities she could face if she went outside at this time, in an effort to get her to stop, she placed her wings overtop of hers.

"Alright, alright, I get it, I just.." She paused, shifting in her seat and taking a breath “I just don’t wanna impose, that’s all”

Mac shook her head. “Even if that was, hen, there’s no wey that wee half-built bit wuld keep you warm enough in this.”

Daphne hummed, looking back outside as she saw the first bolt of lightening hit the water around the island. She wasn’t able to get out a response in time as Mac has already gotten up from her seat.

“Sit tight while I put de kettle on.”

As Mac left to the kitchen to get started, Daphne watched her with guilty eyes. She didn't know what it was, but everytime she was being waited on by someone, it always felt off. Wrong somehow. She hated making people go out of their way for her, she didn't like the feeling that she was causing trouble or making someone get up, even when it was a simple of a task as brewing tea. So, she quickly got up from her seat.

"Wait" She followed after her,  Mac turned over her shoulder from where she stood, already at the counter with the kettle going, which had already begun to make its low steaming sound, a high pitched, barely audible 'phhhwwwwtttt' sound. Daphne came up beside her and plucked two tea bags from the little display Mac had placed on the kitchen top. Peppermint- Mac's favourite. "I'll get these for ya"

Mac smiled, holding out her hand to grab the two little bags. "Thanks hen" she said, reaching for them a bit further than she intended, and accidentally brushing her hand over Daphne fingertips.

phhhwwttt

Mac jolted, a gasp hitched in her throat. Her teeth clenched as she flinched her hand away, feeling that familiar warmth in her cheeks again. Her eyes flickered between her recoiled hand and Daphne’s face, hoping that she could read her expression just enough to predict what was going through her mind at that moment.

Ppppphhhwhwwttttt

Daphne wasn't all that suave either, she didn’t say a word, but her eyes spoke volumes. They wouldn't leave the spot on her hand that Mac accidentally touched, it was like she could still feel a ghost of what the sensation was like to have her feathertips brush hers. It was still warm. Still comfortable.

PPPPPHHHHWWWTTTTTTT

Her eyes darted back up to the maroon combed hen, who then turned away from her shyly and said in an awkward tone and held out her hand, palm up, instead for Daphne to place the bags in.

"Ah... sorry"

It was up until then that Daphne had completely forgotten about the tea.

“It’s alright…”

click

The water was ready.