#some days Nero's holding the world on his shoulders

[of-pale]

Just an average day of Nero hanging out with the twins:

> Vergil refuses to go out in the public unless it's necessary like the introvert he is

> Dante wants to go out because that's where pizza and strawberry sundaes are

> Dante messes with no half melted strawberry sundaes from deliveries

> Only the fresh shit at Fredi’s will do or no dice

> How else will Vergil catch up on all the human wonders, if he doesn't go outside?

> Dante suggests going to the cinema, bowling, arcades etc.

> Vergil is only willing to go to calm places with no crowds like library, bookstore or a museum

> Nero tries to find a compromise and contain the situation

> It's going well, obviously

[beneathstarryskies]

For @actuallysaiyan because you're my bestie and deserve the world! ❤️

A/N: Just some soft/fluffy drabbles for Dante, Vergil, Nero, and Sparada x reader

Warnings: lots and lots of fluff, slight angst, mentions of pregnancy in Sparda's drabble, suggestive themes but nothing explicit, fem!reader

Dante

The setting sun lowers against the horizon. The bedroom slowly grows darker and darker. The passing time doesn’t bother you because right now you’re suspended in the most loving moment you can imagine. It wasn’t difficult for you to talk Dante into sharing a lazy day spent mostly in bed with you. He didn’t have any pending missions today, and the one time the phone rang he blissfully ignored it in favor of pressing the sweetest kisses on every inch of your exposed thighs, enjoying the trembling muscles and the soft gasps that left you every time he inched closer to where you needed him most. 

Now, as the sun goes down, he’s hovering over you. Your hands card through his messy white hair, and you admire the way the evening sun reflects on his snowy eyelashes. The blue of his eyes shines even brighter in this light. His lips curl into a mischievous smirk when he notices the softness of your features as you look up at him. 

“You like what you see, sweetheart?” he asks. 

“So much,” you giggle. “You’re beautiful, Dante.” 

He turns his head, the thick curtain of hair concealing the blush on his cheeks. This gives him time to seek solace in the soft curve of your neck, and he takes the chance to kiss your skin softly to make it seem like this was his intention all along. You massage his neck and shoulders, and all the while you can hear him purring softly. Finally, he looks at you again. 

“Baby, can I make love to you?”

You’re surprised he’s only just now asking. His body is burning to finally make love to you. All day long, you’ve been caught in this haze together. You turn each other on over and over, but neither wanted to break the spell by suggesting you finally take him inside of you. 

“Please, baby,” you kiss him softly. “I want you.” 

Dante lines himself up at your entrance. He takes his time teasing you both by prodding your hole with his leaking cockhead. As he slips into you, inch by inch, you’re both panting and gasping over how good it feels. Your walls just open up to him with such ease. You can tell by the slow roll of his hips, that Dante doesn’t intend on rushing things at all. You spent all day laying around together, touching each other, and kissing. Now, he’s quite happy to make love to you all night long. 

Vergil

You’re happily seated on Vergil’s lap. One of his arms is wrapped securely around your waist and the other is holding his book open as he reads to you. The poetry falls from his lips like honey. As he turns the page, he kisses your temple softly. You’d found him sitting in here reading happily by the window. You’d slipped into his lap, and he was so enraptured by his reading that he’d barely noticed. His arm went around you almost by instinct, and he continued reading. It wasn’t until you’d looked up at him with your wide eyes and a sweet smile, and asked oh so nicely for it, that he began reading to you. Hours have passed now, with him reading quiet, romantic poetry to you. Your eyes are heavy and you let out a soft yawn. 

“Do you need a break, sparrow?” he asks softly. 

“No, keep going,” you smile up at him.

“As you wish,” he kisses your forehead softly. 

He starts a new poem, and you’re hanging on as long as you can. Vergil holds onto you a little tighter as your body goes weak against him. He’s barely made it to the third stanza when he realizes you’ve fallen asleep. He chuckles softly at the sight of you sleeping in his arms.

“I suppose that wasn’t one of your favorites,” he quips to himself. 

He closes the book and sets it on the small side table. He lets you sleep on him for a little while, then gently carries you to your shared bedroom. He lays you down on the bed and kisses your forehead before tucking you in. 

When you wake up hours later, you pout at the prospect of being alone in bed. You get up and wrap yourself up in a blanket. You can vaguely smell something cooking in the kitchen. As you walk in, you’re greeted by the sight of Vergil wearing the light blue apron you’d playfully bought him that says “Kiss the Cook” on the front. He has a cookbook open and propped up on some cans. You realize he’s trying to make your favorite dish. 

Nero

Nero has been away from home much longer than either of you would’ve liked for him to be. Finally, one morning, he makes the phone call you’ve been waiting for. He tells you he’s on his way home, only interrupting once to tell Nico to “can it” as she teases him for how soft he is for you. He’ll be home by the end of the day. You decide to call in to work so you can be home when he arrives, then you set about making all kinds of preparations. Starting with making him a cake, chocolate with raspberry swirl. You put a roast chicken in the oven and put a bottle of wine in the fridge to chill. Then, as it gets closer to time for him to arrive, you take a long shower and slip into his favorite of your silky nighties and a long robe. You put on a bit of makeup to look your best for him. 

However, you wait and wait for him. The chicken gets done, and you don’t even know if you should bother waiting for the sides. With a sad sigh, you wrap up all the food and put it away. You make yourself a sandwich and munch it down before going to bed. 

It’s past midnight when the front door opens. Nero is sheepish as he walks into the living room, expecting you to be worriedly waiting in the living room Instead, there’s no sight of you. He goes to the kitchen and sees the table all set for a romantic dinner that didn’t happen, and his heart drops. 

He goes upstairs and sees you sleeping peacefully in the bed you share. As quietly as he can manage, he undresses before sliding into the bed beside you. He’d tried to tell himself he wouldn’t wake you, but now that you’re in reach he’s not sure he can resist. He wraps his arm around your waist and pulls you closer to him. You feel his lips against your shoulder as you begin to stir awake. 

“Baby?” you ask softly. 

“It’s me, angel. I’m sorry I was so late,” he cuddles against you, pressing his face against your neck. “The van broke down and we were fixing it.” 

“Oh! Baby,” you roll over in his arms and begin kissing him so sweetly. Nero just melts into your soft touch. You cup his cheek, “I’m so sorry, baby.” 

“I’m home now, angel. That’s all that matters.” 

Sparda

Your eyes are wide as you take in every detail of the vast castle. Sparda’s large hand envelops yours completely as he gives you the grand tour. Sparda can’t remember the last time he invited someone here, although he guesses that’s to be expected. It’s been centuries since he stayed at the Fortuna castle last. After his sons found him in the underworld, he came to this place. He wasn’t sure what he expected to find in Fortuna. Perhaps just a peaceful place to die if nothing else. Instead he found you. You’d begun by delivering him supplies. One rainy day, he’d invited you inside to warm yourself up by the fire in the large entrance hall. He’d served you tea and cookies, and found himself genuinely enjoying your company. As time went on, he invited you in more and more often when you stopped by for your deliveries. Like most on the island, you’d been raised to view him as a god. However, you’d quickly moved past that when you realized how much you enjoyed his company. 

A little at a time, the Dark Knight began to fall in love with you. You shared his feelings in abundance. When the time came for him to invite you to move into the castle with him, he’d felt quite nervous about the whole ordeal. You’d accepted with a kind smile and a sweet kiss. Love was in the air. Today he was giving you the tour, and tomorrow you would call this castle home. 

He walked you through the vast libraries and gallery halls. Then, he walked you into the residence halls. He showed you the master bedroom first, then the nearby guest rooms. They were furnished so beautifully, but the emptiness of them hit your heart with sadness. 

“We can find uses for them,” he says as he leans down to kiss your cheek. 

“Maybe we could turn one into a nursery?” you suggest with a playful wink. 

For a moment, Sparda is truly flabbergasted. His eyes widen as he stares down at you, trying to piece together if you’re serious or not. He hadn’t considered having more children. Would he only let them down the way he did Dante and Vergil? You cuddle against him and giggle. 

“Only when we’re ready, of course?” 

“So,” he smirks, “You truly wish to carry my child?” 

“Of course!” 

He hoists you up in his arms and begins to carry you towards the master bedroom once more. 

“There’s no harm in trying,” he says. 

[otherworldseekers]

Something's Gotta Give: Chapter 8 Scene 1

Well it's been a while. Again. But I'm making good progress on this chapter so I figured I'd post the first scene.

Previous Installment

Something's Gotta Give Masterpost

Severia and Nero left Ul’dah with the object of their journey wrapped, boxed and packed away in Nero’s saddle bags by mid morning. With a fresh, and more docile, chocobo from the Ul’dah stables for Nero to ride they made good progress. But by the time they paused for the evening just short of the border between Central and Northern Thanalan Severia’s nerves were feeling frayed. 

Not for the same reason her nerves had been frayed on the way south. No, Nero’s constant attention-seeking stream of consciousness chatter had become something she could filter out. She had even grown used to it, to an extent. On the contrary, the problem this time was that Nero had not said an unnecessary word to her since their conversation on the airship that morning. It felt uncannily silent in the world without his voice keeping her company. 

They made camp within sight of the Nanawa Mines, avoiding the nest of giant ants, and settled down to a sparse supper well after dusk. Nero sat and ate and then laid out his bedroll without comment. Severia had spent most of the day avoiding eye contact with him, but now she noted that his brow shadowed his eyes more than usual, his lips were a savage line. 

It was no good pretending that she didn’t know the reason. His greeting that morning had been bright and cheerful and it was she who had brought the storm clouds to his brow. Only now, as a pang of regret rippled through her chest, did she realize how much she had come to rely on his easy smiles. Before, he would have lain on his bedroll and faced her so they could talk. He had seemed to enjoy talking to her. And for as much as she pretended not to, Severia had also grown to enjoy their conversations. Now he lay on his back and looked at the stars and she found the lack of his incessant questioning created an uncomfortable emptiness.

“Would you like a cup of tea?” she asked him desperately as she fumbled in her pack for her tea cannister. 

“No.”

“Coffee?” She had picked some up on Ul’dah before they left just in case. 

“No.”

Her shoulders drooped. Such monosyllables were all he had given her since the airship. But she had done the right thing, hadn’t she? The things that had happened between them the previous evening had been a result of their dramatic circumstances. They had both been swept up in the romance of the situation. None of it had been real. He didn’t really want her. So why was he acting like this? To punish her? Maybe she deserved that for her harsh words that morning.

Besides, she was a pathetic and broken being, unfit for romance or love. Even if his regard had been true, she wasn’t capable of returning it with her fearful and disused heart. 

So she prepared tea for one. The familiar ritual and beloved beverage would go far to calm her. She managed to focus her mind on her task, shutting the world out of her awareness and all but forgetting Nero as she watched the kettle for the optimal moment to take it from the fire. Just as she was beginning to pour the water into her cup, a loud animal cry sounded in the darkness. 

Severia nearly jumped out of her skin. Then she screamed as the hot water from the kettle splashed over the hand holding the cup. Nero was on his feet before the kettle hit the ground. He dashed around the fire, took in the broken cup on the ground and the fallen kettle leaking its contents into the earth. Severia was holding her clenched fist against her chest, tears forming in her eyes. 

“Severia, are you hurt?” he asked, sinking to his knees and gripping her shoulders. 

“Of course I’m hurt, you big oaf!” she yelled at him in irritation. It wasn’t his fault, but the pain made her lash out.

Nero took it in stride. The fingerless glove on her left hand appeared to be soaked and he realized what happened. “Get this off right now,” he said as he tugged at her cuff. 

“No,” she said in sudden panic. “Leave it. I’ll be fine.”

“Don’t be a fool. We need to get that off your skin and get some cool water poured over it quickly.” 

Nero fetched his canteen from beside his bedroll, yanked off the offending glove before she could stop him, and began to liberally pour cooler water over the site of the burn. Her skin had turned a bright pink and when he’d poured out all the water, he took her wrist gently in his hand and brought her hand closer to his face to inspect it. What he saw sent a chill down his spine. 

All around her wrist were scars. And he knew what kind. Her skin and even her scales had been badly damaged. The scale was pitted with scratches and gouges, the skin was puckered, ragged and red. The scars formed neat circles around her wrist that could only have come from being tied tightly with rope. 

Nero looked up at her, saw her chewing her lower lip, her brow furrowed with worry. She had not wanted him to see. But he had seen now and he couldn’t stop himself from pulling the other glove off her right hand. It was scarred just like the left. 

“Severia… what happened?” His throat felt raw as he asked the question. Seeing her with such wounds affected him more than he was prepared for. He hadn’t meant to sound angry, not at her. But there must have been some anger in his voice because he watched her expression go distant and cold. 

“It’s none of your business.” She pulled away from him, but his grip on her wrist firmed. 

“You’re right. It’s not my business. But, Seven Hells, Severia, can’t you see that I-” That I care. The thought of her tied up at someone’s mercy caused a fire to rage inside him. Whoever had done this to her, he would find them and rip their limbs from their body, he would fill their veins with acid, he would- 

“It doesn’t matter anymore. It happened long ago.”

“How long ago?” Severia’s expression flinched. She was reluctant to talk about this. But he had to know. He would go crazy if he didn’t know. “How long?”

“My tenth summer,” she answered grudgingly.

“But…” Nero ran a thumb gently over the scar on her unburned wrist. “How could something like this happen to a mere child?”

Severia gave him a sardonic smile. “You don’t know much about the Steppe. My tribe, the Tumet, had a ritual.” She pulled in a long breath and let it out slowly. “When a child reached their tenth summer, they were taken to the sacred tree and tied to it. Then the tribe left them there and moved on to their next camping grounds. It was a test. The child was to free themselves and find their way back to the tribe. Only at that point could the child earn their name and be a true member of the tribe.”

Nero had a look of intense distaste on his face and she knew what he was thinking. How barbaric. He wasn’t wrong, but she wouldn’t let wouldn’t let him disparage her heritage either. It wasn’t his privilege.

“Don’t you dare look down on us from your mighty Garlean pedestal,” she yelled at him. “I don’t need your pity!”

“No, you don’t,” Nero conceded. He let go of her wrists at last and sat back on his heels watching her. “Will you tell me what happened anyway?”

Severia held her wrists against her chest. The burnt hand throbbed. “It’s simple really. I couldn’t free myself. I struggled against my bonds for two days before I gave up. The rope was too secure and I wasn’t strong or clever enough. I was the kind of child the ritual was designed to eliminate from the tribe. They were probably glad when I never showed up.”

“Then how did you survive?”

Severia’s memory cast itself back to those horrible days. “On the third day I couldn’t even cry anymore. I had no water in me for tears, my throat and mouth were too dry to yell for help. My wrists were rubbed raw and bleeding. I knew I would die there, tied to the tree. And the next time the tribe returned, they would have to carry away and bury my bones before the next child was tied in my place. At some point I blacked out. When I came back to myself, I was laying on soft grass and a man was giving me small sips from his waterskin. I lived because I was rescued, but such an outcome is not allowed. My life was now taboo to my tribe. I have not seen them since.” 

Why am I telling him all this? I’ve never told anyone but Minfilia. Conflict raged in her mind. He was the worst person to tell her secrets to. He would surely use them against her. And yet… It was so easy to tell him. He was staring into her eyes, his own clear blue irises looking unspeakably beautiful to her. And there was a part of her that wanted him to know, to see her for exactly who she was. To know her and still look at her as if she mattered. 

“Do you have any salves with you?”

She blinked. “What?” 

“For your burn. We mustn’t neglect it any longer.”

“Oh. Yes.” She took a deep breath, praying for her heart beat to slow back down. “The green jar in my pack.”

Nero rifled through her pack until he found the correct container. Severia reached to take the jar from him, to put the salve on herself, but he cocked an eyebrow at her and shook his head. 

“Allow me.”

“But-”

“Please.”

His touch as he stroked the healing salve over her reddened skin was gentle and soothing.. Silence descended on them as he worked with care, making sure to cover every possible ilm of skin or scale that had been scalded. It was the first time he had touched her since last night and for some unaccountable reason Severia felt her body responding against her will. 

For a moment, when he was finished, it seemed as if he would not relinquish her hand. His fingertips lingered on hers for precious seconds before he withdrew, flashing her an all too brief smile and packing away the jar of salve. Severia bit her lip to stifle a whimper at the loss.

“Better?” he asked. 

“Yes. Much.” Her hand did feel better. Her heart was more confused than ever.

“Would you like me to attend to the tea for you?” 

Severia had forgotten the tea. “No need. We should try to get some sleep.” Sleep and try to calm her swirling thoughts. Nero nodded and set about clearing the mess she had made. “Nero, I can do all that.”

“Hush,” he said. “Let me do it for you.”

She subsided with a sigh, uncertain how to act with him when he was being so thoughtful, so she stood back and let him clear away the mess, her now useless left hand hanging at her side. This again, like his gallant rescue of her last evening, was a side of Nero she had not seen before. Why must he keep showing her new facets of himself that made her want to dig deeper? Why couldn’t he have remained the irritating asshole causing her trouble? It was so much easier to deal with him that way. 

When Nero had finished he stood in front of her again, an achingly earnest expression on his face that made her stomach do flips. He picked up her right hand and ran a thumb along the scar on the underside of her wrist. She shivered at the touch, but didn’t pull away. She didn’t think she could if she tried.

“Severia,” he said softly. It was totally unlike the playful and flirtatious way he had spoken to her at the gala, or the heated tones from later on, but somehow it effected her the same way. She felt herself flush at the mere sound of her name. 

“Yes?” she breathed. 

“You shouldn’t be ashamed of these scars.”

Severia blinked in surprise. “What?”

“Not once have I seen you without your wrists covered,” Nero observed. “And your idiotic resistance to taking off a glove soaked in scalding water. You’ve been hiding them all along. Why?”

“Because… because…” How could she explain to him that they were a permanent and constant reminder of her failure? Her insufficiency. “They’re ugly.”

Nero snorted. “You foolish girl.”

Severia tried to glare at him, but it was difficult when he was so close that she had to crane her neck to even look at him. Her expression just made him chuckle and he placed a hand on her cheek. 

“Your scars are proof of your survival, of your triumph over your circumstances,” Nero continued. “They are something you should be proud of. Don’t hide yourself. Not from anyone.”

“Nero…” How dare he know exactly what she needed to hear? 

Her body thrilled from head to toe as she noticed the way he was staring with intensity at her mouth. Her knees felt weak. He was going to kiss her. Did she want him to kiss her? Yes. Yes, she longed for the incredible feeling of his lips on hers. But no. It would be a mistake to give in to these feelings now. She had already made up her mind. 

His lips were a mere breath away from hers when she put her hands against his chest to stop him. “Please. Don’t.”

Nero froze, his eyes widening as if he hadn’t quite realized what he was doing. He straightened and stepped back. “My apologies,” he said shakily, running a hand through his hair. He made his way around the campfire back to his bedroll. 

“Nero,” she called after him and he turned to look at her one more time. “Thank you.”

He looked at her and now his expression seemed veiled. But he nodded to acknowledge her thanks. She sighed in relief and then gave him a small smile. 

“Goodnight, Nero.”

“Goodnight.”

Nero lay back with his hands behind his head. His eyes were on the stars but his mind played through Severia’s story over and over again, examining each detail. He had learned so much about her tonight, and yet everything he had learned only served to show how little he knew overall. Which only made his curiosity burn brighter. He wanted to know everything about her. He wanted to be the only one who did. 

“Severia,” he called into the night. 

“Hmmm?” Her voice was thick with sleep.

“Your name. You said you couldn’t be given a name until you completed the ritual. So where did the name Severia come from?”

“Oh. I made it up. When I came to Eorzea…”

Nero closed his eyes and smiled to himself as her voice faded into sleep. He didn’t know the circumstances or what had motivated her. But he imagined herself stepping onto Eorzean soil, a young woman with no name, and beginning her new life by declaring a name for herself. For some reason, though it wasn’t his place, he felt proud of her. Her name was perfect.

Thanks for reading! Comments and reblogs always appreciated!

[localgirlbecomesobsessed]

Birthday boy

Accidentally forgot Karma’s birthday, I’m just like his parents fr 🙂‍↕️

This is how each house celebrates Karma’s birthday after Olivia screeched about how she missed it to Romeo-who told Leo-who told everyone.

This came out really long! But pspsps bits of Oli and karma lore; they’re not with anyone in this fic and it’s based after the newest sinostra chapter.

I did one for each house and how they celebrate the birthdays~frostheim is a bit long only cause they tagged along-could not stop thinking about the ohsc ep where they go with Haruhi into the normal world 😭

Contains; past memories of child abuse, alcohol, fluff,angst

Vagastrom: 🚘

“There’s something in the air…”

Karma started off dramatically looking out the huge window in the attic as Alan and Olivia stared at him in confusion, Olivia holding the R&R form tightly in her hand as she waited to surprise him.

“I fear I have forgotten something important but I can’t put a finger on it…”

His birthday had been three days ago but olivia was called away on a mission and couldn’t spend it with him, something he didn’t realise till only moments ago when Olivia sprouted into the attic excitedly, he had been working on a joint project with Lyca. Lyca sketched out a beautiful scenery of some place he remembers going with Neros, he’s entrusted Karma to paint it, using watercolours to hopefully capture the scene; he’s almost finished it, working tirelessly as he spent the past weeks basically living in the attic…even missing his own birthday.

That doesn’t mean he’s not going to milk the fact Olivia missed spending it with him as she usually does every year.

“Karma.”

Olivia sang to him as he dramatically spun around, he was wearing an oversized sweatshirt previously-plain white-now decorated in a bizarre mixtures of washed out pinks and blacks, and ripped jeans with paint splattered black crocs. She skipped over to him waving the R&R approved paperwork in front of his face as she grinned excitedly at him.

“Guess where we’re going!”

Olivia squealed as Karma stared at her wide eyed…if she’s done what he thinks she’s done…

“NAOSHIMA!!!”

Karma squealed with her the two jumping in a circle excitedly as karma grabbed her and gave her a tight hug, Alan stood in the background perplexed, folding his arms as he went to look at karma’s newest piece.

“We only have two days though…so I thought Naoshima the first day and then-please don’t cry-“

She warned already dragging him by the arm to get his things packed, she grabbed onto Alan’s sleeve and tugged him to follow as they went.

“Why would I cry?”

He tilted his head…the only thing that would make him cry is-

“Isamu Noguchi’s garden museum?”

He whisper pausing their journey as he felt the tears prick up. Isami Noguchi was the inspiration for his first ever proper piece, his first ever sold piece as well…it was a pastel water colour based around the ‘even the centipede’ piece. He was only 15 and it sold for a couple hundred…it helped them through the winter that year and helped ease Olivia’s job load.

It was the spark that ignited his new goal in life, his new career and it’s been one of his life’s dream to go to the garden museum.

“Karmie, I told you not to cry, if you cry I’m gonna cry-” 🥹

Olivia’s eyes welled up as Karma pathetically looked at her leaning down so she’d ruffle his hair.

Alan awkwardly patted him on the shoulder as he tried to scurry away, Olivia kept her grip on him as she grinned encouragingly at Alan, wiping away a stray tear.

Alan looked at the crying karma and gently brushed a hand through his hair before holding out a black bag to Karma, who tentatively took it, peeking inside before tearing the bag away. It was a painting made by Alan from the canvas Karma gave him, a deep space galaxy spray painted piece, the background being an eclectic mixture of pinks and purples with a swirling golden nebula, it was truly mesmerising.

Karma quietly traced the art piece as Alan stood stony faced and apprehensive as he waited for him to say something. Karma smiled sweetly at him before calmly handing the painting to Olivia.

Launching himself at Alan as he wrapped his arms and legs around him like a koala bear. Alan hesitantly hugged him back, making sure not to put too much weight on his hold, terrified about accidentally hurting karma. Instead, karma held tighter onto him, pressing a kiss to Alan’s cheek as the other quickly brought his hand to it staring at the white haired man in shock.

Karma hopped off of him, gently taking the painting as he sped off to his room to hang it up, already knowing the best place to do it, zooming past Sho and Leo who watched the whole display, a birthday cake and phone in their hands.

“He-uh liked it then?”

Alan asked unsure as he and Olivia slowly made their way to Karma’s room.

“He loved it.”

Olivia corrected, grinning at Alan who was hopelessly trying to hide his blush.

Sho and Leo joined them, teasing Alan mercilessly as Olivia sneaked bits of the frosting from the side of cake as they tried to catch up with the overly excited Karma.

The gang devoured the cake as they helped Karma pack a duffel bag, Leo picked out his clothes as Sho served the cake and helped karma hang the painting excitedly chattering about anything and every thing as Alan and Olivia quietly talked about the upcoming trip as they tidied the room up.

———————————————————

Frostheim: ❄️

“Why?”

Karma asked bluntly glaring at Jin who just stared in boredom at him. They were at the galaxy express awaiting a train with their duffel bags slung over their shoulders when Jin pulled up with the rest of the Frosty ghouls in tow.

“We’re not going by train Olivia.”

Thoma kindly explained as the sound of a helicopter erupted near them, coming closer as it approached the group.

“It was the only way I could get an R&R, don’t worry i didn’t let them pay for anything…though I did not order the chopper.”

Olivia and Karma both hated things being paid for them, it’s why Olivia had to force herself to work even harder so she felt as though she earned the money the chancellor gave to her.

When she proposed the trip to the chancellor she was immediately denied, when complaining about it to Luca and Kaito, Jin overheard and announced he needed to pick up something he left behind in his summer house and there was a mission nearby…that Olivia would be needed to help him and thus her brother would be needed as well, for his expertise.

When questioned Thoma chimed in claiming the item was an artwork Jin needed for a mission in regards to an unknown anomaly. Olivia wasn’t stupid but she definitely wasn’t going to miss the chance to get the R&R, she’s had this trip planned for a whole year, the reservations for the museum were secured and she had to spend a good chunk of her savings to get the whole thing organised and get the special gift for Karma.

The chancellor didn’t like it but couldn’t really say no if it was work related…Thoma insisting it came down from Jin’s family, a lie that the chancellor didn’t see through and nervously approved the R&R for Olivia as Thoma slyly smiled at her.

She hoped Karma would enjoy the trip and gift despite the extra additions…but going by the scowl on his face as the helicopters dropped down into the unnecessary car park of Darkwick she was stressed on how this was all going to go down.

Almost like he sensed her anxiety he turned to her with a huge smirk as he grabbed her hand and pulled her over to the chopper. Thoma guiding them into one before waving goodbye to them as he slammed the door, the other ghouls went into the second helicopter as they flew away.

Olivia had already booked a small cottage that was meant for just the two of them to stay in as it was a two bedroom place-not a six person…

Something that went unnoticed by the other four ghouls as they all piled into the cottage, Luca and Kaito setting up a small space in the living room, whereas Jin already claimed one of the rooms, seeming unbothered as Olivia and karma stared at them all in shock. She thought the others would just go to Jin’s summer home…

“Where will I be sleeping Olivia?”

Thoma leaned against the wooden table in the kitchen, looking around the cozy kitchen space filled with an eclectic amount of taxidermy insects and art pieces, he looked at her expectantly seeming to enjoy her floundering as she stared at him dumbfounded by what was happening, they didn’t follow them from the helicopter and just sort of spawned here as soon as the siblings arrived.

“You can either sleep with Jin or sleep on the sofa.”

Karma said slightly annoyed as he started tugging Olivia to the last free room, Olivia sighed in disappointment, she chose this cottage cause the rooms were themed, one bedroom was more like a mini library full of history about the islands and art throughout the ages, the other was smaller and full of insects taxidermy and books about animals on the island… she wanted to take that room and send photos to Haru, but it seems Jin has stolen that room from her.

“Oh? I’d much rather share with you though? I’m sure Olivia doesn’t mind sharing with Jin?”

He put on a sultry tone as he grinned at Karma’s slightly blushing face, enjoying the way he sighed in exasperation as he dragged Olivia to their room. Thoma grinning as he grabbed his bag and took it to Jin’s room, grimacing as he made eye contact with a huge golden stag beetle that Jin was looking enthused at as he evaluated it. Thoma looked around the bugged out room before taking two steps back.

“I believe I’ll be better suited staying with the first years…”

He quickly walked away as Jin ignored him, stealing the largest sofa just before Kaito could make claim to it.

“Dude…I can’t believe we’re crashing Karma’s birthday trip.”

Kaito whisper shouted to Luca, who continued to set up their temporary beds on the smaller softer velvet green sofas.

“It was the only way he could have this birthday trip, I don’t mind, we’ll have opportunities to explore whilst they celebrate, it’s not like we’ll be going with them during their stay here.”

Luca felt slightly disappointed at that fact, he enjoyed both Karma and Olivia’s company and would’ve loved the opportunity to hang out with Karma more.

“Hahaha, yeah it’s not like we’ll crash their outings…”

❄️ ❄️ ❄️

They most definitely did crash the birthday outings, Jin and Thoma claiming they needed to keep an eye out for the anomaly that’s been haunting the area. Though, karma made them promise not to come on the second day excursions as it’s private for the two siblings.

Thoma worked as a surprisingly good tour guide, somehow having the whole day planned perfectly so they visited all the things Karma would enjoy. Olivia helped him make the itinerary as she went through every single art museum and installations that Karma would like, the two type A’s even accounting for shenanigans and food breaks.

The only uncomfortable moments were when Jin tried to bond with Karma, much like a divorced dad trying to bond with their child they hadn't seen in ten years. Luckily, Thoma and Olivia kept the conversation flowing between them, creating a shaky bridge between the two men as Karma quietly accepted him. Though, Luca distracted him as well by asking numerous questions enjoying the experience and Karma's voice that seemed to scratch his brain in the best way.

For dinner they Acquired Karma's favourite-a shit tonne of strawberry tanghulu and Olivia ensured to plan the perfect picnic with food prepped by Kaito and Sho, it was in a secluded area facing a strange but peaceful statue of a woman, it seemed as though her eyes never left you. She was carved from what seems to be a part of a mountain, expertly carved so the cracked geodes shone throughout her body, the setting sun shining through creating a mesmerising blinding sight as it sparkled towards them like a beckoning disco ball.

The very same statue that was the anomaly, which queued up for a small fight as Karma stressed about them destroying the anomaly, not wanting such beauty to be destroyed as Jin sighed capturing it easily as the poor thing couldn’t actually move, it just drew people in sucking their souls in to replenish its beauty, to fix the cracks and weathered stone that almost crumbled underneath Karma's touch. Jin made sure to grab hold of Olivia, wrapping an arm around her drawing her close causing both karma and Thoma to roll their eyes at him at the unnecessary movement, he didn’t even use his stigma. After denying Karma to become the anomalies guardian despite the expert use of puppy eyes on his part, Jin said he'll try and get him a visit with it-surprising everyone as Karma wrapped an arm around his neck proclaiming that 'Jin's alright!' causing everyone to grin at the antics of the two as Olivia subtly took a picture of the moment.

(this would be a warding card and i curse my inabiltity to draw fr)

The group continued their picnic as the Darkwick agents came to pick up the anomaly.

They viewed a couple more statues on the way back to the cottage, Thoma, Luca and karma all enveloped in deep conversation about the pieces and how they evoke emotion in their time period/how it affects people now and it’s relation to current events as well as the history behind each one and how it correlates with other pieces. Olivia, Jin and Kaito were awkwardly walking side by side, Jin kept his and Olivia's hands clasped together as kaito animatedly chatted with Olivia about the cake he was going to make Karma tomorrow, asking for advice and what ones were his favourite. Jin was half listening as he lit a cigarette nudging olivia to help him as he refused to let go of her.

Olivia gladly did it huddling close to the Ice King for warmth as Karma dramatically turned around to face them, the sun setting a beautiful blood orange behind him as he walked backwards in order to talk to the others, he was smiling before pointedly scowling at their clasped hands. He poked his tongue out fiddling with his lip piercing as he debated making a comment, but decided to keep the good mood going.

“Are we going to I love yu?!?!!”

They made sure he packed a towel for himself and he even got gifted special body wash by Rui.

Olivia excitedly nodded as Karma cheered, Jin looked confused at the two as his eyes landed on the deviously wicked smile on Thoma’s face.

A public bath will be quite the entertaining adventure.

❄️ ❄️ ❄️

“Yo that’s gnarly scar.”

Kaito traced a finger down the deep scar on Karma’s shoulder, it goes from the behind the top of his ear all the way down to shoulder blades, Karma yelped as he jolted away from Kaito, he was too distracted by the giant elephant in the room to notice the approaching ghoul. He quickly clasped a hand over his scar as a bright red blush covered his face, the others distracted before but they all turned to look as they heard Karma’s yelp as they lounged out in the bath area, they all came to stare at Karma’s scar.

“It’s nothing.”

Karma hurriedly said backing away from inquisitive eyes as he nervously went to grab a bucket, threatening to douse them if they come near.

“Doesn’t look like nothing…?”

Jin mumbled as he looked at him with worry, Kaito looked extremely guiltily as he stood in front to defend him.

“If he doesn’t wanna talk about-“

Karma sighed as he clasped a hand on Kaito’s shoulder, the other blushing as he looked up at the taller man, his brain short circuiting as he saw the steely look on Karma’s eyes for a moment before he leaned back stretching out his arms as the playful light came back in his eyes, the whiplash making Kaito’s head spin.

“If ya really wanna know~you’ll have to beat Livi in a drinking contest <3”

He grinned as he went to go wash his hair, Thoma smirking at the challenge…this should be easy.

———————————————————

Obscuary 🌒

Lyca’s phone was popping off, Ed and Rui looking at eachother in intrigue as they cheekily grinned and tiptoed over to Lyca. Who was deep in concentration as he sniffed the air, glancing over annoyed at the two who thought they were being extremely sneaky as they tried to peek at his phone, Lyca immediately snatching it away from Ed’s grasp.

“Someone’s popular~our baby boy has grown so much…”

Rui fake cried as he slid into the oak chair just out of reach of Lyca as he slyly grinned at his wolfie friend.

Ed smiled as he slid uncomfortably close next to Lyca peering at his sketch with interest as a small gasp escaped him.

“Oh my🤭😧it seems our friend 🫶🏼🥰🐺has gained a muse 🐇💫😍”

The sketch was of Karma looking out the window of his makeshift studio, he was wearing his uniform top and his hair was blown by the breeze, slightly revealing the deep scar at his neck as he wore a small smile. It was strange seeing the cold painter look so ethereal but Lyca seemed to capture a sensitivity that many don’t catch.

“It’s a birthday present…”

Lyca didn’t know it was his birthday until Subaru told him, Karma didn’t really like people knowing and as soon as Alan said happy birthday he knew he was doomed. The only person he seemed happy to hear birthday wishes from was Alan and Lyca, karma almost asked if Lyca could come on their trip knowing the other would love it, but realised Darkwick would never let him go…not right now anyway.

“A Birthday present for Karamellllll~ oh! I didn’t know he had a scar? He’s really got the tortured artist thing down~.”

Lyca frowned at Rui’s comment, his phone still popping off as he growled checking to see who would be sending such an onslaught of messages…

It was karma, he sent numerous selfies, with different statues; in the bathhouse; with the anomaly; with Olivia and another one with the frostheim ghouls passed out as a triumphant Olivia sipped at her sake cup, the last one was was of the sketch books and history books at the cottage. Lyca didn’t realise it but his ears popped out as he went through each photo, Ed grinning at the sweet reaction as he curiously peeked at the sketch again.

“The scar 🤩🤩does add a certain dark beauty 🥀 🥀 to him…”

Ed mused tracing the drawing as Lycas frown deepened.

“It’s not like it’s a good thing? His old man almost killed him…”

Lyca grumbled as he angrily grabbed at a pencil, shading as he swatted away Ed’s hand. Rui was uncomfortable and he didn’t do a good job hiding it, not knowing what to say at the depressing shred of information, whereas Ed just looked perplexed by the whole thing. They knew the siblings struggled…but not to the point of near death.

Lyca realised the awkward silence as he looked up from his page, he was in deep thought as he tried to figure it out why the mood dropped before his eyes widened realising his slip up. He felt sick from guilt as it clawed its way up his throat, karma was always so open about it to him…

“Well I made my Karmic revenge a super strong strawberry shower gel>! Something to smell as sweet as he is~oh wait I have a small tester that I got Olivia to try, have a sniff.”

Rui rolled over a small bright pink bottle, Lyca took it taking a whiff, a small smile spread on his face as it smelled amazing and suited karma well, if he could put karma in a bottle this is what it would’ve smelled like.

“He is quite an adorable human🥰🥸tenacious🫣🤜🏼and strange😻🫶🏼”

Ed hummed as he ruffled Lyca’s hair, causing the wolf to duck away glaring at him without any heat, as Rui grinned at the display.

“He’ll love the drawing Lyca!!! It’s so sweet!!”

Rui leaned on his hands as Lyca smiled softly at him as he continued to finish up the portrait. His phone started pinging once more as Karma sent an onslaught of photos making Lyca smile even more, it was a photo of Olivia crashed out on the ground as the frostheim captain was passed out on the table, karma was grinning throwing up a peace sign, he showed Rui who cackled at the display.

“Shit, it’s rare for see the frosty captain like that!!”

The text that came along with it said ‘miss you pookie bear 🫶🏼I’ll bring you some souvenirs.’

🌒❄️🌒❄️🌒❄️

Photo time:

Luca and Kaito were down for the count passed out of the sofa as they huddled together, Olivia cheered watching as Thoma slumped onto the side of his sofa, his monocle sliding off his face as his eyes slowly closed.

Jin was the only one standing against her as even Karma was reduced to a giggling mess texting someone with a light flush on his face as he went to his room to send photos of the sketch books and art history books to …presumably Lyca.

“I thought ghouls were meant to have a higher tolerance to things~”

Olivia sang as she put her feet up on the table, smirking slightly at Jin.

“I thought humans(ish) had less.”

He countered, his face flush as he pointed at her.

“Have you never had to keep up in a business meeting? When I worked in an office if you couldn’t handle a couple of bottles you’d be the mockery of the place.”

Jin chuckled as Olivia filled their cups once again, the two clinking their cups as their sipped at it, this one was a cherry flavoured sake. They drank the whole bottle, both struggling to keep up as Jin slumped onto the table , Olivia got up to cheer but instead almost fell hard onto the ground if it weren’t for karma catching her in time and lowering her down onto the ground.

“You’re the best brother.”

She patted his face drunkenly grinning as karma chuckled at her antics, he grabbed a pillow and laid her head onto it as she nuzzled into it, he took another selfie sending it to Lyca as he hopped to his room, humming happily to himself as Lyca sent a heart back.

———————————————————

Sinostra 🔫

“I feel like the curse has come for me dear brother.”

Olivia had sunglasses on as her gravelly voice rumbled into karmas ear as he woke her up at 8am on the dot, ready for their excursion as he pulled her up and pushed her into the bathroom.

“If you turn in a massive flower here can I take some pics~it’ll make a great painting.”

She nudged him harshly before pausing his pursuit as she held onto the door frame of the bathroom.

“I have a gift to give you-not my one yet, this one’s from Romeo!”

She dragged him to their room, rifling through her bag that was next to her makeshift bed on the floor as she cheered holding a small black box as she kneeled on her knee and held it out to him on both hands, lowering her head as though she was a lowly peasant.

“Your gift sire.”

Karma swiped it smiling slightly as he opened the box, nervous as to what Romeo could have got him…damn Leo. Karma was never good at accepting things if he wasn’t giving something in return.

He opened the box gasping lightly as he traced around the purple gem, it was a silver beaded bracelet with raw small gems at every three beads, there was a note attached with the gems name…

Taafeite

‘A rare gem for an even rarer talent.’

-Your favourite muse

Romeo Scorpius lucci

Karma couldn’t help the bloom of red that overtook his very being, Olivia chuckled as she teetered to the bathroom, collecting a pair of yellow dungarees and a light blue t shirt. Karma was wearing a pair of loose dark brown corduroys and a white t shirt, he wasn’t wearing an oversized hoody or jumper for once and even styled his hair for this day, he struggled with doing it, Kaito and Luca luckily helping him with sweeping it to the side, slicking it back slightly. It will definitely go back to its fluffy state by the end of the day but as long as he tried at the start is what matters. He had on an old watch and now the bracelet.

He looked at the gems mesmerised, lightly tracing them smiling gently to himself as he grabbed a denim jacket, it was one he painted with a field of linaria’s purpurea on the back, it was in the painting he gave Romeo and he thought it’d make a nice jacket addition.

His whipped his phone out taking a picture of the bracelet as he sent it to Romeo with a books worth of heart emojis.

Taiga had wished him a happy birthday on the day and gave him a weird riddle about his future? before cackling and walking away leaving a dumbfounded karma.

Ritsu handed him a card and a contract saying he is excited to branch into being an entertainment lawyer, only for Karma though.

Karma signed the contract as Ritsu went into a frenzy about shoddy lawyers and shady half truths they give their clients and a plethora of promises that he would never do that to him.

Romeo’s definitely went the extra mile out of the three. ———————————————————

Hortarubi 🪷

Olivia had to console karma after the museum for at least an hour, he was calm throughout the whole thing even when looking around the garden at the end, but when they left he just quietly sobbed.

Olivia got him to calm down as he blubbered out about how he never thought they’d be able to see this place, how far they come, how this has inspired him and… that if this was his last birthday with her it was the best one he’ll ever have.

Olivia sobbed along with him, the two looking like strange fools to concerned citizens walking past them.

She has no clue how he’s going to respond to her gift.

The gift that Subaru and Haku helped her tirelessly search for…

🪷🪷🪷

“Subaru, it’ll be fine, he’ll love it.”

Subaru glanced at Haku, anxiety drilling into his very being as he awaited a text from Olivia updating him on Karma’s reaction.

Karma’s first sold painting was hard to track down, even harder to negotiate a price having to rely on Haku’s honeyed words to persuade the private collector to hand it over for a heart burning cost of;

¥13,964,320

It was a good chunk of Olivia’s personal savings and apparently a grand difference to what the owner originally paid for.

Zenji guarded the painting closely and helped Olivia not spoil the surprise as she excitedly recounted how the light came back to Karma when he realised his life’s passion, how that painting practically saved him. Ladders sticking close to Zenji as the familiar painting sparked excitement within the ghostly creature as he ran through the halls of the hortarubi dorms, getting ghost cat zoomies, seeming to find comfort in the place and staying there more often, Haku couldn’t complain as it meant Olivia came to visit them more frequently as well.

Haku couldn’t quite get the excitement around the one painting but it seems the scars from their past still haunt them to this very day but the new lease of life Karma received the day he picked up a paintbrush was everything the siblings needed to push forward, which gave him a huge appreciation for the piece.

Zenji composed a fruitful poem that he knows the two will appreciate when they come back….inspired by their story as the sound of the biwa echoes through the halls.

🪷🪷🪷

The two devoured their ramen, getting the iconic sanuki udon that they’ve seen online. They went to Edobori Kida, a recommendation from Leo who saw many people rave about it on tiktok and forced them to do a detailed report via text so he can make a video about it, this report including numerous photos of food and a rating from 0- Sho’s food…it was close behind Sho’s food.

Rightfully so, it was insanely delicious and everything they needed after their long day out and crying session. They each had a beer as they quietly chattered about the day, Kaito sending her updates about how they’ve almost set up the cottage for Karma’s mini birthday party, where it’s actually just an excuse for Kaito to feed them a delicious amount of cake, that Olivia had been daydreaming about since he showed her his plans for the what he’s making.

“There’s one last present…from me, it’s back at the cottage so when you’re ready we can go.”

She was nervous.

Karma eyed her suspiciously as she fiddled with her hands, their ramen finished yet Olivia still stirred her chopsticks around the bowl. Olivia was usually an anxious mess but she’s learnt to keep it hidden or more likely she’s a high functioning anxiety host, but she’s so fucking nervous it set Karma on edge.

“Okay.”

He got up and slammed back his beer, Olivia doing the same and gratefully so as it eased her nerves. She paid for their meals as Karma and her walked quietly back to the cottage.

She had a strained grin as she opened the door, motioning for karma to walk through, who just looked at her suspiciously.

“SURPRISE!”

Luca and Kaito yelled, Thoma blowing a bright pink foil whistle as Jin clapped awkwardly.

A massive chocolate cake sat on the coffee table with a huge amount of strawberries on it that could rival a farmers market. Karma’s eyes went huge as he drooled at the sight of it, he could see Olivia’s do the same in the corner of his eye. Their sweet tooth was debilitating, Kaito cut a piece and nervously handed it to Karma, who dug in, basically inhaling the cake as the others grabbed their own slice.

“Is so good man, you need to be a baker or something.”

Kaito preened under the praise, eyes glistening happily as he took the empty plate and hurriedly went to grab another for both himself and Karma, who just chuckled at the boys eagerness.

Olivia put down her own empty plate on the coffee table as she tugged at Karma’s arm, guiding him to their room quickly as she nodded at Kaito, smiling apologetically as she stole Karma away.

She quietly closed the door between them as she hurriedly went to the parcel that was placed on his bed. It was wrapped in brown packaging with a drawing of an enchanting wisteria decorating the top, the very same image of the plant he’s seen in Hotarubi.

It was quite a large package and Olivia was almost the same size of it, she gestured for him to come over and open it as she stood back.

The chatter outside could be heard as he felt each foot step in his veins, he nervously reached out as he peeled away the wrapping, trying to preserve the picture of the wisteria as he did.

But that was long forgotten when the peek of an old friend greeted him, he looked up at Olivia in shock as he ripped the rest of the wrapping off, gasping as he caught sight of his very first sold artwork as he dropped to his knees in surprise. He took the painting staring at it with a mixture of disbelief and happiness, as he gently placed it down. He once again launched himself at Olivia, forgetting that his sister was a foot shorter than him as she struggled to keep them balanced.

“It’s-I thought it’d be good for you-urgh, Sho’s feeding you too much- thought it’d be good to have and to re-“

Her legs gave out, the two divulging into giggles as Jin slammed the door open after hearing such a loud bang only to be met with the sight of the siblings cackling on the floor, a remarkable painting sat at the bed that completely distracted Jin as he went over to look at it.

Olivia wanted to tell Karma, it was to remind him of where they came from, to remind him of her and everything they’ve been through and survived and that maybe…just maybe they can survive this…or he can survive losing her. But as she watched her baby brother laugh, probably braking her leg as he put all his weight into crushing her to pieces-she couldn’t bring herself to say it…

❄️🪷❄️🪷

To calm an extremely anxious Subaru Olivia sent a picture of an extremely happy karma who was currently half sobbing-half laughing as he proudly showed off his painting to Thoma, who’s eyes gleamed with interest as he leaned in to look at it. Karma was protectively hugging it close to him as Thoma got a bit too close for comfort as he waved a bottle of wine at Karma, who has had two glasses already.

“I would like to challenge you to a drinking contest instead of Olivia, if I win you must tell me the story of your scar.”

Karma scowled at Thoma as a tired Luca saddled himself next to him, Luca had spent the day exploring the island with Thoma, Jin stayed at the cottage with Kaito to wait for the painting to be delivered.

Kaito was trying to stop Olivia from moving about or trying to tidy the place as her leg was in an insane amount of pain, it felt like someone snapped her bone in half when ever she tried to move, something she discovered when she tried to get up after her and Karma fell.

She watched as Karma told Thoma to piss off as Luca engaged him with an onslaught of questions about his painting, something Karma happily went along with as the Thoma pouted.

Subaru replied that he was happy Karma enjoyed the gift and that he’ll prepare a tea party for all of them when they get back, something she was about to reply too when a grumpy Jin slumped down next to her. She was currently curled up on the bigger velvet sofa as Kaito hovered around everyone cleaning and pulling out more baked goods he’d been preparing all day.

“That bastard already knows…”

Jin grumbled out as Thoma tried one last attempt to pester Karma for answers, Olivia sighed leaning onto her hand on the arm of the chair as she narrowed her eyes at Thoma.

“I guessed so…I don’t know why he wants Karma to tell him, it’s not like it’s a fun story.”

Jin grunted in reply as Thoma’s eye fell on the two of them, sighing as he seemed to give up his mission or not wanting to deal with the double wrath of both Olivia and Jin, though he was tempted, thinking it would be quite entertaining.

“He likes getting under Karma’s skin, I’m guessing he wants to know everything he can…the story on the page isn’t enough for him.”

Olivia spoke more to herself as she debated the reason, Jin’s eyes flying to hers in surprise, she was usually soft spoken, always compliant and never annoyed…lately she’s been more the opposite, she was still kind but that kindness seemed to have limits. Especially when it comes to Karma and especially since it got announced about her…condition.

He liked it.

“I suppose so…”

Not that he didn’t like how she was before, his ‘secret’ adoration of Olivia would be the same regardless of how she is.

“Do you know…?”

She asked quietly, amber eyes looking up at him with a deep sadness hidden in the depths. Jin nodded, of course he read the file, the chancellor needed his fathers-and thus his permission to bring Karma into the fold…

“Hmmm…spose’ I could tell you the full story then, I’d need someone to be there for him if I…”

She pursed her lips, sipping on her strawberry soda as she munched on the cookies Kaito had made. She was hoping she made the right choice in trusting Jin with this…

🐇 🐼

Torrential rain threatened to drown the young girl as she raced back to her appartment, she’d not been allowed in there for three days after her father had caught her buying a small cupcake from the bakery down the street, deeming it a waste of money that should’ve been given straight to him.

She had spent the past week collecting and selling recycled bottles and cans just for the chance to get something for Karma’s birthday, he was going to be 13, he needed something special…

Her father did not think so, forcing her to hand over any remaining funds before kicking her out, refusing to let her back in as anguished screams could be heard inside. She tried to pound down the door but she was only young, 13 just like her brother would soon be, tears poured down her face as she ran to their safe haven, an old temple run by a singular woman, she was strange and offputting with long white hair and ruby eyes, her skin pale and sickly looking, but Olivia loved her, she was never around when she brought Karma but she was always there for Olivia when she needed her.

She stayed in the temple shelter, the kind priestess letting her stay whilst they tried to figure out a way to get Karma out. The woman always doted on the two who found solace In hiding out there when their parents…habits got too much. It was an extremely run down temple, the young woman was the only one keeping it alive…

It got to the day of his birthday, when Olivia decided she’d just run and grab him, she didn’t alert the priestess and instead ran as fast as she could, the small child dodging and weaving past adults and obstructions as she reached her apartment. She was harshly trying to catch her breath as she reached the door, the stairs taking all the wind out of her as the horrifically slightly ajar door stood in front of her.

She hesitantly pushed opened the door, the silence killing her as she stepped in trying to force the courage in her…it immediately snapped away as her blood turned cold at the sight of a Karma’s limp hand lightly hanging out of the doorway, blood splattered on the walls and floor as she approached him.

It seemed to have just happened, light brown hair oozing with blood as she fell to her knees trying to feel for his breath as she held her hand under his nose. There was no sight of her parents, probably leaving Karma as they went to the bar…or running away from the crime, but she doubts they had the cognitive ability to determine what they did was a crime. Her eyes trailed the scene before her as she scrambled to grab a phone, smashed bottles littered the place-one covered in blood as she dialled for an ambulance, her brain numb as she fell into a pit of apathy trying to keep herself functional as her shaking tiny hands held tightly onto the phone. He seemed to have one large wound on his head and another across his neck and back…most likely from the bottle being smashed over him, she felt bile building up in the her throat as she tried to slam it back down.

The priestess floated into the room, ladders running behind her as she cooed at the young boy, Olivia’s eyes wide as the operator spoke to her through the phone.

“You poor thing…he doesn’t have long, young Olivia.”

The woman’s floaty voice carried through the room as Olivia begged for an ambulance-for someone to come save her brother, her pleas turning into shrieks at the priestess announcement.

“I can keep him alive until they come…but it comes at a price.”

The woman smiled sweetly at her as tears lightly dripped down her face, falling onto her clothes as ghostly hands cradled Karma’s paling face.

Olivia nodded terrified as she realised she did it again…it was hard for her to tell the difference, between the dead and the living. Her parents hated it when she spoke to nothing and would remind her every waking moment she lived there that there was something wrong with her, she had to hide it…she thought she did well in ignoring them, yet…the priestess seemed so alive, how could she have known?

“You must never come to my temple again…you will never find it, not until you have too, but I hope that day never comes…and Karma-he will become like you, the curse of the sight will befall him and you must prepare him for it.”

The woman spoke sternly to her as Olivia dropped the phone, everyone became static too her as the woman stretched out her hand to her, beckoning her close as Olivia shakily took it. She was gently guided to Karma’s side as the woman clutched at her hand, they’re not meant to be able to touch her… but she placed their hands over Karma’s heart, she could feel the slow beats speed up as life seemed to flow back into him.

“We’ll meet again little one, be brave.”

The woman pressed a kiss to Olivia’s paling forehead as sweat dripped down it, the world spinning as her vision faded, falling hard onto the floor still clutching onto Karma’s heart as the woman drifted off, placing a white fox’s mask on as she turned to leave. Her white long hair drifting in the breeze as she paused bending down to pet the ghostly cat who rolled around her feet, batting at her tail as she sighed giggling at the sweet little thing.

“Protect them.”

A loud meow followed her disappearance as Ladders curled up around Olivia, the black cat pawed at sickly girl, a couple of days in a temple that’s not meant to exist can do a lot of damage to a girl.

The sound of sirens echoed through the empty apartment as hurried steps and shouts were the last thing to drum into Olivia’s ears.

🐼🐇❄️🐇🐼

Jin stared at her wide eyed as Olivia recounted her tale.

“It was my fault he got hurt.”

Her voice broke as she tried to distract herself, playing with a lock of white hair, something she maniacally bleached to look like the priestess’, a daily reminder of her saviour.

Jin didn’t know what to say, he knew they never got taken away, the parents somehow wrote it off as the kids fooling around. Neighbours in a small town were of little help, not wanting to get involved in the hurricane that was the Ito family.

“You weren’t at fault, those fuckers were…you were just a kid.”

Jin balled him fists as he tried to calm himself as Olivia’s heartbroken state fuelled anger throughout him.

Olivia nodded, not really taking in what he was saying as she tiredly leaned her head on his shoulder, making Jin tense as her eyes fluttered shut, immediately falling asleep.

Karma turned to look at them frowning at the sight as a panicked Jin wrapped a blanket around Karma’s exhausted sister, watching in distaste as she snuggled into the blanket and thus into Jin.

Jin caught his eye as Karma sighed, allowing them the moment together, it’s not like she’d actually fall for the guy or anything. He continued his conversation with Luca even allowing Thoma to chime in as the night drew to a close.

———————————————————

Mortkranken 🏥

“You’ve sprained your leg apprentice, you’re going to have to rest for the day at least…”

Karma grinned sheepishly as Olivia gaped at Yuri.

“Are you saying that oaf sprained my leg from his sheer weight-He’s a twig?!?!”

Olivia couldn’t help but shriek.

Yuri’s eyebrow twitched in annoyance, as he glanced at Karma who winked at him, cheekily waving, as Yuri threw him a disgusting look.

“The great Dr.Yuri Is-“

Jiro interrupted as he brought tea over to the trio.

“The way you fell sprained it, not your brother…but it probably didn’t help.”

He offered Karma tea first which annoyed Olivia further.

“Jiro don’t cut me off.”

Yuri frowned as he and Olivia sipped their tea as Jiro attentively checked over Karma, calloused hands gently tracing over Karma’s arms, neck and face as Karma calmly let him do it. The only reason they were here and not at the other hospital (although Jin did persistently insist the normal one) is 1.olivia needed to make sure Yuri didn’t murder Ritsu whilst she was away. 2.karma was weirdly insistent about wanting to see Jiro. 3.she enjoyed the tea and company, the duo always cheered her up when she was around them.

“Any headaches?”

Jiro asked tapping the back of his neck right where his scar was.

“Nope, all good beautiful.”

He winked at Jiro who just laughed at him as Yuri squawked about client-professionalism, despite the fact he himself hadn’t moved away from Olivia and in fact sat closer to her as he unnecessarily checked over her leg once again.

“Oh?”

Jiro’s face slacked back to its poker face as he looked through Karma and Olivia’s paperwork.

“It was your birthday? Happy birthday.”

He patted Karma on the head as Yuri snapped at him to start an autopsy, seems the anomaly grabbed one last victim before they captured it and he wanted to stop whatever fiasco was occurring before his eyes.

“Apprentice, you can either help with paperwork or-“

Karma frowned grabbing some crutches as he handed him to his sister.

“No fucking way, she’s going home to rest.”

Yuri was about to yell at Karma again, when Jiro placed a hand on his shoulder, the two doctors sharing a silent conversation as Yuri sighed scrambling to pick up the ointments and medication needed for Olivia’s speedy recovery. Thrusting them into Karma’s hands as he swiftly turned and went to join Jiro in the delightful autopsy.

Karma rolled his eyes as the dramatics as he looked down at the meds, eyes widening as a tiny box of tea leaves somehow had fallen into the collection. A tiny note added to it with a blue ribbon:

‘A gift from the great Dr. Yuri Isami.’

He grinned as he smelled the leaves, a mixture of chamomile and lavender, he couldn’t wait to drink it, the tea was much needed after a jam packed two days.

They wobbled back to the cathedral, Karma planning to stay there for the rest of the week to help Olivia catch up with things, if he could he’d be staying there permanently but he knew Leo and Sho wouldn’t give Olivia a day of peace if he lived there, the two always popping in to see him at least once a day or to drag him to help Sho at the truck or with a TikTok.

He was lost In thought when Olivia lightly hit him in the chest, jaw dropped as she stared at the cathedral.

“Yo what the fuck?”

———————————————————

Jabberwock 🍄🪺🪸

The cathedral was covered in white chrysanthemums, the place literally covered completely from head to toe in the flowers as karma and Olivia gawked in awe.

Haru and Towa stood proudly in front of the cathedral as they approached the siblings.Haru gently taking Olivia in order to protect her from Towa immediately latching himself onto Karma, humming happily as he closed his eyes snuggling deeply into Karma, he giggled wrapping his arms around and started swinging Towa around.

“Camellia~~~ 🎶”

Towa giggled as he dragged Karma to look at the display he and Haru prepared. Keeping an arm locked around Karma’s waist as Karma took what felt like a million pictures of the place looking at both Towa and the house in awe. Haru and Olivia were excitedly chattering to eachother, she slyly handed him a beaded bracelet she got at one of the museum gift shops, it had a singular piece of amber with a bug encased in it. Haru blushed as he gratefully took it, immediately putting it on as he helped her into the cathedral.

Towa wrapped his arms around him again, hands roaming as it felt like he was gently tracing over every bit of Karma’s soul, pink eyes shining up at Karma as he blushed a bright red.

Karma nervously laughed as he brushed a hand through Towa’s hair, it always felt like a predator looking at its prey whenever Towa looked at him like that.

“This my birthday gift?”

Karma gestured to the mountain of flowers.

Towa grinned up at him as Karma gently caressed his cheek with his thumb, Towa leaning into it singing happily as confirmation.

Karma giggled pulling Towa into another hug as Haru and Olivia went inside, Towa and Karma locked arms and followed them, practically skipping into the place full of joy.

There was a huge table prepared with food and the whole place was cleaned up, the roof was fixed, the floors were fixed even the falling apart staircase was rebuilt.

Karma turned to Haru in disbelief as he cackled rubbing the back of his neck as a blush climbed up his neck.

“This was nothing compared to everything’s Oli’s done to help at Jabbers!”

The bracelet gleamed in the sunlight as Olivia had tears in her eyes as she looked around, she tried to blink it away as she abruptly turned to Haru an unreadable look on her face as she launched herself at him burrowing her face in his chest as she mumbled out a plethora of thanks.

Karma smiled at the sweet display as Towa presented a flower for Karma to take a bite out of, he did it immediately, nodding in approval as it actually weirdly tasted decent.

The four ate together before Haru and Towa had to leave, needing to be at Jabberwock as they forced and left behind Ren to look after the Jabberwock. Leaving a blushing Olivia and a smirking Karma as he side eyed Olivia.

“Don’t.”

Karma cackled as he swiftly turned around setting up the laptop and nest for the two of them to chill in.

“I didn’t say anything, big sis”

The evil cackle said otherwise as Olivia slumped into the bed, he put on a crappy horror film as they settled into their nests.

“Did you have a good birthday?”

Olivia asked quietly as the damsel in distress tripped as she ran away from the killer.

“It’s been the best birthday I’ve ever had and ever will have, thank you Lia, I still can’t believe you got the centipede piece.”

He looked at her in disbelief, the painting wrapped carefully awaiting to be put up in his own room as it stayed standing up against a pew.

“You can thank Subaru for that, I’ve been trying to hunt it down for ages but he managed it so quickly…”

A small smile played on her face as Karma bonked himself against Olivia. She sighed as she leaned against him, karma handed her some of the meds getting her to take them as she shuffled into her pillow, ready to crash out as as the past few days finally caught up to her.

“You really are the best sister.”

Karma murmured smiling gently to himself as soft snores filled the room, he put his headphones in as he put on another movie, not just ready to go to sleep yet as he was still reeling from the events of the past few days…

He grabbed a pillow using it to support himself as he scrolled through the pictures of the day, spamming Leo and Sho as warmth spread throughout him.

It really was the best birthday…

[trials-of-apollo-my-beloved]

Not the Hunter Not the Weapon

A AoD/Apollo fic

Summary: The stars were gone and the sun rose to the next day.

“Hey, AoD?” 

YESEST THY LESTER? 

I didn’t used to think I’d ever be able to get over… well a lot of things really. Mainly the fact that I was dating an arrow. Wasn’t I one of the most attractive beings ever? Not to mention the most talented if I do say so myself? (I would say the most attractive, but I think Aphrodite would kill me if I were to do that: god or mortal.) 

Oh also the Shakesperian being continuously put through a wood chipper then regurgitated into my brain matter with his every word. I was hoping that would get endearing eventually. Luckily I was right. My imagery does still hold up just how endearing it felt initially though. 

There was a reason that one of the godly ground rules for dating was mind reading was off limits. Discounting ensuring the basic trust element of a healthy relationship, having someone sentient poking about your head was just never pleasant. 

“I was just wondering, if we don’t make it out of this…” I took a deep breath. The thought of me not surviving to live another millenia was already fast encroaching on me since I landed in that garbage bin in New York. Now that I had Meg, and Aod… with me? 

Well it was one thing to impassively consider my own demise as a simple possibility, another entirely to think that one of them would not make it out of this either. I was literally walking Meg up to her abuser in the place where most of her torment was conducted. There were no more lines I could allow to be crossed. 

In any other circumstances discounting the fate of possibly millions of people I would disavow the possibility. These circumstances were the rare exception. My own mortality honestly felt different from Meg and AoD’s. Not different in that my godly powers were now returning to me, but in how we could die. 

I wasn’t sure what exactly, but throughout all of my days as Lester Papadopoulos I’d never come to terms with the possibility of my death, at least not until Python became unavoidable. Perhaps it was my previous tangles with the fates, but there was something baser within me, something beyond even Delphi's purview that told me I would not a “mortal’s death”. 

There was no way Lester Papadopoulous would die in a car crash or a freak accident. I would go out either with irony like a greek hero or- or perhaps hero was just another word for hubris. 

The fates would not be so particular with my mortal friends. 

Meg going back to Nero’s Tower was practically an ironic death toll and I was wringing it. Yet, perhaps her insignificance to the greater narrative could spare Meg McCaffrey a tragic end? As the god of plague I was the reaper of children for many millennia. I had seen many children taken before their time, imposed upon many families tragedy. 

I used to see it as somewhat of a mercy to provide a poetic death. As if meaning could be inscribed to the lack of further meaning. 

My shoulders hunched. I took a deep breath. I had spoken to AoD so my boyfriend could help get me out of this proverbial funk where even the Jackson Five had failed. Yes I’d even pulled out the classics. 

AoD quivered in my hands and I averted my eyes. Perhaps, if by some stroke of the fates, Meg was not doomed. If there was anyone in the world who could combat the inevitably of space and time it would be Meg McCaffrey. 

Perhaps it was fortune that I was knocked from my golden throne atop the futures of mortals whose destinies had crashed and burned in blazing glories, like my sun chariot streaking across the sky. This way Meg would not have an Apollo above to find poetry in her death. She was insignificant to the wider narrative, but not to Apollo’s. 

I knew that as I was now I would never be writing any odes to the legacy of Meg McCaffrey. Some people can only be encapsulated by their mere existence. Something so tiny yet so large could not be encapsulated by words. 

THOU SPIRALIST. 

“Not a word,” I kept my voice low. It was late, though I had snuck out of my cabin to talk to AoD among the stars and my sisters watch, I still didn’t want to risk waking anyone up. “Also since when did you use punctuation?” 

SINCE WHEN WAS THY’S NAME BEEN DEBBIE?” 

I shifted in the patchy grass. My orange t-shirt, which clashed horribly with the scenic shade of the forest, caught on the tree I was resting on. The tag on the shirt scratched uncomfortably against my neck. 

“Well never, to my knowledge. Though who knows, I didn’t choose to be Lester either. So, ask my father.” 

SEEIST WHAT I MEANEST? THOU ART BEING A COMPLETE DEBBIE DOWNER. 

“Pff, sure I am. I am going to die.” The words left my lips like they were. Lester’s lips were not Apollo’s yet they were. I said that, yet I did not. 

EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE. 

I sighed and scratched my neck. The itch persisted and I relented to just lying down on the grass, The Arrow of Dadona held up to the stars to stay in my line of sight. 

I didn’t like to think that I was holding my best friend and potential life partner up to the sky. That was my father’s domain, not mine. A plain of clouds and suffocating air were one to fly too close. No, I was looking at the stars. The night was full of stars and space. 

When I was younger and tucking into bed I would ponder if this was actually truly the only time my sister and I were held up together. The sun was, after all, a star. It was a silly train of thought.

“You know, that’s not proper Doctors etiquette.” 

WHAT DOEST THOU MEAN? The arrow vibrated gently in palms, almost if he was attempting dulcet tones through vibrations alone. Not impossible, to his credit. Though, even if it was true and trees could talk, I doubted very much they could sing. 

“Us doctors don’t tell patients that everything will be fine, because they won't always be. It’s seen as lying. Not a problem I ever came across of course, but it’s common practice. You just tell the patient you’ll do their best for them.” 

The arrow huffed… well as well as an arrow could huff. 

SOUNDEST TO ME LIKEST AN EXCUSEST. LESTER OF THE DOCTORATE, I ASSURE THEE EVERYTHING SHALT END UP FINE. I WILL NOT ALLOW THOU TO DIE. 

I chuckled. “Strangely that does reassure me AoD. Though it really shouldn’t. You’ve been about as helpful with prophecies as the Grey Sisters.”

RUDE! 

“Yeah, maybe a little. Here, how about I do it my way. Arrow of Dadona,” I sat up and hoisted the arrow with me as if to look at it at its eye level, “I promise to do my best to keep thou- I mean you! Alive.” 

With that solemn bargain, and my doubts assuaged - at least enough to head to bed - the stars were gone and the sun had risen on the next day.

[matcheadz]

HoS or Host of Seraphim Update!

NaNoWriMo did not work out! Woohoo! Anyway, here's your next chapter. Chapter 14: Devil's First Communion. I like food. You like food. I made myself hungry multiple times while writing this.

In this chapter, we follow Kyrie and her struggle with the intersection of her abandoned faith and motherhood. Kyrie doesn't understand Vergil, nor does she think she'll ever care to. But he means something to Nero, and thats what matters. All she can do is look out for her family and hope that the world, not Sparda, will look upon her favorably.

Also Kyrie WANTS her man, so mild warning for that.

Here's a spoiler-free snippet!

Nero smiled at her. “Hey.” Kyrie flushed. “Oh. Hello.” “Sorry about the water. Dante stuck his head under the sink instead of using the shower like I asked. “ Nero looked up at his spectral hands, still holding firmly onto Kyrie’s waist with his own human hands. “These are new.” He hummed appreciatively. “Where’d you get these from?” “Um. Lady thought of us while out with Trish. I was just about to put them away.” “That’s nice of ‘em. Let me help you.” “No. I quite like it here, actually.” It was Nero’s turn to flush this time. He bit his cheek, stifling a small smile as he brought her upright again. Kyrie giggled at him, pleasantly content in watching him turn his back to her and open the cabinet doors. “At least someone was able to do a little gift-giving” Nero sighed, stacking the porcelain safely away. “Client was so sure he had some kind of poltergeist scratching at the walls in the house. Turns out it was just a rat infestation. Had their tails all knotted together. Scared the absolute shit out of me. Dante wouldn’t shut the fuck up about it until he found out the hard way they were interested in the issues with the home’s septic tank.” Kyrie stifled her laughter at the image with an attempt at a sympathetic little hum. To ease the blow, she walked up behind him, encircling her arms around his chest and pressing her cheek to the middle of his back. In the last few days, Kyrie had found this angle to be the best way to listen to the sweet little purrs that had appeared after that dramatic stage play in the backyard. The rumble increased as she nuzzled into him. “I’m glad you two are spending more time together.” She whispered quietly. Nero’s back jolted with a soft exhaling of amusement. “Yeah well…I guess I have more reason to now that I know he’s not just ‘some guy.’” Nero turned in his spot, resting his lower back against the kitchen counter to gaze down at her sweetly. The flesh of his hands came down to rest again at her hips, thumbing barely perceptible circles over the band of her skirt. His spectral arms hesitated above them in the air, before slowly placing themselves over her shoulders. Strangely, Kyrie felt no weight, even as they made the shoulders of her blouse crease. “I think you and I both knew he wasn’t just ‘some guy,’ mio tesoro.” Kyrie whispered, reaching up onto the tips of her toes to meet his face.

[chrysalispen]

Prompt #30 - Sojourn

AO3 LINK HERE

Fill under cut.

-------------------

The late summer air in Mor Dhona lacked the warmth of Ul'dah or the temperate mugginess of the Shroud but here at the edge of Silvertear Lake there was a soft, cool breeze, whispering in her hair like a mother's touch. The sun had set a good two bells past; stars twinkled in a clear sky and she could see the black outlines of trees and branches. Past that, the serenely glowing sentinel that was the Crystal Tower, a great monument reaching for the heavens.

The place where - for her, at least, in many ways - her journey had truly started.

Aurelia bent over with a soft grunt to pick up one of the stones that lay scattered amongst the shards of crystal - not from the tower or even the Calamity but the ill-fated maiden journey of the Agrius - and tested its heft in her palm. It was a goodly weight, not so heavy as to sink into the water but not too light to skip across its surface in pleasing ripples.

She perched upon a nearby outcropping of rock lying not far from a rusting chunk of steel hull, drew back her hand, and tossed the stone with a neat snapping motion. It skipped three times, four, five, before it submerged: swallowed by the dark waters around the wreckage of the dreadnought and the skeleton still wrapped about its length.

"Neatly done," called a familiar voice at her back. Aurelia smiled over her shoulder at its owner: a tall, lanky man wearing a long and leather-chased linen longcoat, the hem dusty and somewhat the worse for wear these days. The moon's watery illumination dappled patches of silver against his flaxen hair.

"Fancy meeting you here," she said. "I hope you haven't been looking for me too long."

"No." He sauntered down to the water's edge, hands in his pockets. "Mistress Tataru told me you'd gone for a walk to get some air. I thought you might be headed this direction."

"Good guess." Aurelia patted the empty space on her right. "Care to join me, Scaeva?"

"In your rock-tossing?"

"I'd hoped you might keep me company but I'll skip stones with you too, if you're willing."

"Right. One moment."

She braced her hands against the rock's surface and let herself relax, watching him pick among the crystal and sand much as she had done moments ago, and cast her eyes up to the twinkling lights in the sky. What was it Meteion had told her, back in the wastes of Ultima Thule-- the shine of those stars came from dead worlds, civilizations gone thousands upon thousands of years, centuries even, before their light had reached Etheirys... but some of those worlds might yet bloom with life once more.

Perhaps Meteion - armed now with fresh purpose - would find joy in her discoveries.

A tap on her shoulder. She opened her eyes to see Nero seated alongside her, holding out a handful of skipping stones with a faintly quizzical expression. "I'm all right," she reassured him. "Just thinking."

"About the...?"

He gestured, somewhat comically, in the vague direction of her stomach. Aurelia grinned at him and shook her head.

"I'm not nearly far enough along to start fretting about that - just a little tired here and there. Why? You're not worried something might happen while we're on the road, are you?"

A year ago, his pause might have worried her. Now she understood it came neither from hesitation nor a refusal to answer. She could tell by the tilt of his chin that he was simply mulling over her question and deciding how best to respond to it.

"...At the moment," he replied at length, "I think my answer is 'not particularly'. Does that satisfy you?"

"Aye, it does." Aurelia reached for his knee- bony as ever despite all that muscle of his- and gave it an affectionate squeeze. His left hand settled over hers in the same moment that his right cast a stone out across the water. Six skips.

She gave a low whistle. "You're better at this than I am."

"Am I?"

"I only managed five."

"The night is young and you've still got plenty of stones yet," he pointed out. She laughed, hefted another rock with her left hand this time, and threw. Four skips.

"So," Nero said as they both watched the water's surface tension flex and ripple. "What are you thinking about?"

Aurelia shrugged. "It really wasn't anything momentous," she said. "I was thinking about a question someone asked me. If I had enjoyed the life I've led thus far."

She thought he might laugh it off, make some wisecrack, bring a touch of levity to the discussion. Instead Nero only looked at her, turning another stone between his fingers, but not throwing.

"Well?"

"Well what?"

"What did you say to them?"

Aurelia looked down at his large, warm palm where it enveloped hers, still resting on his knee. "To be honest... I couldn't really give them a satisfactory response at the time," she admitted. "That's not the sort of question with a 'yes' or 'no' answer, you know?"

"Everyone has a different... threshold? I suppose?"

"Well, yes, but so much of that answer depends upon where you are." She held up another stone, studying the small fissures and veins in the weak light, "It would be like stopping a traveler on the road to Ul'dah, or somewhere, and asking them if they were having a good trip. If you're just starting out, if you've had something good happen or something bad happen or you're tired or you're excited or really any old thing."

"Right."

He threw. The stone skipped. Six.

"I've had a bit more time to reflect upon it," she continued, "and I think... I think life is about moving forward. Or trying to, anyway."

"Unfortunately I know plenty of people who would argue that point - not that I'd take their opinions much under advisement."

"What I mean is... think about when you first came to Eorzea. Knowing what you know now, would you have rather stayed the course? Contented yourself with whatever research projects they allowed you to touch-"

"Yes, yes, I take your point. You're asking if I regret my decision to accept my losses, start anew, et cetera and no. I don't. Not even a little bit these days. The things I care about now are here."

"Well, that's a very sweet-"

"Lucrative contracts."

She scoffed. "Pillock."

"Caught you out."

"Because you were saving that one."

Nero didn't miss a beat. "Like a fine Dalmascan vintage."

"Awful man. I ask a serious question-"

"Well, you didn't let me finish, did you? What I have now, and I've no intention of giving up, is freedom. I can pursue any project I like. Go anywhere I wish."

"Friends," she pointed out. "You have those now."

"Aye. And Garlond." He paused, lips stretching in a slight rictus. "...Do me a solid, sweetling, don't tell him I said that. He's a big enough bloody head right now as it is what with me deciding to become a full-time engineer with his company. I'd never hear the end of it if he knew the truth."

Aurelia managed to keep a straight face. Only just.

"My lips are sealed."

"You're on that list of mine too, just so you know." Nero nudged her with a full-body lean until she leaned back with a soft chuckle. "But judging by that question I don't imagine you have many regrets yourself."

"No," she answered without hesitation. "Had I stayed I'd have... well, it's hardly worth musing upon now. But that's what I meant by asking. People don't ever really stay in one place. Not in my experience."

A glance at Nero's face showed a distant expression, eyes as far away as the light of the stars in the rift above.

"Good old Varis would have had me making more and more elaborate weapons until I was no longer of use-- or until that entire miserable house of cards finally collapsed beneath its own weight, as we saw. I'll not pretend it didn't take losing everything to have that moment of self-reflection, but for what it's worth I think we're of one mind. I don't believe it's in man's nature to stagnate, and that isn't a bad thing." He removed his hand from hers and stretched, biting back a small yawn. "It's certainly not in mine."

Aurelia smiled. "It never has been."

"Your turn."

"What?"

"You've still got one stone left."

"Hmm."

The light of Syrcus' massive spire caught her eye once more and the question resurfaced, like a stone washing up on the shore of an ancient lake.

And have you enjoyed your journey? Has it been good?

Tell me, my mirror. The life you chose-- did it bring you fulfillment?

Two different people in two wildly different contexts, one fundamentally identical question.

Was there one single answer? She still didn’t know.

I thought about giving up more than once. But I didn't. I set my feet forward, one before the other, even through the worst of it, and followed the road where it led me. I made choices, good and bad. I learned how to live with my mistakes and grow from them. I learned what love is, and I learned how to accept it. And I'm still learning.

They sat in uncharted territory now. The ancients were gone along with their grand dreams and terrible dooms, and with them Zodiark and Hydaelyn alike: the final vestiges of that long-bygone age. Silvertear Lake was just a lake now (though she didn't doubt it would see Midgardsormr's renewal eventually). Etheirys - their star - was just a star. One of the countless many spinning through the vast expanse.

Take your new life and live it, her mother still whispered.

Life was about moving forward. Even in this moment, they were only passing through to the next.

The breeze had returned, ruffling her hair. Aurelia shut her eyes for a long moment, reveling in it, before she opened them again. It was a beautiful clear night in the best company she could think of, the future stretched before them as a long and unknown road, and her only goal was to find whatever might lie over the next horizon.

Yes, she decided. The journey has been good.

Aurelia cast the final stone and watched as it sailed in seven smooth skips across the water.

"...Suppose we'll call it a draw," Nero said.

She slipped her arm about her companion's waist with a laugh. Together, the two adventurers turned their gaze to the heavens. The sea of stars wound a path around the tower and beyond like an uncharted path all its own.

[aldryrththerainbowheart]

[I - The Magician] ; What made them decide that you were the one?

Warnings: fluff, a bit of angst if you squint

Fandom: Devil May Cry

Character x GN reader

Characters: Dante, Vergil, Nero

His entire life, there was a part of Vergil that wanted to be accepted and loved, so he’s very susceptible to someone giving him that kind of gratification. When he meets a person who is not only willing to keep him company, despite his warm and welcoming outlook, but does not judge him for his past or at least attempts to understand him, that’s where the first spark of affection bursts in his heart. Vergil is not a very socially inept individual, so it will touch him greatly if you go out of your way to interact with him. After spending the majority of his life in the Underworld, he is very anxious about rediscovering the human world again. One day, his s/o took him out shopping for some clothes for him - a ruse to get him out of the house, and they spent the entire afternoon out in town. Vergil has many fond memories from that day, and slowly, with each new moment spent together, each new kindness, he fell for you harder and harder. But it was during a celebration with the dmc gang at a bar, when it hit him. He was discreetly watching you as you chatted away with others, a happy and relaxed expression on your face. As he is watching you, he realizes just how much he enjoys your presence in his life, so much he can’t imagine it without you.

Dante makes friends and lovers as easily as enemies. He developed a fast paced, hedonistic lifestyle that demands nothing else but immediate euphoria. This daredevil will resist settling down as long as possible. His personality, past experiences and dangerous life are all factors that play a part in his attitude towards love. But even a ladies man like him will sometimes catch himself wondering what it would be like to have a constant, reassuring presence in his life. What it would be like instead of quietly dragging himself out of a bed of random strangers, to roll over and cradling his partner to his chest as he snores away. To hear someone else’s voice echoing in the rooms of his house. Someone who he calls tell anything because he trusts them to carry some of this load.

He fought for so long that he sometimes forgets the reason why. Is it money, duty or just a habit? He pliers through the bodies of demons and people alike with a sword for his entire life, seemingly to no end. He’s not a hero, just a man who’s trying to find an end’s meet doing the only thing he knows. But you, oh, you bring the hero out of him. With you, he becomes ten times more courageous, more daring, more protective. His protective streak will only increase by your presence.

His shop got wrecked by demons again, but this time, it was different. You were there, locked in the basement with nothing to protect yourself with but a few store weapons he discarded in here. Just as a bunch of Hell Cainas ripped the steel door open and rushed inside, you didn’t even have time to recall your last wishes before a wave of heat and force and inhuman snarling swept all around you. The perpetrators couldn’t even let out a pained screech before they turned into ash. When you gather your whereabouts you realize Dante holds you to his chest while he holds the devil sword with his other hand. There is a moment of silence accompanied by his heavy breathing and the pounding of your heart. Dante finally settles you on your feet but instead of letting you go, he presses his huge horned head to your stomach. His arms carefully wrap around you and his wings envelop you. You stand there in complete surprise, and just as you start carefully patting his scaled shoulders, you notice Trish, Nero and the others standing there staring at him in complete shock. Dante pays them no heed, in fact, the only thing he takes into consideration is your slowing heartbeat, your warmth and your scent.

Suddenly, the reason why he’s fighting comes back to him. And loving you feels like a great adventure in and of itself.

For Nero, being the least emotionally closed off out of the three, it’s easy to form intimate connections. But one thing standing in the way of his love is his self-esteem. It’s hard for him to accept that he can love and also be loved in return.

Shortly after Dante and Vergil disappeared into the Underworld, running of the DMC agency sort of fell onto his shoulders. No one voiced this but everyone automatically put him in Dante’s position, meaning he had to run the shop, work jobs with Lady and Trish and clear the aftermath of Qliphoth. You saw how he was practically buckling down from all this but in front of everyone, he put on a brave face. When he was confronted with this by his s/o, he tried to shrug it off but eventually he broke down. He told you in choked sobs and short breaths that he didn’t know what to do, how to go on with his life. In the span of a few months, his already messy life broke into a million pieces. He had learnt that the person who brought so much suffering to everyone was his father, the person he admired most lied to him and discarded him and then he had to fight both of them, only to lose them in the end. And now, it’s expected from him to move on when there are mornings he can’t even remember how he got home or what day it is. You got furious, but not at him, at Dante, Morrison and this entire situation. After gently scolding him for keeping all of this inside him for so long, instead of taking him back to DMC office where others were waiting for him, you brought him to the apartment the two of you shared before he started spending practically all of his time at Dante’s place. You called Lady that Nero won't be working for a while in a tone that does not allow any protests. For the next several days, you didn’t let him do any demon hunting work and Nero hasn’t left your side. There were times when he felt like he should return to work. “When you’re ready, take as much time as you need. You always bend over backwards to help everyone. It’s time somebody took care of you,” you tell him and it feels like the weight on him is slowly lifting each day. Those first months after Qliphot were rough, but you stayed with him, supported him and cared for him. He will never forget that.

He knows he found his soulmate when he finds someone who gives him the same amount of adoration as he gives them. For the first time, he feels the way he makes other people feel. 

[xopinkroses]

Girls Night♥

(Lady, Trish and Dante x Fem!Reader)

Summary; Trish has never had a girls night– You and Lady are on a mission to change that. Dante is just being dragged along for the ride. Word Count; 1363 Warning; Some swearing but other than that nothing!

MASTERLIST🌸

When Lady bursts through your door like a woman on a mission you know it’s going to be a good day. Normally she comes to you with interesting jobs or even some gossip, but today she has something different to say. 

“We’re having a girls night– you’re coming.”

No questions, no ifs, ands or buts. Lady says you’re going so you know there’s no point in arguing. You throw yourself down on your couch and stretch out your legs. “What’s the occasion?” You ask.

Lady lifts up your legs before sliding underneath to hold them in her lap as she sits down, all in one fluid motion. “I was on a job with Trish,” She says. “And we got talking while cleaning up afterwards– did you know she’s never had a girls night?”

Sadly, it makes sense. Trish doesn’t exactly have many friends other than you guys. Despite deserving the world and then some, being a demon tends to make friendships complicated. It had never really occurred to you just how young Trish really is. Sure, she looks like a fully grown woman, but in reality, she is younger than Nero– hell, she’s younger than Patty. A thought that thoroughly creeps you out. 

It doesn’t take long for you and Lady to be on the same wavelength and within just a few hours, you’ve organised everything that you might need for tonight. Your arsenal consists of snacks, movies and face masks. You make sure to pick up a copy of Mean Girls when you realise Trish probably hasn’t seen it. It’ll do her good to immerse herself in some pop culture, you also broke out The Craft specifically for the occasion. You have everything all set up in your living room, blankets and pillows strewn over the floor. 

You and Lady are buzzing with excitement, waiting for Trish to finish up at Devil May Cry and arrive. Something you aren’t prepared for, is Trish arriving with a struggling Dante in her grasp. You know he can break out of her grip if he really wanted to, and roll your eyes at his dramatics, fighting off a smile.

“So- uhhh, what part of girls night didn’t you get?” Lady asks, eyeing Dante up and down with confusion. 

“It felt weird leaving him alone at the shop,” Trish confesses sheepishly. Your heart swelled, for a demon; Trish had more care for others than most humans. Not wanting to embarrass your friend, you grab onto Dante’s other arm and drag him over to the couch with Trish’s help. 

“Well, I guess you’re one of the girls now!”

Dante allows himself to be thrown on the couch, it creaks in protest under his weight but thankfully stays in one piece. Clearly he realises that resistance is futile and sprawls out over all three seats, an arm stretching behind his head lazily– only for his relaxing position to be compromised by Trish, who ushers him into a sitting position so she can sit beside him. He huffs, making Trish smirk. 

The two look extremely out of place in your living room, you think. Decked out in leather and weapon holsters. What they thought they'd need them for tonight is a mystery. You share a look with Lady, having to peer around the two taller hunters to do so, and you both seem to be coming to the same conclusion. Trish and Dante's outfits are not dress code appropriate. 

Thankfully you have some of Dante’s old clothes in your closet from times he had crashed at your apartment after finishing a hard day's work. Lady wiggles her eyebrows at you when you announce this little fact, making your cheeks burn and a glare to settle on your face. Dante laughs and throws an arm around your shoulder, leaning all of his weight on top of you. 

“Don’t get all embarrassed, babe!” 

You laugh despite yourself as you fight to hold his weight, and fail horribly– resulting in you falling over. Dante catches you before you hit the ground and playfully twirls you back on your feet. 

Trish just borrows a pair of your pyjamas, shorts and a top. You could literally dress this woman in anything and she’ll look like a damn supermodel. You've never seen her in anything other than her usual gear, it's surreal seeing her sitting on your couch in a pair of comfortable pyjamas. Somehow she still manages to look elegant in her positioning, legs crossed and arm leaning against the arm rest. 

"So," she says, examining her nails, glossy and perfectly shaped as always. "What exactly do people do for a girls night? I've heard a few things but I figured pillow fights and talking about boys is a bit juvenile, and partying all night isn't really your style."

"We're just going to have a chill night together," You assure her. "We've got movies and snacks, and we're going to do face masks!" 

It's not much, but it's the best you could do on such short notice when you're toeing the poverty line. Trish doesn't seem to mind, she seems more confused than anything. As a demon, she's never used a face mask in her life.

"What movies did you pick out? If I'd known we'd be doing this I'd have brought out my movie collection!" 

A collection consisting solely of niche Chinese action movies and so bad they're good horror movies (usually involving demons or hell to some degree). And while you love Dante and respect his taste (you've watched all of those movies with him at least once) you want to make Trish's first girls night memorable. So chick flicks it is! Dante groans at your choices but doesn't argue, he's all talk and you know it– who doesn't like mean girls? 

Applying a face mask to Dante is an interesting experience. He's borderline afraid to let you touch his face at first, but slowly starts to relax when the cool feeling of your fingers start massaging product over his skin. Trish has much a similar reaction, but lets Lady apply the face mask without complaint. 

"What's the point of this?" She asks curiously. "It's not like I actually need to put much effort into my skin."

"It's not always about cleaning your face," you say, careful not to get any product in Dante's hair. "Sometimes it can just make you feel good to pamper yourself a bit."

Trish considers your answer with a thoughtful hum, "That makes sense." 

You end up cuddling up next to Trish on the couch with your legs in Dante's lap, Lady is sitting on the floor with her back leaning against one of Dante's legs. You keep a running commentary during the movies, able to quote them word for word with Lady. Dante, even after all his huffing earlier, laughs at every joke and joins in. 

Trish laughs quietly from time to time, but otherwise remains silent. You look up at her, worried that she might not be having a good time. You see her smiling down at you already, ice blue eyes thawed out. "Thanks for this, you guys," she says. "This is nice, I feel… almost human."

"Any time," Lady remarks before throwing a handful of popcorn at the blonde. "And shut up on that 'human' trash– we care about you anyway, demon or not, dumbass."

Picking some popcorn out of your hair, you toss it at Dante who catches it in his mouth and winks. "We should do this more often," you say. "Hang out without a job involved, we don't do that enough." To which all three of your friends nod their agreements. 

It's around 3am when you fall asleep with your head resting on Trish's shoulder, Lady had come up to join you a while ago and is sandwiched between you and Dante. She nuzzles into your side, stubbornly trying to keep her eyes open. 

Dante looks down at you three, some of the most important people in his life, and smiles. Trish catches his eye, "Are you glad I dragged you here now?" 

"Yeah," He says, carefully getting comfortable with both you and Lady half laying on him. "I am." 

~ 🖤

[industriallyinsecure]

May I request some domestic fluff headcanons with Risotto? Like casual stuff around the house he’d do with his s/o.

The softest risotto nero in the world brought to you by years of trauma and working in the mafia.

Pre VA:

He doesn’t have time for a relationship, but he makes it work. It’s difficult when the boss is breathing down his neck and his men are constantly on edge, but he finds time for you regardless of the circumstances.

You often get to be in the leather chair next to his desk or in his lap. Even if he’s busy all the time, he still likes to have you near to complain to or just to chat.

He hardly gets any sleep, so napping with you is the next best thing. He loves to hold you safe to his chest and mumble into the top of your head about anything and everything that comes to his mind. His chest pillows are a big bonus.

Post VA:

He loves to drape his much larger body over yours and squeeze you tight. It usually his way of getting you to bed if you get up early/go to bed late, or to express his love.

Risotto has a tendency to hover over you as you work. He often forgets he’s silent, but only feels a little bad when you yelp after noticing him. It’s cute to him.

LOVES COOKING! Sharing traditional Sicilian recipes with you makes his big heart flutter. He likes to dust flour over your nose and cheeks before returning to the dough on the counter.

If you’re interested, he’d gladly take you to Palermo and show you around. It’s far enough away from his childhood home so he wouldn’t encounter any of his family, but familiar enough to him for him to take you to his favorite places.

Doing chores around the house are less of a hassle now that he’s not the only one doing them. It makes him smile when you put on music and dance, which more often than not leads to the two of you dancing in the living room with the chores forgotten.

There have been times where you’ve had to bathe together to save on water. It was awkward at first, but now it’s easier to wash eachother. Risotto loves it when you scrub the shampoo into his scalp. You usually get an amazing shoulder massage out of it.

Having a home spa day is one of his guilty pleasures. He likes to be pampered, but will never admit it. It doesn’t matter if you’re just gently using a quartz roller on his face, cleansing it with an expensive product, or giving him an entire treatment, he’ll appreciate it all the same.

Home dates are your thing. You two will order in and put on something like a shitty horror movie, or just watch a favorite show. It ends the same way every time, with you two curled up together on the couch asleep.

[honyakuninakunaru]

A Party On A Sleepless Night // Mithra SSR Card Story

CHAPTER 1

(Akira’s room)

Everyone in the manor was long asleep. The only ones awake were Mithra, who was sprawled on my bed, and I, tightly holding his hand and concentrating with all my might.

Akira: “Here goes—!”

Mithra: “.....”

Akira: "Well, how is it? Do you feel any sleepier?"

Mithra: "No, quite the opposite, actually."

Akira: "Ah... I’m sorry..."

My shoulders slumped in dismay. I was unsuccessful in putting Mithra to sleep tonight as well.

Akira: ("I try so hard, but my powers don't seem to be working very well...")

Mithra: "Aren't you being too negligent? Please take this more seriously."

Akira: "I am... I really am, but..."

Mithra: "Oh well. I used to quite like nighttime before, you know. Now it just makes me crummy."

The deep shadow cast upon his evergreen eyes in a frightful glare, and the sharp tone of his voice make it clear how irritated he is.

Mithra: "It’s really depressing being the only one who’s awake every night. No matter if I go to the bar or out for a walk, I'm always by myself."

Akira: “Yeah, I get that... (I would like to at least help him have a better time at night if that‘s how things are...)”

—————

(The next day)

(Mithra’s room)

Mithra: “A pyjama party?”

Akira: “Yep. I remember you saying you wanted to have one when we were at that mansion in the North... And, since I couldn't help you these past few days, I thought it would be a nice change of pace if we tried it out. Besides, I want to see you have some fun.”

Mithra: “What did I get myself into... And? What do you do at these pyjama parties?”

Akira: “Eat snacks while chatting, play board games...”

Mithra: “Games...?”

Akira: “That’s right. I’ve already prepared some light snacks, so if you could change into something more comfortable...”

Mithra: “Is this really going to help me? I'll have you know I’m at my wit's end because of this sleeplessness. If this ends up being another disappointment, things are going to get ugly.”

Akira: “W-While I can't guarantee it will work, I’m gonna do my best...!”

Mithra: “Here goes nothing... <Arthim>“

Upon chanting his spell, Mithra’s clothes revamped into the ones he wore at the Northern mansion. Then, he chanted one more time.

Bradley: “Gah! What the—”

Akira: “Bradley!”

Bradley: “Mithra, ya damn bastard! What the hell do ya want now?”

Mithra: “Starting now, we will have a pyjama party. I thought it would only be fitting if we had more people, so I called you here.”

CHAPTER 2

Bradley: “A pyjama party? Wouldn't those southern punks been a better pick fer that?”

Mithra: “Are you serious? What would I do if those kids got themselves into danger because I didn't let them get enough sleep?”

Bradley: “Well arentcha noble. But like, whyddya even care? Is there somethin' yer keepin' under wraps, or...?”

Akira: “N-Now, now...! For starters, how about we play a game? You know, to get to know each other better...”

Bradley: “Play your damn games yourself. I don't even wanna be here, even less get chummy with this guy.”

Mithra: “You said it. What do you say we have at each other instead?”

Akira: “(I can't believe this is the only thing you’re willing to agree on...!) I-I’ve already asked Nero to help me prepare plenty of things, you know. Like meat! Lots and lots of meat.”

Mithra and Bradley: “.....”

Bradley: “..... Tch, fine. Only ‘cuz I don’t wanna waste food.”

Mithra: “Hand that meat over then, come on.”

Now that the mood had become more party-like, I took out the board games I had brought with me. With Rutile’s help, we made a Sugoroku written in both my language and the language of this world.

Mithra: “What’s that?”

Akira: “It’s a board game called Sugoroku. You throw a dice and move your piece the number of spaces according to the digit on the dice until you reach the goal.”

Mithra: “There’s something written on the board... ‘Your friends are having a wedding ceremony. Pay thirty thousand yen to continue.’...?”

Bradley: “There’s somethin’ over here too. ‘Your cat has picked up some money. You receive ten thousand yen.’. The hell, it's all just money.”

Akira: “The game is modelled after the lives of the people from my world, kind of... After reaching the finish line, the person with the most amount of money wins.”

Bradley: “So all you gotta do is make bank? Well, wouldn't hurt to try it out I s’ppose.”

Mithra: “Now wait just a moment. What is this ‘marriage’ thing? You’ve got some nerve forcing me into promises such as this.”

Akira: “No one’s actually getting married, it's just within the game...”

Mithra: “This here, too. ‘You buy a cat as a pet.’. Why would I want such a weakling for a pet? Can’t I have something more ferocious like a dragon or a monster? That would be way more convenient.”

Akira: “It can even be the devil if you’d like, it’s only for the game...!”

Each time we began, I had to re-explain the words and peculiarities of my world. And just then...

Bradley: “Next, lessee... Promotion bonus, huh. Sage, gimme a hundred thousand yen.”

Akira: “Wow, Bradley, you’re headed straight for the top, aren’t you.”

Being well-versed when it comes to riches, Bradley immediately got the hang of the game and wasted no time advancing across the board.

Mithra: “Purchase brand items for fifty thousand yen...? But I have no money left to do that.”

Mithra, on the other hand, still unfamiliar with the rules, was now unemployed and in debt.

CHAPTER 3

The situation showed no improvement even after we ended the first round, which only served to sour Mithra’s mood further.

Mithra: “Here, I’m finished.”

Sprawled on the floor, displeased and exasperated, he rolled the dice. Thereupon, it landed in the most unexpected spot.

Akira: “Y-You fell on the Hanamaru*!”

Bradley: “The hell’s that?”

Akira: “It’s a space that allows players to make a turnaround in the game. Mithra, that’s amazing! You’re pretty much an oil magnate now!”

Mithra and Bradley: “Oil... Magnate?”

Akira: “In my world, that's someone who represents wealth, so to say... With that, all of your debts are gone, and you also get a large amount of money.”

Mithra: “How large? Is it more than Bradley’s?”

Akira: “You get one trillion yen. But, since the bank doesn't have that much, you get a card with that sum.”

Bradley: “The hell!? Anyone would be able to win with this! Who thought putting such a thing at the end of the game was a good idea?!”

Akira: “You never know what life has in store for you, and hope dies last, so...”

Mithra: “I’d say that was to be expected.”

Bradley: “Ya bastard... For someone who just got out of Debt Limbo, you sure are cocky.”

Mithra: “Say what you will, but I quite literally own the world now.”

—————

(The next day)

(Dining room)

We stayed up playing after that and, in the end, called it a day only after dawn had broken.

Akira: (”No matter how many times we started over, Mithra was the only one to land on the holy oil magnate space for the entire night...”)

As I waddled into the dining room for a rather late meal, I saw Mithra and Bradley already eating together.

Mithra: “Bradley, be a dear and go bring the tea over. Yours truly can't be bothered to do that.”

Bradley: “Don’t get delusional just ’cuz you won some damn game, ya bastard.”

Next to Bradley, who was stuffing his face with bread, Mithra crosses his long legs and snorts haughtily.

Mithra: “You want to be me so bad it makes you look stupid.” *

Bradley: “Oh yeah? I’m definitely not lettin’ ya be an oil magnate next time, so bask in it while ya still can.”

In the end, I couldn't help Mithra fall asleep. However, compared to how on edge he was the past few days, he appeared to be in a much better mood now.

Akira: “..... Seems like the pyjama party was a success.”

Wizard’s Grand Turnaround // Card Episode Story

(Dining room)

Akira: “Thank you for trying out the board game from last time, Mithra.”

Mithra: “Ah, do you mean the one that's supposed to embody the lives your people? I must say it was rather bland.”

Akira: “Bland? Do you mean the rules of the game?”

Mithra: “No, the human life. How do you spend your lives without killing and getting killed?”

Akira: “I-I’m pretty sure that's just a Northern thing... Speaking of, what do you say we make a game about the lives of wizards this time around? I’m sure we’ll end up with plenty of interesting spaces if everyone joins in.”

Mithra: “That doesn't sound so bad. You should definitely add a turnaround space at the endgame, though. Landing on one feels pretty good.”

Akira: “Ahaha, alright, alright. But what would be deemed a table-turning event in this world?”

Mithra: “Taking down the moon, obviously.”

Akira: “Ah-...! (Typically, he’s not one to act like a Sage’s wizard, so I’m surprised he’s actually put thought into it...) You have a point! Then, we’ll make it ‘Defeat the <Great Calamity>’. Once the game’s done, let’s play together with everyone else, shall we?"

Raws were provided by @_Zeotrope_, thank you so much!

—————

*Hanamaru is a flower circle symbol equivalent to the gold star for awarding achievements; 💮.

*I took some liberties with this line because that's what my mind told me on prima vista. What Mithra actually says is “I’m the only one to ever achieve something like this.”

[wri0thesley]

Hello Nat! It's me! The same anon who sent the Househusband Risotto asks a few weeks ago. Could I request a fic of Risotto with no.21(a Househusband au) and some pregnancy fluff? Congrats on 5k (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

brand new - risotto x reader

you have something to tell your husband. 

warnings: soft fluff, sfw. afab reader, no pronouns. pregnancy, talk of children, brief allusions to risotto’s past life. 

You’re surprised by just how easily Risotto falls into a domestic life.

You’d thought that his past would haunt him more; the fallen comrades, the Mafia business, the blood on his hands – but he’s surprisingly pragmatic about it, when you hesitantly bring it up.

“It happened,” he says. “I miss them. But I’ve been given a chance that they didn’t get, and I intend to take it.”

It’s more than your stoic, quiet husband usually says at once, and you feel it pierce your heart like an arrow. Your hand brushes over his broad shoulder in as much comfort as you can give him, and Risotto looks at you with the lightest smile on his lips that makes you feel like the luckiest person in the whole universe.

Risotto becomes the house-husband as if he’s been waiting to be able to do it for his whole life.

Oh, he makes some mistakes – some little things, like washing a pair of your red underwear in with some shirts that you wear for work. Planting the wrong kind of seedlings at the wrong time of year – trying to fix the plumbing himself instead of calling a plumber.

You two muddle along, but as a whole Risotto seems to be thriving, and that makes your heart leap in your chest like a prima ballerina.

Your heart thumps double when you come home after a long day of work and he already has dinner simmering on the stove, an apron wrapped around his broad frame – it’s emblazoned with the legend; “Hot Stuff Coming Through (and I don’t mean the food)”. You breathe in the scent of his cooking; something deep and rich.

You come up behind him and wrap your arms about him, resting your cheek on the centre of his back.

His muscle has gone a little soft now that he’s not working out so often or in as many life-or-death situations, but he’s still broad and amazing and perfect for holding onto.

“Smells great,” you say, sighing, kicking off your heels in kitchen to be put away later. Risotto’s eyes stray to them all higgledy-piggledy on the floor, and he frowns;

“Nonna’s recipe,” he says. “Aren’t you going to put those in the shoe rack?”

“I’ve only just gotten home,” you pout at him, but your pout quickly breaks into a smile as you see the exhaustedly fond expression on his face.

Now that he’s not an assassin – now that he doesn’t need to hide everything he’s feeling under the guise of being cool and cold and collected – Risotto’s face seems to move more. He finds it easier to express his emotions. It’s still little things; twitches and furrows, instead of his entire face transforming – but it’s more than before.

He’s comfortable. He’s happy.

You, and him, and the little world that you’ve build all around you two.

You bend over to pick up your heels, opening your mouth to say something over-dramatic about his newfound house pride – but you’re stopped by an ache that shoots down to the centre of your back, a noise of pain escaping you before Risotto can turn lightning quick and wrap a strong arm around you.

“Are you alright?” He’s asking, brow creasing slightly in concern. Panic flares in your stomach – you don’t want to tell him like this.

“Y-yeah,” you laugh it off, straightening up with your shoes in your hand, the other going to massage your back where you can reach. “Guess I was just sat in the wrong position at work for too long, huh?”

Risotto looks sceptical, but he can’t leave his boiling pots for too long. With a searching look at you, he returns to the stove, murmuring low;

“I’ll give you a massage later.”

You smile at his back as you walk towards the shoe rack in the hallway. You know that saying that will have made him blush; despite how long the two of you have been married now, he’s still nervous about things like that. His hands still shake a little when he goes to hold you. He still licks his lips before he kisses you, murmuring in a deep voice;

“Is it really alright?”

You always wind your arms around his neck and pull him in as your way of reassuring him that it’s perfectly fine. It’s hard, you think, for him to accept that he deserves all of this – but you’re eternally glad that the two of you get to share it together.

Little reminders of your shared home and life are scattered all about your home. A picture of you and Risotto at your wedding, framed and hung in the hallway; his suit is a little too tight, because he left it too long and it couldn’t be tailored properly to address the fact that he’s built like a superhero.

A bookshelf that has your romantic novels next to his own gothic horrors; a skull candle that burns red from its eyes as it melts perched on top. Also perched on top is a trinket dish that he made and painted for you at a pottery class he attended to try and get him out of the house whilst you were at work – you use it to dump your keys in.

It’s supposed to be a heart shape, but it’s more of a very uneven kidney.

The carpet you two had chosen together; you’d wanted something cheaper, but Risotto had insisted you could afford this one – he’d been right, and it’s soft beneath your stockinged feet.

You love him so much.

Your hand cups your stomach protectively now that you’re out of Risotto’s sight. You think of the tiny life inside of you; half Risotto, half you, already loved more than they’ll ever know even without Risotto knowing that it’s there. You can’t wait to tell him.

His hands are gentle on your shoulders, big and warm and softer than they once were. They’re still a little calloused from the garden work he enjoys doing, but he no longer handles weapons and you buy him sandalwood-scented hand cream instead.

They feel so good as they slide down your shoulder blades, brushing the notches of your spine, soothing circles pressed into your skin with his thumb. You sigh, relaxing into him. The feel of the palm flat against the small of your back – where the ache is the most pronounced – makes you relax even further into him, toes curling, a sigh escaping your mouth of relief.

“Are you going to tell me what’s wrong?” He asks you, his voice measured. Your eyes flicker open from where they’ve closed in comfort.

“W-what’s wrong?” You ask him, nervously, and Risotto makes an ‘mm’ noise in the back of his throat. His hands do not stop the massage as he goes.

“You’ve been out of it for days,” he tells you.

(He’s right. You’ve been out of it since Monday, and it’s now Thursday; Monday is the day you’d woken up with your stomach heaving, remembered how long it had been since your last period, and bought a pregnancy test on your way to work. You’ve done three more since then, and all of them have showed the exact same result.)

“Have I?”

His hands move to your shoulders, gently twisting you around.

“You have,” he says, his red-and-dark eyes fixed firmly on you. “If there’s something wrong, I’d like to fix it.”

“It’s nothing you’ve done!” You say, all in a rush, but Risotto has successfully caught you nonetheless; his eyes narrow.

“So it is something?”

Heat rushes to your face. You forget, sometimes, because he cooks dinner and does the gardening and goes to his pottery class, that he was a battle-hardened mafia assassin who has done more interrogations than you will probably ever know (you never bring up his former employ unless he brings it up first). He’s an expert at gently needling the truth out of people.

“It’s not something that’s wrong,” you say, weakly, but his eyes are still pinning you in place.

“Tell me,” is all he says.

You think, in the back of your head, you’d had some kind of grand plans to reveal your secret – maybe involving balloons, and a cake, and a little party hat perched on top of Risotto’s silvery pale hair. You think you wanted to make a big deal out of it; one more reminder that the world he left behind is well and truly in his past now. But now you’re on the bed with him and he’s looking at you so tenderly in a soft grey shirt for sleeping and a pair of loose boxer shorts, all ruffled and sleepy and domestic . . . Now feels like a good time too.

“I’m pregnant,” you tell him.

You swear that you could hear a pin drop.

He blinks at you, as if he can’t properly process the statement.

“You’re—”

“We’re having a baby.”

“Oh my God.” His voice is very small. He reaches out, hesitantly, eyes wide – big hand hovering over your stomach. “Can I . . .?”

“Yes,” you say, breathless as his hand rests on it. It’s not curving, yet; the fancy test you’d bought today and done in the bathroom at work had said it thought you were well past three weeks, but that’s still early days. Your eyes stare down at Risotto’s scarred, huge fingers – so careful with you, despite what he’s had to do to survive.

“I can’t believe it,” he tells you, and your throat feels tight.

“Me neither,” you admit. “But . . . I’m happy.”

He meets your eyes. There are tears brimming in his – you have never seen Risotto Nero cry. You’ve seen him sad, of course (a sad downturn to his mouth when a dog dies in a movie, or when the rosebush he’d been carefully cultivating had failed to achieve a single bloom) – but there’s an actual tear rolling down his cheek, sparkling in the bedroom light.

“Me too,” he says, and it seems entirely natural. Entirely true. Your heart aches with how much you love him.

You two don’t say anything for a few minutes, content to just look at each other, the warm knowledge of what you’re sharing making the air seem hazy and unreal.

You think about the pitter patter of little feet. The spare room you can turn into a nursery. Going to pre-natal classes with Risotto, choosing baby clothes, seeing him out and about pushing a fancy perambulator (you’ve always wanted one of those tacky, over the top ones that look like a Victorian nanny’s contraption, and you know that Risotto will agree to it--).

You think about him in the delivery room, your nails making crescent moon cuts in his palm. You think about his encouraging tone; you think about the hand-grown flowers he’ll no doubt bring you.

You imagine him cradling a little bundle of joy; tiny in his huge arms. His lips leaving gentle kisses on tiny foreheads. Him reading to your baby, him tending to scrapes, him and you and your child and the life that neither of you ever thought you’d get to live together.

His face is shining, fully transformed. He sees you looking at him with droplets shimmering in your tear ducts and he wipes them away with one big, warm thumb.

“I know,” he says. “It’s not just for me. It’s for all of them, too.”

“Yes,” you say to him. Your voice breaks, pitches, as you manage to get out: “I’m so happy we get to spend the rest of our lives together.”

He looks at you, so tender you feel like you’ll come apart under his gaze.

This moment is going to shimmer in your memory forever, you think. You’re glad that this was how the reveal went. This is much more like the two of you than any fancy reveal or ribbon or cake (you might still get a cake, anyway – Risotto has a sweet tooth).

“I love you,” he says, like warmth that wraps about your heart. And then; “What about naming it Formaggio?”

There’s a beat. You stare at him.

Both of your mouths stretch into a smile, a soft huff of laughter escaping his lips that makes you feel like you’re listening to a symphony.

“Maybe we should workshop names a bit more,” you tell him.

He agrees.

[abbabycchio]

Flowers based on how they feel about you/ think of you. P2

This time with La Squadra! Thank you for the attention I got on the Bucci gang! I love being able to talk about flowers and my favorite characters💕💕 sorry for the long wait!

Risotto Nero: Since you met him he’d fallen in love with you, you were amazing and perfect, and in his most vulnerable moments he’d tell you. Unfortunately being the Capo and the strongest of the traitorous team La Squadra ment it was too high a risk to pursue a relationship with you. So for your safety he had to reject you. 

Magenta Zinnia: Lasting Affection

Striped Carnation: No, Refusal, Sorry I Can't Be With You, Wish I Could Be With You

He’ll send you these flowers along with a note apologizing for any pain it brings you. He sees it as his final interaction with you, but still lets you know how much you mean to him. 

My carissimo. I couldn’t stop the tears that fell onto my legs as I sat and rekindled my feelings for you. The comfort of your voice, you telling me “you’re gonna be alright” always mends my broken heart. There’s something about your voice that gives me the comfort I need. I’ve learned so many things from you. I’ve never been with someone who makes me laugh as much as you. You taught me what a real relationship was by having pillow talks with me before we went to bed. I wish life had a more simpler game plan. I love you so much. Til the day I die I’ll remember you forever.

-Risotto Nero. 

Prosciutto: He sees you as so much more than you could ever see yourself as. That being said he knows how cruel the world can be and makes it his mission in life to protect and love you for the rest of his life. He’s also the only one in the group that goes all out when it comes to buying gifts. 

Red Amaryllis: find incredibly beautiful, value beyond their beauty

Yellow Snapdragon: Gracious. Fascinating. Protection from evil

Dahlia: the lasting bond and commitment between two people

Very silently shoves these flowers towards you and walks away. It’s only until you gain control over your beating heart that you notice an elegant ribbon wrapped around the bouquet with a note attached.

The time is now to believe my promises and trust me to shelter you from the storms that will come in this life. I am truly the knight in shining armor your heart longs for and I am the one who has already given his life for you. I know your hidden fears, but you must learn to look to me when life is hard. I am the rock on which you can stand when all around you seems to be sinking. So stand on my word and hide it in your heart and you will never sink in hopelessness again.

-Prosciutto.

Pesci: he’s like a big puppy, he easily fell in love with you and in the most innocent way. Just seeing you smile brightens up his day and makes him excited to spend any days to come with you. 

Yellow Tulip: cheerfulness and sunshine

Coral Honeysuckle: I love you 

He replaces these flowers anytime he sees that the ones he already gave you are dying so the bright colors are always illuminating your days. 

I’m writing this to tell you that I love you. You’re my first thought when I wake up, and my last when I got to sleep. I need your love more and more each day, like an addiction of some sort.

-Pesci.

Ghiaccio: He sees you as the calm to his storm, he is so thankful for you, and although he doesn’t say it much you know that. Everyday he does his best to learn more about you and create a bond deeper than flesh. 

Purple hydrangeas: EMOTION, UNDERSTANDING, a desire to deeply understand someone

Black Bryony: Be my support

He doesn’t actually give these to you an a bouquet, he likes to place them in your hair, of behind your ears. Sometimes he even makes little flower crowns with the Black Bryony vines and places the Hydrangea flowers around it.

My love, just a moment ago I thought about you and my heart was filled with gratitude. So before another moment goes by I want to say thank you. Thank you for the late night laughs and the early morning kisses. Thank you for holding my hand throughout this life. Thank you for your love and friendship, and most of all thank you for the pleasure of calling you mine.

-Ghiaccio.

Melone: He thirsts for you so hard! After he met you everyone else was nothing compared to your beauty. He physically can't keep his hands off you. After he saw you he immediately pined for your affection.

Black Orchid: ADMIRATION, INNOCENCE, strength, virility, sexual desires, and success

Lavender Rose: enchantment and love at first sight, blossoming romance.

He sends a very professionally designed bouquet of these flowers, bringing more than one bundle a day to the point where you don’t know what to do with all those flowers.

I want you more and more. I often have erotic memories of you and I hurry to get home. I love to feel myself inside you; I love to feel my virile member slashing your skin, like burning iron teasing your desire. I have visions of you on top of me, riding my hips, making me moan with pleasure with your vigorous and precise movements. I love to feel the dense and warm liquid of your pleasure run down my body. I love to feel that you are mine. vigorous but at the same time, defenseless, relying on my arms and the warmth of my body. I love when you fall asleep in my arms, resting your head on my shoulder for countless minutes, after I irrigated your flesh with my abundant semen. I like the taste of your saliva when you kiss my mouth and I like the warmth of your heat when I kiss you between your thighs... I love your kisses more and more, your cuddles and your strength. And I’m writing to you to tell you I miss you too much.

-Melone.

Formaggio: He is smitten with you. Probably the most obviously loyal out of all of the boys, not that all of them aren’t, but you are 100% sure that you are his entire world. In your relationship he tries his best to be as romantic as possible any time that he can. 

Pink Peony: ROMANCE, PROSPERITY, love at first sight

Lemon Blossom: I promise to be true, Fidelity in love

He’s the kind to see these flowers in shop or on a bush, and just takes it and gives it to you. 

To my forever, I think we make the perfect couple. We understand each other so well. We listen to each other. I cannot wait to spend eternity with you, because there’s no place I’d rather be than with you. You’re stuck with me cara, You better remember that! I love us! 

-Formaggio. 

Illusio: Although he is usually a little raunchy by nature, but he loves you delicately. Which surprised the entire gang. His personality switch between seeing you and working is drastic. It’s more of an innocent, refined love. Fancy dinners, passionate nights. He puts his entire ego into making the best dates for you two. 

Cornflower: Refinement, Delicacy

Daisy: innocence, loyal love, and purity.

You would be standing or sitting somewhere in base and suddenly a hand would come out of the mirror near you and drop a bouquet of flowers in your hand.

My love has made me selfish. I cannot exist without you. I am forgetful of every thing but seeing you again, my Life seems to stop there. I see no further. You have absorb'd me. I have a sensation at the present moment as though I was dissolving. I should be exquisitely miserable without the hope of soon seeing you.

-Illuso.

Sorbet & Gelato: Sorbet and Gelato were so grateful when you came into their lives, they were already in love with each other but finding you made their already love filled lives more special. When you got the news from Risotto you were heart broken, one day you were happily in love with the two most special men in your life, and the next you were mourning the loss of both of them. 

FORGET-ME-NOT: True Love, Memories

Delphinium: a first love, strong bonds of love.

You had gotten a bundle of flowers at your door step with two notes attached, one was from Risotto telling you that Sorbet and Gelato had sent you a note, along with a few wishes in their Will. The other was the note Sorbet and Gelato had written, only to be read by you after their death.

This is not a goodbye my darling, this is a thank you. Thank you for coming into our lives and giving us joy, thank you for loving us and receiving our love in return. Thank you for the memories we made together. But most of all, thank you for showing us that there will come a time when we will be together again.

-Sorbet&Gelato.

[limitlessgojo]

Blood Bound: Red Strings of Fate (Ch 8)

Warnings: Action, Coarse Language, Fighting, Descriptions of Blood

Previous Chapter: Bird of Flame

Next Chapter: Wait For Me

Tags: Soulmates AU, Angst, Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Fem!Reader

Taglist: @lessie-oxj @rizzo-nero @whoreuc @fkngkumiko @isl3t @gojoussunglasses @onepotatostand-blog @s-t-f-u-b-i-t-c-h @sunaswife

Notes: If you want to be tagged for every update, please mention it in the comments below ty <3

Ayiieee, this is a very big and significant chapter in the story. At 2.6k words it probably is the longest chapter in the book lol. Happy reading uwu. Feel free to yell in the comments^^

Chapter 8: Red Strings of Fate

You brought over the book you had on alternate worlds. It wasn't much help. Talking about how a mirror dimension existed.

Another you is possibly alive in the next universe, but with different circumstances due to a difference in choices made or the environment and all that.

You quickly made your way to the library. Once you arrived, you looked around for Noritoshi. You couldn't find him for the first 5 minutes and thought that he wasn't there yet.

But suddenly two hands placed themselves on either side of your shoulder. You could feel the heat emanating from the body behind you. This feeling… "Noritoshi senpai?"

"Mmmm." You turned around and looked up to see him with a small quirk in his lips. His eyes sparkled with excitement (which was a rare sight to see).

"Come." He led you by your elbow to the desk where books were all spread out. "I did some research and looked into the vision we had on the first day we met." He said as you both took your seats.

"It is possible we had visions of an alternate world. But it's now highly unlikely because of the marks that appeared on our wrists earlier. May I?" He gestured to your hand.

You nodded and handed it to him. He held it so gently, his touch making you shiver slightly. You tried to play it cool, but his eyes shot up to yours and you flushed.

He turned your wrist around to reveal the Phoenix branded on it. It glowed bright red as he stroked it with his thumb. You felt all tingly inside.

He brought out his wrist and put it beside yours. The Phoenix markings were identical in size and shape. But his wasn't glowing yet.

You reached out your hands this time to take his. "May I?" He nodded and you examined his wrist, then ran your thumb over his marking.

As you both expected, it glowed bright red. "So.. what does this mean? For the both of us?" You asked him meekly.

He sighed and took your hands in his. Both of your markings stayed bright red as you held hands. "I've been reading up on soulmates-"

"I know, you took all the books. I couldn't find any when I tried to look it up." You pouted. He chuckled at that. His fingers were now playing and slightly fiddling with yours.

"I think we might still be needing more proof, but this is pretty strong. I asked around the Kamo household as well, and they were able to find out that soulmate bonds are established when red strings actually literally come into existence and bind two people together." Noritoshi continued. He then proceeded to show you all his findings and the books he had so far.

"Hmmmm?? So we are or we aren't?" You pulled back from him, looking confused. "I think we are. My clan has confirmed for me that having past life visions, shared markings, and visible red strings tying two people together makes up a soulmate pair. It seems like we need a bit more time for the strings to manifest." He hummed, reaching over to take your hands into his again.

“Sorry I took time to confirm before I could talk to you about this. It’s been weeks since our first shared vision and I’ve been swamped with clan affairs.” Noritoshi admitted.

You shook your head, “No senpai, I was also doing my research on this. It seems unusual, even for jujutsu sorcerers to have such a shared experience so I could only talk to my family about it. We considered the possibility of seeing an alternate timeline as well, so I couldn’t make any immediate assumptions.”

“You were able to find more than I did though senpai. My parents said soulmates are able to share emotions and possibly thoughts. But that’s rare even for soulmates. I only heard about sharing past life visions, we couldn’t find anything on the marks and red strings. Real soulmates are so rare and interesting; they are said to give birth to children with powerful cursed techniques." You mused while linking and unlinking your fingers through his.

You both stared down at your hands, fingers entwined with each other, marks glowing a low red. It felt warm to hold his hand in yours. Noritoshi was so careful, cradling and caressing your fingers like they were made of glass. His hands were much bigger than yours.

"Thinking that far ahead already? I would like a baby boy." Noritoshi looked at you with a mischievous look in his eyes. You pushed at his chest. "Who said anything about wanting children?"

He looked at you with the most gentle eyes only reserved for you. "Only time will tell what happens, dear y/n."

◇◇◇

The next day, your fellow first years gathered around you (ambushed you??) before the start of class. “Y/n, is something going on between you and Noritoshi?” Mai asked.

“Ahhh uhmm no nothing really.” You were lying through the skin of your teeth here, with the secret of the century literally branded on your skin. “Awwwww, and I thought you looked cute together.” Miwa gushed with a smile.

Mechamaru felt oddly out of place with the girl’s gossip, but he still spoke up “Kamo san seems to favor you from what I see. But hey that’s just me.”

You blushed and sputtered out. Curse you and your honest demeanour. “No, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Hmmmmmmm” Mai stared at you from upclose, seemingly trying to psychoanalyse you. “We’ll see who’s right with time.”

You just laughed nervously, shaking her off. “Mai chan, you’ve been watching too many dramas. I’ll watch one with you later.” And with that you’ve successfully managed to distract your fellow first years into talking about having a movie night. Whew.

◇◇◇

Days passed and still no red strings appeared. You and Noritoshi agreed to take things slow as this is both incredibly new to you. But you had something else to look forward to.

You were finally assigned to your first mission. Luckily (or not? Thanks to Utahime’s suspicions over your relationship) Noritoshi was chosen to accompany you to exorcise a group of 2nd grade curses together.

The night was dark. Now that you’re both out in the forest, the distant lights from the city started to dim. “Watch your step.” Noritoshi warned you. You giggled at him and flew above the branches as he stared slightly affronted. “You should watch your step, Noritoshi senpaiii~,” you sing-songed.

‘How could she have such a cheerful disposition at a time like this?’ he wondered. “Stay close to me.” He ordered. Now knowing that you were a Special Class Jujutsu sorcerer definitely didn’t help his ego in wanting to show off a bit. But he can show it through years of experience.

You smiled at his protectiveness and hovered near him, holding onto his sleeve as usual. Suddenly a black mass came hurtling towards the two of you. Noritoshi prepped his bow and arrows, while you stopped its movement.

You brought it close to you and examined it. "Looks toxic." You said. A screech caught your attention and Noritoshi launched an arrow towards the source of the sound.

The Grade 2 curse jumped out of the shadows, shrieking out loudly causing both of your ears to hurt. It had fast movements, tossing out globs of toxic sludge while rapidly moving through the woods.

You placed one arm around Noritoshi's chest, while the other stretched out towards the grade 2 curse, blocking off all the attacks. “While I’m with you, the attacks won’t reach us senpai. I’ll cover the entirety of our defense.”

Noritoshi smiled and easily manipulated his arrows to hit the curse. It disappeared in a flash. You both turned and smiled at each other. “Well done my dear.” He said.

“You were amazing as well, senpai! But I sense more cursed spirits up ahead. We need to have a look.” You sighed, to which he agreed. You both moved forward until you came to a clearing, which led to a cliff with a sheer drop.

The stench of cursed spirits was almost unbearable, and two more came out rushing at the both of you. They seemingly appeared from the ground, but you noticed how they moved with the shadows.

You quickly pulled out your twin blades and cut one with ease. Noritoshi stayed right behind you, guarding your back as he forced back the other curse with his blood manipulation.

In all the confusion, a massive curse loomed over Noritoshi. It was definitely a grade 1 curse at least, which both of you were not expecting. It had the shape and body of a scorpion, but the face of a white tiger with long blood-red fangs.

It reared up, running towards Noritoshi. So your body acted on pure instinct. “Extension cursed technique: Niflheim”, you froze the curse then rushed towards it.

You tackled the cursed spirit without thinking and plunged your twin swords through its gut while slipping off the edge of the cliff. It faded out of existence as you plunged down.

All your life, you’ve been this carefully crafted, logical, and steady person that is built from hard work and experience.

And yet all of that just flew out of the window when you saw Noritoshi in possible danger. As you fell down, you could hear Noritoshi screaming for your name.

You tried to lift your body with your cursed technique. You slowly gained traction upwards, until red strands of blood wrapped around you.

"Blood Manipulation: Crimson Binding!" Noritoshi chanted and reached down to quickly pull you up. You landed on the hard ground and he released his technique as soon as you were in the clear.

"Are you insane?! Pushing it and jumping off the cliff to exorcise it?! There are so many other ways to take it down with your technique. And I could have dealt with binding it before exorcising it! Why on earth?" Noritoshi gasped out.

He was absolutely livid, red faced and eyes wide open. And that was a major understatement. You just sat on the ground, shell shocked at your own actions and at the way he was yelling your head off.

You messed up big time, and you know this because Noritoshi never raises his voice towards you.

"Why did you risk your life for me?! I could have handled that. And you don't even know me." Noritoshi’s voice was growing hoarse. You felt your throat close up and body tense. It felt like he punched you in the gut. He wasn't entirely wrong. You just met him, and you already put your life at risk to save the man.

But his words stung. They echoed in your mind and heightened your insecurities. It was like he was putting an invisible wall between the both of you. 'You don't know me.' 'I thought I did, or at least it felt like we did with each other'.

Realising that you stayed silent, you looked up at him to see his angry expression growing into something else, like worry.

You quickly smoothed yourself over. "No, apparently I don't. I’m sorry for not knowing you." But you didn't apologise for saving him. That's one thing you would never apologise for. Because that's one of your duties.

A flash of regret appeared across his face. Noritoshi came close to you and took your hands in his and looked into your eyes. He opened his mouth to say something, but was interrupted by the red strings that burst forth from your joined hands.

You stared in wonder as they wrapped around both your shoulders and bodies to bind you close to each other. You flushed as you stared up at him agape. His eyes were focused on the moving and glowing threads around the two of you before he turned to look at you.

Your eyes met once more and you were thrown into another vision.

"My love, how are you feeling?" A man was sitting beside your bed. You had bandages on your arms and everything felt so heavy. “I’m much better, as a matter of fact I think I could go out right now and get some sunshine.” You smiled.

The man gave the most exasperated sigh, "You're far too reckless. Testing your luck every time. Please, let me protect you and stay by your side."

“Yes yes. Of course, I will always stay by your side. And protect you."

"Protecting me shouldn't entail giving your life up for me. We stay alive together." He said angrily.

"Okay. It's okay." You soothed the man. "We will survive." You whispered as he leaned down to catch your lips tenderly in his.

For all his stoic behaviour, he kissed you so lovingly. Rubbing your back and patting your head softly. You turned to bury your face in the crook of his neck and pressed a deep kiss there.

"Read me a story." You asked him after a period of silence.

He brought out your favorite novel about a Princess who was sent down as a blessing from the Moon. Her father found her inside a bamboo shoot.

She was to live the life of a human, but eventually had to go back up to the heavens.

Unfortunately, she loved her human parents who spoiled her and raised her like a princess. And parting with them was terribly painful.

"I don't know why you enjoy such a depressing story." He sighed after he had finished. His lashes were so long that they were almost resting on his cheekbones.

"It's because their love is beautiful. The love that the daughter had for her parents. The love she had on earth, before she forgot everything and had to return to the moon." You dreamily explained.

He smiled. "Ever such a romantic, my love. I should do better in our relationship to please you."

You snorted, "No you've done well. It is fine as we are." You elbowed him jokingly.

But he turned to you so seriously, "I love you so much, my dear. You don't-"

The vision ends abruptly before the man could end his sentence. Your arms were now wrapped around Noritoshi's waist and his were around yours. You simply stared at each other for a while.

"Noritoshi senpai… so it's true, you're my other half." You murmured. Your pinkies were linked by the red flowing thread.

He hugged you tightly. "Yeah. And you're mine."

Everything was very quiet. You felt his nervousness, but it felt right. To hold him in your arms like this. It was like you found a piece to yourself that was missing all your life.

Noritoshi carefully brushed away the hair from your face, before leaning down to press his slightly shaky lips against your cheek. It was such a sweet gesture that you leaned to it.

You both were clearly out of your element. The idea of being in a relationship was very new to you. You've never dated before, but all the sudden the heavens dropped your soulmate right into your lap.

"Don't ever do that again." He said, lips brushing against your cheek.

You blinked. "What?"

"I won't blame you for trying to protect me. But think properly and don't be reckless when you act. I'm capable and strong as well. I don't want you to get hurt." He said.

His earlier words came rushing back to you. ‘You don’t know me.’ Your heart dropped. But you replied, "Okay Senpai."

He pulled you up as the red strings faded from view, "Let's patrol the area to make sure everything is clear then head back."

Blood Bound: Table of Contents

[mxvladdy]

Flutter

Fandom: Devil May Cry

Contains: pregnancy talk (kinda), angst, and drama

Pairing: Dante x GN!Reader

Word Count: 4.8k

Warnings: mentions of pregnancy and a brief mention of terminating (like a sentence but still)

Back on my bullshit with the baby fics lol. I love the trope idk why.

Thump thump thump-thump thump thump

Dante stirs with a huff of annoyance, his ears twitch focusing on the insufferable rhythm that was stopping him from resting. It started a few hours ago. Nothing major, something he could definitely doze through. The slow irregular was almost calming, until it got louder. At first he had chalked it up to one of the many freaky experimental weapons dangling in Nico’s tiny workspace at the back of the crowded van. They tended to pop and hiss if some raw materials got too close. But it had picked up in the past hour, growing consistent and strong, really strong. Strong enough to make it hard to ignore. Dante cracks open a bloodshot eye looking around at the van’s occupants to find the culprit.

Nero sat oblivious to the world on the floor across from him leaning on the side of the van’s tire well. His eyes are shut, and his face relaxes as the adrenaline of the day finally starts to seep out of his system. He nods his head along to the tunes blasting out of the jukebox in the corner. He was oblivious to the accusatory glare of his uncle. Dante crosses the kid off as the likely suspect of his annoyance. Nero looked about ready to pass out, each bobble of his head becoming more erratic and jerky as sleep started to take over. He clearly wasn’t hearing this.

So, he turns to the front of the van to check on the others. The ladies were chatting idly in the front. Nothing super exciting gossip wise. The three of them were tossing little jabs at each other. Well, Lady and Trish were, Nico was hiding a smirk behind a freshly lit cigarette as the two grew heated. The three of them called it “friendly bitching” but he still wasn’t all that sure. Whenever Lady or Trish used that tone with him he was about to either get robbed eight ways to Sunday by one of them or his ass kicked. The two human women seemed oblivious to the noise...perhaps Trish heard it? Hmmm-nah. Trish didn’t seem to notice the steady thumping that had now become a hyper fixation to him.

Huffing the hunter settles back down in the couch cushions of the couch to look out the window at the blur of the scenery passing by. The hum of the van’s engine and the low roar of the A/C were almost enough to drown out the noise filling his skull. He pops a finger in his ear digging out some wax. Did that smack across the head early knock something? Did a gun go off too close? Wait... shouldn’t he hear ringing if that was the case? Ye, the more he focused on it, it wasn’t inside his head. He checks out the window, his hand itching for a gun. Was a demon really that dumb to follow a van filled with demon hunters? He snorts at his question. Of course, they were. He was pretty sure they had finished the contract with a 100% kill count. Still, he checks out the window, just in case.

“I’m guessing you hear it too?” Vergil stirs from his meditative stupor, popping his neck with a satisfying grunt before turning his gaze to Dante. All of his younger brother’s squirming finally got too much for him to ignore. Vergil focused on his sibling, arms crossed over his freshly bandaged chest. “Really?” He looks down to his lap in disgust. Dante smirks, wiggling his muddy boots where they rested crossed on his thighs.

“What can I say? You’re ridiculously comfy.” Dante smirks. He knew his dick of a brother would threaten to stab him for dirtying his clothes, but he had a trump card, and he was going to use it. They both look down at your sleeping form sprawled on Dante’s chest and a part of Vergil's legs. You lay on him, curled up in a neat little ball on his chest. A dark spot grew beneath where your cheek was squished on his cotton shirt. Dante can’t help the smile that creeps across his face. He pulls his signature coat tighter around you and strokes your face with a only slightly grimy finger. Vergil sighs, settling back down, careful not to wake you either. He had a big ol’ sweet spot for you, and damn Dante couldn’t blame him.

Thumpthumpthumpthumpthump

Dante hisses, pulling away from your peaceful expression, jealous for a brief moment that your weak human hearing couldn’t pick up on the invasive noise. “You sense where it’s coming from?” He rumbles low in his chest, careful not to disturb you. His brother sits silently for a moment wiping at his drowsy eyes. Dante watches his ear twitch minutely picking up on every sound in the immediate vicinity.

“No, I-” His head snaps back to Dante so fast he was surprised Vergil didn’t give himself whiplash. His silver eyes are wide with shock for a moment before softening to an expression Dante only saw when he would talk with Kyrie over dinner. It was warm, protective, and far too gentle a face for him to be pulled out for him. Dante looks back over his shoulder on instinct before it hits him, hard. Vergil wasn’t looking at him, he was looking at you. Oh shit, oh shit.

Dante focuses his senses on you before he had been merely using his broad range listening figuring it was an outside threat. He smells you first, your natural scent was a soft and sweet thing, like moss by a river bed, or freshly turned soil. It only got earthier after a day of hard work. The faint scent of gunpowder lingered on you too, and something else, something more hormonal and almost floral. Beneath your changing scent, he hears your heart thumping steadily in your chest. That was always a comforting sound to him, an anchor whenever he worried for your safety. But underneath it, he heard it. It was a rapid rhythm over yours, in you.

Dante jerks up, tumbling to the floor and cracking his head hard on the metal guards of the stairs. You would have toppled with him if Vergil hadn’t lunged to grab you. “What?” You look around confused but alert. The van is silent in the aftermath of the sudden burst of energy, all faces now turned to the three of you. Vergil holding you close to his chest while you focus on Dante. “You ok?” You look him over, noticing how pale he suddenly was as he looked at you. He was breathing heavily and panicked. His silver-grey eyes flitting between yours and up to Vergil’s.

“Ye,” He croaks, running a hand through his dirty hair not moving from his spot on the dirty floor. “Ye-shit, sorry just slipped in my sleep.”

“Quite a ‘slip’.” You wiggle out of Vergil’s hold and come to bend over Dante. You put the back of your hand to his forehead. You had all gotten pretty banged up this mission, and as usual, Dante had taken the brunt of it. He laughs a little too forcefully to be considered natural and pushes your hand away to get up.

“You know me. I’m full of surprises.” He flops back onto the couch looking at you oddly before opening his arms up to you. He fights against the tremble he feels spreading across his whole body.

You catch the sour look growing on Vergil’s face, it was boiling over to murderous. He shakes his head before sitting back in his spot and reaching for a magazine.

“Everything alright back there?” Nico shouts looking up into the rearview mirror.

“Yeh-yeh.” Dante waves not taking his eyes off you. “Just my old man senses getting to me.” The van collectively snorts at that, all turning back to what they were originally doing. Picking up his discarded coat you climb back into the cradle of your boyfriend's arms.

Boyfriend. You smile into his sweaty neck. It was a new term for both of you and your relationship. You two have been skirting around the idea of a committed relationship for months now. You’ve been with the gang for years now, flitting in and out of each other's life mission after mission as a freelance mercenary. Dante welcomed you into the fold of his merry band of misfits well enough, but you could see the line in the sand he drew pretty easily.

You respected it. Life in this business was hard and sometimes very short. He was slow to open up and trust, not with just you, but anyone. You got it, you understand his hesitation. Once you both established that the feelings you felt for each other went beyond good friends the lines and walls he built began to fade. The few months of you two trying out the word have been going well. Or, at least you thought so. Dante seemed pleased enough too. The few dates you two were able to scrap your collective pennies together for were a blast. Spontaneous coffee dates, walks down none demon-infested streets and parks. Once he even took a weekend off to go cross country with you. That weekend had been the most relaxed you had ever seen him, and as a bonus, the sex had been phenomenal too.

“You ok?” You kiss the stubble on his strong jaw, taking in the hard look in his eyes. His arms were rigid around you, protective yet also isolating. He looked shut-off, lost deep in his mind back in that place you knew he went whenever something was deeply troubling him. Dante said nothing for a moment, his large palm rubbing your lower back in stiff robotic movements. “Dante?”

He snaps out of it with a jerk. “Ye babe- just tired.” He kisses the worry from your brow and slips back into your original position, arms locking securely over your middle. He listens to your breathing and heart slow as you drift off, the little thumping underneath beating on.

From the moment Dante stepped out of the van he shut down. Not just from you, but everyone. He wasn’t sure if it was intentional or just instinct after years of protecting himself. He noticed it happening from afar like he was on the sidelines and completely unable to control what he was doing. He took job after job that Morrison threw at him, not waiting for backup or help. He began staying in his room, slinking upstairs instead of his usual hang out spot down in his office to be social. He just leaves everyone behind. He knows Lady and Trish will blow it off, they were used to the odd mood swing by now, chalking it up to mission fatigue. You knew better though, and he loved you for it. Even if it irritated him right now.

The first few days after that mission Dante saw you trying to pretend like you didn’t notice the walls he was rebuilding around himself. He wanted to believe that you couldn’t see how he turned up the jukebox every time you stepped into Devil May Cry, or that you pretend not to notice how his eyes would drift to look at anything but you when you stood in front of him. It hurt, it hurt to do this, but he couldn’t stop this self sabotage he was inflicting on himself and the stress he was pushing onto you. He just couldn’t take it.

He saw his mother every time he looked at you, could smell the ash and sulfur, could remember how his young lungs filled with smoke as he cried for something he could never get back while his childhood burned around him. He couldn’t do it, so he stopped seeing you. Not that it helped much. He heard the beating every time you came near trying to talk to him, so he stopped listening too. He didn’t know what else to do.

“If you put your hair back I swear I wouldn’t be able to tell you apart from your brother anymore, especially with that new attitude you're sporting.” Dante hears the slight edge in your voice. You sat in your now usual spot on the edge of his desk, before that day his lap would have been filled with your warm sweet body. You didn’t look happy in the least bit. You looked exhausted. He doesn’t look up from his magazine, a slow buzz of panic begins to fill his ears. Were you sick? Did you know?

He puts up another wall. “Doubt it,” He flips a page of his magazine reaching blindly for his beer. “I’m still the better looking one.” More silence. Dante feels your hard stare from where you sat.

“Need something?”

Your shoulders slump. “No-it’s nothing Dante.” He feels himself break just a little at the moisture threatening to spill from your lashes before they are blinked away. You leave without saying goodbye. He doesn’t see you again after that, your spot is soon replaced with piles of empty bottles.

“I expected better from you.”

Dante chokes on his beer, the foam shooting up into his nose and bringing tears to his eyes as it burns its way back to his throat. “Damn it, Vergil! Knock sometime?” His brother says nothing storming over to his desk and kicking a chair out to sit next to him. The look on his face was venomous. “Don’t give me that look.” Dante sighs, popping the cap off of another beer bottle.

“What look?”

Dante waves the butt of his bottle at him. “That! That look. It’s the one you always give me right before you stab me.”

Vergil chuckles humourlessly. “I just might if you continue to ignore your growing issue.” He pushes leaning into Dante’s space.

Dante bristles feeling like a trapped dog. “They should find out on their own-”

“Brother-”

Dante cuts him off with a swipe of his hand, amber liquid sloshing over his desk and lap. He feels his control slipping. The heat of his devil form simmering just below the surface. “I don’t want to talk about this.” I don’t want to acknowledge this.

“It’s been weeks.” Vergil presses on lean in close to his twin. “Will there ever be a right time?”

Dante bares his fangs in warning. His fingers itching to curl up and punch his brother. “That is rich coming from you. Remind me again, how many times have you tried to kill your son?” He meant for it to hurt, to let that barb sink in deep and fester. Vergil doesn’t even react, his gaze still cool and steady.

“I regret it-in parts. But I am not doing this for you.” Dante frowns. He had figured that. When Vergil arrived with Dante all those months ago torn up and bloodied from quite literally crawling out of Hell the welcome he got from the crew had been...lukewarm to put it mildly. They weren’t openly hostile, but it got pretty close sometimes. Only you and Nero had been pleasant to his brother right off the bat. The others came around eventually, but Vergil had taken a real shine to you. You were inquisitive and hungry to prove yourself, but smart enough to know when to back down. It’s what drew him to you, so it would make sense Vergil liked it too. “I cannot change my past actions, nor would I,” Dante scoffs. “But you have been given yet another opportunity that I envy.” He looks over his shoulder to the empty office. He couldn’t lie and say that he didn’t still envy his younger brother and his successes. To be free-to have had a life, dare he say to act almost human? Dante had always been the friendlier and kinder of the two, even as kids. He was sociable and street smart. Most importantly, people trusted him.

Then he found you, a most extraordinary mate. Vergil knew Dante would never admit it vocally but he shows his love with how he acts around you. Dante was always brash and foolhardy but he was milder with you. Whenever you were in the room his sole focus was always on you. His eyes, his body, every part of his being just seemed to gravitate to you. Whenever you paced, pissed from a recent job he would follow in his chair rolling left and right to keep his body in line with you. Even on the field, he stayed close, a towering figure of red and flames. To have him cast you out like this... Vergil shakes his head. “Why are you stalling?” He asks.

“They should find out on their own,” Dante repeats himself.

“And what if they decide not to tell you? What if they decide not to go through with it? You are limiting their time frame, Dante. You are putting them both in danger.” Vergil’s words strike deep. If he can’t get his brother to see reason now, then he will have to intervene. If Dante never forgave him for this transgression, then so be it.

The roar of primal rage was the only warning Vergil got before he was airborne. His back colliding hard against the old oak bookshelves across the room, Dante’s splintered desk pinning him for a moment before he is being dragged up the shelves by his neck. Empty bottles and old tomes clatter to the floor. He matches his brother’s energy shifting in a blaze of blue fury until he faces his red counterpart. “You lash out, why? Because you know I’m right?” He hisses around bared razor sharp fangs. “Do you hope they will leave you?” Something passes through Dante’s scleraless eyes. “It won’t be like before, brother.”

The whine Dante emits sounds like a wounded animal. It was high and reedy, it was filled with turmoil. Vergil couldn’t stop the sharp bark of laughter that fell from his lips. Unbelievable. “Dante.” Vergil grabs one of the claws locked around his throat. “For all your foolish and idiotic behavior you have built yourself a family. Do you honestly think any of them would let something happen? Do you think I would let something happen?” The fist around his neck loosens and drops.

“I want them to live a normal life.” Dante steps away, his voice uncertain. “Look at us- at Nero and Kyrie. Being what we are, we have royally screwed them over.” He stares down at his rough armored hands. His elytra pulses red veins with demonic energy. “And a damn kid? Nero got by alright, but narrowly. Do I look like someone that can handle this?”

“No.” Vergil can’t lie, it would only hurt you in the end. “Not at first. While I have no right to talk about being a father, I know you can do it far better than I.” He smiles to himself. “‘sides, at least your better half has a head on their shoulders.”

“Gee, thanks.” Dante grunts retreating to where his desk used to be. He breathed deeply and shifted back to his human form. Damn it, he had just paid off the repairs from the last time he wrecked the place. Bending over to pick up his magazine, the two were interrupted by his door bursting open. Nero and Lady bursting through bickering heatedly at each other before they notice the mess.

“Did we interrupt something?” Nero steps open the splinters of Dante’s old desk taking in his half triggered father.

“No.” The brothers say in unison.

“Good-” Lady pushes forwards, tossing a missive to Dante. He catches it with deft fingers and rips it open. “Normally I would have taken this on myself with the kid-since you’ve been sulking.” She shoots him a scathing look. “But we need all boots on the ground. Trish and your flickering flame are already there, but this portal just isn’t budging.”

“What!” Vergil snaps. Dante stares blankly at the letter, a high pitch whining growing in his ears. It was getting hard to breathe. “You left them there? They are vulnerable.” The blue devil grabs the letter from his brother looking at the address briefly before grabbing Yamato before rushing for the door.

Nero shouts after his father in confusion, his outburst uncharacteristic for him. “The hell was that about?” Nero watches the skies as the blue figure disappears. “They are perfectly capable of handling themselves…”

“Get in the van. I’ll see you there.” Dante grits out, crumbling the paper up and tossing it aside. He flys out moments later, guns and swords are forgotten. Anything that touches you would be getting ripped to shreds with his bare hands. He travels in a blur of panic fighting the sense of guilt threatening to overcome him. How could he be so stupid? Just because you weren’t at the office didn’t mean that you weren’t still taking jobs. He always worried when you went out solo- or without him, but he was confident in your abilities. A few scrapes and bruises weren’t anything to stress over. It wasn’t something to stress about before. You were still on the field and it was his damn fault.

The sound of gunfire and the roars of dying demons draws him in. Dante’s sharp eyes find you immediately. You were holding your own. You back in a corner but your guns were hot, dropping demon after demon with near flawless aim. Instinctively his demon side rumbles in pride before he squashes the feeling. Now wasn’t the time. Vergil beat him there by minutes but was already covered in gore as he assists you from above, slicing through the almost endless wave of beasts. Dante lands near you grabbing a Fury in midjump throwing it away to splatter against a building yards away. “About time you showed up!” Trish shouted from her perch lightning crackling around her. He ignores her, instead he launches himself at the gaping maw of the portal. He fights with reckless abandon, each wound and injury fueling his fire. One more hit on him just meant one less directed at you.

The fighting didn’t last long after Nero and Lady arrived adding enough fire support that he was able to destroy the portal and clean up the remaining hellspawn. The moment it was Dante was on you. “The hell were you thinking!” He rounds on you his massive body crowding your space.

You hold your ground staring up at him. “Hey, so glad to finally hear from you.” You crane your neck up to meet his glowing eyes. “I love it when my boyfriend finally remembers I exist.”

“You could have gotten hurt!” He glosses over your snark and checks you out. You were fine, good.

You back away from him throwing your hands up in confusion. “Yes? That’s kind of par for the course isn’t it?” You were baffled by his behavior. Weeks. Weeks! Weeks of ignoring your calls, and a conveniently empty office every time you tried to drop by, and now that you have his attention the first thing he does is yell at you? Where did he get off? In fact, his shit attitude only angered you more. “Ya know what? I don’t want to hear it.” You turn your head to where Nico sat leaning out of her driver-side window. She waves at you. “Can you give me a lift back to my place? I got to grab some fresh clips before heading back out.”

A red hand blocks your exit. “No-” Dante grabs your forearm gently tugging you to look at him. His natural heat was a comfort you didn’t realize you missed so much. “Babe-let me handle it.”

“Dante,” You try to pull away. “It’s my job. What has gotten into you?”

He looks over to his brother, the conflict he had been trying to avoid closing in too fast for him.

Vergil holds his stare and shrugs. “Come-the two need to talk, let’s head back for now.” Asshole. The rest of the group follows his eldest brother casting curious glances over their shoulders as they pile into the van. He really wasn’t ready for this.

The two of you watch them go in silence. “Let me take you back? Please?” Dante let’s go of your arm. You nod, it’s not like you have any choice now. Well, you could walk, your body screams at the thought of moving any more than necessary. You’ve been getting exhausted faster and faster these days. Perhaps the stress of the job was getting to you. He scoops you up in his giant arms stretching his wings out to their full and impressive length before taking to the sky. He glides through the city taking extra care to make it as smooth as possible for you. His landing was as silent on the empty streets surrounding your apartment building.

The mid-afternoon sun was high overhead, the perpetual fog of the city finally breaking enough to let in the heat of the day. You slide from his arms and lead him up the steps to your door. Swinging the door wide you look up at him. “Do you mind?”

“What?”

You point to his devil form. “Shrinking? I don’t think you can fit.”

Oh right. He chuckles nervously. “Ain’t nothing a bit of lube and patience can’t fix right?” You don’t laugh, your lips pull taught. He coughs shifting in a flash of heat. Once he’s human he squeezes through the narrow door frame and just stares at you. Dante shuffles from side to side. Great. Now what?

You rub at your neck weary you could feel another knot growing. Weeks ago you had a whole speech laid out for when you got him through your door. You wanted to chew him out, to yell at him for cutting you out so unceremoniously. Shout that if he was going to break up with you at least do it cleanly, not this emotional roller coaster. A sense of anger fills you. Damn it, was this really it? It wasn’t like this was the first time a partner has done this. You just had hoped that Dante would be different. He had always been so dependable. “Just make it quick, Dante.” You didn’t have the steam for this right now. You felt nauseous and a pulsing head coming on. Ugh, and you still have that job waiting for you.

Dante’s silver brows scrunch up. “Make what quick?”

You wave at the distance between the two of you. “This. This breakup. Do it fast so it’ll give me the adrenaline to get through my next job so I can pass out tonight and get some sleep.”

Any other day Dante’s look of sheer shock would have been hilarious- today just wasn’t one of those days. “You think? Heh-shit yes, I can see why...” He rakes a hand through his disheveled hair. “It’s not like that, I- I was running from my problems again.”

Your hackles raise in anger. “I’m a problem now?”

“What! No, that’s not what I’m trying to say.” He points to himself. “I’m the problem. I ruin everything I touch!” His hurt cuts through your aggression.

“Dante-” You have had this discussion before. “You know I don’t think that.”

“You should.” He cuts you off, his expression imploring. “I messed up-I messed up big time with you. I should have said something the moment I knew but I just locked up and ran, like always.”

Knew? Knew what? “Dante, I don’t understand.”

“I-you...how are you feeling of late? I don’t know anything about this stuff, different?” His eyes swipe over your dusty battle garb. You feel his eyes stop at your navel holding there too long to be considered a coincidence before dropping to your feet.

“I’m sorry.” His breath hitches, getting dangerously close to a feeling he had been bottling up for too long. You are quiet, doing the math in your head. He hears your heartbeat pick up, your breathing becoming fast and shallow.

“Get out.”

His heart sinks. What did he expect? Closing the distance between you he reaches for you, his hand hovering by your face waiting to see if you will let him touch you. You don’t move, don’t even look up at him when his hands cup your face. So he moves crouching down to get a look at you. Your gaze is blank but resolute.

“I’m sorry.” He tries again. You ignore him far too engrossed in your revelation. Idly you trace a palm down to your stomach before flinching away is burned. “I’ll-I’ll be around…” He trails off all steam lost. At a loss he does the only thing he can think to do and flees, disappearing back into the streets outside your home like the coward he was.

[moccawithsugar]

Few random notes about The Tower of Nero

(Spoilers ahead)

Nico. My poor boy Nico. Getting therapy from Mr. D was something I did not expect, but I’m glad he’s doing it. My baby deserves happiness.

The brotherly relationship between Dionysus and Apollo was something I did not expect either. I think I can finally understand better the god of wine and I’m glad for that.

Rachel and her brush will always be iconic.

Will is adorable. And the way he shines and then Apollo’s like “I’m so proud” and Will is there too flushed like “it’s not that I graduated med school with honors” and Apollo being a good dad for him like “I’ll be proud when you do that too” and I’m here like aawwwwww. But really, the fact that Apollo is proud that his son can shine is everything.

Will and Nico. They are so different and get along so good like wow. It’s amazing how they’re so perfect for each other. They know each other so much and they love each other so much and I love them so much.

There were two battle at camp Jupiter? Well, Percy and Annabeth are gonna stay in NYC. The battle is in NYC this time? Then Percy and Annabeth are going to San Francisco 😅 My babies deserve a rest.

Stelle is going to rule the world some day.

The cows... That was... so weird...

Also they mentioned Venezuela and I’m so happy for it.

Nico can kill just by touching people... WOW.

Meg is a little queen.

Her encounter with Nero was so heartbreaking but she was so brave...

Poor Lu.

“Nobody hits my boyfriend and nobody kills my dad”. Again: I love you, Will.

Apollo being sweet with his children was adorable. The compliment to Kayla and the cute little talk with Austin made me cry.

Also the other three new kids in the Apollo cabin meeting their dad. And Austin introducing them to Apollo like “they are the children you sired years ago, you probably don’t remember but now you do, you’re welcome” 😅 Also how do they know they’re Apollo’s children? He couldn’t have claimed them. Another god did for him? They’re just too good with arrows or medicine and make it too easy to deduce?

The other gods can watch him in a proyector in the hearth’s fire... Like, since when have them been watching him and laughing and betting against him? Since his trials started? That is so cruel, they’ve known Apollo for thousands of years. Hermes disappointed me so much, I really liked him. I expected no less from Ares tho. Also Poseidon was just there bored to the core and yawning like... You had that punishment before once too! And with Apollo! You know how it feels, you should care. I want to think maybe he was just too tired (if gods can get tired) because of the rebuilding of his palace but honestly what are the odds? The decline in Poseidon’s character is very sad.

Apollo walking to Python almost unarmed and alone was so brave. He couldn’t have gone like that in the first book and I’m so proud of him, he has grown so much.

“I missed the shot. Don’t even pretend to be surprised” I was not, Lester. At least you tried.

RIP THE ARROW OF DODONA! IT WAS A FAITHFUL PROJECTILE TO THE END! APOLLO MUST FALL BUT HE WILL RISE AGAIN!!!! HAIL HIS LAST PROPHECY!

Ehh did I mention Artemis? No? Well... ARTEMIS ARTEMIS ARTEMIS ARTEMIS ARTEMIS!!! The best goddess!! She was so worried 🥺 begging Zeus to forgive Apollo 😭 and screaming to Aphrodite... She’s so awesome I just can’t.

The description of how Apollo and Python fall to chaos was amazing. I never thought Rick would touch the subject of Chaos but it was great. The perfect end for Python and (of course) the perfect timing for the goddess of Stix to appear. At least she saw that Apollo has really learned the lesson. He must be true to all his promises from now on, specially the most important ones. He will remember. And the fact that Zeus can’t see to the Chaos? Sweet.

The way Apollo wept in his sister’s shoulder broke me. Poor guy, he has been through too much. And Artemis was there just so happy that he’s back and well and alive :’) she’s the best. “Not a cuddler, my sister. But she allowed me to hold her hands” aaawwwwww. Also the way she dressed him up into a dress was the most sibling-relationship-thing I’ve ever seen in a god/goddess 😅

“The gods awaited” is such a good phrase. Almost as good as “Release the Kraken!”.

I can’t stop thinking about the image of the tiny gods with Mickey Mouse voice “Welcome to Olympus!” 😂😂😂

“Wisdom, comes in handy” omg Athena.

If I thought before that Zeus was bad well now he seems even worse.

Why was Hera crying over Jason? Was she really grieving? Why? Doesn’t she hate every one of Zeus’s children? What did I miss?

The fact that Zeus doesn’t care about his son’s death 😒

Apollo visiting every single one of his demigods friends :’)

Hazel and Frank are finally free of their curses and living life like never before :’) I’m so happy for them.

Reyna seems so happy now with her bff Thalia hunting that damn fox. Also “no puedes decirle mamacita a una mujer, ¿entendiste?” was perfect 😅 I need more of Reyna and Leo speaking in Spanish.

Calypso enjoying school? Adorable :3

How doesn’t Apollo know if Georgie is his daughter or not? He’s a god now, he should now. He knew Thalia’s age just by looking at her, just saying.

I need lots of stories about the Hunters of Artemis, specially about what happened at the end with that fox.

The fact that Apollo knew Artemis was the only one there actually happy to have him back... And the wink at the end... I’m just obsessed with these twins ok?

Apollo bringing blue cookies to Percy was adorable. And Percy doesn’t know what to study, he just knows it has to be something with the ocean. I’m glad to see he doesn’t think about his phobia anymore. And Apollo’s concern about if Percy and Annabeth were going to share a bedroom or no 😅 hilarious. But that’s none of your business, Apollo. Annabeth told you herself.

Piper is bi! 😱 She’s finally happy (even missing Jason tho, don’t misunderstand me) with her partner and Apollo is so happy for her and she’s so happy for him and wow :’) too much cuteness.

The part with Meg was the most emotional. He even appeared a unicorn for her. “Will you come back?” “Always. The sun always comes back” and that’s the last sentence he says and it’s so beautiful 😭

The last paragraph killed me. It does every time I re-read it. Apollo I want you to know that I’m smiling on you too. Specially on sunny days. I’m very proud of you. We’re friends now indeed, and I’m glad for it.