#soul is the owner in this situation [do NOT take this the wrong way /silly]. he knows their tricks and he will not fall for them

[nevermeanttoknow]

mind and heart might try to make it seem like they're opposites but deep down they're both those dogs who will get hurt a tiny bit and start howling and limping around like they're gonna shrivel up and die even though they're actually fine just cause they want more attention and treats from their owners

[lolita-lollipop]

Hi hope you’re having a wonderful day! Could I please get a bnha coraline au story. So like y/n has had a pretty bad life like a whole bunch of stuff and now they have to basically parents their own parents at the age of 15 cause they’re lazy alcoholics who just go to work come back and drink. One day after they move in y/n gets curious and finds explores around the house while they’re alone and discovers the door to the other world and meets their dream parents. The parents are aizawa and present mic who just genuinely love the reader, they don’t want to take readers soul that just want to help them. They have a sister eri and a brother shinso and when reader tries to leave they all beg and threaten reader not to leave cause “your parents never cared for you anyways” and “we’ll love you more then they ever would” and force reader to be the new baby of the family gender neutral reader if possible, please and thank you ( 03^)~💚

YANDERE CORALINE AU ERASERMIC FAMILY X READER

GN READER

-I do apologize if you wanted a shorter work, because this ended up being kinda long, sorry!

-there are a few grammar and spelling mistakes here and there, this is unedited, I will fix them :)

(I don’t know if you actually wanted the reader to be treated like a baby, literally like an infant, or just like the youngest in the family, I needed up doing the second option, tell me if wrong.)

——————————————————————-

You hummed a tune as you wandered the hallways, your footsteps dragging, you had tried to tell your mother to drink some water and put the strong bottle of vodka down before she ended up killing herself. She yelled at you, told you to “shut the hell up ya damn brat”, god knows where your father even is. It had only been a day or two in this house, and they had already made it feel like a prison for you, oh my, A SINGLE DAY.

In all honesty the house was nice, old, yes, but still nice. It seemed as if the last owners hadn’t been here for hundreds of years, let alone clean the place, as all embellishments on the walls were antique styled, and everything, I repeat, everything, was covered in dust. There were a few different pieces of furniture that looked as ancient as the neighbors, including a dresser filled with a different articles of clothing, a few dusty chairs here and there, curtains clawed away by... something, and little tables with droors filled with little trinkets.

One room in particular was exceptionally creepy in your eyes, it seemed like a child once slept there, probably long dead by now, the walls were covered in a striped floral wallpaper, chipping at the edges, various stuffed animals that hadn’t been touched in ages, what looked to be a changing table, and a smaller sized bed placed in the middle, fitted with dusty purple bedsheets, probably that color because of the gathering dust, you sat down on the mattress, inhaling the scent of the room. It smelled oddly of lavender, not a musty mildew smell you were expecting. You spent a moment just finding comfort in the warm smell, before noticing a small dent in the wall behind what you thought could be a changing table. Almost looked like... a tiny door?

“What the heck is that?” You questioned or yourself, narrowing your eyes at the wooden frame that looked like a small threshold, cautiously standing up form the bed, and making your way over to the door, you struggled to move the large piece of furniture, pushing back gains the groun and shoving it out of the way. It was indeed a door, and it was indeed tiny. There was a small cobweb strung across the mass of it, which you batted away with your little hands, pulling at the doorknob a few times to reveal the fact that it was locked, you let out an exasperated sigh. Well... it’s not like you have much to do, might as well find the key.

Surprisingly, it hadn’t taken long for you to find the small, heart shaped key that fit the locked door, it was tucked into one of the white droors of the small table in the corner. It was the first place you looked, almost as if it’d been calling out for you. It only took a few moments for you to push the key into the lock and turn, you let out a sigh of relief when you heard the satisfying click of the lock opening. Wondering what was going to be on the other side, you pushed open the mini door, to reveal a tunnel of sorts... today’s just full of surprises isn’t it.

“Man this tunnel is lo... whoah.” You stood, still balled up in a crawli mg position, shocked at your own surroundings. Everything looked so... new, and polished, you stared Jan absolute awe at everything, literally everything. Where are you?

“Oh, honey you’re finally here!” A male voice rang out from behind you, immediately large hands were lifting you off the floor from under your arms, holding you like a baby, this guy cradled your head in his chest, no matter how much you squirmed, the iron grip he had on you did not loosen. You snapped your head up to meet his eyes, only to be met with buttons of such a piercing yellow it almost hurt your own eyes. A shrill scream left your lips, as you flung your feet back and forth in attempts to free yourself.

“Oh, oh right. I’m sorry , I should’ve been a little slower, it’s scary I know, you’ll get used to it I promise. I’m hizashi, your other father, re you alright?” He questioned, backing up a little to give you space, bringing his hands up to tell you he wasn’t going to hurt you, ever. You were usually a calm person, but given the situation, like some random person living in your house with buttons for eyes, the reaction was warranted. You breathed for a small moment, inhaling the even stronger scent of lavender that was oh so comforting, before standing back up, giving whatever this was at a chance of explanation.

“Who- who are you?” The question left your lips faster than tryouts could hold it in, he gave you a smile and walked closer again, booping your nose and once again pulling you off the ground. He was tall, slightly lanky, and his hair was a bright yellow to match his eyes, little dangle earring wee attached to his ears, you just stared in awe at the inhuman man who was holding you.

“Silly little thing! I just said it! I’m your other father, like your real father, just perfect for you! Dinners almost ready, so let’s go meet the rest of the fmIly okay bubs?” He questioned m, speaking down to you like one would a child, even though you are a fully capable human. He grabbed your hand, and gently rigged you off into some hallway, you slightly dig your feet in, staring back at the little door that got you here in the first place.

———

“Honey, this is your reality, if it was perfectly fit for you! We love you, unlinke those scum who call your your parents, don’t your bat to be loved for once y/n?” He spoke, the two of you arrived at what was probably the kitchen, him explaining what was happening pretty thoroughly considering he had to do it in a few minutes, barging through the doors, a few other pairs of button eyes were scattered thievhiur the kitchen.

“Daddy! I helped bubba make dinner tonight!” A little girl, probably not even over the age of five, came running towards the two of you, smiling fully. She was sporting a pair of red buttons, which matched her little jumper, you had your face buried in this ma- hizashis chest, his arms wrapped around the entirety of you. He sent an exited stare towards the little girl, who jsut gasped and smiled even harder. She made little grabby hands towards you, so hizashi set you down on the ground, whispering a “time to get down” in your ear. Instantly, the little girl attached herself to your torso.

“Bubba/sissy!” She squealed, patting your stomach, as much as you would love to knock her off of you, she’s a kid, you don’t do that to kids. This young girl claimed to be your other sister, which at this point you were led to believe because apparently anything is possible at this point, she was pretty adorable.

“I-uh, yeah?” You spluttered, visibly flustered, you tried to get a grip of yourself, it was kindof odd, although the girl seemed much younger than you, the way she carried herself presented that she was much older than she came off, from the maternal glint in her eyes, to the planned movements, it just seemed... mature.

—————small time skip—————

It had been maybe an hour, you had been seated at a dinner table, quite the large one actually, in between a black haired man that you could tell was staring at you, and a purple haired teenager who looked to be a similar age to you. You sat there just kindof awkwardly trying to not touch any of them. At one pint. The purple haired guy tried to feed you, which was an unfortunate suprise because you were off in dreamland, and were ckmoemteky confused as to why he was even trying something like that.

“You’ll probably hurt yourself trying, just let me do it” he spoke, it is safe to say that this button eyed family is an odd bunch. First the woerd door, then a creepy guy tryna pick you up, then some little girl who probably wasn’t so little claiming you to be her “younger sibling”; then the offpdutirng glances front his beanbag guy, than this? What is happening.

Sooner or later, after the really odd display that was dinner had finished, and you had help washing your hands, because for some reason they thought you needed it, it was announced bettime, and with a snap of the man him you learned name was Aizawa, food was gone, along with all the dishes. If you were to be completely honest with yourself, you almost lied this, of course not the babying thing, but the fact that you weren’t cooking or cleaning or trying to snatch a bottle from your parents, it almost made you wnat to cry how perfect this family was. God how much you wished this was your own.

It’s sounds selfish, and unreasonable, but you never had a childhood, the day you were born your life was already sighted off as “servant of my own parents”, you lived them, you did, these people were so nice thiugh, they were odd, maybe a little quirky, but still jsut a perfect little family. Apparently one that includes you.

“ALRIGHT! time for bed!” The yellow haired man exclaimed, seeeping you and eri right off of your feet, holding you in his arms as eri giggled at the sudden swish sound. The two men on the other side of the large room cracked small smiles at the sheer adorable ness of the position, the two little ones of the family and their father! What a sight to see!

“Shhhhh, I think y/n is gonna sleep with us to Tonight okay eri?” Hizashi whispered to the young girl, loud enough for you to hear, she nodded and smiled one of her sickeningly sweet smiles, hr eyebrows raising before her button eyes. She motioned to be put down ‘, waving goodbye and latching her own hand onto shinsos, who also waved his hand.

“Goodnight daddy! And y/n!” From there, you walked alongside them to their room, or what you supposed it was. This was the first time you’d really talked to Aizawa, and it was pretty embarrassing because he asked if he was aloud to change you out of your day clothes. You were a little too scared to say no, so you let him, it was probably one of the hardest things you’ve ever had to sit through, and that’s saying quite A lot.

When all was done, you had brushed your teeth, and wrrrnchanged into a set of lilac pajamas, silken and slippery, you were pulled on top of the yellow haired man, who then wrapped his arms around your waist and started “shh-ing” you, patting your head while rocking back and forth slightly, the other man slipped in next splaying his arms over you, rubbing circles into your beck

Mans with that, the lights went out, and you fell asleep.

——————————————————————

From there, everything in your life changes, you wake up the next day in the dusty lilac bed, wondering if it all was a dream, so the next night, you go back, and the next, and the next, until you started to spend your days there. Playing with eri, or cuddling with either of the three men, or just having fun without any worries or cares int the world. By that’s when it all starts, they kindof... changed.

They became overprotective, it showed in some more than others, but it was present either way. Al you wanted to do was check up on your dad to see if he was still alive or not, and eri had a whole crying fit, begging you to stay, and telling you she’d die if you left.

“No no! You can’t leave me! I-I I’m gonna die if you leave! I’ll die, please don’t keVe I promise il be good!”

It took a little shushing from you, but eventually you convinced her you weren’t going to leave, and so she went back to her normal self. You were with shinso once, and walked near the little door, he had immediately blocked it as if you were going to do something, then scolded you for going near such a “dangerous object”.

“You shouldn’t. Go close to that evil little thing, it might hurt you m, I don’t want you to get hurt, so stay away from it”

And then your other parents, they didn’t let you do anything by yourself, scared you would run off and get lost in the maze of nothing outside. You can’t even mention your real parents, you’ve been down here for at least a week now and haven’t been able to check on them, so when you did ask to go back for a day, hizashi slicks dying up and told you to cut out the nonsense, while Aizawa bubbles in anger, telling you that they lived you ten times better than your parents Eve could.

“They don’t deserve you, they don’t love you, we do, they’ll never live you half as much as we do, we can protect you here, why would you wnat to leave?”

Ans so one day, when your “other papa” or Aizawa, tried to take the key from you and lick you in here, you had enough. These people were supposed to be perfect, instead they turned obsessive, little button eyes showing up everywhere, watching your every move, you had thought your old life was a prison, now look at this.

You turned back, checking to see if anyone was watching, waiting to stop you, before pulling the key out of your pocket, ripping the boarding off of the door, pulling the panels of wood off one by one, shoving the key into the black door knob, you were just about to turn it, when a voice rang out behind you, no longer was the sweet girl who you played trains with, in the stead was something else just In ther body, you could hear it in her voice.

“Where are you going? You aren’t trying to leave are you?” She spoke, you froze on the spot, hands moving faster, ymtrying to get the stupid door to unlock, before you could even blink, the key snapped in half, not in your hold, in another sudden figure, your other brother. You didn’t even get the chance to speak before be t down and ripped the whole door knob off of it, giving you a knowing glance.

“I told you to stay away from it, I told you didn’t I? Now look, it’s broken” he hissed, throwing the iron knob somewhere else, you knew that I’d both of the siblings were here, the two parents were sure to be here along with them, you were proven right, as a pair of black and yellow buttons popped up behind the Eric girl, carrryijg... what is that?

“Oh my god... OH MY GOD” you screamed, the heads of your parents were in these men’s holds buttons sewn over the eyes, blood seeping out of their decapiated necks, you reMiedn screaming as the heads were discarded, jsut thrown off somewhere else. You were lifted up off the ground in your crying state, hizashi a hands stroked your hair, while his other hand went and wrapped around your butt to support you up.

“We told you baby, we tried to tel you at least. Now there’s nothing up there for you, there was never anything anyways, your safe now... they’ll never hurt you again. You’re ours...

Forever”

———————————————————————————————————

Tell me if you liked it, I can change things if you want:)

[duckletranslations]

Ariadne Ch 6 - Labyrinth of Questions 5

Season: Fall

Niki: Did you really just say ten million!? I thought my eyes were gonna pop out of my head!

Rinne: I mean, obviously? In this capitalist society, there ain’t much you can’t buy with money. In other words, if only ya got money, ya can buy anything!

Niki, even anything you’d want to eat, all of that. ♪

Kohaku: Ahh, ya got me there. Well now I see why Rinne-han’s been so hale an’ hearty since a while back. ‘Cause of this.

But even so. The way ya said in an interview “I want 10 million L$,” almost seems as if Rinne-han was aware this opportunity’d come up?

Rinne: No way that’s possible. I’m not some kinda god. It was “by chance.”

Some sorta “Idol Royale” and Crazy:B fightin’ in it was mentioned around here and there.

I thought I should be a lil’ silly in my answer and get to know what I'm up against.

Are these reporters any good, or just gossip journalists who distort interviews to write articles that stir up attention—

L$ can only be used as benefits around ES’s parts, so no matter what gets written you can end it in a joke.

The result is a 10 million L$ challenge! This timing means my luck’s turnin’ up!

I’d be real sorry to the god of bets if I came all the way here and didn’t take up the challenge!

Niki: Wait, what kind of logic is that? I have to say, I don’t want to be penalized for nothing! Personally, to be honest, since the odds are so low, I’d feel more comfortable if we passed on this—

Rinne: No, not logic, the soul, dontcha know the saying, the goddess of opportunity leaves no regrets?

And if we do get the 10 million L$, I’m tellin’ ya I’ll buy ya all the beef tongue or anythin’ ya want? Howzit, ya suddenly wanna take on the challenge, right?

Niki: Ow-ow-ow-ow! Please don’t pull on my ponytail! You’re thinking about broadcasting out violent bedroom scenes, aren’t you! I’m against violence!

….I understand what you’re saying, I’m gonna eat beef tongue until I’m stuffed, so prepare yourself!

Rinne: It’ll be alright. I always keep my promises, so just cheer me on as hard as you can! ♪

Kohaku: …These two really have a strange negotiation process. I seriously can’t follow.

Well, ‘cause this is work first an’ foremost, I’ll concur. HiMERU-han, are ya okay with it? Don’t ya tend to dislike this kind of unit solidarity?

HiMERU: HiMERU will confer those parts. Maybe it is due to the times of hardship Crazy:B has endured in the past…. now everyone is used to this kind of adversity.

If we consider Eden’s enthusiasm in the variety program shown in “Bogie Time,”

It is unreasonable for Crazy:B, with no track record or recognition, to reject the game.

Amagi, please throw the dice.

Rinne: Yer sayin’ ya can’t break everyone’s expectations? You guys are all so hopelessly idols. ♪

The odds may be near zero, but let’s pray to god almighty that “1” appears. ♪

HiMERU: HiMERU will not pray to god, but wishes you luck.

Rinne: Alright, here goes…

…But. There’s something that I missed!

Niki: What’s going on, Rinne-kun. We still have a long road ahead of us, so why don’t we hurry with making the decision?

Rinne: Oh don’t be in such a rush. More importantly, Snakeyboy, I’d like t’check one thing.

For this challenge, if I roll three dice only once, and all of them turn up “1”s, I’ll get ten million L$?

Not only are the rules vague, but it might even be my mistake to think that the contents of the Golden Treasure Chest is ten million L$.

If I throw a fit later and the stuff in the treasure chest is wrong, it’ll all be a waste even if three 1’s do come up.

I’ll leave it to luck and bet on it. So it makes perfect sense to check with the owners of the betting board that there’s no scammin going on, yeah?

Ibara: Fufu. Certainly, the current situation meets the conditions for arbitrary rule-changing to take place. Shall we confirm, so you can be at peace?

If all three dice roll a “1”, that powerful luck will be paid tribute to with a ten million L$ deposit.

Also, this video is being recorded with a number of witnesses, so you won’t be able to change the results after.

With this, are you satisfied?

Rinne: Yeah, no problem. ‘Course I’ll accept those conditions ♪

HiMERU: —Amagi. So you talk as if you can win this unfavorable gamble, do you have some kind of strategy?

Even if you check the rules, you know it’s meaningless if you fail to get it right.

Rinne: No, it's just, unless you truly believe in your own victory, you’ll be outta luck.

It was never about the cash in the first place. And it’s better to leave all my strength to luck than play cheap tricks. ♪

HiMERU: Haah. HiMERU cannot understand the psychology of gamblers. Why would you make such an unreasonable choice? Is it a bug in cognition?

Rinne: Gyahahaha, enough with the bitchin’! ♪ I’m just livin’ it up on the stage that’s been handed to me!

Let’s go, the big once-in-a-lifetime match…. How’s this!

Niki: Ohh, two 1s have been rolled!

Kohaku: The last one’s still spinnin’, If this is a 1, ain’t we gonna make an instant killing?

Rinne: It, it’s spinning like there’s some interference going on. Odd or even, you’d better be catching this on camera properly!

HiMERU: The result—

Rinne:Show up! Show up!

Rinne: Nn—

Ibara: …It’s a shame, but the last number appears to be a 3 ♪

So then! All of you that have failed the mission, if you would please take the penalty!

Get ready everyone! Cold gas, spray!

Niki: Gyahhhhhhhhhhhh!

Rinne: Cough, hack…. this is unforgivable, I thought my face was gonna get messed up by that huge force.

Are you guys okay? Those pretty faces of yers didn’t get hurt or anything?

HiMERU: Cough, cough… Well, that’s about a common punishment.

Kohaku: At first I was rattled by the sudden force, but it was surprisingly okay.

Niki: Ooooo, I’ve got frost on my face! It was so cold I think it’s frozen over~?

Wow, my hair is unpleasantly damp! Is this a cooling spray, that was my first experience with it~…

Rinne:Hey hey, isn’t that face takin’ it too far, Niki?

But, it looks perfectly variety-worthy ♪

Hey ya guys! Moving on!

Niki:Ughh, I can’t lose too. If it’s for the sake of beef tongue, a sacrifice like this is nothing–

Let’s go, everyone! We can’t just keep being bullied by the Vice President!

Kohaku:Kokoko ♪ With these Golden Treasure Chests appearin’, everyone’s wills are on fire ♪

Don’t ya think so too, HiMERU-han?

HiMERU:….

Kohaku:…HiMERU-han?

HiMERU:Ah. HiMERU was simply thinking for a moment.

HiMERU could not fully believe the Vice President is trying to run a variety show…so HiMERU looked back to his past words and actions.

It is a bad habit of HiMERU’s to unconsciously read into people’s words.

Kohaku:Now that ya say it, that’s right. You mean Vice President-han, right?

Right, I’d like to challenge my Golden Treasure Chest right away. Shall we, too, go?

HiMERU:Yes, let’s do that.

The Golden Treasure Chest prepared for HiMERU—he is already looking forward to it.

Including what it is that’s inside.

Kohaku:….?

HiMERU-han, what in the world did ya wish for?

HiMERU:Fufu. Well that’s top secret ♪

Indeed, the prize in the Golden Treasure Chest that the Vice President prepared for HiMERU; what in the world could it be?

[bunny9girl]

Shanks/Usopp/Ace x abusive reader.s/o

Warning: Kissing, abuse, Nyctophobia, claustrophobia, sexual abuse, little nsfw!

Thanks for the request Omega-ish

Hope you enjoy❤

Portgas D. Shanks 🍺

🍺The Four Emperors are the four most dangerous and powerful pirate captains in the world. 

🍺And yes Shanks is one of them, and on top of that his a alpha.

🍺His a strong, passionate and brave man.

🍺Just by looks others might get the wrong idea thinking his cocky high ego and rude

🍺And you'd think a man like that only bat an eye for the most high class omegas, only to get in their pants.

🍺Buttttt!!!! NO

🍺Shanks is none of that, his a free spirit loving childlike man, Shanks is an extremely laid-back, preferring to take his time he doesn't rush things

🍺The first time he met his s/o...

🍺You sorta snuck on board his ship, it didn't take long for one of the crew to surprisingly find you.

🍺At first you didn't talk to him nor look him in his eyes, for your own sake you were too scared.

🍺So he let you be

🍺But couldn't ignored the way you looked, torn clothes, dirty skin, bruised and heavily scarred skin, messy hair and life drained eyes.

🍺It made him sick to the core. Just by looking at you he knew you went through horrible things

🍺He doesn't dare speak up, he doesn't want to remind you of those horrible things.

🍺As time went on

🍺Multiple times a day he goes below deck giving you something to eat and drink, than chat your ears off.

🍺He'd tell you about his many adventures, all the islands he been too how he met each of his crew, he even dig out the most personal things like how he lost his arm and how he got the three scars over his eye. With many more stories.

🍺It made you happy hearing them all feeling free with this red hair man, he made you smile laugh talk and sead tears of happiness, since you met him

🍺He even gave you a name. A place to belong and protected you, he thought you how to defend yourself and be badass. You learned how to read, write, cooking much much more

🍺He became your Alpha and claimed you as his omega, forming a strong bond connecting your hearts and souls forever.

🍺It made you glad that you snuck aboard his ship.

🍺Dispense having a new life living it to the fullest. Your heart is still scarred.

🍺Your fear came to life again when The Red Force docked at the same island you escaped from the first time you snuck on Shanks ship.

🍺Your alpha is the first to know your distress.

🍺But you chose to lie and tell him your okay, even though he didn't believe you he still You made sure to stuck to his side 24/7.

🍺It made him happy that you seek comfort from him but also placed him on high alert.

🍺Yes Shanks knows why you don't wanna be here and he makes sure this is only a quick restock in and out.

🍺Not staying for a drink or party.

🍺It was hard for you too open up to him but he was sure to listen to every word that left your mouth.

🍺(Any person of your choice) they where horrible people, using omegas for slavery abusing them to the breaking point, once brought the omega can be used for anything of the owners choice.

🍺All the torture and pain you felt locked up in a cage days ends night ends.

🍺It made Shanks furious and angry, but he knows that he couldn't do anything what has been done can't be un done

🍺All he could do is comfort you, purr in your ear brushing away your tears.

🍺From then you knew he'd always be yours heart body and soul

🍺Give you anything.

🍺And everything.

🍺But the tables turned quickly when you and him ran into (Any person of your choice) the person who abused Shanks omega for years.

🍺In anger (Any person of your choice) tried to lure you back to them, while you quiver behind Shanks hiding in his cape, he could feel your smaller from trembling pressing your face in his thoracic spine and hands gripping his shirt.

🍺He could smell the change in your scent it wasn't sweet or loving anymore it was replaced with (Displeased smell of your choice), it made his inner alpha very protective of you.

🍺Now Shanks isn't the kind of man that would turn to violence and rudeness in this kind of situations.

🍺At was at this point the guy came near you two wanting to rip you off your alpha, but didn't go to well for him when Shanks Haoshoku Haki hit him, (Any person of your choice) drop to the ground knocked out.

🍺it was no surprise that Shanks s/o wasn't affected, they're strong but there are some fears that can leave a person trembling and hopeless

🍺But none less Shanks will protect his omega. Even if you cower in fear.

***

Usopp (Sniper King)🏹

🏹Personally you hate alphas, and because of that Luffy had a hard time getting you to join his crew, 90% of the crew is alpha's

🏹But you joined anyway

🏹When Usopp first met his s/o he like any other saw you pretty strong confidence and level headed, but being a great liar like himself he could see the fake smile

🏹He decided to just stay out of it. But he couldn't help but wanting to get closer to you, get to know you and enjoy time with you

🏹First of all you really like Usopp ever since you step foot on Marry, he was funny goofy and outspoken brave

🏹And you like him so much that you'd even back him up in a fight, he's a real cute beta

🏹Yes, you read that right... Usopp s/o thought that he was a beta, he doesn't necessarily act like an alpha he has no confidence high pride or cocky ego.

🏹Blindly with the idea of him being a beta, made you grew closer to him, forming a great friendship making everlasting memories and moments

🏹At a point you confessed your feelings and he accepted them making you the happiest omega alive.

🏹It made him happy too

🏹But you two haven't mated/marked each other yet. It doesn't mean you haven't created a unbreakable bond

🏹But you also haven't told him about your childhood and what happened, not ready to dig out all the pain and suffering

🏹That was until you two got separated from the others trying to get back to the Thousand Sunny and crew

🏹Somehow you guys docked at the wrong island, with a flesh eating gigantic snake living on it.

🏹And Yes... it was currently chasing Usopp and his s/o though the forest.

🏹"Run run run! Its going to eat us!" Usopp cried dragging his s/o along with him running for thier lives

🏹Well you see the both of you would've easily beaten the crab out of the thing.. if ya didn't leave your weapons on the Sunny.

🏹Luckily for you, Usopp spotted a old mine tunnel in your path of crisis without thinking he rushed you two in.

🏹Now here's the thing-

🏹When Usopp's s/o where a child they where sold off to a group of mountain bandits and they didn't treat their "item" with care, they locked you up in a cage and tortured you for days whipping you breaking you down mentally and physically and on special days they shut you in a box and shove you into darkness

🏹You develop claustrophobia and Nyctophobia, which wasn't good you have been able to avoid them for long

🏹But in this situation it brought up both.

🏹The tunnel was blocked with a death end and you two took too many turns you couldn't see the daylights anymore along with the place being small for two people.

🏹The little light Usopp managed to make wasn't working well for you.

🏹Your breath became heavier the walls felt like their closing in, your heart beat filled your ears beating faster and faster, your body paralyzed your vision somehow became blurry.

🏹You were having a panic attack before you knew it.

🏹"(Y/n) babe. What's wrong?" Usopp caught on real quick smelling the change in your scent and hearing soft whimpers leave your lips as tears stream down your face.

🏹It made the alpha in him click taking control, crouching down in front of you taking your hands into his

🏹His scent reaching you for the first time it was so strong and powerful the purr from him calmed your body and mind.

🏹His alpha reaching out for your omega the first time ever, you saw the thing you hate with passion and Usopp was one of them

🏹But different you knew him for a long time and shared so much with him, his nothing like them he genuinely loved care protect you without expecting anything in return.

🏹Calming you and scenting you the best of his ability.

🏹Not thinking at all you told him in a broken voice with tears about your phobias and the abuse you suffered as a child.

🏹Opening up your most venerable side.

🏹He truly felt connected to you finally broke your walls, without trying.

🏹He continue to comfort you telling you silly stories and making you giggle here and there.

🏹While you both waited for the others to find you, it didn't take long

🏹That night he made sure to claim you as his, marking you and all promise to protect you and help you overcome your fears

🏹He even accepted you as you are.

***

Portgas D. Ace🔥

🔥Ace met you when he joined Whitebeard, that's when he became attached to you.

🔥Wherever you go he goes, his always by your side, if he or you don't have a mission that is.

🔥Truthfully Ace doesn't know much about your pass and that doesn't bother him, but your still not a very open person.

🔥At least he knows little things about he was able to pick up on the way like how your strong and brave, but also quite and patient how you are less social and older than him but looks hella young.

🔥But what catch his attention is all your scars they must have been from great battles but the most painful one is the one on your nape it looked as if skin was torn off leaving a nasty mark.

🔥But it was mostly covered by a shirt (or your hair if you have long hair).

🔥For you Ace is the sweetest and most honorable person you've met his cute and badass.

🔥But you love how he pouts when you treat him like a child, or baby him. It made you happy to care for him, feed him clean after him giving him much attention.

🔥It made your connection with the alpha much stronger without needing to say a word you two feel in love over the years

🔥Creating a very strong relationship and a loving one at that. You did hesitate to become his it gave you doubts and anxiety.

🔥But what you fear the most was mating with him you fear having to explain your scars near your private.

🔥Its all case of "him" that man what he did to you was no forgiving matter.

🔥That's till one night Ace and his s/o was in the perfect mood, bodies against one and other hands exploring your cloths covered flesh.

🔥He was about to unbuckle your pants which made you shot in defense pushing him away as he came crashing down the bed.

🔥At first he thought he did something wrong, seeing your face upset and pain expression.

🔥both sitting in silence, your scent increasing but with a smell to make sure Ace stayed away but his Alpha fought it wanting to be near you not leaving you in this state.

🔥He didn't made you say anything didn't ask anything just hugged you tightly to his chest rubbing your back.

🔥A long quite moment passed still in his arms you open your mouth begging him not to leave you. Tears sobbing hiccups and mumbling words left your lips

🔥"Calm down tell me what's wrong?" He kept his voice soft and purred more.

🔥"I-i use to b-be marr-married." Half a loath off your chest, it seemed Ace didn't care so what if you where married before your now here with him and your his that's all that mattered.

🔥But it all changed when you continued

🔥You were married once before. To a man you thought was truly your soul mate, you two where happy but it all shattered when you tried having children.

🔥You tried and tried and tried. But nothing.

🔥Slowly he started becoming less of the man you knew, he became rough and untenable during your "activities". He made you bleed and didn't stop when pleading for it he.

🔥He began using his alpha voice on you, scaring you. Breaking you down.

🔥Not long after he became a drunk, hitting cutting and sexually abusing you.

🔥You had enough tearing out his mark/bite, escaping his claws, but he chased after you, till you literally ran into Whitebeard, the pirate captain defended you, beat the living shit out of him, took you in treated you with respect and care.

🔥You became his daughter/son. You became one of the most strongest and feared pirate under Whitebeard. (And the old geezer is damn proud of you!)

🔥After hearing all that Ace accepted you even more, loving you with care as he continue to praise your body analyze ever curve, scar, soft squeezy place (Butt/Boobs😏) .

🔥Till he reached your private parts down below seeing the stretch marks and abusive places.

🔥He must've think its disgusting and not worth it anymore, just through you in the back. And be forgotten - That's what you thought.

🔥But instead he gave you a night you'd never forget, he was so gentle and considerate letting you take the lead. Along with marking you as his mate forever no regrets.

🔥lest just say, the following week you came on to some morning sickness, It was like destiny was telling you Ace is the only one no one else would work.

🔥Fire First Ace is your Alpha. And you his omega.

[ranma-rewatch]

Episode 22: Behold! The 'Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire' Technique

Sorry about taking a week off, y’all, I just had a rough go of it. Still sort of am, but I’m back anyway. We’re still in the middle of the arc that introduces Shampoo’s relative Cologne into the cast, and last time Ranma was hit with something that made changing back nigh impossible, forcing him to be stuck in his cursed form. This week should, from what I recall, be how Ranma learns the technique that will become his signature move. Other than that, I think there’s a festival? We’ll see, next paragraph.

Hey, I was right! There was a festival! Though, that’s not where the episode starts off. It begins where it left off, with the realization that Cologne had done something to Ranma that made it so that his skin was so sensitive to heat. He tries to overcome that by jumping into some water that I will assume is warm or hot, but the pain is so much that he passes out immediately, then wakes up being tended to by Kasumi and Nabiki, who dressed Ranma up in some of Nabiki’s lingerie.

He’s annoyed that they did that, but they’re of the opinion that Ranma should lighten up about the fact his body is stuck in a way he doesn’t want it and embrace acting like a girl. I do not like that. He goes on a walk, and is immediately attacked by Kuno, first as an actual attack and then with romance when he sees it’s his ‘pig-tailed girl’. Akane comes in to help, however.

Shampoo shows up, wanting to help Ranma. She says there is a way for him to be able to get rid of what Cologne did to him, and that way is the Phoenix Pill. It gives whoever takes it incredible heat resistance, and Cologne has one with her. When Akane asks why Shampoo is helping, she says it’s because she prefers Ranma’s uncursed state, and basically calls Akane a perverted lesbian for being okay with Ranma as he is.

Heading to the ramen restaurant that Cologne owns, Ranma finds she is waiting for him, openly carrying the pill he needs around her neck, but he’ll have to take it from her by force. He tries, and fails, a lot. Then he sees the cafe is hiring, and uses that as a way to try and get more opportunities to get the pill.

That doesn’t really work either, though Ranma’s presence as a cute waiter does make the place more popular with men. Eventually, Cologne shows Ranma a secret technique of the Amazons, one that would certainly help him get the pill: titular Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire technique. It’s basically a hand-to-hand move that involves moving the hands so quickly they can pull out chestnuts from a fire without burning the hands.

Ranma tries learning it with his father’s help later, but it doesn’t seem to be working, even when Cologne stops by to show him it again. The fact Genma can’t do it either is a bit of a factor too, of course. The others suggest Ranma go to the fair to relax, and Akane goes with him. He quickly starts having fun, to Akane’s relief, but then she sees a kid being scammed by a stall out of getting a fish.

She tries to help, but she can’t win the game either. Ranma jumps in, and handily manages to scoop up fish using a net that’s basically nonexistent. The stall-owner, not wanting to actually have to give away a prize, demands Ranma do it again with piranhas, but he realizes he can do it: all that time with Cologne has enhanced his speed, and what he’d need to do to catch the piranhas is basically the Kachū Tenshin Amaguriken (which just sounds cooler than the translation), and he does it.

Now confident, Ranma goes to find Cologne, only to fall into a trapdoor. She sends illusions based on characters from Journey to the West after him, but he manages to chase her out of there and into an enormous public path area. She heads out onto the water, but Ranma uses a stick he stole from a monkey pretending to be the Monkey King to get out on the water. He does manage to use the technique and take what he thinks is the pill, only for Cologne to realize, just before he falls into hot water, that it’s a fake since she was afraid he might master the ability. The episode ends with him vowing to get the real one, and turn back to normal.

So, a lot happened, except also not a lot did. The big thing, obviously, was Ranma learning the Kachū Tenshin Amaguriken, which will be basically his staple move. It works well for him, despite the silly name. Ranma’s always been fast, so giving him a technique built on speed just fits him. This is also basically the first time in the series he’s had to train and level up to face a tougher foe, so that’s neat.

Not as neat is all the misgendering. I know, to a lot of folks, all the stuff about other people wishing Ranma would just act ‘like a girl’ is either fun or harmless, but that’s not the case for me. Like I’ve said before, Ranma’s situation with his curse reads a lot to me like someone as a trans man, as he tries over and over again to insist to everyone that he is, in fact, a man regardless of what he looks like. There have been small moments of the Tendo sisters trying to get him to dress femininely before, but actually putting him in women’s clothes in his sleep just feels really wrong to me.

The front half of the episode was also pretty filler-y, not a lot happened, and the fluff wasn’t even particularly enjoyable. There were also a lot of coloring errors for a few characters hair, namely Shampoo and Ranma’s, as well as quite a few shots were some of them looked off-model, so it wasn’t particularly pleasing to the eyes, on the whole.

All of that said, I did enjoy a lot of the Akane stuff with this episode. Despite griping here and there, something about her being happy that Ranma, who has been run ragged, is able to enjoy himself at the festival, and about her trying to help that kid win a fish, it’s just cute. There were also just a lot of small moments between Ranma and Akane I liked peppered throughout.

This wasn’t really a bad episode, but it wasn’t a particularly good one either. It was a step on the path towards Ranma getting cured of his new ailment, as well as the story of how he learned his signature move. This episode was near the bottom for me, right between the first episode of the series and the third.

Episode 7: Enter Ryoga, the Eternal ‘Lost Boy’  

Episode 12: A Woman's Love is War! The Martial Arts Rhythmic Gymnastics Challenge!

Episode 15: Enter Shampoo, the Gung-Ho Girl! I Put My Life in Your Hands

Episode 9: True Confessions! A Girl's Hair is Her Life!

Episode 2: School is No Place for Horsing Around

Episode 19: Clash of the Delivery Girls! The Martial Arts Takeout Race

Episode 6: Akane's Lost Love... These Things Happen, You Know

Episode 13: A Tear in a Girl-Delinquent's Eye? The End of the Martial Arts Rhythmic Gymnastics Challenge!

Episode 17: I Love You, Ranma! Please Don’t Say Goodbye

Episode 20: You Really Do Hate Cats!

Episode 16: Shampoo's Revenge! The Shiatsu Technique That Steals Heart and Soul

Episode 8: School is a Battlefield! Ranma vs. Ryoga

Episode 11: Ranma Meets Love Head-On! Enter the Delinquent Juvenile Gymnast!

Episode 4: Ranma and...Ranma? If It’s Not One Thing, It’s Another

Episode 5: Love Me to the Bone! The Compound Fracture of Akane's Heart

Episode 1: Here’s Ranma

Episode 22: Behold! The 'Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire' Technique

Episode 3: A Sudden Storm of Love

Episode 21: This Ol' Gal's the Leader of the Amazon Tribe!

Episode 10: P-P-P-Chan! He's Good For Nothin'

Episode 14: Pelvic Fortune-Telling? Ranma is the No. One Bride in Japan

Episode 18: I Am a Man! Ranma's Going Back to China!?

Now, next time we have another new character appearing, and it is once again to be someone we’ll get to know a lot more throughout the run of the series. Next time, we’ll cover “Enter Mousse! The Fist of the White Swan” and perhaps I’ll get new insight into a character I was never originally a huge fan of. See you all then.

[a-jumped-up-pantry-boy]

The Secret Stealer

Trees took graceful waltzing steps and swayed their leaves as the breeze hummed a secret tune, while striped and spotted dresses lackadaisically bobbed from one side of the street, which was coloured only in varying shades of brown, to the other, much like ducks on water - only without any purpose. They brought a much needed shock of colour to the otherwise miserable location, although many would insist that the plain street was charming, rather than personalityless. Inside the whimsical tea-shop, the interior of which was far more resplendent, and generally more pleasant, than the exterior, teacups danced between their owners’ hands and the saucers they paired with, creating an orchestra of clinking crockery, delicate spoons tapping against the sides of cups as the beat, and the main melody being the hums of appreciation from the grateful customers as they sipped their drinks. 

“Thank you, sir, but I’m rather sure this topic is just far too complex for a woman to understand, no matter how competent you are at explaining it. Might I propose moving onto an alternate field of conversation, instead?” An asinine creature giggled and twirled a lock of honey coloured hair around a perfectly manicured finger she spoke, leaning across the table under the guise of reaching for the sugar pot to send a simpering smile at the way of her companion. 

“Of course, Miss Alward. I understand completely; this topic is very complicated and you’ve far too much to think about without me trying to make you ponder something much too difficult for your brain. I imagine all your time is spent choosing new dresses, yes?” Her companion spoke considerably louder than she did, his arrogant tone attracting glances from many people at other tables. 

“Well, what other activities would I be partaking in?” The young woman readjusted her skirt, flashing her ankle at the man who sat across from her for only a second, and giggled, a light sound that could come only from a head filled completely with air, glancing at him to make sure he took notice of her guilty show of ankle, looking satisfied when he continued to stare down at her feet. Drawing small circles with her left hand on a small piece of paper covered in patterns, she used her right to stir her tea as she continued to smile at him, seeming to have no aim other than to win a touch of her hand or a predatory leer disguised as an adoring smile from him. “The weather is very pleasant at the moment. I imagine your mother has been having many garden parties at the moment?” She continued to glance up at him from under her eyelashes every few seconds while he spoke. 

“Unfortunately not. She’s been rather sick recently, and has been confined to the house, but she’s sorely missing all her parties.”

“Perhaps I could pay her a visit soon, to lighten her spirits?” He nodded and smiled at her again, as if she'd said something particularly endearing, and began talking extensively at the poor girl, making the mistake of assuming she held any interest in the least important aspects of both his and his mother's lives, simply because she'd made a polite inquiry, and incorrectly presuming her vacant smile, which was actually just covering her wandering imagination as she completely ignored every word the verbose man threw at her, was a sign of deep interest. As he began to talk about his third butler’s recent antipathy to the ducks in his lake, she felt overcome by a deep lassitude and began nodding in time to his lilting speech, contemplating how long it would take her to drift asleep that evening if he sat beside her bed later, still talking, and she observed the shambolic tweed jackets that contained women heaving stacks of books along the street, leaning against Picasso painted parlours and shooting sardonic smiles at the candy coloured dresses who stared with horror at their hair, clothes and literacy that they displayed with shocking confidence. Soon his stream of conversation, although really it was like a vicious river that never ended, moved onto a new topic, and she repressed a sigh, wishing she was imprisoned anywhere but that tea-shop. 

A dress, made of light fabric where blues mingled in with browns, wandered along pathways that would be impossible to navigate, had the wearer not basically grown up in those woods, whilst the girl trapped inside it fiddled with her gloves and parasol as she wandered, staring at the sky and trees. Eventually she strolled into a clearing, flinging her arms open wide, dramatically greeting the other girls who resided there, hanging from trees and perched on rocks. The only woman there who was older than 25 made her way towards Clarissa, while a girl followed from behind her, shooting a grin towards her friend. 

“Why, pray tell, does your dress have the contents of a teacup over it?” The woman asked, her eyes running over the stained dress a few times before she stepped forward and began scrubbing it with a handkerchief that seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. 

“Mr. Lowood was the most tedious character I’ve ever had the misfortune of meeting, and I had to spill my drink over me just so I could escape his company. Oh, Anne, why did you send me there?” Clarissa cried, stepping back from Anne’s rough hand and gently scrubbing at the dress herself, scowling at the persistent stain. 

“Away with the dramatics, for Goodness’ sake. I’m hoping you found out something useful before you decided to jump ship?” Anne just gave the girl a disapproving look as she began to dance around the clearing while humming, then singing her message.

“His mother is sick, so I shall pay her a visit soon, and hopefully in her delirious state she’ll accidentally give us some information. And his butler, the third one, hates their geese and ducks, so perhaps if we threaten him with some aquatic birds he’ll-” 

“Any other helpful information?” Anne’s question was greeted simply with a fast shake of Clarissa’s head and a disgruntled look at being cut off before she could finish her duck-based proposal. “Then I suggest Miss Reid accompanies you to change out of your dress,” she finished, then glanced at Clarissa once more and swept off to go and discuss matters, most of which were secret, with one of the other young women. 

“This role is insufferable!” Clarissa muttered, stalking through the trees until she reached a sheltered spot, stopping underneath and struggling with the fastenings on her dress. “Whenever I gather secrets, I’m treated as nothing more than another silly little creature they can exploit and then abandon. Of course, I’m not, but it’s demeaning to have to pretend to be dim just so that I’m considered pleasant company.” She finally undid the buttons and pulled off her dress, glaring at it as it sank to the muddy floor in a depressive heap of heavily starched fabrics as if it was the sole reason she was forced into something that made her so unhappy, immediately stepping into another with no care for its delicacy, only being more careful with it after she heard snapping threads. 

“Surely you realise what you do is important? Without you, I doubt we’d be able to...persuade men to do what we want. A business of secrets is barren and useless if there’s not a soul collecting the secrets. What did you discover today, at tea?” Catherine calmed Clarissa’s intense fury almost immediately, her soft breeze, which matched the soft ringlets that framed her face and light colours she always wore, putting out the fires Clarissa’s tenacious temper wouldn’t fail to set alight. 

“At the expense of my happiness, peace and feeling of any emotion other than eternal boredom, I collected a few secrets. Nothing on their own, of course, but paired with the facts I’m sure I’ll discover during my meeting with Mr Lowood’s mother, there’s not a single situation I can imagine in which we fail. I don’t want to dwell on the possibility that we might fail; this is an important mission, even I understand that, for all Anne doesn’t trust me, and there’s an awful lot that seems to be resting on my shoulders. Mr Lowood seems about as harmful as a spaniel, but I’m sure his acquaintances could damage us if they saw fit, which they would if we threatened him. Truly, there’s no room for error.” Clarissa had by now fasted her dress and was pacing around the clearing, gesticulating wildly, while Catherine sat on the edge of a rock, smiling slightly. 

“I’m certain nothing will go wrong; you’ve prepared for this mission for so long now, you have a plan for every possible error. And besides, Anne trusts you, you know she’s awfully fond of you, and she doesn’t trust many people. You’re truly a special creature if she has faith in you. However, she has nothing but stern feelings towards me, that must be why I’m still only allowed to sort through correspondences, the most tedious task of them all! But, tell me more about Mr Lowood’s misdemeanours,” Catherine answered, more eager about Mr Lowood than she had been about any of Clarissa’s previous cases, although she was sure that was just because she’d complained more about him than anyone else, and so of course her friend would be more intrigued by him. As she quietly uttered the secrets, careful nobody else could hear, she began tugging on her gloves, which seemed to be bound to her skin, mindful of the delicate spot by her thumb where a hole had broken the last time they had an argument, and which had been shabbily mended just after they made peace with each other. After Clarissa had finished discussing the “insufferable, eternally mundane Mr Lowood'' with Catherine, her friend suddenly dashed off, and she was left standing in the woods alone. 

Rain, laced with knives shot down, soaking Clarissa to the skin as she ambled away, alone. 

The secrecy was difficult for the women of the society to live under, as the pressure often suffocated them, which wasn’t unexpected, as they were forced to leave the entirety of their lives behind to become someone new and help the movement. This secrecy, a burden that all of them carried, flowed through their veins constantly, becoming a part of them, until it was difficult for even them to be able to tell the difference between the lies in their lives and the parts that were true. This secrecy had broken families as easily as dried leaves, their cracks on display to everyone else in their circle to observe, for as good as these women were at hiding, they could hardly hide from people who were as good at lying as them. This secrecy had caused women to pull away from their families completely because of the lies which comprised them so entirely, they were nothing but a series of stories.

Anne sat in a different clearing to the one all the younger women congregated in, bathing in the melody of the river tumbling over the rocks that inhabited it, thanking the stars that were just emerging that she didn’t have to assimilate any more information about the most fashionable style of dress, or listen to anymore mindless chatter that the girls pertinaciously assured her wasn’t utterly inane. Clarissa stumbled into the clearing, soaking wet. 

“Why is it that I play this role, rather than someone else?” Clarissa’s voice was soft, not with anger - her anger was blazing and impossible to miss, it scorched the Earth and nothing was left untouched - but with confusion. Her hair, wild after sprinting through the trees in the way she so loved, curled around her face, not framing it as a beautifully decorated picture frame would a masterpiece, but surrounding her face as a cloud of smoke would an explosion. 

“Many of the other girls want this role because they want to feel important. You, however, care nothing for the opinions of others. You wanted this, although you don’t anymore, because you wished to change things. These girls, of course they hope to witness and cause a change, but your sole purpose is to set things alight and rebuild cities after the flames, and this is a fact you’re well aware of,” Anne stated, her focus shifting from her umbrella to the girl stood in front of her. 

“What about Catherine? Is she not filled with a flame, as I am?”

“Catherine...possesses a warmth, not a fire. Her wish is to change, but she has not the drive, nor the passion, that you do. A role, any role, isn’t suited for her any more than a life of complacent marriage is suited to you. She resents me for my observations, and yet she doesn’t aim to disprove them. That’s how I’m sure she’ll never burn as bright as somebody with a scorching soul will.” At Anne’s words, Clarissa nodded her head, never arguing with her statements about her friend. Catherine was dear to her, the closest companion to her soul she suspected she’d ever have, but she wasn’t tempestuous, possessing no storm behind her eyes, no wind to stoke the embers in her heart, no soul that seemed to drive her every move. 

“When we first started this, my dearest friend and I, we thought it would work perfectly. We fit together as opposite pieces of the same puzzle. But there was a fantastic upset between us, and we discovered we weren’t from the same puzzle at all. Her shades of blue for the sky was actually the colour of the sea for me. We were so contrasting. She wanted to use the information we found to ruin gentlemen’s public image, while I wanted to use it to...convince them to do as we pleased. An enormous case, the one that finally snapped the last threads between us, was with a middle aged gentleman on a big council, with a plethora of people he could influence. We’d made it known to him that we had news of a scandal concerning him, a very secret one I doubt even his wife knew about, and my wish was to use this information to persuade him to add three women onto the board of the council, and to publicly support our ideals for equality so people would listen, for without a voice-”

“We can never gain equality. Anne, that expression seems to come out of your mouth more and more these days,” Clarissa’s tone was jesting, but her countenance had turned grim and there wasn’t a hint of a smile anywhere except her mouth. 

“I say it because it’s true. As I’m sure you know, because your work does a great deal for us and our case.,” Anne shot Clarissa a meaningful glance, but she was too busy glaring at the river as if it were responsible for all her troubles to notice the look coming her way. “While I was eager to be more persuasive, my companion simply wanted to blacken the name of the mayor. I suspected she wanted to seek revenge, as opposed to making a legitimate change, and I said as such to her. My accusation excited her greatly, and before we knew it we’d spoiled the entire plan by causing a rift in our friendship. The mayor was unaffected, because our force wasn’t enough to make a difference as just one person, and it was many years wait before another chance came in which something could be done.” Throwing herself up again, Clarissa began striding across the river, alternating between kicking dirt into it and pulling leaves off the tree that shadowed over it, her mouth set in a firm line the entire time. Without either of them realising it, the rain had stopped, and as suddenly as the drops had stopped pummelling the Earth, her face cleared again, divested of all worry and anger that had overtaken her just seconds before. 

“How can it be that what I do is important? Surely-” As she spoke, her clear expression remained, and her tone was thoughtful rather than virulent. 

“We use information we’ve gathered to prevail upon authority to make the right decisions. There have been arguments that what we do is culpable, that threatening to sully a gentleman’s reputation for our own gain is unladylike or disreputable. But in such circumstances where we have no power, we must use whatever opportunity that comes our way to gain some semblance of authority, which we cannot do without means of control. By collecting the secrets, you give us a way to enforce that control.” Clarissa nodded throughout the entirety of her guardian’s speech, sitting uncharacteristically still.

“I suppose I should pay Mr. Lowood’s mother a visit and gather some secrets. I do enjoy this, I admit. It sometimes feels irrelevant, almost, what I do. But, I suppose you’re correct, and it can be of some importance, even if it doesn’t seem it.” Although she was prepared to leave, pulling her hat back onto the mess of curls and pushing her fingers back into her gloves, she remained in the clearing, some matter of deep thought overtaking her features and causing her expression to look even more vacant that it did when in the company of Mr Lowood. “What happened, after your disagreement with your companion?” 

“Although we tried to come to peace with each other, we were far too different, and we ended on unhappy terms. It’s wrong, but I can’t say I’m upset with what occurred. We only caused each other vexation.” Anne glanced at the girl, who was once more lost in thought, as she strolled out of the clearing, her expression betraying nothing other than cogitation. 

Many weeks later, seated in the parlour Mr Lowood’s estate, listening to his unsought after explanations as he began to sort through a shambolic bookshelf in search of an illustration of a butterfly she had no interest in seeing, Clarissa adjusted her hair and surreptitiously peered at the clock, praying more reverently than she had ever done before that it was finally 3 o clock and Catherine was close to arriving, so she could persuade, or blackmail, Mr Lowood to publicly condone the women who protested for jobs and equality, and to publish complementary features in his newspaper about their doings. An echoed ringing of a bell was heard by Clarissa, and no sweeter sound existed in that moment, and only seconds later an efficient housekeeper bustled in, announcing the arrival of Miss Catherine Reid. 

As her friend walked in, Clarissa felt more confident, standing up, although nowhere near the height of Mr Lowood, and searching his face for a sign of confusion or fear as she spoke, but finding none. Still, she persevered, darting a glance over to Catherine to check that she was indeed saying the correct things. 

“My dear Mr Lowood. I have heard recent news which rather shocked me, entailing details of your dealings with The Times Newspaper. Of course, I don’t suspect any accusations which charge you with publishing false, slandering reports of your rivals to be true, but it would be an awful shame if this information was heard all over respectable society. One could say your reputation would be ruined, just as your competitors’ were. I should hate for this to happen, and I dare say such trouble could be avoided with just a few simple acts from you.” Although Clarissa was threatening the man, he seemed awfully complacent, and she risked a glance over to Catherine to try and see if she had an explanation. A feeling of suspicion and inevitable trouble bloomed inside her at the smile Catherine was giving Mr Lowood, a suspect grin shared between people with a plan.

“Unfortunately, such accusations definitely are false, my dear Miss Alward,” Mr Lowood laughed, not sinister in any way, but disconcerting, taking into account the situation, nonetheless. “However, I also have heard what I’m sure are untruths concerning your relationship with important members of society. Dare I say you are a secret seller? Or a secret trader, whichever term takes your fancy. Your companion, Miss Reid over here, has been having very interesting conversations with me. How much you can learn when talking to somebody. Just as you learnt so much about me when you visited my mother, an elderly sick woman whom you manipulated. Your methods are rather sly, aren’t they? Of course, you’ve convinced yourself it’s for a good cause, but taking advantage of vulnerable members of society and then blackmailing people such as myself isn’t particularly virtuous.” Here he broke off, staring at Clarissa as she watched her world crumble. Catherine, a girl she was utterly assured was her friend, had betrayed her, selling her secrets on. She searched throughout her mind for answers as to why she would betray her as one would search for a missing sock: desperately, and to no avail. Although she was in an undoubtedly serious situation, in which it would be incredibly inappropriate to laugh, she found the irony of the situation amusing. A secret seller, having her secrets sold on to the very person she stole them from? 

“Catherine?” Clarissa muttered, and staring right at her with no remorse on her features, no sentiment of apology, Catherine just nodded at the silent allegations and questions of guilt. 

“I never was of any use. You complained about your role continually, but at least you were important. I was disposable, utterly forgotten in the tide of everyone else,” she said, a humourless laugh escaping her lips, although the only one smiling was Mr Lowood. 

“Now, we can’t have women strutting around, believing themselves to be important, or superior-”

“We don’t wish for superiority, only equality. Surely that’s an admirable motive?” Clarissa interrupted Mr Lowood, her temper suddenly switching from hilarity at the irony to fury at the injustice. 

“Maybe admirable to you, but if I’m to be tainted in your quest, then I disapprove. Now, I’m sure we can come to an agreement and you can forget your trade of stealing secrets, yes? Get married, live life as a mother rather than a rebel,” Mr Lowood continued to grin as he spoke, enjoying the situation far too much for Clarissa’s liking. “Of course, you can choose not to agree, but by doing that, you’ll be resigning yourself to a life of imprisonment. I have great influence over judges, and I’m sure a jury wouldn’t take kindly to your case. Do you agree?” All Clarissa could do was nod, but as she did so, she noticed that her glove, which she’d been pulling on nervously, had ripped, a hole breaking out in the exact spot it did the last time it broke.

@sharing-a-room-with-an-open-fire Thanks for reblogging the November prompts list because I wrote this using it (the prompt I chose was historic)!

[luna-almighty-god]

Guardian Angel N°11 [My little brother, you deserve to exist]

I present to you today the chapter eleven of Guardian Angel!

This story is obviously not canonical, please do not refer to it if you are looking for canonical information.

Have a good read!

===

First Chapter

Previous Chapter

===

Insomnia chirped softly, happy to be surrounded by leaves and pencils on the ground. Nyx had of course taken care to arrange the cushions, as Killer did every time he left his son on the floor, and now watched the child with a gentle gaze, attentive to the slightest of his gestures.

The little one continued to laugh and had fun scribbling on the leaves that fell into his hand. It was fun to watch him change pencils, bend his head to the side as if he was looking for an idea, and then stick out his tongue under the weight of intense reflection.

That baby was just so cute.

Nyx laughed, settling more comfortably in the sofa to watch him. Without really realizing it, his own hands had gotten busy and scribbled a sketch of the child. Drawing was instinctive for him. It came naturally to him to make an artwork, without him really needing to think about it. That's why he didn't like receiving compliments such as "You draw well".

For Nyx did not see beauty in talent, but in effort. Someone who made an effort to draw well, to do something beautiful, was someone who drew well. But someone like him, who didn't care about the end result, couldn't draw 'well', because that same person didn't put any passion into it.

That's why Nyx had always admired Ink. He always gave his all, no matter what the situation was, no matter what his condition was. He tried to do his best, and that was most admirable.

Nyx admired Ink. He loved Ink from the depths of his soul. That innocent love a child has for its parent. For Nyx could never bring himself to hate the painter, even the one in his timeline...

“Gahaaaa !”

Nyx blinked his eyes, leaned his head to the side and saw Insomnia waving at him with a sulky pout:

“Gagaa ! Gaaa !”

He then tapped his can, swelling his cheeks and continuing to shake, and Nyx laughed. He got up and came to find the little one, gently taking him in his arms:

“Are you hungry, little guy? I'll see what I can find.”

Horror was absent, just like the rest of the bad sanses. So Nyx was left to his own devices, but that was not a real concern. He had had the opportunity to take care of a child before ... the sweet, adorable little Lux, whose smile had comforted him so many times ...

Did he also cancel her birth?

He froze, a dull pain gripping his soul. He relived the little girl's look, her joy of life, her optimism, her crystalline laughter, her hugs ...

He closed his eyes, repressing tears. He had promised himself that he would fix everything by coming here... and that included helping Cross go out with Epic, not Dream. Because the swordsman and the guard were like Ink and Nightmare: a couple by compulsion, not by love. Even though Dream and Cross had managed to bond enough to keep from falling into despair...

“Gah... ?”

Insomnia's squeak brought him back to earth. He looked at the child in astonishment, then his eyes widened as the two little hands came to rest on his face and the baby, on the brink of tears, emitted a sob-like twitter.

Nyx felt its throat to knot:

“Oh, Somnia ... Don't cry, I'm all right...”

He kissed him gently on the forehead, caressing his back to comfort him, then approached with a new smile to prove his point. But the child was not fooled and continued to fidget. How to calm him down? Nyx really didn't want to see him cry, especially not for himself ...

An idea suddenly occurred to him. There was one thing that amused Lux greatly, maybe Insomnia would enjoy it too?

Although it seemed silly to him, he checked around him to make sure there was no one around and concentrated to perceive a magical energy in the castle. But as agreed, he was alone with the baby.

He closed his eyes, blew softly, intriguing the child who tilted his head to the side ... before bursting out laughing when Nyx revealed his star-shaped pupils.

The black-boned skeleton laughed, blinked to transform his pupils again, changing them into a pink diamond and a blue square, causing the baby to laugh again. Going through all the possible shapes and colors, Nyx decided to stick to the round, starry shapes and colors such as blue, purple or black, having fun adding shades of pink and red, marveling at Insomnia who was chirping again, happily tapping his little palms.

While continuing his little merry-go-round, Nyx came to the kitchen and used shadows to make his tentacles appear. They searched the cupboards and the fridge, preparing with ease a bottle of vanilla milk - as Killer had recommended.

It was an intense relief to be able to be himself, not to have to be suspicious and hide his pupils or appendages, just to be able to act without worrying about betraying himself to others.

He held a sigh, not wishing to spoil Insomnia's joy. The little one had turned away from his eyes to look at his tentacles in astonishment, before twittering again and waving his own little tentacles, making Nyx smile with tenderness.

“You're so adorable, little guy.”

He kissed his cheekbone and retrieved the bottle. Insomnia quickly grabbed it, excited, and shoved the teat into his mouth, relaxing immediately at the first sip.

Nyx settled him more comfortably in the hollow of his arms and returned to the living room where he sat back on the couch, while his tentacles struggled to put away the coloring and cushions. He thought that maybe he should have invited PaperJam, he hadn't seen him for a while and thought that he and Insomnia could have played together. It would probably be a next time.

If there was a next time...

He tensed up slightly, barely holding on to his feelings, which were just waiting to break the barrier and burst into the open. He had to think of something else, to keep his mind from wandering.

“... gah ...”

He blinked, looked at Insomnia who had gradually released the bottle, half asleep.

Nyx softened:

“Tired, eh ...?”

He retrieved the bottle to put it on the table and then went quietly to the little one's room, gently caressing his head:

“... Me too, I'm tired ...”

He reached the room, entered naturally and gently placed the baby in the bed, making sure it was set up correctly, watching that the room was at a suitable temperature for the little one, taking the time to turn down the heating but still covering the little legs with a thin blanket.

“Go Somnia, go to sleep.

- Gah ....

- Don't worry, I won't stay away.”

The baby tried to respond, but, too tired, he finally closed his eyes, falling gently into Morpheus' arms.

Nyx contemplated him for a few moments, as if hypnotized, without being aware of his pupils turned blue.

He looked away painfully, he let himself slide to the ground with spite.

How did you... For all his love for Insomnia, for the innocence of this young boy, how...

How could he feel so bad? So envious?

How dare he be jealous of such a little baby?

He closed his eyes, put his head against the bed, controlling his breathing as best he could.

He had to hold on.

He had to hold.

He had to...

[He petrified]

He jumped to his feet, his eyes wide open in terror.

[Impossible. Impossible impossible impossible]

There…

There was new magic in the castle.

[A Overly familiar magic]

[Way too terrifying]

He turned around to face the door, suddenly feeling shaky. Magic was approaching its location. Or should I say...

[She approached Insomnia]

Nyx is swallowing. His own magic was camouflaged, not the child's. It gave him the advantage of surprising the intruder. At least he would have had the advantage if he hadn't been so terrified, literally paralyzed by fear.

But he had to move, if only to put the child in the ab-

Her body vanished into the shadows the instant the door slammed, waking Insomnia who squealed with surprise.

The baby blinked, confused, not understanding what was going on, or even why Nyx was no longer at his side. But he trembled under the frightening sensation of a torrent of negative emotions.

He hiccupped, painfully straightened himself up, raising his innocent gaze to the new presence, the newcomer.

He was all the more confused. For if he didn't really recognize the magic facing him, the owner was very familiar to him.

“... Gah... ?” he said leaning his head to the side, not understanding what Ink was doing there.

But despite his young age, he easily understood that something was wrong.

Ink had an unpleasant smell.

A smell of blood and dust.

The little one fell back to his bed, suddenly intimidated, but above all ....

[Completely scared]

It wasn't Ink. It wasn't the Ink he knew. It wasn't the painter who came from time to time to the castle, who laughed with his parents, who kept him company to draw with Nyx.

And by the way ... where was Nyx?

He trembled at the agreement of a laugh. A cynical, dangerous laugh.

The demented laugh of Ink whose pupils had turned purple.

Insomnia remained frozen.

He was just a baby. Just a tiny little baby. How could he have defended himself? What could he have done in the face of an adult far more powerful than himself?

He barely had time to see the brush being held up.

The brush that came crashing down.

Shattering against a sharp tentacle.

“Wha... ?!”  Ink let go of Ink in a stupor, before his pupils suddenly disappeared in a dull rage.

But he didn't have time to react as the shadows fell on Insomnia, drowning him abruptly to make him disappear.

Insomnia coughed, lost, his gaze for a moment veiled by darkness, before he suddenly regained his vision and became more confused: how had he arrived in the corridor? Impossible for him to think about it: Nyx had just appeared and grabbed him in his arms, starting a race through the corridors of the castle, panicked.

“Gah?!” exclaimed the baby as he perceived the older one's bluish pupils.

Nyx did not hear him, turned in a corridor, his mind tortured by his fear and the profusion of insults he was inflicting on himself. What the hell was going on? What was going on? What the fuck was going on?!

[What was his father doing here?!]

The pain that twisted his soul made his bile rise. His phalanges tightened on the child.

[His timeline still existed?]

[How? Why?!]

[How did Ink get here?!]

[THE PORTAL WAS DESTROYED]

He came to curse his magical instability, the fucking instability that kept him from teleporting. The slightest use of magic was twisting him around, and he wasn't inclined to have a seizure now. Not when he didn't have an apple in his hand.

Damn .... Fuckin' ...!

Nyx came into the living room, insulted himself again. His things had remained in his room, including his pencil. Pencil which was his only way to get from one AU to another without using his magic!

He would almost have slapped himself if he hadn't been so focused on staying calm. His only escape: finding paint, praying for it to bring Ink in. The good Ink!

But the idea tied his throat. If the two Inks found out, his cover would be blown, his secret would be understood without the slightest harm!

“...gah or...”

He jumped, looked at Insomnia, who hugged him trembling.

Nyx fainted. The baby was in danger, and he worried that his secret would be discovered? What an idiot! The little one's health was more important than anything else!

He went through the room again in a hurry: he knew there was paint, he had seen Insomnia using it that very morning! So why couldn't he put the hand of...

Nyx threw himself back, narrowly dodged a bone that shattered part of the floor.

The air became much colder than before.

“Alive and well...” Ink's voice growled, cold and angry, as the painter took his time entering the room, his white pupils landing on Nyx in violent disgust.

The skeleton retreated again, the face turned pale. There was no possibility of escape now.

Ink glanced at him scornfully before turning his attention to Insomnia:

“Temporal rewriting... Error and Dream did a good job. It almost could have been a good plan... if they hadn't sent you.”

Nyx tensed up, feeling himself getting weaker and weaker when he came across that hateful look again. And Ink, who fully knew the effect he was having on his son, sneered maliciously:

“What a joke... I guess they should have been the ones to go. But Ruru really didn't measure up to me!”

Nyx's back hit the wall, giving him the painful reality of being completely trapped, while his mind came to torture him again, that a memory made him want to burst into tears. The memory of Ink finishing Error without the slightest remorse.

“... H- He loved you...” Nyx stuttered, squeezing Insomnia a little tighter.

The painter's pupils turned purple before he struck violently at the table, destroying it abruptly, shaking the rest of the room.

“He loved me...? he repeated. He loved me?”

Nyx had no time to react, too destabilized by the situation, and it was in a scream that he felt a bone come out of the wall behind him, a bone that shattered a rib and paralyzed him with pain.

Insomnia made a whimper, squirming in his arms as if to observe the wound, but Nyx held him tightly against it, protecting him with his arms, grimacing as he glanced feverishly at his father.

Ink trembled with rage, as if consumed by an inferno:

“He NEVER loved me!

- That's not true! All you had to do was open his eyes, give him time, not rush him like you did!

- WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT IT?!”

Nyx's soul turned blue and he was tackled against the wall much more violently. Ink approached dangerously, close to insanity, ready to implode, to destroy everything:

“Did you have fun changing the story? Getting involved in lives that don't concern you?”

Nyx felt the tears burning his eyes:

“... I-it concerns me ...”

His voice broke:

“You are my parents...”

Ink petrified a few centimeters away from him, his eyes devoid of pupils, hit hard by his words ... before suddenly clenching his teeth and materializing a new bone at the sharp end, to plant it sharply in his son's shoulder, in a sinister creak that accompanied Nyx's scream.

“YOU...”

He pressed harder, digging deeper and deeper into the cracked bone, not caring about his son's cry.

“Don't you ever dare to think of me as your father again.”

The black-boned one yelps, terrified, unable to defend himself.

Ink growled again, raised his hand to Insomnia:

“Get off that kid. He doesn't belong here. He's not supposed to exist.”

Nyx hiccuped. It wasn't supposed to exist...? ... Quite the contrary. Insomnia had every reason to exist. It was born of a loving union, it was born because it was wanted. It was born because its presence was desired, because it was proof of a powerful love between two beings.

Insomnia had to exist. Insomnia deserved to exist.

And the fury that seized Nyx finally broke the barrier around his soul. His left pupil glowed bright red.

[His magic exploded]

The surge of energy propelled Ink backwards, although he barely managed to catch up. Seeing Nyx break the bone that held him against the wall, the Creator made his brush appear a second time and threw himself at his son, but the son teleported behind him.

Ink was horrified at being dodged, and had great difficulty deflecting the tentacles that pounced on him. It was only the second time Nyx dared to stand up to him, but the painter had a bitter memory of their last confrontation.

Yet the situation made him smile softly:

“I wonder if you'll dare to confront Nightmare in such a way!”

Nyx turns pale:

“Wha... He's here too?!”

Ink sneered, projected a wave of paint towards his opponent. Nyx missed being touched but melted into the shadows in time to reappear a little further away before once again using his tentacles on the painter. Painter whose smile grew larger:

“Of course he's here! Did you really think you could hide the portal from us? Ahahah, a nice way out, isn't it? Away from our world, which will soon disappear!”

Ink knocked his brush down on Nyx. This one protected himself with an arm, his arm whose wrist was wounded, his wrist whose pain until then attenuated returned more strongly, more destructive than before.

The cry of Nyx got stuck in his throat. He struggled to take support on his legs, trying as best he could to push the weapon away without letting go of Insomnia. And Ink's unhealthy laughter continued, twisting his already battered mind:

“Oh Nyx, your eyes are so evocative! Why is the gate still open, you ask? It had closed behind me, you think!”

Nyx swallowed, feeling lost, unable to ignore his father's words.

“But Nyx, for a gate to close, someone has to close it! But you must not have thought about taking care of it, did you? You thought it would do itself! But just like Cross, that stupid Cross, way too busy saving Dream's ass!”

No ... no no no no! No!

[Nyx had seen the gate disappear]

[He... He had concluded that it had closed. It was obvious!]

“You guys are idiots... So that's why they didn't go through the portal with you? They thought they'd closed up!”

Cross, Dream and Lux... had time to join him after all? Nyx couldn't believe it, couldn't accept it.

No no no no no no no !

*** ***

“Master Cross, it's closing!” Nyx exclaimed in panic as he watched the gate slowly disappear.

Cross had taken a brief glance at him before turning his attention back behind them. In the distance he could see Lux, his dear little Lux, trying to defend herself against Horror and Dust, losing ground and being wounded in the arm, without deigning to give up the battle. And not far from him was Dream. Dream, who tried to join her, to rescue her, but was confronted by Nightmare, against whom he no longer had any advantage.

And of course, Ink was surely around, spying on them with his sadistic air, waiting for the slightest breach to strike a fatal blow.

Cross had clenched his fists:

“Dream and Lux will never be able to join us...”

Nyx had flinched before frowning, staring a feverish look at their enemies, ready to draw out his tentacles:

“Yea... Let's go and help them!

- No.”

Nyx had jumped up, looked at his teacher with a confused look on his face:

“No... ?”

Cross had smiled at him:

“I trust you, kid.”

By the time Nyx grasped the tenor of his words, the monochrome had already pushed him into the portal.

Flash, terror, pain.

Nyx's scream.

“CROSS!!!”

Then nothing. Nothing at all. Silence.

And the sky.

A shining sky.

The sky of OuterTale.

*** ***

Nyx was violently brought back to reality, suffering a sharp blow that threw him to the ground, his skull twitching when he hit the ground. For a moment his sight was black and white, while a coughing fit took him, bringing the metallic taste of the blood to his puck.

He barely had the presence of mind to turn over on his stomach, to protect with his body the little Insomnia whose cries had begun to fill the room.

[Help!]

His body no longer responded, as did his mind.

[Someone, anyone]

His magic crackled, screamed, begged.

[Somebody protects Insomnia, please]

His sight was troubled by his tears, tears that slid down his face, accompanying the sobs that escaped him.

[Please, Somebody… protects my little brother]

He cowered further over the little baby, closing his eyes, apprehensive, fearing the fatal blow, the one who turned him to dust to leave only a child completely helpless.

But the only thing that reached him was Ink's scream.

A bug sounds.

The sound of footsteps.

“What the hell is this?” grew a glitchy voice, both puzzled and annoyed.

Shaken with jolts, Nyx widened his eyes, raised his head.

It was the second time ...

The second time Error saved him from Ink's hands.

===

Next Chapter

You can support me on my Utip or on my Ko-fi account !

===

Credits =

Dreamtale ->  Joku

Error -> LoverOfPiggies

Ink -> Myebi

Cross and Lux -> Jakei

Insomnia -> EnaPouyou

[bonelesswords]

a study of souls | alex høgh andersen au

Chapter five: Loser 

gif credit: @lol-haha-joke​ 

- masterlist

Warnings: Language, sexual content, mentions and using of drugs, mentions of a toxic relationships, grammar mistakes (english is not my first language)

Note: HERE IS IT, FINALLY. It took me so long but now I'm on vacations for like three months so I have sooo much time to write. If you like it let me know and if you didn't let me know as well(??, I looove feedback 💖

I know in advance how toxic is for me to expect bad things and imagine the worst scenarios before something good happens. But when the clock starts approaching at 9:40 and there is no possible way for Alex to tell me if he is on his way or not, it is a bit inevitable.

My mind wanders, in a tortuous way, in the possibility that he has forgotten that he invited me out, or simply does not want to come. I imagine the horrible situation of having to tell Grandma that, in the last moment, the boy I talked about will not come. Or even worse, I imagine having to see Alex's face after that.  

Grandma has already gone to bed and I am the only person in the living room, with the only company of the dim light of the lamp on the small table next to the sofa, unlocking and locking the phone, forgetting that Alex doesn't have my number and that he won't send me any messages.

Despite all the thoughts that crossed my mind a few seconds ago, I can't help feeling totally nervous, I didn't want to call that a date out loud, but between me and myself that was what it seemed, and it was scary. I haven't had a date for a long time, And I wasn't sure if the things we had with William were dates, they didn't look anything like that. However, I have a fuzzy memory of high school, although almost nothing; during the first years all the girls talked about that, if the boy did not kiss you on the first date, he wasn't interested in you or he was a loser, that was the most effective way to know.

I think that at fifteen everything was easier, I didn't think too much and had fewer first dates than the rest of the girls, but now, at twenty-one, it is even difficult for me to be completely sure that Alex is going to show up or not.

It's not until 10:05 that the sound of the bell rings in my ears, scattering all the silly thoughts in my head. While I get up from the couch I can't help feeling a little, maybe too dumb. I wait a few seconds before walking to the front door with the key in my hands. When I put it in the lock, it seems to echo throughout the house.

I open the door and see Alex in the darkness of the porch of the house, dressed completely in black, with his hands buried in the pockets of his pants. Suddenly, I feel his gaze travel me from top to bottom, to return to my face directly, with a smile a little playful in his face. The nervousness explodes in my stomach but it's fine, I'm fine.

"I see we are matching tonight." He says, meaning that I am also dressed completely in black, in tight jeans and a simple hoodie.

"It looks like we're going to rob a bank. "I respond leaving home and closing the door behind me.

"Maybe to rob a bank is where I'm going to take you tonight."

"That's fine for me." I shrug with a smile on my face, he smiles back but doesn't say nothing for a few seconds.

"Hi June, by the way."

"Hello Alex, I think you are more punctual than I thought."

"I am, actually. Plus, I didn't want you to think I wasn't coming." Confesses, as if he had read my mind. I laugh, maybe it's late for that.

I start down the porch stairs while he follows me, I hear him take a bunch of keys, and when I see from the corner of my eye that they are car's keys.

"Ah, June, I forgot. I introduce you to my car." Alex says with a mocking smile on his lips and points to the only black car that is parked in front of the house.

"Uhh, he looks good." I joke, even though Rory works with cars all the time, I didn't know anything about them, nor about brands or models. My most detailed description of Alex's car is that it is a very pretty black car.

"I bought it a few weeks ago." He explains, going around the car and opening the pilot's door. When he is inside I see him stretch to open the door in front of me.

I get in the car and after putting on my seat belt, I look at him, but this time I look at him fully, under the light of the car I can stare at him better. Only in that moment I realize that the blue and violet bruises have almost disappeared from his face, making me see him almost different because, from the first time I saw him until the last, he still had a black eye.

"He has no mame?"

" You're obviously Rory's sister." He says with a smile on his face, making me laugh loudly.

"Of course I am! When he started working at the garage, I used to go and visit him after school. We named every car" I explain "Yours should have a name."

"Like what?" he inquires, now a little interested.

"You have a nice car, cute cars have ugly names." I tell him but he frowns.

"Who says?"

"Well, me" I answer and he lets out a loud laugh.

"I won't give it an ugly name, June. It has to be a cool mame, like Max."

"Max is boring! You're not naming it Max" I protest shaking my head, but sighs while looking at me smiling, is it so wrong to think that he has a beautiful smile? It is obviously not wrong, the problem is that I would think about it all night.

"You tell me, then. Why does it look like?"

I cross my arms and look around the car as if I were examining it, but I also try to visualize how it was on the outside. I am sure it was recently washed. It is not too bright or too dull, and it is fine. I like it.

"It's Billie" I give my verdict but he looks at me as if he couldn't believe that the most basic name in history has just come out of my mouth. With narrowed eyes and shaking his head, he protests:

"It doesn't look like Billie" He crosses his arms, turning slightly towards me. "Billie is a weak name!"

"You got a weak name!" I try to fight back and Alex laughs, despite complaining, he looks resigned to my choice of name.

"Fair enough, it's Billie, then, just because I can't think a better name." He says and directs his eyes to the front to start the car, I giggle but I say nothing more. Alex continues to look straight ahead, but looks sideways from time to time. "You're not vegan, right?"

"I'm not, why?"

"Because yesterday when I left the bakery I kept thinking about where to take you today, and I tried to remember all the times when Rory talked about you but I couldn't think of anything, besides that Rory talks about you as if you were fourteen or something, sometimes I forgot." I Instantly notice that Alex is quite expressive with his hands, he flips the wheel often only to make a gesture with his left hand. "Because he says" my little sister this, and my little sister the other ", but anyway, I thought that if there is something that is impossible that you do not like are the hamburgers, unless you are vegan."

"Vegan burgers exist, though"

"I know, but I'm not going to take you to eat a vegan burger, June. I'm going to take you to eat the third best burger I've ever had in my life." He tries to fake some mystery in his voice, but fails.

"That sounds promising but, hey, the third one? What happened to the first two places?"

'Well," he begins to explain, "The first place is in a food stand near the subway station, the second is in a small supermarket near home, neither of them are open at this time. Besides, I'm not going to take you to those places."

"Okay, I'm going to believe you for now, but I'm going to have to check it out later."

The car advances for minutes with the windows low, Alex talks about the music that plays, is connected from his cell phone and I tell him that I am glad that he plays his own music because I would hate that he was that kind of person who enjoys listening to the radio, just as Rory is, and that I would hate to tell him that I hate the music of the radio. Alex laughs, he laughs at all the bad jokes I make and makes me wonder if they actually make him laugh or he does just for convenience, but I try to push those thoughts as far as possible.

I recognize this part of the city because it's close to Alex and his brother's bar, but not so much. He parks in front of a restaurant with large windows that allow me to easily see people sitting in chairs. When we got closer, I realize that the place looks like those old bars that were on the routes in the middle of nowhere and I like it, I had never been on that side of the city. I can tell that it is also a café and a bar.

"I made a reservation today." He says opening the door of the place, with a smile on his face.

"Seriously?" I ask laughing.

"No, I have just come here to say that I was coming at night and if they could keep me a table." He explains to me as we approach the bar where the cash register is located. "I used to work here a few years ago, the owner and I get along."

I sit down and wait a step behind him when he rests his arms on the counter, standing on his toes to see who is in the kitchen behind the bar. A red-haired girl who shouldn't be under sixteen comes up with a yellow apron tied around her neck and a big smile on her face when she sees Alex.

"Oh, hi Alex! My mom told me you were coming today." She says, with the small eyes of so much smiling. Alex smiles almost the same way as her, although not with the same enthusiasm she shows.

"Nice to see you Annie, why are you working this late?"

"It's barely 10:30, but yes, I'm helping mom. Saturdays are usually long nights."She explains and only then she realizes my silent presence, her smile fades a little, but when she looks back at Alex, she takes the same strength as before. I had not seen anyone smile as much as she did. "Who's her?"

"Ah, June. This is Annie, my friend when I used to work here." I take a step forward and greet her, although Annie doesn't have the same enthusiasm as before.

"Okay, it's the same table as always. The menu should be there." Alex nods and thanks her before he starts walking towards a table in the back of the place, located next to one of the windows that overlooked the street.

He slides in one of the red chairs to the wall and I do the same with the chair in front of him.

"You really are the most enchanting person, aren't you? How is that i haven't met you before?" I ask as I put my chin in the palm of my hand.

"I guess I have to recognize it, but why this time?"

"I'm talking about that girl, who looks like you've made her day just by coming here, oh but believe me, you've ruined it in two seconds by bringing me."

"Now I'm not following you at all, little June." Alex approaches the edge of his chair, frowning but intrigued.

"What I'm saying, dear Alex, is that that girl is so into you that i'm surprised her face doesn't hurt from smiling so much." I explain but he remains silent for a second, with his eyes wide open, until he begins to shake his head repeatedly.

"That's impossible, because she just turned seventeen, June. I'm pretty sure she knows I'm twenty-five, in fact, for my birthday she gave me a scone." He begins to speak quickly, almost stumbling over his words, but his last sentence makes me let out a laugh so loud that I'm sure it was heard from outside.

"And? I am not saying that you are going to be with her, that's obvious, she is a teenager. I'm just saying that it is very silly of you not to have noticed before and bring me here" A glow of disappointment makes presence in his eyes when he realizes what I am talking about.

"But I just wanted to bring you to eat the third best burger in the world. What should I do? I mean, you're a girl, you should know." Concern sneaks into his voice, and despite the feelings that Annie obviously has for him, I know he doesn't want to upset her.

"Nothing, Alex. She's seventeen, she will remember you as the guy eight years older than her that she used to like in high school. She'll get over it, we all do it."

"Are you sure?" He asks again.

"I'm sure." I try to convince him. "But I mean, come on, how do you guys don't notice things like that?"

"I notice those things." Alex tries to look offended, but he can't hide his characteristic arrogant smile. "I mean... you?"

"I don't like you." I lie, just to bother him.

"Of course you like me, you always blush, it has to mean something."

"Oh, believe me, that doesn't mean anything. Does Annie blush when you talk to her?"

"No, but that's because I don't say to her the same things I say to you."

"Oh, you're so full of shit." I roll my eyes, causing him to laugh.

"No, but really. When I see someone I might like, I notice. But ... Annie? She could be my little sister, she's seventeen! But you know what do I do when I like someone?"

"You're not supposed to tell me that." I interrupt him.

"I take her to eat the third best burger in the world." He ignores my protest and I nod repeatedly, although my heart skipped a beat, I manage to have the same composure as before.

"So are you telling you bring every girl you like here?" I inquire, crossing my arms over my chest, he tries to stay serious, opening his mouth to speak but closing it automatically. He raises his index finger, as if trying to defend himself but I took him off guard.

"That's not when I was trying to say..."

"I have an idea of what you were trying to say." I interrupt him again and he shakes his head, almost resigned.

"Anyway, did you just tell me you got over your Alex?" Alex moves on his chair until he gets a little closer to the table, a little closer to me.

"Of course I did, except that I had a little more luck with my Alex, but my hopes were too high. His name is Hugh and he is now in rehab." I start telling him and he opens his eyes wide, getting a little closer to the tip of his seat.

"The guy the lady was talking about yesterday, right? Your ex boyfriend?"

"Yes, but he wasn't my boyfriend, his grandmother knows me because sometimes we went to his house, but I never talked to his mother, I don't know her. The lady thought I was his girlfriend because we used to see each other, but if so, Hugh would have perhaps too many girlfriends. "Alex nods slowly, understanding my point.

"And he broke your heart." He says, half as a question, half as an affirmation.

"Yes, something like that. At seventeen it felt like he had done it."

"And now?"

"Not so much, at that moment it felt that way, but then you grow up, you realize that there are worse things than believe that someone have broken your heart."

"Like what?" he asks again while a half smile starts to appear on his face.

"I don't know, that someone breaks it for real"

In that moment, a waitress approaches our table and asks if we have already decided our order, but neither of us has touched the menu that is on the table that separates us, but he already knows what to ask for. Alex makes the order, the girl writes it in a small notebook and when she finishes, she turns around and starts walking towards the kitchen again.

I still feel as if a lot of stones had settled in my stomach but he doesn't look anything like that, on the contrary, his back is resting completely on the seat while he looks through the window. I follow his gaze until I find his car, it is badly parked, the front wheel is too close to the sidewalk lane and the rear wheel is too far away, but he doesn't seem to care or doesn't seem to notice.

"Maybe it does look like Billie, you know?" He looks at me again smiling, which makes me smile as well.

The burgers take a long time to arrive and Alex explains that it is because there are many people today, besides, to make such a burger, you have to take the time to do it, that's what he said. Meanwhile, he asks me about the trip Grandma gave me to New York, and suddenly and to my bad luck, he starts to be a little too interested in the subject.

"And how is it that your grandmother gave you a trip to you but to Rory nothing? If Luke would go to New York, at least, he would have to take me with him." He raises his eyebrows, while shaking his head in disapproval, making me laugh.

"Grandma can be very stubborn at times." I explain "so much that she may think that there are things that can be fixed with gifts like that."

"Are you telling me that New York didn't fix anything for you?" He asks joking.

"Almost, I wish that it did actually. I mean ..." I pause, trying to find what to say next. "Have you seen gossip girl?" My question is too serious, but not so much, because he throws his head back, closes his eyes and starts laughing, causing me to do the same. "I'm serious!" I exclaim in laughter.

"Sure, sure, sorry." He apologizes, trying to calm his laughter and make a serious face, I roll my eyes. "I have to confess, I have watched Gossip girl."

"Seriously, it seems too cheesy but when you're there, you think it wasn't as cheesy as you thought and maybe the movies were right. It has its magic, suddenly, the idea of returning home becomes too sad. " I start to wander and when I realize, I can't help feeling a little embarrassed, but when I look him in the eye again he is paying attention to what I say and once again, I fail. My face is totally red. "I don't know, it's different."

"Different in which way?"

"Different in a way that, the mornings are different, the sunsets and well, the nights are something else ..." My voice goes out when I see the waitress who ordered us to approach with a tray and two burgers whose size I am not sure I can finish.

Alex laughs at my surprised face when the waitress puts the hamburger on my plate, and when I raise my gaze to see him again, he raises his eyebrows, signaling that I must begin.

I drop my back in my seat, sliding a little down, letting out a big sigh. Alex looks at me with a radiant smile.

"That's it, I can't finish it." I confess, reaching out to reach the glass with coke on the table.

"You're weak." reproaches leaning his arms on the table.

"I'm a normal person with a normal stomach, I don't know what are you. But this isn't going to stay that way. I'm going to wrap it up and I'm going to take it home."

He laughs for the thousandth time at night and after seeing me squirm for a few seconds, he talks.

"So...?" I straighten up and get close to the table by leaning my arms on the table in the same way he did.

"Well, it's fair," I start "It has no lettuce, but it does have tomato, and bacon and lots of cheese. It's fair."

"Can it get in your burger top?" He asks, wrinkling his nose.

"Unlike you, I had not paid much attention to the burgers I have eaten throughout my life, but yes, it could be. And since I am not a critic of burgers and I settle for very little, I will give it a ten" I state and he raises his fist shaking it in victory.

"Well, then I guess you won't be up for an ice cream."

"No if I don't want to vomit when I arrive home, thank you anyway." I say nodding.

"Next time I guess." He lets out a big sigh.

"Next time, that sounds interesting."

"Have I passed the test?" He asks raising his eyebrows and I remember when I told him that if I had a good time, I wouldn't tell Rory that his best friend invited me out.

"Yes, I think. The burger actually did you the favor, and the music in your car maybe too. "

"So did I make up for you?" A half smile begins to dance on his lips as he gets a little closer to my face.

"You did, I hope you next party won't be as messy as the last one"

"I hope so too."

After paying I stay for a while talking with him at the table before we leave. Alex is much calmer when what comes out of his mouth is not just flattery, and although most of the time he doesn't say things that make me blush, he does it anyway, like when he looks at me paying close attention or laughs in a joke what I do. However, it seems that there is nothing that removes that arrogant smile from his face when my face turns completely red, it is part of him. I notice that he doesn't need to try to be charming at all, he just is like that, winking when he knows what I'm thinking, smiling sideways maybe too often. It is natural.

We left the place a while later, jumping around and talking about when he started working in the restaurant, he opens the passenger door and lets me in.

"Tell me something, what's up with the thing of holding the door for you, ladies?" He asks funny, but I wrinkle my nose.

"Well, do you do the same for your male friends?" I inquire

"Mmmm, no, I don't think so." He responds by frowning.

"You know, men usually excuse themselves saying that is just good manners, but they only do that with women. Start doing that with everyone and then I'll believe you it's good manners." Alex sighs, denying with his eyes closed. "But hey, I'll tell you a secret."

"What?" He asks curious.

"That's not the worst thing men do to women." I stare at him for a few seconds, he looks at me like I'm about to kill him, until I start laughing and his worried face disappear.

"Man, it's just so hard to be a man these days" He jokes and after I let out a laugh, he starts the car back home.

The car advances with low windows and the autumn wind crashes in my face as he keeps talking, he seems not to run out of conversation, which is good, because I almost always make a fool of myself trying to talk something new, but he notices that I'm lousy at talking first, so he does it. He tells me that he has a dog in his house, says that Luke did not approve when Alex talked about adopting one a couple of months ago, so he hid it from him for a while until one day he forgot, and when Luke visited him at his house, he got a big surprise.

"Where do you keep him when you throw parties?" I ask, remembering that when I went to his apartment I didn't see any black dogs.

"He has a little house in the patio of the bar, when there are parties the bar is closed and he stays there. He likes music anyway"

"I imagine." I respond laughing. I direct my eyes to his profile, his eyes are fixed to the front on the road and both arms are stretched towards the steering wheel. His jaw tenses when he realizes I'm watching him and looks at me amused.

"What are you seeing so much?" There he goes, that stupid smile again.

"Your bruises are almost healed" I explain

"Ah, yes, that. Sometimes I forget, but yes, it's almost as if nothing had happened to me. I wish I could say that the other guy got worse, but that night I was a little drunk."

"A little?" I ask laughing.

"A little too much." He affirms.

"At least you learned the lesson?"

"I would like to say yes, but you know, June. Sometimes, people get the worst of me." He jokes and I can't help feeling a little curious about the subject, so I allow myself to inquire a little more.

"He or she?" I let out. He looks at me smiling naughty, a sign that I have not offended him.

"So you've heard the gossip, huh?"

"Sure, it was impossible not to do it" I answer, but I wait with hopes that he will continue speaking.

"I guess she, but I told you, she's angry because I don't pay more attention to her. Besides, I don't want to get back into a fight like that. Luke always gets mad at me and ugh, your brother, don't get me started. This time they said it was the last one that they would stand me in that way. So, yes. As long as I don't get someone to offers me a place to crash when they hit me until almost unconsciousness, I won't be able to do it again." He takes a long breath after giving me another fleeting look and looking back at the road.

"Well, you know my adress already." I joke and he laughs shaking his head.

"Don't joke like that, I might take it seriously."

Alex parks in front of my house and the street is so desolate that it is almost scary. The sound of the engine stops, and suddenly, the tension could be cut with a knife. The silence feels too loud when I look into his eyes, his gaze seems anxious, as if, for the first time since I met him, he didn't know what to say. Alex doesn't look like the type of person who runs out of things to say, but at this moment, he does. He opnes his mouth, but then closes it.

"So..." I try to start talking, nos sure what to say next.

He clenches his lips and my heart skips a beat. It is too obvious that his gaze is on my lips and mine on his. I know that I could approach and kiss him myself, I know it would be very easy but the uncertainty and my insecurity are much stronger than my impulses. I close my fists on my lap and it almost feels as if my hands are burning, the tips of my fingers tickle. He approaches me and gives me the security of approaching me too, being almost at the edge of the seat, Alex returns to take a momentum, with his lips slightly open and I look forward to it, too much for my bad luck, because when I hear the sound of the safety belt lock he seems to lose all the security he had only two seconds ago. His gaze makes his way to my eyes again and he knows it, me too. We fucked it up. He fucked it up.

"It's Julia's birthday next friday, She told me she wants to see you there." He whispers slowly, as if nothing had happened just a second ago. I feel a horrible sensation in my stomach, as if the cravings had transformed into disappointment from one second to the next. I unbuckle my seat belt and nod, trying to smile.

I feel pathetic.

"I guess I'll see you there, then."

"I hope so." Answer, I look down and nod again.

"Goodnight, Alex. Thank you for everything." I finish and when I open the car door I hear him say goodbye too.

"Good night June..."

I walk to the porch feeling my heart beating in my mouth. I close the door behind me as I enter and let myself fall to the floor with my hand on my chest. Fuck it, he was a loser.

[mwub]

Etched in Stone

Chapter 1: Celestite

Sorry for taking so long, I’ve been moving and have limited internet access so I’m not online as often as I would like😅.

Anyways this is the first chapter for my multi fic Etched in Stone, thank you @ineffable-nalu for beta reading it, it gave me some ideas how to progress the story better

Without further ado~

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“Mama!”

“Yes dear?”

“Can you tell me our story?”

“Lucy dear, you've heard that story what must be a thousand times. Are you sure you want to add another to that tally?” A regal blond woman laughed at the expense of her now pouting daughter. The little girl greatly resembled her mother both in bearing and in looks. Golden blond hair framed her round but not too round face, a light dusting of freckles crossed the bridge of her button nose underneath large chocolate brown eyes, now sparkling with wonder as her mother began the story.

“Long ago,” Layla hummed, tucking Lucy deeper into her bed. Brushing a strand of hair out of her face. “There was nothing, no animals, no plants, no people to call Earthland home. For Earthland did not yet exist. And then one day the sun and moon, who loved each other very much but could not be together began to cry for they were lonely and wanted to share what they have with others. From those tears came life.”

“When the moons tears fell, so did the stars, oceans formed and moved to the moons silent songs. When the suns fell, volcanoes reached high up for the heavens in hopes of one day meeting the stars.”

“Get to the part about how real life formed mama”

“I’m getting there sweetheart” Layla laughed in reply.

“When the volcanoes split the earth, so did the ocean in response, creating lakes, rivers, and streams. And in some areas so cold the oceans becomes living stone.”

“ But it was not enough for the Sun and Moon, for they wanted more. They wanted children of their own. So in desperation they shed more tears and breathed life into the environments of their own creation. From the sea the first mermaids and mermen sang their first songs. From the stars came the first celestial priests and priestesses. And from the volcanoes came…”

“Dragons” Came an excited squeal from underneath a mountain of blankets.

“Uh huh, from the deep depths of volcanoes came Dragons. Now, when the Sun and Moon formed their children , they warned them that they must not consort with humans, for it will bring disaster. The creatures of the sea and stars agreed but the king of the dragons did not. He believed one should love who they wanted and did so anyway.”

Lucy clutched her dragon plushie tighter in anticipation.

“The Sun and Moon grew angry with the dragon and so cursed him with his disobedience. Never to be seen again”

“Whatever happened to the rest of the creatures, mama?”

“Despite obeying the Sun and Moon, the others were punished as well for fear of rebellion. Their powers locked away in the stones for which they were born, serving as relics to a great betrayal. Living as ordinary beings amongst the humans they were told to fear.”

Lucys eyes began to droop as a deep yawn escaped her, sleep taking its toll. Layla smiled lovingly at her daughter, reaching to wind a small music box on her bedside, delicate music tinkling gently.

“What do you think happened to the Dragon mama?”

“ Well I would hope he’s found peace, one who loves too much shouldn’t suffer forever.”

“Good night my Darling... “ Was the last thing Lucy heard before letting sleep take her.

———————————————————————

“What do you mean you don’t have any of those kinds of books?”

“We sell fact not fiction mam, as I’m sure you are well aware of that by now miss Heartfilia.” A flat voice drawled in reply, timbre as dull as the face making it.

19 Year old Lucy Heartfilia couldn’t believe it, this was the third town she had visited that refused to sell any of the old lore books, believing them to be blasphemous to the sacred teachings of Zentopia. She had really hoped that Hargeons famous library would be different but no such luck.

Oh well, time for good ol’ plan T.

‘Are you sure there isn't any dusty old books hidden the back~” Batting her eyelashes with gusto, leaning onto the counter, giving the store keeper a peak at her generous cleavage.

“A-Absolutely not! For the last time miss, no one carries that type of literature anymore, the church ordered their burning years ago.” The old man blustered with a face as red as a Roma tomato. “I couldn't sell you any even if could get my hands on a tome”

“Now get out”

“Stupid old Geezer’ Lucy huffed outside the shop now, refitting her paperwork back into her leather satchel and straightening her dark blue tartan skirt and white button down blouse topped with a adorable black vest. She had even dressed the part too, a scholarly student researching for a history project. What a waste of time, Another day, another bust.

Oh right, I forgot to introduce myself didn't I? My name is Lucy Heartfilia, daughter of Layla and Jude Heartfilia, Jude being a local bank owner and Layla a seamstress, at least they were until the economy crash 13 years ago. Jude died of a stroke from over working and mama… let's just say fate had other plans for her. I’ve essentially been on my own since I was 15, with only a few belongings of my own I've been on my own ever since.

Taking out her notebook Lucy couldn’t help but sigh, there goes Hargeon off her list, uncapping her marker to cross it off. At least that’s what she was trying to do when life hit her with an unexpected surprise. A pink one in fact.

Before she could even put the tip of her permanent marker to the paper she suddenly was shoved to the hard concrete, black ink streaking across her cheek in a zigzag. Oh NO, her makeup was completely ruined.

Rising up on her elbows to give whatever hit her a piece of her mind Lucy was stopped short by something extremely odd. No, not something. Someone.

As her vision cleared she was confronted first with dark, almost black green eyes inches from her own chocolate ones, and even more oddly. Salmon pink hair sticking up in a messy disarray of spikes all over his head, almost seeming intentional in its unruly chaos.

Next was the alarmingly warm hands on either side of her waist, breaking the fall of what Lucy now realized was a boy perhaps her own age. Lucy could say for a matter of fact he was good looking, decently built with a muscular physique comparable to a pro athletes and a perfect tan to boot. Yes, definitely cute.

Lucy didn’t get to ponder for long as the stranger then suddenly jumped to his feet with surprising agility, his hands bringing her up with him in a rush that had her head swim a little dizzily. One hand on her waist and the other holding her own limp hand.

“Watch where you’re walking weirdo, don’t wanna get yourself hurt do you?’ The boy laughed, still holding her a little too close for a stranger to be doing. What’s with this guy?

“Excuse me? You bumped into me, who the heck sprints down the street like that without looking where they’re going” Lucy huffed, her head finally clearing from the shock of her present situation.

The boy only smirked. “Oh I know I where I was going, you just happened to be in the way. What's the point of going somewhere if you don’t know where you’re headed”

“I-I Know where I’m going” Lucy blushed. “I’m going to the Magnolia after I finish my work here.” Lucy finished with a sense of finality,gripping her satchel more firmly, why would he even ask that silly question? Of course she knows where she’s going.

“Ok… well in that case you were walking in the wrong direction. Magnolia isWest, not East of here.” Snickered her mystery boy.

“Oh, well thank you” Lucy coughed a little awkwardly, taking a step back finally to take in his full appearance finally. He really was in excellent shape. Broad shoulders tapered sharply under a black one armed waistcoat trimmed with gold thread, cream trousers held up by a similar colored sash around his waist and a pair of black sandals adorned his feet simply. The collar of his jacket open just enough for Lucy to get a glimpse of toned chest littered with faint white scars.

A bit of an odd outfit in Lucy’s opinion, but for whatever reason it seemed to suit him.

“What’s your name?” The boy asked suddenly, snapping Lucy back to reality.

“Lucy… Lucy Heartfilia” Answering automatically, Lucy cursed herself, she just met this boy and she already felt the need to spill all her secrets. Aquarius would be ashamed of her. Never trust a man with your secrets, secrets are a woman's best hand in a war.

“Thats a nice name,” Pinkie whistled. “My names N-”

“STOP RIGHT THERE! THIEF” A booming voice rang out over the stone courtyard, suddenly dozens of Zentopian royal guards flooded surrounding area.

“Thief..” Lucy whispered, eyes widening slowly.

“Crap” N growled, his Happy Go Lucky demeanor suddenly dropping as he made a run for it, he was practically a blur as he made a mad dash onto a more crowded street and seemed to vanish among the crowds of the local shopping district and boutiques.

“Excuse me miss” A grave looking guard approached Lucy. “Do you happen to know anything about this boy?” Holding up what appears to be a wanted poster of N. Except instead of the seemingly happy guy she just met, she was greeted with the face of a much more menacing looking criminal. Sharp soulless eyes pierced her soul with malice and a cruel sneer curved his lips. She did not know this person.

“No, nothing at all.” Lucy said curtly. Keeping a firm jaw in hopes of not giving anything away. While it was true she didn’t know anything about him, she wanted to. Gripping her satchel more firmly in an effort to stand her ground, she stared back at the guard.

Giving her a hard look the guard finally deemed her innocent enough and thankfully moved on to interrogate more passerby.

Releasing a breath she didn't know she was holding, she bent down to collect some of the papers that had fallen with her unexpected date with the ground, noting that some appeared to be missing or at the very least out of order. She’ll check on that later on the train to Magnolia.

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts of pink hair and a fanged grin, Lucy slowly made her way to the train station with vague hopes of catching the last train of the evening. Better luck tomorrow she guessed.

[neohighwayv]

Someone like you

Characters: NCT / WayV Hendery x You

Genre: fluff, romance

Word count: 1.6k

Description: It’s nice to find someone like you – a kindred soul that enjoy a sappy love story late at night.

Credits: needyourlight; Instagram

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[00:28]

The ending credits of the movie rolls across the screen, the words in big yellow fonts glossing over your eyes as a miniature version of the credits form a reflection on your round orbs. You stay in your seat unblinking at the screen, your eyes no longer focused on the image on the screen as your thoughts drift back to the movie just now.

It was supposed to be a romantic film, but you found it to be more than that. It was a poignant story of the growing pains of being a teenager: struggling to make your identity as you navigate your awkward, developing body, the pains of a missed first love, and ultimately of these imperfect pieces forming your personal story of your youth. As the climax approaches, you find yourself trying to choke back sobs as the female lead weeps for a lover that is already too far gone for her to reach, the notion of “what could have been” too much for the audience to bear. There was not a dry eye in the house that night. It was a bittersweet movie, the kind that made you smile and cry at the same time. Perhaps the kind of healing a tender soul like yours needed.

When the screen turns black and the lights come on, you’re reminded that you’re no longer alone in the great hall as the employees’ flit between rows of seats, working with trained efficiency to clean up the spilled popcorn on the carpeted floor and between the seats. Gathering up your small bag, you bow your head as you take your leave, thanking the staff with a small voice as you proceed to leave the venue, who respond with an equally soft voice and a small smile added at the end. Making your way past the red carpeted floor, you step out into the deep night, the bustle of the city gradually slowing down as the noises slowly fade out. The lone car that passes by in front of you causes a momentary disruption to the otherwise quiet night, but the silence soon resumes, the peaceful night giving you some tranquillity. The pink of your sneakers turns dark pink as the last few raindrops land on them, the final one landing square in the middle of your white shoelaces, and you watch as the dot spreads wider. It’s almost like you're held in a trance, unable to tear your eyes away.

You're broken from your trance when the heavy brass doors to the cinema swing shut behind you, causing a low thud to reverberate through the night sky. Your feet start moving on its own, bringing you back to the familiar route home. You walk through the dark and silence with ease; you've done this a million times and nothing has ever happened. You don't expect anything to happen tonight.

Except that it does.

The occasional bark of a dog and rustling of leaves does little to conceal the soft footsteps behind you, and fear seizes your heart momentarily. You hazard a look across your shoulder, and true enough, you catch sight of a pink hoodie in your peripheral vision, one as bright as your shoes. You try to keep your body language neutral, hoping that you're just overthinking, that he'll take a turn down the next street and stop following you. But when you turn into your street and he was still right behind you, it was unmistakable. He was tailing you right from the beginning and you had to put a stop to it now. You were self-assured, you knew you could take him down if you really had to. Swivelling on the balls of your feet, you turn to stare at the stalker dead in the eye.

Except that you found it hard to find his eyes.

His mop of long hair was plastered to his forehead by a black cap, completely obscuring his orbs. For the briefest moment, you wondered how he could follow you when his vision was almost completely obscured, but the tense situation immediately brought you back to your senses, preparing your body for a flight-or-fight response.

“Just so you know, I am perfectly capable of protecting myself, with a black belt in Aikido and years of fighting my numerous siblings for things. So, if you’re planning on attacking me, I suggest you leave now.”

You bring up your clenched fists in front of your face to show that you meant business, and the mysterious boy raised his hands up in defeat, both palms opening wide to face you.

“Woah woah, calm down! You’ve got the wrong idea!”

“How so?”

You narrow your eyes at him and toughen your stance, making it very clear that you’re not buying his story. Very carefully, the boy lowered his hands to his sides, biting onto his lower lip as he contemplated on how to tell you the truth. Placing a hand on his hip, he brought the other one up to scratch behind his head, before telling you the answer in a soft and unsure voice.

“I just...wanted to be...friends..?”

“WHAT?”

Your loud exclamation frightened the poor boy, causing him to jump backwards as he raised his hands once again to defend himself.

“It’s true! I’m not lying to you! I saw you at the cinema and you were the last one to leave and I just thought…”

The gears in your brain start whirring at their full speed, playing back the entire memory from when you first enter the hall to the last moment that you left. And you remember now. You remember him. You stole a quick glance at him as you ascended the shallow steps to get to your seat, mumming your lips together to stop the smile on your face. He stood out from the dark theatre in his pink outfit, an adorable yet unconventional look for a male. Yet taking a closer look at him now… you realise that the colour suited him. A lot. It was almost like the colour pink was made for him. Bringing your attention back to the present, your eyes stop to rest on his face, helping him to complete the last of his sentence.

“And you just thought…?”

“I just thought that it would be good to make friends with someone that enjoys late night movies like myself, in particular, one that enjoys a sappy love story.”

He says it with so much sincerity and a sparkle in his eyes that it was impossible to not believe him and now that he’s swept his hair away from his face, you realise that he couldn’t hurt a fly.

He has the brightest doe eyes and they sparkle brightly under the weak light of street lamp. He gives you a tight-lipped smile, the corner of his lips lifting up ever so slightly – just to let you know that he meant no harm. You decide there and then, that you can trust the guy. If things went south – well – at least you knew you could still take him down. Besides, he was right. Being friends with someone that enjoyed a sappy love story late at night wouldn’t be such a bad thing, right?

“Well then, my newly acquired friend, what do you propose for our first activity together?”

You watch as his face lights up with your question, his lips now wide open to reveal a neat row of small pearly whites.

Cute.

You have to suppress a smile upon seeing the sight, not wanting to appear like a creep in front of him.

“A self-introduction. Then supper.”

“You first.”

“Ok! My name is Hendery, or you can call me Guanheng if you want to! What’s yours?”

His attention is fully on you now, very much like an adorable puppy waiting for his owner’s next move.

“Hi Hendery, my name is Y/N. Now, where to for supper?”

“Y/N, what a pretty name~ How about the ice cream place on the next street? Also, I apologise for stalking you just now, I needed some time to work up my courage.”

“NEO WAY? Sure. They make a pretty amazing lime sherbet; you should try that. And well, while you nearly gave me a heart attack, I’m just glad that you’re not a creep.”

“No, I’m not a creep. Is lime sherbet your favourite ice cream flavour?”

“Yes. Yours?”

Unknowingly, Hendery had managed to step up to stand beside you and was now leading the way by walking backwards, facing you so that he can talk to you.

“I’m not sure, I never really thought about it. But I can tell you my favourite colour.”

“And what would that be?”

Hendery halts in his steps, and he was now facing you with a very straight face before announcing in a serious voice:

“I like pink.”

He even added a head flick at the end of it, but his cap had fallen off his head in the process. Yet Hendery wasn’t even fazed in the slightest by it, he simply picked it up and dusted it before replacing it on his head, chuckling at his own silliness the entire time. Here was a man that was not shy to make a fool of himself, and that was refreshing to you. You laughed along with him, letting you know that you’re in with him on this.

“I should have guessed. The pink hoodie is clearly making a statement, and the colour suits you so well.”

“Thanks Y/N. I’m so jealous of your pink shoes.”

“If it fits, you can have it.”

“Really?!”

You nod your head vigorously, unable to keep the smile in anymore. The moment you turn to meet his eyes, both of you knew a special connection had been made – and maybe, just maybe – this would be the start of a magical adventure for both parties.

It’s nice to finally find someone like you.

[mx-in-words]

monsta x reaction of you being jealous.

“Hi! I really like your writing and so I thought about a request ❤ How would the members react is they see you getting jealous” - Anoun.

↬ Shownu

First of all, he has no idea you're jealous. In his head, you should have no reasons to even think about it, he loves only you and made it quite clear. 

He does know a lot of female idols, of course, but never flirt with none of them. Everyone knows that he is in a relationship and no one would even try to “steal” him. 

So when you get at the practice room and see him and another girl doing a choreography, you're blood would burn inside your veins. You trust him but you also know that he is irresistible, how could you not get jealous?

So when he finishes and said goodbye to the dancer, he saw you with a BIG POUT.

"Hello love, give me a kiss" he said leaning to you but you turned your face.

" what's wrong?" He asked.

" I don't know, ask a kiss to miss.perfect dancer over there"

" are you...?" He smiled and held you close, giving you a passionate kiss.

" don't be jealous jagiya, no one has my heart, only you. Let's go home"

↬ Wonho

Would try to cool you down, pretend is not a big deal and be hella cute. Wonho is a very romantic guy, he honestly prefers a healthy and sincere relationship where communication is the key, being like this makes him do whatever he can to cut your jealous behaviour.

Since the new stylist started with the team, he notices you been acting coy and cold. Sometimes ignoring to go with him in the dressing room or even ignoring his texts.

“Y/n, my lovee, why are you acting like this to me?” he asked you, holding your hand

You just didn't answer. 

“What is it? Did I made something wrong?” you started to feel sorry for him.

“ You don’t love me anymore?” You looked in shook at him.

“How can you say this Bunny? Of course I love you!” You hold his hands. 

“So tell me what's wrong darling” he whispered at your ear

“Okay, I am jealous, that new stylist is so... pretty and you were smiling so hard to her... I am sorry” you confess, entering yourself in his embrace. 

“Hey, I am glad you told me, but you know that is not good for you to feel like this. I only have eyes for you and only you.” 

↬ Minhyuk

He is shocked. Minhyuk, as we all know, is a very communicative and friendly person, the sunshine itself, so he does enjoy new faces and places.

He also made this clear to you, and you being someone who matches with him, would understand and be at the same boat. 

The problem is: Your school enemy, the girl who took all your ex’s, was in the same bowling classes as minmin. Of course, you wanted to keep an eye at her, so you joined the classes right after you discover she was in the same team as minhyuk. 

The only thing that made your sin obvious was that you suck at bowling. You hate it, and your lovely boyfriend knows you too well. 

“Just say it, why are you in the class with me?” he asked sitting with you in the sofa at your shared apartment. 

“Can I just want more time with my love?” you smiled angelic, receiving an half-arched eyebrow, with judging eyes. Yeah, he won't let you go on this one. 

“ FINE!” you explain the whole situation for him. He listens to it very carefully, trying to understand your side. 

“ First of all, what a bitch. Second of all, I THOUGHT SHE WAS A LESBIAN. Third of all, quite the class, don’t you worry I only love two women in my life: my mom and you, the third will be our daughter and that’s it. I love you, don’t be jealous anymore” 

“ I love you too. And what made you think she is a lesbian?”

“ she kept a very attentive eye in Sara, my lesbian friend, so I don't know” 

↬ Kihyun

The conservative hamster is worried. He never saw you getting jealous, at first, he enjoyed a little but then he realized you were not joking, it may get you on your nerves and he doesn’t like to be the reason why you are stressed.

It started when he asks you to stay the holiday with his family and him in a beneficent event, which may or may not includes his ex. 

It’s not just an ex. Is THAT ex who keeps calling him, who had broken his heart, the one he wrote more songs that you even know... the ex his family still loves and her family is a friend of his family. 

He did warn you that she may get there but you pretend it was okay. Of course, it was not, your anxiety was eating you inside. When you saw her, the way she was speaking with him with such care, the way his eyes were smiling to her. You put a hand on his thighs beneath the table, making him smirk at you.

At the moment he saw how sad you looked, his facial expression changed immediately to a very worried one. 

“Can we talk?” He excused himself off the table and drag you to a corner. 

“ Are you okay?” he asked lingering his soft hands in your naked arms. You denied. 

“No, I am jealous, so fucking jealous and it feels horrible.” you look down.

“ I understand but also, she is in my past. I am here with you, only you and it always will be you. Put this in your beautiful head yeah? I brought you here because you are the person I most love in my life, I want my family to know how in love I am and to show you to everyone, so they will meet my future wife” 

“kihyun...” he kissed you, taking all your insecurities away, definitively he loves you. 

WERE CAN I BUY MY KIHYUN? 

↬ Hyungwon

Will definitely think you’re kidding. He will get in the joke and tell how silly you are for being jealous of him. The strange part is that he will joke with you about how he is also jealous of your co-workers for example and this will end okay. You both saying how silly this feeling is, how much you meant and love each other.

You’re jealous of one of the stages ladies when he was DJing at a famous club. She was flirting with him, but he wasn’t flirting back, which is good, but not enough to hold your emotions. 

He saw how you kept an eye on the girl, hyungwon know you too much for your own good. He also knows how easily upset can you get about small things, so he gave you a lot of attention. 

“hm, seems like you don’t need me that much” you say looking away. 

“ Oh, so you think you can get jealous? what about Soon Jin? he is always with you! Can I get jealous too?” you laugh at his response, hugging him more.  

“You such a jerk! You know he is just a friend...” you rolled your eyes and stole him a kiss. 

“So, no jealous here. This a NO-JEALOUS area now” he winked at you. 

“ I love you for being the best and most dork boyfriend.” he pretends to be shocked.

“ being a dork makes this beautiful smile of yours came out, doesn't it? So I take this job with honour.” he kisses your cheek “ I love you too, just you okay?”

↬ Jooheon

oh no, not him again. Jooheon will get annoyed with your jealousy behaviour, would assure you once that is nothing and that’s it. 

Not that he doesn't care, he does. But for him, jealous is the same as not trusting, so if you don't trust him, why are you in this relationship? He would be hurt to see you hurt, so would talk directly to you what he thinks, since you know him a long time, you understand that he is a very transparent person, so you accept his words as comfort. 

“ Look Y/n, I know this girl since high school, it’s one of my oldest friends! She is married, why would you be jealous of her? you don’t think I love you? Does my love seems weak for you?” 

You don’t know how to reply, feeling awful and silly for even thinking like this. 

“ I...” he signs “ I love you so much, you’re my world and your pain is mine too, trust me when I say that this is not healthy for us. I wouldn't lie to you, never.”

“ You’re right. I am sorry baby, I love you too... So much that it hurts to think about losing you. Silly right?” He hugs you tight, kissing your forehead. 

“Not at all, I feel the same. but I also know that you will never lose me. I won’t let this happen, My love for you is bigger than all our past and future lives, I will always find you.” 

 ↬ Changkyun

The only one who would tease af. Well, he would stop if you admit that you’re jealous but both of you are such stubborn kids, ugh.

He started a new song with a female rapper, whom already is married but the long nights of both of them at the studio, the way they have inside jokes and how he talks about her with sparkles eyes. 

You started to show up in the middle of the night bringing snacks, food or even the excuse “I forgot my jacket here, sorry to interrupt”.

Changkyun already knows you're jealous, so he started to tease more, taking selfies with her, talking more about her at home.

One night he was in the mood. So you just said no.

“Go find ‘rappers name’, maybe she is in the mood” you said it, turning yourself to watch tv.

“Aw baby c’mon, you know I was only teasing you! you’re my baby girl, my beautiful significant other, the love of my life” he kissed your hands.

“You’re saying this because you’re horny” you signed.

“No, for real, you must know that no one can replace you. Even if you leave me, my heart and soul are yours” he looked deeply at your eyes.

“I love you too, stop teasing me, you're mine. Come here” you kissed him, smiling during the kiss. 

“So...” he smirks. I know what he wants ;) 

none of the gifs are mine. Credits for the owners. 

[hoodie-lover]

My Multiverse Part 57

Dream was sitting in the Doodlesphere, he was stressed and pacing. He was ready to make an announcement to the multiverse about the balance, Ink’s abuse, and his plan. Which, the reformed voices were more than happy to detail what he would have to do and how prepared he was to do it. 

“You ok Dream?” Blue asked, his body still glitching but it was controllable and not very noticeable now. 

“Yeah. I’m just nervous, this is the biggest scandal we have ever faced. And I have to help us recover, when I was a contributor to the evil we are trying to get rid of.” Dream lamented and Blue shook his head. 

“You were abused and hurt in a way no one can possibly imagine, not even myself. You have no right to blame yourself.” Blue said as he gave him a hug. 

“Thanks.” Dream said as he gave Blue a large hug. 

“You’re welcome.” Blue said as he went off through a portal to some AU. 

“Let’s do this.” Dream told himself as he summoned everyone to their table, Ink’s chair having been removed. “Hello everyone. You are owed an explanation.” Dream said when everyone sat down, Geno and Sci letting out breaths. 

They explained their story, and they also explained what Error had said, the voices backing their story up along with the Dark Sanses. Dream had to use viewing portals to prevent, for lack of better term, a bloodbath. 

“So, Ink had a mind control power and used us, sexually abused you, and the people who Ink was made to help, the people who at first made universes, tortured Error ro prevent the multiverse from imploding?” Red said and Dream nodded. 

“I know. It’s crazy. But I pray you believe me.” Dream said as he hung his head. “Any questions?” He asked and Red’s eye flashed. 

“Why were you in support of Ink when he said Blue and Classic were kidnapped? It’s suspicious, I know he had mutilated your soul and all, but you need to elaborate.” Red said, growling. 

“I didn’t care, and Ink had months of torture and brainwashing in his favor. I did get some care and emotion back, and when I got an actual full soul, it helped even more.” Dream explained, keeping eye contact. 

“How did he even do that? You never said, and how do we know it wasn’t Nightmare who brainwashed you?” Black or Swap!Fell Sans asked, growling as well. 

“He had a Sans, I don’t remember who,” Dream lied, “torture me with blue magic and he also starved me. I do remember the torture, but most of it is fuzzy.” Dream said, that part was truthful. 

“To answer your second question, you saw Ink’s mental breakdown, and the voices wouldn’t even interact with us if it wasn’t important. You’ve met them.” Dream said and everyone agreed at that part. Them joking about their worst trauma and memories was hard. They seemed detached and were in a hurry. 

“No more questions? Well now onto Ink. What should we do with him?” Dream asked and the room was quiet. 

“We know the Dark Sanses want to kill him slowly and painfully. I am for it. Despite the voices protesting.” Sci said, shocking everyone. 

“Sorry I am late! I had to deal with a situation involving a panic attack and a battle-axe.” Alt said as he jumped into Sci’s lap and kissed him. 

“This is Alt. Please do not attack him.” Geno said, and Sci glared at everyone as he held his boyfriend close. 

“Doesn’t he have that power as well? But stronger?” Someone said. 

“I gave it up. It was a curse, and I have my ink. It was a shock when I launched it and boiled it on my multiverse’s Nightmare. I had no idea what happened until we theorized and tested it.” Alt said, smiling. 

“What did you do with him?” They asked, and Alt sighed. 

“We killed him. But, since no one protested against the idea, though I wasn’t the biggest fan of that idea.” Alt said and everyone sighed. 

“Ink is too dangerous to be left alive, though his biggest strength, his mind control and influence have been stripped from him, he is too unstable to be left alive.” Sci said, and most everyone agreed. 

“I admit to the Stockholm Syndrome, but I do not like the idea of killing him. It feels wrong and I don’t like killing in general. But I do understand why you are so in favor of it.” Dream said, holding his head in one of his hands. 

“So are we going to kill him?” Black asked and Dream sighed. 

“If you want to, I will not stop you. I will discuss with the Dark Sanses about our decision, along with the voices.” Dream said and everyone agreed. 

“Thank you. If you have any questions you have not asked for whatever reason please do contact me, Sci, or Geno.” Dream said and everyone left. 

Dream collapsed to the floor and shook as he looked back on what had happened. Though he felt a cool and comforting grip on his waist, Nightmare. 

“Hey.” Nightmare said, holding Dream in his arms. 

“Hey.” Dream said, letting Nightmare rock him slowly. 

“You ok?” Nightmare asked and Dream sighed. 

“No.” Dream said and Nightmare gave him a small pat on the head.

Dream grumbled as he was pet and rocked by Nightmare, but he did like the comforting feeling it brought. He even fell asleep in his brother’s arms, and Nightmare gave a small chuckle as he picked his brother up and put him in the bed. 

“Silly kid.” Nightmare said as he tucked him in. 

The Dark Senses were hanging out and celebrating the defeat of Ink. They had technically won their war, even if it was declared to be officially a tie. 

“Heya! How are ya?” Killer asked, hanging upside down. 

“Fine. And in case you were wondering, Ink is to be killed.” Nightmare said and everyone cheered. 

“You do realize the voices are going to be pissed? They were Ink’s closest friends, and they were advocating Ink stay with them.” Nightmare said, taking a sip of the probably spiked punch. 

“Letting the people who technically raised Ink keep him captive after the shit he just pulled? They have to think we're idiots.” Dust said, drinking ketchup and promptly gagging as he coughed it up. “How did I like this?!” He screamed and everyone laughed. 

“C’mon. It’s not that bad.” Killer said, taking a sip and spitting it out promptly after. 

Horror was the only one to stomach the condiment and grinned eerily at the two as he drank the whole thing with ease. Everyone had a laugh as they had small party games and other fun things. 

In the original timeline, they had just gotten through a pretty close call and ended up with the best neutral run they could get. Everyone was pleased. 

“So Sans, what happened with the other yous?” Undyne asked, she was shaken from the ordeal she had just been through. 

“Ink was captured, rid of his power, and as far as I’m aware, will be killed.” Sans said, and Undyne nodded. 

“You ok with that?” She asked and Sans nodded. 

“He tortured me and tried to break me, luckily it takes several thousand deaths and carefully worded offers, about a few 700 to get a chip in me.” He said, and Papyrus came in. 

“How do you do?” He asked, and Sans smiled a weak grin. 

“I’m good bro. Ink will be dead and we’ll be safe to explore the multiverse as we please. And I admit, it’ll be fun and relaxing to be able to confide in you about what happened. And what I remember.” Sans said, and Papyrus smiled. 

“I look forward to it! Do you have any friends?” Papyrus asked and Sans laughed. 

“Paps, I know about every Sans you can think of. And they are awesome!” He said, and he began to tell stories about how he met them and what he knew about them. Excluding the fells’ many attempted murders, no one needed to know about that.

Characters belong to their respective owners

Next 

First

[m-602]

The One Who Fought Back

((So yesterday I had gotten into a writing mood. There were three ideas in my head for potential stories: a Monster Under the Bed story revolving around Empress lore, a story detailing events M (my character) would go through in his future, or a generic Halloween story (ha ha, boring). I had decided on the M story, and posted it on my blog late last night.))

((But now (since I got permission) I’ve decided to take a crack at the MUtB story anyway. So here you go @kittydoesthings​! I love your AU and love RPing for it over on @ask-us-anything-mutb​! It’s such an interesting concept that somehow just... works! Consider this a gift for being an amazing person!))

((Warning! Contains violence!))

((Enjoy!))

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Subcon Inc., Empress

It was just another day on the job. It was almost time for Empress to pay her kid a “visit”. All the other monsters were already making their way to the portals - all she had to do was get up and go in once she got the all clear.

Her kid was... an unusual character. When Empress first started scaring her, she screamed bloody murder the first two weeks. It made her feel extremely proud! After all, not too many monsters actually get such vivid reactions reactions from their kids, even if they all succeed in scaring them.

Recently, however, things have gotten... quiet. The child still cowered under her blankets the moment Empress entered her room... But the screams stopped. The child had grown extremely quiet anytime the monster under her bed payed a visit. Not even a whimper escaped the still shaking form. It was... honestly a little discomforting.

And today, that thought rose to the front of Empress’s mind. The fact that her child was acting so strangely, despite still being terrified of her, made her very uncomfortable. It was unsettling, especially with how it developed so gradually, too. She would get quieter and quieter, turning from screams, to whimpers, to utter silence. It kind of made her feel...

She killed that thought as quickly as it came. Her, a monster, scared of her child? It was absurd! What did she have to be afraid of!? There was no way the child could do any harm to her, so there was no need to be thinking like that.

With that in mind, she finally stood up and made her way to the floor. She had a job to do - there was no way some silly doubts were going to get in the way of that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The House, [REDACTED]

She had enough. She couldn’t take it anymore.

This stupid cat monster thing kept getting into her room and scaring the daylights out of her! It just kept coming every night to do... something! It didn’t even touch her, but its very presence seemed to freak her out! Eventually she just stopped screaming and just shook under her blankets in fright, trying to figure out just what the heck it wanted!

She tried telling her parents, but all they told her was that she was overreacting. That she was just making excuses to keep herself from sleeping alone. Shrugging it off as if she was crazy!

But she wasn’t crazy! That monster was there, it was real! There were claw marks under her bed to prove it! And they still don’t believe her!

...

If her own parents won’t help her... then she’ll just have to settle this herself.

...

Where are the knives?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Subcon Inc., Empress

“All assigned monsters, stand by as the portals are prepared.”

*Beep!*

At the beep of the intercom, the portals began to hum with power. They would only take a few seconds to power on, once night reached its darkest. A few seconds until Empress would do the job she’s always done. 

Yeah, that was it. Just another day on the job. There was absolutely nothing different. Nothing will happen. Nothing will go wrong. Everything is fine. So she should stop worrying and just do what’s she’s supposed to do.

The portal finally sprung to life. It crackled with the strange teleportation power all the monsters were so familiar with. It’s still not completely understood... but then again, no one really questions it.

She steps forward, fully preparing herself for the task at hand. The task she should have no trouble with fulfilling...

She holds onto that thought as darkness consumes her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The House, [REDACTED]

Night was upon her. Soon the monster would be, too.

She was ready this time. She wasn’t even in her bed.

She wouldn’t be easily seen. She wouldn’t be easily deterred.

...

All she had to do was make it bleed, right?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The House, Empress

Immediately she felt herself on the floor. Immediately she felt herself in a cramped space. She knew instantly that she was in, and that it was time to scare the owner of the room.

Her eyes easily scanned the darkened room, peering through the shadows as if they were never there. She started clawing the floor, trying to unnerve the child above her. Once she was sure that she was ripe and ready, she began to rise from under the bed. She turned to face the child...

Only to be met with a neat, empty bed.

Empress was shocked at first, but then thought it through. The reason was easily discernible.

She probably got up to use the bathroom or something. It happens. I can wait, she thought...

That thought was dashed when she was made aware of another presence in the room.

She knew it was the child - it couldn’t be anyone else. But she felt the kid’s eyes bare into her back. For some reason, the situation unsettle her.

She turned around, ready to scare the life out of her child...

The child just stared at her, their eyes blank and emotionless. The little girl seemed to stare into her very soul. At this point, Empress was a little freaked out at how empty the child’s eyes seemed.

Imagine her shock when the little girl jumped on her.

Caught completely by surprise, Empress was filled with... panic? Why was she panicking? All she had to do was get this suddenly aggressive and psychotic child off her and then-

Her thoughts were cut off by an immense, sharp pain.

It felt cold and agonizing. Empress howled in pain, holding her paws and what she recognized as a stab wound.

She couldn’t believe it. The little girl had grabbed a knife, hid somewhere in her room, jumped her, and pecking stabbed her. She was just about to retaliate...

When she was stabbed again, a seething pain shooting all across her body.

The girl continued before Empress could react, stabbing her again and again and again and she just wouldn’t stop.

There was blood everywhere - it practically coated the entire room, the girl included. Empress was in agony. It hurt so badly, and she was desperately trying to get the little psycho off of her. For the first time in memory... she feared for her life.

In an act of adrenaline fueled desperation, Empress managed to weakly shove the child off of her. At this point she was covered in gashes and cuts, losing blood at a rapid rate. She was terrified at this point, doing anything and everything to just get away.

The child got up swiftly, preparing to rush her again. In a panic, Empress tried crawling her way under the bed, barely clinging to consciousness. Her entire body was racked in pain, but she had to get away. She couldn’t die to a human child of all things.

Just before said child managed to grab her tail, Empress felt darkness take her. Thankfully, she could feel herself being transported back. She could feel that she was conscious, if only barely. And, more importantly, she felt that she was alive and away from that psycho of a brat.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The House, C  H  A  R  L  O  T  T  E

She watched on as that thing crawled away, its tail between its legs. Finally, she got rid of it. She hoped that the utter thrashing she gave it would keep it away.

Now, however... She honestly wondered why she was so scared of it. She so easily managed to mortally wound it. In fact, she felt... exhilarated by what just happened. Her heart was pumping wildly from giving that thing a piece of her mind.

In a way... it felt good.

But now she had to worry about the mess she made. There was quite a lot of blood, after all. She turned away from the bed, taking a moment to look back at it. She raised the knife up a bit, as if threatening anything that could be watching.

She turned to exit her bedroom, looking down the hall. Her idiots for parents were still asleep. Good. It’ll make this easy to clean up. Being extra sure to stay quiet, she went down to the kitchen to do... something about the bloody knife. To clean it, to dispose of it, no one knows by this point. All that can be certain is no one knew of what happened. No one will remember what happened... It shouldn’t matter anymore.

That thing wouldn’t dare mess with her if it valued its life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Subcon Inc., Empress

She got out the portal, receiving a lot of shocked looks from her colleagues.

She was bombarded with questions from a series of concerned faces.

“What the peck happened to yer!?”

“Oh goodness, are you okay?”

“What exactly happened back there?”

“Did that child manage this!?”

“How is this possible!?”

She managed to tell her story as best she could, already feeling herself start to black out. She told them how the child was acting weird. How the child jumped her and stabbed her. How the demon looked so emotionless and terrifying as they did it.

Eventually, the blood loss was too much, and she blacked out, oblivious to the world around her. The little brat was the last thing on her mind as she did it. She wouldn’t tell anyone but those closest to her... but she never felt more terrified in her life.

The portal was immediately closed off, and the child decommissioned due to the threat they posed to other monsters. Empress’s story would spread like wildfire. It eventually became a legend among monsters; a horror story for the young ones and old alike.

The story... of The One Who Fought Back...

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((I sincerely hope I didn’t botch up any lore. I really tried to incorporate as much as could and capitalize on it. However, I didn’t want to add too much. I simply wanted to give this piece of lore some life, as I found it fitting for Halloween (even though it’s November 1st at the time I’m writing this). If I got anything wrong, I’m sorry in advance!))

((If there’s anything else you want me to write anything else for ya, feel free to ask! I really want to get into story making (it’s, like, the one creative thing I could probably do; I’m not super talented imo). I’m always up for writing stories, so send me some prompts if you want!))

((Also, please feel free to add some criticisms. I want to get better at doing stuff like this. Just be sure it’s something constructive if you’re going to criticize this story.))

((Have a beautiful day! :D ))

[rosecorcoranwrites]

Video Games as Textual, Audiovisual, Spatial Storytelling

Video games are worth your while and are a unique form of storytelling. Games combine the best aspects of books, movies, and comics, while offering one other element, which we’ll get to later. First, let’s talk about games’ use of textual, audiovisual, and spatial storytelling.

Text and Subtext

Like a book, many games use text to tell their story. Older games rarely had voice acting, instead having each character’s words written or typed out on the screen. Games that now have voice acting still usually reserve it for cutscenes and use text for the majority of encounters in the game. This is somewhat equivalent to a comic’s use of speech balloons.

Some games, however, use text in a way unique from comics or books, and that is by using it in the descriptions of creatures and items. Okami is but one example of this; each time you fight an enemy, a description of it is added to your bestiary. These descriptions reveal new information that the player wouldn’t know simply from fighting each creature: that’s not just a flying fish, but the soul of a drowned woman; that electric mirror was struck by lightning, became a tsukumogami, and holds some of the theatrical feelings of it’s former owner; that scarecrow monster is the physical embodiment of loneliness felt in wintery lands. Although these descriptions don’t affect the main storyline, they add to the player's understanding of the world of the game. Similar encyclopedic items are found in other games, such as Pokemon’s Pokédex or Breath of the Wild's Sheikah Slate camera.

Certain games rely more heavily, if not entirely, on such descriptions to tell their story. Dark Souls is a hands-off game that gives players only the barest minimum information: in order to light the First Flame and stop everyone from going undead, ring two bells, fight four guys, get their souls and dump them into the Flame. That’s it. Not a lot to go on, and if that were it, I can’t see Darks Souls ever having become as popular as it is (especially considering how punishingly difficult it is). But beneath the surface lies a trail of breadcrumbs to follow; in the descriptions of each article of clothing, piece of armor, or weapon lie an intricate story and world building. If the player takes the time to pay attention to what is said, what items look like, and how they are described and then connects the dots, they are rewarded with a totally fleshed out story. Before I watched my brother play Dark Souls (It’s way too hard for me to play myself), I thought I hated dark fantasy, but Dark Souls sold me on it, and it did that with its subtle yet complex storytelling technique.

Art Style and Sound Effects

Games utilize visuals and sound in a way similar to movies, in that they present their story with specific camera angles and blocking (in cutscenes, at least) and use recurring theme music and sound effects. Games do, however, tend to be more stylized than movies. In terms of visuals, this was originally due to technological limitations; that is, graphics had to be simple because arcade machines and game cartridges didn’t have the capacity to handle more complicated data. Nowadays, the visual style of a game is a deliberate choice on the part of the developers.

As an aside, more realistic or better graphics do not necessarily equate to a better art style, in that “real” is not actually a style. There’s nothing wrong with games that choose realism, but I personally prefer those that present something more intentional: the painted scroll look of Okami, whose story is based on folklore; the lanky griminess of Dark Souls, which has themes of death and a world passing away; or the neon, middle-school-skater aesthetic of Splatoon, a paint-ball/skatepark simulator. Choosing a particular style and color scheme for a game can affect the way the player feels about it. Should they be scared, or amped up? Should it seem serious, or goofy and silly? Should the game feel artificial or realistic? Maybe it should be even more real than real, as in the detailed sci-fi sets of Halo and Destiny? These are things that good game developers ask and answer in the form of visual storytelling.

As far as the use of sound, the most stylized aspect of it is non-diegetic sound effects and the use of theme music. For non-diegetic sounds, I mean sounds that are meant to alert the player to something, but that are not part of the world of the game: the sound in the Metal Gear games that happens when someone notices Snake sneaking around, the beeping in Zelda games, and so on. Though such sounds function as alerts to the players, but I wouldn’t necessarily call them part of storytelling.

Music, on the other hand, absolutely serves the story. Games use recurring musical themes for specific characters  and situations. Ace Attorney, for example, uses the “Turnabout Sisters” theme for Mia and Maya, while other themes specify which phase of a trial you're in: cross-examination, a dangerous situation or new revelation, or the final confrontation with the guilty party. Many game series have music that span all games such as the Halo Theme, The Legend of Zelda Theme, and Zelda’s Lullaby. When these play, not only does the player get a sense of the import of whatever’s happening in that particular scene, but also feels connected to something larger, something that spans decades (in the real world) or even centuries (in the story setting). Music like this creates cohesion and immersion, and is a huge part of the emotional impact of games.

Two- and Three-Dimensional Space

While comics use two-dimensional space, in the form of panels and pages, games can use two- or use three-dimensional space. Side-scrollers (those games that feature the characters in profile, moving more or less left and right), top-down games (where the players views all action as if they were seeing it from above) and other such games generally use space either to simply let the character more from one location to another (whether that is from one event to another, to different random encounters or battle scenes, or even just the beginning of the level to its end), or as a way to introduce puzzles.

While oftentimes games include puzzles to make the games more challenging, certain games incorporate them into the story. Ghost Trick’s gameplay consists of building Rube Goldberg machines in order to save people from being killed, but that's because the main character is a ghost who can only possess and manipulate objects. A three-dimensional version of this is Portal, where the premise of the game is that you find yourself in a rather shady laboratory that is running tests using a gun that can shoot portals, allowing you to teleport around the test chambers. The gameplay involves strategy and puzzle-solving skills, and the in-game setting literally involves the same thing (incidentally, while Portal would be a fun puzzle game on it’s own, the audio from GlaDos, the AI who runs the test, is what makes that game an unforgettable classic!). While comics require that the artist use space to tell their story, games like Ghost Trick and Portal require the player to utilize and interact with the space in order to become a part of the world and advance the plot.

Since we’re talking about three-dimensional games, which obviously include puzzles and getting from point A to B, I’ll mention that games have the addition of a sense of distance. That is, you might be able to see a volcano on the horizon, or know on your map where the next town lies, but you actually have to take the time to journey there. Thus, many a game includes a quest element. You, the player, take a journey and spend time in the space—the world—of the game. Not only do many games require you to complete a quest, many allow you to go off the beaten path, in the form of side quests, exploration, and choices.

But this post is getting long, and I have a lot to say regarding how that exploration and choice factors into what makes games truly unique. For now, I think I have shown that video games are worthwhile. Next time, dear readers—and gamers—I’ll share more thoughts on video games and why they are a totally unique form of storytelling.

[idv-ask-servais]

Where is fiona's 📖? i want my fiona's 📖. Or you can do Kreacher or Lydia instead.

(I've been writing this for two hours my brain is dead I feel like this turned out more for Helena than Fiona I'm so sorry but I really have no idea what to write)

Fiona was a very dedicated person. No matter what task she had been entrusted with, she would do her best to complete it. Regardless of how unpleasant said task was, she would still fulfil what was expected of her dutifully, and sometimes even more so.

Once, she came up to me, her expression hopeful.

"Sevais," she twisted a stray strand of red-gold hair round and round her finger. "You are well versed in the arcane magics, correct?"

"Depends on what type of 'magics' you are referring to," I replied nervously, images of cultic rituals and human sacrifices flashing through my head. While one could say Fiona would never harm a fly in all her kindness, the same could not be said about the rituals her fellow believers were rumoured to have practised.

"In that case," she continued eagerly. "Could you perhaps teach me the way to open up the spiritual paths of communication between the human mind and that of the brethren of nature?"

It took a while for me to actually understand what she was referring to.

"I think you're asking the wrong person. I'm an entertainer, not an animal whisperer."

"Ah, I see..." the disappointment on her face was evident as she sighed and turned away.

I was inclined to leave her and be done with it but the curiosity got the better of me.

"But why do you need to know that?" I questioned as she moved to the door. "Surely there's a reason for the sudden interest."

"Well..." she hesitated for a moment, before taking her hand away from the doorknob. "To be honest, it's somewhat trivial."

"That's alright, just tell me what it is that's troubling you."

"It's Eli," she said finally. "He seems...troubled recently. I've tried asking him what the matter was but he keeps telling me not to worry about it. And I've tried to not worry, but I can't help but think about what could have happened..." she glanced despairingly at me. What a considerate person.

"I see, but how does that correlate to...animal whispering?"

"So you see," she continued. "I thought that if Eli wouldn't tell me or anyone else, perhaps his owl could! Since it follows him everywhere, and knows everything that happens to him..." she trailed off. "I know...it sounds silly, but I don't think I'm clever enough to work it out the way detectives do, and Eli doesn't seem to be talking about it any time soon."

"I see why you'd try that approach," the idea of talking the the owl was...unconventional. On the other hand, the inhabitants of this manor certainly had curious abilities. If one could turn invisible and another could share a body with two souls, then I wouldn't be too surprised if someone turned out to be able to actually communicate with animals. "Have you had any leads so far? Aside from me, that is."

"No," she admitted. "I was sort of counting on you knowing that kind of thing."

"Ah..." I fell into thought. Out of all the survivors, the only person I could think of who could be a potential animal whisperer was Eli, and...clearly, we couldn't ask him. As for the hunters, I wasn't so sure, not having interacted with them as much as I did with the survivors. So, we decided to ask someone who was a frequent visitor to the hunter's side of the manor.

"Hmm? Animal whispering? I'm not sure about that," Helena tapped her finger against her chin, her legs swinging back and forth below the dining room table. The fat ball of fur she had dubbed Alexander the Great daintily pawed at the tablecloth and stared intelligently at us. "From what I know, none of the hunters really do that kind of thing."

"But what about leads?" Fiona clasped Helena's hand, her gaze sincere. Alexander patted her cheek with his paw. "Do you know anyone who might know the way?"

Helena fell silent, her expression thoughtful. Fiona glanced impatiently around the room, frowning as she rubbed the cat behind the ears. Alexander purred, and smiled, much like the illustrations of the Cheshire cat in children's Alice in Wonderland storybooks. He stared at me in such an unnervingly smug way that I couldn't help but look away.

After what seemed like a decade, Helena hummed and hopped off her chair, her stick tapping against the ground as she strolled off towards the door leading to the hunters' end of the manor.

"I have two candidates," she announced, the rhythmic sound of her stick hitting the ground loud as gunshots in the silent corridors of the other end of the manor. "The first is Joker, and the second is Bane. If neither of them can provide a solution to our problem, then I shall resort to extreme measures and enlist my third candidate."

"I see why you'd pick Bane," Fiona nodded sagely, her tone much lighter than it had been a few minutes ago. "But why Joker? I didn't think he'd have anything to do with...animal whispering."

"Why, that's because he's- oh hello, Yhdhra!" Helena stopped to greet what seemed to be thin air. I felt a shiver run down my spine as the air greeted her back and went hissing down the way we came. Neither Fiona nor Helena seemed perturbed by this. I wondered why I was even still here.

"But anyways," Helena continued. "Joker once worked in a circus. I hear he knew an animal tamer, so I was wondering whether he picked up any animal whispering tricks from them."

Well, unfortunately enough for us, he didn't.

"Do I look like a-what do you call it? Oh, a 'lover of nature and all her creatures'? No!" he leered at us, his wide smile as terrifying as the dangerous glint in his eyes. "Go find that fool, Bane. He's the one wearing a deer head on his face." Then, more meekly, he bent down and said to Helena. "Sorry for hitting you in the match earlier, little miss. I know you're a good girl. But I gotta do what I'm told to do."

"Yes, I know," Helena patted his shoulder sympathetically. "Thank you for the help, Mister Joker."

As we left the room, Fiona seemed to have gained a new perspective.

"They don't seem all that bad at all," she remarked to me, glowing with admiration for the blind girl before us. "Joker, at least. Do you think I could have such a good relationship with the hunters too?"

"I don't know..." Why was I here again?

"I wonder if they'll like me more if I made them snacks," Fiona said dreamily.

Our second candidate, Bane, was not much more help than Joker.

"Skgifkjdhevvfkfk!" He exclaimed after listening patiently to our predicament. "Aidhebenekwk, ekjfjeieifhf, roeodhfn!"

"I'm sorry, I'm afraid I can't understand you," Helena shook her head regretfully.

Bane scratched the top of the deer head, before raising his hands and launching into a rapid burst of sign language, his fingers twitching eagerly at the end of his speech.

Sadly, none of us knew sign language, and the mission was deemed a failure.

"Usually Leo's there to translate for me," Helena sighed as she thumped along the corridor, Fiona trailing dejectedly by her side. "But he's in a match right now, probably won't be back till tomorrow morning. I'd suggest we ask again later, but the manor owner doesn't take too kindly to us getting too cozy with the hunters." If I were the manor owner, I'd say that Helena had gone past "too cozy" and deep into "extremely friendly" with the hunters.

"Why do you think Eli's in a bad mood anyways?" I asked Fiona the question that had been on my mind throughout the entire process. "Isn't he always that stoic?"

"Well, he's been sighing a lot more than usual lately," Fiona's expression went worried again. "And he keeps stress eating. I know it's stress eating because I've seen him do it before matches with the hunters that intimidate him."

Helena whistled and told us that this meant she would have to resort to extreme measures. Fiona just nodded grimly, her hands wringing repeatedly as we made our way to a workshop at the very back of the manor.

Before we entered the workshop, Helena stopped, and turned to Fiona.

"Are you sure you would like to know that badly?" she asked. "This measure is very extreme."

"Yes," Fiona's eyes were filled with the determination of someone who had made up their mind. "I won't let anyone be unhappy if I can do anything about it."

Helena shrugged and pushed the door open.

Inside the small workshop, we found an old man with mechanised limbs drilling away at a rusty piece of metal.

"Why, if it isn't the little mouse!" Burke grinned, the gaps between his teeth showing as he hobbled over to us. "What brings you here to this drunk old man's lair."

"I need you to get Eli to spill his troubles," Helena raised her head to talk to him. "Fiona's worried."

Burke turned and surveyed Fiona, who smiled nervously and waved. He harrumphed and addressed Helena again.

"Alright, I'll see what I can do," he clanked out of the workshop, his metal parts hissing with steam as he went. "I'll be back, so sit tight."

Seeing as this was none of my business anymore, and frankly, this place scared me more than I was willing to admit, I bade the two girls goodbye and returned to the survivors' end of the manor.

Two days later, Fiona came up to me again, beaming and looking terribly pleased with herself.

"The situation is solved now," she said cheerfully. "Eli was just feeling ill recently and it made him a little anxious about going into matches, so I fixed him up with some stew and he's all better now."

I raised my eyebrows. Fiona nodded convincingly, her smile unfalteringly radiant.

"Well then, how did Burke get him to talk?"

"Oh," her tone grew disapproving. "He force fed Eli whiskey until he got drunk and ranted to everyone nearby about his troubles. I don't think it's a good move towards someone who's sick, but it's an extreme measure, as Helena calls it."

Her face brightened up again. "But he's not sick anymore now, and that's good I suppose. I'd really hate it if anyone in the manor were suffering all on their own without telling people about it," she laughed, her expression serene. "Wouldn't you agree, Servais?"

[dirkgentle]

“Go. Just go.” (( angst??? didn't have many options with that one, but thought I'd send one anyway~))

                                DirkGently doesn’t know everything. In fact, on certain days he derives akind of grimly sardonic, sometimes strategic, yet always utterlyself-deprecating delight from inferring he doesn’t know anything.It’s both a convenience and a joy to disguise oneself as abenign ( though occasionally somewhat accidentally death-inducing )idiot. Especially one of the sort that makes even just the implication of privatedetecting seem like an absurd joke. The easiest mask to uphold, Dirkhas always sagely believed, is one that is glued on by severalstrata of truth. Uncomfortable realisations about one’s own nature have a tendency to STICK, after all. As such, he’s quite aware thatthe role of the blundering fool suits him in the very bespokest ofways: he certainly is a fool. He might perhaps be best advised toprint the very definition of blundering on his business cards so asto spare others the embarrassment of having to point out hissituational incompetence to his nose. In short, it makes it mucheasier for all parties involved to confess overtly to his ownshortcomings. But rather more often thanhe would like, priding himself on his idiocyleads to … well, this. People forgetting thatthere’s a brain to be foundeven in jelly-brainedness. People assuming he doesn’t notice when something is very clearly, very acutely WRONG. 

  Even Todd still seems to fall for the impression of complete naffness. Which does mean a lot, considering that he is the man who knows Dirk best, who’salways seen right through him { at least after they – granted –laid aside the whole selfish-obliteration-of-the-truth thing thatsadly overshadowed their first days together; though of course they were, at the time, rather too preoccupied with severed corpses and the gravitational pull of their souls toward each other to notice the toll their dishonesty was taking }. How strange. This is the man who continues tomake certain Dirk feels loved from his constantly stumbling toes tothe most bouncily unruly hair on his head ( the one that escapes anycomb the same way Dirk tends to evade his tax-relatedresponsibilities ). And yet, this gorgeous, flawless man thinks he can put up a pretence between them and make it grow into an unconquerable wall. 

                                                                      But that’s … okay, in a sense of okay-ness bordering on a wobbly cross between comfort and heartache. It’s okay because Dirk knows and has alwaysknown that flawlessness, in their case, comes with rather a large package of flaws. It’s aknotted-up convolution of illogic only they could pull off in such an effortless manner, all of it directly connected to the fact thatthey’ve been broken in a way that ensured their individual fractureswould fit perfectly together. An act of constructive destruction ifDirk has ever seen one. Where he is all crunchy, glass-like,needle-sharp splinters of abandonment, Todd melts seamlessly againsthim in an embrace of unflinching, reality-overriding loyalty. Thelittle mosaic pieces of Todd’s often-rehearsed self-loathing arepillowed by the infinitely solid foundation of Dirk’s devotion, wherethey MIGHT one day end up forming a picture Todd will be able to lookat without frowning. When Dirk is comprised of nothing but blindlyfeeling hands and dry, hollow-chested sobs, Todd is there to decant asense of belonging into his very centre, like a second heartbeat thatblooms in Dirk’s formerly lonely palms. And Todd? Sweet Todd, acomplexity of guilt that is sometimes so fragile to the touch,frequently crumbles against the softness of Dirk’s confidence inevery beautiful thing he is composed of. So, truly, it isokay that Todd forgot hisboyfriend is a detective who detects for a living. Frankly, perhapshe’s a little SILLY for thinking he could possibly hide his painbehind his own mask — but they are a small eternity of acceptances, and Dirk supposes a little silliness can be excused. Particularly one that isso bloody Todd-ish in its belief that Todd’s agony doesn’tdeserve to be acknowledged. Despite being a detective ( oh, he neversaid he was a good one!), Dirk hasn’t the slightest idea what’s plaguing his beloved today. But heis certain of this: there isn’t an ounce of meanness in the crackedvoice that tells him to leave. Nothing but exhaustion and big floodsof that age-old shame jostle in his boyfriend’s unshed tears, demanding to fallinto the world and create what Todd must surely think of as justanother sign of his unloveability. Unloveableness? It doesn’t matter,because Todd is all things but. Todddeserves the world. And Dirk isn’t going anywhere.

                                                                                     “ No, ”he says, the first word to leave his mouth that day that isn’tdrenched in tenderness, but firmly standing its ground. “ I’mexactly where I need to be, thank you. And, even better yet, where I WANT to be! ”He lets his back sink against the really quite ugly wall of theirshared little bathroom and flops gracelessly to the floor beside hisboyfriend. If this ridiculous, endlessly cherished man decides to slump here in a heap of shivering miserableness, eccentrically snuggled upto the shower curtain as if he found a new best friend in its flappyplastic embrace, then Dirk shall keep him company during his peculiarbathroom vigil. After a moment of sitting quietlyshoulder-to-shoulder, Dirk wiggles and shifts his bum across thefloor-tiles in search for a more comfortable position. The problemwith  their bathroom, he acknowledges in mute resentment, is that it’s greatly unaccommodating to anyone taller than a hobbit, and that, in addition, it’s beenstuffed with all kinds of useless, cluttery crap. That lattercircumstance being undeniably Dirk’s fault. He regrets the decision to use this room as a kind ofevidence storage only now that his socked feet scramble for even thetiniest uncrowded space into which to push their be-pineapple’dglory. Eventually, he ends up with his legs propped on the closedtoilet lid, hands drumming away loosely on his belly in a restlesslittle rhythm, gaze fixed on the patchy ceiling as if trying tomake out constellations in the manifold water stains.

                   In fact, hedoes soon spot somethingthat causes him the greatest amusement, despite the gloom andhurt Todd radiates beside him. He delivers a gentle elbow-nudge tothe approximate vicinity of his boyfriend’s kidney, lips twisted intoa badly suppressed grin. “ Todd! Do you see that? ” The detectivereaches over to encase Todd’s chin in an affectionate hold, and guideshis head back until he is certain they’re both gaping at the sameassembly of greyish splotches. Dirk is giggling unashamedly now,cuddling closer into his boyfriend’s side and finally letting hishand fall down to rub loving circles into the tightness that isTodd’s all-too heavily burdened chest. “ It looks like a — ! ”Again, an onslaught of giggles, then he leans over and clothes his observation in an offending whisper. Of course, he makes use of theopportunity by placing a series of feather-light kisses against thepearly shell of Todd’s ear, prodding him playfully with his nose ina most likely fruitless attempt to lighten the mood. “ Is THAT whyyou come in here all the time? ” 

                           All in all, Dirk isdaftly glad to know that this hellish little architectonic faux-pas,barely more than a fold between a gang of self-conscious walls, hasat least one element of cheer to elate Todd’s heart whenever hethinks it fit to hide away from Dirk. The rest of the decoration fails spectacularly at the job. Yes, he can see now,from this spot, that the milky-eyed wax animals he aligned onthe wobbly shelf are achieving quite the opposite effect,staring devilishly down upon them as they are. But they’re important!Or, perhaps, going to be important. Maybe. Arguably. Come on, thelast surviving specimen of an entire COLLECTION that simply vanished overnight, along with the house that contained them and their very owner?There’s got to be something about all this, something that will no doubtresult in world-shifting consequences ( though upon closerinspection, he doesn’t much like the look the hippopotamus is givingTodd. He makes a mental note to store it away in the bedside tablelater ). But for now, there are more pressing matters at hand. Dirkcups his darling’s cheeks in both palms and kisses him, kisses themask of I’m-fine-ness until he thinks he can taste the truth beneath, until he forgets about indecent water stains anddaunting animal figurines and strange cases, until they’re bothfinally stripped down to their sincerest essence: not a blundering fool and a lonesufferer, but Dirk and Todd. Just Dirk and Todd, Todd and Dirk. Them. Together.

 “ You can’t send me away, darling. ” His fingertips dance acrossthe front of the man’s scrunched-up shirt, pertly undoing button afterbutton so as to let him breathe, mapping out every inch of cool,well-treasured skin he encounters along the way. God, he loves him.He loves him, and he is going to give him anything he needs.Anything. If Todd lets him, perhaps they’ll start with a bath. And then, bit by bit, the universe he was promised. “ Can’t send away what’s yours. Sorry, sweetheart. I did warn youabout this when we became a thing. A thing.Two parts of the very same thing, completely inseparable. I’m not ... leaving you. Not ever. ”