#the fact that the same characters keep getting the same curses and their trinkets are themed around the same topic is crazy

[u5an5]

Of things obtained: Once Upon a Witchlight Ep. 23 | Stumped

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! Fair warning, this post contains SPOILERS. If you don't want to be spoiled, STOP READING !

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Gricko

Languages: Common, Goblin, Gigant, Druidic

Class: Druid, Circle of Primal Spirits (Reflavoured Circle of Stars with focus on Monstrosities instead constellations) lvl 4

Abilities: -2 lvl1 spell slots; -1 lvl2 spell slot; -1 Wild Shape

In possession from beginning:

Primal totems (ep.1)

Alarm whistle (ep.1)

Ocarina (ep.2)

Glue dropper bottle (ep.3)

Eyedrops bottle (ep.3)

Peanut butter jar (ep.10)

banañas (ep.12)

Can of WD-40 (ep.19)

Wooden carved pocket watch (ep.20)

Items acquired:

Bag of 603 gold pieces (couldn't find it; ep.1)

Cloak of Displacement (ep.1)

Magic Face Paint (Disguise Self 1h; ep.6)

1 ticket to Witchlight Carnival (gained due Fey Pact) 2/8 (ep.7)

Witchlight wine (ep.7)

Cuddly toy spider (Spider Climb; ep. 8)

Glove puppet wizard (Illusion 3/3; ep.8)

Wooden wand (Prestidigitation 8/8; ep.8)

Blue ribbon "I dropped a beat on the Carnival street" (ep.8)

5x fridge magnets (ep.12)

Rocky Talkie (ep.14)

Mouse Harness (ep.15)

Bag of truffles of Jingle Jangle with a keyring hanging off the side (sent out to Jingle Jangle and Sir Talivar by Twig and Pigtunia)

Trinkets:

Golden Bell (ep.20)

19 - Vitrified eye of a displacer beast

36 - Rock that floats and is small enough to hide in your closed fist

23 - Ball-and-cup toy that plays a short, victorious jingle whenever the ball lands in the cup

55 - Mask that helps you remember your dreams if you wear it while you sleep

90 - Set of false wooden teeth (gave it to Hootsie)

65 - Tiny wooden lute with cat hairs for strings

Clothes:

Pacts/contracts:

No ticket - after giving away his ticket to Gideon, due to The Rule of Reciprocity, his most prized possession (Hootsie) was taken away from him by Sowpig (ep.5)

With Mr Light - If Gricko was to stop talking and leave immediately he would make sure to get Snail Number Two to Gricko; Gricko did not and he might've been just humoring him to get rid of him faster (ep.16)

Fear: Groblin (2D beings in general; ep.12)

Hootsie

Trinkets:

90 - Set of false wooden teeth

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Gideon

Languages: Common, Primodial

Class: Fighter, Chain Brawler (Reflavoured Rune Knight) lvl 4

Abilities: -Burning Hands;

In possession from beginning:

Engineered manacles (ep.5)

Cigar (ep.10)

Really tiny notebook (ep.11)

Really tiny spectacle (ep.11)

Flask (ep.22)

Items acquired:

3 letters from Mr. Roslov (ep.1; they did NOT read it)

x5 Magical Invisibility Cupcakes (ep.3)

162 gold pieces (ep.7)

Wooden wand (Prestidigitation 8/8; ep.6)

1 ticket to Witchlight Carnival (gained due Fey Pact) 3/8 (ep.7)

Cuddly toy spider (Spider Climb ep.7)

Letter from Mrs Witch & Light (ep.8)

x2 Cuddly toy spider (ep.8)

Pixie dust (Spider Climb ep.8)

Wooden wand (Prestidigitation 8/8; ep.6)

Blue ribbon (ep.8)

Forlarrens Remorse [dagger] (ep.15)

1 banaña (ep.16)

"Engineering for Fae Dummies 101" in sylvan [book] (ep.19)

Remains of the blue scarf (ep.22; given to Torbek)

Remains of Agdon Longscarf's ear (ep.22)

Trinkets:

39 - Vial of viscous liquid labeled "Fomorian spit. Do not drink!" (Torbek ate it whole)

17 - Sheet of music that goblins find upsetting when they hear it played or sung

76 - Collection of baby teeth in a tiny wooden box

40 - Wax candle that roars and crackles like a bonfire while lit

45 - Bar of soap that smells like something memorable from your childhood

3 - Silver hand mirror with a nymph-shaped handle

28 - Tiny clockwork dragonfly that slowly beats its wings (but can't fly) when wound up (Gideon has seen schematics for this exact dragonfly at the end of his book)

73 - Nunchaku sized for a pixie or sprite

Clothes:

Baby pink Cake Chad T-shirt at least five sizes too small (ep.3)

Pacts/contracts:

Marriage - He has to get married to Taxie after asking her to marry him in exchange for a ticket for Frost. Additionally, Frost, as show of gratefulness, will do at least one nice thing for him each day and fulfill one bigger favour once every two weeks. (ep.14)

Due to him and all betrothed signing Kremy's contract he became a sole husband to all three Bixie, Zaxie and Taxie and due some additional fine print he had to marry Kremy too (ep.15)

(In next 7 days, if he's 30 feet or less from people he married he gets one +2AC for each of them)

Clown kill manslaughter count:

Chuckles the Clown - after being punched in body by Gideon, which broke every rib he had, laughed himself to death (supposedly he was already dead by this time due crippling alcoholism; before the campaign)

Klutzy the Clown - got hit by Gideon throwing Impossibal at incredible speeds directly into his face. The actual supposed cause of death was deadly allergy to unspecified ingredient/s in this processed not-meat sludge (ep.6)

Bumbo the Clown - Tripped and fallen directly onto Gideon's sword hand puppet, completely running him through. Was allergic to felt, he hit the ground and he died. (ep.9)

Thaco the Clown - Was deadly allergic to peanuts and ate an unlabeled peanut butter pie that Gideon chose for his wedding. It took over 1 hour for anyone to notice (ep.15)

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Kremy

Languages: Common, Draconic

Class: Warlock, Death Loa Patron (Reflavoured Undead patron) lvl 4

Abilities: -2 lvl2 spell slots

Outside of battle Suggestion spell functions for him as a cantrip

In possession from beginning:

Tophat

Skull Cane

2 gold pieces (ep.1)

at least 2 handkerchiefs (ep.3)

Compact mirror (ep.4)

Frying pan (ep.4)

Knife (ep.4)

Bacon grease (ep.8)

Cigarettes (ep.10)

Cigarette holder from Gideon (ep.17)

Pocket watch (ep.20)

Canteen (ep.20)

Items acquired:

Satchel with Carnival map and Three Rules of Feywild (ep.2)

Packet of pixie dust

Stuffed Almiraj plushie from Gideon (Minor Illusion 3/day)

1 ticket to Witchlight Carnival (gained due Fey Pact) 2/8

45 gold pieces

A replica unicorn horn filled with candy (ep.7)

A replica unicorn horn filled with candy (ep.8)

Bright orange ribbon "consolation prize" from Torbek (ep.8)

Pinecone Pug plushie x2? (ep.12)

Pinecone Pug backpack (ep.12)

Gricko's teeth (ep.12)

Frost's fingernails (ep.12)

x3 Toffie (ep.13)

Fist sized cup made from snail shell (ep.14)

Great Fiddle (ep.15)

Satchel of human bones (ep.18)

Trinkets:

34 - Fake Three-Dragon Ante card depicting a faerie dragon (he put it on his tophat beside his other two cards)

94 - Tasseled wine charm shaped like a sprite

49 - Piece of parchment bearing a child's drawing of an oni

100-sided die the size of a plum, cut from coal

1 - Cookie cutter shaped like a unicorn

Clothes:

A replica unicorn horn formerly filled with candy strapped to his forehead (ep.7)

Pacts/contracts:

Due possessing unspecified knowledge he didn't pay for when he "abandoned his station" has to deliver 100,000 gold pieces to Mr. Garou by the end of the month as recompensation. If he's no longer able to do so by dying, the rest of the Krew is obligated to pay it (ep.1)

Marriage -Due making his contract with his betrothed he was able to transfer it onto Gideon and also marry him himself. (ep.15)

(In next 7 days, if he's 30 feet or less from people he married he gets one +2AC for each of them)

Fear: Remy Garou and his debt to him (ep.12)

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Frost

Languages: Common, Celestial, Elvish

Class: Sorcerer, Mystic Mind Origin (Reflafoured Aberrant Mind) lvl 4

Abilities: 2hp/24hp; -2 1lvl spell slots

In possession from beginning:

Backpack (ep.2)

Glue (totally not related to horses; ep.3)

Tambourine (ep.3)

Water skin (ep.3) full of Oasis Water (ep.20)

Small dagger (ep.4)

Peanut butter jar (ep.10)

Peanut M&M's (ep.11)

Ball of yarn (ep.11)

Buttons (ep.13)

Crowbar (ep.18)

Red ball of yarn (given to Twig) (ep.19)

Towel (ep.20)

Water skin full of Oasis Water (ep.20)

x5 vials full of Oasis Water (ep.20)

10ft pole (ep.21)

Ball of thread and a needle (ep.22)

Items acquired:

Letter to Zybilna by Madrik Roslov (ep.1)

Bag of Beans (ep.1)

1 gold piece

Morning Frost license plate (ep.12)

Pack of pixie dust (ep.12)

Sky blue T-shirt three sizes too small with "Bird Chad" on it (ep.12)

1 ticket to Witchlight Carnival (gained due Pixie Pact) 0/8 (ep.14)

Teapot & pack of Scatterleaf tea (ep.14)

Killmoulis Spectacles (ep.15)

Wand of the Pact Breaker 3/3 (ep.15)

1 banaña (ep.16)

Trinkets:

64 - Piano key carved from a satyr's horn (ep.19)

6 - Tiny pair of sharp, iron scissors (ep.19)

68 - Wooden pan flute that attracts harmless local fauna when played

25 - Silver fork with the outer tines bent sideways

9 - Chess piece shaped like a dancing satyr wearing a bishop's hat and clutching a gnarled staff

63 - Black executioner's hood sized for a pixie or sprite

74 - Copper coin with a smiling satyr's face on one side and a satyr's skull on the other

Clothes:

Pacts/contracts:

Pixie Ticket Pact: In exchange for Gideon marrying Taxie to get him his ticket, he will do at least one nice thing for Gideon each day and one bigger favour once every two weeks; not as much pact as bros wanting to be fair (ep.14)

Fear: Being alone, being the last one standing and going insane, being left out (ep.12)

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Torbek

Languages: Common, Goblin

Class: Blood Hunter (Presumably tweaked Mutant)

Abilities: -3hp/??hp; 1x Dimmension Door spell

Title/s: Brigand Prince of Prismeer (ep.22)

In possession from beginning:

Old Witchlight Carnival ticket 1/8 (ep.20)

Filthy Sack (ep.20)

Items acquired:

Trinkets:

50 - Tiny hourglass without sand in it

71 - Wooden apple painted blue

82 - Petrified robin's egg

39 - Vial of viscous liquid labeled "Fomorian spit. Do not drink!"

64 - Piano key carved from a satyr's horn

Clothes:

Bloodstained blue scarf around his neck

Contraption - A big contraption consisting of weird fey machinery and containers with liquid Witchlight embedded into his flesh on his back. It cannot be removed and it activates due unknown trigger, turning him into a feral beast (ep.19)

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Twig [NPC]

Languages: Common, Sylvan

Class: Warlock (most likely with an Archfey patron)

Abilities: 20hp/24hp; -1 1lvl spell slot

In possession from beginning:

Acorn Satchel (ep.20)

Inn at The End of The Road shrunk down and kept in the Satchel (ep.20)

Items acquired:

Sterling silver comb from Gideon (ep.19; given to Twig as payment)

Signaling whistle from Frost (ep.19; given as payment)

Ball of red yarn from Frost (ep.20)

Trinket Ledger

List of everything that harengons have ever stollen and their curent location that starts exactly the day Zybilna went missing

Trinkets:

Wooden mouse figurine that squeaks when squeezed

Set of false wooden teeth x2

Tiny beehive (literal hive of bees) wig made for sprites or pixies

Tiny wooden stool (sized for a pixie or sprite) that gives splinters to those who hold it if they're not an owner

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Krew (The Party)

In possession from beginning:

2 gold pieces (ep.1)

Items acquired:

5 gold pieces (ep.2; for street-performing)

Wand of the Pact Breaker 3/3 (ep.15, currently in Frost's possession)

Pacts/contracts:

With Madrik Roslov: In exchange for checking if Zybilna is alright, and if true, giving her the letter he wrote, Party will get what is left from his possessions once he passes away (ep.1)

With Diana Cloppington: In exchange for riddle concerning Prismeer, with knowledge and information she was able to store about current state of it in it, Party promises to, at least, attempt to help her return to human and be reunited with Sir Cloppington; Not really Fey Pact but on their rules (ep.2)

With Palasha & Candlefoot: In exchange for bringing Candelfoots voice back they pledged allegiance with Krew and promised to come and help them if they ever need them; not as much pact as keeping true to Third Rule (ep.13)

With Clapperclaw: In exchange for retriving their head they will transport Krew to Tither

With Sir Talivar: upon recieving the message wit the key to his cage he's obligated to organise an audience with Titania, queen of Summer Court for Krew

Altered states:

Boon of Willa the Wisp [effect]: (ep.17)

(All) - the Boons recipient gains a d4 and can at any time within next 24 hours roll this die and add a number rolled to one ability check, attack roll or saving throw made by it.

New rule - They can do 3 Twists of Fate to cancel out 1 Twist of Dread (ep.18)

Twist of Fate curses:

(Gricko) 19 You believe you're turning into a wererat. You are not.[01:09:26 - 01:27:20]

Twist of Dread curses (by DM):

(Torbek) 5 2 - Everything around you looks like candy and you have a sweet tooth. [58:46 - 01:27:05]

(Gricko) 5 - You can only speak in song. [59:10 - 01:09:20]

(Gideon) 14 - Your entire face goes numb and you cannot stop drooling. [59:30 - 01:27:20]

(Kremy) 19 2 - You're overcome by psychodelic hallucinations. [01:00:30 - 01:27:20]

(Frost) 6 - You believe you're turning into a werecat. You aren't. [01:00:40 - 01:27:20]

(Twig) ? - You die and reincarnate as an owl arakocra [01:03:05 - 01:27:20]

Would you kindly...

(Gideon) ...chain Frost [01:04:15]

Gideon wraps his chains around Frost, immobilzing him [01:05:30 - 01:29:40]

To-do list:

Get the 100,00 gold pieces by the end of the month (ep.1)

Find out why Madrik Roslovs patron, Zybilna, stopped answering his calls for 15 years so he can die in peace, knowing her fate (ep.1)

Get to the Witchlight Carnival before it ends and find the only available entrance to Prismeer, Zybilnas domain (ep.1; completed)

Try to become Witchlight Monarch (ep.1; completed)

Find out who was the man that cut off Lexi Pott's wings, why he did that and what happened with them (ep.1)

Find a way to reunite Diana Cloppington with her with her horse, Sir Cloppington, and return them to their previous forms (ep.2)

Win Cake Eating contest (ep.3; completed)

Find a way to return Candlefoots voice (ep.4; completed)

Find some clothes for Torbek (ep.6; completed)

Keep Torbek occupied for an hour when Carnival Hands find manacles for him and take him away for his punishment (ep.8; completed)

Catch the Kenku and bring her to Mr Witch & Mr Light for her punishment in exchange for some answers (ep.9; not realised)

Get ahold of Mr Witch's Pocketwatch or Mr Light's Weathervane and keep it hostage to get the true answers to what they seek (ep.9; completed)

Get reunited with Hootsie (ep.16, completed)

Avenge Willa and find a way to free her from being tied to the Well (ep.17)

Find Brody Snake-Snake in Yon and deliver him message from his parents (ep.18)

Retrieve a key to his cage from goblin named Jingle Jangle and free Sir Talavar from it (ep.18)

Take care of Harengons so they don't harras Jingle Jangle anymore and return her truffle bag (ep.21; completed)

Retrieve Clapperclaws head, a stag skull, from Agdon Longscarf and return it

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Time

4th day of Campaign, 2nd day in Prismeer, Feywild, wee hours +less than 2 hours - less than an hour later

?th of the month (?? days until The Debt deadline)

Random Info

Man whose name Lexi Pott was unable to say was going to "wake her" and she was very scared for Party meeting him. When they mentioned name Zybilna, she said they "already were too deep" (ep.1)

After Lexi Pott died, Party was surrounded by Fairy Ring made up from mushrooms (ep.1)

Tasha and Iggwilv The Witch Queen are the same person (ep.4)

Chuckles said Gideon will join clowns in Hell and become Eighth Clown Lord of Crazy Eights (ep.7)

Torbek's poem is based on Immortality by Clare Harner (ep.8)

Burly the bugbear has a twin, Hurly, that went missing (ep.9)

Mr Witch and Mr Light got into pact for them to be able to run the Witchlight Carnival in exchange for things it wants (people breaking rules) to Hourglass Coven (ep.11)

The original owner of Witchlight Carnival was an archfey (ep.11)

Fey Pacts leave magical aura around those which they bind that are visible to fae (ep.11)

Whatever is stollen from Carnival always finds its way into Prismeer (ep.16)

The only people from Carnival who go outside its bounds are Witchlight Hands. All other creatures stay inside (ep.16)

According to Mr Light, Party is affected by Fae Magic way more than anyone he've ever seen in his life for some reason (ep.16)

Mr Witch's last words were "Mind the rule of three - future, present, past" and Mr Light's were "Find the alicorn and free the dormant Queen at last" (ep.16)

Brody Snake-Snake went to act at The Theater in Yon and haven't been in any contact with his parents since (ep.18)

Wigglewog is stated to be "very well dressed and very well dead" (ep.18)

Hags used Iggwilv's Caudron to freeze time inside Zybilnas Palace, trapping the archfey inside (ep.18)

Time works differently in Feywild (ep.18)

Torbek is at least five years older than the last time Krew saw him and doesn't have recollection of what happened to him during this time (ep.19)

The magenta liquid in Torbeks machinery is made of Witchlight, an extremely potent Feywild drug made from Witch Cup mushroom found only in deep parts of Feydark; due how hard it is to procure only the richest can afford it, like archfey (ep.19)

Jingle Jangle can only refer to herself in third person since she made deal with Bavlorna Blightstraw because she lost sense of self when she was made to be obsessed with keys but, as far as she knows, Jingle Jangle has always been her name (ep.21)

The only entities that can move between Realms of Prismeer are Hags and few guides that somehow found a way to travel between; the only one known in Hither is a pincer-clawed scarecrow, Clapperclaw (ep.21)

Tither is ruled by Granny Nightshade (ep.21)

Granny Nightshade, the hag that made Clapperclaw, gave its head to the Hag rulling in Hither, Bavlorna, and then she gave it to Agdon Longscarf

In Feywild, unless somone has somone next of kin or ever specified otherwise, after their death their belongings cease to belong to anyone, making taking them away and claiming as your own perfectly legal and not a case of breaking any of The Rules

Person of which voice Krew heard in the dream vision and Torbek heard on the table on which he was experimented on told Torbek telepatically that "They are comming", that Torbek won't be able to separate from "him" any time soon and that number 13 will have some kind of significance

Torbek has in the past unexplainably survived many instances of fatal situations that by any accounts should've killed him (like falling off the Harris Wheel uncoutable numer of times despite no one else falling off it more than once)

To see what happened to Torbek after he ate the vial of fomorian spit go there

Total money: 817 gold pieces

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[fallingdownhell]

Hi There,

I loved the convincing dumping ask you did I keep going back to read it all the time! I would really love if you did a part 2 with Itto, Gorou, Diluc and kayea if you don't mind.

Thank you for taking my Ask!

Aww, thank you so much! I feel so honored hearing that<3

I already did a part 2 (so that makes this part 3, holy shit!) where Kaeya and Diluc were involved, but I'll still do the other two. Hope you don't mind that.

Characters Included: Itto; Gorou

Content: gender neutral reader; she/her pronouns for the best friend; cursing; oblivious and dense Itto, but he is whipped for you; Gorou is a sweet and cute boi; dense reader in Gorou's part

Word count: 2,5k words

Thank you so much for the request and hope you enjoy!

Itto

Oh boy.. Itto in a relationship would be so down bad for you

Like, the dude is already dense as fuck. He did not notice that you were flirting with him for the longest time

It took you, literally screaming it to his face, for him to realize

Was over the moon when he knew his feelings for you were reciprocated

absolutely so focused on you and making you happy that he doesn't even pay attention to any other people anymore

You let out a deep, exhausted sigh as you left your workplace for the day. It had been a very, very long day and right now, you wanted nothing more than to see your boyfriend again.

You usually hang around with them after work, since it's a great way to destress and calm down again. Though finding them is an entirely different issue, since they are always somewhere else, very rarely are they found in the same place twice in a row.

So, without having any destination in mind right now, you start walking through Inazuma City, looking at the different trinkets that were being sold at almost every corner.

You did, in fact, stop to by some Dango from one vendor, thinking that the treat might cheer you up as well.

You continued walking through the streets as you were enjoying your food, but you had yet to stumble upon your boyfriend and his gang members.

When you searched almost all of the city, you decided to look for them at the outskirts of the town. But everything there was quiet and peaceful as well, giving you no indication that they were here.

Sighing, you gave up on your idea and decided to instead go for a walk around Byakko Plain, maybe that might help clear your mind. After all, you could always talk and spend time with your boyfriend later, knowing that he would return to your home anyway for the night.

So, with a somewhat lifted mood, you went for your walk, enjoying the quiet, peaceful atmosphere around you as you observed your surroundings. The sun was starting to set, turning the sky into a beautiful bluish-red colour, birds were chirrping all around you, making you feel at ease.

You have been walking for some time and decided to head back to the city again, to go home for the day, when some noise caught your attention.

You soon realized that it was a group of people, talking, not too far away from you. Thinking that it might be some Nobushi hanging around, you went behind some trees for shelter, trying to locate the source of the sounds so you could avoid them until you made it to the city.

However, once you found the source, you recognized the people of the group to be Itto and his gang themselves. Feeling relieved, you left your hiding spot and decided to walk over to them. Upon getting closer, you saw another person with them that you usually didn't see around them very often.

It was one of your best friends who was hanging out with the gang. Which, in and of itself wasn't a problem, even though she never told you anything about that, but what made you wary was the way she was so close to your boyfriend.

It was like she was glued to his side, always looking at him, hanging on every word he spoke. It set you off, but you also didn't want to start any drama, so you shoved those thoughts and feelings into the back of your mind as you approached the group.

Kuki was the first to notice you. She just nodded at you before nudging Itto in his side, apparently too hard for the male. He looked at her, complaining about her action, but Shinobu just nodded her head in your direction.

Confused, everyone followed her direction, now noticing your approaching form. You waved at everyone, but before you got a chance to say anything, a loud yell interrupted you.

"(NAME)!", Itto screamed as he got up from the ground and ran the rest of the way towards you, hugging you and lifting your feet off of the ground, twirling you around a few times.

You laughed as you hugged him back, holding onto him so you wouldn't fall on the ground. Once he sat you down again, he immediately began to tell you about his day, what he and his gang had been up to as he lead you back to the group.

You greeted everyone with a smile, getting one back from everyone in return, except for your friend. She was looking at you with an angry, serious expression, but you decided to pay no mind to it for now.

All of Itto's attention was now entirely on you and the longer this went on, the angrier the look on your friends face got. It didn't take much for you to put two and two together, to figure out why she was out here spending time with Itto and the gang while being glued to him.

Her jealousy was clear to everyone, except the oblivious Oni, since he truly only got eyes for you. In a sense, it made you proud, but it also made situations like these quite difficult sometimes.

After some time of your friend being ignored by everyone, including Itto, she decided to speak up again, asking to talk to him alone about something important.

He just looked at her with a blank face as he just said "Why?"

Her face got a little red, which annoyed you, but you decided to just let this play out for now. You could always interviene if things got too out of hand.

"..it's just something I want to talk to you about."

"Then you can tell me here. I got no secrets from my buddies and especially not from my beautiful partner right here!"

At that, she got even more angry and you, as well as everyone else, had to really try to hold back your laughter at this hilarious situation.

"You know what? Fine!", she said, standing up from her spot, looking down at Itto who was staring at her, but kept sitting on his spot beside you, while all of you observe her.

"I like you, Itto. I like hanging out with you and I don't like you hanging around (Name) all the time!"

She nearly yelled and by the time she was done, she was almost out of breath. Everyone was looking at her in shock, not having thought that she would actually go through with this. Itto, however, still looked utterly confused.

"Well, I like you, too. You're a great friend and fun to hang out with. But.. (Name) is my partner, after all. So they're gonna be around me. That's just how it is. But I'm glad you enjoy hanging out with the gang!"

"Wha..? No, that's not.. Ugh!"

She stormed off, still angry and upset, while you and the others burst out into laughter, holding your hurting stomachs from how hard you were laughing.

"Huh? What was that about? Did I do something?", Itto turned to you, asking, looking utterly confused at the situation. You couldn't help but find him absolutely adorable right now.

The mood soon settled down and you all went home for the day. Your friend, however, avoided you and the gang since then, like you all were some kind of disease.

Not that you were complaining about that outcome at all...

Gorou

Gorou is a very devoted lover

he always wants to be around you. He doesn't necissarily spend the time with you. It's enough for him to be in your presence while the two of you are doing your own thing

sadly, he doesn't often have the time to do so, as the duties of a general are many and his people always need something from him

days off are very rare for him, but when he does get them, he spends every second of it with you, no matter what you guys decide to do

It's finally happening again..

After weeks of not having a day to himself, always on duty, dealing with some issues, Gorou finally has a day off again, issued by the priestess of Watatsumi Island herself.

She often advises Gorou to take some time off, to take care of himself and you, but only when she practically forces him to do so, does he oblige to her suggestion.

You were ecstatic about this, having missed your lover dearly since you only get to see and be with him for short periods of time during his work days. Both you and him hate it, but there is nothing that can be done about it.

So, since now you have a few days all to yourselves, Gorou decided to plan out a few things to surprise and treat you, like you deserve. He's so grateful that you're patient with him, and he wants to show his appreciation for you through this

He had planned the next few days out, knowing exactly what he wanted to do and where to take you, however... there was one problem.

Since neither of you had anticipated him getting a leave from work, you invited one of your friends over to Watatsumi Island to keep you company, letting her stay with you for a few days. And she only arrived two days ago..

Gorou had half a mind to ask her if she would be willing to depart ahead of time so you two could spend the time together, but he didn't want to come across as rude, so he didn't say anything to her. Plus, you seemed to enjoy the time spent with her, and he didn't want to take that away from you, even though the craved for your touch and attention to only be on him.

So, when he next caught you in a minute where you were alone, he went up and spoke to you about his ordered time off. You were thrilled and when he suggested you two go on a walk in the evening, you agreed, saying that you can take some time that you don't spend with her.

Gorou was so happy to hear that, his tail wagging excitedly behind him. You giggle at that, reaching up to softly pet one of his ears.

Archons, he had to hold back a whimper. How much he had missed your touch. How long had it been since you guys last had a real, thorough cuddle session? Too long, Gorou decided on the spot.

But you let go of him not too long after, saying that there was still time for that later on. He pouted a bit but nodded his head, already looking forward to that.

...

A few hours later, Gorou was waiting for you outside your shared tent, since you wanted to put on some other clothes for your walk with him. The two of you had a habit to always wander a bit further out than originally intended when going on a simple "walk", so you wanted to be prepared, just in case.

When you left, his mood immediately brightened upon seeing you. You were just about to leave the camp when your friend spotted the two of you and came up to you guys, asking where you were going.

You explained to her that you were simply going for a walk, so she decided to ask if she could join you guys. Gorou was a bit reluctant but agreed in the end, hoping that he could still enjoy the time with you..

...

It was a total nightmare.

Every time Gorou tried to hold your hand, or walk next to you, or tried anything else, your friend always butted in, shoving herself between you two, ruining every chance Gorou was about to take.

He deeply regretted having her tag along to this. He wished he just declined her request..

The worst part is, you didn't even seem to notice what she was doing. Either that, or you didn't care about it, but Gorou didn't think that that was it, so this only leaves him with the first option..

He pondered and thought about what he could do to even only get a few seconds alone and uninterrupted with you, when he noticed your friend being quite a distance away from you two, and you were right in front of him..

Your hand just hanging by your side as you were looking around the scenery..

He didn't think about it twice and went to grab your hand to hold it in his own, but-

"Look! What's that over there?", you exclaim, running towards something you just saw, effectively getting out of Gorou's reach.

He just stood there, dumbfounded, for a few seconds, before sighing and turning to go after you, when a tug on his sleeve made him stop in his tracks.

Your friend was standing there behind him. He hadn't even noticed her getting close to him.

He wanted to ask her if she was alright, but she spoke up before he could say anything.

"What do you even see in them?"

At first, he was confused at the question. It took him a few seconds to realize what she actually meant with that.

"Why are you even with them? You could do so much better. You deserve someone who actually cares about you, not someone so stupid as them."

"What? Don't tell me you mean someone like yourself?", Gorou scoffed and pulled his arm out of her grasp, but as he looked at her again, he saw her serious expression.

"I do mean myself, yes. I love you, Gorou. I have been in love with you for so long. And I hate that you don't see that. I could treat you so much better than (Name) ever could. Why won't you see that?"

She was starting to get desperate now, grabbing onto his arm again. She attempted to pull Gorou down towards her to kiss him, but he saw this coming and quickly dodged her, pulling out of her grip again, putting some distance between them.

He looked at her, warily, as he chose his next words carefully. "That will never happen. No matter how much you wish for it, I love (Name) and I will always choose them. They are a great partner to me, you know nothing about our relationship. So, if you're only here in hopes of getting with me, then I ask you now, kindly, to leave. If you try to sabotage us any more than you already have, I won't be so kind with you the next time."

After that, he didn't wait for her response. Instead, he turned and walked over to where you ran off to. When you later realized that your friend was not with Gorou, he told you that she went back to the camp on her own as she started to get tired.

He would tell you about everything that had happened, later. Right now... he just wanted to enjoy the time you finally got to yourselves...

[wiltedreamofbaldursgate]

A Gift That Keeps on Giving

characters: Astarion x race/spellcaster fem!Tav/reader word count: +1.6k Rating: T read on ao3 FF Masterlist This hasn't been beta-read.

Astarion is an absolute menace when it comes to celebrations, especially Winter Solstice. Merry Christmas! ♡

Astarion had been driving you to the brink of insanity, which wasn’t anything new to you; over time, you’d gotten used to his antics. 

The weeks leading up to the Winter Solstice, however, had been something entirely different. 

The pale elf had become unbearable, positively so. 

One would think the Winter Solstice celebration was, in its essence, a simple affair. You decorated your house with evergreen and holly, maybe even some ivy, if you felt like it. Lit some candles to expel the long night. Danced around. Exchanged presents with your loved ones. It was all rather straightforward, really.

But not with Astarion, no; things were seldom simple with him, so you shouldn’t have been that surprised. 

He’d been planning for the celebration for weeks on end and—being a gods-awful planner—had turned that nice, simple affair into a proper ordeal.

Nothing had met his unprecedented standards.

The evergreens hadn’t been festive enough, so he’d crafted straw stars as additional decorations—only to deem them hideous after you’d helped make three dozen of them.  

Candles had been needed, a whole lot—nay! a sea—of them. Astarion had wanted the entire house to be filled with soft candlelight, only to get annoyed when he’d finally realised how much of a hassle it would be to actually light two thousand candles at roughly the same time.

Astarion thought you were a terrible dancer and teaching you some proper dance steps had already ended in tears once—neither of you wanted to speak of it ever again since you had more or less promised each other everlasting love and respect and little to no bloodshed. Dancing, let alone another dancing lesson, was off the table—indefinitely.

The only thing you’d been rather optimistic about was the celebration’s gift-giving aspect. Astarion had a very keen eye for things you might enjoy; pretty little trinkets, an excellent bottle of wine, a lovely new dress. 

The only issue Astarion had with gift-giving, however, was the gift-getting. 

He’d grossly misjudged the amount of time left until the Winter Solstice, only to find—with less than a week to go—that no potential gift had been good enough to present to you. 

Astarion had let you know in great detail that every trinket he’d come across had been tacky, and that every wine he’d sampled had tasted like piss. He was also strongly convinced that every seamstress in town was blind in both eyes. 

It had been a perfect predicament and with the days being reduced to only a couple of hours of scant sunlight, Astarion had been out and about most of the time—which, in all honesty, was the best gift he could have possibly given to you until the celebration was over.

And then the longed-for day had finally come. 

In true midwinter fashion, the weak sun rays barely penetrated the grey cover of clouds, and so you and Astarion found yourself tramping through knee-high snow in the early afternoon. 

You pressed your lips into a thin line as Astarion cursed again, kicking against a wayward pile of snow blocking his way. The snow scattered prettily before settling on Astarion’s already-drenched hood. He hissed but refrained from using any more profanities—for the time being, at least.

You wouldn’t be exaggerating when you said the general mood was a little sour on this most festive of days. 

For all your Winter Solstice planning, the fact that you two were travellers with no permanent residence to hold an actual celebration in, had somehow eluded you both. It wasn’t anybody’s fault, really. Sometimes, one could miss some crucial details here and there. Things like that happened all the time. No big deal at all. It was fine! 

You gave Astarion the side eye as you adjusted the straps of your pack which was stuffed with an ungodly amount of candles and greenery.

By the time you eventually reached an inn, you were cold and miserable. The inn’s soft candlelight dancing behind stained glass windows had guided you through the gathering darkness and you let out a deep sigh of relief when the warmth of its entry hall caressed your frozen skin. 

The inn was packed to the brim, the elderly proprietress informed you the moment you walked up to the reception desk—off you go again; there was no need wasting her time.

You took a deep breath before glancing over your shoulder to where Astarion was waiting outside, shivering and unable to cross the inn’s threshold. In your time together with him, you had learned that a dagger usually worked wonders, and it did not disappoint now, either.  

The elderly lady stared at the shiny blade you’d rammed into the polished wood of her desk and recalled that the attic was quite available to lodge in after all. 

You’d thought so, too, and gave her a courteous nod before taking the key from her.

“It’s cold outside. Would you be so kind and invite my partner in, too?” 

The proprietress assured you that it was no problem at all and invited Astarion in oh so enthusiastically.

“All settled,” you said as you held the door open for Astarion a moment later. They were the first words you’d spoken to him in hours but you fell back into thick silence when you stalked up the stairs to your rooms after him. 

The attic was a cold, damp and dark place. You’d made do in worse accommodations, though—and the hot bath the proprietress had promised you would make up for it.

To your surprise, Astarion bid you to warm up first. 

Although you all but wanted to fall asleep in the blissfully steaming hot water, you washed up quickly. You wouldn’t risk pushing your luck asking for another bath to be drawn but you didn’t want Astarion to soak in cold water, either. 

Red-faced and squeaky clean you hurried from the washroom back to the attic. You’d barely made it through the door that Astarion squeezed past you down the attic stairs, leaving you standing alone in the gloomy room. 

You knew he was only sulking because nothing had gone as he’d planned once again, but you would be lying if you said you weren’t bothered by the tension between you. 

It was the night of the Winter Solstice, after all. 

Sighing, you sat down on the old bed, suddenly wishing for a decadently decorated, candle-lit parlour and maybe even some music to dance to. Almost anything would be nicer than this draughty attic room and a frustrated vampire spawn. 

Grimacing, you were just about to comb your fingers through your wet hair when your sight fell on a little box resting next to you on the bed. You hadn’t noticed it before but a soft smile was already tugging at your lips when you picked it up. 

The box held a dainty pendant necklace with the palest ruby you’d ever seen. It was a subtle little thing—not at all Astarion’s style—but absolutely stunning in your eyes. 

You wasted no time putting the necklace on before you rummaged through your pack, looking for some candles. There were enough to light up the damn house, but one or two dozen would do nicely for your purposes. 

Over the past few weeks, you’d come up with a spell that lit every candle within a room with nothing but the snap of your finger, so it took no time at all to bathe the attic in soft candlelight. 

The evergreens you’d carried around looked a little worse for wear but you covered the narrow windowsill with them anyway before hanging some holly to the shabby bed posts as an afterthought. 

The room had turned cosy enough by the time you could hear footsteps behind the door. 

Not knowing how you’d received his gift, Astarion entered the room sheepishly enough. He raised an eyebrow at the sight in front of him, but his initial surprise was swiftly masked by a crooked smile. 

“You’ve been busy,” he observed, looking around before his gaze settled on you. 

He eyed the beautifully embroidered silk robe you’d gotten him as a present for the Winter Solstice. It was a little long for you, but that didn’t really matter—you’d only donned the robe for the purpose of presentation. 

“Do you like it?” You asked, stepping closer to him. 

Astarion reached for your hand, drawing his thumb over the back of it as he took a better look at the embroidery across your chest—although his eyes stuck to the collarbone that you’d left generously exposed.  

“You know, darling” he mused, cocking his head as he cupped your cheek, “Your taste might be a little questionable at times, but…” 

Chuckling, you pressed a kiss to the palm of his hand. Leave it to Astarion to insult you to your face and have you thank him for it. 

Maybe he did have a point, though; the colour of the robe did clash a little with his crimson eyes…

“But?” You sighed as his hand wandered from your cheek down your throat, brushing against your new necklace before it vanished into your deep, silken cleavage

“But…” Astarion started again, visibly pleased by your reaction to his touch; his gift around your neck.

You didn’t break eye contact when he tugged at the belt of your robe, nor when he circled your waist with his lean arm, pulling you flush against him.

“You do have an exceptional eye for presentation, my love.”

You tilted your head back to welcome his lips on yours.

Astarion’s kiss was deep and sweet at once—intoxicating you like no wine in all the realms ever could. 

The silk robe slid down your shoulders with only a little help from Astarion’s nimble fingers; the luxurious fabric pooled around your feet like water. 

You cupped the back of Astarion’s neck with your hand, deepening the kiss as he slowly guided you backwards until your legs brushed against the bed frame.

It would be a wondrously long night and it seemed like you would even get to dance together, after all.

[stargazer-balladeer]

Adopting a Child [Genshin Impact]

Characters Included: Albedo, La Signora & Scaramouche

Notes: All of the character’s I have least experienced with all in one post :D alright— let’s see how this’ll go- also,, hope they aren’t too OOC ;;w;; (and yes,, i made this whole hc bc of la signora- got a problem with it? HAHAHA) hope ya’ll like this!

Additional Information: You aren’t their kid. Just a random kid they found in the street who decided to follow them until they adopted you as their own :D

Reader’s Gender: Neutral

Warning: me cursing like usual 😃

Dedicated to: @meepmonster7 :D

Albedo

For some reason, I can see him knowing how to handle a child, since he takes care of Klee as well- so when it comes to taking care of you, he’s practically a natural at it.

At first, he’ll be a bit turned off by you since he sees you as a bit of a nuisance. But over time, you’ll grow on him. He’ll come to love you as his own-

As an artist man himself, He teaches you how to draw. From plant, to animal, to people. He teaches you the techniques he used for drawing. You bet that he loves every drawing you gave to him, even if its a stickman, this man’ll treasure and cherish it with his life-

This man loves spoiling you with things, it got to the point where you didn’t know how to use all of the things he’s given to you. Sometimes, Jean and Sucrose has come in and told him to stop spoiling you too much-

Albedo’s a scientist right? Head scientist, alchemist, whatever. So you bet your ass that he’ll be teaching you some alchemy at such a young age- bro,, u can be the next einstein with how complicated things he’s teaching you-

Whenever he has free time, he loves spending it with you. He would share his findings with you, even though you can’t understand what he’s saying, he would still tell you. Sometimes, he would put on a show for you while telling stories using his vision and alchemy- he would always smile at your awestruck face as he tells the tale.

Playdates with Klee is a must- he would sometimes leave you under the Knights of Favonius’ care and you’ll be found playing with Klee. At first, he’s worried since he knew what Klee’s like. But if Jean decided its okay, then its okay.

If ever you were attack or gone missing, Albedo would be furious and immediately go to you or search for you. The ones who stole you away or attack you no longer exist btw 👀

Overall, even though you suddenly came to his life and became his unexpected child, he would love you as his own.

La Signora

La Signora is a fucking natural at taking care of a child, change my mind 🤧🙃. Like if a child is crying and can’t be tame, just drag her over and that child would stop crying- maybe its bc she has a motherly aura around her (besides the fact that she almost kills Venti- 😃)

I think she willingly adopts you, not bc she’s obligated. She would guess that it’s because of her motherly instinct inside her when she finds you following her- she takes you in without any hesitation-

“But.. La Signora-“

“Even if you beg in front of me, my answer will not change. I will take this child as my own and none of you can stop me-“

La Signora would take you everywhere with her, but if its a mission that requires some.. blood, that’s the time where she wouldn’t bring you. She would drop you in the Northland Bank for a while before coming back to pick you up. She would let you explore the area since she knows that children likes to venture around new areas-

As much as La Signora is ruthless to the people around her, she would undoubtedly be soft towards you. Like she’ll be like medusa one second then the next she’ll be gushing at you-

She is the kind of woman that shields you from the world, who would protect your innocence than destroy it. So, in order to protect it, she wouldn’t tell you about her profession. All she would say is, “Mother is doing some secret business work.”

La Signora would spoil you rotten, whether from gifts or affections. If you want something, it would be given to you. She’s really rich, ya know? 👀 she loves carrying you, especially during times where she can cover your eyes- 👀

Even though she spoils you, doesn’t mean she wouldn’t be hard on you. If you do something she doesn’t like, she would punish you. She would also train you with your desired weapon, stating that it would help to protect yourself when she can’t-

I feel like she would let you meet her fellow Fatui Harbingers, but its not like their close with one another- 👀 but Childe is one Harbinger that you often play with. Even though he hates La Signora, he wouldn’t deny that he enjoy playing with you- so you can be found either with La Signora or with Childe-

If you ever get attack or was taken away, you can bet that La Signora is livid- furious- and she’ll hunt down whoever attacked you or decided to kidnap you. And she would NOT show mercy.

Overall, she would treat you as her own and would give you the world if she could- she would protect you from the darkness of the world. Whatever it takes..

Scaramouche

Ha! Scaramouche with a child? Everyone is doubtful at best. He was already a whiny bitch. It’s not a wise decision to give him a kid- he can hardly care for his subordinate, what about a fucking kid-?!

You can tell Scaramouche despised your presence just from his face alone. Even as days and months go by, he would still despise you. But if you manage to rub off on him by staying with him for a year or two, he would start accepting your presence… slowly. He would still make that disgusted face whenever you’re around, but you can tell he’s soften around you and acknowledges your presence-

Scaramouche would be hard towards you, even if you’re a kid, he would still treat you just like he treats everyone. But to those people who knew him well (like Childe, Signora and other Harbingers-), they could tell Scaramouche is going easy with you-

Scaramouche isn’t that affectionate so he wouldn’t spoil you with affections or gifts, but he tries. He’ll leave some trinkets he found while he’s out and about in front of you before leaving promptly- (i swear he’s a tsun-tsun :3-) this cycle would continue even as years go by.

Scaramouche would train you harshly and isn’t afraid to force open your eyes to the harshness of reality- just bc ur a kid doesn’t mean ur an exception to the rules of reality. (“You’ve got no choice but to accept it as it is.” Scaramouche said, almost sadly while staring as someone was killed in front of you two-).

He would let you play with Childe (Childe is good with kids, okay? He has siblings for Teyvat’s sake-). He might as well give you to Childe with how often you are seem with the hydro-user instead of the 6th Harbinger- but you would always go back to Scaramouche.

Everyone would always ask you how you handle the harshness of Scaramouche (it’s no secret that he’s the least liked Harbinger-), but your response is always the same- “because I love him! He’s my older brother!” (Whilst Scaramouche is blushing behind the wall-).

Scaramouche is protective of you, believe it or not. So if you are with him while he’s outside, he’ll keep you close with him and doesn’t allow you to wander off. If you do wander off, he would panic as he searches for you. He would most definitely scream at you before hugging you- (he’s relieved that you’re unharm- 👀)

If you’re being attacked or taken away, everyone in the Fatui would be so scared of him as he goes out to search for you. If you’re kidnapped, he would let out a search party. And they aren’t allowed to be back unless you are with them (unless they want to get some beating from him-). He would immediately kill whoever attacked you or kidnapped you, even if you’re there to witness it, he would still kill them.

Scaramouche, overall, isn’t perfect. Afterall, he still despised you even after years go by- but he’s grown attached to you. Just,, be patient with him and continue to love him.

[x] Main Page || [x] Mondstadt Page || [x] Fatui Harbingers Page

[writingonesdreams]

Hello, hello, and happy sts to you, Dreams~!

Today, I'd like to ask you about Cam. He's a really interesting character, but I realized I don't know too terribly much about him. Do you have any fun fact about him? What's his backstory like?What inspired you to add him into the story? And what are his dynamics like with the other cast members? And anything else along those lines you'd like to ramble about ^^

Hi Ren! Haha I'm glad about your interest in the new boy.^^

Here is all about Cam:

His whole name is Cameron Blake

Cam was a sad brooding child. He was cursed with the ability to feel things very deeply which led to two things. First, that he can understand emotions very easily, usually better than the person themselves and second, that he became very broody and philosophical about expressing and describing his emotions

Cam is sensitive, thoughtful, incredibly emphatetic and likes to analyse himself and others all the time. This makes him feel special and he likes that, but also misunderstood and lost.

Cam realized early on his biggest gift, feeling and understanding emotions, usually just drives people crazy. Because most people aren't nearly as self-aware or self-critical or even want to do the effort of thinking stuff through

He has been told that his attempts to help are unwanted, uncalled for, out of place, that he shouldn't pretend to understand suffering he didn't experience, and that he can't help people that aren't aware of needing help nor ready to accept help. And that most never will be

To ease his miserable lonely unique sad existence, Cam decided to act out on his desires as much as he can. He gave up on being helpful or waiting for the right moment to become helpful and just says whatever he can read from a person. Even better if he gets a reaction out of them

Cam is paranoid about trusting people. He learned early on that people never say what they mean and even worse, usually believe what they say at the same time. So no one really tells the truth and no one is willing to look for it

So Cam solves this problem by poking at people's most hidden little painful cores. He gives them nudges, hints of their looming problems and the need to understand them. It usually hurts. It usually doesn't change anything

He likes dressing fancy and keeping up with trends. Luxury and buying useless stuff and trinkets. Since he became disappointed with society, he became incredibly free of its expectations and rules. He is wasteful, self-indulgent, bold, brutally honest and shameless

Being attractive is important. Being powerful is important. Ways how to make people jealous, angry, really any reaction to get out of them is good

The more he gets to know someone the more he is thinking about the worst possible thing he could say to that person. The more he likes someone, the less likely he is to say it. It's his safe card. Knowledge he could destroy someone makes him feel safe

Cam is cheerful, tardy, forgetful, moody, flirty, provocative, manipulative, very charming when he wants to be. He experiences all ranges of emotions everyday. Starts out depressed, impresses people and feels amused, comes all serious and returns all giggly

Cam seems to be always in control, because he accepted the total lack of control. He is whimsical, impulsive, adventurous and ready to go with whatever the wind brings

Cam doesn't judge people. He knows their worst sides, makes them come out around him, hopes to do so in fact; but he never judges

His favourite things are tragic romance novels, writing bad poetry, standing in the rain and horror. He likes the opportunity to cry and feel like it had a reason

He is completely defenseless to cats, loves dragons, is actually very capable double mage of aural/soulfire magic and the element of electricity and his analytical mind really means he is a genius in praxis about anything he tries out

The character dynamics will be coming in the next few chapters :D

Thanks for the question set, Ren^^

[god1ngs]

━‎ end of the world

synopsis; a forbidden love told for generations

contains; human reader, major character death, swearing, mentions of war, spoilers

god c!technoblade / reader, 3.4k wc

note; the title doesn't make much sense but whatever lol ,, this is for @mayasimagines 's 600 event! congratulations and i hope you like this :)

   throughout the fall of countries, the crumbling of empires, there stood a man. he gazed upon the vast land, the grass stained red. buildings had crashed down, debris staining the area around them. they layed in heaps of piles, taller than most. the fallen down buildings had been a sign of the empire's loss.

   there was no one alive to commemorate the loss however.

   screaming rung inside of his head, shouting and yelling, with some other tones mixed in. displeased and ecstatic and mocking tones blended together, sounds of chaos lingering in the mind of the man. he only sighed, walking away from the destroyed country.

   he's seen this happen too many times before, the repetitive cycle of watching a country build itself only to come crashing down years later. they never lasted long. always the one for chaos, he sometimes participated in the destruction of the countries, though most times he didn't need to.

   humans were savage, brutal creatures who only cared about themselves. by studying their nature, the way they go about certain scenarios, he had figured out that much. selfish, twisted beings who would betray each other in a heartbeat. all it took was more wealth or a promise of better gear.

   how easily swayed they were. technoblade sneered, his red cape dragging beneath him as he stalked the hallways. pillars of quartz, chipped at the edges from years of standing, lined the hallway. they reached the ceiling, some even going higher. the magnificent red carpet he stalked down had ended at a throne.

   a throne made of gold, the shiniest material he could get his servants to find. emeralds and diamonds and rubies lined the top of it, the same jewels lining the gold of his crown. at last, he sat down, the voices calming down at the familiar seating area. they always got loud whenever there was destruction.

   technoblade, the blood god. also known as the god of war and chaos to many, he wasn't very popular among the peaceful people. people often worshipped him for protection, to which he rarely granted. protection from him, a god of war, was seldom. often he didn't care about the hunans enough to waste his protection on them.

   yet, one mortal, had caught his eye. they were nothing too special, middle class and usually someone technoblade wouldn't even spare a glance at. they were different though. they outshined any ray of sun, their smile proving to be the brighter of the two. he found them, despite all odds, very interesting.

   later, after wine and more sparring, the man had caught wind of philza coming over. philza, the angel of death, had been one of technoblade's good allies, even so far as to consider the blond a friend. he brought saints to their knees in their final moments, allowing them either an eternity in hell or a peaceful life above.

   he wanted to meet them, and technoblade always gets what he wants.

   even before technoblade had become the god he is now, forever cursed to watch humanity rip itself apart, he knew philza. the two fought wars together, never straying from their path of loyalty. the blond perched himself on the windowsill, his striking white wings folding on his back, as he smiled at the other. "hello technoblade." he greeted, ever the polite man.

   technoblade only scoffed, shaking his head with an amused grin. "please, phil," he drawled, looking from his red wine to the angel of death. "no need for the formalities. just call me techno." the blond threw his head back with a laugh, wide smile painting his features as the other chuckled. "of course, mate."

   silence washed over the pair for a moment, a comforting silence that allowed them to bask in the moment od seeing each other. they didn't get to visit often, one thing they mutually hated about being in the sky palace, usually swamped with other duties. philza with guiding people to the afterlife, and technoblade with causing conflict.

   "i actually wanted to talk about somethin' with ya, mate." phil broke the silence, hopping off of the marble windowsill to come lean against one of the pillars. the pink haired man, ever so interested, hummed questionably. "and what did you want to speak to me about? come on, spit it out." the man said, looking down at philza.

   he sighed, glancing up at technoblade. "you've been acting off, mate. less wars are starting, and that's weird for you. i know you also started protecting that one mortal. fuck, what was their name?" he murmured, brows furrowed. technoblade sighed in annoyance, not wanting to be pestered with questions.

   "[name]." he answered phil quietly, not bothering to look back at the blond man. the clouds danced with each other in the sky, entertwining and morphing with each other freely. sometimes he wishes he could be as free as the clouds. "you know," phil said, a mischievous glint shining in his eyes. the blood god could only dread what he was going to say. "rumor has it that gods only protect mortals they're interested in."

   the teasing, despite only being light hearted, had a quizzical undertone. while technoblade had been acting strange, protecting somebody was something phil had never expected. either something was special about that mortal and their family, or someone had begun fantasizing. he could only hope it wasn't the latter.

   with more conversation, technoblade denying any feelings blooming for a human, phil left to go do his job. he was alone with his thoughts, the voices making him tug at his own hair to keep them quiet. they craved the mortal, despite how much he willed himself to stay in his throne room, the man had to go see them.

   it was a normal day for you. nothing was different, much less weird. it was only normal, a basket of bread in your hands as you walked home. you hummed as you stepped on the path, enjoying the peaceful walk back to your house. you were content with your life, having a few people and more deaths than you could count.

   and see them he would.

   you partially blamed philza, the angel of death, for the passing of your loved ones, but you also knew he wasn't the one to kill them. he simply took them to the afterlife, guiding them to where they would spend the rest of their days. the deaths in your family had piled up, mostly from war and some of falling ill.

   you spent your days worshipping gods now. you were always the lonely type, choosing to stay by yourself rather than interact with others. you never minded the comforting embrace of being alone, the silence enveloping you at every given moment. it provided you with a sense of comfort you couldn't get anywhere else.

   while you did worship other gods, you mostly worshipped technoblade. he was the primary god, you giving up all your offerings to him ─ ranging from bread to trinkets to gold galore. the tales of the blood god, always grand stories with daring adventures that had you on the edge of your seat, had always intrigued you.

   your favorite, the one you read the most to the slim amount of people you did contact, was the tale of the butcher army. when he was human, a detail that many didn't know whether to believe or not, he blew up many countries. it hinted at the start of him being the god of war many years later. for punishment, the butcher army hunted him down.

   they lied to the man, once they had captured him, in which they had prepared for his execution. some say he died that day, only to be revived due to the gods holy whim; others say he had never died, and broke out of the iron bars to kill the men who had hunted him down. learning about the magnificent god, a god you admired, had faced an army of four and won, allowed you to admire him even further.

   once you got home, setting down your basket of bread, you had sighed. you always liked coming home, your safe space filling you with a joy like no other. the everlasting comfort of your home, a familiar place you longed to be at constantly, helped you feel safe. the comforting feeling of being home at last filled you at peace.

   until it wasn't so peaceful anymore.

   from your kitchen came a clanging noise. there were a few grunts followed afterwards, your eyes wide. fear flooded your system, nervousness coursing through your veins. you stayed silent, hoping you'd either been dreaming or had been imagining sounds. however, once a voice spoke, you knew that was not the case.

   from your kitchen came, with his red cape dragging behind him, technoblade. you stammered, confusion replacing your previous nervousness. your grip came loose on the item you were holding, not being able to process what you were seeing. "well this is awkward." the god stated, putting your kitchen utensils he had just knocked down back on your counter.

   if anything, this was awkward. very awkward. who expected a god to come through their kitchen window? "uh, do you," you stuttered, voice measily yet you still tried to fight it out. "do you mind telling me why you're here?" it was more than odd to see a god in your kitchen, the sight one hard to believe for even yourself.

   technoblade had sighed, draping himself over your couch cushions as if he lived there. his arms, unlike your bare ones, spread across the back of your couch, the sight making you nearly sigh. "well, mortal, i had taken intrest in you." he answered bluntly, your mind still reeling from the fact that he was even here, but taking interest in you? no, this had to be some kind of joke.

   the visible confusion highlighting your features made the god chuckle. it was amusing, seeing the looks on mortals' faces whenever something odd or unexplainable happened. "what's so confusing? i took interest in you, and so i came down here to see you." the blood god explained, shrugging his shoulders. the confusion you felt only worsened.

   why was the question. why was a god in your house? why had he taken interest in you? you shook your head, suddenly feeling lightheaded. "sorry, i need to sit down." you muttered, trying to regain your footing. you sat down, going slowly as to not pass out in front of him. "so," you spoke up as soon as you had calmed down. "why have you taken interest in me?"

   a cloud of silence loomed over the two of you, technoblade falling into his thoughts. why had he taken interest in you? there was no particular shining traits in you, even if he studied you as if you had carved out the world with your own hands; he watched you as if you had brung down a fantastic reign upon everybody.

   "who knows?" he wondered aloud, a hum of amusement following his words. technoblade didn't know the reason for it, and despite itching with curiosity, he didn't bother trying to find out. he only let it be, coming to terms with the fact that you, a mortal, had piqued his interest. you kept him entertained, and that's all that mattered.

   after the two of you talking more, you still trying to get over the shock that the blood god was in your home, you had to say that he was fairly a nice guy. maybe he was kinder than all of the other ones, however you've never crossed paths with a god either, so you couldn't tell. when technoblade had stood up, braided hair falling against your couch, you knew it was time for him to go.

   he turned to look down on you, his towering figure highly intimidating. there was a reason he was feared across nations. he stared at you for a second, maybe deciding on what to say, though you couldn't tell with his blank expression. the man only sighed, wishing you a good day, and then turned to leave.

   "you've got me interested, technoblade."

   you only spoke to the god more after the first encounter. seconds turned into minutes and then minutes turned to hours. he was an interesting guy, choosing which emotion to show and when to show it. perhaps it came with being a god. as he came by more, each visit surprising you, you only talked to him more.

   "as you've got me, [name]."

   soon he started telling you stories. the butcher army, the l'manberg war, how he met philza. he told you great things of philza, the angel of death, so much so you nearly stopped disliking philza. you were always interested in his stories though, no matter how long or how action packed. each further lured you in to his grasp.

   technoblade, however, had stopped visiting so often. with more conflict arising everyday, he didn't have as much time to visit you anymore ─ philza was starting to catch on as well. how he wasn't home as often or how he lied to philza each time he asked him where he was. he was getting suspicious, and wanted answers quickly.

   philza confronted technoblade on this issue a while later. his wings puffed up confidently, he was so sure something was going on with his eldest friends, the edges torn at the seams. "technoblade." he addressed politely, standing in front of his throne once again, as he did not so long ago. he would get answers out of him.

   technoblade only sighed, his cheek pressed against his closed fists as he stared at philza. "yes, philza?" he asked, voice heavy with exhaustion. the recent wars, as much as he loved the excitement and panic that came with it, have been too tiring for him. he also couldn't visit you that morning, only pissing him off more.

   "have you been seeing the mortal you told me you had interest in?"

   silence crashed over the room, violent in its malicious intent. phil's questioned nipped at the blood god, desperately pleading for an answer. philza sighed, one of disappointment and perhaps even anger. the silence was enough of an answer. "mate, are you kidding me?"

   technoblade merely sighed, eyes narrowing at the blond. "you have no say on who i take interest in, phil. that is none of your concern." he dismissed the blond, turning back to look at the window. philza had no say in what technoblade done with his life, no matter how long the two have been friends.

   "none of my concern? mate, they're a mortal and you're a god! hell, the blood god! for fucks sake, mate, you can't be seeing mortals!" philza snapped, brows furrowed and cheeks red from anger. the trouble a god could get in from seeing a mortal was irredeemable.

   if technoblade got caught with the mortal, he would lose not only his titles, but his life. he would be executed.

   technoblade merely scoffed however, rolling his eyes. "as if i'll get caught, philza. those laws are stupid anyways. what, are you going to tell on me?" he arched his brows at the angel of death, sneering at him. how dare he barge into his temple and then go off at him; a beloved friend of his.

   however, the mortal was too intresting to not keep seeing. he may of even caught feelings. how laughable ─ the blood god, feared across empires, falling for a mere mortal. philza only sighed, rubbing his temples. he weighed his options: technoblade could continue seeing the mortal, get caught, and then both of them get in trouble.

   or philza could tell the council. tell them of his affairs, tell them why he hasn't been here as often. once more, a vicious silence swept over them. only for a moment, for philza had declared:

   "if you don't stop seeing this mortal, i'll have no choice but to stop it. don't make me do it, mate."

   his evening visit was late that night. you had already prepared dinner, setting it up for when he was to arrive. from what he's told you, he hasn't had human food in a long time. he told you that gods didn't need to eat nor sleep. you had decided to make him food for when he comes, wanting him to have food even if he doesn't need it.

   the gust of wind from deceiving angel wings swept across his face. messy hair cascaded over his face, and for once, the blood god had found a problem he didn't know he could solve.

   ten minutes. twenty minutes. thirty minutes. you sighed at the mocking tick of the clock, each passing second being another sign that he wasn't going to come. perhaps he had better things to do. frowning, you began to gather the food up, knowing you wouldn't eat it all, before the familiar two knocks came at your door.

   rushing over, once you had opened it, you were surprised to see something different than you were used to.

   technoblade was there, but he looked different. more angry, perhaps even upset.

   worried, you frowned at the god. "are you okay?" you asked, hoping the man was alright. the god only nodded, staring at the ground. he came back to you after a moment of silence, sighing. "yes, just got caught up in some things. nothing for you to be concerned of." he said, brushing you off before you could even speak.

   when technoblade had gone back to his temple, rubbing his temples with a sigh, something unexpected had greeted him. there was philza, perched on the window with a firm look of coldness. "visiting the mortal again, were you, mate?" he asked once he had came into view. technoblade had half a mind to tell him to fuck off.

   that night provided a great distraction from what would come the following days.

   no words were spoken from technoblade afterwards. the betrayal of another friend, a promise to do something about his meetings, had wounded him. he didn't want to lose philza, but also had begun to realise something ─ he had caught feelings for the mortal.

   for you, who had been the sunshine on his darkest days. call it a cliche, but technoblade truly didn't know happiness if you weren't by his side. having watched countless deaths and falls of kingdoms over the many, many years of being alive, the man had never found as great of a comfort than by your side. you were the sun to his moon, a forever shining force to his immortal darkness.

   though the moon and sun are destined to never touch.

   that night, philza had technoblade bring him to your house under promise of telling the council. they had shown up to your house late at night, when the world was asleep. it had been abrupt, the two males coming into your home. you were shaking, scared as to what this meant. the angel of death and the blood god inside your home could mean nothing good.

   and you were right. that night, that forsaken night, technoblade had been cursed in front of your eyes. the wide eyed look on his face, the shock of what a former friend could do. you tried to reach out for him, but were stopped by philza. he permitted you to stay still, or else your blood would be on your walls.

   "technoblade, the blood god and the god of war, i hereby sentence you to an eternity of reincarnation. as long as you are alive, your lover, [name] [last name], will be killed and reincarnated. only ever letting you get close enough to hardly touch them."

   your words were caught in your throat, the cruel punishment knocking the wind out of you. philza's eyes shone, bright in an unholy way, rising up with his wings behind him. technoblade had felt the burning sensation of a marking, a forever sign of the curse, on the side of his neck. a flower had been burnt into the side of his neck, your favorite flower.

   "i'm sorry, technoblade." were the last words you heard before a sword made of light had stabbed through your stomach.

   the blood god had frantically scooped up your body in his arms, panicking for the first time since you've seen him. he tried to get you to say anything, although the words were too hard to say, no matter how hard you tried to get them out. he reassured you would be okay, despite knowing the inevitable would happen.

   "you should've listened to him ... heh, you're a dumbass, you know that?"

   you took your last breath seconds later.

[loveislattes]

Everything Comes at a Price (Demon!Dark/Fem!Reader) Chapter 1

Commission prompt: Reader is really depressed, and Dark decides to roughly Fuck the depression out of them

Important: Reader has female pronouns and is a vagina owner!

Warnings (For this chapter specifically): Talk of depression and stressful life, mentions of unnamed character death, mentions of beheading/dismembered head and some minor blood/gore (not too detailed), cursing, mentions of family in the hospital, demon!Dark (akin to jinn or genie), and pet names.

A/N: PLEASE READ THE WARNINGS! This first chapter is allllll story setting. Part two will have the good ol' rough and dominating Dark fucking.

As always, if you would like to support me, I have a Ko-Fi (here) for donations and I usually have a few slots open for commissions (unless life gets in the way)!

“Look, I think it’s just best if you take some time off.”

Though worded nicely, you instinctually felt the pang of panic and anger already bristling in your chest.

“Time off…” you murmur, eyes sliding down to your boss’s desk in thought, “As in, a week or two or…?”

You let the implication hang heavy in the air. There was a telling silence that followed your question. When you finally met his gaze again, your boss let out a hefty sigh. Before he even said anything, you knew what his answer was by the sympathy on his face alone.

“We won’t fight your unemployment for the first few months, which hopefully will be enough time for you to find another place of employment. I’m sorry, Miss Y/N, but between the company making cutbacks and your recent drop in productivity, I had to-”

“Don’t you dare,” you hissed sharply, interrupting him before he could finish the excuse.

Rage fueled your motions, forcing you to your feet while your eyes narrowed on the man you’d once thought a decent person.

“A drop in productivity?” you scoffed, “My apartment building was just destroyed in a freak fire two weeks ago that, of course, my insurance refused to cover. I’ve been bouncing place to place between motels and friend’s homes until I can afford another deposit on the measly pay you give us. My mother is in the hospital, in the ICU, after a freak hit and run. My car broke down yesterday and I walked thirty fucking minutes in the pouring rain today just to make sure you assholes weren’t a man down with all this work. And you knew all of this, but you still decided to fire me? I can’t- You know what, fuck you. Fuck you and fuck this place! I hope this whole company shuts down and you get to experience even a modicum of the instability I’ve had to!”

Before he could respond, you slammed the chair back into place against the desk and stormed from the room. You could feel the confused gazes from your coworkers as you marched to the door but didn’t dare spare them a glance. Most of them you considered to be your friends and you knew you’d have to explain everything later, but you couldn’t allow anything other than anger to inhabit your body at that moment. One bit of sadness and you would crumble. Rage would keep you safe until you made it to your temporary home for the night.

Little curses and fury-filled resentment spilled from your lips as you stepped out into the dreary public. Of course, it was still raining. You hadn’t even dried off from your trek to work and now you were thrown right back out into the storm. A timely crack of lightning rumbled across the sky as you shot one last middle finger back at the door.

“I can’t believe this shit,” you grumbled.

Pulling your raincoat up over your head, you kept your gaze down and began your journey back to the hotel. The one upside to all the rain was that the sidewalks were nearly barren. Cars sped by on the busy roads but you were alone on foot. In fact, you didn’t see a single soul until you were on the block housing your hotel, and somehow that lonely occupant still managed to slam into you.

“Excuse you,” you muttered.

“So sorry, please excuse me.”

The person’s voice sent shivers down your spine and every last hair stood up on your arms. Reflexively you pulled back as a hand touched your side, ready to give them a mouthful, but they were moving on by the time you could gather your wits about you. All you caught was a tall form in a black business suit striding off in the opposite direction.

With an irked tsk and a mutter of “Fucking asshole”, you rushed into the lobby, stomping the rain from your shoes along the rubber mat. Sure you were pissed off but you still had the human decency not to create more work for others.

You managed a little nod to the desk clerk on your way by to the elevator. As you watched the numbers climb slowly down, you mentally questioned the fates if the world was against you. The elevator stopped on literally every- single- floor; All 25. Trying to maintain your composure, you leaned up against the wall and let your eyes flutter closed, slowly breathing in and out rhythmically. Just a little longer and you’d be in the safety of solitude. You could let it all out.

The ding of the lift doors opening pulled you out of your little meditative session and you immediately let out a grateful sigh of appreciation upon realizing it was empty. Being stuck in a small metal box with others for an undetermined amount of time made your skin crawl, much less when you were already on the edge of snapping. You mashed the close button repeatedly until the metal doors finally sealed shut and the elevator began to move. The rest of the journey was a blur until you stopped at your room door and fished your card out of your pocket, coming out with not only the plastic key but a large silver coin.

“The fuck?” you muttered.

As the door buzzed open, you flipped the coin over in your fingers, trying to think back on when you had gotten it. You were pretty sure you’d never seen anything like it before; completely void of any details on one side but the other filled with finely engraved words.

The loud startling thump of your keys as you threw them on the nightstand wasn’t even enough to draw your concentration away from the interesting little trinket. It took a few minutes and some good lighting but you eventually figured out what was written; the discovery only confusing you further.

“Clutch this coin to thee whilst ye make a plea

In return ye shall become my endless devotee”

“Yeah… that’s not creepy at all,” you sighed.

Tossing the coin on the nightstand next to your keys, you sloughed off your wet clothes and tossed them in the small hamper next to your duffle bag. After this horrid morning, you needed a long hot shower before you pondered on any strange coins or the mental shithole that had become your life.

You weren’t sure exactly how long you spent under the burning water but, by the time you exited, you were both hungry and in dire need of some caffeine.

“Or a nap. A nap could be heavenly,” you murmured to yourself.

Towel around your head, you dropped into the bed naked and took a moment to revel in the sheets against your freshly lotioned skin. There was hardly a better feeling. Thank god you had the good sense to buy some of your own sheets rather than rely on whatever the hotels had to offer. It made your day the tiniest bit better.

As you leaned back against the headboard, you snagged up the coin once more. The metal was cool against your warm fingers as you flipped it around and around. Did you dare give it a try? What was the worst outcome: You felt silly for believing a random coin and no one would ever know? Although, what if it was legit...?

Now that thought made you feel silly. A little chuckle passed your lips before you clasped the coin between your hands and brought it to your chest, closing your eyes as if about to pray.

“Alright, I don’t know how this works so I’m just gonna state my wishes out loud. I hope that works for, well, whoever you are. First off, I want that backstabbing business ruined. They fucked me over after I bent over backward for them, now they deserve to feel the same. Please. Second, I don’t know how you could do it, but I’d really like my insurance company to finally approve my apartment claim so I can find another place soon. Third-”

You trailed off as emotions immediately welled up behind your eyelids, the burning already tingling in the back of your throat from holding them in.

“My third and most important wish, please, if nothing else, find the one that put my mom in the ICU and make them pay. Those idiots down at the police department couldn’t find them, or so they say anyway, so just… give them what they deserve, please.”

With a stifled sniffle, you wiped away the few tears that had escaped and fell back against the headboard, eyes staring unseeing at the ceiling as you let the pain wash over you; Rage, dread, hope, apathy, desperation. Eventually, the unending barrage became too much to deal with. This wasn't a new thing in your life, but it had certainly culminated into something worse with everything going on in your life; clinical depression exacerbated by a series of unfortunate events.

With no other plans for the day and the weight of your heart heavy in your chest, you chose to simply roll over and bury yourself, and your troubles, in the fluffy comforter. You’d feel better after a nap. You were almost certain of it.

Even as you drifted off into sleep, the tears didn’t cease.

When you first woke, you weren’t sure what had roused you but you knew it wasn’t good; All you could feel was bone-trembling terror. You couldn’t move, couldn’t speak, felt frozen in place with only the ability to stare at the now dimly lit wall; watching the shafts of setting sunlight ever so slowly creep down by the minute.

“Come now, darling,” a low voice crooned in the void behind you, “I know you’re awake.”

Like a rubber band snapping, the grip on your body suddenly released and you shot up in bed, immediately turning around to find out who had spoken. You weren’t sure what you expected but it certainly wasn’t the devilishly handsome man that was seated next to the window. The sunlight pouring down on him made it very obvious that his skin was lacking any range of melanin, rather being pallor shades of whites, blacks, and greys, but that didn't detract from his appearance at all. In fact, he looked like something out of a Gothic romance novel or a Tim Burton movie. Once the enchantment of seeing him began to wear off, you finally noticed what sat on the table next to him.

A human head.

“Holy fuck!”

A hellish screech escaped your lips as you hastily scrambled backward, trying to get as far away from him as quickly as possible, only to go careening off the edge of the mattress. The pain of impact on the floor couldn’t even deter you. As your back hit the wall, you kept your eyes pinned on the intruder, watching for any sign that he was going to follow you or attack.

“While I’m certainly not minding the show, don’t you think you’re rather underdressed for this occasion?” he spoke suddenly.

It took a few moments for his words to sink in but the moment they did, you launched yourself back at the bed with a hushed curse and promptly pulled the sheets up around your naked body.

“Who are you? How did you get in here? I-Is- Is that real?”

Long clawed fingers made their way into the matted, bloody mess of hair and pulled the body part free from the table with a sickening pop.

“It is undoubtedly real, but I figured you’d believe me much quicker if I had a visual aide to my claims,” he replied, dropping the offending thing before tossing you a sharp, seductive, smile, “The name is Dark. I’m a demon and the owner of the coin you wished upon.”

Your tongue felt too heavy to move while you watched in horror as he licked the blood from his fingers like a cat bathing itself.

“I- I don’t-”

“You don’t understand,” he supplied helpfully.

As he rose from his seat, you stared at him owlishly, unable to take your eyes off his graceful form as he nearly glided across the floor to stand in front of you.

“That coin,” he hummed, pointing at the metal disc in question, “It belongs to me. When someone makes a wish while holding it, I’m able to hear them. In your case, I heard all three.”

Trepidation tickled the nape of your neck when your eyes slowly rolled over to the head once more. It was as if you couldn’t breathe. Sick crawled up your throat and it took every ounce of your strength to keep from vomiting at the man’s feet. You don’t know how long you sat there, struggling to breathe and ease the nausea but, when it finally went away, rage took over.

“I didn’t want you to actually KILL them!” you shouted.

The demon casually arched a brow in your direction before saying, “You specifically wished for the one involved in your mother’s accident to get what they deserved.”

“Yeah! Like prison! Not death!”

A soul-trembling crack resounded through the small hotel room as he slowly craned his neck side to side, ethereal pulses of red and blue emanating from his being. Some of the previous ire slipped from your hold when he moved even closer, step by step until his knees were touching yours.

“I will never understand you humans and your sense of righteousness. Would it ease your mind to know this wasn’t the first time they had committed such heinous crimes?” he asked.

“W-What?” you questioned softly.

“I will not delve into details but rest assured that your embarrassing sense of compassion was lost on them; they were vermin,” he explained, “Now, that makes three wishes fulfilled. You have two remaining.”

You thought back on exactly what wishes you had made and were immediately overcome with dismay.

“Wait, what did you do?!” you demanded, jumping to your feet and glaring up at him, “You didn’t kill anyone else, did you?!”

A twinge of disdain passed through his features. His hand landed heavily on your shoulder and you were shoved back down onto the bed with a 'tsk' of disapproval, as if scolding a misbehaving child.

“Fortunately for you, no. Your previous place of employment has simply been condemned for multiple code violations that have mysteriously come to light during a surprise investigation, and your insurance company has been informed that they’re facing a lawsuit if they don’t reevaluate your claim with a more positive outlook.”

Relief flushed through your veins and you thanked him meekly. You wouldn’t have been able to live your life knowing you had caused the deaths of so many people, let alone friends.

“So, what now?” you asked.

“You have two more wishes before your soul belongs to me.”

He said it with such finality and ease that you almost didn’t react at first. Once his words settled in though, oh, panic quickly followed.

Gaping up at him in wide-eyed disbelief, you tried to stammer out some rebuttal or plea, but nothing would come out. Panic soon gave way to defeat as you realized there was no obvious way to get out of this ordeal. It had been clear as day on the coin.

Thinking on the offending piece of metal, you looked over and snagged it up, reading the inscription once more.

“Clutch this coin to thee whilst ye make a plea

In return ye shall become my endless devotee”

“So that’s what this meant,” you sighed quietly, before gazing at him once more, “And there’s no way to bargain out of this?”

He looked mildly pleased by your inquiry, letting out a little hum before falling back into an ornate chair that definitely hadn’t been there a few seconds ago.

“And what would you bargain?” he purred, “What could a simple little human such as yourself have to give to me, other than your soul of course.”

You cursed his infallible logic and stayed quiet as you tried to think over your options. Truly, you had nothing else to give him; no money nor gifts. Your soul was the only valuable thing you owned, and there was no undoing what had been done. A person had died because of your wish.

With a heavy sigh, you sat up to your full height and prepared yourself mentally.

“Is there a time limit? Do I have to make my wishes today or can I think about them?” you asked.

“You’re free to use them when and wherever you wish. However, do not think this a loophole. Choosing to postpone your wishes until death does not release you from this contract. Your soul will still belong to me when you die.”

Well fuck. There went that option. If you were doomed no matter what, you might as well make use of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity... right?

“I’m going to need time,” you whispered.

“Fair enough,” he replied, finally taking a step back, “You have my calling card. You can call for me if you have any questions, otherwise, you know what to do.”

He strolled back to the window and snagged the dismembered head, flashing you a wide smirk that framed his fangs perfectly.

“I’ll just be taking this with me. Hope to hear from you soon, darling.”

[wondereads]

Personal Review (12/05/21)

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

Why am I reviewing this book?

Not only did I just write a paper on this book, but Ella Enchanted is probably the best children's book to ever exist. It had so much influence on my reading growing up, and it's a wonderfully feminist retelling. (Bonus points if you can guess what I rated it overall lol) This is going to be an incredibly biased review.

Want something short and sweet? Check out my tiktok

Plot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

When Ella of Frell was born, she was given a gift by a fairy. Well, it was more like a curse since she is now bound to obey any order directed towards her. Ella has lived with her curse so far, but things take a turn for the worse when her mother dies and she meets the odious Dame Olga and her two spoiled daughters, Hattie and Olive. Still, there may be hope for Ella in her new relationship with Prince Charmont and her dedication to break her curse once and for all.

This book keeps just enough of the original Cinderella story to make it recognizable, but it also changes a lot so it can morph into a fun, high-fantasy adventure. This is a fast-paced book, especially because it's only around 200 pages, but it isn't rushed either. Fair warning, you will be incredibly frustrated, but the payoff is more than worth it.

There are various, distinct challenges that Ella faces, making the book into a sort of quest format, but the overarching issue of her obedience is always interwoven and causes all sorts of hindrances in already difficult situations, such as fighting ogres. (Fun Fact: one of the original Cinderellas, before the story was watered down, chopped off an ogress' head.) While the worldbuilding was not as in-depth as some of the other books I read, there is enough to frame the story.

Characters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Ella is by far the best iteration of Cinderella. No, I will not be taking criticisms. Ella's curse of obedience sets up the story in a way that the original Cinderella plot can be followed without making Ella a doormat. Ironically, Ella is only more stubborn because of her curse, and she takes every opportunity she can get to thwart it, using loopholes and running her mouth. She's impulsive, but she's also clever, managing to think her way out of many life-threatening experiences.

Ella's closest relationship is with Prince Char, her only friend at home. They bond over humor, and they each cherish each other greatly. I swear, Prince Char set the standard for ten-year-old me in romance, which is probably why I've never dated anyone. Char is, the same as his namesake, incredibly charming. He isn't perfect, which is important, but he's damn near close.

Hattie and Olive are Ella's stepsisters, and they are just as atrocious, greedy, and detestable as the original characters. Something I find interesting about them is that they do have a modicum of depth, and explanation for their actions, but it doesn't garner them any sympathy. Villains don't have to be secretly good to be three-dimensional. Ella's father also plays the role of a minor antagonist, using his daughter like a trinket to buy his way into fortune and fame. I hate his guts.

Finally, I appreciate that Ella has a female friend, Areida, who, although she must break it off due to her curse, never turns against her, and Ella never loses faith in her.

Writing Style 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

I've already gushed about Levine's writing style in my review of Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg, but I'll do it again. It fits that Ella Enchanted is a fairy tale retelling because Levine's style fits that sort of story so well. Everything in her books is whimsical and has a touch of magic to it.

Since it is written in the first person, a bit of the etherealness and vagueness of her style is lost, but it is replaced by Ella's blunt and unapologetic voice, which I certainly do not mind.

Meaning 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

This is what I wrote my paper on, so buckle in.

As Cinderella became the "people's princess", she lost her autonomy. Cinderella became much less of a character and more of a cardboard cutout to which things happened. This is a big criticism of Cinderella since she really doesn't do much for herself in her story.

Ella Enchanted completely flips that narrative. Ella is a person, someone with values, flaws, and a commitment to stubbornness. The bulk of the story is Ella pursuing her own happy ending through running away, hunting down a fairy, fighting ogres, and, eventually breaking her curse. Despite this, the core of Cinderella is not lost. Ella, even though she isn't perfect, is a fundamentally good person. Cinderella has always been about kindness being rewarded, and this book keeps that while also reshaping the main character into a strong, female icon for young girls to look up to who chases after her dreams while keeping kindness in her heart.

Overall 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

What, did you think it was going to be something else? Ella Enchanted is a book every young girl should be reading. Not just because of the message, but because it's also wildly entertaining and has a love interest that will set the bar higher than any man will be able to meet. Even if you're well into adulthood, I truly cannot recommend this book enough. It's also perfect for getting you out of reading slumps with its fast-paced, humorous plot! Happy reading!

The Author

Gail Carson Levine: 74, American, also wrote Fairest, The Two Princesses of Bamarre, and A Tale of Two Castles

The Reviewer

My name is Wonderose; I try to post a review every two weeks, sometimes once a week, usually over vacations. I take recommendations! Check out my about me post for more!

[padme-parker]

Collide / Anakin Skywalker x Reader (Chapter 6)

[a Star Wars x Avengers crossover]

Summary: You go to Onderon and meet someone you’ve been longing to see. Another call to home ensues and hearts get broken.

Warnings: angst, maybe cursing, I can’t think of anything else. oh and bad plot lmao

WC: 4.0k

A/N: this isn’t proof read so it might be scuffed. 

read chapter 5 here

C O R U S C A N T

After the nightmares began, Anakin was rarely around, only making you more susceptible to the dark side. You truly did want to tell him about what had been keeping you up at night, but how were you going to contact him when he was never around and the connection the two of you shared was seemingly cut off? You weren’t able to feel his emotions nor feel his presence. It was as if he had blocked you off, almost like he was dead, but he wasn’t. You knew that he went on more campaigns as he was barely spending time in the temple, wanting to stay as far away from you. And if the two of you ever were in the same room by sheer luck, he pretended that you didn’t exist.

On days where both Anakin and Obi Wan were gone, you trained with a girl named Xin. In a way, she reminded you of the mandalorian Sabine: intelligent, strong, and creative. She was skilled with her lightsaber, but also greatly skilled in hand to hand combat, making her an excellent training partner. When all three of them were gone, you spent time learning binary after shortly being gifted a droid. R2-KT, or Kaytee as you liked to call her, accompanied you on your walks around the Jedi temple, often telling you random facts about it or Coruscant.

As time passed, you noticed how the council became weary of your presence. After noticing the color of your saber, which wasn’t hard to miss, the Jedi Masters seemed to focus their attention on you whenever you were in the room with them. You would have liked to believe that you had begun to earn their trust, but you understood their cautiousness towards you. Hell, you would’ve probably reacted the same way if someone came to Earth using a big stone hidden in the middle of nowhere claiming that the fate of the universe rested in their hands.

The halls of the temple were empty- excluding the sentinels- as you roamed around with Kaytee at your side. It was still so surreal being in the Jedi temple. Six months ago you were on Earth, spending time with your family. It seemed so long ago since you were first introduced to Star Wars.

You were foreign to the concept of bonding, spending time with your peers. After spending almost 17 years in foster care, you learned to not attach yourself. To become cold, detached, and observant of your surroundings. With your arrival to the tower, it became a shock to you when you found out that the team spent time together willingly. Some nights they played games like Uno and Cards Against Humanity. You would always sit in the corner and watch them, not comfortable enough to be engaging with them in such a way like that. On the nights where they watched movies, you would always sit in the furthest seat away from the group. It stayed like that until Peter started coming to the bonding nights.

Due to the fact that he was still young, he stayed with his Aunt May. Only coming to the tower to help Tony with his projects. So it was a surprise to see him there, but you couldn’t help feel more comfortable knowing that someone else your age was there.

“So, what’re we watching tonight?” He asked. The team let out a couple of groans, unsure of what they were getting into. “How about we watch Star Wars? I bet you those two grandpas haven’t seen it yet.”

“Hey! Watch it, Peter.” Steve said, putting his hand over his heart to feign hurt. All it took for him to apologize was one glance at Bucky. “Sorry Mister Winter- uhh James- Bucky-- no. Sir Barnes. And Steve.”

He goes to sit down, but before he does, he takes a survey of the room. He notices you sitting alone on the couch, “Hey, why don’t you come sit closer?” He asked. You shake your head, telling him that you were alright where you were. “What about you? Have you seen Star Wars?” You quickly shake your head, you see Peter’s eyes widen and he takes off to sit in the empty spot next to you.

“OMG. WHAT? How have you never seen the movies?”

“Not everyone has the privilege to have a normal childhood. I just so happened to be one of those kids.” You informed him.

“Right, sorry.” He apologized, his hand awkwardly scratching the back of his neck. “I’m sure you’ll love the movies though.”

Peter was right. After watching A New Hope, the team had retired to their respective rooms, but the two of you had stayed up all night finishing the movies. After watching all three trilogies, you had a new found obsession, especially for a certain Skywalker. Even though some people thought that Anakin was a bad character, and sure the script was really bad, you really did love him. So when he betrayed Obi Wan to save Padme, your heart couldn’t help but break. Poor man was so whipped for the pussy :( I guess you could call it to die for.

Although your time on Coruscant was limited, you did your best to enjoy it. The six months you had spent here so far had been a gift. The environment was truly mesmerizing, and you wanted to share it with Peter. You tried not to call him often, the time difference was just slightly confusing. While six months might’ve passed for you, it had only been a month for your family back home.

You were broken out of your reverie by the buzzing of your holocom, requesting your presence in the council room. Making your way into the room, you told Kaytee to wait by the doors. You stood in the middle of the room with your hands clasped behind your back, waiting for them to address you.

“Nice to see you it is.” Master yoda said. “A task for you, we have.”

A task? What could they possibly want you to do? There was no way they’d be sending you on a mission, they never did.

“We want you to travel to Onderon. They are celebrating their liberation from the separatists. I don’t know why but Anakin and Obi Wan would like for you to be present-” Before Mace can finish his sentence he is cut off.

“I believe what Master Windu is trying to say is that they would both like for you to experience what our galaxy has to offer.” Shaak Ti answered for him. “There will be other Jedi there too, but you will be traveling on your own.” She said. “Oh, and please keep in mind, this celebration is also being held in remembrance for Steela, their fallen leader.”

“Understood, may I leave now?” Master Yoda gave you a nod, allowing you to leave. You made your way to the hangar, Kaytee following close behind you. Well, it looks like it was time to see Anakin again.

-

O N D E R O N

Your journey to Onderon is short, but you take the time to fiddle with Kaytee. Cleaning her up to make her look presentable. Weeks after you were gifted the droid, you took the time to fix her up and reprogram her to your liking. With the touch of a button, you could make her record a hologram, send her your location, or gouge out someone's eye if needed. You truly did love your droid, and you thanked the stars that Stark taught you how to code, program, and build trinkets of your own.

Kaytee lands the ship with a heavy thud, “I know you're excited to see Artoo, but we need to be careful with this ship. It’s not ours.” You told her, and in return you get a series of apologetic beeps. The door opens with a hiss, you signal for Kaytee to follow you. Stepping off, you notice all of the other ships outside of Iziz. It was like all the entirety of the galactic senate was here, which you really didn’t doubt. You felt out of place in your Jedi robes. People were arriving in magnificent, mind blowing outfits. Gowns with tails that trailed far behind them and tuxes with flowy capes. This ball was going to have it all.

The bustle of the market only intensified with the oncomers. You had to make your way to the temple before you got distracted. By the time you reached the temple doors, the crowd lessened, or so you thought. Entering the temple, you were greeted at the sight of hundreds of people. You felt blood rush to your cheeks as people began to turn and stare at you. Screw the Jedi Council for not giving me a nice outfit to change into. Just as you were about to turn around and wander through the market, you heard your voice being called out. You tried to find where the sound was coming from, only to get confused and jolt your head around violently as if you were a loth cat.

“Alyra! Over here!.” Your feet began moving on their own accord. As if you were being drawn to a presence. You come to a screeching halt in front of.. Anakin, of course it's him. Why am I not surprised that the force has literally brought me to him? Along with Obi Wan, R2, and Padme. Oh my god, wait, it’s Padme. I could kiss her right now if I wanted to. But I won’t. That would be weird, won’t it. Kissing her in front of her husband, who is my-

“Alyra, are you alright?” Obi Wan asks, breaking you out of your internal ramble.

“Yeah, I was just...trying to take all of this in. I’ve never seen anything like this.” You responded, pretending to look around the temple.

“It seems like you space out a lot.” He jokes, a smile on his face before he realizes no one else is laughing. He rolls his eyes before continuing, “Anyways, welcome to Onderon. This is my good friend, Senator Padmé Amidala of Naboo.” He turns to face her while he introduces you to her. You hold out a hand, expecting for her to shake it. Instead she walks up to you and takes you within her hold. She hugs you tightly, you can feel her protruding belly.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you! Anakin has talked a lot about you.” Both you and Obi Wan furrow your brows at the mention of Anakin speaking of you. Padme is quick to notice this and corrects herself, “I mean of what he’s mentioned to me about you today. Right, Ani?” She validates.

“Yeah, only good things though.” He testified, avoiding your gaze. It was weird that he was mentioning you to his pregnant wife, what was there to talk about? Not to mention the fact that he had been avoiding your presence for months now.

You squinted your eyes at him, “I could only hope so, seeing as though we haven’t spoken in awhile.” you accused. What in the world is he up to now?

You can practically see the gears turning in his head as he tries to come up with a comeback, before he can utter a word, he’s interrupted by Padme.

“C’mon, let’s go to your room and get you changed.” Once again, you furrow your brows.

“Changed, what do you mean changed?” You ask her.

“What, did you think I’d just let you roam around the ball in those ugly Jedi robes? Come, I’ll let you borrow one of my dresses.” She drags you away by the arm, Anakin and Obi Wan shouting at her. Something about Jedi robes not being ugly, you couldn’t really hear with Padme’s giggles silencing them. Kaytee let’s out a giggle of her own as she follows you, Artoo’s personality rubbing off on her.

Padmé all but practically throws you onto your bed as she ushers one of her handmaidens, Teckla, to bring the dresses into your room. Teckla wheels in a rack filled with elegant looking dresses, along with a bunch of different heels. All looking like they could snap your ankle in half if you walked the wrong way. The first dress she hands you is body conforming up until it reaches your knees, from there it fans out creating a mermaid gown effect. While the dress itself was very beautiful, you thought of it to be too plain for an event like this. You and Padme both share a look before agreeing that this was in fact not the dress.

However, the next dress she hands you is a proper ball gown. You slip it on, taken aback by how heavy the dress was. She walks up behind you to tighten the corset of the gown. She does her best to tighten it up without hurting you, but you can’t help let out a wheeze as she gets closer to tying it off.

“Sorry, as much as I love this dress, I also hate it. I’m so glad I’m pregnant so I don’t have to feel it stabbing me at every given chance.” She said, breaking the silence.

“How many months are you?” You asked.

“I’m six months along now, almost seven.” She finishes tying up the corset before stepping aside. “What do you think?”

“Well, it certainly is fit for an event like this and I do think it’s beautiful. But it’s crushing me with every breath I take. I feel like if I sit down, I won’t be able to get back up.”

“Right, well I can fix that.” This time she takes her time picking out the next dress. She lets her fingers brush across the different fabrics, stopping at one that caught her eye. “Here, try this one!” She suggests. By the look on her face, you can already tell that this is the one. The dress is flowy and soft looking. You step into the dress, pleased to find yourself correct. It feels like you have nothing on. Padme helps you zip the dress up, along with clasping together the leather pieces. The light blue tulle layered over the dark blue, almost purple material complimented your skin tone. The dress had a deep v-neck, showing off your cleavage. Right below your collarbone laid a strap of leather, connecting to either side of your thick shoulder straps. From those straps, a thin piece of tulle was stitched on, giving you two separate mini capes for your arms. Aside from a strap of leather covering your spine, the dress is completely backless. It feels like you could go frolicking in this dress. Who am I kidding, Padme probably went frolicking in this dress with Anakin.

“So, what do you think?” Her tone is hushed, as if she was trying to figure out whether you hated or loved the dress.

“It’s beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.” You respond. “Kaytee, what do you reckon?” The droid let’s out a series of delights beeps, showing her contentment towards the dress.

“Great!” Padmé says before ushering you into a chair. “Now, we're going to do your hair and makeup. So sit still.” For once in your life, you shut up and sit still, allowing Padme to work her magic.

“Do you know the gender?” You asked, your question breaking the silence, and while the atmosphere wasn’t exactly awkward, it wasn’t comfortable either.

“Oh no, I’d rather not. It’s not like it matters to me anyways. As long as my child is happy and healthy, then so am I. But it’s ironic because I haven’t been to a check up yet.” Padme gently pulls your hair back, leaving two pieces in the front to frame your face. It was simple, not taking any attention away from the dress.

No check up? Maybe that’s why Padme didn’t know she was having twins. “So you haven’t seen a doctor or a medical droid yet?” Your eyes follow her as she pulls makeup out of her bag, her collection vast.

“No, not really. I don’t have very much time to myself due to the fact that I’m a part of the senate. But I do my best to make sure I stay healthy for my baby and me. I also just want it to be a surprise.” Padme finds a foundation shade similar to your skin tone and blends it in.

“What if you have twins? What will you do then?” You probably weren’t supposed to be asking her questions like these, but you couldn’t help it. Maybe you should’ve asked why she had so much makeup instead.

“Well..” She sighed while blotting powder all over your face. “..I suppose if it happens, then it happens. It’s the will of the force.” She finishes powdering your face before moving to your eyebrows. Padme takes an angled brow brush and begins to fill them in, giving it a naturally fuller look.

“So, you believe in the force?”

“How could I not? I work so closely with the Jedi, I’ve seen what you guys have done. The father is very close friends with the Jedi.” Padme said, implying that the father was in fact a Jedi. It felt like you were intruding, but then again, you weren’t necessarily forcing her to tell you this. You had only met her moments ago and she already trusted you enough with her secrets.

“Really? I thought the Jedi weren’t allowed to form attachments?”

“Oh… we weren’t really together. It was sort of a one night thing. But he’s going to be in the child’s life.” She covered up.

The conversation went on like that for a while before Padme announced that she was finished with you. After finishing your makeup and adding some finishing touches to your hair, she finally stepped aside, letting you see yourself in the mirror.

The second you saw yourself, your mouth fell open in shock. You looked absolutely ethereal. Padme kept your makeup very natural to bring out your features. She also added small, white flowers into your hair. You excitedly thanked her and got up to hug her as a way to show your gratitude.

“Shall we get going now?” She offered

“Oh, if it was alright with you, I was going to stay behind. I have to contact somebody.” You asked

“Of course, I’ll see you later then.” She said before gathering all of her belongings and leaving with Teckla. As Padme arrives, Anakin notices that you weren’t with her.

“Where’s Alyra?” He asked her, eager to see what she would look like out of her Jedi robes.

“She said she had to talk to someone.”

Meanwhile, in your room you were getting ready to call Peter. Honestly, you had no idea if you had connection on Onderon, but you were about to find out. Taking off your necklace, you were pleased to see the green light, indicating that you were indeed connected to the bridge. You scroll through your contacts before finding Peter’s name. You hit the dial button and wait for it to connect.

-

E A R T H

Peter is sleeping when he gets a call, the bracelet on his left hand vibrating. He thinks nothing of it and almost declines the call. That is until he realizes it’s you calling on the bracelet he had designated just for you. He jumps up from his sleeping position and quickly answers your call. Peter can’t help but let out a gasp of awe the very second your face pops onto the hologram.

“What? Is there something on my face?” You move closer towards the camera and inspect your face, only to find no flaws.

“Nothing...it’s just been so long since I’ve seen you like this.”

“Like what?” Your eyebrows scrunch together, the confusion clear on your face.

“All… dolled up.” Peter’s response makes your face blush a hot red. You let out a shy laugh as your hand comes to rest at the back of your neck. He was right, it had been so long since you’ve felt this pretty. It felt good, for once you had felt good.

“Thanks, Pete. It feels good to be in something other than Jedi robes.”

“Not that I’m saying you can’t be dressed up like this, but exactly why are you so dressed up?” He pondered, he knew it wasn’t like the Jedi to go about their duties in exquisite gowns.

“I’m actually on Onderon.” You pan the camera towards the view outside of your window. “The Jedi have invited me to a celebration of Onderon’s liberation. But also in memory of Steela I believe. I really wish you were here with me. I still don’t understand why they couldn’t have sent both of us.”

“I miss you too, but you know I have a duty here on Earth.”

“Duty? So did I Peter!”

“You know I didn’t mean it like that. With me being Spiderman-”

“It’s not like they don’t have any other superheroes. I mean come on, admit it! You know more about Star Wars than I possibly could. You should be here with me.” You huff out before changing the subject, “Anyways, how are you? Did you end up fixing things with MJ?”

“I’m fine, but no, we didn’t. We both agreed that we’d be better off as friends. Besides I’ve already moved on.” He confessed, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck. It’s now or never Peter, you’ve gotta tell her.

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear about your split. But hopefully you and this new person will work out-”

“It’s you.” He says, abruptly cutting you off. Peter watches you tilt your head as your brows scrunch together again.

“Excuse me?”

“It’s you,” He repeats, taking a deep breath before speaking again, “It’s always been you. I didn’t realize it until you had left… I didn’t think I could miss someone so much.”

“Peter…. I don’t know what to say.” You uttered out,

“Please, say something- anything.” He begged, hoping he hadn’t just ruined years of friendship. Peter watches as you open and close your mouth, searching for the right words.

“...I can’t.” You say as you shake your head. “I can’t be with you, Peter.”

“Why? Is it because of my age? Come on, Y/N, I’m only two years younger than you.” He pleads

“It’s not that. You’re just not the right person for me, Peter. I know it in my very soul.”

“Oh yeah? And who is, Anakin?” He taunts, he can feel his eyes water as he watches you look away from him. “No freakin’ way. You’ve got to be kidding me.” Peter lets out a scoff.

“You’ve got to understand Pete, I love him. I really do.”

“NO! You don’t love him. You’re just obsessed with him. You think you can save him but you can’t! No one can! You can’t change his destiny.”

“What do you even know about love? You can’t tell me who I can and can’t love. It doesn’t work like that. You know nothing about it-”

“I LOVE YOU!” He screams, breaking the silence in his Queen’s apartment, surely waking up May. “Why isn’t that enough?” Peter watches as tears slowly stream down your face as he lets out a few of his own.

“I’ve got to see this out until the end, you know that Peter...I could only wish that it was enough, but it’s not. You’re like a brother to me, don’t do this to me. To our friendship...I’ve got to go now.”

“No, you don’t get to leave again-”

“I’m sorry, goodbye, Peter.” You end the call and Peter is left staring at the wall, mouth hung open in shock. He couldn’t believe this just happened to him. He faintly makes out the sound of Aunt May knocking on his door.

Without waiting for a response, she cracks open his door. She takes notice of the tears falling off of his face and closes her mouth. Aunt May is silent as she makes her way across his room, holding her arms out for him. Peter gratuitously accepts her embrace, his sobs muffled by her clothes.

No words are spoken as Peter cries his heart out, never in a million years did he think you’d be the one to break him.

--

collide tags: @deepcollectionmagazine​ @amesstm​ @haileyybird​

[fandom-necromancer]

Let your Warmth melt my Ice

You all know I like emotional destruction, right? Well strap in, because this post by the amazing @nock-and-bolt hit me right in the feels. Had to write a short to it. Also tagging @janjan-the-ninth because they said so XD Enjoy!

Fandom: Detroit become human | Ship: Reed900 (Warnings: Temporary character death, grief, misunderstanding)

[Warning: Critical damage detected. Shutdown imminent.]

Nines was already on the ground by the time he had realised those bullets had indeed hit him and that there had been more enemies than anticipated as he had rushed in. He still heard the gunshots around him, the people shouting, barking orders and screaming in pain. His systems were still busy locating each position and making tactical calculations based on this information. Still prompting him to continue, to shield his friends and protect them. Apparently, his systems hadn’t caught up with the fact that he was minutes from death. True death. This body wasn’t able to function anymore and the loss of Thirium meant his hardware would run hot and eventually melt. There was no way for him to survive this.

His fingers started to spasm from wires shortcutting. His vision glitched and his analysis program darted from one detail to the next. Was there still gunfire? It was hard to concentrate, to filter sensory information and not get lost in a confusing mess of signalling. He felt how some non-vital systems began to shut off and left his mind a little less crowded, a little less confusing. Gavin, his thoughts managed to form conscious words again. Where was he? Was he safe? He tried saying the name, forming it with his voicebox but never hearing it as his auditory systems malfunctioned briefly. Next were his legs and torso, but he never regained feeling there. He was about to try again, as a face appeared in his vision.

‘Nines? Nines!’ Those words were like balm on his soul. Those special sounds only the human could speak like that, this special melody they used to create meaning. This name he had been given by the same person that meant so much to him. ‘Nines! Can you hear me? Nines?’ The android registered he was lifted up by Gavin and propped against a wall. He could see the human touch his wounds and press his hands on them as if that would help in any way. ‘Nines! Phcking asshole, say something!’ Nines tried once again to say his name, but his voicebox was already damaged, only static making it out of the small speaker. If anything, it made the human even more anxious. ‘Nines. Nines, phck!’

[Warning: Commencing Shutdown. Begin upload?]

Upload. Right. Nines knew it was likely for nothing. He was the only model ever produced and therefore unique. But still, an upload of his memories and personality matrix was something to continue living with. If what they did was living and if their programming was a soul like most humans were proclaiming, then maybe the upload could safe him. Keep him alive, even if there was no immediate body to switch to. Maybe someone valued him enough to rebuild or design anew.

Gavin certainly would.

Gavin.

[Upload started… 1%]

‘Nines, what’s going on? Your LED flickers! What- No.’ Nines managed to lift his eyes to the human’s face. He was kneeling next to him, holding him upright against the wall and trying frantically to stop the blood flow. If he had been human, it might have worked. ‘No, no, no, you are not dying! You are not!’ His face showed despair, shock, pain. All for him. All Nines had ever wanted for him was to be happy. Now he was the reason he wasn’t.

[Upload at 26%]

Nines didn’t want to see him like this. Nines wanted to see his smile again. Those green eyes sparkling in the light of the sun when they spent their break outside on the bench. He wanted to hold his human and comfort him. He wanted to be there for him. He wanted to make sure he was safe on future missions. He wanted to reach the day when he could finally tell him what he was sure Gavin never wanted to hear. He wanted to… do so many things. ‘Nines! Please. Tell me what to do! Cyberlife’s contacted, Jericho too. Help’s on the way. Hold on. Stay with me.’ There were tears on the man’s face as he swallowed and looked at him in panic. Don’t panic, Nines wanted to say. You will live, he thought. I protected you. But those words were never spoken.

[Upload at 63%]

Nines felt more and more systems shut down due to overheating and misfiring of vital sensors. It wasn’t long now, and he needed his last moments to remember. His eyes had never left Gavin’s, but now the android tried to form a smile on his face that he hoped to express everything it needed to. Hoping that it would calm down the human and be how he remembered him. As long as he still could, Nines lifted his arm and hated how it jerked back and forth and never reached its goal. His motor control was malfunctioning and the servo itself too damaged to work at full capacity. Nines’ arm hovered over his chest, reaching for Gavin’s face. Thankfully the human got the message and took his arm to help him direct it so his hand cupped his cheek.

Warm. Nines had been fascinated from the start how warm humans could be. Like they were constantly overheating and radiating their energy into the world. Those creatures couldn’t be described better in his eyes. Exhaling love with every breath and being compassionate beings always looking out for the wellbeing of others, even when the person was described as an asshole, like Gavin. Gavin cared. He was just hurt one too many times and now Nines would add to it.

[Upload at 82%]

‘Nines! Nines, stay with me.’ Nines followed a tear that was rolling down from Gavin’s cheek and stopped as it hid his hand. His robotic hand. He hadn’t realised his skin had retracted, but he was showing off his white plastic hull on his entire body by now. When had that process shut down? ‘You bastard! Stay with me! Don’t you dare phcking dying on me!’ The android felt how he lost power over his body and sacked down, but Gavin was reacting fast, catching him and holding him in his arms. The man grabbed his arm and pulled it over Nines’ chest. ‘Nines! I swear, if you die on me, I will kill you!’ Could he still do that, Nines would have laughed. Only Gavin would curse at him, threaten him in his dying seconds.

[Upload at 96% Shutdown imminent]

Nine’s vision was getting hazy, static filling it and only leaving him his area of focus: Gavin’s panicked face. He couldn’t feel the warmth of Gavin’s touch anymore, could only see and hear. ‘Nines, please. Please, I need you, you plastic prick! Don’t you dare do this to me!’

[Upload finished. Shutting down…]

Gavin lifted him to his chest and buried his face in Nines’ drenched clothes. ‘You can’t leave me, you phcking asshole! Because I… I love you.’

Nines hadn’t had any more time to process this.

[Shutdown]

-

Gavin’s day had been completely normal. It was surprising how normal his days had been lately. People around him were chatting, laughing at each other’s jokes and discussing the new shop around the corner. He was driving through a city that continued life as usual whenever he got to work or back home. Crime scenes were coming up and vanishing, cases came and went. Reports were written and evidence filed. But the chair in front of Gavin stayed empty. The terminal remained switched off.

All the little trinkets Nines had gathered on his desk and considered skilful decoration gathered dust. No one had the heart to put them away. Just as no one had thought to hire a new person. Not when there still was a chance that Nines could come back. Gavin looked down on his hands that mindlessly fidgeted with a small ring. Normally shining blue, yellow or lastly red, it was now just a dark circle in white plastic. But it was something to cling to, something to remember. Just in case. Just in case Nines didn’t come-

No. No, he had to. The android had uploaded his personality to Cyberlife as a failsafe. And although there was no body for him, Jericho had bullied the company to build a new one. With the blow Cyberlife had to take to their image, it hadn’t taken much. Gavin had hope they could make it. Maybe it was all he had. In any scenario, he had never thought for the android to die first. Almost completely bullet proof, the chance of him dying… Well, Gavin had considered it zero at this point. That was about the only reason he hadn’t said what he told the dying android long ago. Thinking they had time…

He sighed deeply, looking over to his mug and tilting it a bit to look inside. Empty. Of course. He groaned. He really didn’t want to get out of his chair. He had no motivation for anything anymore and even a trip to the breakroom could as well had been a journey around the earth. The more surprised he was as a new mug was placed next to his. Steaming and filled to the rim. Gavin looked at it, brain lagging behind. The hand that was holding the handle lingered for just a second, then retracted. Gavin’s eyes followed the movement and were directed to a white uniform. Black details at the opening and the pockets, a ridiculously high collar and then… That stupidly beautiful face.

Gavin’s throat went dry. ‘Nines?’, he croaked disbelievingly. ‘Are you… phck, are you Nines?’ The android in front of him lowered his head a bit, then nodded. ‘Yes. It’s me. Cyberlife rebuild my body and I thought to return to work as soon as possible. I left you long enough with both our-‘ He couldn’t finish, as Gavin stood up and grabbed him by the jacket to push him against the glass separating the desk from the hallway. ‘You asshole died in my arm and all you can think about is work?’ He let go of the android, swallowing his emotions. Damn, the android had just returned from the dead, he should be happy. ‘I… I’m sorry for the trauma I’ve caused you. I’m fine again. I just thought we could get back to normal?’

Gavin looked at the android and swallowed for real this time. Hell, how would dying feel like? All Gavin wanted to do is shake Nines and tell him how relieved he was and how good it was to see him again and how bad he managed living on without him and also ask how he felt about what Gavin had asked him in the very end. Because he was ready to make up excuses for that, if the android didn’t feel that way and oh would it help him if Nines felt the same…

But exactly how Gavin managed trauma like that – with his thoughts running at hundred miles an hour and his only reaction anger and brashness – Nines might need the exact opposite: Calmness and time to think and reset. He was an android after all. Maybe all that programming and logic had some use after all. Gavin nodded and instead hugged Nines’ middle. ‘It’s good to have you back, tin-can.’ The android didn’t move to return the hug but stood there rather awkwardly. ‘Thanks…’ Gavin stepped back and let go of the man. ‘Err… yeah, sure. Let’s… let’s get back to work, shall we? And if you… want to talk about what happened or… what that makes you feel… I’m right here.’ ‘Thank you’, Nines smiled and that smile almost made everything alright again.

The android moved over to his terminal, switched it on and interfaced with it, while dusting off his belongings with the other hand. Gavin too returned to his work. As if it was just another day.

-

Nines was thankful to be back. He remembered not believing it might work, but Cyberlife had harboured his soul in their servers and Jericho had actually managed to move them to build a new body for him. It felt like he had never been gone, as he stepped foot back into the precinct. He had of course been the centre of attention then, but he still managed to surprise Gavin and that was all he had needed to feel that warmth again. As the human had hugged him… It had been heaven on earth. Metaphorically. From his own experience if android heaven was a dusted Cyberlife server, then this was much better.

He had enjoyed the unexpected contact far too much, his systems overwhelmed by the sudden motions that he had actually frozen for a few moments. He was actually surprised Gavin had taken it so well. From his last memories before his deactivation, he had expected there to be more tears… more emotions. But then again, maybe Gavin had already grieved for him. It had been two weeks after all. Maybe he had just been relieved he was back and now was eager to get back to normality. Or he suppressed his emotions as usual until they weren’t too intense to handle. Either way, Nines wouldn’t start a conversation with him, not unless he initiated one first. He had caused the human his pain after all. Gavin would have to chose when was the right time.

Unfortunately, even the next day, nothing changed. Gavin had no interest in opening the talk and even seemed to avoid him. If anything, he was growing more distant, seemingly wanting to tell him something when he left for his home, but never actually speaking up. It hurt. It hurt somewhere deep inside Nines. The android was feeling so much, even looking at the human caused him software instability. But he didn’t dare to tell the man. Gavin hadn’t said something when he was in emotional turmoil because of his impending death. Surely, he would have done that if he felt something. And with how he always pulled a face at seeing publicly displayed affection, maybe he didn’t want to hear it either.

Nines loved the human. He wanted to deepen their relationship. He had died to protect Gavin and he would do so again and again, if he had to. But with how Gavin kept to himself and didn’t even acknowledge him some days, Nines really doubted that was what the human wanted.

-

Gavin was beyond disappointed. He would have been angry hadn’t that felt too much of a defeat. The android had had the audacity to die in his arms catching multiple bullets for him and then ghost him like that? Gavin had confessed his love to the plastic prick in a moment of vulnerability and now the damn android just pretended nothing had happened? “Detective”-d him at any given moment and displayed no more emotion than before their mission? Hell, if he wasn’t interested, Nines could have just said so. This was just an asshole move. And two could play that game of ignorance. It didn’t matter to Gavin that his soul was bleeding with every stumbled ‘Oh. Okay.’ from the android whenever Gavin shoved him away further. He was far too angry for it. And it only got worse during the week.

Friday finally was the day, that promised Gavin refuge. He wouldn’t have to see the android on the weekend and have time to come to terms with his contradicting feelings. Then, on Monday, he would just tell the android and be done with it. No more dancing around each other, trying to find out how the other felt and watch out for the other’s wellbeing. He decided to leave early and switched off his computer grabbing his jacket as he stood up. ‘Gavin?’ Oh hell no. If the android continued to speak with him, he would resort to violence at this point. He was hurt and confused and done, so, so done with it all. So, he just turned around and left. Only once he left the building and heard the door fall into the lock behind him, he sighed and took a deep breath of the grounding cold February air.

He shouldn’t have stopped. ‘Gavin!’ The door behind him opened and Nines stumbled out of it, coming to a halt everything but gracefully. His LED was a dark red and Gavin didn’t want to think of what that reminded him of. ‘What do you want?’, Gavin spat. ‘I want to talk with you. About what happened. I held myself back until now because I know this might have been traumatic for you and-‘ ‘Phck off! You died in my arms! You know, you are right, that might have been traumatic for me, phckhead!’ ‘I apologize for that, but-‘ ‘Oh, you apologize?’ Gavin turned around and walked right into the android’s personal space. ‘You apologize? For what exactly? Dying? Ignoring me? Disregarding that I laid out my heart in front of you and you decided to step on it?’

Nines took a step back and frowned. ‘What do you mean?’ ‘What- What do I mean?’, Gavin wheezed in disbelief. ‘Ex-phcking-cuse me? I mean that I told you I love you! You died in my arms and I thought if this was your last moment and you died for me, I could as well tell you that! Maybe made it a bit easier for you. Less hurtful. Phck, what have I been thinking? You are just a damn machine, you don’t phcking feel. Or at least not in that way. Because hell, I tell you that, let you into my heart and when you come back, you hand me a coffee and go straight back to work?’

‘Wait’, Nines said, holding up his hand. ‘Wait, Gavin. Your last words to me were: “Don’t you dare do this to me!”’ He blinked. ‘Or were they?’ Gavin clenched his jaws. ‘No, asshole they weren’t! My last words to you were that I loved you!’ ‘When was that? Right before I shut down? Was my LED still flickering?’ ‘How the hell should I know?’, Gavin asked, throwing his hands in the air. ‘You were dying in my arms; I don’t think I had more important things on my mind than your stupid mood light!’ ‘Gavin, this is important’, Nines said, stepping forwards and holding the man by the shoulders. ‘Was it less than two seconds before my body went rigid?’ Gavin shrugged. ‘Yeah, could be. Why?’

Nines let go of him and had to sit down on the stairs in front of the station. ‘Gavin, I uploaded my memory to Cyberlife as soon as I knew I would die. It recorded everything up to two seconds before my death, because it takes a bit of time to end the Upload and shut down the body. I… I might have heard it and understood it as I was dying, but I… the backup of me that I am now has no memory of you telling me that.’

Gavin stared at the android and processed what he just heard. Then he sat down next to Nines on the stairs and stared blankly ahead. ‘Phck.’ ‘Fuck indeed.’ ‘And all the time I thought you were just a work-centred prick ignoring me.’ ‘I wouldn’t have ignored it had I known it, Gavin, I’m sorry.’ Gavin rubbed his face in frustration. Phck, he just wanted this day to be over.

But Nines didn’t let him end it just yet. He cleared his throat and looked over at the human that had nearly folded in on himself. ‘Err… Do you… Do you really love me?’ Gavin lifted his head up, his fingers resting on his mouth. He looked at Nines from the corner of his eyes, only then letting his hands slap on his knees. ‘Yes, I guess’, he sighed. ‘No, yeah I do. I was so angry at you all phcking week it won’t be a heartfelt confession now, but I do love you. The way you’re just… Always there for me and care so much. Most would just pretend not to have seen me and move on. You sought me out. You are actually funny and intelligent and competent. And you are phcking hot, okay? I feel so much for you and seeing you die… I couldn’t handle it. I think the hope you would come back to me kept me going.’ There was a brief moment of silence.

‘I love you too, Gavin’, Nines answered in a whisper. ‘I can’t understand how I am the one lucky enough to got to know you when so many others had their chance before me, but I am happy fate chose me. I… I can’t express how I feel as I shouldn’t be feeling at all as an android. But I do and I wanted to tell you for so long. I just always thought you didn’t want to hear something like that…’ ‘Nines?’, the human spoke up and turned towards him. Nines followed his movement and his eyes naturally found their way to Gavin’s, who smiled. ‘Nines, this was the only thing I ever needed to hear.’

Nines blinked, but didn’t have the time to answer, as Gavin laid an arm around his shoulders and pulled him in for a deep kiss. Once again, Nines froze up, but Gavin’s warmth quickly made him melt into the touch. Soon enough, he would have to think about all of this to process what he just heard, but for now…

For now, he enjoyed this.

[peggyrose19]

Everything is Falling Apart - Part 3

I’m trying to not make this as angsty and give it a maybe happy ending? but as mentioned I have no control over these characters, I let them do what they want. Also straight up don’t realize how painful my writing is until people tell me, so. There’s that. Moving on. This whole thing ended up a lot longer than I ever intended it to be, but I’m not mad about it. Writing angst is fun. All of your wails and cursings of my name have been quite amusing to me. Am I a horrible person for that? It’s possible. Whatever. Hopefully this will be the last part, at least I’m intending it to be. If it’s not I’m mildly afraid @im-oknutzy-trash will kill me. She says I need to go back to writing fluff instead. I guess she doesn’t enjoy having her heart destroyed. *shrug* love you Hannah! 

Also, can you tell I’m not from New York? I’ve been a handful of times, so I did my best. No, I did absolutely no research since most of this was written in bed when I was supposed to be sleeping or during class when I was supposed to be paying attention. 

Characters belong to the amazing amazing @lumosinlove, AU is Clandestine by my fav @heyitssmiller, and shout out to @awanderingdeal for the cactus name! Thank you for that. Hope you all enjoy and don’t cry too hard. As always, leave a comment and I’ll love you forever. 

“Logan?”

The voice shook him from his thoughts.  

“Yes,” he blurted out. Finn frowned. “I mean no. Yeah, no. Wait, fuck- argh.” He stopped, taking a deep breath. “I mean, I won’t run away from you, not this time. You’re right, that was… that was not good of me to do.” He ran a hand through his hair, searching for what to say. “Merde, I didn’t think it’d be this hard.”

“Lo.” Finn reached across the table and laid a hand over Logan’s. “It’s okay, really.”

He sighed. “No, it’s not. I hurt you. Badly. And I’m really sorry for that. You- you didn’t deserve that.” 

“It’s alright. I hurt you too, I know I did.”

“Finn, no you didn’t.” Logan shook his head. “You were nothing but good to me, and I just left. I left you in that apartment with all of Leo’s things still there and all those memories of us, of him. I left. And you might have forgiven me, but I haven’t forgiven myself for that.” 

Finn bit his lip, unsure how to respond. 

“It was really hard,” he admitted finally. 

“What did you do with all his stuff?”

“It’s in a storage locker. I couldn’t bear to go through it all.”

“D’you-” Logan stopped himself. 

“What?”

“Do you think we could go through it together? I just… I don’t have anything of Leo’s anymore. And I don’t want to forget him. Please?”

Finn took a shaky breath. “Yeah. Yeah, we can do that.” 

“Okay. Thank you.”

“You really mean it? That you’ll stay this time? Because I really want that.”

“Yeah. I mean it.” 

It was a few days before Logan saw Finn again. He spent his time wandering New York City, exploring the place Finn had grown up. It was fascinating to imagine him as a little boy with his bright hair, scurrying about the city with his older brother, causing mischief and giving his parents brain aneurysms. 

When Finn called him, it was Wednesday afternoon and he was in his hotel room, staring aimlessly at the television.

“Hey.” 

Logan swallowed. “Hey.” 

“So, uh, I’ve got some time tomorrow, if you wanna, you know… “

“For the storage locker?”

“Yeah, that. Um, I can meet you there or we can head over together. Best way to get there is by train.”

“I-” Logan thought for a moment of all the things he hadn’t gotten to say yet. “I’ll go with you, if that’s alright with you.”

“Yeah. Yeah, that’s fine. Okay. Good. I’ll uh, I’ll send you the details tonight.”

“Okay. I’ll uh, I’ll see you then, I guess.” 

“See you.” 

After Finn had ended the call, Logan sat for a long time. It had been like this every time they talked, a strange feeling of the past, present, and future all colliding together into one. He wasn’t quite sure what to do with it. 

When Logan reached the train station the next day, Finn was there waiting for him, glasses perched on his nose. He stopped for a moment as images flashed through his mind. Finn peering over his shoulder at the mission outline, glasses slipping down his nose. Logan reaching up and pushing them back on. Finn taking his contacts out at the end of each long day, blinking away the dryness in his eyes. Late nights with the three of them sprawled on the couch, all tangled limbs and soft kisses as they relaxed into each other, knowing they were home. 

Logan blinked back to reality. That was the past, he told himself firmly. It would do no good to dwell over something that couldn’t happen again. Shaking his head at himself, Logan crossed to Finn, coming to a halt at his side.

“Hi.” 

Finn jumped a bit. “Hey. You snuck up on me.”

“What kind of spy are you, if you’re that easy to scare?”

“Excuse you, I am an excellent spy. I’ll have you know I won Brad three years in a row.” 

Logan laughed. “How could I forget. You still have it?”

Finn looked affronted. “Of course I do! What kind of question is that?”

“Oh, sorry. Of course you do, why did I think otherwise?”

Fin was saved from having to respond by the loud horn of a train as it approached the station. It came to a stop with a hiss and the doors opened. 

“This is us,” Finn said, and they boarded, finding seats together near the back. It was quieter there, with fewer people.

They didn’t talk the whole way there. Logan sat in silence, searching for something to say, but he came up with nothing. What does one say to the boy they used to love? 

When they reached their stop, nerves suddenly bloomed in Logan’s chest. He hadn’t really thought too hard about what they were doing, more focused on Finn sitting beside him. But as they walked the few short blocks to the storage facility, his stomach began to churn. The building loomed before them, making Logan’s heart race.

“I-” He froze. Finn glanced back at him.

“Hey, Lo,” he said gently, walking back and grabbing his hand. “The moment you want to leave, we will. It’ll be okay. I’m right here with you.” 

Logan took a deep breath. Finn always seemed to know what to say. He looked up at Finn’s worried eyes and gave him a small nod. Still holding hands, the two entered the building. 

“I can’t believe we’re actually doing this,” Finn said quietly as they stood before the opened door of the storage unit. Logan clung to his hand. 

As one, they stepped inside. 

Finn grabbed the first box and tugged it open, Logan still at his side. 

“This should have his clothing,” he said, reading the label on the inside flap. He was right; inside were piles of Leo’s old shirts and sweatpants, a few pairs of jeans, some hoodies. Logan pulled out a sweatshirt, soft and faded, one from Leo’s high school, his favorite. He pressed it to his face.

“It doesn’t smell like him anymore,” he murmured. Finn didn’t say anything. He moved onto another box. Logan pulled Leo’s sweatshirt over his head. It went down to his knees. 

“Look at this,” Finn said, looking into the box he’d just opened. Inside were stacks of pictures. 

“You didn’t keep these?” Logan asked, pulling one out. It was the three of them in the park by their apartment, bundled against the cold and leaning into each other, taken by a kind passer-by. The picture had sat on the mantel. Logan had looked at it every day and thought about how lucky he was. 

“No. They just made me sad.” Finn pulled out an envelope, full of unframed photographs. He laughed a little as he began sorting through them. “Remember this?”

In his hand was a series of mugshots of the two of them, nearly unrecognizable in their disguises, both fighting a grin.

Logan snorted. “Do I ever. I kissed you for the first time that night.”

Finn smirked. “I nearly lost my mind when you did that.” 

“So did I.” 

They fell silent again as Finn kept looking at the pictures and Logan moved further into the room. He wasn’t really looking for much, just skimming the labels on the boxes and things left out. But one gave him pause. It was smaller, labelled “Leo Trinkets” in Finn’s neat handwriting. Curious, Logan opened it. 

Inside were, in fact, trinkets. As Logan began sorting through them, he started to recognize them. A small rock he’d found on an op, the same color as Leo’s eyes. Cooking stickers he’d found on a bike ride, the ones Leo said were too precious to ever use. The rainbow mug he’d bought for pride month, Leo’s name in cursive on the side. 

He dug deeper and deeper into the box, a new memory surfacing with each item. Every small trinket or bobble he’d ever gotten for Leo, placed lovingly in this small box. Logan didn’t notice he was crying until his tears fell onto the novel he was holding, the first-edition copy of Leo’s favorite book he’d found for his birthday. 

“You okay?” Finn asked quietly, setting a hand on his shoulder.

Logan sobbed, “I can’t believe he kept all this. I can’t believe you kept it.”

“Of course I kept it,” Finn sniffed. “We kept everything you ever gave us.” 

“Really?”

“Yes. Everything you gave me is in a box in my apartment. Some of it is still out. Like that funny little cactus you got me. I named it Sir Prick-a-Lot.“

Logan gave him a little smile. “Of course you named it something stupid.”

“Ah! Rude.”  When Logan didn’t answer, Finn’s smile faded. He was still staring down at the book in his hands.“Do you wanna bring that stuff back with you?” he asked. Logan just nodded.

Carefully, they packed everything back up, adding a few other things to the box; a few pictures, some of his old clothes. A little while later, they shut the lights off, leaving everything else for another day. 

On the train ride home, Logan held his box close to his chest. Finn sat beside him, their shoulders and knees pressed together. They didn’t say anything.

Logan thought of all the things he’d wanted to say. But maybe not all of them needed to be said. He looked over at Finn, then down at the box in his arms. He didn’t want to forget, to move on. He missed them. And he knew he couldn’t get Leo back. But maybe he could get Finn back, even just as a friend. He was tired of being alone. 

“Finn?”

“Yeah.”

“I still love you, too.”

[grailfinders]

Fate and Phantasms #110.1: Hassan of the Hundred Personas #1: Asako

Today on Fate and Phantasms, we’ll begin our exhaustive look into the various lives of the Hundred Personas, and how best to represent them in D&D 5e. If we hurry we should be able to squeeze 3 Hassans in each week, meaning we’ll be done in time for Halloween!

We’re just messing with you- we’ll get all 100 Hassans into a 20 level build if it kills us.

Check out the Hundred Personas’ build breakdown below the cut, or their character sheet over here!

Next up: You have chosen...wisely.

Race and Background

The body that housed the Hundred Personas in life was almost certainly human, but we’re not limited by spritework like FGO is- that means we can account for all 100 personalities taking the reigns instead of just having one main character talking. To make this a bit easier, you’re going to be a Changeling. This gives you +1 Dexterity and +2 Charisma, as well as Changeling Instincts. This would normally give you two skills we’re getting anyway, but thanks to Tasha’s we can swap it out for Any two skills. As one hundred people, you have some leeway in what skills you pick, but I’d suggest focusing on intelligence and wisdom based ones- you’ll be good enough at the other skills to make up for it.

Of course the big selling point of the Changeling is its ability to Change Appearance. As an action, you can change your appearance and voice, as well as gender, race, height, and weight (as long as you stay the same size). You can’t turn into creatures you haven’t seen, and you can’t add or remove limbs (sorry if you were hoping for centaur Hassans). You stay in this new form until you change appearance again or die. Sure, in FGO all the Hassans are human, but why would that be the case in D&D? Toss some extra races in there for flavor, why not?

Similarly, you could probably pick any background you want, but for the sake of consistency we’ll get Acolyte again to match Cursed Arm. This gives you Insight and Religion proficiencies.

Ability Scores

We’re using point buy again, but for the exact opposite reason most people normally do- we’re not minmaxing, we’re maxminning for optimal coverage. When your specialty is Literally Everything, you can’t afford a negative modifier. Make Strength, Dexterity, and Charisma 13, and Constitution, Intelligence, and Wisdom 12. You’re not the strongest servants out there, but you are the most well-rounded.

Class Levels

1. Rogue 1: Technically there’s better classes for you to start than rogue, but they get a lot of skills, and skills are your bag. You get proficiency in Dexterity and Intelligence saving throws, as well as four rogue skills. Again, any skill are technically fine, but I highly recommend at least picking up Stealth and Deception. You’re all assassins, and if you can keep the fact that all 100 Hassans share a body a secret you’ll be a lot more intimidating.

To make your skill domination even more complete, first level rogues get Expertise, doubling the proficiency bonus of two skills. Again, I highly recommend Stealth and Deception for this. You can also make a Sneak Attack against creatures you have advantage over or are otherwise occupied as long as you’re using a finesse weapon, adding 1d6 damage to the attack.

You also get Thieves’ Cant, and unlike every other rogue we’ve made you can actually use it, since you’ve got 99 accomplices built in with you. Communication’s important in any relationship, especially when you can’t leave.

2. Fighter 1: You probably have some idea where we’re going with this. For now, you get a fighting style. Gozul the Strong isn’t that delicate, so grab Unarmed Fighting to get him some solid damage. It’s not synergistic, but these kinds of disagreements are inevitable in group projects. 

The good news is while one of you is out fighting, the rest of you can spend your bonus action on a Second Wind for a bit of healing once per short rest.

3. Fighter 2: Another benefit to being multiple people is ganging up on idiots who think they’re in a one on one fight. Thanks to Action Surge, you can take two actions in a single turn once per short rest. That’s almost like being two people, right?

4. Fighter 3: I can see that wasn’t enough for you. I get it, you’re a discerning customer. That’s fine though; feast your eyes on the Echo Knight! This subclass lets you Manifest Echo as a bonus action, creating a copy of yourself that you can attack through. I’d argue that as a changeling any one of your forms could still count as a copy of you, but that’s a fight you’ll have to wage with your DM. You can also Unleash Incarnation a number of times per long rest equal to your Constitution Modifier, adding an extra attack from your echo when you take the attack action. ...Don’t expect to use that too often.

Echos have an AC of 14 plus your proficiency bonus and 1 hit point, making them slightly harder to kill than you were in Zero. They use your saves, and you can swap places with them as a bonus action plus 15′ of movement.

5. Rogue 2: We got the obligatory subclass out of the way, so now we can focus back on your main class. Your fighter levels just gave you a great reason to use your bonus action, but your new Cunning Action gives you even more flexibility, letting you dash, disengage, or hide as a bonus action.

6. Rogue 3: We have one subclass, what’s the harm of another? As a Phantom rogue, your Dissociative Identity Disorder comes to the forefront. You hear Whispers in your Head, giving you one skill or tool proficiency that can be changed at the end of a short rest, giving you incredible flexibility. You can also use Wails from the Grave, which I couldn’t think of a good renaming for, to deal half your sneak attack dice in necrotic damage to another creature after using your sneak attack on someone. Imagine this as another you popping out to make the most of the opportunity. You can use this a number of times per long rest equal to your proficiency bonus.

You also get Steady Aim, exchanging your movement for advantage on your next attack. This uses your bonus action, but it basically gives you free advantage with your Echo. Remember, it only shuts down your movement. You’ve got 99 other bodies ready to go.

Also, your sneak attack reaches 2d6.

7. Bard 1: I don’t really have a flavor justification for this one. I guess you could get philosophical and point out how the self is just a story we tell ourselves to make sense of what we do, but that’s reaching. 

Anyway, you get proficiency in any one skill, Bardic Inspiration, some d6 you can pass to allies as a bonus action to give them a bonus on attacks, checks, and saves, and Spells that are cast with Charisma. 

Grab Minor Illusion for another way to make a copy of yourself, Message to keep things quiet on missions, Comprehend Languages because let’s be honest at least one of you probably has heard of Duolingo by now, Feather Fall and Longstrider to keep up with Cursed Arm, and Healing Word. Medicine is a skill in this game, so you’ve got to have a bit of healing.

8. Fighter 4: Use your first Ability Score Improvement to round up your Strength, and put the other point into Dexterity for later.

9. Bard 2: Second level bards get one of the three reasons we came here: Jack of All Trades. This feature adds half your proficiency to nonproficient skill checks, so the few things you’re not good at, you’re still good at. You also get a Song of Rest, adding 1d6 to healing done at short rests while you’re in the party. Not... totally in character, but it was free. Your friends can also add your Magical Inspiration to their healing and damaging spells now.

Speaking of spells- it doesn’t matter what you get this level, we’re swapping it out next level anyway.

10. Bard 3: Your last subclass is Lore Bard for three more skill proficiencies as well as Cutting Words, letting you spend a use of inspiration as a reaction to reduce an incoming attack by 1d6, possibly making it miss you. You also get another round of Expertise for two skills of your choice.

Your last spells are Enhance Ability to make your skills even more powerful, giving the target advantage on one kind of skill check for the duration. If your DM allows UA, you can also grab Mirror Image to make three copies of yourself that will take damage for you.

11. Fighter 5: Fifth level fighters get an Extra Attack with each attack action. There’s two of you fighting- two attacks should be the minimum.

12. Fighter 6: Use this ASI to become a Skill Expert. This feat rounds out your Dexterity, and gives you one skill proficiency and expertise with one skill.

13. Fighter 7: Our last stop in the fighter class gives you an Echo Avatar, letting you see and hear through your echo for up to 10 minutes. While this is effective, your echo has a range of 1000 feet. The Hundred Hassans made for an effective spy network in Fate Zero, and now they do in D&D as well.

14. Rogue 4: Use your next ASI to gain some more Strength so you and Gozul can tag-team enemies effectively.

15. Rogue 5: At fifth level your sneak attack grows to 3d6, and you can make an Uncanny Dodge as a reaction to halve the damage of a single incoming attack.

16. Rogue 6: You gain Expertise in two more skills, pick whichever are the most effective by this point.

17. Rogue 7: Your sneak attack is now 4d6, and you get a big bonus to your echo’s (and your) survivability thanks to your Evasion. When you make a dexterity saving throw to avoid damage, failures deal half damage and successes deal no damage at all.

18. Rogue 8: Use this ASI to bump up your Constitution for more health and another unleashed incarnation per long rest.

19. Rogue 9: Ninth level phantoms can make Tokens of the Departed as a reaction when a creature dies near you. While holding one of these trinkets, you have advantage on death and constitution saves, and you can destroy a soul trinket to gain one of two effects- either a free use of Wails from the Grave, or you can ask the spirit trapped within a question. I really don’t have a good way to flavor the latter option though-maybe a temporary form of introjection, but that’s really stretching. You should probably just use it to stab people more.

20. Rogue 10: Your capstone level is another ASI. Bump up your Dexterity for a higher AC and better knife skills.

Pros:

You have one of the strongest skill checks so far- if you pick your proficiencies the way I did in the character sheet, you’ll only have one skill with a modifier below a +5, and with Enhance Ability and planning, you’ll have advantage on any important checks. You can also use your phantom proficiency to pick up niche skills that other builds wouldn’t bother to have. Laugh all you want, but the one time you need chef’s tools proficiencies, you’ll be ready.

You are great at being a spy. You have an amazing stealth score, and can use your Echo Avatar to sneak into places and teleport a thousand feet at a time. You can also squeeze info out of the dead, and could probably disguise yourself as any random occupation you could think of.

Rogues and Echo Knights mix together very well. Your echos have a lot more survivability than regular fighters, and they help you get off your sneak attacks much easier, and the extra attacks don’t hurt either. You also get plenty of HP from your fighter levels, and can mix that together with a rogue’s evasion techniques. (Also, your echo has good AC, so your cutting words can be very effective to keep it around) 

Cons:

We’re one level short of Reliable Talent, which is a must-have for a skill focused build. I would almost recommend getting rid of the last fighter level to grab it.

Your spells are pretty useful, but you don’t have many spell slots, so you’ll have to be careful.

The game’s got way too many tools for one swappable proficiency to cover them all, so even with your best attempts, sometimes you’ll just be bad at something. The horror.

[itstheendofthegoddamnworld]

Skin-Walker/Nature Spirit Boyfriend: Daithi 2

I felt guilty last time when the first part ended with the death of a character (spoiler) so, I thought I would add more to it and try and bring a happier ending to it all. I hope you enjoy it.

Themes: death and mortality, moving on, all that depressing stuff.

Genderless reader x Male monster 

PART 1 

Can’t Pretend Part 2 

Skin supple once had aged like curdled milk, the roots of old flowers had brought them to the weeds, just like those and their faces you knew that grew up in their stages – growing then thriving then leaving - all the same, except you were the exception.

Life had been too cruel enough to make you stay to watch everyone leave around you, even when you hadn’t needed them a very long time ago.

Your child first, your womb had quickened into dust and quicksand, the bane of your existence to have a child with your husband and to thrive as a family was taken from you the first and last time; your womb a crypt for your babe that never made it out.

Your husband was next to leave: from when growing old together had brought the good and bad of memories, he was too frail to the end of it all, his lovely trinkets and fishing pole still left on the mantle where he had left it from his youth; the wedding present he had given.

Your days in matrimonial to Erik were sincere and fond, the bricks you both laid one by one to build a foundation of trust had stayed sturdy and upright after he left, the very existence of your home was an example of it all. Even during the building of your marriage, you found yourself thinking to your youth: to the times of thinking you were not desirable, more so now just cursed than lucky to outlive everyone.

Daithi… you thought of him a lot.

You awoke with your bone old and frail as usual, the heartfelt soreness made up for how you wrapped in bundles to fend off the eternal colds of the seasons, leaving with little more than a cane to get you out of your door. 

The nature surrounding you hadn’t changed, the people had – in the youthful children running around to young lovers - you kept yourself happy in the best ways as possible, even when everything felt futile.

You tottered but got around as best as you could even in the prime of age, your cane helpful to help you go to the clearing you had gone to many times before. Every day, without fail. 

The soil was cold but crunched with each step you took, the path had been covered over in snow and moss as you crossed the small river with its rickety old bridge you had seen built 3 decades ago. And still, no-one had repaired it.

Your head craned upwards suddenly when you heard a caw above your head just to see fly past two crows in a loving pairing, fly to their nest to feed their young. You frowned, your hopes too high once more.

You continued onward, ignoring all signs of what you wanted in it being him, staggering up the hill to reach the top, where the air was at its coldest and you were wheezing and cold.

“Even now, you would love how nothing has changed, Daithi.” You hummed to yourself, onlooking the rows of small stone huts that had been once made of straw and little else, the coal and fires that burnt out and danced above the treeline whilst you looked onward at the large lake.

“Do you remember Dalia? Well, she had her babes in the frail spring. Two boys, bright as rain and bold as fire. She says they always go out into these woods to climb the trees.” You laughed to yourself in thought, “I’d imagine you would give them a good scolding.”

You listened to how the air calmed and surrounded you as one as you leant over a lovely yet old oak tree, as old as you had been or even older, onlooking the view. “I always imagined what it would be like… the other side. How morbid, I know, but… even if it’s cold and lonely, I think—I’d like to think I’m ready.” You rubbed your slender fingers to keep the warmth as best as you could, wincing at the pain in your joints.

“What is it like, Daithi? Is it different for you or do you have all walks of life with you?” You found yourself here to think and pray, pray to any old cold God that was out there to hear your prayers, making you believe that your wishes were all for your own misery.

“I don’t even know if I will ever see you again, or Erik or mother. But that’s okay—I think, I’d like to believe that there is peace out there, away from all of this, and that you are all happy.” The cold nipped harder at your skin, leaving you practically shivering with little to no fibre in your body allowing you to move.

“Will these same cruel Gods be kind enough to give me closure? Is my time now, I wonder?” You closed your eyes, thinking back to the days of youth and skin supple and your legs carrying you long and far enough that you didn’t grow so tired.

You had been 10 when you remembered the distant memory: under a willow tree that wept tears with you, hiding you with its billowing leaves and branches, you cried that day over something so feebly that the other children had laughed over, leaving you to run as far off as you could away from your village that day – in hopes of running away altogether.

‘You know, if you had stayed five seconds longer, you would’ve witnessed a small crow threaten them all.’

Your head rose swiftly when you met the comforting smile and light eyes of the skin-walker, ‘Daithi!’ You beamed tears of silver that leaked down your face as you leapt into his arms, his long strong ones wrapping around your sturdily and protectively, never seeming to want to let you go.

‘You gave me quite the scare, little one,’ you breathed in his scent as he gently spoke to you, calming you down quickly, ‘I was worried about you.’ He inspected you of any wounds, except for a few scratches and bruises.

‘Did you do that for me? Did you scare them off for me?’ You whimpered whilst you dried your tears. Daithi seemed to be taken back by your question as if you didn’t believe his words at all. “My dear, I would risk my own life to save you, you know that, don’t you?’

You nodded innocently, not realising his words would seemingly come true. Did you risk your own life for me, Daithi? Why? You could still be living and breathing now, young and never ageing for aeons.

“Daithi, oh, Daithi, how I miss you.” The tears like that day fell down your wrinkly cheeks thickly, dribbling down your chin and dampening your shawl. “Life has been so cruel, and you were taken from me before I had the chance to love you truly. I miss you so.”

By the time you realised, the wind had stilled and there was no cold nor bite that stung your skin when you had been freezing earlier – in fact, you couldn’t feel anything at all. It wasn’t terrifying nor scary, but soothing and calming, as if you had been reunited with an old friend.

When you lifted your head in reaction and realisation to this, the sky had changed in colours, as if you had been up the hill all day, now a sky full of lavender and pink, milky clouds littering the sky in wonder and amazement.

Out of the corner of your eye, a lone ink-black feather floating to land just at the heel of your foot, drifting away in the thin air.

There, in the distance, the faint sound of a bird’s wings fluttering in the distance, a shriek of a caw echoing along the buoyant trees.

“Little one?” You turned your head abruptly, feeling no pain if you had done so earlier, your body picking yourself up as you looked to the person standing before you like a God. “Oh, Gods… it’s you.”

The nature spirit hadn’t looked any different but just as comely as you had remembered in your youth. His skin wasn’t sickly nor wan, no blood blotting your skin as he stood before you like an illusion.

“It’s you, how—it can’t be, not yet.” Were his words of shock as he stumbled his way towards you, gingerly holding out his hand as you brought him into a warm embrace.

“What do you mean ‘not yet?’” You questioned sombrely, “Do you know how many decades have gone by? And now you want me to leave?”

“No—no, I don’t, but it is not your time to leave.” He cradled you, and when you met his gaze, his eyes were glassy, as if the fog of his pupils were dissipating. He was taking you in, silently marvelling you, “You’re still incredible like I remember, little one.”

“What, even in my wrinkled state?” You laughed dryly, stroking his hair back, as smooth as if he was real. “Are you… dead?”

“Yes, but your memory of me has kept me alive all this time.” He smiled through his tears, “ I’ve been here with you all this time, watching you grow through the good and bad. I was there when you laughed when you cried, I never left.”

You finally allowed more tears to fall, your hands shakily trailing over his flesh, when he halted you. “But you cannot stay here, you must go back.”

“I do not want to, Daithi. Please, I don’t want to go back, not again. Never have I felt a day so warm here with you in front of me right now.” 

Daithi brought his fingers to cradle the back of your neck, his long fingers stroking at your jaw. “Are you sure?”

“Is it… terrifying?”

“No, I don’t think so,” he assured you in what you believed was acceptance, “look around you, dear. Everything has to die soon: the little flowers, the trees, those of your village. But there are things that still stay, the moon, the sun, the rain that doesn’t stop dripping. The fear eventually stops, and the calm comes after the storm. And it’s beautiful.”

You smiled sadly, breathing in his scent of mint and pine. “If this is what the afterlife is like then, why would I want to leave so soon?”

Daithi smiled in comfort, hugging you back with no intention of letting you go. “It’s been too long, dear.”

You nodded, and when your hand came to cradle his fingers, you found yourself looking to the flesh of your own. Your skin was no longer wrinkly and there was no joint pain: your skin was smooth and supple once more, the sudden realisation had taken a toll on you as you leant up to kiss the skin-walker against his lips. “I know, but I’m here now.”

Warm, reassuring and tender. You had missed him so.

[apolloaiden]

Guardians name: 2

Age: 4 years post rez

Race: Exo

Call signs/alias: The Guardian, The Second Young Wolf, The Hero

Pronouns: She/Her

Class: Warlock

Preferred subclass(es): Void and Stasis

Ghost's name: Ghost (yes, very original)

Their Vanguard: She tolerates all "Vanguard" personnel.

Fireteam teammates: Miriam-46 and Leo (friends ocs)

Favorite legendary weapon: Deafening Whisper

Favorite exotic weapon: Ace of Spades

Favorite exotic armor: Transversive Steps

Favorite ornament armor set: Steeplechase set

Favorite weapon ornament: On Ashen Wings

What stats do they focus on: Discipline and Strength.

Are they offense, defence, or support: Offensive and supportive.

Do they prefer being close, mid, or long range: Close to mid range.

Do they lean more "Element of Surprise" or "Upfront and Aggressive": She has more of an element of surprise, but can be aggressive.

Strikes, Gambit, or Crucible: Mainly Crucible, she doesn't like strikes and kinda forgets about Gambit.

Who was their mentor(if they had one. If it is a character you created, tell us about them!): Ikora is a mentor to her for Warlock things, Cayde was a mentor to her for Exo things.

Who are they mentoring(if they are. If it is a character you created, tell us about them!): She is now the mentor and figurative mother to Crow. She loves him with all her heart.

What ship do they have: She mainly uses the unsecured/OUTCRY ship with a Precursor Vex Chrome shader.

What is their Sparrow: She uses the Calypso.

Favorite Ghost shell: She's tied between the Rimed Shell and the Phalanx Shell.

Favorite shader: None, there's too many to decide!

Favorite color: Blue and red.

Favorite food: Pastries

Favorite piece of Pre-Collapse tech(if they've seen any): She's really interested in the Exominds, partly by being one and wanting to know how she works.

Favorite Pre-Collapse music(if they've heard any): She likes metal and lo-fi.

Favorite place in The Last City(if it's a place you created, give a little description!): The gardens in the Last City, she likes to walk around them with Ghost. She also likes to be directly beneath the Traveler.

Favorite NPC(s): Crow, Ikora, Elsie, and Osiris.

Favorite patrol location: She loves Europa and Nessus, they're both so pretty.

5 things your Guardian likes(can be anything): Her Ghost, her friends, baking, fighting, and the feeling of both the Light and Darkness.

Least favorite food: Anything too salty.

Least favorite shader: Anything green, she has too many green shaders.

Least favorite patrol location: She doesn't hate them, but the Tangled Shore and Dreaming City make her uneasy.

Least favorite Pre-Collapse tech(if they've seen any): Old electrical devices, they emit a loud ringing sound to her and it gives her a horrible headache.

Least favorite NPC(s): The Spider, Lord Saladin

Least favorite weapon ornament: Feeling Lucky

Least favorite ornament armor set: The Legatus set... e w..

Least favorite legendary weapon: Most Pulse Rifles.

Least favorite exotic weapon: Tractor Cannon

Least favorite exotic armor: Promethiumn Spurs. They're ugly and the perk isn't even that good.

5 things your Guardian dislikes(this can be anything): She dislikes Saladins beliefs (she kills because she has to, not to just kill), Guardians that get corrupted by the Darkness, the fact that you can only have one exotic at a time, keeping secrets, and Clovis Bray.

Your Guardian has to rest. What is their living space like: Her dorm is pretty clean, but she doesn't make a lot of messes either way. She has lots of little artifacts and trinkets.

Does your Guardian have any casual wear?(Y'all remember Polyvore? The website URSTYLE works very similar if that helps!): She likes flowy robes, skirts, and turtle necks.

What hobbies and/or skills does your Guardian have: She loves to cook, and loves cooking for others.

What would your Guardian's lore book be called: Probably something like "The Guardian with no Name".

Where was your Guardian reborn?(If you created the location, give us a little description!): She was rezzed in the Cosmodrome (I like to stay pretty lore based), and was there for a couple months before fixing up a ship.

What were they wearing when they were reborn: She was wearing almost threadbare clothes, just a sweater, pants, and shoes. Ghost helped her find better Warlock armor.

What was their reaction to being reborn: She was surprisingly calm, despite not being able to remember anything, like her name.

What was their reaction to their first rez: She didn't like the feeling. It made her feel cold, but the feeling eventually subsided more as she died again and again.

After being reborn, did they meet friendlies first or hostiles: Hostiles, lots of Eliksni where she was rezzed.

Who was the first other Guardian they met?(Same thing! If you made them, give a little description!): The first Guardians she really met met was Sloane and Zavala on Titan, during the Red War.

Did your Guardian get reborn with, or find, any indication of their past life? If so what do they have/found: 2 was rezzed with no memories, which was unheard of for an Exo. She only knew her reboot number, 2, by two lines carved into her collar bone. She then found evidence on Europa of her memory bank being deleted by Clovis Bray for witnessing an inhumane experiment.

How did your Guardian get their name(if they didn't rez with past life momentos): She took on her reboot number when her Ghost found it, he said it fit her. "The Second Young Wolf" was given to her by the Young Wolf themself. They had lost their Ghost and were bleeding out in the Last City during the Red War. Upon seeing 2 come to their aid, they said they had a vision of her, and dubbed her the second. Ghost used footage of this to tell the Vanguard after the Red War.

Going back to your Guardian's lore book, what would be some some quotes or passages from their book: "This Guardian thought she was cursed. Everywhere she went, something bad happened. Arrived at the Last City, Cabal attacked. Went to the Prison of Elders, Cayde was killed. Went to the Dreaming City, a curse consumed it."

Does your Guardian have a significant other: It may sound weird, but she and her Ghost are together! She sees herself more as a machine than a human mind now, like Ghosts do. While she's still a "human" in an Exo body, she's never known anything else in her life.

Did your Guardian go explore first before going to The Last City? If so, where to: She and her Ghost were stranded in the Cosmodrome for about 2 months before they found enough parts to fix a ship. They explored the ruins, and kept to themselves.

What was their reaction to first seeing The Last City: She was devastated at seeing the Cabal overtake this place she had heard was beautiful. She just saw fire and large Cabal ships.

Is your Guardian a part of a clan: Not really, no. She likes to join others in fireteams but never stays long. However she usually runs with Miriam and Leo.

If your Guardian would have a quote as a flavor text for a weapon and/or piece of armor, what would they be: "The Darkness, combined with the Light, is a force to be reckoned with." -2, Exo Warlock.

If your Guardian has had any interactions with any civilians (The Last City/The Farm), Eliksni, Cabal, Vex, Hive, Taken, Scorn, Rouge Lightbearers, or Iron Lords/War Lords(if your Guardian is an Old Light) tell us about it!: She likes to show the children in the city tricks with her Light, and teaches them new dances.

Does your Guardian have any unconventional allies or connections(By Vanguard standards): She's pretty close to Drifter, and even pledged her allegiance to him instead of the Vanguard. He's a useful ally. She also knows some Eliksni thanks to Miriam-46 and her work with The Spider.

How does your Guardian feel about themselves or others using Stasis: She feels like it's right, that it's ok to use if you dont abuse it. The fact that she wields both the Dark and the Light, sometimes at the same time, shows that it can happen and that others can do it.

Is your Guardian from D1? How did they react to seeing Taniks alive once again: She is not.

Where did they go and what did they do during The Red War: She tried to find the Vanguard, and tried to help as many people as she could after she got her Light back from the Shard.

Here are some characters that are either polarizing or have created a strong enough mass emotion within the community. What opinion does your Guardian hold on each of them(These are only a handful of characters!)>>>

Osiris, First Warlock Vanguard, originally exiled: Gay Grandpa. She respects him quite a lot, and talks to him about anything when she goes to see him, especially after Sagira sacrificed herself.

Eris Morn, Bane of the Swarm: She holds high respect for her. She feels horrible about what happened to her, but she's glad Eris has been able to talk to others. If anything, she fears her a little too.

Cayde-6, Sixth Hunter Vanguard: One of her only Exo friends who knew a little bit about the exo's past. She used to tell him everything, her patrols, her stories, Ghost would even show him recordings of them. She misses him.

Ikora Rey, Second Warlock Vanguard: 2 calls her the "Collective Mother", because she's always been open to New Lights. 2 turns to her for anything, and she knows Ikora has her back through anything. At least, she hopes she does.

Commander Zavala, Second Titan Vanguard: She held high respect for him during the Red War. When Cayde died, she lost that respect for him when he disapproved on her acts. That trust and respect has slowly been building again since.

Saint-14, legendary Titan, First Titan Vanguard: Again, Gay Grandpa. She loves to just be around Saint, and feed the birds with him. They don't talk too much, just appreciating the hangar.

Lord Saladin, Iron Banner handler, One of the last remaining Iron Lords: She's never really liked him, even if he's the reason behind her namesake. He's been too bloody for her, and she doesn't like Iron Banner.

Lord Shaxx, Crucible handler, Hero of Twilight Gap, living megaphone: Whenever she needs a pick me up, she goes to Shaxx. She loves his personality and loves the Crucible.

The Crow, New Light, Ex-Enforcer to The Spider: After what happened with Uldren, 2's been living in guilt. She feels like the Traveler gave both her and Uldren/Crow another chance, so she's doing everything in her power to better Crow and herself. She kinda took on a maternal role for him, making sure he has the best gear he can and that no stray Guardian will hurt him.

The Spider, The Shore's Only Law, founder of "House" Spider: Ohoho where do I start. She's always hated Spider for how he treated Ghosts and NEVER took her own out around him. How he was treating Crow was the last straw for her and his partnership. She's still friends, however, with another Guardian Spider has employed, Miriam-46.

Uldren Sov, Prince of the Reef, Master of Crows: She wasn't ever too fond of Uldren when she heard the stories about him. She was so angry when he killed Cayde, that it clouded her judgement. Uldren needed help, and in the end, he was right about Mara being alive.

Mara Sov, Queen of the Reef, Queen of the Awoken, Ex-Kell of Wolves: 2 has never liked her. She finds her snobby and just plain rude. She doesn't like how Mara talks down to others and thinks she's better than others.

Variks, the Loyal, founder of House Judgement: At first, 2 blamed Variks for the Prison of Elders, but after getting to know him and his cause, she warmed up to him.

Mithrax, the Forsaken, Kell of Light, founder of House Light: She's only met him a couple of times, but respects him none the less. She hopes they can get more Eliksni to join the House of Light.

The Exo Stranger/Elizabeth "Elsie" Bray, Granddaughter of Clovis I and Sister to Ana Bray: 2's very thankful that Elsie's taking the time to show people the Darkness, and really appreciates her. While this Elsie isn't our timelines Elsie, she knew about 2's memory bank, and tipped her off to it.

Eramis, of House Salvation, Kell of Darkness: 2 wonders that, if she didn't have the support of Ghost and Elsie, would she have turned out like Eramis? Seeing the Darkness seduce someone like that was unnerving, and she wants to do everything in her power to correct it.

Empress Caiatl of the Cabal Imperial Empire: 2 thinks the Cabal should just surrender. They're running their troops thin in the hopes that the Guardians will cave, and they most likely won't. Sometimes, 2 doesn't want to fight anymore. She respects Caiatl as a warrior, and nothing else.

Taniks the Scarred, the Perfected, the Abomination, the Shadow Thief: HOW ARE YOU STILL ALIVE, she's just, yeah she doesn't like him.

The Darkness is fast approaching. How is your Guardian handling it: She may not show it, but she's kinda scared. She knows that she and Ghost are destined to die one day, and she's dreading the day she gets the sword. She hopes that her decisions will change that fate.

And finally, does your Guardian have any advice for any New Lights: Don't get too close to an enemy when you shoot a rocket at it, and don't let your emotions get the best of you. Go at your own pace, we don't need you New Lights getting hurt or doing something dumb.

[stargazer-balladeer]

Showering them with Affection [BNHA]

anon: I don't know how many characters you take- so just remove the last ones if you don't want to! Could I have Sho, Izu, Katsu, Kiri, Hawks, and Shinsou with a crush that showers them in affection and encouragement? Hugging them any time they can, giving genuine compliments, giving gifts, always listening to them, and loves to make them laugh. They had abusive parents and they didn't really have friends growing up? And they're always telling them they're so happy to have them in their lives. -Morp

Characters Included: Shoto Todoroki, Izuku Midoriya, Katsuki Bakugo, Eijiro Kirishima, Hawks & Hitoshi Shinsou

Note: It says crush, so does that mean the characters and you aren’t in a relationship yet? Just pretend you’re dating after the class notices how you two are getting along too well :) Hope ya’ll enjoy this!

Reader’s Gender: Neutral

Warning: Spoilers

Shoto Todoroki

-Todoroki is surprised when you suddenly hug him one day, cheeks slightly pink as he asked you what’re you doing. “Hugging you, why?” Why? Just the other day we were just strangers and now you started being affectionate towards me? Todoroki is pretty much suspicious of you at first since who else hugs someone they just met? (Apparently you).

-Throughout training, you will scream encouragement and praise towards his way. He might be a little embarrassed but he’ll shrug off your behavior. Aizawa practically made you shut up by doing some laps around the area. When days go by, Todoroki will be used to you doing that. He’ll secretly adore that you’re cheering for him genuinely. (If you look closely, you’ll see a faint smile on Todoroki’s face whenever you cheer for him).

-You sat just beside Todoroki (Yaoyorozu is seating elsewhere), so whenever there’s free time or its before or after school or during lunch, you’ll shower him in genuine compliments. Ranging from how he looks, how he acts, and how cool his Quirk is. Todoroki just ignores you as you trail behind him, still complimenting him endlessly. You sat with Todoroki (in Midoriya’s table) and continued talking. Todoroki might get annoyed at your endless compliments but soon he’ll get used to it and practically awaits your compliments whenever he does a cool move with his Quirks and such :)

-Todoroki will often find little trinkets sitting on his desk whenever he enters the school in the morning. He quickly finds out that you’ve given it to him as a gift. He’ll politely say “thank you” and put it inside his bag. Now every single day, Todoroki will find trinkets on his desk. He’s used to seeing something new (and strange-looking things) on his desk. (He won’t admit it but he stores them in a box in his room).

-But Todoroki is awkward and stiff whenever you hug him or hold hands with him. You practically spoil him with your affectionate touches and smiles. He soon finds out that he’s touch-starved and now clings to you for affection. He won’t outwardly say it but instead just act on it. If he asks for head pat, he’ll bow his head in front of you. If he wants hugs, he’ll tug your sleeves or the back of your shirt. 

-Todoroki isn’t much of a talker, he prefers being the one who listens instead. So its either you or none that is talking. If he does talk, he’ll just ask if you want food or drinks or if you’re comfortable on the floor and stuff like that. Todoroki isn’t very keen on opening up towards you, even though you’ve proven to him your loyalty countless of times. Just wait and he’ll open up to you :) 

-You adore how Todoroki laughs though, soft chuckle escaping his lips with his eyes crinkling a bit. You did everything just to make him laugh, puns, jokes, horrible pick-up lines (courtesy of Kaminari ;)), doing something stupid or talking to him about something funny that had happened earlier today. Todoroki will listen intently each one and laughter escape his mouth when he finds it funny as well.

-With all these happening, some classmates is bound to see it. Everyone asked if you two were together already, but you two deny it. Which saddens him since from the past few weeks, he’s grown soft towards you and gain a crush on you. 

-Though its still strange in his book since you are too affectionate. And there are days that your smile doesn’t reach your eyes (he’s an observant fellow). When you two are together, expect cuddle sessions to happen. 

-But today, something is off. And Todoroki was right. When he entered your room while you were crying. You look up at him in surprise as you tried to wipe away the tears from your eyes. Todoroki locks the door and, in a hurried pace, pulls you in a hug. He lets you continue to cry. When you explain your background to him (having abusive parents and no friends since childhood), he’ll be surprised but wouldn’t say anything. (He really thought you had a great life if you’re so affectionate, guess not.)

-After that time, Todoroki became an affectionate partner for you. Fulfilling all that you were craving ever since you were born. He doesn’t mind, as long as you’re happy, he’s happy.

Izuku Midoriya

-Midoriya will shriek in surprise when you hug him suddenly that day and greeting him with a “Good morning!”. He’s face is pretty much the twin of a tomato as he stutters out his greetings to you as well. He’s super flustered at what you are doing, not used to holding a girl so close (add the fact that you’re so close to him, his mind is spiraling).

-Midoriya will also be flustered when you scream encouragement and praise towards him, so much so that he messes up whenever you do that. So, no, that’s not a good idea. So you resorted to praise him after his training, while still screaming encouragement. Midoriya is slightly thankful but still embarrassed. (No matter if you two are together or not, he’s still embarrassed when you do that).

-Whenever its free time or before and after school or lunch, you’ll shower him in compliments. Midoriya is still flustered and embarrassed whenever you shower him with so much compliments and praise. Throughout the day, his face is beet red. Please converse with him about normal stuff as well, because if you continue showering him with compliments, you might break him :/

-But if he gets used to it, he’ll be like a puppy waiting for compliments, encouraging and praise from him. But he’s still embarrassed :) The Midoriya we all know and love :)

-Midoriya will be surprised whenever you give him trinkets you found and bought for him (even though there’s no occasion). He’ll happily accept it, since he doesn’t want to waste what you bought for him. Pink-color is still present on his freckles-cheeks, but you can clearly see how happy it makes him whenever you give him gifts (the twinkle in his green eyes is one evidence).

-Midoriya is like Todoroki in some ways. He’s awkward and stiff whenever you hug him or hold hands with him. Like does he hold you there or not? Is his hands too clammy and sweaty? So many questions for such simple affectionate touches. Please spoil this boi with touches and bright smiles. Midoriya isn’t as touch-starved as Todoroki but still enough to consider one. But you need to initiate this one because this boi is too shy to ask for one :)

-Unlike Todoroki though, Midoriya is a talker. He’ll happily rant to you about his favorite heroes, their Quirks Pros and Cons, including your classmates and other students in other departments. Midoriya isn’t aware how long he has been talking, when he does, he’ll go back to his bashful self. Please coax him to talk more so you can listen to his voice. With enough time together, he’ll be comfortable talking to you about other stuff.

-OHMAYGAWD MIDORIYA’S LAUGHTER HSHS You couldn’t get enough with his laughter! It’s too cute ♥ω♥ It’s easy to make him laugh since he’s like a happy-go-lucky guy (not really but you know what I mean). He’ll even add some stuff when you’re telling a story.

-When your classmates notice this (I mean, who wouldn’t?), they’ll instantly ask if you two are dating. Midoriya will grow embarrassed and stutter out a no. But he does dream about him calling you his. When you two start to date, he’ll grow comfortable showing some affection towards you. Returning all those hugs, cheers and praise you threw his way.

-Midoriya is also observant (as evident with his Hero note-taking), so he notices when you aren’t being yourself. Like just yesterday, you were bursting with positivity and love. But now, you were forcing a smile with reddish-eyes. He’s a worried cinnamon bun.

-But he isn’t going to force you to tell him what’s bothering you! He’ll just say to you that he’s here if you want to cry or talk. If you do talk, he’ll listen while cradling you in his arms. This boi will be so heartbroken at what you’ve been through in the past (and he’ll get emotional, probably need to comfort and calm him down). But Midoriya understands the “no-friends-in-childhood”, since he was Quirkless before and Kacchan was his only friend (yeah right). He’ll return all the affection you gave for him, practically spoiling you with his adorable love :3

-If you don’t tell him though, it’s fine! He’s just gonna stay there and cuddle you. I can see him having a hunch about something that either happened at home or you dropped your ice-cream. If you start crying though, he’ll panic and probably start tearing up as well. Either way, he’s there for you :)

Katsuki Bakugo

-He’ll scream curse words towards you if you even step too close to him :/ BUT! You didn’t give up! You annoyed him endlessly until he gave in and let you hug him. He’ll scoff as he immediately pushes you off and sat on his desk. He’ll be cursing you in his head and basically degrading you :/ Even though you continued to hug him, he’ll have the same reaction every time.

-Bakugo will scream at you to stop cheering for him, but he secretly likes it :3 So just keep cheering and praising him, and pay no mind to his threats. Your encouragement and praise for him boost his ego much more, which is not recommended but you do you. He ain’t embarrassed though. Also, he might unconsciously smile whenever he hears you screaming your lungs out (he’ll blush and scream at the person if the person point out his smile-- i.e: The BakuSquad).

-In the morning or whenever there’s free time or lunch time, the two of you cannot be seen without the other trailing behind them and complimenting them non-stop. Bakugo, by now, is used to your antics and just plainly ignores you. Though if there is a time where you didn’t compliment him (whether you forgot or not), Bakugo’ll hunt you down. He got used to hearing your genuine compliments that he’ll hunt you down and get it himself. Also, if you initiate normal talk, he’ll just listen and continue whatever he’s doing, occasionally dropping a comment here and there.

-Bakugo will scoff when you give him trinkets you found, but he secretly loves it :3 He’ll keep it safe in his room, probably underneath his bed or in his drawer. No one comes to his room anyway, besides the Bakusquad (who barges into his room occasionally). 

-Ha, as if the proud Bakugo will let you hug or hold hands with him, yeah right, dream on >:) Though he wouldn’t mind it as much if its private, I see him being a sucker to your affectionate touches (though not touch-starved, Todoroki is the king of that). He’ll begrudgingly (yeah right, happily) lets you smother him with kisses, hugs, cuddles and all sorts of that.

-Like Todoroki, he isn’t much of a talker. The time he talks though is when he’ll remark whatever you said or insult the person you’re talking about (besides your parents, though you don’t mention it to him). He has a sharp tongue so please be patient with him when he’ll sarcastically answer your question. (He’ll never admit it but he loves hearing your voice :3)

-Bakugo Katsuki laughing? The only time you hear him laughing is when he’s insulting someone else (mainly Midoriya poor Midoriya ;-;). But when you do succeed in making him laugh, you deserve a medal and a trophy :) Though I can imagine him laughing at you when you are either insulting someone or being clumsy (don’t worry, he’ll patch you up if you’re injured).

-It’ll probably take a week or half when someone in your class (either one of the Bakusquad or Deku) noticed how soft Bakugo is towards you. INSTANT TEASING FROM THE BAKUSQUAD (they are too fearless for their own good :/). Anyway, one of the girls would question on why da heck Bakugo? (I love Bakugo, don’T KILL ME PLS!). You simply reply, because he’s Bakugo. The class will never understand how you put up with his shit all-together. (Deku secretly looks up to you bc of this).

-Bakugo is one observant dude, even more so after being kidnapped by the LoV, he’s becoming more aware of the people around him and himself. So he’ll quickly wonder why on earth are you affectionate towards him. He’ll also quickly notice how your smile seem forced and how red your eyes were. Bakugo is also a direct fellow so, on-the-spot, will ask what the fuck is the reason on why you’re forcing a smile. He’ll narrow his eyes when you tell a lie. From that point onward, expect seeing Bakugo observing you in the corner of his eyes.

-Bakugo is everything you wanted (except for temperamental issues), which also means he’s smart. It doesn’t take long for him to figure out your past and current issues. He’s so furious about what happened to you that he wants to explode your abusive parents and those people who doesn’t want to be your friend. But, in the end, he decided not to and pull you into his room for your daily cuddle session.

-Bakugo will NEVER mention it, unless you mention about your past. Other than that, he’ll keep his mouth shut. Instead, he’ll try to return all your affectionate gestures. Keyword: try. Please be proud of him trying to try being affectionate to you (let me tell you, it’s hard trying to be affectionate). You might need to reassure him that you’re fine and please return to normal--

Eijiro Kirishima

-Kirishima would be flustered at first when you suddenly hugged him, seemingly out-of-nowhere. I can see him hugging you back though, he’ll never turn down a hug! He’s a bit embarrassed but he quickly recover. Out of all these boys, this boi is the only one who thinks hugging someone is normal :)

-Kirishima would definitely be embarrassed whenever you shout praises and encouragement to him, but it makes him even more determined to train his quirk. He might even return the favor! (I’m slowly falling in love with Kirishima--). You two basically praise each other before, during and after training. There was one time where Aizawa had to make you two stop because you two were screaming at each other even though you two were fighting each other :/

-Whenever its free time or before and after school or lunch, you would shower him with compliments. Kirishima will immediately return the favor by complimenting you back, and probably saying “You’re so manly!”. Kirishima will 100% engage you with a normal conversation. It came to the point where you two are attach with each other’s hip, one cannot be seen without the other. You practically join the Bakusquad now.

-Kirishima’s eyes sparkle, yes sparkle, with the trinkets you give him. No matter how weird or how strange it is, he appreciates everything he is given. He’ll flash you a (cute) smile and say “Thank you!”. Like Midoriya, he happily accepts the trinkets. Where does the trinkets go? He puts it in his pocket and brings it everywhere (until it got too many, so he had to leave some at home..)

-I can see Kirishima happily holding hands with you and hugging you in public. Even though people might get the wrong idea, he doesn’t care! He’s happy being affectionate to you and no one has any right to deprive him from it >:( I can also see him being so comfortable with you that he lets his hand rest on your waist or lets you lean on him (maybe sit on him ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)). 

-Kirishima is DEFINITELY a talker. He’ll happily talk with you until 3am in the morning. He enjoys talking, even more if its with his friends. But when you start to talk, he’ll quiet down and intently listen to you. This boi doesn’t have a problem in sharing his opinion and snarky remarks. (Yes. Bakugo has been rubbing on him unfortunately). 

-KIRISHIMA LAUGHING IS THE MOST ADORABLE THING YOU’VE EVER WITNESSED. YOU PRACTICALLY CRIED AS YOU HOLD HIM (meanwhile he’s so confused on what’s happening). It’s actually relatively easy on making him laugh bc he’s a happy guy. 

-Your classmates are bound to notice this sudden closeness of you two, like are you cuddling while watching tv? WUT??? Either one of you’ll explain that you two aren’t dating (yet). What you didn’t know (or probably know) is that Kirishima had grown fond over the past weeks and would happily date you if you want (he respects women okay?)

-When you start to date, Kirishima will still act like he normally do except with more affectionate touches. He still acts like you two are still friends though. So nothing changed thankfully :)

-Even though it’s not really noticeable at first but Kirishima is actually observant. Yes he may do rash things, but we all do that. Anyway, Kirishima can tell if something is wrong with you. Not as a partner but as a friend as well. I hc that he loves the “Best friends turn to lovers” trope :3 (I see him as this kind of guy, okay?)  Anywayyyy, he quickly notices how tired you always seem and how puffy and red your eyes are. He was immediately worried and concern that he immediately asks if you are okay.

-Of course you’ll say you’re fine but Kirishima isn’t having any of that. He practically drags you to your room and force you to lay on your bed with him cuddling you in a big spoon position. I really hope he did this during weekends because if not, you two are in major problem.

-Kirishima wouldn’t force you to tell him what’s wrong. He just encourages you to let it all out, letting you cry in his chest. If you do cry, he’ll just hold you there as he whisper sweet nothings in your ears. I swear this guy’s body temperature isn’t normal-- Anyway, if you do speak or not, doesn’t matter. Kirishima doesn’t need to know about it as he trusts you so much that he doesn’t need to know why you’re crying.

-One way or another, he’ll find out about your past. Kirishima wouldn’t say anything about it but he starts to get more affectionate with you. He wants you to know that he’ll always be there by your side. You might start to cry because of how overwhelming his love for you is (and he’ll panic bc he sees you crying and this became a panicking sobbing mess--)

Keigo Takami (Hawks)

-Hawks will freeze. He didn’t expect that when he steps foot in his agency. Hawks is expecting anything but that. When you suddenly hug him when he entered, he’ll stiffened. He’ll awkwardly tries to pry himself from you. But he doesn’t mean anything bad! He just wasn’t used to the fact that anyone is giving him affectionate, and a hug when he entered is one of them. After that, he might avoid you a bit before returning back to normal.

-When he hears you shouting encouragement and praises to him, he gets suspicious of your behavior. Are you working for the League? What is your plan? Why are you being oddly affectionate towards him? These kinds of questions circle his head as he eyed you suspiciously. He starts to talk with you, discreetly trying to find out what is your goal being so... open towards him. Turns out, you don’t have any motive and was just a overly-affectionate person. He’s still suspicious of you and keeps his guard up, but he’ll smile (or smirk) whenever he hears your cheers (and boosts his ego even more).

-Whenever its breaktime and Hawks was at his agency, you would shower him compliments from left and right. Hawks is still cautious around you, but he slowly drop his guard down. When he does this, Hawks will also be complimenting you (even if he doesn’t, he still compliments you). Hawks is never embarrassed whenever you shower him with compliments, it just boosts his ego (i think that’s enough, [Y/N]--). If ever you forgot to do it or did something, Hawks will slightly sulk because by now he’s gotten used to hearing your compliments (he’s a baby to your compliments now).

-Hawks is always suspicious of your behavior (one of the perks of being raised to never fully trust someone), so when he sees trinkets on his table, oh boy was he suspicious. He’ll be looking at every inch of it and talking to it, thinking there’s a camera on the thing. If he finds none, he’ll give up. When he sees trinkets on his table everyday now, Hawks will get used to the fact that there’s no secret camera on them. Hawks cherishes all of the trinkets you gave him and has a drawer just filled with your trinkets.

-Okay, holding hands with THE Hawks? Yeah right. Impossible. Imposiblè. He’s already awkward when it came to hugging but holding hands? No. But its not because he doesn’t like it. He LOVES the feeling of your hands against his but he doesn’t want anyone to get any ideas, in fear they’ll go after you. He prefers hugging and hand holding in private.

-Hawks is naturally talkative and his mouth can run forever if it wants to. But he also loves hearing your voice. (Btw, if you can’t tell, Hawks trusts you by now). Hawks loves it whenever you tell him something funny and interesting, he also cracks up when you give him a snarky remark. He’s sarcastic at heart so expect him being sarcastic towards you.

-Hawks laughing is quite natural that you hear it almost everyday. He also LOVES making puns, like no joke. If you want, you can have a punny battle between you two. I can imagine you two having an inside joke abt something. 

-Though it’s not noticeable since you two act the same like always, the heroes and sidekicks working under him can tell a chemistry is happening between the two of you. They notice how Hawk’s eyes softened whenever it falls on you. And how lovestruck you look whenever you look at Hawks. None, I mean NO ONE, dare to mention it to Hawks or you. It’s better to stay quiet than ask about it. 

-When you start to date, he’s actually hesitant. He didn’t want tor risk you getting hurt just because of you two dating. You have to reassure him every time he mentions this. After all, all he needs is reassurance..

-Hawks is one hell of a observant dude. He can instantly know something is wrong with you. With how forced your smile is and look like you recently cried. Hawks’ll frown at your state but doesn’t mention it. Though, maybe during lunch or after work, he’ll bring it up. His eyes will narrow when you flinch when he asked.

-Turns out, your abusive mother just called you and it made you upset. Hawks frown since he knew there is much more to the story than what you’ve said but decided to let it go. Later at night, he quickly did his research about your past since he notices that you never mention it and whenever he brings it up, you look so sad. When he finds out, he feels so guilty for being so suspicious of you and pushing you away.

-For the next few days, expect Hawks to be giving you more affection than normal. You were confused but decided to enjoy it since its usually you who initiate this kinds of things. It kinda feels nice...

Hitoshi Shinsou

-Shinsou will probably dodge you before you could even hug him, making you fall to the ground. You pout as he stare at you in confusion. He has every right to be confused at that moment though. It was just the 2nd week of the first month and you’re already assaulting him? He will probably ignore you if you persist on getting a hug out of him. He’ll give in when he finds your persistence annoying. The hug was rather awkward but it seems like you didn’t care as you had that carefree smile on your face. His first thought for you is “what a weird girl”.

-Shinsou would probably get annoyed at your constant praise and encouragement. I think he’ll probably confront you about this, “why are you screaming those words?!” or something similar to that. You would explain because you want to support him. Shinsou will probably give up because he can’t get the answer out of you no matter what he tries. He doesn’t trust your reasoning at all. He’ll let you scream praise and encouragement to him, seemingly ignoring you. But after a while, he gets used to it. And probably return the favor if you’re training your Quirk.

-Whenever its free time or before and after school or lunch, you’ll shower him with compliments. Like Hawks, he thinks you have a motive in befriending him. He just ignores you as you continue with your compliments. But he soon gotten used to your presence that he starts to hangout with you more often. If there is a time where you forgot to compliment him or too busy, Shinsou will hunt you down and get his compliments (its like a charger for him LOL).

-When he find a trinket on his desk, without a second thought, he throw it away. But after 1 week of finding trinkets on his desk, he decided to search for the person giving him the trinkets. He soon found out you’re the one leaving it for him. Now he feels guilty for throwing all those trinkets and decides to just cherish it and keep it.

-Shinsou doesn’t like touches very much, but he likes surprising you. He sometimes hugs you from behind and loves the surprise look on your face whenever he just randomly hugs you from behind. For some reason, he likes hugs more than hand holding (it probably has something to do with your first interaction--). 

-Shinsou isn’t very talkative unfortunately, he prefers listening than talking. It’s actually not a problem since he loves hearing the sound of your voice and laughter mixing with it. It always manages to bring a smile on his face. Shinsou drops some comments while you’re talking and probably make a joke which made you two laugh.

-Shinsou’s laughter is so rare that you hardly hear it, but when you hear it, oh may gawd you might faint. He has a laugh similar to Midoriya and its so PRECIOUS--

-Its bound to happen, especially when Shinsou kept on surprising you with his sudden back hugs. Your classmates quickly notice how close you two had gotten over the span of 2 weeks. Your female classmates will immediately ask you if you have a thing for Shinsou and the are you dating question. The boys are teasing Shinsou, much to his dismay.

-When you two date, you make sure that he sleeps properly to get rid of the bags underneath his eyes. You also made it your one priority to run your hands through his hair (AND ITS SO SOFT). Shinsou is much more comfortable with affection now as you two are dating now.

-Shinsou is also observant (why am I always repeating this statement? Their all observant!) so he notices how sluggish you are and how your smile doesn’t reach your eyes. He narrow his eyes at you as he watches you during class (totally not creepy at all--). He noticed how you aren’t paying attention to the lesson and how daze you look.

-Right when the bell rang, Shinsou was already making his way towards you. He asks if you are okay and if you answer your usual response. He’ll click his tongue and drag you outside to cool down. When you two arrive at a deserted location at the campus, he lets you lean on his chest. He doesn’t need to say anything as his presence alone is enough to send you to tears.

-Shinsou figured out that your home isn’t exactly homely. He lets you cry in his chest as he rubs your back in a soothing circular motion. Right then, he decides that he’ll keep you for life. He loves you so much now. The girl who asked for a hug but gotten rejected. The girl who persisted to hug him. The girl who praises him and encourages him during training or exam. You manage to wiggle yourself into his heart. And there is no way he’s letting you go now..

-Shinsou is still the same as ever after that but you quickly notice little things from him. How he waited for you to catch up with him. How he gave you a pen when you lost yours. How he shared his drink with you. Its these little things that brought a smile on your face.

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[missnight0wl]

I really really hope that what MC found last chapter was not the actual vault treasure. Having a curse or a generally incorporeal power as a treasure might not be the worst thing (in fact I think an incorporeal power that had to be locked in the vaults, meaning they weren’t built to keep people out but to keep the power in, would’ve been quite interesting!) but this one really doesn’t seem to do much besides trapping people in a very limited and very specific location - it doesn’t seem like it was unleashed or anything like that at all.

Not to mention that it just doesn’t make any sense with what we know about the vaults - mostly that this curse didn’t seem to be the ‚reward‘ at all - it seemed to be a barrier, just like the nightmare hallucinations in the vault of fear (exactly like those, actually, since it almost the exact same concept of having to mentally fight through something traumatic) . And the vault itself (as in the golden column) didn’t seem to have actually been opened which was a requirement in all previous vaults...

I just. There’s no way this can be it, the final treasure, the thing that everyone has been working towards since the start, the final mystery? It’s just so. Anticlimactic. I really really hope that it’ll turn out the memory curse REALLY was only a barrier that one has to pass (by facing their trauma and overcoming it) before they can actually get to what’s really in the vault, and that by being pulled out early MC and friends failed to do so and thus the real reward is still sealed away and might be a plot point in year seven, because otherwise ? This would just be an incredible disappointment (not to mention that it would make so much more sense if it was just a barrier, too - even considering how all year Dumbledore tried to teach MC how to overcome their grief and trauma , which ofc is something a teacher should do in a situation like this but also would fit just perfectly with Dumbledores character as a mentor with a secret agenda, secretly preparing students to face great evils on their own - in this case preparing MC to be able to get through the memory curse by teaching them how to overcome the traumatizing memories that curse will present them with , because Dumbledore had to know that curse would be waiting for Mc in the vault right? He knew what was in all the others too after all. And even the whole patronus side quest would play into this, with R sending in the dementor as a ‚test‘ for MC - possibly as a way to teach them how to overcome trauma (after all the dementors do practically the exact same thing that the memory curse does) and accordingly how to overcome the last curse-barrier)

Idk, it’s just. That chapter felt so wrong in so many ways.. what do you think about the whole „curse being the reward“ thing?

All right, before I talk more about the treasure, I want to point out something that I just don’t get – which you also mentioned. I mean, I don’t get a lot of things about this chapter because it was bloody stupid and illogical, but let’s focus on one aspect. So, when we finally enter the chamber with the column, this is how the dialogue goes:

The thing is that at this point, the column was still closed. And we know from the previous vaults that any objects are always inside of the column, so what they’re even talking about? What “baubles and trinkets”? Jam City really didn’t think it through, did they?

Moving to the treasure, though… You know, the funny thing is that I had quite a similar idea for the final vault a looong time ago. It’s just that I didn’t base it on memories, but I assumed that the vault would send horrible, VERY realistic visions of the people you care about hurting or dying. Another difference is that I saw it as a defence mechanism, not the treasure – so just like you’re saying that it’d make more sense. And I absolutely agree with you.

To be fair, such a “memory curse” could be really useful in the wrong hands for torturing people, and therefore gaining power over the world etc. But that’s where we have another problem you also mentioned: its limitation connected to the location. I mean, the way I see it, curses can’t simply exist in thin air – they have to be bound to a person or an object. Even if they’re cast by a wizard, they hit their target, they cause something, and then they just… stop to exist, I guess? For example, if you kill someone with the Killing Curse, they don’t contain it suddenly and their body doesn’t become deadly. That being said, I imagine that the memory curse would be bound to the column itself – which would make sense, seeing how it got activated after MC touched it. But then, what was R’s plan exactly? Would they be sending their victims to the Sunken Vault? Would they try to transfer it somehow? Because I don’t buy that they didn’t know what “the treasure” is. Still, it’d probably make more sense for the narrative if there was a separate object in the column or maybe even a creature causing the curse, kind of similar to Boggarts or Dementors.

But that aside, I wish you were right that it was just a barrier in the end. And I love the points you brought up, both about the Patronus TLSQ and Dumbledore. I had similar thoughts in the past, actually, especially with Dumbledore. The thing is that I was connecting it with the death being a requirement to open the final vault (as in MC had to process some lost to be able to do it, just like they became able to see Thestrals). Either way, it’d tie in really nicely. Do I think it’s still possible to turn out that way? Well, it’d redeem that chapter at least a little, that’s for sure. And while I kind of lost any hope for Jam City already, and almost accepted that we won’t come back to the topic of the Cursed Vaults at all, there’s one thing that actually caught my attention.

If you choose to trap Rakepick in the vault, MC says: “Now she’s trapped… forever.”, and they seem to be very certain about it. But if you turn in Rakepick to the authorities, this is how it goes:

I hate to look too deep into that, but I find it quite interesting that in this scenario, MC is apparently fully aware that it is NOT a permanent solution. It’s also worth to mention that in both options MC uses Confringo (which we were taught by Rakepick herself, by the way) to reseal the vault. It just seems that if they’re not carried by emotions, MC is capable of more rational judgment. Again, I might be overanalysing, but it’s a bit weird coincidence. Perhaps it’d play some role in the situation when we return to the Cursed Vaults issue.

Oh, and let’s not forget that we still don’t know what’s with the Statue Curse. Technically, we didn’t break any curse. I mean, how would it even happen in that case? Previously, it was always about opening the column. But here? What about all the victims? Would that be the reason to return to the Sunken Vault?

Then again, who the hell knows if Jam City is even aware of any of those at this point?