#the guards look scary but their clothes are really fine

[haubaut]

well son, let me tell you i'm so pleased to meet you!

[thevoidstaredback]

It's always graveyards. Why is it always graveyards? They're creepy as hell and, well... that's it. On the bright side, the Protection Spirits watching the gates recognize him and realize the danger he's in. Well, maybe he wasn't in real danger because the Bats and Birds don't really do the whole purposefully harming civilians things, but they are scary as hell! Chasing him down like a bat straight outta hell- obviously he was gonna run! They cornered him! Maybe he'll invest in getting them lessons in how to interact with people in and out of costume?

Honestly, Nightwing, Danny expected better of you. At least Red Hood and Signal know how to treat innocents.

Here's the thing about Protection and Guardian Spirits, though. They don't like intruders. If you're running from something and you don't have time to ask permission to enter, you best say "thank you" and bring them shiny things on your next visit. If you do have time to ask permission, you ask permission. If they think you're a threat or rude, they won't let you enter whatever they're guarding.

"Thank you," Danny said as he slowed to a walk further into the graveyard, the sound of the gates slamming closed behind him confirmation that the Bat and his gaggle wouldn't be following him in.

Wasting no time, Danny pulled a piece of chalk from his pocket. It was a handy little thing he'd picked up during his stay in the House of Mysteries. Draw and door, tell it where you wanna go, open it, and go through! Beetlejuice style. Though, unlike what the Handbook for the Recently Deceased says, these doors won't actually open a door to the afterlife. He fixed that tiny glitch a while ago.

Anyway, a quick few chalk lines on the side of a mausoleum later, and Danny was opening a door to Fawcett, Philadelphia. Probably not the best choice, considering that he was trying to stay away from the Justice League, but it's better than Metropolis.

"Whoa." Damn it! He should've stayed home. "What was that, mister?"

Danny made sure the door closed behind him, praying for strength. Why did he feel like several deities were laughing at him? "Hey, kid. Can you, um, maybe not say anything about that?"

The kid, short brown hair and a red jacket stood out the most to Danny for some reason, seemed very amused. "You're gonna have to buy my silence."

Again, Danny let out a quiet, long suffering sigh. "Coffee is so not worth it." Looking at the kid, he said, "Alright, fine. I was getting coffee anyway, I'll buy ya lunch. Know any good places?"

Grinning, the kid cheered, "Hell yeah! Follow me!"

Resigned, Danny followed after the kid, easily keeping pace. About a block later, he figured he should probably get the kid's name. "I'm Danny."

"Billy."

"No last name?"

"Fae rules, dude. What's your excuse?"

He had to give it to him. "Touché."

Another three blocks of walking, Billy finally stopped at a cafe. It was a quaint place with stained white brick and a dark grey roof. There were metal chairs and tables outside the building surrounded by a wrought iron fence. The table umbrellas and the awning over the black door were light blue, matching the curtains in the inside.

The inside walls were painted baby blue with a white ceiling and a pinewood floor. The tables and chairs were all stained black with light pink cushions and table cloths. The curtains, as observed before, were all baby blue, tied back with baby pink ribbons. The lights were barely yellow, giving the room a warm feel. The counters were white with black paneling on the outside and white granite as the tops.

"Welcome in," the young man at the register greeted with a smile, "What can I get you two started with today?"

Danny envied the man. He'd obviously not been doing this long enough to gain the veteran's shine to his eye. He turned to look at the menu after telling Billy to get whatever he wanted. A mistake he'll probably pay for. "I'd like a large Red Eye, equal parts coffee and espresso, with cinnamon, honey, chocolate syrup, mint, and vodka, please."

The 'newbie' light in the man's eyes dimmed a little bit. "Um, we don't carry vodka." Glad that's the only thing he's worried about. Priorities.

Danny clicked his tongue. "Oh, well, it was worth a shot. I'd like everything else, though, please. Mix it at your own discretion."

"Alright," he was very valiant to go back to grinning, "Anything else?"

Danny motioned for Billy and the kid stepped up. "Can I get a large mocha, three chocolate chip cookies, and two sandwiches?"

The blond entered the order. "Of course! That'll be $25.37." A quick card swipe from Danny. "Thank you very much, we'll have your order out to you soon!"

The two didn't say a word as they chose a table in the corner. Danny let Billy take the seat that was open to the rest of the cafe so he wouldn't feel cornered. He had a good view of the door, though, so he wasn't complaining.

"So, how'd you do that?" Billy asked after they'd gotten their orders.

"How'd I do what?" Danny sipped his drink.

"How'd you walk outta that wall? It's solid!"

"Magic."

"I guessed that much."

"Then why'd you ask?"

"Will you teach me?"

"No."

"You didn't even think about it!"

"Okay," He paused. "No."

"Not fair." he pouted.

Putting his drink on the table, Danny summed as much fake-it-till-you-make-it energy as he could. "Magic isn't a toy and takes years of practice to get a handle on, not to mention you have to actually have an aptitude for it before you can even try. Besides, I don't know you nearly well enough to trust you with anything else."

Billy finished the cookie he was eating. "I can do it! You just gotta teach me!"

Another sigh that Danny had stopped counting. "Look, you seem like a good kid, but I'm not gonna teach you magic."

"Why not!"

"However," he continued, ignoring the demand, "I'm not gonna leave ya fully defenselessness."

"What do you mean?" Billy backed away slightly, his eyes narrowing as he moved to be able to run quickly.

Another sip. "Based off of the dirt you're covered in, the grease in your hair, and the overall poor condition of your clothes, I'm gonna bet that you're a street kid. So," he pulled a small card from his pocket, very aware that Billy was watching his hand aptly, "I'm going to leave you with this."

Slowly, the brunet took it and turned it over. "What it is?"

The white card had the initials DP in the middle, circled by an Ouroboros. The initials were completely solid, but the snake of the Ouroboros was made up of tiny runes of protection and health and healing and good fortune.

"My calling card. If you're ever in danger, hold that to your chest and ask for help. I'll be there."

Still obviously suspicious, Billy took a moment to scrutinize the card. It was cute to watch the kid act like he knew what he was looking at or for. When he seemed satisfied, he shoved the card into the inner pocket sewn into his jacket. "Thanks."

"No problem, kid," Pulling out his phone, Danny saw the time and stood, "I've gotta go now. I assume I've sufficiently bought your silence on the whole magic thing?"

Billy grinned, "I guess, but you gotta come visit me, okay?"

He chuckled, "Sure thing. See ya."

Part 2 Part 4

(I don't drink coffee, so Idk how that shit works)

Tag list: @zaiothe4th

[slimepuparibaba]

More Sylus HCs, oh no... (and it's FLUFFY??? for SYLUS??? HUH???)

Listen he's an edge lord sure but even edgelords have their soft side (I should know I'm dating an edgelord IRL)

sylus is the kind of guy to style you in his clothing and laugh because it does not fit at all but he finds it cute how you're trying to look bad ass when he thinks you look like a goddamn dork

he questions how the fuck you're alive because seriously, how is someone this clumsy? the amount of times you accidentally injured yourself trying to one up him is insane, he has to basically TEACH you how to actually catch him off guard, and when you do, he's proud of you for it

he'll spoil you defo except you have to bribe him for it via kisses or hugs. not cuz he wants them (he does) but because he likes seeing your face scrunching up as you realize you have to do his bidding just to get what you want (he would've given it to you anyway but your reaction is just really cute)

no such thing as going easy with him. he knows you can take what he throws at you so kitty cards is hard mode, video games also hard mode, training, etc. going easy is not his style cuz he knows you're his equal and respects that.

but like if you're having a weak moment he will actually slow down and check on you in his own sylus way. he knows your limits, he won't go too far.

that's right. I said it. he's respectful. is he an asshole? yes but he is a gentleman (mostly) ((when he isn't being an asshole)) (((okay but like genuinely you are one of the few people he can be soft for)))

If he's had a long day being the head of Onichynus he knows he can come home to you to destress. maybe he's tired of being tough and scary, maybe he just wants to laugh with you and make dinner with you and stuff

guys I want my headcanons to be real frfr okay

he can kill people but bet he's doing it for you

he's watching you and making sure you're okay you are such a big part of his reason for doing what he does, so he holds you in the highest regard

even if you hate him, he's just glad you're at least giving him consideration and recognizing he exists. he'll hope one day you can understand where he's coming from (he won't admit it though cuz you choose what you choose) but until then he'll be fine with you being hostile

he'll play the part well while still making sure you're safe. he'll bring you back time and time and time again

I'm just saying he is a Villain but only because he has to be in order to protect you. No one else matters. Only you.

[juneberrie]

DATING APPLEJACK !

request || equestria girls!apple jack x fem!reader

author's note: everyone say thank you to mars for encouraging my delusions & to the person who requested this. also ive been picturing her the way @/cloiiiiii on tiktok draws her so like yeah

ⓘ word count : 0.8k || applejack masterlist

probably didn't realize she liked you until someone (rarity) told her

"what? no way, i don't like-" and then the "HOLY SHIT I DO LIKE HER!"

she was the last to know

rainbow and rarity have to give her advice on asking you out (rarity's is serious and helpful, dash's is just "ask her out dumbass")

probably asked you out with flowers.

"so uh– i was wondering' if you'd, uh, y'know, wanna go out with me sometime? it's fine if not– y'know what, nevermind its stupi–"

she's so nervous!!!

anyways onto the actual dating hcs

she was the one to say i love you first

you guys were probably taking a walk or something and you were talking and she'll like smile at you really lovingly and go "i love you, y'know"

calls you really cheesy nicknames — sugar, sugar cube, pretty girl, my girl, princess, angel, darlin', missy, sweetheart, sweet pea, honey, etc etc

would take you on the cutest dates!!!

sunsets, picnics, apple picking (duh), late night drives

if u like shopping then she's def the kind of girl who'll hold all your bags

she'll also walk you to all your classes / walk you home

also!!! kind of gf who won't leave u alone in public. like if you guys go out she WILL stay with you at all times cause yk 😕

she's such a sweetheart

will open doors for you and get offended if you try to do ANYTHING yourself

SHE WAS RAISED RIGHT 🗣

can and will give you her clothes to wear. PLEAAASE wear her flannels/shirts around her she will lose her mind

"well, darlin', don't you look nice?" whenever u get dressed up

she either gets flustered really easily or she doesnt

pls imagine her in like. a white tank and jeans and cowboy boots

1 million dead 4923 injured

her voice in the morning >>>>>

it has a little rasp and her accent is like ten times thicker and just ugh

she's jacked btw. apple jacked.

she grew up up a farm like what'd u expect

anyways imagine needing to get smth off a shelf or something and she just comes up behind you and reaches to grab the thing and her arms ohmygod

love languages are definitely acts of service & quality time

CONSTANTLY doing little things for you

holding open the door, getting you flowers every week, randomly cleaning your room when she's at your house, filling up ur drink, ordering for you, etc

such a "my girl" kind of gf

"attagirl" "my girl" "pretty girl" "sweet girl"

randomly gives u compliments

also!! i don't see her as the kind of gf who comments under ur insta posts but she's def the kind who'll post them on her story

she's not a very social media person in general, but any post she does make is probably of you

would def write you a sappy letter on your anniversary/valentines/christmas/new years/your birthday

basically any chance she gets she'll write u a long, sappy letter telling you how much she appreciates you and loves you and yap yap yap

i don't see her as a person who wears much jewelry, but i can definitely see her having a locket with your picture in it, or some kind of matching bracelet

randomly starts yapping about you to the girls

"she's so sweet and i love her an–" "SHUT UP WE GET IT." "dang okay"

they're your biggest fans!!!

pinkie probably made a fan account on insta thats just her posting cute pictures of you guys

rarity helps applejack plan dates and shit

dash playfully flirts with you any chance she gets because she finds it hilarious when aj glares at her

speaking of that, i can't see her being someone who gets jealous super super easily?

like, i can definitely see her sidling up beside you, putting an arm around your waist, and glaring at the person who's flirting with you

"who's this, darlin'?"

she has an rbf so if you're really sunshine-y you guys look ridiculous tg

scary guard dog gf!!!!

such an early riser but if you ask her to stay in bed with you she'll be so dramatic about it (she'll sigh and be like "alright, alright, but just this once" <- its happened multiple times)

apple bloom adores you!!! she'll randomly barge into aj's room to talk to you (aj thinks its cute how much she likes you but she does NOT appreciate her sister's interruption)

100% your biggest supporter

if you do theatre or choir or orchestra, she'll show up to EVERY. SINGLE. PERFORMANCE. you will ever have

if you do sports, trust she'll be at all your games yelling her head off and holding a big ass sign

she's really good at cooking so she'll learn how to make your favorite dishes!!! this also means you guys have cute little dinners at home a lot <3

© juneberrie 2024 – reblogs are appreciated!!!

[munivrse]

⋆⭒˚｡⋆ Attention

bada accompanies you to your high school reunion

cw: nothing too bad. actually, not suggestive! bada lee being fine as hell... y/n acting up per usual. really fluffy at the end. enjoy!

── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

when you asked bada to come with you to your high school reunion, you didn’t think much of it. Until now. you’re checking your outfit in the mirror, smoothing down your shirt. you looked fine. right?

“right. now let's go. we’re going to be late- albeit fashionably.” bada’s eyebrows wiggle as she states her thoughts. you have no CLUE how she’s so calm right now. did she not also feel the pressure of meeting people you once know and now are going to meet in a battle of who’s more accomplished? don't get yourself wrong, you’re more than happy to have bada coming with you, the thought easing your anxiety a little. but still, what would people say when they saw you two?

bada strides over to you, “you look gorgeous honey, let's go show them.”

you weren’t necessarily unpopular in school, but you definitely weren’t everyone's cup of tea. this thought alone made you nervous- but you’re fine. bada is there. she’s right beside you.

you take a deep breath,

“thank you. we can leave now.”

now, you’re parked outside of the venue in which this reunion is taking place.

“i’m gonna be fucking sick.”

bada looks over at you in concern, “why? what’s wrong?”

you put your head in your hands, “you-” gag “Other people are going to perceive you. how am i supposed to cope with that.”

bada scoffs, “you had me worried," she shakes her head, "i’m getting out of this car, i’m going to come around to your door, open it, and pull you out. don’t worry about other people… perceiving me. your eyes are the only ones that matter to me. lets go.”

bada climbs out of the car and does exactly what she says. she rounds the car, hooks a hand under the door handle, opens it, and puts out a hand for you to grab hold of. once your hand is in hers, she brings it up to her mouth, kissing the back of it. you hesitantly get out of the car.

bada keeps her hand in yours, swinging the two back and forth. in the corner of your eye, you could see her smiling. she looks down at you as you reach the doors. you glare at her.

“why’d you have to leave the house looking like that. it’s like you’re trying to impress other women or something.”

bada was dressed like a whore in an all-black outfit, cap on her head and chains dangling from her neck.

“me? what about you?”

you were also wearing all black but instead of pants, you opted for a skirt that bada thinks should be banned from you ever wearing outside of the house. it wasn’t even that short, it just fit you so well that bada believes the view should only be for her.

you huff, “bada if anyone tries to talk to you that's not me, scream stranger danger please-”

she rolls her eyes, “you are so dramatic. nobody is going to be interested in seeing me here, this is your high school reunion, not mine.”

you press on anyway, making her pinky promise to run away from any woman trying to approach her. You open the doors to reveal a room crowded with old classmates, some faces familiar, others not so much.

you didn’t really keep up with people after you graduated, having moved on to other, more important things early on in your life that just didn’t align with others your age. you danced under multiple different studios and academy’s, landing yourself at just jerk nearly a year ago. they’d asked you to choreograph to “sativa”, bada observed your class, and the rest is history.

the occasion was quite casual. you opted for some flowy, light colored clothing with silver jewelry. bada on the other hand was dressed like a whore in an all-black outfit, cap on her head and chains dangling from her neck. you often referred to her as your scary guard dog with a golden retriever personality. to be fair, she did look kind of scary today. her height did not help. bada lets you lead her into the room by her hand.

you’re greeted by a few people right off the bat. bada just observes behind you. you’re cute in the way your eyes light up when people ask you what you’ve been up to. she’s so proud at how much you’ve accomplished, and she loves when you show yourself off. alternatively, you love showing your girlfriend off. people already knew exactly who she was. bada lee was an extremely popular name amongst your classmates as you went to a performing arts highschool. Imagine their surprise when you walk in with bada lee in tow.

in conversation she laughs where she needs to, butts in when appropriate, and lets you guide the conversation. once the group leaves, you heave a sigh of relief. you lean back into your girlfriends' sturdy figure and her arms circle around your waist. she kisses your temple.

“do you want me to get you a drink?”

you nod, hesitantly letting her remove her arms from around you. another old classmate comes up to you to make small talk, but in the corner of your eye you see a woman approach bada. you take a deep breath. it's fine. you can have a normal conversation without worrying-

you feel your eye twitch when you see the woman lean up to say something to your tall and sexy girlfriend. bada responds and this woman laughs and… caresses bada’s arm while doing so. you start to worry until bada’s eyes swiftly meet your own and she throws a wink your way. reassured, you continue your conversation.

bada looks at this woman like she’s crazy. all she wanted to do is get you a drink and now this woman by the name of “mina” is borderline harassing her.

“...and that’s the most recent studio i’ve danced for. are you still at just jerk? you should invite me to one of your classes.” she smiles, but bada knows the intent behind her eyes. per her girlfriends' silent request found from her pleading eyes across the room, she ends the conversation.

“no thank you. you can always sign up through our website and hope you can get a spot that way. good luck!” bada grabs your drink and leisurely walks away, leaving mina’s face stuck in bewilderment.

you’re mid conversation when you feel bada’s arm wrap around your shoulder, she hands you your drink, “sorry it took so long,” she kisses your cheek, “who’s this?”

with a light blush on your face, you introduce your old classmate. they give bada a warm smile. you felt good. you knew people were eyeing the both of you, probably wondering how you ended up with someone like bada. you almost start to worry about the stares, but bada knows you. she can see in the slight crease on your forehead that you’re thinking yourself into oblivion. her hand smooths down your back, resting just above the curve of your bottom. she traces small circles there as she strikes up conversation with your friend.

when bada excuses herself to go use the restroom, your old friend group approaches you, ogling at bada as she walks away.

“y/n… she is so…”

you squeal and cover your mouth, “I know- i know!”

when you watch her stride back into the room, her eyes never leave yours. bada loved you. and you loved her. and anyone in the room could feel that radiating off of the both of you.

── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

a/n: this was much shorter and more fluffy than i intended it to be so just know a part two is coming 🤭

[ddollfface]

𝐅𝐚𝐫 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞

𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙎𝙞𝙘𝙠!𝙎𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙤𝙧 𝙭 𝙎𝙚𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙚!𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧

"I have sea foam in my veins, I understand the language of the waves."

Trigger Warnings; Small mention of S/A (not described), reader being a bad mom (?), gore (mention of fatty tissue, blood, etc.) lovesick behavior, kidnapping, reader makes a grand escape, bad writing, I just wrote this for shits and giggles lol If I missed anything, then please let me know ♡

Shit!

Shit!

Shit!

You swore that it was here! There was nowhere else it could be; where could he put it? There weren't too many places one could hide something, especially in such a small Lighthouse. Rummaging through the wooden chest, your chipped nails scrapped against the splintered wood, gasping when a secret compartment opened, revealing it.

Your coat.

Yes! There it was! You scooped up the fluffy cloth, holding it up to your nose, and breathing the scent of it. It still smelt the same. The scent of fresh salt and cold air filled your senses, filling you with a sense of contentment. Biting your lip, you hold back tears as you hold the coat as close as possible, rubbing your face into the fluffy material.

The coat was still in good shape, with some small stains here and there, but overall it was perfectly fine. The coat was still a smooth, grayish-blue leather material, completely worn in, and fitted you quite nicely. It felt the same, smelt the same, and appeared to be the same. It's been so long since you've held it in your arms! You felt as if this was the reunion of your lifetime! Why have you been parted for so long-

"Mama?" You jumped, whipping around to face the doorway, grasping your hands around the coat, caught off guard by the soft voice. Your eyes met with ones of the same color, ones so bright and full of confusion.

Your heart clenched.

"What's that, Mama?" The boy pointed a chubby finger at the coat, which you quickly hid behind your back, giving the boy a soft smile. You quickly stood, making sure to keep the coat out of sight, and approached the boy.

You brought the boy close, kneeling in front of him, and rubbing the back of his head with a shaky smile, "Why are you awake? It's really late, Bubba..."

The boy's lips pursed, bringing the stuffed seal close to his chest. The sight of the stuffy made your pupils dilate and lips taught into a frown, but you resisted the urge to snatch the stuffy from the child's arms and rip it to shreds.

"Sorry, Mama... The thunder is scary, Mama," The boy's lip wobbled, and his rosy cheeks grew puffy. You sighed, picking the little boy up and holding him on your hip, straightening out his gray nightgown. Ruffing his blonde hair, you pressed a kiss on his forehead, attempting to not be repulsed at the sight of the child.

It's not his fault, you remind yourself, and you repeat it like a mantra. It's not his fault. It's not his fault. How could it be his fault?

There's no way this innocent, little boy could be a fault for this. He was just brought into this world without any will, brought into a family filled with unreciprocated love. So, because of this, you must push through and treat him with love, something he deserves.

But God is it hard, especially when he has his hair, his skin, and his face. He looks so much like him, practically the spitting image of him. The only thing you two shared was eyes, but even then they were in his shape. Even when away from him, you cannot escape him, a mini him staring right back at you.

How horrible are you? To where you cannot look at a little boy without anything but hate? How can you look at this little boy and not see your son? You birthed him, grew him from the womb, and fed him from your body. What more of a connection could you have with someone? And yet you cannot give him the time of day, refusing to play outside, denying him any attention a normal mother would give.

All of this was for today, the day you'd regain your dignity, freedom, and personhood, away from the monster you dare call your husband. You mustn't let the little boy grow close to you because it'll make parting all the worse. You need to be able to separate, and you have to carry that strength with you now. You must do so just so you can reunite with your brethren once agian.

It's been so long since you've seen them, and you miss them dearly so. Your throat tightens as you adjust the boy on your hip, leading him toward the stairs before setting him down. Huffing out a soft sigh, you tuck a blonde curl behind his ear, ignoring the dreadful thump of your heart and calling of your heavy consciousness.

You have to do this. If not for family, but for yourself.

"There's nothing to be scared of, Bubba. Now, go back upstairs and tuck yourself in," You kneeled down, softly speaking to the little boy, who just nodded, giving you one last hug.

"Mmk, Mama. Night night..." The boy whispers, grabbing your cheeks with his small hands, and pressing a clumsy kiss on your cheek, making you chuckle. Pressing your forehead against the little boy's, you lift up his bangs, just to press a kiss onto his forehead and bring him into a hug.

The little boy wraps his short arms around your middle, pressing his face against your chest, his lip wobbling. Racking your fingers through his blonde curls, you hold back the tears that pool in your eyes, knowing that you just have to pull through. You were so close, you can't let this go to waste.

"Alright, go to sleep, Baby," You pull away from the little boy, giving him one last smile before ushering him up the stairs. Waving at him, you cringe as he turns his head around, (E/C) eyes peering back into your matching ones. It's as if he knows something amiss, judging and observing you like it's your last moments together. And how correct he is.

You have to hurry.

.

.

.

The rain was heavy, beating against your back, and soaking through your thine nightgown. The raindrops began to blur your vision, or is it your tears? At this point, it's impossible to tell.

pitter. patter.

Your nose so cold it's red and about to fall off, cheeks matching in shade. Your hair is wet and sticks to your jawline, framing your head like a halo. Fingers scraped raw, blood smeared across your smooth skin, and seeping into the fluffy coat that is now matted with blood and water.

It's impossible to see where you're going, but you know deep in your heart which trail leads to where. The smell of salt and fresh dirt guides you to your home: the ocean.

pitter. patter.

Holding the coat close to your chest, careful not to drop it. If you lose it, this would all be for nothing, and you'd be dragged back to the hell you called home. The twigs and forest brush roll under your feet, causing your footing to be loose and inconsistent, warning you to be cautious.

Though it's been years since you've been outside, you know from your heart that you'll make it - you have to. The ocean is welcoming you with open arms. You can feel the way the wind is pushing you faster. How the waves are calling out to you, like a siren song ushering you to the depth of the sea. Or how the trees show the path toward the sandy gate.

pitter, patter.

You're almost there - you can feel it. Your feet are carrying you faster than you thought possible, but you choose not to focus on such things, instead, focusing on getting home. There's no way he should know, you've planned too long.

You can see it, the taste of freedom seeping onto your tongue. Quickly rushing to put on the coat, you sprint across the sand, relishing on how you sink into the grainy ground. The comfort of nostalgia causes you to slow and almost miss the sound.

pitter, patter?

Huh, how long has that sound been on loop, constantly playing in the background? You've been so caught up, that you hadn't noticed it, assuming it was just rain. Before you could even get another word, to even think of turning around, you're tumbling towards the ground.

A face full of sand is the last thing you expected, but quickly forgot about. The burning sensation of torn flesh and oozing blood welcomed the disheartening feeling of mind-rotting pain.

Quickly jerking your head to look behind you, you're greeted by the sight of a harpoon lodged into the back of your thigh. It felt as if your leg was getting torn apart, tissue and fat getting spread and ravished by the rusty head of the harpoon. It snagged and dug into your skin, causing blood and bile to creep up your throat. The sigh ungodly. You felt lightheaded and hadn't even realized that you were slowly being dragged away from the ocean.

The tugging of the metal head of the harpoon caused you to call out, a silent scream leaving your lips and flooded tears pooling down your cheeks. The wet sand rubbed against your body in a way that was no longer nostalgic, but torturous. The tiny grains smothered in your hair, itching your scalp. The sand absorbed the thick, scarlet liquid, causing blood to pool around your legs and create a stain in the sand as you were dragged back to him.

And there he was, the man you called your husband. His golden curls were a little frizzy but seemed to glow under the silver lighting of the moon. His skin tan and layered with scars, along with chiseled muscles that contracted with every harsh tug at the rope, connecting you to him. If you weren't in your current circumstances, you would've thought he was an angel of some sort, but you knew that was far from the truth.

And his eyes gleamed with bloodlust, completely bloodshot and fanatic. Eyes that were once a beautiful hazel, swirls of brown and green that resembled that of the grown we walk on and trees we lie under, are now churning with a possessive monster ready to break free and ravage you.

He was no longer the sailor you had grown to love and admire, instead, he was now a hunter, a man you should've swam from the moment you saw him on that pier. But how could you have known?

He looked anything but harmful, more similar to a young babe than a possessive maniac. Who could blame you for being attracted to him, especially after he had helped you after your tail got caught in some mangy nets? His hands were so delicate, making sure to be careful not to hurt such skin.

Though he didn't know you weren't what you seemed, he still treated you as a living, breathing being, when most would've deserted you, or sold you on the market. After all, humans seemed to deem seals good for soup.

You thought you could trust him, and that's why you revealed yourself to him, exposing your identity as a selkie. If only you had known...

If only you had known what was lying behind that charming smile was a possessive and delusional man waiting for the right woman.

If only you had known that though he had a pretty face, the prettiest face you've ever seen on a human, it wasn't something to be fooled by, instead, you should've swum back in the ocean the moment he freed you from that damned net.

If only you had known that he'd take away your coat, stealing it in your sleep, pretending it got swept up in the ocean. That he'd help you get it back, just come up to his Lighthouse. He'll help you.

If only you hadn't trusted that pretty smile, taking his hand, and going up to his Lighthouse.

If only you had known that he'd take advantage of you, ripping your clothes off, and taking your cries as an invitation for more. Maybe if you had known about the human anatomy, you would've fought a little more and screamed a little louder.

But you didn't. You didn't know, and now you are being dragged back into the hands that stole you from your people, your home, and stole your life, trapping you with a baby boy.

Now, he whispers in your ear, cradling your head as sobs rack throughout your body. Your leg is bloody and torn, no recovery in sight. Tears of shame, guilt, and rage build up inside of you, so you pound your fists against his chest, screaming at him through the sobs.

His large hands just hold you in place, letting you tire yourself out, humming sweet nothings into your ear as he slowly weaves your coat from your hands. Quickly picking you up, careful not to touch your injured leg, he begins his walk home, leaving gore in his wake.

The ocean, your only witness, cries for its loss. The daughter it once had, who was so close to coming home, was now snatched away by the hands of an evil man. The tides rise, ridding the sand of the gore and blood that once was.

Closing your eyes, the last thing you see is the calming waves reaching out for you.

"Honey, it's time to go home."

[sweetbunpura]

Talking with you has made me start to reread Symbiotic Relationship and I changed my mind!

I totally adore the Floyd/Yuu/Jade ship dynamic and I hope that’s where you go if you do end up writing a sequel!

(if you don’t choose to go that way that’s also totally fine too - again I’m not trying to pressure you. I never know when I’m coming off as trying to pressure someone so I promise I’m not trying to do that??? Basically just take this as me being really excited for a ship but if I get platonic I’ll still be really excited because you still chose to write a sequel and if you don’t write a sequel I’d still love your writing anyway so like… there really is not bad option here????)

Like it’s all the little momentsssssssss

SPOILERS FOR THE SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP FIC!

Jade recognizing Yuu’s scent because Floyd smells like her because they spend so much time together

Yuu trusting Jade and Floyd implicitly- enough to relax and sleep around them when she is injured and drugged

Floyd being enraged someone hurt his Shrimpy but still holding her gently so as to not aggravate her injuries to let her know he’s there

Jade appreciating her not just for her friendship with Floyd, but also because of how she has never acted like she was afraid of him and treats him like a friend

How protective both the tweels are of her

Yuu being a “cleaner shrimp” and trying to fix Floyd’s bed head

The tweels immediately going to her whenever they are able to, even leaving Azul to be by her side

Yuu wearing Floyd’s clothes casually

Yuu not just putting up with, but enjoying and joining in on, Floyd’s antics

The tweels finding Yuu being a competent, capable, and powerful fighter that can and has taken both of them down badass and they support her 100%

Yuu trusting them enough to swim with them in their natural forms and even finding their mer forms beautiful - blatantly complimenting them outright when prompted

Also finding the two dangerous predators in their natural mer forms cute

Yuu engaging in Jade’s mushroom hobby

Yuu being observant and caring about the tweels when something seems off

Yuu being demanding, further showcasing her lack of fear around the twins that most of NRC are so terrified of, and more than that demanding that Jade cuddle her and finding comfort in his presence

END OF SPOILERS!

Aaaaand I haven’t reread chapter 5 and beyond yet so I will stop there but 🥺🥺🥺

These idiots. 🥺 I love them. 🥺 Now I really want a sequel. 🥺 I clowned myself by rereading. 🥺

Your writing is so good it’s too good this should be illegal I’m suing you’re being sued I’m calling a lawyer! 😭

Thank you!

I really did wanna showcase how Yuu sees two of the most terrifying guys in the school. She's very calm around Floyd and joins his antics, which in case, makes her calm around Jade. Yuu loves nature, her favorite being waterfall and bodies of water, but she does find mushrooms interesting. Some are just downright pretty, like have you seen the ink cap?

It looks cool~

Yuu's friendship with the twins is something they both treasure because, outside of Azul, she's the first friend they've both made whose not afraid. With Floyd, Yuu never compares him to Jade and with Jade, Yuu doesn't see him as creepy and finds his hobby interesting. She also really loves their mer forms, they're long noodles who are cute and dangerous.

Yuu ultimately does trust them enough to literally pass out when in their presence and known she'll be protected with them no matter what. She has two scary guard eels that she supplies with love and hugs.

[inuiiwonderland]

The vision

You were born with a gift. The gift to be able to see the future. You would always have small or big glimpses of the future every now and then. And the visions are usually never something bad, until now…

Malleus draconia x fem!reader

Reader is also a Fae and malleus childhood friend:)

Angst

-

You never found your gift to be horrible. You always thought that it was pretty cool and amazing, being able to see little glimpses of the future. You found it to be very fascinating rather than scary.

And for the most part, your visions were never bad. You never saw anything that made you scared or uneasy, well besides the few times when you had a few visions that made you confused and or a little scared BUT it was all good in the end!

But today. You never expected to get a vision like you did today.

-

You were in your room, humming and packing some clothes for your small trip to Malleus palace. You're really excited to see malleus and the others again after so long. Ever since they received your text about you visiting them they have been counting down the days of your arrival.

You giggle at the memory of silver sending you a picture of Lilia marking down each day until your arrival at the palace.

“Y/n dear! Are you ready?” Your mom asks. You quickly packed the last of your clothing before closing your suitcase.

“Yes mom, I'm ready!” Your door opens to reveal your mother and a guard standing behind her.

“Ah! My beautiful daughter! I can’t believe you’ll be gone for a whole week!” She says as she pulls you into a tight hug.

“It’s only a week! Then I’ll be back until my next visit” You say with a smile. You and your mother talked for a bit until your father came into the room and told you that everything is ready for your trip to the palace.

“Bye my pretty girl! And be careful!”

“Be safe! And you already know what to do if anything bad happens!” You waved at both of your parents before getting in the carriage.

-

It wasn’t long until you finally arrived. You looked out and saw malleus and the others waiting excitedly for you.

“Ah it’s a pleasure seeing you again lady y/n!” Lilia says as he helps you step out of the carriage.

“It’s great to see you all again! I missed you all”

“Allow me to help with your luggage!” Sebek then immediately grabbed all three of your luggage as you began to panic.

“Oh no no no! I can’t possibly have you carry all that! I can help-“

“No, I'll do it! So please allow me”

“But-“

“Sebek is a strong boy. He’ll be fine” Silver reassures you. You just nod but not before asking Sebek if he needed help once again. But he only replies with a “I’m fine!” Before you let him carry all your luggage inside the palace.

-

“Thank you so much sebek. You really didn’t have to carry all my luggage up here”

“It’s no problem! I am a knight and it’s my duty to serve my master and any other royals!” You smiled before giving sebek a small kiss on the check.

“I appreciate your help, thank you” The boy was left speechless. A shade of dark red adoring his cheeks.

“I-it’s no problem! I-I’ll go now!” And he left. You giggle at his shyness. You decided to unpack before doing anything else. It didn’t take long before you had everything unpacked and the moment you sat down on your bed you heard a knock at the door.

“Come in” The door then opens to reveal malleus. You smile once you see your childhood friend.

“Mal!” Malleus smiles at you before pulling you into a hug.

“It’s nice to see you again child of man”

“How have you been mal? Have you been doing good? Eating good?” Malleus could feel his cheeks heat up as you continue to ask him more questions.

“I’m doing quite well. But I’ll also ask you the same thing, have you been taking care of yourself too?”

“Of course I have! I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t” You joked. Malleus just smiles before handing you some chocolate.

“I bought your favorite” You could feel your heart beat increase as he handed you the chocolate.

“Oh sevens! You shouldn’t have! Now I feel bad that I didn’t get you anything!” He chuckles at your worried expression.

“Don’t panic. But I would love it if you would accompany me on a walk around the palace garden” He asks and who were you to say no to someone like malleus?

“I’d love to”

-

The two of you walked around the garden as you talked about old memories from when the two of you were young and other funny embarrassing ones.

“Haha! I remember that! I still can’t forget the look on Lilias face” As you laughed, you didn’t notice the literal heart eyes in malleus eyes as he watched you laugh.

“Ohh my stomach now hurts from all that laughing!” He smiles before stopping and crouching down next to a rose bush.

“Oh? What are you doing mal?” You ask curiously. Malleus doesn’t respond and you can see him carefully getting a beautiful red rose from the bush before standing back to his full height. He turns around and you see a beautiful rose in his hand.

“For you” You were taken aback before heat rushes up your neck.

“For me?”

“Mhm” You carefully grabbed the rose from his hands before smiling.

“Ah I didn’t know you missed me that much!” You teased as he started to turn red. But you wouldn’t lie that you weren’t screaming inside by malleus sweet (or romantic) gesture.

Could this mean malleus also likes you back?

But soon the excitement went away when you felt a throbbing pain in your head.

A vision

It’s you. You wore a beautiful traditional briar valley wedding dress along with malleus who was also wearing a traditional briar valley suit.

It’s a wedding-YOUR wedding. You can see the excited smile on both you and malleus faces as family and friends congratulated you both.

“Congratulations to the two of you!”

“You look stunning as always lady- or should I say Mrs draconia” Lilia teases as you feel your face heat up.

“Congratulations waka-sama!” Sebek cries as silver just sighs before congratulating you with a smile.

You saw how malleus looked at you with heart eyes as he pulled you closer to him and gave you a kiss.

Then your vision changes and you can see yourself carrying what seems to be a baby. You were sitting in you and malleus shared bedroom and you cooed at the small bundle of joy as malleus sat next to you. A huge smile on his face.

“He looks just like you” You tell him.

“He has your eyes” Malleus tells you. You were both in awe as the little one opened his eyes before crying.

“He’s hungry”

It was so cute. So wholesome. So it definitely didn’t prepare you for what you were about to see next.

What you saw next was absolutely horrific. You could see yourself laying in your husband’s arms all bloody.

You looked…dead

You were dead

You were dead in your husband's arms as his cries of agony rang through the palace walls.

“No please! My wife! Not my wife!”

“Please wake up y/n! Please don’t leave me” He cries as he holds your body close. And then you suddenly hear your baby’s cries. You quickly turned around to see a horrified sebek gently holding your baby as his eyes widened at the sight in front of him. You could see that he was trembling a bit. But he was trying so hard to keep calm and calm down your crying baby.

You then turned around to see briar valley knights fighting. They were fighting what seemed to be other knights from a different kingdom. You could see silver and Lilia. They had some wounds but you could see how they hadn’t given up on fighting. Making sure those unknown knights didn’t get close to you, malleus or your baby.

You could hear bodies drop to the floor and blood splattering. Screams and shouts and also the sound of swords hitting against each other.

It was a mess. A horrifying mess. So bloody and gory you could almost throw up.

The vision soon stops and you gasp once it does, dropping the rose in the process. Malleus looks at you worriedly. You were shaking! You looked scared and that really worried him.

“Y/n are you-“

“I-I have to go” But before he could even finish his sentence you ran away. Malleus watches with wide eyes as you run away from him.

-

You locked yourself in your room after that. Not wanting to see anyone, especially malleus. You curled up on your bed as you tried your hardest to forget what you saw in your vision.

You were happy that in your vision you and malleus got together and married each other and had a baby but then seeing you dead in his arms as his and your baby’s cries filled the palace walls and also the bloody scene that you saw. It was to much!

You can’t let that happen. You can’t! The pain in malleus voice….it broke your heart hearing him like that.

If that’s what happens to you and malleus in the future. Then it’s best that you separate ways from each other.

You can’t let anything bad happen to malleus. You just can’t. Even if you love malleus with all your heart you don’t want to see him in pain.

“I guess it’s best to stay away….”

-

Lord it’s literally 3 am rn😭 anyways I hope you guys liked it🤍

[a-not-so-clean-blog]

Nu carnival x shy gemless reader from Eidens world

Yakumo

What's better than one pretty shy boy? Two pretty shy boys! He's so comforting and supportive and works hard to get you little gifts to make you feel welcome in this world. He thought it was scary moving from the country to the city so he can only imagine how scary it was moving worlds. He just wants you to feel comfortable around him. Silence with him is comfortable, you never feel forced to talk if you don't want to. He's happy to just vibe with you.

Edmond

It's his “duty” to protect you while you're in Klein continent. Yeah no one else believes it either. He thinks it's impressive how you made it this far with no essence at all. He is awkward and doesn't really know how to approach you without coming off as a scary military captain. He relaxes more around you if you ask him about local food. You can see him open up when talking about local food and that makes you feel better. Sometimes he “accidentally” buys a second portion that he can't eat, you might as well take it so it doesn't go to waste.

Olivine

A little confused but he got the spirit. This applies to both of you by the way. You have no idea how a preacher got so jacked! And he has no idea how you got here without essence. He wants to help in any way he can. It's nice how genuine he is and that makes him easy to open up to. You wind up helping at the temple to thank him for his kindness. Just avoid some of his crazy fans and you'll be fine.

Quincy

Honestly couldn't care less where you come from, what you look like, or if you have essence or not. As long as you respect his forest. He may get a little annoyed if you try following him and can't keep up. He does appreciate it when you cook or do things for him but for the most part he's self sufficient. He won't push for conversation if you don't want to talk which is nice. Honestly it's going to be a little rough until you figure out each other's social cues. Topper is going to be your best friend!

Kuya

He already teases Eiden about not being able to use essence, and you are definitely not an exception. He is relentless in his teasing and sometimes takes it too far, especially in the beginning when he's testing your boundaries. It's not all bad though. He likes making things and clothes and often asks you to try out what he makes. It's his way of trying to be welcoming. He'll also ask about your world, different things about culture or really anything interesting. Maybe tell him something he can use against Eiden, I suggest the first line to a catchy song.

Blade

There is no such thing as being shy around Blade. I'm sorry but if you want no human interaction you are going to have to tell him and explain why. Besides being a little…energetic, he is so sweet. He asks a lot of questions about where you came from, and he'll ask Eiden if he can't find you. He will do his best to make you feel at home and welcomed with him. Absolutely no judgment with him either so you're free to express yourself however you want. He can be a little much but at the same time he's so cute. Like a big puppy curious about what's in your hand!

Garu

He is very good about your boundaries and will not cross them intentionally. He will also get between you and others if you look uncomfortable. It took some time to get used to his appearance but he was kind and patient so you pretty quickly warmed up to him. He doesn't know much about Klein culture because he grew up alone in the dead zone, but he's happy to explore and learn with you!

Karu

Similar to Garu but turn up the intensity. He almost bit someone in the market because they bumped into you and you got spooked. You were shocked when he called you slave #2 but Eiden explained that Karu doesn't really mean it. He got into a fight with Garu about it so now he just calls you human. As long as you put up with some of his weird mannerisms you get a free guard dog though.

Dante

Do not expect a sugar daddy with him. If you want something he is going to make you earn it, he does not believe in handouts. No it doesn't matter where you're from, or how kind, or weak you are without essence. If you want to stay in Solaria and not in Asters mansion than you will need to follow his rules. It's rough for the first week or so, but eventually you notice how you've changed. He'll have you interact with his servants and slowly you will become more social and have less anxiety and have started coming out of your shell. It's hard to see it in the moment but he's tough on you to help. At least help in what he feels is the best way.

Rei

He understands how Eiden got here because of the rainbow gemstone, but has absolutely no clue how you came? Sorry but he will want to study you. It's weird and awkward, especially because he doesn't talk while he does it. If you stay with him you won't have to go out much which is good for your shyness. When he grabs things for research he'll bring back stuff for you, snacks or food. He says it's to see how you react to stuff with different properties, but if you like something you don't even need to say anything and he'll get more.

Eiden

Oh he would be so protective! He remembers how sweet you were in his world, plus he remembers his scared he felt when he came to this world. He will have Aster let you stay in the mansion and you'll get your own room. He will introduce you to all the clan members, and warn you some of them are a little…unique. Big brother mode is in full force. If he can't protect you in this scary world then he will ask one of his clan members to help.

Aster and Morvay

[crimsonfic]

Sanemi Shinazugawa Fanfiction- Turbulence

Foreign Musician Y/N

Subjects: Angst, Fluff, Smut, Violence, Gore, Death, Blood, Vulgar language, Mature Language & Content, other sensitive subjects

8 Chapters

Chapter 5

Chapter Includes: Explicit Language, Mature subjects, Smut, Fluff, Violence

5k Words

As it turns out, Sanemi could not have control over himself with you

He tried.

He really did.

But you were so perfect.

You were attentive at the right times. Quiet at the right time. You weren't pushy, surprisingly, and you were actually pleasant to be around.

It was horrible.

He found himself zoning out just staring at you while you talked, or while you slept.

He had to pull himself out of bed and into town to slay demons. He felt....guilty about feeling so much comfort next to you. Trying to sleep next to you, you looking at him with those expressive fucking eyes, your desire to please him anyway you could, it was too much.

Much more than he should have.

He had one goal. One desire. One purpose. But for some reason none of it mattered as much when he was with you.

That scared him.

—————

Sanemi's POV

"Hey handsome, where'd you go?"

A deep sigh left my chest before I could stop it. It seemed like I was exasperated with her compliments.

Good.

She didn't need to know it was because the sound of her sultry voice did things to me.

"Out." I replied, removing my clothes .

"Obviously." She smiled lazily, cocking her head at me. "Did you have to work or something?"

"Yeah." I answered.

"How was that?" She questioned.

"Fine."

I could see her eyes brighten, but just as quick as it happened she lowered her eyes and looked away, before nodding and replying "Good." With a soft smile on her face.

Damn those fucking beautiful eyes.

"Ask your question." I sighed beginning to remove my clothes.

"Are you sure?"

"Until I change my mind...."

"Okay okay, what is it that you do....exactly? I know I asked before and you said kill. I don't really...um...care what you do....for work.....I just....am curious. You're not just....a...killer...right? Are you....like a um....bounty Hunter or something?"

I have never heard her sound so unsure, mumble, or even say um.

By now I was totally undressed.

"Maybe I'll wait until I finish bathing to tell you exactly what I do."

Those eyes again. They widened. She seemed nervous. Worried that I was going to tell her I just murder people every night I'm sure.

"Okay." She nodded, and then laid back down.

I closed the door to the bathroom and ran my bath.

My mind was conjuring up all the ways it could go wrong telling her that I'm a demon slayer. Are there demons where she's from? It sounds like she has other worries from back home and I've never heard of any stories about demons there.

Who am I kidding?

There's fucking demons here so who the fuck cares if it's a scary thought? It's a fact. It's reality. No sense in sugar coating it. If I don't tell her someone else will eventually. Or she'll see for herself.

————

"Perfect timing"  The fucking vixen said as she brought a plate of food to the living room center table.

"How was your bath?" She asked once I sat down.

"Good." I answered ignoring the wanton look on her face. She was shameless.

"I.....ooh um nevermind. I'm sorry."

My eyes darted back to her face quickly.

"What the fuck is up?" She was being unlike herself. I understood the weird behavior about my work but was she trying to stop herself from flirting with me?

Since fucking when has she cared about coming on too strong. It doesn't even bother me anymore.

"What do you mean?"

"Why are you acting like you can't ask me questions."

I could see a guard go up in her eyes. "You always tell me to stop asking questions-"

"That's never stopped you before!" I threw back. It was petty. But I didn't care. I wanted to get to the bottom of her being cryptic.

"I just don't want to upset you." She replied.

"Since when?" I asked putting the food down untouched.

I was starting to get angry. Is she implying that she can't trust me? Like she doesn't know who I am or something? She's never cared if I was upset with her or not. Atleast she never acted like it. It never stopped her from calling me names I don't like, trying to get to know personal things or doing something I told her not to.

"Sit down." I said before she could say anything else.

She sat down across from me.

"I don't kill people." I said.

She sat on the couch quietly, and nodded slowly.

"I kill demons."

She blinked. And appeared to have froze. After 2 minutes of complete silence she eventually spoke.

"Okay."

"Okay?" I echoed.

"Yeah."

Now I was confused.

"So you've already encountered demons?"

"No."

"You don't have any questions? Other remarks?"

"No." She answered with finality.

I searched her face for any signs of her wavering. I couldn't find any.

"Well do you feel better now that you know what my job is?"

"Yep." She nodded.

I sat and stared at her. There was definitely something wrong. But I truly didn't have the words to convince her to talk to me. Beyond that, she doesn't dive too deep when I'm in a "mood" as she calls it.

I began scarfing down the food she made me. She remained quiet while I ate. Proof that she was still not being herself or was in her head.

When I finished, I got up, and grabbed her off the couch, throwing her over my shoulder.

"Whoa! What are you doing?" She exclaimed.

"About to fuck you back to normal." I replied with a swift smack to her butt.

"Oh really?" She asked. Her seductress voice sounding more like usual.

That's my girl.

—————

Shocked would be an understatement but since you were at a lost for words that's what you were going to stick with.

Sanemi was sleeping, soundly, and pulled you to his chest himself.

You really couldn't believe it, but you knew better than to comment on it.

Maybe he really did like you too.

Honestly, who were you kidding. He has to like you too. You would never be at his house after spending a night with him, laying on his chest while he slept if he didn't.

These were truly boyfriend behaviors. You knew better than to ask him what this meant for your relationship too though.

As you looked at his silver lashes, you tried to keep your hands where they were instead of touching his handsome face. He looked so much better up close. Getting to stare unabashedly without the distraction of euphoria, really had you wondering how you could ever get so lucky as to be tolerated by this stone of a man.

No, scratch that. Liked, by this man.

Demons.

You quickly shook your head at the intrusive thought.

That was the last thing you wanted to think about but now that you were no longer busy, you knew realistically you would have to face reality. Kind of.

You looked at the scars on his beautiful face and it hit you again.

Demons.

That had to be the cause for the extensive amount of scaring on him. A man as sure of himself and as mean as Sanemi had to face off against something major to be injured so badly.

You lightly traced the scaring across his chest with your fingertips.

Demons.

You inwardly rolled your eyes.

You had to do something. You couldn't just sit there, and sleep wasn't an option.

Slowly, you separated from Sanemi and left the bed as quiet as possible.

Once you were dressed, you left to the living room to find a note pad where you wrote "don't wait up. See you soon."

You had to busy yourself. If you stayed busy, your mind would be busy, and you wouldn't have to face that startlingly discovery.

———

You walked around town until you came across a trinket shop. You spent a lot of time there after talking to the owner who sold many of his handmade jewelry and knives. You spoke with him in great detail about his designs and his craftsmanship. He seemed delighted to discuss those things with you too, a huge smile on his face as he spoke to you.

By the time you left you had purchased way more than you intended to. You were happy though, and it was a good amount of time keeping the anxiety off of your mind for a while.

You decided to head home for a little while too. However you noticed as you got closer to the house, the more that dread crept up your neck and made you feel sick.

When you made it home you were not as relieved as you thought you would be to see the guys.

"Hey! Didn't expect to see you so soon." Brass greeted you from where he was lounging on the floor beside the couch.

Above him Frank was laid out on the couch while Muddy sat in the chair adjacent.

It appeared they had been working on music.

"Yeah, same." You replied.

"We'll why are you back? And what do you have?" Muddy asked.

"Jewelry, and because. It's....a lot."

No one spoke for a while.

"Okay and?" Brass responded. "We're all sitting here, not going anywhere so go on and tell us."

Frank sat up and gestured for you to sit next to him.

"I don't....I don't really know how to....say." You mumbled taking the newly open seat.

"Try." Frank said patting your back when you sat down.

They were all worried. You weren't usually one lost for words.

Muddy sat forward in his seat, eyes zeroed in on you. "Did something happen with Sanemi?"

The way your eyes showed a series of emotions at the mention of his name gave Brass pause, making him sit up from the floor.

"Did he do something to you?" He asked.

"No no no." You said, tone far away. "He told me....well....hmm...what if he's crazy?"

"Crazy how?" Muddy asked.

"Like....delusional."

"Aw hell. What did he say?" Brass groaned.

You glanced at Frank and his eyes were piercing as he waited for your answer. He nodded to you, encouraging you to continue.

"He said he fights demons."

Silence.

"Yeah don't we all." Muddy laughed.

"No. Listen. He fights demons for work. Physically, in real life."

This time, the guys all exchanged a look. You couldn't read this one.

After atleast 4 minutes of silence, "Somebody say something." You said.

"So, someone else told me about demons here before too." Muddy answered

"Honestly, the whole town thinks there are demons."

"I believe them." Brass said.

"Wait, you've never heard this before?" Muddy interjected.

"No." You answered.

"How?"

"The important question is, do you really think Sanemi is delusional? I mean now that you know majority of the people we encounter believe there to be demons here, you'll be fine right?" Frank asked

"Of course not! Because the alternative is that there are demons!"

"She has a point." Brass said.

"I need a drink. Anybody else?" Muddy said standing up and going into the kitchen.

"Yeah."

"Me"

"Sure." The three of you answered simultaneously.

———

"Hey, we should go see if we can find a demon." Frank said

Immediately Brass started laughing.

"This always happens, why do we let Frank drink? Here Frank stick to smokes man." Muddy said pushing the ashtray across the coffee table towards him.

"What do you mean? That would help us confirm if these demons are real." Frank answered casually grabbing the wooden pipe from the tray.

"If they are in fact real, what do you think would happen to us when we're in front of it. They take human souls!" Brass basically shouted.

"Yeah, pure souls! We have nothing to worry about.

To your horror, Muddy and Brass seemed to accept this explanation and be pondering it.

"Okay. No. That's enough. Nobody is going to look for demons, also our definition of pure and a demonic definition of pure may be two different things. Let's drop it. Please!" You said.

"Oh yeeeeah, you're right." Brass nodded.

"Well maybe we can ask lover boy Sanemi about it." Muddy said.

"No to that too."

"We can't do anything." Frank sighed.

You sat back further into the couch. You felt bad for leaving Sanemi while he slept after he had been a completely different person, but you really couldn't think there. You were overwhelmed with this new information and didn't know what you should think. What you should do.

Are you supposed to just keep living life as normal? How?

It was insane to even consider.

Ironically, alcohol seemed to calm your nerves. While still anxious however, you felt significantly less stressed.

"I'm gonna go back to Sanemi." You said out loud.

"Sounds good." Muddy nodded.

"Yeah he's probably worried. His feelings are probably hurt. He probably thinks he ran you away." Frank said.

It felt like you had been dunked in ice water as realization hit you. Frank was right.

Considering everything, you had chosen the worst time to "clear your head".

"Oh no." You groaned. "I've gotta go."

You stood, feeling the effects of the alcohol you drank. Little silver stars were dancing around your vision.

"Should we walk you? Does he live far from here?" Muddy said.

"No, you'll probably slow me down. I'll be okay." You answered.

"You look a little drunk."

You shrugged. A little is nothing. You've done more than simply walk to someone's house while under the influence. You'd be back to normal halfway through the walk.

You gathered all of the new things you just purchased and grabbed more clothes just in case.

The more you thought about it, the more you realized you were running out of time. It had been too many hours since you left with no explanation. Your little note probably meant nothing. You had to hurry.

———-

The trees cast an extra shadow over everything around you as you made your way through the thick forest. You weren't expecting it to be so dark so soon but you hadn't accounted for the cover of the forest. The walk wasn't as comforting as it was in the mornings or mid-day.

You had just gotten more comfortable with the minimal light when someone fell into step beside you.

What the?

It was so sudden you couldn't fathom that someone could've been following you but they had to have been behind you.

You slowed your pace, planning to stop walking. To your surprise the figure slowed their pace as well. You glanced at them seeing that they were covered in a dark cloak so you couldn't make out any details.

Abruptly you stopped walking. This was mirrored by the individual in the cloak.

"Can I help you?" You asked ignoring the sinking feeling that began growing in your gut.

"Yes you can." The voice was something from a nightmare. It didn't sound human at all, and it sounded malicious. It was haunting. Something that you hear and immediately know it's other worldly.

You took a step back but froze when the head of the cloaked figure snapped in your direction.

"Where do you think you're going? I haven't even introduced myself yet."

The cloaked figure then laughed. Your blood ran cold at the sound.

"I've seen you before. You walk through my woods often. But I got the biggest treat of all seeing you with that damn Hashira. He's usually always alone. So I was surprised to see him with someone. A woman no less."

Another laugh. This time more high pitched.

"I'm gonna have some fun with you. Im gonna use you. You see, it's a weakness of mine to play with my food before devouring it. That wild hair Hashira seems unbreakable. But I think I've found just the do  we thing to break him." A more deranged laugh sounded in the air. "A friend, or a lover perhaps!" His tone crescendoed with each word. He was excited. This shook you to your core.

You were rooted to your spot, your brain trying to understand what was happening, your body tremoring with fear and disbelief.

The cloaked figure removed his hood.

Your legs gave out before you could even register what was happening. You had never seen anything like what was before you.

It wasn't human. You knew this but seeing it made a difference. His, or it's skin was grayish green, his teeth were sharp, too big to fully close his mouth, he had multiple horns protruding from the sides of his face, and his eyes, his eyes glowed sinisterly.

But that wasn't even the worst part. The fact that he was drooling was the nail in the coffin.

"I'll take...just a little piece. Nothing big, just something small but noticeable."

You couldn't even hold eye contact any longer once he began stalking towards you.

Every single step he took toward you sent a tremor down your spine. You kept your head down, too afraid to catch another glimpse at him. Too afraid to move. Too afraid to stay really but you were paralyzed with fear.

A single cold but firm hand grabbed your chin and raised your head up slowly.

The last thing you heard was that haunting laugh.

————

You woke up in a lightly lit, unfamiliar room. You felt strangely relaxed despite being in an unknown room.

Vaguely you registered that someone else was present. Before you could take in anymore of your surroundings, the sound of feet padding down the hallway came. You didn't know whether to be afraid or what, but your body responded on its own. A deep violent tremor shook you. Enough to catch the attention of the person in the room.

"Hey. you're awake now? Don't be frightened, you're safe here."

Your eyes met the owner of the voice and you felt a tiny sense of relief. It was a young girl. A human. Something worth noting now. She didn't give you any negative vibes. In fact, the more you came to, you could see that she was caring for you. She was mixing medicines and herbs together where she was seated.

Only then did you register that you were hurt. Or had been hurt. You looked down at your arms and noticed your left forearm was bandaged. There was a tender ache and slight burning present. You raised your arm and that's when the true extent of your experience hit you.

It felt like you had fallen from a 5 story building. Your entire body felt weak and achey.

The young girl in the room began to speak but was quickly cut off by the door being thrown open.

Sanemi walked quickly over to you in the bed and looked over you. His body was tense but his eyes were in a frenzy. He snatched the covers back looking over your legs. He appeared to relax a bit as his eyes did a final once over your whole body and sight landed back on your bandaged arm.

"Can you walk?" He asked. His voice slightly raised.

"I-" you tried to speak, voice cracking from not being used.

"Mr. Sanemi, she shouldn't-"

The young girl stopped speaking when Sanemi's head turned to her.

"Sh-sh she....really shouldn't l-leave." She finished despite the obvious fear, her hands clasped together.

"That's too bad isn't it?" He all but growled.

"Please," she tried again but this time Sanemi ignored her, grabbing you and throwing you over his shoulder.

You didn't have a chance to protest and truthfully you didn't think you would. You felt relieved to see him. Being in his arms, although unconventionally, made you feel so much better.

You didn't speak as he made his way outside.

It was only when you neared the forest that the urge to speak came to you.

Sanemi didn't need to hear you though. He felt you before you got any words out. Your body tensed as you realized you were starting into the woods.

"Relax. You're with me. Nothing is going to happen to you. I promise." He told you sincerely.

It was like a blanket of warmth was thrown over you. Just a few simple words and you felt at ease. Of course you didn't know Sanemi long, but you trusted him with every fiber of your being. You knew he would keep you safe.

You'd never know the satisfaction you'd given Sanemi with just your body language. He felt like he's just conquered the world feeling you relax beneath his fingertips. The fact that you believed him after who knows what happened to you made him feel incredibly warm inside. He both loved and hated it.

You continued on in silence. Sanemi's grip on you strong and comforting. You hardly felt jostled despite the fact that he was walking. You were so relaxed you could sleep.

His effect on you was unique. You were almost airheaded with him. So much so, you didn't even register that he basically threw you on the ground. You were perplexed but the swirl of wind, leaves, and twigs around you, told you something was going on. It took a second for you to realize what kind of commotion was happening around you. A loud roar rang out before you felt a slight tremor on the ground beneath you. Your eyes followed the direction of the noise and you saw the largest grotesquely built thing you've ever seen. With yellowed glistening skin, something akin to an ogre came running at you, a spiked club in hand.

You knew that you needed to move, but you could barely feel your legs. You tried to get up, you really did, but it was going to be too late. He closed in on you fast, and you could only brace yourself. The attack never came though. A gust of wind wafted onto you and you opened you squinted eyes, wondering why the monster stopped. Just a few more seconds and you could see. A thin red line was visible, running directly down the center of his body, Then it grew. His body splitting into two halves.

You faintly registered Sanemi's voice saying "fuck" as your vision grew dark. You were fighting the strong urge to vomit, feeling super nauseous after what you witnessed.

"Get up!"

Sanemi's command was loud and urgent. You couldn't see him, and you couldn't tell where he was. Your nausea making it that much harder to focus on what was happening around you.

You were trying to stand when you felt Sanemi grab you and move you to a different spot. The sound of snarls and grunts surrounding you. What you couldn't see before you were able to see now that Sanemi was right in front of you. There were numerous demons coming at you two, from all sides.  You wanted to be better, stronger, to help him somehow but you just felt sick to your stomach. You didn't care what happened to you but if Sanemi got hurt you would lose your mind. How would he be able to get out of this?

Your question was answered when you felt that powerful surge of wind around you. Sanemi was almost a blur moving around you and killing each and every one of those things. Your head was spinning.

You're not sure what happened after, but the next thing you see is Sanemi taking off his bloodied jacket, turning it inside out and wiping your face. You just watched him, seeing a calmness in his eyes that you only seen once before. When he finished he slightly smiled at you.

"You okay?" He asked.

Your heart skipped a couple of beats for sure. "Yes." You answered. Your voice coming out just above a whisper.

"Come on." He replied, lifting you up from the ground to your feet. "I can carry you if you don't mind a bit of demon blood."

You could only nod this time. Reeling from both the softness in his voice and the thought of what just happened.

He picked you up, and held you bridal style before continuing on his path.

You were both silent the rest of the way to his house. It wasn't until he placed you on your feet in front of his door that he spoke again.

"Would you want to bathe together?" He asked opening his door and then taking your hand to lead you inside.

"Yes." You said quietly.

Sanemi led you to the bathroom, and helped you undress. He then got the bath ready before coming to you with a wet cloth and wiping down the small splatters of blood that were on you.

When he finished he told you not to move before leaving the bathroom. You waited just a couple of minutes before he walked back in clean but also dripping with water. His hair pushed back showing his handsome features.

He walked over to his tub and stopped the water before pouring what looked like oil into the water. After moving the water around, mixing the oil, he came and took your hand, to help you into the warm water.

He sat down and then pulled you to sit on his lap. He wrapped his strong arms around you and sunk a bit deeper into the tub.

"Just relax." He said.

And that's exactly what you did. The pain in your arm more noticeable now that you were still. It was nothing though, in the grand scheme of things. Minor really.

"I'm sorry." You said suddenly.

"For?" Sanemi asked. His deep voice smooth and even.

"For worrying you."

He let out a long sigh. Then he patted the top of your head. "Who said I was worried?"

You turned your face toward him. To look into his eyes.

"I'm serious." You told him.

"I am too." He smirked.

"You use the one time I'm serious with you to joke?"

"Isn't that what you would do?" His smirk grew.

You couldn't even help the smile that bloomed. He was so handsome, and he looked even better when he was smiling, and happy.

"Okay lover, you got me there." It was your turn to smirk. Using one of the many nicknames he hated.

"Watch it vixen, or I might just have to put you in your place."

"Oh please do."

His eyes widened momentarily, before he started to laugh. "Already back to normal huh? You're something else. But I'm with you if you're ready."

You couldn't believe it. "Reeeally?" You mused.

"Yesss." Sanemi echoed your tone, dragging out his answer like you did.

You wasted no time in positioning yourself just right so that you could guide him inside of you.

"I think I really enjoy this playful, meeting me where I am, San." You wiggled your bottom slightly, making sure you were perfectly perched on his member. "I may need to get hurt more often." You laughed lightly. Already heating up from having him inside you.

"Not funny. Too soon." Sanemi replied, his grip tightening around your waist, while the hand that was lightly resting atop your head tangled into your hair, pulling your head back gently.

Before you could say anything else he kissed just below your ear. It was soft and it was sensual. It set the tone for the night.

————

You had been laying together, in all your post sex bliss, for atleast an hour. Mostly just cuddling or caressing one another. You could tell Sanemi had something on his mind which is why you stayed quiet. You appreciated that he didn't push you away and was being almost romantic. Even if just for the night, you wouldn't take it for granted.

Of course, unbeknownst to you, Sanemi was truly relieved you were okay. After all of this time, he wouldn't be able to go on the way he used to if something happened to you. He genuinely cared for you.

It's why you were shocked to hear the uncertainty in his tone when he asked you a question.

"What happened? Last night I mean. Do you want to talk about it?”

It took you a few seconds to answer. To be honest, you don't remember anything after he, or it, grabbed you.

Answering truthfully, you told Sanemi just that.

"Do you remember what it looked like?"

"No."

He nodded. "I guess that could be a good thing for you."

You could tell he wasn't satisfied with your answer.

"I can try to remember." You told him.

He shook his head. "No, it's okay. Don't worry about it. No need to have any bad memories." He said running his hand down your back soothingly.

"I'm sorry."

"No more of that," he answered.

"If I remember anything, you'll be the first to know." You smiled lightheartedly.

"Thanks." He said. "Now, get some rest."

You smiled but said nothing as you followed his orders. You turned away from him, now facing the window, with your back against his chest. You grabbed the hand that was on your back and pulled it to your chest.

Sanemi got the memo, and scooted closer, securing you against him in a warm embrace.

He kissed your temple and said "goodnight".

"Goodnight San." You mumbled before easily drifting off into sleep. Unaware of just how much rest you needed.

"I love you."

*******

Prev | Next

[thecarnivorousmuffinmeta]

As bummed as I was at the time of reading it, I'm actually glad that "Blue Moon" had kind of a "cliffhanger" ending. Now, I and everyone else who reads it can project whatever happy ending we want on to it. For example, Carlisle talks Bella into naming their kid something unique but not overwhelmingly stupid and they fall in love. Rosalie and Emmett manage to overcome their issues and eventually join Carlisle and Bella in Volterra because "we're a family, goddammit and we should be together!" The birth goes as well as can be expected and Bella doesn't leave the planet after turning. She, with help from her family, becomes a pretty good mom and Carlisle is an amazing dad. Alice and Jasper keep in contact at a distance because of the Volturi and go searching for other hybrids. Aro becomes the baby's weird uncle and tells the kid all of his weird, interesting stories. At Aro's insistence, Bella develops her power and lowers her shield for him temporarily, causing him to go searching for the nearest vampire therapist. Emmett, I imagine becomes friends with Felix and Demetri while Rosalie gets along with Renata surprisingly well. They both adore the kid and since this is a world where Rosalie works on her issues, she doesn't get weird and project onto the baby. Bella and Carlisle get to have (probably?) good sex with someone they actually love and have commitment ceremony instead of a traditional wedding that's just them and the coven with Aro officiating. Alice and Jasper bring back Nahuel and everyone is relieved to know that the weird alien baby that they love should be alright. Nahuel's sisters get saved, probably by a delegation of Felix and a few of the scary-looking guards intimidating Joham into letting them leave if they want and they go live with him and Huilen and don't get pimped out by their father. And since "Breaking Dawn" doesn't happen, Demetri hears about Benjamin and Tia from Carlisle and immediately heads down to Egypt to tell them that Chelsea didn't make him leave and that while Benjamin has an interesting power, he's not someone Aro is desperate to have. This leads to a TLTIC situation where Tia and Benjamin decide to leave with Demetri and he brings them back to Volterra. Tia befriends Heidi, Benjamin becomes the baby's cool cousin, and Demetri becomes a very confused but protective big brother to them both. The twins are disappointed that the baby's not a squid but enjoy spending time with it regardless. Edward probably goes full Edward and gets executed by Caius but everyone knew it was bound to happen so they just get closer instead of falling apart. Esme just goes to the Denali and ends up becoming their MomBot, which is probably the happiest ending she's going to get. Alice and Jasper break up but it's on good terms and they're still part of the family. Jasper leans on Carlisle the most to maintain the diet and Carlisle, in turn, becomes closer to Jasper as a brother than as a "father." Bella finally talks to both Rosalie and Jasper without Edward interfering and realizes that they both like her just fine and develops a good friendship with them both. Alice's visions are stunted so she's kind of forced to be an actual person and see her family as actual people. She ends up with mixed results but everyone appreciates that she's trying. Her friendship with Bella, especially, isn't the same but that's not a bad thing for either of them. I imagine she'd get along pretty well with Corin. Emmett changes the least but he does start defending Rosalie more (something that's actually in the story) and he decides to take his job as "fun uncle" very seriously. Obviously they can't do the high school thing even after the observation period is done but they have each other, a support system in Volterra if they need it, they can wear whatever clothes they want, and they all live decently ever after. Anyway, it's a really sweet story with potential for a happy ending that you don't usually give the characters and I really liked it.

Blue Moon

Thank you, anon

(Not sure how I feel about "I've decided I like your ending because you didn't get a chance to make it sad")

[ginnsinabin]

Fairy link hcs

+Gen neutral

(got this idea from totk and the mushroom statues in hateno being so big compared to them and my brain flew off the hinges) (ps this isnt fully proof read will fix later)

-Imagine Hylians are fairy like creatures similar to tinker bell

-You stumble upon hyrule when you were chasing after your cat that ran off

-They noticed you after you found them caused quite the uproar

-I mean some gigantic being without pointy ears suddenly towering over you and your village kinda scares the crap out of people

-Of course our dear link was sent to take care of the scary giant lurking over them but zelda also demanded she come with, this being the first giant they have ever seen this big

-They come to confront you but when you simple smile and wave, equally curious about these small beings it doesn’t really make sense

-They aren’t sure what to make of you but seeing that you’re just kinda... standing there they come to the conclusion that you’re just like some random animal that just happened upon them

-Becoming a friendly visitor to the village and zelda’s new best friend

-She of course is way too overjoyed to have you there 

-you usually spend your time there on your hands and knees to bring your face down to their level when you're with them 

-You have to talk quietly when you're with them so you don’t hurt their ears, basically whispering the whole time 

-On the same token they have to speak fairly loud when they’re with you to have you hear them pretty clearly

-Link thinks you’re pretty cool

-He looks forward to your visits to the village

-Enjoys your talks together 

-The closer you two get the more you start to wander off away from hyrule to hang out in the forest 

-Afterall being so big means most of the kingdom can see you no matter where in it you are

-Link takes great pleasure in naps and time together spent in your hands or a wrinkle in your clothes

-Has been known to leave his sword and shield at home when with you

-Link’s most favorite thing to do with you is to be eye level with you and have talks face to face

-Seeing just how beautiful your eyes are will warrant many compliments from the small hylian

-Link likes to hang around you when off duty or even when he’s taking care of some evil he likes to tag along with you when you help

-Because of your size and ability, you have been dubbed the first and only honorary giant, by zelda herself, to help assist the kingdom with any evil forces that try to cause problems

-While link knows you’re perfectly fine to take care of yourself, anything would probably be a fly to you anyway, but he still worries about you

-If someone were to catch wind of hyrule’s knew friendly giant they might take this as a guard that needs to be taken down before they were to destroy hyrule

-Will always advise you to be careful going home or when you are on the way to the kingdom

-Link has 100% taken one of his old training swords and turned it into a necklace as a gift (even dulled it down so it wouldn’t give you any nicks or papercuts

-You share food with him all the time and he often wants to share his towns food with you too but due to your size it would take a whole house worth to make it worth eating

-Zelda has totally came to you with a giant beast problem that was just your cat

-Link has defiantly ridden your cat like they were a war horse

-Movie nights on your phone with the fireflies are his most favorite times he’s had with you yet

(had to get this one out of my system, this thought has been eating away at my brain for days)

[vctrvn-ls]

An Effort at Romance ☕️ | Kenny | ☕️

╔═*.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.*═╗

warnings: language

wordcount: 1.3k

summary: a little short in which you tried to do a small romantic gesture that ended up flopping because of the weather

╚═*.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.*═╝

It was a cold summer day in London.

About 15 degrees (celsius), but that's besides the point. The point was that you were standing at the bus stop, drenched and shivering.

There really was no point in standing under the bus shelter because you were already dripping wet, soaking, you swore you heard your socks squealching every time you moved your toes.

Anyway, why were you standing wet next to a bus stop and not dry inside an Uber?

Romance.

If you could call it that, more like failed romance, or an effort at it.

What you wanted to do was meet up with your boyfriend after work. His boxing gym was as he said "A ten minute walk down the street," which it wasn't. You ended up getting lost and as you picked up your phone it died right in your hands (tragic).

To make things worse it had started raining and now the only way to get home was by public transport.

Your mood was ruined. You felt angry, embarrassed and like a total loser, and you knew Kenny would laugh in your face for hours after finding out the whole story, he knew you hated the soppy lovebird things that would usually bring smiles to other couples when the gestures were done.

You were just a little…different (is what he guessed)

Fast forward two hours, it was 11:40pm and you were finally in the front yard of your house, walking down the little paved path that had streams of water running on it.

It was still raining, only now the wind was blowing like crazy. You saw that the lights in the living room as you struggled to open the door with slippery hands.

As the lock clicked you sighed and opened the door, stumbling in and closing it behind you.

You were so busy looking down at the puddle that you were creating under your feet, that you hadn't even noticed Kenny's presence.

You put your bag down and looked up "Oh my god!" You jolted, caught off guard by his appearance.

"Where the hell were you?" He walked over, pulling you into a rather aggressive hug. You furrowed your eyebrows, slowly putting your wet hands onto his back while listening to him talk behind you.

"I called you like a hundred times! I called your friends from work, even your boss!" He pulled away, revealing his worried expression, eyebrows knitted as he fixed his glasses like the adorable nerd he was.

"I-I-uuuhhh." You didn't know what to say. You were stunned by Kenny's reaction, you definitely weren't expecting him to worry out of all things.

"You're all wet now." You pointed to his grey sweater that now had and imprint of you.

"I don't care, where were you? I swear to god I almost lost my mind a-and the scary thing was that I didn't even know where to go to find you."

"Long story." You simply stated, giving him a crooked smile. Kenny rolled his eyes before hugging you again "Idiot." He mumbled.

You smiled to yourself, rubbing his back.

"You better tell me everything after you shower." He let you go.

"Yeah, yeah ok. You could…just join me." You grin suggestively, taking his hand.

"No." He said unenthusiastically.

"Wow that must've really fucked up your mind." You groaned, annoyed, before kicking off your shoes.

"I'm gonna make you something warm to drink before you get sick." He helped you take off your coat and blazer.

"Fine, fine. Throw these in the washing too."

He watched you slip out of your skirt and blouse right in front of him.

"Change your mind about the shower yet?" You smirked, seeing his eyes glued onto you.

"No." He took a sharp breathe in, fighting himself as he blinked and tore his eyes off of you, heading for the laundry.

"Hey Kenny I hope you don't mind me stealing your clothes," you say as you jog down the stairs and pull on his black Champion sweatshirt.

"No." You hear him call out from the kitchen as you hopped onto the couch "Wait which one?"

"Uuhhhh black crewneck." You respond, reaching for the remote.

"Yeah whatever." He walks in, and hands you a cup of tea.

"Ah," you take it "Thank you. How very British of you." You take a sip, noticing that he had changed too. "Did you load the laundry?" You ask.

"Yeah." He replies, not so confidently.

"Are you sure?"

He nods "So," he shuffles in his position, facing you "Tell me where you've been while I was here shitting bricks." He takes off his glasses and puts them down.

You chuckle "First of all that was very old-man of you."

"What?"

"Taking your glasses off like that, and second of all promise not to laugh and call me an idiot?"

"Uuhhh, yes?"

"Alright, so-"

Five minutes later the house rung with laughter as Kenny rolled around the couch holding onto his sides and howling.

You stared at him with an unamused expression painted on your face, remembering that he promised not to laugh.

Well at least he didn't call you an idiot.

"YOU IDIOT!" He yelped taking a breathe in.

Well there went the other promise.

"Oh fuck you." You crossed your eyebrows and turned to face the tv, folding your arms.

He wheezed beside you, holding on for dear life "I-I'm sorry," he covered his face "No it was really sweet of you." He moved over to you and engulfed you in a hug, tipping you over to the side.

"KEN!" You barked as you felt him falling backwards, with his arms still around you. You fell right onto him while he kept on laughing.

You were scared you had split his ribcage with your shoulder, but clearly he was fine.

"You idiot." He repeated, giving you a tight squeeze "But that was very sweet of you." He kissed your cheek.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." You shook your head.

"What? You mad at me now?"

You didn't reply.

"Hm?" He gave you another smooch "Are you?" And another one "Babyyy," and one more.

You giggled as he sprinkled your face with kisses while you tried to wriggle out of his embrace.

"Ok, ok, ok," you panted "Stop, stop." He finally let you go and you sat up, fixing your damp hair and rolling your eyes as you noticed him staring at you.

"I love youuu," he sang.

You nodded "Uhuh."

"You have to say it back. The rules of this household." He stated making you chuckle.

"Oh well if it's the rules," you grin "I love you too."

He smiled, nodding in acceptance.

"So what do you wanna watch?" You turned to Kenny as the Netflix logo popped up on the screen.

“I don’t know. I’m kinda tired,” he shrugs.

“Tsk,” you tut, turning off the tv.

“Wha-I mean you can still watch something.”

“Nah but like,” you look up in a shy manner “I wanna spend time with you.”

Kenny genuinely smiles, tilting his head and feeling warm and fuzzy on the inside. Even if your efforts at a romantic gesture failed, he still felt wanted around you, despite you pretending to be all prickly.

“Cmere,” he spreads his arms out and you suppress a smile as you shuffle over to him, laying your back on his chest as he curls his arms around you from behind.

“How’d training go?” You look up.

He nods “Good.”

“Did you eat anything?”

He shook his head “You know I don’t eat after.”

You frown “So confusing, first you eat a lot then you don’t eat at all. You’re getting thinner by the day.”

He chuckled “You sound like mum.”

“Yeah cause she’s right!”

“Ok, ok. It’s complicated. There’s a period where I need to eat a lot and a period where I should be careful of what I’m eating. Doesn’t mean I don’t .”He says as a matter-of-fact-ly.

“Can’t wait for that to be over.”

“What? Whyyy? I look great.” He laughs.

“We can’t eat out, you’re always tired and sometimes your mood is so shit I’m scared to even talk to you.” You make a very valid point.

“Uuuhhh,” Kenny had no arguments against your statement.

“Exactly. Besides you know you always look good.”

He smiles, but sighs, laying his cheek on the top of your head.

“You gonna sleep right here?” You joke.

“Yeah maybe.” He grins.

“Oh, Ken.” You shake your head.

[shewhoeatssand]

More Kaneki Headcanons And Ideas!

Kaneki has a very nice puffy jacket with a fluffy hood! It keeps him very warm!

Kaneki loves to wander off! Never go shopping with this boy! He doesn’t do it on purpose, it just doesn’t occur to him that people would look for him

If you taught him to crochet, he’d crochet all day! He’d love the stimmy repetition and softness of the wool!

Kaneki enjoys rice paper wraps with prawn and peanut sauce!

One time he hit someone in the face very hard with insect repellent, but the can got busted and the gas went straight to his face! Thank god he was wearing a mask

Kaneki doesn’t really like fire. Sure, a little is fine because people get scared of it, however, he is also a bit scared of the fire, and he hates how bright it gets

Hide once gave him some worcestershire sauce in a glass and told him it was pepsi and he drank it and fell on the floor

Kaneki is a huge fan of farming in minecraft!

Kaneki thinks axolotls are awesome but also pretty weird. He’s done research on how to look after them, and decided it wasn’t really worth it, which he brings up every time anyone talks about axolotls

Kaneki likes to hibernate through his problems! When he quit being a gang leader to go back to Anteiku, he spent a lot of time sleeping to avoid thinking about things, even though he decided to use this time to find himself. Maybe he doesn’t really want to find himself after all he’s done?

Kaneki is a huge fan of M’n’Ms. He loves the small ones. He tries to restrain himself when he’s around others though

He talks a bit like a book character sometimes, which can be a little cringey on occasions, but he’ll also say really profound things completely on accident that change the vibe of the entire scenario

If you took him to Belle’s library from Beauty And The Beast, his jaw would drop and he’d start running excitedly around the library, admiring all of the collections. This is true regardless of which Kaneki you bring. The only exception is #240, who seems very stiff and unsure but is excited nonetheless and will look through the books with you if you coax him a little

Kaneki really likes things to be clean, Shironeki especially. He uses a lot of water washing all the clothes 3 times a week and all the sheets once a week, but it’s worth it to him to feel clean (“Doesn’t it smell nice? Tsukiyama pays for it anyway.”)

Every Kaneki hugs his pillow while sleeping. He’s not really aware of it

Haise is the only Kaneki who accepts hugs from other people

Black Reaper has a comically fancy case for his glasses, and whenever people comment on it he acts as if they were merely jealous. This is very funny to him somehow. It has his full name and everything, even a fake middle name written in gold

Shironeki doesn’t laugh at anyone’s jokes except his own. Sometimes he bursts out laughing randomly because he had a funny thought, but when someone asks it’s either something completely fucked or the most unfunny dad joke/pun to come out of someone’s mouth (usually the latter). Kuroneki and Haise laugh at everyone’s jokes to be polite. Reaperneki stares and then fake laughs in an obvious way, with his eyes open

Shironeki gets embarrassed about how small he is. On one hand it’s useful to look so delicate since it catches people off guard, but on the other he sometimes wishes he could look as scary as he wants to be. He feels a guilty pride when Banjou says he terrifies him regardless

Kaneki is actually a very pretty boy! He just has shit fashion, doesn’t eat or sleep in a healthy way ever, and a lot of people think he’s kinda weird when meeting him, so he doesn’t look as great as he could. If we fixed up his diet and sleep schedule (Shuu solves his fashion issue) he’s actually a cutie patootie! Idk what we’d do about him being weird though

Kaneki is a soggy lad in more ways than one! This man loves playing in the water. Forest adventure with the ghoulie? He’s going in the creek. You beg him not to, you beg him to stay, but in the end there’s nothing to stop him from leaving - he pads quietly towards the running water. Determined to try. He’s stripping away his shoes and socks, your pleads not reaching him. At first shocked by the cold, but willing to reattempt.

The vibrant moss springs back to its original position as his feet dip fully into the water. “It’s cold in here” “I JUST SAID NOT TO GET INTO THE WATER YOU’RE NOT MEANT TO BE THERE” “It’s kinda nice” “YOU COULD SLIP AND GET WET” “Uhuh. You should try this too, you can feel the water flowing around your legs. It’s so chilly”

He does fall on his ass actually and his butt is wet for the rest of the walk. Only reason he’s not taking off his jacket and shirt to swim too is the fact that someone is with him and he doesn’t want to hold them up for more than 5 minutes

Kaneki has a car but he’s still on his P-plate

[sumtheamazinglysickauthor]

Spider - A Xyx Fanfic

It was officially the weekend. The two days where you could just relax. The days that you loved that went by rather quickly. Especially the weekends you had with your husband, Xyx. This was a weekend he got off. Due to being a lawyer, he had to work alot and usually didn’t even get these precious two days off. To you, it sounded like a total nightmare. Needing to work on the weekend seemed so… wrong. But, this was Xyx and he did like his job.

You were on your way to the laundry machine since it was your turn to do the laundry. The faster you get this done, the more time you’d be able to spend with your husband. You were rushing the clothes in as if you were trying to break a record. When you finally put the clothes in and turned the machine on, you saw something. You froze. Oh no. Oh no no no no no. It can’t be…

You let out a scream so loud, your neighbors could probably hear it. So could Xyx, because he immediately rushed in.

“Doll? What happened?” His face looked at yours, worry never leaving.

You couldn’t speak. You immediately ran, getting behind him and held onto the man like he was a shield.

“Monster” you pointed at the disgusting, horrific beast.

Xyx looked down to see a spider. To him, it was just a small one. Worry washed off his face, replaced with an amused emotion. He let out a small chuckle.

“Oh how frightening! This little thing could really kill ya. Very scary.” he teased.

“Little?” How could he call daddy long legs here little? It could quite literally jump at you.

“Sorry– This big, two inch-at-most spider baby.” he teased.

“That thing is a baby?” Why the hell did baby long legs looked like a dad with a gazillion kids. It was practically Cat’s size– if you take a couple inches away… Okay– maybe not Cat’s size, but you get the point. “Can you get rid of it?” you looked at him.

“Hmm. I don’t know… It doesn’t seem to be bothering me.”

“Please”

“You’d kick out this fine guest of ours? Such a bad host.”

“Xyx” you whined. This man was two seconds away from getting smacked with a slipper if he didn’t remove the damn spider.

“Fine, I suppose I’ll be a terrible host. Just for you, doll.” he winked at you and got a tissue. The poor spider actually decided to walk– with its eight creepy legs– to said tissue and probably didn’t have the time to process before Xyx put a cup on top, trapping it.

He opened the apartment door and let it out. You looked at him. Did he really just let a spider out into the wild?

“Why didn’t you kill it? It can grow and come back with billions of spider babies!” you got goosebumps at the thought. Yep. You were going to get nightmares tonight, and it was all this stupidly beautiful man’s fault.

“Love, spiders are normal. They won’t rip you to shreds. Trust me, I grew up around ‘em.”

Right. Xyx was an Aussie, which means he was probably used to all of this. You should’ve been too, considering the fact that the two of you have been married for a while and that you were in his house that was in– you guessed it– Australia.

“Doesn’t mean they don’t give me the creeps.”

Xyx chuckled, “Well, if any spider baby dares enter our humble abode, I’ll be your gorgeous knight in shining armor.”

“It would get to me before you even get to it.”

“I go faster than a spider.”

“You let that spider out.”

“Murdering’s against the law, babe.”

“Murdering humans” This man was truly insufferable at times.

“What if they find the evidence? You’d be a witness.”

“I’d lie for you” Words that sounded so close to a similar sentence. I’d die for you.

“That makes you my alibi. We’d go down together.”

You smile, “You’re the best lawyer in the world, I’m sure you’d come up with something to prove that we’re not guilty.”

“You’re right. The jury would dismiss the case on account of self-defense.”

“Exactly. See? Best lawyer in the world.”

Xyx looked at you, before his grin turned into a soft smile.

“Best lawyer in the world with the best wife in the world, hmm?”

“I-” You got caught off guard, blushing hard before trying– and failing– to sound confident when saying, “That’s right.”

“Did I ever tell you how adorable you are, doll? Truly, you are. Especially when you’re a hot, blushing, red mess because of me.” His voice got deeper when he said the last part into your ear. Was it just you, or did the room just get very warm. Was there a heatwave going on all of a sudden? Goodness, why was it so damn hot? You could feel yourself sweating.

“I–”

“Shh…” you were interrupted, “Indulge me, would ya?”

You felt his touch burning you as he caressed the nape of your neck before you looked up at him.

You leaned in, your lips touching as you finally kissed. Maybe this man hadn’t murdered that atrocious spider, but he had and always would be by your side. Little did you know, he’d kill every spider in the world and proudly break the arachnid laws for you. He'd kill any bug or pest for you. “I’ll take good care of ya.” His words echoed in your mind. This man was going to be the death of you, and you wouldn’t mind. You were in dangerous territory, and you couldn’t feel happier.

I love you.

[jpitha]

Just a Little Further 31

Part 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Omar and his workers at the docks spent most of the night getting High Line ready for our trip. They loaded it up with provisions, got things set just right and Omar plugged into High Line and ran simulations and checks settings over and over. While I'm down eating breakfast, I reach out to him and find out he's been High Line for hours already.

Omar, did you sleep last night?

I took a nap here and there. There was too much to do before we left.

You realize we're just going over to the Wilds of Besmara, right? I don't even think we'll be gone more than two or three days.

I also remember what the Wilds looked like when we were there last. I'm not taking any chances. Additionally someone invited the scary Archduke to come along.

Hey, would you rather they stay here, scheming and causing trouble, or coming with us - yes, while also scheming, but now they have the threat of being tossed into a hibernation cabinet by me?

I don't trust her.

Me neither, that's why we're bringing the hibernation cabinet. Where did you put it?

I put it in one of the common rooms. It's only going to be a small crew, we just won't use the room.

Who is coming by the way?

You, me, Starlight, Ava, Ginny, Raaden and a couple of Sep's security forces. That's all we need. Ginny is already here, she wanted to see if I needed any help with the reactors.

Okay then, I'll go get Ava and Raaden, you call Starlight and I'll have City tell Sep we need their people now.

See you soon, Melody.

I went back upstairs and got Ava up out of our bed. In the time since I left to eat she has rolled over and spread herself out over the entire bed and looks blissfully comfortable. I reach down to stroke her hair. "Ava, it's time to wake up. We have to go pick up Raaden and go to the Wilds today."

"Hmmph. No. Sleep more."

"Ava, come on. I didn't wake you for breakfast, it's time to get up and get going."

She yawns and it turns into a full body stretch. I'm always jealous of her ability to stretch, it looks so comfortable. "Fine fine, I'm up. Did you bring me something to eat, hon?"

I hand her a meal bar. "Yes actually. I thought this might happen. Eat up and get dressed. You can shower on High Line tonight."

"Ooh, is there room for two in the shower on High Line?"

I roll my eyes, but gently. "Someone always gets cold when we try and shower together. Baths are much better for ideas like that." I toss her Builder uniform to her.

I cherish these little moments when we're together like this. Here, we're just Ava and Melody, not Empress and Builder. It's part of the reason I invited her to move up here. I'm happy she accepted. Even if it's only for a little while, I can pretend that we're just... us.

After she's dressed, we walk over to Raaden's apartment together. I nod to the security guards by the door. They nod back and step aside. I knock, but don't open the door. "Raaden, are you ready? We're headed over to High Line now."

The door opens and she's standing in loose, comfortable clothes. I try and hide my surprise. Of course she has regular clothes. She won't be in her uniform all the time. I just didn't expect it I guess. Raaden's look is so tied with her uniform that to see her out of it seems... vulnerable? Her sweatshirt is grey with REGANTOWN GIPPERS in purple along the front in a circle with two Lacrosse sticks forming an X in the middle. She's carrying a duffel over her shoulder. I reach back into the Reach systems and scan it. It's just a few changes of clothes and toiletries. Fine. "Good morning... Empress, Ava. Lead on."

Oh right, she can't call me anything but Empress.

On the short walk over, Raaden looks around the Reach. "I still can't get over how large this place is." She looks at me. "You weren't lying? It's really 11 million people?"

"11.5 at last census before we came here. Starlight said that it's probably closer to 12 these days. Now that we've repaired the food deliveries too, the population will probably grow more."

"It's... lively, but it's not what I would call crowded either. I imagine one could support closer to 20 million if everyone didn't mind close quarters." Raaden is almost talking to herself. She looks at Ava. "How does everyone get around? 11 something million is a lot for just walking."

"Oh, there's a transit system. It's like an Metro on an planetary system but... in space. There's only one line, but it runs in a spiral up and down the main part of the Starbase with a lot of stops along the way. We're actually on the end of the line here in the Docking and Administration area."

"A whole metro? I'd like to see it." Raaden perked up at the mention of the transit system. I wonder if she likes trains.

"Sure, I guess? I can show it to you when we come back." Ava sounds hesitant, but it's not like the train is a secret. It's a train. Huh, now I'm wondering. Are trains rare in space? Saying it out loud makes me think that they are, but then again there are a lot of really large habitats and starbases that people live on.

"Raaden, do the Floating Cities have mass transit?"

"Actually, yes! All of the floating cities have bus rapid transit for travel Outside. They're sealed busses of course, but they're wheeled, with a 3rd rail for power and usually run in single or double car setups. Inside the Floating Cities it's more of a traditional metro setup with lines and stations. Regantown is the largest, and we have the largest metro on Venus. More than 5 million trips are taken on the Regantown Metro every single day!" For possibly the first time since coming aboard, she seems animated and interested. I had no idea Raaden was a railfan.

Raaden looks back around at the Starbase as we walk. "Smart of them to build the Starbase with mass transit in mind. Starting with an asteroid also gives you more options. Hollow it out and you have living space right away. Take the overburden and with some light processing you have material to build the buildings inside and more on the outside if you're growing. We explored options like this for Starbases a long time ago. I think some of the High Mars Cities were made this way."

"Orchid and Hyacinth were built from scratch, Juniper, Ponderosa and Balsam were made in a similar way to the Reach out of the remains of Demos. It wasn't the same because three Orbitals were made out of what was left of Demos, but we used the same theory."

Raaden and I look over at Ava. When she notices us staring she blushes. "What? I lived on Hyacinth for most of my life, we had to know our history. I might have been born in Regantown, but I spent fully half of my life on Hyacinth."

"Wait, you were born in Regantown?" Raaden looks genuinely surprised. "So, you're Venusian?"

Ava shakes her head firmly. "No, we gave up our citizenship after we moved. I am officially a citizen of High Mars Hyacinth."

Raaden looks thoughtful for a moment. "Empress, where are you from?"

"I'm from Meíhuā, born and raised. I actually was in the colonial navy before signing on with FarReach for the exploratory mission."

"Meíhuā? I figured they always stuck with their own." Raaden looks at me curious.

"Come now Raaden, you don't want us spouting stereotypes about Venus, so don't repeat Meíhuā stereotypes. We trade with Venus and the OPA just as much as with the Independent Starbases and K'lax."

She raises her hands in surrender. "Okay okay, I admit, I know next to nothing about Meíhuā. It wasn't even on the first list when... the Emperor planned his expansion plans."

"Oh?" It's all I say. It's enough.

Raaden has the decency to look embarrassed. "Yeah, well you know how well that campaign went. After Parvati, Wellfleet was determined to get a win and so got permission to go after the joint Starbase." She shrugged. "He failed, he died, I took over, and we went home."

"He was killed."

"By me, on the order of the Emperor, yes. He may tolerate one failure. He won't tolerate two."

"So does that mean that you'll never be able to go home to Venus?"

"I don't know. This is all uncharted territory. I've always been a local and successful officer. It's entirely possible I'll get a reprimand, maybe a demotion and then put back out there." A shadow crossed her face, just for a moment. "It's also equally possible that there's a bullet waiting for me in the Emperor's antechamber. I'll guess I'll find out when if Venus gets in touch.."

"If? My gooness Raaden, that's dark."

"It's the truth. I won't try and deny it. You both know what Venus is like. It's entirely possible that they will write off me and Emery and work to forget we ever existed."

Ava is firm. "Yes, I do know what Venus is like. It's why we left and moved to Hyacinth."

Raaden nods and doesn't say anything more about it. Well that answers if Raaden knew what kind of place she works for. She knows all too well.

We walk a little more, past the docks and printers where Omar's team is hard at work refurbishing Immar IV, the former Mariens ship. It's in at least three large pieces now and heavy cranes are moving components into it. This refurbishment seems much more involved than the other Aviens ships.

As we pass, Raaden stares for a moment before catching up to us. She turns and looks at me "You really have a starship class printer here? You weren't joking about taking the parts of the Lavinia and making a new ship?"

"We have a couple of them yes. We refurbished High Line and a few other ships that were here ourselves. Our current plan is when we come back to start work on our own dreadnought, with the weapons from Lavinia."

She stares at me for a moment. "...The missile batteries were always 5 degrees off. I asked the shipyards to look into it, but they never did. The missiles could always correct for it, but that burned fuel. It made our effective range 5% lower than it could have been. Be careful with that when you mount them."

I blink. That was out of nowhere. "Uh, thank you Raaden. We'll keep that in mind." What is going on? She seems completely different than yesterday. It's almost like she has given up on trying to escape. Just because I ordered her not to doesn't mean she can't think it. She just can't act on it. I wonder what changed? Would Venus really abandon them here?

As we walk to the docks, High Line is out of the internal dock and is connected to an umbilical. We walk up and Starlight on a Moonless Evening is waiting by the entrance. "Ah, Empress Melody, Builder Ava, Archduke Raaden, good morning. Ginny is already aboard. She came earlier.”

"Good Morning Starlight, are you ready to go?" It has only been a few days since their partner River was killed, I hope they're going all right. I'll try and keep the mood light.

"Yes Empress, I'm ready. It will be... satisfying to take our ship out to visit somewhere else and not worry about being stranded." Starlight looked up at High Line before stepping in. "River would have loved it."

We all get in and get settled. There is only the 8 of us and there is plenty of room in the ship. We're probably not even in a third of the whole thing. I drop my rifle and my and Ava's bags in my room - Omar really went all out, it actually is quite nice - and head up to the Command Deck. I peek in the bathroom and sure enough, the shower is only large enough for one. As I walk up to the Command Deck, I pass by the room for Raaden. Her door is open, and she's inside lounging on the bed, reading a pad. "Hey Raaden, do you want to come up to the Command Deck and watch as we head over?"

She looks up from her pad. "Do you order it?"

"No, just asking."

"I'll pass then. I've seen hundreds of ships leave dock, it's nothing I haven't seen before."

"Suit yourself. You have permission to come on up if you're bored. s̷͉͔̓ẗ̵͙a̴̜̹̍̅y̵̙̙͆̓ ̴̞̙̽̓o̶̙͓͆ū̶̲̼̌t̷̛͕ of the engine room, reactor room, weapons bays, assigned rooms and the starboard common room. The rest of the ship is open to you."

She winces at the order, but doesn't otherwise react. "Why is the starboard common room off limits?

"That's where the hibernation cabinet is stored."

She swallows and shudders just a bit, and nods silently.

"Oh also, Ḑ̶̛̼̬̤͔͚̜͕̬̩̹̗̣̲̗̪͙̉͊̂͋̇͗͊̑̅͊̓̍͘͘͝ơ̷̖͉͐̐̒͆͑̂̅̋̈́̊̏͗͋͒͊̒ ̴͇͆̉̿͗̈̊͊̂̆͆̀̀̽̉͂͘͝n̷͉̓̀̆̅̒̅͐̆̌͊̉́̈́͘ō̴̡̨̩̮̈́̀̑̅́͂̏̑̀̄̊̄̈́͘͝͝ţ̶̢͇͍̰̺͙̜̑̒͊͂̋̒̍̈́̓͘͠ attempt to undermine the mission in anyway. Your position here is officially hostage, not crew."

Another wince, another nod. "I know my place here Empress. I won't cause trouble."

I continue on. Ginny, Starlight and Ava are already on the Command Deck when I walk in. I look around at the setup. It’s different than a human ship, much more close together. The Command chair is in the front of the room, facing a main screen while everyone else is behind the commander at their stations. I don’t know, I prefer our way with the Commander in the back or the center and everyone around them. I feel like the commander here has to keep turning around to issue orders. “Starlight, why is the commander in the front on Aviens ships?”

“Hmm, I’m not entirely sure, Empress. Perhaps my ancestors preferred to be seen in the front when issuing orders. Some kind of holdover from surface battles maybe?”

“Whatever the reason, it sure makes it awkward to sit there and turn around and issue commands.” I go and sit in the Command Chair. It’s small compared to human chairs and presses uncomfortably against my hips. It is an Aviens chair and designed to be comfortable for their different body. I stand instead. “Omar, how are we looking?”

Omar’s disembodied voice comes over the ship. “We’re ready when you are Melody. Systems green all around.”

“Well then. No point in hanging around here. Omar, please take us out.”

And with no fanfare at all, Omar disconnected the umbilical and we gently floated away from Reach of the Might of Vzzx.

The trip out to the Gate was uneventful. Ginny and Omar spent their time going over the Aviens and Human reactors and Ginny pointed out quite a few options for improvements on the Aviens design that Omar hadn’t even thought of. Omar was ready to just print Human reactors and replace them, but Ginny was able to see how we could make them work more efficiently and save time. I’m glad she decided to stay. If she proves herself as truly on our side, I won’t mind making her a Builder, if I can convince the other's she's not a threat.

Ava and I wound up spending a good amount of time exploring High Line. Starlight says as far as they know, it is an unremarkable Aviens vessel, but this will be their first trip through a Gate ever, so we have no real way of knowing just how unremarkable it was.

Now that it’s half Human, it’s quite a bit more remarkable I suppose.

We're walking along the main center corridor in the ship when Ava stops. "Is this ship... odd to you Melody?"

"I mean, the layout isn't what I expect, but I don't know if I'd call it odd. Why?

"Well, for one, it's the first non-human ship I've ever been on. I keep expecting to find things in a certain place and I get confused when they aren't there. What about you?"

"No, I did a goodwill tour with the K'laxi. I spend 3 months right after graduation onboard the frigate Isar The Greater."

"Oh, I never knew that! How was it being on a K'laxi ship?"

"Cramped. You know how they tend to be a little shorter than humans? The older ships don't have much accommodation for our height. It was lucky I'm not too tall. As it was, I hit my head more than I care to admit. I'm just happy the Aviens are around our height." I reach up and touch the ceiling "I have room enough to stretch here."

Raaden spent her time in her room. I didn’t lock it - I didn’t see the need really, I ordered her to be good - and didn’t interact with us. We had one meal before we traversed the Gate and Raaden took a plate of food back to her room and ate there. I get it, we’re her captors, we’re not her friends. She’s here purely as insurance against a Venusian retaliatory attack, but… I don’t know. I guess I just want everyone to be friendly. I have always had a hard time with people who just have no desire to be friendly at all.

Right before the evening meal, we approached the Gate. On the Command Deck, I watch the Gate loom large on the forward screen. “Omar, is the address for the Wilds entered into the Addressing Module?”

“Yes Melody, we can activate the Gate at your order.”

I took a deep breath. Come on Melody, it’s nothing. You’ve gone through plenty of Gates. This is just like any other. Why am I so nervous though?

You fear what you will find on the Wilds.

Well yes. Thank you for putting a name to it, I guess.

Empress.

“Omar, we may traverse. Please proceed ahead.”

“Aye Empress.” Huh, he didn’t call me Melody when executing an official order.

The Gate glows that painful, hazy blue and…

We traverse.

Part 32