#the prince is lookin dashing

[asordinaryppl]

A3! Backstage Story Translation - Kamekichi SSR - Zodiac Races: Crash and Dash - Part 3

requested by anon!

also proofread by myuntachis!

Omi: This makes the Dragon clan 5th and the Snake clan 6th. Good work.

Izumi: Banri-kun, Juza-kun, as well as Taichi-kun and Tenma-kun and Sakuya-kun, good work to you all!

Taichi: Hehe, thanks!

Sakuya: Huh? Where’s Masumi-kun?

Tsuzuru: Masumi? He hasn’t arrived yet…

Sakuya: That’s weird. I’m pretty sure he and Kumon-kun should’ve already set off using the car they spent all night customizing…

Tenma: Now that you mention it, Yuki and Muku from the Sheep clan should’ve been here a long time ago too.

Juza: I didn’t see ‘em on the way. Did something happen to ‘em?

Izumi: God left us this reflective water to watch the race from. Let’s try to look for them there.

Sakuya: Okay!

[Flash]

Taichi: … Oh, there it is! That’s the race car Masumi-kun and Kyu-chan painted white…

Taichi: “Hop, Hop, Rider Z”, now known as “Prince White Horse Z”!

Banri: They modified and renamed it, huh…

Banri: But, man, what are they doing? They keep stoppin’ and lookin’ for something…

Masumi: She’s not here… She’s not there either…

Kumon: Maybe Izumi-san from the Rat clan already finished the race…

Izumi: Huh, me?

Masumi: She said she doesn’t have a car for the race, so she must be participating on foot… I’ll get her out of there.

Omi: Ahhh… Are they looking for her without knowing I gave her a ride? 

Tsuzuru: Also, that car next to them is the Sheep clan’s “Oh, The Thrill! Flora Sheep”, isn’t it?

Sakyo: Why on earth did these three join the Horses?

Homare: Simply watching him as he searches for his beloved… How wonderful! I can feel inspiration welling up!

Yuki: For the love of… This stupid poemer of a sheep keeps saying things like that and following Masumi around without listening to us…

Yuki: He comes up with poems once every five minutes, and we’re making no progress whatsoever.

Muku: I can understand him, though. Seeing someone be so upfront about his feelings makes my heart pound… Boys in love are so wonderful…

Yuki: And here’s another sheep in his own dream world…

Izumi: (I-I feel kind of sorry for him…)

Izumi: Um, God… Can you let him know that I’m already at the finish line and waiting for him?

Voice from Heaven: You got it. Heeey, everyone from the Horse and Sheep clans!

Muku: Oh, it’s God! Are you calling out to us?

Voice from Heaven: That I am. The girl from the Rat clan has already finished the race. She told me to tell you she’s waiting for you guys at the finish line.

Masumi: !? Let’s go…

Kumon: Huh!? Masumi-san, wait a secoooOOOND!?

[Engine revving]

Homare: Let us give chase, we cannot stay here. I am certain new inspiration will come to me when we finish!

Homare: Come, you two, let us go to our car. We shall ride magnificently and thrillingly towards the finish line as well!

Muku: O-Okay!

-

[Masumi and Kumon arrive at the shrine]

Taichi: That was fast!?

Tsuzuru: They were basically here in the blink of an eye after hearing God’s message… Couldn’t they have gotten first if they took this seriously…?

Masumi: Sorry to keep you waiting. I’ve come to pick you up on my white horse.

Banri: The hell you mean you came to pick her up? She was already here.

Izumi: Thanks, Masumi-kun, and good work. You were searching for me, right?

Masumi: It sucks I couldn’t give you a ride, but the smile you welcomed me with is the cutest…

Homare: The étoiles of the Zodiac Race… have made it to the goal! ‘Tis us, the trio messengers from the Sheep clan!

Yuki: Phew. We made it, somehow.

Kumon: We’re a lil’ late, but I’m glad we made it to the goal! Everyone’s race cars are SO cool!

Muku: Everyone else made it already? Good work!

Juza: Yeah, good work to you guys too.

Tenma: So the Horse clan is 7th and the Sheep clan is 8th. Not many are left…

Izumi: (… Come to think of it, what’s Kamekichi up to? He seemed pretty relaxed about having a race car and all.)

[Flash]

Juza: The water’s showin’ two more cars.

Sakuya: These are… the Dog clan’s “Dog-lightful Patrol Car” and the Monkey clan’s “See no eviler, speak no eviler, awaken no eviler”, right? (1) (2)

Sakuya: I’m pretty sure these two said they’d happily start together, but…

Sakyo: Looks like they’re arguin’ over some nonsense…

Itaru: Come on, let us get to the finish line first.  We carry Hisoka for you sometimes, don’t we?

Tasuku: I’m the one carrying him, though, not you.

Hisoka: I got in your car so I’d get to the starting point faster, but it wasn’t comfortable at all.

Tasuku: You’re so…! Why were you expecting this kinda car to be comfortable?

Itaru: Why is you guys’ car so big and comfortable anyways? Jealous AF.

Chikage: There are three of us, so making it spacious was the logical course of action. I also modified it so it’d fit our Sleepyhead here.

Chikage: If you’re so jealous, you can just ask Tasuku to modify your car too.

Azami: It sure is spacious, and the ride’s comfortable, but it’s also got lots of mysterious buttons Chikage-san’s tellin' us jack about…

Hisoka: I pressed one of the new buttons earlier and the light that came out of the back of the car scared me.

Tasuku: So that’s what that light was…

Azami: Ugh, at this rate neither of us is ever makin’ it to the finish line. We should just settle this with an honorable rap battle now that it’s come to this.

Itaru: Uhhh, rap…? Welp, there’s a rap battle in the opening of this thing I’ve been watching, so maybe I’ll come in clutch if I remember that?

Kamekichi: Hold it!

Tasuku: ! That’s…

Chikage: A flying race car… I believe that’s the Rooster clan’s “Flying Bird Coupe”. (3)

[Tsumugi and Kamekichi jump down]

Tsumugi: Oh, oof… Phew… We landed safely.

Azami: You’re so slow, did somethin’ happen? Your race car can even fly, you shoulda reached the finish line ages ago.

Tsumugi: Ahaha… Well, the truth is…

Kamekichi: We’re late because we went off course despite it being a straight road, no thanks to Tsumugi’s mechanical ineptitude.

Tsumugi: I’m sorry…

Itaru: IC. Gotcha.

Tsumugi: What happened to you guys, though? You looked like you were arguing…

Tasuku: That guy over there said something about our car’s comfort, and then Chigasaki started saying we should modify it.

Itaru: I also want a monitor I can play games on in the car.

Hisoka: I might ask you to pick me up again, so you should get a pillow and a blanket too.

Tasuku: What on earth do you guys think this car is…

Tsumugi: There, there…

Kamekichi: This is the kind of time where all opinions need to be heard.

Kamekichi: I know you’re all good animals here. Come on, let’s talk nicely.

Kamekichi: … And while you do that, our car will quietly make it to the finish—

Chikage: And finished.

Kamekichi: What!? Chikage, when did you…!

Chikage: I figured this would happen, so I went on ahead and made it to the finish line.

Kamekichi: Damn! This leaves us no choice, let’s charge!

Itaru: Ah, wait! Tasuku, we gotta make it to the goal too!

Tasuku: *Sigh* Geez…

-

Muku: Everyone from the Monkey, Rooster, and Dog clans, congratulations on making it to the finish line!

Yuki: In the end, the Monkeys got 9th, the Roosters got 10th, and the Dogs 11th.

Izumi: (There’s finally one left. I wonder who it’ll be?)

Izumi: (I don’t see the Cat clan’s messengers anywhere, so maybe they really won’t participate…)

Tenma: Oh, a car’s coming. It looks like a camping van.

Tsumugi: It has “Mobile Store: Cat Journey” written on it.

Izumi: No way…

Azuma: Okay, we made it.

Guy: I’m glad we made it safely.

Citron: Thank you very much, you both! You were a great help.

Izumi: Azuma-san, Guy-san, and the messenger of the Boar clan, Citron-kun…! The three of you came together?

Guy: Citronia was going the wrong way from the starting line.

Guy: We transformed Journey into a mobile store, picked him up, and brought him here.

Citron: They let both me and my car ride with them. This is my car!

Citron: It is a bicycle named “Heavy Walking Cycle”!

Azuma: Go on. Go to the finish line, Citron.

Citron: Yes! I will put my all into pedalling and… I made it!

Kumon: Wow! Congrats, Citron-san!

Azuma: Congratulations, Citron.

Guy: Congratulations.

Izumi: Good work, Citron-kun, congratulations!

Citron: Thank you!

Itaru: That makes us twelve.

Izumi: But… are you Cats sure about this?

Azuma: As we told you before, we had no interest in this race to begin with.

Guy: Yes. We’re happy we were able to assist Citronia to the finish line.

Azuma: Well, we’ll be leaving. Let’s go, Guy.

Guy: Yes.

Voice from Heaven: Wait a second.

Voice from Heaven: Good work to you as well, Cats! Thank you for coming here.

Voice from Heaven: We’ll be having a party with all the new Zodiac members, so you should join in on the fun too!

Guy: Would that be alright?

Voice from Heaven: But of course! We’ll have delicious drinks, too.

Azuma: Fufu, thank you for the invitation. I can’t say no to a good drink, so we’ll be there.

Tsumugi: Come here, you two!

Guy: Yes, thank you.

Voice from Heaven: Good work on the race, everyone! Cheers!

Everyone: Cheers!

Izumi: Woah, there are so many delicious dishes here!

Kamekichi: There’s lots of rice too! That’s my favorite! God sure knows his servants!

Kamekichi: You enjoy yourself too, Izumi! This is a rice festival!!

[Dream ends]

Kamekichi: Zzz zzz… I can’t eat all that…

Manager: Hey, Kamekichi! Don’t land there and sleep, you’re getting in the way of my cleaning!

Kamekichi: Ha!?

Kamekichi: This is… I’m…?

Kamekichi: Huh!? I don’t look anythin’ like a well proportioned ikemen!

Izumi: Well proportioned? What are you talking about?

Kamekichi: My real form is that of a super cool ikemen! My hair is shining pink and gold, and I’ve got an elegant kimono that makes me look dapper…!

Kamekichi: And I’m a messenger for the Rooster clan of the Twelve Zodiacs, y’know! I can do anything, and I’ve got loads of fans…

Tsuzuru: The Rooster from the Chinese Zodiac, huh… That’d make for an interesting script.

Izumi: Come to think of it, why are the Chinese Zodiacs in that order? I feel like there was a story behind that…

Tsuzuru: There is. If memory serves, on a certain New Year’s Day, God decided…

Kamekichi: No, lemme tell you!

Kamekichi: You listening? God said there’d be a race on New Year’s, and the animals got in their race cars…

part 1 | part 2 | part 3

NOTES:

(1) originally わんダフル (wanderful), combining wan (the japanese onomatopoeia for barking) and wonderful

(2) switches up the three wise monkeys that represent the proverb see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil (article on the symbolism) to include one that sleeps, and makes the whole thing sound like a vehicle name

(3) originally とりバード・クーペ (tori bird coupe)... bird bird coupe

[dgaftilwedie]

Please explain squid game season 2 to me (its my entire dash atp and I dont want to be confused anymore😭)

CONSIDER IT DONE!!! spoiler warning because i kinda have to spoil the stuff that happens to explain it... had to put a cut because i accidentally wrote an essay

ok so, to talk about season 2, i have to explain season 1 first... so there's this sad little sap named seong gihun and he gets approached by this REALLY REALLY SEXY GUY and the sexy guy is like "yo gihun you're broke as fuck, let's play this game from your childhood and if you lose i slap you. but if you win, i give you money". so gihun's like "ok word i love money" (he has a gambling addiction).

after like, several hours of getting slapped, gihun FINALLY beats the sexy guy but bum bum BUMMMM the sexy guy gives him a little card!! and then gihun calls the number on the card and the voice on the phone is like "STATE YOUR NAME AND BIRTHDAY" so gihun does and then he gets a location ok blah blah ANYWAYS BASICALLY GIHUN GETS CONSENSUALLY KIDNAPPED AND WAKES UP IN A ROOM WITH A BUNCH OF OTHER PEOPLE

OMG IT IS THE SQUID GAME (rich people round up a bunch of people in debt and make them play kids games. they die if they lose. they're in it for the money because the winner gets like... i think 46.5 billion won, which is 31 million usd)

gihun ends up winning because he has plot armor and at the end of the first season, we get a face reveal for the guy who's running the SQUID GAME ... it's this really sexy dilfy lookin old guy named inho...

ok so cut to season 2. gihun has been trying for three years to stop the squid games with the help of this former detective named junho (inho's brother) and the guys gihun used to be in debt for. gihun ends up being like "ok word im just gonna do the squid games all over again" so he does because he's a silly goose!!!

so he wakes up. yay. good morning gihun. uhm... there are these two guys named thanos and namgyu (the love of my life. my pookie bear. my baby. my prince. my lovely sweet beautiful obsessive amazing fruitcake junkie boyfriend) and they're participating in the games because they invested all of their money in this STUPID BAKA LOSER IDIOT!!!!!!!'s bitcoin.... aforementioned stupid baka loser idiot is named myunggi and guess why he's in the games... HIS EX GIRLFRIEND. PREGNANT EX GIRLFRIEND. IS ALSO THERE. PLAYING THE GAMES PREGNANT. BECAUSE OF HIM. BECAUSE HE LEFT HER. PREGNANT. ALONE. FOR 6 MONTHS. sorry i hate myunggi

there's also this guy named daeho and he's a former soldier and he is so cutie patootie he's very autistic coded and then there's the other loml my wifey hyunju she's ALSO a former soldier like special forces like she was a sergeant she's so beautiful anyways she's in the games to fully transition uhmmmm there's also youngmi and minsu and semi and GYEONGSU and jungbae there are a lot of important characters

ok anyways basically gihun joins up with his irl best friend jungbae, junhee (the pregnant ex-gf), daeho (the ultimate pookie bear), and bum bum BUM this guy named youngil (who is actually inho/the frontman mascarading as a player). the games kinda just commense as usual; gihun's all like "GUYS STOP IT STOP YOU'RE KILLING EACH OTHER FOR MONEY" and some people are like "YEAH THIS IS REALLY BAD" and then people like namgyu and thanos are like "yeah but like we need this money really bad we're desperate" so yknow arguments and fighting ensue, people die, it sucks but it's squid game

and THEN... after the third game (i think).... they do a vote... (they've been doing votes every night as to whether people want to stay or go)... the vote is tied... oh no... thanos and namgyu try to convince this poor little guy named minsu to vote to stay and this fucking CUNT. THIS ASSHOLE. THIS STUPID IDIOT BLOKE myunggi is all like "stop coercing him" and thanos and namgyu are like "we weren't doing that" and then namgyu brings up junhee and thanos is like "im gonna break of your finger (myunggi's) and fuck your ex with it she's gonna love it" so myunggi fucking SWINGS and then it starts a big fight in the men's bathroom between the people who want to stay and the people who want to live and thanos fucking DIES but he dies really sexy but it's still really sad

and then uhmmmmm they turn out the lights and namgyu goes batshit because he's really really really high and also really sad (his boyfriend is dead ok) and he kills a couple people (he looks really hot doing it sorry sorry) and then they turn on the lights and gihun is like "YO YO YO WADDUP BITCHES WE'RE STAGING A COUP" and then wifey hyunju somehow gets a gun i dont remember how and the people who wanted to leave steal a bunch of guns from the guards and then hyunju teaches everyone how to use guns and she looks absolutely fucking stunning doing it

anyways blah blah they get a group of people (the people i can remember are gihun, inho/youngil, daeho, hyunju, jungbae, i think 256 i don't remember his name, and then 4 other guys). so hyunju goes with pretty much everybody besides jungbae and gihun, and they're going to like break into the UP which is where the bad guys are so they disappear and then at some point youngil/inho is like "me and these two guys are gonna go help jungbae and gihun" and hyunju's like "ok word i'll hold down the fort" so youngil/inho and those two guys disappear

uhmmm time passes guards die shooting happens uhmmm everyone starts running out of ammo and poor daeho my sweet baby angel is having like a massive ptsd attack but he's still trying to trek through and hyunju is like "NEED AMMO" and daeho's like "WORD I GOT YOU SHAWTY" so he goes to get the ammo and then he doesn't come back and then everyone runs out of ammo so it's down to hyunju, 256, and these two other guys and hyunju is like "i need to find daeho brb" and 256 is like "ok" and then 256 and the other two guys die almost immediately after BUT HYUNJU'S ALIVE SO YAY

anyways gihun and jungbae are shooting and shit pew pew guards dying and inho/youngil is like "im going the other way" and gihun is like "omg ur the best thank you bro" but then when he's out of sight inho/youngil KILLS THE TWO GUYS HE WAS WITH and he uses the fuckinnggggg walkie talkies to talk to gihun and he's like "sorry bro" and gihun is liek "wait what" and then youngil/inho gets back in his frontman get up and appears and KILLS FUCKING JUNGBAE. and i think he takes gihun hostage but the season ends there and i have to wait until FUCKING JUNE TO FINISH THE SHOW!!!!!!!

if namgyu dies you will never hear from me again... same goes for hyunju and daeho... i am so not ready

also if u want me to rant about my favorite characters or talk about the first season let me know because I WILL. i'll also go in depth on some of the games if you want IDK I LOVE SQUID GAME *runs away and hides*

[thesunshineriptide]

hi hi! i love your series on twst characters in our world sm <33 could i request them realizing that this is what it felt like when you were sent to their world? and probably gaining (even more) respect for you? bc being sent to a new world is terrifying and kinda painful and really, really weird??? and the fact that mc just,,, went with it with only a little bit(?) of psychological damage is wild. there's not too much to say so it can be as short as you like :3!

What I’m hearing is that you want more angst and I am very happy to deliver. I’m two seconds from doing whumptober at this rate fkshdk

I ended up doing it in a oneshot format instead of regular headcanons, I hope that’s alright. This also wasn’t as angsty as anticipated but I might go back and do something similar that’s more angsty at a later date 🤍🤍🤍

The Wrong Side of Paradise

Characters: riddle, Trey, Leona, Ruggie, Azul, Jade, Floyd, Kalim, Jamil, vil, rook, Idia, malleus, Lilia

Cw// mild angst, mental health issues, sad vibes, hurt/comfort, arguing, yelling, fighting

For people who crave order, it’s incredibly hard to let go of everything you know and be thrown into something different. For the fantastical, being trapped in the mundane is torture. For the optimistic, knowing there’s no way you can return home on your own dashes hopes like bitters in a drink.

It’s been a week since their arrival in this new world, and everyone had finally had their breakdowns. Some sooner than others, some slower. The group of (mostly) teenagers sat quietly in their friends living room, silent in contemplation as soft classical music played. Their TV had a fireplace screen saver, in an attempt to make them feel more at home, since they had no fireplace, and it only worked a little. The ambient noise was a comfort, but when one would catch the screen out of the corner of their eye, they could no longer delude themself into everything being fine.

“I miss Ortho.” Idia finally spoke, his voice barely above a whisper but the silence made it carry.

Some turned to look at him, others forced their gaze to the ground.

“I miss Silver and Sebek,” Lilia lamented, leaning toward Idia where they sat on the ground.

“I miss my idiot freshman.” Riddle admitted, fidgeting with his hands. He would never dream of doing either under normal circumstances, but he was simply as far away from his rules and his mother as he could be. What was there to stop him?

Floyd sighed. He was sitting cross legged on the floor, with Jade sitting on the couch behind him and Azul beside Jade. Floyd leaned back against Jade’s legs, looking tired, “This discussion is a bummer. Can’t we talk about something better?”

“Better? We’re stranded in a world, money-less, homeless, magicless, and with no concept of what this world is like outside of this house. What could possibly be a more important discussion than talking about it?” Jamil snapped, eyes narrowed on Floyd.

“Are you lookin’ to get squeezed, sea snake? Cause I could use some stress relief~”

“Enough.” Leona said firmly, blinking an eye open to look between them, “They’re both right. There’s no point in moping around, we gotta do what it takes to survive.”

“Easy for you to say, Kingscholar. You never cared about your life before, and it’s not like your kingdom will notice the spare prince missing.” Vil spat, gaze icy and hard.

“Guys, we shouldn’t fight about this.” Trey tried, attempting to reason.

Leona and Vil began to argue loudly while Floyd began crawling his way over to Jamil, who was climbing higher and higher on the couch in an attempt to get away from the former eel.

Malleus coughed to get their attention. This failed, however Riddle did notice and took action as well.

“ENOUGH!” He shouted, all eyes now on him, “Malleus has something he’d like to say.”

“Malleus as something he’d like to say.” Leona mocked in a high pitched voice while rolling his eyes.

Malleus paid him no attention, “You know, it seems as though there is one person who may be able to understand this plight we’re in that we haven’t consulted.”

Everyone looked confused before Malleus sighed and pointed in the direction of Yuu’s room.

“The prefect? But-“ Kalim began before cutting himself off, “Oh…”

The room went back to silence as they all looked away from each other, faces burning with shame, “Is this how-“

“What’s going on?” Yuu asked, stumbling from their room while rubbing their eyes, “I heard shouting, is everyone okay?”

They looked the most tired of everyone, despite being the one person asleep at the time.

Riddle’s face went red with embarrassment, “I apologize, Prefect, it was an attempt to- ah, prevent a fight.”

“You guys are fighting?” Yuu asked, an eyebrow raised.

“Again, I apologize-“

Yuu began to laugh, looking delighted, “No, no, this is good. I’m glad.”

“You’re…glad? That they’re trying to kill each other?” Idia asked, looking very worried.

“Not the killing each other part but,” they took in a deep breath and let out a little sigh, “You all haven’t been acting right for a week. And fighting each other is kind of the NRC pastime, so in my book you guys fighting is a win.”

The group went silent for a minute. Ruggie began to laugh, then so did a few others.

“I guess you’re right, Herbivore.” Leona admitted, chuckling just a little.

“It’s how we show affection.” Floyd added, finally snagging Jamil’s ankle and pulling him to the ground. He put him in a headlock, laying half of his bodyweight on the poor vice housewarden, who struggled.

“Help me-“

“Floyd, be gentle with Jamil, please.” Jade said, hiding a smile behind his hand, “you know how fragile humans can be.”

Malleus beaconed Yuu over, who sleepily grinned at him, “What can I do for you, Hornton?”

Malleus’s face fell for a quick moment at the mention of his horns, but returned when he remembered the nickname, “We we’re discussing how…difficult it is to adjust to living here. Without magic.” He said quietly, “I thought you may understand that issue best of us.”

Yuu looked soft, eyes melting into sympathy as they nodded, “Yeah, I do.” They said before turning back to everyone else, “I know exactly what it’s like. And I’m so sorry any of you have to go through this. Especially because of me…”

Kalim got up and pulled Yuu into a hug, “It’s worth it, Yuu. And besides, Crowley won’t leave us here forever. And even if we are…” he began, but let the thought die.

Everyone had an expression of pain or misery on their face. Most people were curled up with someone else. Vil and Rook were cuddled close on the couch, Leona and Ruggie were close to each other on the floor. Malleus and Lilia both sat right by the couch, leaning on it, while Azul, Jade, and Idia sat on it. Jamil and Floyd were forcibly cuddled on the floor, while Trey and Riddle sat together in an oversized armchair.

Yuu watched them from where their head rested on Kalim’s shoulder and smiled, “You won’t be stuck here. I promise. Even if I have to travel the world for a solution, I won’t keep you away from your homes.”

Lilia stood up, stretching his back for a moment before going over to the lamps and turning them off one by one, “I think it’s time we get some rest, my friends.”

The group let out a series of grumbles either for or against this notion, but Yuu merely laughed.

“Time to split up, I suppose. Whoever beats me to my room can have the bed tonight!” They announced, dashing for their room as the room began to darken.

Floyd, Jamil, Jade, and Ruggie all got up to run after Yuu, trying to beat them to the doorway.

In the end, the five that ran tugged the mattress to the floor and made a pillow fort, sharing it, while those in the living room did something similar with the couch cushions.

[silversdragonemporium]

Hello! Welcome to this edition of "Silver just rants and rants and rants about the worldbuilding of a fanfic". Why not start things off with my most elaborate fanfic?

This is an outfit reference I made for Dimitri to use during the Ethereal Moon Ball in Wolf Lord.

Aka: "the outfit he was supposed to wear when he was going to propose to Byleth but then he didn't do it at the last minute", whoops.

I wanted to imagine what kind of clothes Dimitri would use when not at Murder School, so something that might fit in at court, but is taken up to 11 for a formal event. Since he's A Literal Prince, he gets to use ermine fur (a symbol of royalty). His cape is "princely", a hint of his future High Lord and Great Lord outfits with his big, swishing King Cape. Also he gets to have boots with the fur (the fur!!!!)

Also yes, he has the Crest of Blaiddyd embroidered in silver string out on his belt and surcoat, as well as part of his clothes' clasps. Fun fact: embroidering precious metal string is called goldwork and requires highly skilled and specialized manual labor. That belt and trim are a splurge. Kinda like him wearing a gucci belt. But, compared to Claude (who is wearing cloth-of-gold which is "I'm so fucking rich my threads ARE GOLD") and Edelgard (who has a SOLID GOLD EAGLE HAIR STICK that is btw super fucking heavy but she's dedicated to the look, with HAND MADE BLACK LACE DETAILS AND GLOVES with some pearls tastefully sewn on the wrists....... she's giving that "romantique vampire qween of several millennia of accumulated wealth" levels of loaded), you can tell that he's not THAT rich. Note to self: maybe actually draw the others' outfits because I spent months looking at GOT costuming videos and details and have a bunch of ideas that would look cool but then promptly never described. Or maybe make a post later. IDK might have to think it over.

Anyway back to Dimitri: as royalty, he wears an ermine fur collar and trimmings. This is also another splurge that is cost-effective, since his territory IS known for luxury furriers. They don't mention the pelt/furrier industry in 3 Hopes, I think? But it makes sense for Faerghus to make bank with furs and good-quality leather. He might be a prince of the least wealthy country on the continent, but he is still royalty.

Dimitri himself didn't choose this outfit, but his Good Uncle Rufus (unironic, Rufus is actually a good dude in this fic) helped him pick out the outfit to give that "wow" factor that would match well with Byleth's outfit so that when they came back from the proposal the whole club would be lookin' at them the future King and Queen of Faerghus would look nice together...

Anyway, POV you're Rufus and you just spend weeks on end coaching your nephew to make a good impression on the only woman he has shown any kind of romantic interest so when he proposes she won't just go like "👁.👁 what" and then you get a letter saying "hey uncle lmao guess what i forgot to propose 🤪"

I'll upload Byleth's outfit with another batch of brainworms tomorrow, I wrote this entire post in a mad dash of inspiration (which is tbh the best way to Tumblr amirite) so it might have typos and weird jumping around especially at the end with all the flo-rida song lyrics, apologies but I am a mere vessel of the dimileth gods thatse it i cannae help it..........

[sxnyarostova]

the victorian orphydice au that NO ONE asked for

Hades basically has a smithy and Eurydice works there. Persephone owns a gardening store that’s next to the smithy and they’re obviously married,, anyways Orpheus is the son of the extremely rich railway entrepreneur Hermes. UH, tw for eurydice’s sailor mouth

“What the actual fuck?!” 

The boy standing in front of the counter gives a jolt of surprise, nearly jumping out of his skin. Eurydice’s eyes narrow; she keeps a hand on the butterfly knife at her waist, ready to unleash hell upon this stranger if necessary. 

“I’m not going to hurt you,” the boy says, his accent surprisingly posh for this part of town. 

She frowns, slamming her hands onto the wooden counter; the boy jumps again, to her satisfaction. “How am I s’posed to know if you’re gonna hurt me or not?” she challenges. “You won’t believe how nice the ones you’re supposed to look out for are, boy. Now get the hell outta here; it’s way past closin’, and I can’t risk losin’ my job because of you. sleazeball.” 

“I just need somewhere to hide,” he pleads, glancing nervously at the door. “Please, ma’am, if you’ve got a room in the back that I could duck into for a minute-”

“Woah, woah,” Eurydice interrupts. “We barely even know each other. Why should I offer you a place to-”

“If you don’t fucking open up, prince, we’ll knock the door down!” a voice from outside yells. Eurydice’s eyes widen twice their usual size. She glares at the boy with a look that could wither the burliest of men, fuming.

“Down the hall and turn right,” Eurydice growls. The boy shoots her a grateful look and dashes away, his feet connecting lightly with the floor beneath him. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Eurydice vaults over the counter, puts on her customer service smile, and opens the door.

“Sorry, sir, but we’re closed,” she says sweetly. “Come back tomorrow mornin’ at eight; we open right on the dot.”

“Don’t this place shut at ten?” the overall-wearing man asks. He holds up an old, misshapen horseshoe. “Gotta get this fixed for the mare.”

“No, openin’ hours are eight to seven, sir,” Eurydice says, a tone of finality in her voice. “We’ll still be ‘ere tomorrow.”

“Fine, fine,” the man says, putting the horseshoe back into his bag. “Now tell me, girl. You seen a boy? Brown hair, pretty-lookin’ clothes. He don’t fit in ‘round here.”

“Haven’t seen a single soul since our last customer,” Eurydice affirms. The man grunts, bids her good evening, and leaves. Slamming the door shut, Eurydice heaves a sigh. Chances that she’s harboring a wanted fugitive are pretty high, ain’t they?

She heads towards the backroom and raps on the wooden door with her knuckles. Without waiting for the boy to provide her with an answer, she storms inside. “Who are you?” she demands. “That man out there- he was lookin’ for you.” She clears her throat and copies the man’s deep growl. “Brown hair, pretty-lookin’ clothes. That’s you, ain’t it?”

“Yes…?” the boy says. “I, uh, may have taken something from his stall?”

“Are you daft?” Eurydice says, pinching the bridge of her nose. “You know what? I’m not even going to ask why. Just head back to wherever your home is; I don’t want Mr. Hades comin’ in tomorrow mornin’ and yelling at me because I’ve kept you, a wanted criminal, safe. Connections are an important thing here; you wouldn’t know that.”

“Mr. Hades?” the boy asks. “As in the blacksmith Mr. Hades? My father knows him!”

“What are the odds of that happening,” Eurydice mutters under her breath. “Who’s your father?” she asks, mimicking the boy’s accent. 

“Mr. Hermes? Y’know, the man in charge of all the trains.”

“Oh,” Eurydice says, leaning against the wall. She knows that man. Mr. Hades had once said that they were the ones in charge of supplying wheels and for doing repairs when certain parts of the train broke down. “You’re the Orpheus Mr. Hermes talks about when he comes ‘round.”

The boy- Orpheus- nods enthusiastically.

She exhales loudly through her nose. “Fine,” she says. “But you’re sleeping outside. You ain’t invadin’ my private space.” Eurydice crosses the room, picks the boy up by the arm, and drags him to the door. “This is my room, a’ight? Stay out.”

“What do you mean it’s your room?” Orpheus asks, crossing his arms. “There’s not a bed in there.”

“Mr. Hades ain’t nice enough to get me a bed,” she snaps. “Now shut up, and leave me alone.”

“Ain’t nice enough to get you a bed?” Orpheus repeats, gazing at Eurydice incredulously. Eurydice seethes through her teeth. “You’re not gonna let me sleep until I give you an answer, are you?” Eurydice says. Posh-boy doesn’t say nothing; that’s a yes in Eurydice’s books.

“I work here for food and board,” Eurydice explains, yanking the old mattress across the floor and organising her pile of ragged blankets. “Mr. Hades knew my parents. When they passed, he offered to let me stay ‘ere. Obviously, kindness never comes for free. Not here, at least.”

“That’s sad, ma’am,” Orpheus blurts, and Eurydice snorts. “Thanks, Mr. Obvious,” Eurydice sighs, sitting down. “And don’t call me ma’am. It’s Eurydice.” A moment of silence passes as Eurydice pulls off her boots and flings them across the room. Orpheus looks almost pathetic, huddled against the hulking doorframe. She tosses him a blanket, which he fumbles with. “Don’t soil that, or I’ll impale you with a poker,” she threatens. 

“Yes ma- Eurydice,” he stammers, wrapping the blanket around his shoulders. “Thanks.”

“So what’s your story?” she asks, in an attempt to make conversation. It’s late, but she’s not the slightest bit tired. “I’ve told you mine.”

“I don’t have a story,” Orpheus says. “I’m only here because I got separated from Mr. Hermes at the markets.”

“He’ll be back for you tomorrow,” Eurydice promises. “Mr. Hades gets word sent quick.”

Orpheus offers Eurydice a smile. “Thank you for the blanket,” he says, holding up the said piece of cloth. Eurydice rolls her eyes, lying down on her side. “Don’t mention it,” she says, pulling the blankets up to her chin. 

It’s been a while since she’s had company. Feeling’s nice, though, if you ask Eurydice. She’ll never admit it, but it’s quite nice. 

Mr. Hades gives her a hard tap to the head the next morning when he realises that Orpheus has been left in the hall. “You know anything about being hospitable, girl?” he hisses. “Sorry, sir,” Eurydice says, averting her gaze and trying to ignore the stinging at the top of her head. “I- uh- didn’t know-”

“No, she was perfectly hospitable, Mr. Hades,” Orpheus cuts in smoothly. “Eurydice was quite the pleasant partner to, um, spend time with.”

“That so?” Mr. Hades asks, narrowing his eyes in Eurydice’s direction. “Uh, yessir,” Eurydice stammers, smiling rather awkwardly. Her boss grunts. “Very well,” Mr. Hades huffs. “I’ll send word to Hermes that you’re here, boy.”

“Thanks,” Eurydice mumbles to Orpheus. “You saved my ass.”

“You’re welcome,” Orpheus says. “Are we friends, Eurydice? I’ve- I’ve never had a friend before.”

“Sure,” Eurydice says, and they shake on it. 

[butmakeitgayblog]

What was R&J's Clarke's romantic history? How did she learn she was attracted to women? How old was she in it btw, I know Lexa said she was 19 ... And I too also miss big flirt Lexa ❤️

Pour one out for our baby Romeo Lexa, girl only thought with her heart and her pussy ✊😔💕

Anyway, Clarke was 17-18 in the story so just a little younger than Lexa (not 14, I'm lookin at you Bill 😒). I always saw her as not particularly having much of a dating history. A few boys tried to court her, but nothing ever really stuck. They were fun, and she enjoyed their kisses, but they were too tiresome in how they wanted her to be a weakling for them. Docile. It wasn't in Clarke's nature.

Clarke's first girl crush was actually on Octavia, tho that also didn't last long. It was nothing more than a childhood thing, Clarke's little 8 year old heart fluttering like mad during a game of make-believe when Octavia, pretending to be a dashing prince coming to sweep her off her feet, offered Clarke a few freshly picked dandelions as she he declared her his undying love 🥺. It made her realize that maybe she really wouldn't be all that bothered if it did just so happened to be a princess rather than a prince who came to her on bended knee 👀.

At the very least she thought Octavia smelled better than when it was Bellamy's turn to play the prince 😬

Then the Blake parents died of a lingering illness later that same winter and Clarke's parents took Octavia and Bellamy in. So that crush was pretty much squashed within the same year because she started seeing them both as nothing more than siblings. But she never could quite forget that feeling and how pretty she thought Octavia was. And she would see women here and there who made her cheeks flush a bit and her stomach squirm, but she didn't really know what it all meant.

Aaaaand then Lexa showed up 😳🥵 and that's when she truly had that kind of ".... oh" moment

[aver-no]

Real to Me (Princess and the Frog AU) Chapter 1

First | Next

AO3

Summary: Virgil’s closer than ever to getting his dream, Pat’s prince is finally coming, and the Creativitwins are here, queer, and- shit.

Relationships: Platonic moxiety, familial creativitwins, eventual prinxiety

Characters: Virgil, Patton, Roman, Remus, and Janus (eventually Logan and C!Thomas)

Warnings: Unsympathetic Janus (I promise he gets a redemption arc) and like. one very minor swear word (lmk if I need to add anything else)

Word count:  4343

A/N: Heyyyy... so this chapter. Was NOT meant to be this long lmao, but I hope you enjoy it anyway!! I worked really hard on it, and as always reblogs are very much appreciated :) (Also feel free to drop by my ask box if you have any questions!!)

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!

Virgil groaned as he fumbled for the off button on his alarm clock. Another day. He rolled out of bed, narrowly avoiding the beat-up nightstand, working the kinks out of his neck. He quickly straightened out his sheets and stepped over to the old (“it’s vintage”) mirror his mama’d given him. Virgil wanted to make sure he was presentable, if only so he’d be stared at as little as possible. He tugged at his tight curls and grimaced. He’d slept in his work clothes to save time in the morning (lord knows he needed all the sleep he could get) but it left him looking a little rumpled. Virgil could see bags under his eyes too, and there was no time to put on makeup. He sighed. The outsides are just gonna have to match the insides today. 

Virgil shuffled over to his closet to grab his coat. He rubbed his eyes and smiled at the sight of his dad’s picture, right next to the illustration he’d given Virgil so many years ago. Working three jobs suddenly didn’t seem as soul-crushing as before. He grabbed the black coat, quickly shrugged it on, and dashed out the door, snatching his hat at the last minute – it might rain later.

Virgil got to the corner just as the tram was pulling up, green paint and white stripes as dull as ever. The door opened and Virgil was eternally grateful someone he knew was at the wheel. He didn’t think he could handle the stress of wondering if they were going to go off the tracks. He gave a small smile to the portly man driving. “Hi, Charlie.”

“Hey Virgil!” Charlie looked him over sympathetically. “You’re lookin’ a bit roughed up today, son. Didn’t get much sleep?”

Virgil internally grimaced, knowing he’d probably be getting comments like that all day. He just forced a laugh as he reached the top of the steps and replied “Gotta pay the bills. You know how it is.” He wasn’t going to mention he could pay the bills just fine with one job. Or that he was probably chasing a pipe dream.

“Ha, yeah,” and a sympathetic look were the only responses Virgil got. That was fine. Uncomfortable people didn’t ask you questions.

Virgil walked down the dirty aisle of the tram. There were some empty seats, the hard plastic kind that public transport always has, but he just grabbed hold of one of the metal poles in the middle of the aisle. 

Every once in a while, Virgil felt his eyes close for a few milliseconds longer than he’d normally let them. He didn’t want to let his guard down, lest he be pickpocketed or trampled or find himself in any other scenario anyone else might call “unlikely,” but it took an astounding amount of effort to pry his lids open every time. Virgil tried to fight it by staring at the people and cars passing by. New Orleans was as lively as ever. Even at 5:30 in the morning, there were jazz musicians playing on street corners and people dancing beside them, looking like there was nowhere else they’d rather be. 

Virgil unfortunately became quite familiar with that fact as he stepped off the tram, almost running into a line of musicians as they paraded down the street. He started to get increasingly impatient as the trumpet, then the trombone, then the drummer danced by. Just as there was a break in the line and Virgil could see the street he needed to take to Duke’s Cafe, a large man with a handkerchief grabbed his hand and swung Virgil around in a circle. Affronted, Virge pushed the man’s hand away and quickly walked in the direction of the restaurant. Some people need to learn personal space.

一

“Wait Remus, I’m going to- ! Oof!”

Cackling could be heard as a fancifully dressed man with loose, dark curls piled on his head slammed into the railing of the ship. 

“But Roman,” Remus said innocently, “I thought you said you were excited to get on land.” He waltzed up to the man pushing himself away from the edge of the boat.

“That doesn’t mean push me off the ship!!” Roman playfully shoved Remus.

“Eh, you didn’t fall or anything,” Remus shrugged.

The other rolled his eyes as the boat slowly pulled up to the docks, allowing the men aboard to see the photographers and reporters waiting to catch a glimpse. As soon as the ship pulled in view, flashes started to go off, capturing its gleaming white hull and a man standing behind the railing. As Roman flashed a practiced grin, Remus stepped away from the railing, as if hoping to prolong the time he had before stepping off the boat. When the ship began to pull to a stop though, the twins walked over to where the stairs led down to the dock, one with excitement in his eyes, the other with distaste. Roman struck a pose, hands on his hips (easy access for elbowing Remus), and flung off his crown to dash down the steps. Remus chased after him, determined not to be left on the boat (again), only pausing when he physically ran into Roman at the bottom of the stairway.

“Ro, what th-?!”

“Prince Roman! Over here!! Did you see you were declared most eligible bachelor by the Times-Picayune?” 

Remus squinted at the reporter that called out to them. To Roman, anyway. Most eligible bachelor? Really?? That’s the dumbest question I’ve ever heard.

Roman, however, grinned and drifted to the center of the crowd. “Well no, you see, I just arrived, but to say I’m surprised would be-”

“Prince Roman! What do you think of New Orleans? Have you received your invitation to Eli La Bouff’s masquerade?” 

Remus’ expression soured. Masquerades were lame anyway. He tried to push his way toward his brother. “Roman, come on-”

“I’ve found this city quite welcoming so far,” Roman didn’t acknowledge Remus, he just paused to beam around at the crowd, “and I’m looking forward to seeing more of it. In fact-”

“In fact,” Remus cut in, finally reaching that asshole, “we’d enjoy it more if we did some sightseeing.” He shoved Roman away from the crowd without waiting for a response. He hated reporters. He wasn’t even allowed to talk around them because apparently what the press hears is “important to our reputation” and if he doesn’t watch his language, “rumors might spread.” It was one time! And who would actually believe that Roman uses cacti as dildos? The whole thing’s all shit on a stick if you ask him.

“Oh, yes! Sightseeing!!” Roman clapped his hands excitedly and followed Remus off into the city.

一

Roman couldn’t remember when, but at some point he had lost Remus in the busy streets. It was definitely after he’d changed into street clothes, but before he passed the place grilling shrimp… The prince wasn’t too worried about his brother, but having a loose Remus on the town probably wasn’t great for the people of New Orleans. 

Ro’s train of thought was interrupted by the sound of a trumpet blaring a couple blocks down. His head shot up and he took off down the road, drinking in all the sights around him. Every once in a while, he’d wink at a stranger, or maybe strum his ukulele in tune with the sounds of the city. 

As the prince reached the end of the block, he saw a line of musicians dancing down the street. Roman’s face lit up and he chased after them. When he caught up he strummed along with the group and called, “Mind if I join?”

“Hey, we can always use another!” a dancing man with a handkerchief shouted back.

“Ashidanza!” Roman danced off after the band. These guys’ll probably show me all around the city. 

They walked down several streets, each as exciting as the next. There were so many people milling about, so many smells and sounds, so many lights strung up between balconies, and restaurants on every corner. He flashed his most heart-stopping grins at the people they passed, drawing blushes left and right. His eyes only lingered on a few, before he danced on.

The group of musicians passed by a diner that smelled particularly good, and a tall man with a strong jaw caught Roman’s eye. He spun around, strumming louder to catch the man’s attention all while eyeing him up and down. Tight curls, glowing skin, dark eyes? Looked a little tired, but handsome nonetheless. Yeah, that deserves a wink. But as soon as the man turned away from the table he was cleaning, he just rolled his eyes at Roman’s antics and walked back inside the diner. Roman simply shrugged and lost himself to the music. 

The group continued for a few blocks until they found a fairly empty road and started to really play off each other. Now this is what I signed up for. Roman cheered and whooped along with the others, and slowly a crowd formed.

It’d already been a few hours since he’d seen Remus but… what’s a few minutes longer?

一

“Order up!” Virgil held back a grimace at Buford’s gruff voice and the dinging of the bell. He turned to walk towards the back counter with his tray and pushed imaginary flyaways away from his forehead.

“Another coffee over here, Cher!” The man at a nearby table called.

“Gotcha, Eddie.” Virgil internally sighed and poured the coffee into the cup, eyeing Buford every once in a while to make sure he wasn’t gonna start slamming the bell again.

“Hey Virgil!”

He threw out a quick “Mornin’ Georgia” while placing a woman’s plate down.

“Hey, how you doin’ Virgil?” another voice called.

Virgil finally looked up to find a whole group of people sitting around a table, and hoisted the coffee pitcher off his tray to serve them. “Hey y’all.”

Georgia grabbed the mug he just filled for her. “We’re all goin’ out dancin’ tonight, care to join us?” 

There were some words of assent amongst the group, but Virgil just protested, “You know I don’t dance. Besides, I’m-” he handed a napkin to a dirty four year old he wouldn’t have even come near if it wasn’t his job. “Need a napkin? I’m gonna work a double shift tonight.” Virgil strode over to a well-dressed man putting a napkin around his collar. “Here’s your hotcakes.” He folded his empty tray to his side and turned back to Georgia’s group. “I’m just really busy right now-”

“Again?” Georgia interrupted. “All you ever do is work.” She looked so disappointed Virgil almost felt bad. Almost.

Buford’s bell dinged. “Order up!”

“Maybe next time,” Virgil called over his shoulder, knowing full well it was a lie. He thought he might’ve heard someone say “I told y’all he wouldn’t come.” But that was probably just his imagination.

Buford cut him out of his thoughts, “You daydreaming ‘bout that damn restaurant again?”

Virgil deadpanned. “Buford. Your eggs are burning.”

He scrambled to get them off the griddle, but kept going off on Virgil. “You ain’t never gonna get enough for the down payment.”

“I’m gettin’ close,” the waiter scowled indignantly.

“Yeah? How close?” Buford was just mocking him now.

Virgil pushed down his frustration to demand, “Where are my flapjacks?”

The chef didn’t seem to notice Virgil’s impending anger, just laughing out, “You got about as much chance of getting that restaurant as I do of winning the Kentucky Derby!” Virgil’s lip curled into a snarl, but Buford kept going. “Saddle me up, y’all! It’s post time! Giddyup!” Virgil heard the worst trumpet imitation he’d ever had the displeasure to witness coming from behind him as he stormed off with the food piled on his tray. Just ignore him. Just… just ignore them. You’re getting there. 

The bell dinged and Virgil looked up to welcome the customer, brightening a little when he saw who it was. Thank god. An easy customer. “Morning, Mr. La Bouff.”

“Morning, Virgil,” Eli rumbled as he pulled the chair out from his usual table and opened the morning paper.

Virgil placed the eggs and flapjacks on an old woman’s table. “Congratulations on being voted King of the Mardi Gras parade.”

“Caught me completely by surprise! For the fifth year in a row,” Eli joked. Virgil smiled good-naturedly at Mr. La Bouff’s hearty laugh. “Now, how ‘bout I celebrate with some-”

“Beignets?” the waiter placed a plate in front of the large man. “Got a fresh batch waiting for you.”

“Well keep ‘em comin’ till I pass out,” Mr. La Bouff laughed gleefully. 

Virgil had just given his most indulgent customer service smile and turned toward the kitchen when the door slammed open and left a blond boy with a light blue jacket and a cream waistcoat beaming in the doorway. He stood there for only a split second before jumping up to Virgil, shouting, “Vee!!! Virgil Virgil Virgil, did you hear the news??” He plopped down into the chair across from Mr. La Bouff to say “Tell him Daddy!!”

Mr. La Bouff slowly swallowed and held up his paper to show the front cover displaying a handsome man with loose curls and a dimpled smile. “Oh yes,” Eli started, “Prince Roman-”

“Prince Roman is coming to New Orleans!!” Patton interjected, giggling excitedly. “Isn’t he amazing?” His face got all dreamy before continuing, “Tell Vee what you did, Daddy!”

“Well, I invited-”

“Daddy invited the prince to our masquerade ball tonight!!” Pat jumped up excitedly, then seemed to realize he was making a scene and sat down to continue a little quieter, “Tell him what else you did!” Mr. La Bouff paused to look at Patton for a minute, expecting him to interject again, but Pat stayed silent. He looked to his daddy and beamed, “Go on.”

“And he’s staying-”

“He-” Pat started, but then caught himself, deciding to shove a beignet in his mouth instead.

“...And he’s staying in our house as my personal guest,” Eli finished proudly.

Patton nodded excitedly, and Virgil looked at them both with wide eyes. “Pat, that’s amazing! It’s a lot, but… amazing.” He walked back to the kitchen to grab another batch of beignets, and when he got back he placed the treats in front of them and rested his hand on Pat’s shoulder. “A little word of advice: My mama always said, ‘The quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.’”

“Don’t I know it,” Pat laughed, taking a big bite of his pastry before gasping, “Wait, that’s it! Virge, you are a genius!!” Virgil gave him a look of confusion from where he was placing dishes in the sink. “I’m gonna need about 500 of your beignets for the ball tonight!” Virgil looked up in alarm. 500?? Patton darted over to where his daddy was sitting and grabbed a large wad of cash from his wallet. “Will this about cover it?”

The waiter stood there speechless for a few moments before forcing himself to reach out to take the money Pat was shoving at him. “I- yeah. Yes, this- this should cover it just fine, Pat.” A rare smile slowly grew on his face and he looked up at the La Bouffs gratefully. “This- this is it... I’m actually getting my restaurant!”

Patton hugged Virgil tight and bounced him around, squealing, “It’s gonna be amazing Virge!” Suddenly, he let go, gasping, “I’d better get ready.” He grabbed his daddy and shoved him towards the door. “Tonight my prince is coming!!”

~

“Everything looks good to me, Mr. Fenner.” Virgil looked away from the building (his building!) as the man in question began to get up to haul the “For Sale” sign away. Another, much shorter man with the same nose and mustache walked by where Virgil stood. “.....And Mr. Fenner.”

“We’ll have all the paperwork ready to sign first thing after Mardi Gras,” the taller of the brothers announced.

“I’ll be at the La Bouff’s masquerade ball, how ‘bout I sign them then?” He wanted his ownership confirmed as soon as possible – there was no way something this good could actually be happening to him.

“You drive a hard bargain boy,” the shorter Fenner called from the car. “We’ll see ya there!”

Virgil finally let himself take a breath once the real estate agents drove off, and stood back to take in the view of what would be his restaurant. He felt truly hopeful for the first time in a long time. He was really gonna get his restaurant. Wow.

He was startled out of his reverie by a woman sneaking behind him to say, “Table for one please.”

Virge turned to see a woman with graying hair and deep smile lines holding out a beaten up pot with a bow tied around it. “Mama!”

“Here’s a little something to help you get started,” she smiled.

Virgil’s face went soft, a little nostalgic. “Dad’s gumbo pot…” He hesitantly reached out to take it from her.

“I know,” Eudora comforted, “I miss him too.” They both stood there for a moment before his mama urged, “Well now, hurry up and open the door!”

Virgil went and unlocked the doors, and as soon as they were wide enough to walk through, said wistfully, “Look at it mama... Doesn’t it just make you wanna cry?”

Eudora took in the cobwebbed rafters and the creaky walls. “Yes…”

Virge seemed to notice her skepticism, turning to look at her after placing the pot on a lone stool. “It’s a little rickety, it’ll definitely need some sprucing up to be safe, but can’t you see it? The maitre’d is gonna be right where you’re standing, and over there’s gonna be the gourmet kitchen.” Virgil gestured to the left end of the room. “And hanging from the ceiling, a crystal chandelier! I’ve been thinking about the weight of it to make sure it doesn’t fall down, and so long as it’s not too big, I can save on the structuring of it. Of course I won’t pinch pennies too much, I want it to be safe, but-” 

“You certainly have this all figured out, don’t you,” his mama laughed. “I’m sure this place is gonna be wonderful baby. It’s just…”

Virgil looked at her nervously. “What?”

“It’s a shame you’re workin’ so hard. It’s all you do,” Eudora smiled gently.

“How can I let up now that I’m so close? I’ve gotta make sure all Dad’s work means something.” I’ve gotta make him proud.

“Virgil, your daddy might not have gotten his restaurant, but he had somethin’ better,” Eudora squeezed his arm gently. “He had love.” Virgil snorted lightly. “Laugh all you want baby, but that’s all I want for you. Pat’s got his own dreams of happily ever after.” Virge’s eyebrows scrunched. “I don’t want you to be lonely. I wanna see you dance off into happily ever after too.”

Virgil stepped away from her. “Mama, I don’t have the time right now. I’m so close. Maybe when I get up and running, but right now… it’s just not an option for me.”

Eudora sighed and patted Virgil’s hand. “Alright sweetheart. I trust you.”

一

Roman stood amongst a crowd of people, all dancing and cheering. The trumpeter blared his horn, and the rest of the band energetically played along, the whole atmosphere charged with the infectious energy. A short news boy danced along with Roman, trading moves back and forth and smiling wide. After a few trades, the prince stepped to the edge of the circle to let the boy have his moment. With the space to himself, the kid dropped into a split and popped right back up.

“Ashidanza!” Roman laughed, tilting his head to some swooning admirers and immediately spinning back into the fray.

“Ro!” a familiar voice called. Roman looked up and smiled brilliantly, having caught the eye of his black-clad brother. “There you are. I should’ve been following the shrieking earlier.”

“Excuse me?” Roman dramatically placed his hand on his chest. “That is the sound of joy.”

“Sure, and you’re a heartthrob.” Roman squawked indignantly as Remus shoved him away from the crowd. “Come on, I found a restaurant that sells frog legs!!”

“What?? Ew, no. I’m staying here,” Roman dug his feet in.

“But Rooooo, they have five different sauces!! Five!!!”

“Yeah, for frog legs!”

“You got to play your jazz,” Remus argued, “so now we’re gonna eat some goddamn frog legs.”

“But I haven’t gotten to show all of my moves yet!” Roman protested. “And I’ve almost gotten enough admirers to form a fan club!”

“We should leave then, so my roguish good looks and entrancing humor don’t steal their hearts.”

“You mean your worm of a mustache and your freakish flirting?” Roman teased.

Remus glared and opened his mouth to argue, when a smooth voice came from the wall behind them. “Gentlemen!” The twins spun around to find a tall, masked man with a hooked cane and a black hat leaning casually against the wall. “Enchanté. A tip of the hat from Dr. Côté.” Roman noted that he didn’t actually tip his hat. The man – Dr. Côté – pulled a business card out of seemingly nowhere and held it out to them. “How y’all doin’?”

Remus swiped the card away before Roman could even lift his hand. “’Tarot readings, charms, potions.’” Re’s eyes shone brighter with each word. “’Dreams made real.’” 

Ok, now Roman’s attention was piqued. 

Remus looked up with a wild grin on his face. “You can really do that stuff?”

“Well… normally I do it for a price but… I suspect I’m in the presence of some very important people,” Dr. Côté grinned charmingly, canines glinting. The twins’ heads whipped around to share a look.

“...What other things can you do?” Roman inquired.

Dr. Côté seemed to really notice Roman for the first time. “Why don’t we take a little trip to my office and I’ll show you.”

The twins gave each other a look. Then Remus jumped up, shouting, “Come on, let’s just go already!”

~

First thing Roman noticed was that the “office” was not an office. Honestly, it was more of an urban cave – a nook in an alleyway off a street that was more dirt than anything else. It was filled with all sorts of things Roman never imagined would make for desirable décor. There were herbs dangling from one corner, and large masks with strange markings hanging on almost every available surface. Roman was pretty sure he saw some bones in the corner. The rugs on the floor didn’t match each other at all, but all were made of what was once probably very expensive fabric. Now it was just musty, matted, and muddled. The furniture was limited to a small, circular table in the center of the room, sitting directly beneath a chandelier that gave off an orange light, which didn’t seem to help much in the way of seeing. Roman silently vowed not to go within three feet of any of these… decorations.

“WOAH, cool bones!” Remus, on the other hand, seemed to have no qualms.

“Don’t touch those!” Dr. Côté hissed. He took a deep breath and grinned, gesturing to the table Roman noticed earlier. “Why don’t you come have a seat?” 

The men settled themselves around the table, Roman carefully examining his chair before sitting, just to make sure he wasn’t about to sit on anything… distasteful. 

Then, Dr. Côté pulled a deck of cards seemingly out of nowhere. They didn’t seem particularly special, simply decorated with a symbol of a hand that had an eye in the center, but the voodoo man held them with reverence. 

“Are you gonna do a card trick?” Remus snickered. Roman buried his smirk and elbowed his brother’s side. He did not want to make a magic man angry.

Dr. Côté simply looked up, though, giving an oily smile. “They’re tarot cards. I can tell you your past, your present… your future.” He gave a knowing look and fanned the cards out to the twins. “Go ahead. Take three.”

The princes reached out to the deck, holding their chosen cards close to their chest as if it were a card game. 

The Shadow Man stared at them for a moment, as if expecting them to do something before prompting, “How ‘bout I take a look at those cards now?”

Roman grinned sheepishly and placed his cards on the table. 

“Ah… now you, young man, are quite a prince,” Dr. Côté began. “A prince of fairy tales, really.” Roman thought he heard Remus huff beside him. “Your world is truly… perfect.” Something retreated inside Roman a little at the words, but he looked up when the Shadow Man asked, “But will it ever be anything else? Nothing is quite so disheartening as playing the same role all your life, huh? But when I look forward… I can see you’ll be more… very soon.”

The prince felt an anticipation swell inside him. Very soon.

Dr. Côté grinned down at Roman, then turned to Remus, peering at his cards. “Ah, yes. You’ve always been ambitious, hm?” Roman was shaken from his reverie and just barely kept from snorting. (Judging from the glare his brother aimed at him, he didn’t do a very good job.) Remus was ambitious if you considered chaotic enthusiasm to be ambition. But Dr. Côté just continued, “You could do more, be more, than they’d ever imagined. I know it. What are you going to do about it?”

Roman looked to Remus, and Remus looked down at his palms. A hand was outstretched for each of them to shake. “Well, boys?” 

The world was still for a moment. And then the black-clad prince’s hand shot out and shook the voodoo man’s, the other prince soon following suit.

“Very nice.” Dr. Côté’s smile grew leering. 

Then an orange smoke crept up Roman’s arm and into his mouth, and the world went dark.

A/N: Sorry, the ending came kinda fast 😅 I hope you enjoyed it anyway!! Please feel free to point out any mistakes you see, and keysmashes are VERY appreciated :D

Taglist: @midnightstorm-underthe-moon @meowthefluffy

[heavenoutside]

here is halloween mix!! nearly 10 yers ago i used to post mixes on tumblr often but the last one i made was over five years go and i never released it. so uhhh.. please listen to this i put a lot of effort into it, tracklist in da read more1!!!!

1. forevernet - intro (dash cam1.wav) (contains audio from PT) 2. 21 Savage & Metro Boomin - Runnin' 3. audio from Vampire's Kiss 4. Three 6 Mafia - Playa Hataz 5. Benny Revival - RRR 6. Mica Levi - Lipstick to Void x Megan Thee Stallion - Captain Hook 7. audio from Night of the Living Dead 8. forevernet - choir.wav (contains audio from clipping. - Haunting (interlude)) 9. Koopsta Knicca - Stash Pot 10. John Carpenter & Alan Howarth - The Factory (contains audio from Brewster McCloud) 11. audio from Teenier 12. Lil Ugly Mane - Cup Fulla Beetlejuice 13. Akira Yamaoka - Heaven Give Me Say (contains audio from Prince of Darkness) 14. Kingpin Skinny Pimp - Lookin’ For Da Chewin’ (contains audio from PT) 15. audio from Halloween III: Season of the Witch 16. Giorgio Moroder - Bring the Prod 17. Oneohtrix Point Never - Intro 18. Spice 1 - Born II Die 19. audio from Benny’s Video 20. Lil Sko - Miss White Cocaine 21. RJD2 - Weatherpeople (Instrumental) 22. audio from Demons Trailer 23. clipping. - The Show 24. audio from PT 25. Dwight Twilley Band - Looking for the Magic

[sidespromptblog]

The Past: Part 1

Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine

Summary: Logan doesn’t recall being Apathy, he can’t remember a single instance in his life where he was the dark side Apathy. As far as he’s aware he’s always just been... Logic, Thomas’ Logic to be more precise. He lives and he breathes as Logic and nothing more.

Except...He’s certain that he isn’t supposed to have emotions, that little things like being called stupid and having the word infinitesimal thrown at him aren’t supposed to hurt the way that they do. He’s certain that he was never supposed to feel, let alone everything that he does now. He just doesn’t understand these feelings, not to mention the dreams of a blank white tie that was folded to crisp perfection. He doesn’t understand the dreams in which he stands before Deceit and the others, with such a tiny smile, but a smile nonetheless.

He doesn’t understand, why when he looks at his friends... and he feels nothing but fear and anger.

“Apathy? Apathy move! Come on, get up!”

He felt Remus’ insistent tugging on his arm as his leg remained twisted and broken, his ragged breathing came out in pain puffs of air as his teeth ground together in a valiant attempt to keep the intense and agonizing pain off of his face. He wouldn’t be going anywhere in the state that his leg was in, he couldn’t even force himself to hobble, let alone make the several yards to the door that led to the common area of the dark sides. Even so, Remus tugged at his arm again, sweat slicking his brow as something akin to terror blazed brightly in his eyes, the creative side had to have known that he was a lost cause… he had to.

“Come on!” The other side practically begged, his head snapping over from where they had just come gauging to see just how much time they had left before… before it was over. Deceit had managed to slow the others down for as long as he could in his own way, but even so, it would only be a few seconds before they were on them yet again and it would all be over. “Please, come on! I..I…” It was the first time that he had seen emotions like these cross Remus’ face as the creative side stammered and struggled to come up with a solution to get them both out of this predicament, there had always been the usual carefree chaos that seemed to radiate around him like a cotton candy cloud. But this.. this fear that twisted his features, it was unlike anything he had seen before. It was something that he had never wanted to see, not in his lifetime. Remus was desperate, that much was blindly obvious. “I’ll carry you!”

The other side’s hands attempted to curl under him, to lift him up, to carry him away from here like some dashing prince, and to save them both.

It was useless, completely and utterly useless. Apathy knew that, he had always known that for certain. There was no point in the both of them dying, not here.. and most certainly not right now.  

Apathy swatted at Remus’ hands, using what little strength he had left in order to forcibly shove Remus towards the door and to safety.  

“Go!” He ruthlessly barked out the command, and the disbelief that Remus wore on his face, the disbelief of leaving his leader and best friend behind was all too obvious. “Go without me! If they catch you here they’ll…they’ll”

They both knew what would happen if they caught Remus, they already had Roman, so in their eyes, there was no need for yet another off-brand, foul-mouthed, filthy creativity when the perfect and spectacular Roman was there to solve everything. They would slaughter Remus right where he stood if he didn’t get going, and there would be no hesitation about it either, so long as Roman never found out Remus had gone missing it wouldn’t raise any suspicions and there would be no reason for Roman to panic. Unless it came to either him, Deceit… or the other one. Only they would know what happened to Remus, if they lived, and only they would mourn him. Remus could not be allowed to die here, no matter what. Apathy would not allow it, he would not stand for such a thing to come to pass.

“GO!” He roared again, his voice making the walls of the mindspace quake, no doubt giving away their position and making their end come all the more sooner than before. He hoped that Deceit was alright, Remus needed at least someone to be with him, or else he’d quickly lose it. “I’ll find you later, go!”

Remus shook his head desperately even as he slowly backed his way towards the door, leaving just the smallest gap between him and Apathy. “I can’t just leave you, who’s going to watch over us. What if they.. What if they kill you?!” Messy tears streaked Remus’ face, making the messily put on makeup around his eyes streak down his face catching on the peach fuzz around his mouth. He was still so young… so inexperienced when it came to the others. He didn’t know what laid in wait for him.

Something akin to guilt tore at his insides at the lie that he had just spoken, and tears burned at his eyes before he hastily blinked them away, no weakness not now... This would likely be the last time that he spoke to Remus.  "Even if I die, I'll always be with you. But you have to go Remus… please."

More tears swept down Remus’ face, but this time.. this time he at least didn’t argue as he turned, not looking back as he ran. The door slammed behind him, sealing him and the others shut behind it, as a sunny… almost blindly so aura burned behind him like a supernova burning up everything around it with little care for what may be living around it. Looking back, Apathy saw the young prepubescent face of Morality staring right back at him with a smile etched onto his face. It was a pleasant smile, at least to those who Morality liked by any means, but to Apathy and the others… It was a smile that screamed danger and everything that came with it. It was a smile… that made the smallest part of himself tremble just the faintest, in fear. He couldn’t move, he couldn’t run, and… he could scream for his family to help him. For once…

He was all alone.

“Are you going to kill me?” He evenly asked, there was no point in evading the question or the answer for that matter. In the end, stalling wouldn’t do him one bit of good, not against him.  

Morality only tilted his head back and laughed, a pleasant laugh that made his insides twist and writhe like he had live snakes instead of intestines.

“Oh no,” Morality fiddled with the end sleeves of his cardigan. “We’re in need of a new Logic right about now, and honestly…” Morality’s smile gleamed like that of a shark’s. “You fit the bill pretty well, don’t you? You’re smart obviously, with your neato glasses and fancy lookin tie. You’re just missing one thing now…”

Horror swept through Apathy, or as much as he was capable of feeling. A part of him wished that he had been more selfish, and made Remus carry him. Especially now, as Morality’s hands reached for his head, his fingers burning like that of the brightest fire, scorching everything in their path while leaving nothing in their wake. It hurt… god, why did it have to hurt so damn bad? He held out for as long as he could, to everything, to dear beloved Remus, to Deceit, to his dear brother who he’d forced to go ahead of himself… to everyone as it all faded away.

“Is the memories...”

[descendantofthesparrow]

Remember your past life - Prince! Harry Hook x Chosen Knight! Reader - part 6

=

it had been two weeks since the first incident with Harry and (y/n), and they had begun to talk more and more, well, more like talk and sign, Harry even learning ASL to speak to (y/n) easier.

the two had become close in a short amount of time, (y/n) easily becoming close with Gil and Uma as well, feeling as if she was reuniting with old friends, getting along with them easily, which was weird since their friendship was fairly new.

now (y/n) was learning new things about Harry each day. one thing she found out pretty quickly, he loved root beer floats, and cinnamon rolls, another thing was

….

Harry was a huge fucking nerd.

he would babble on and on about anything, Evie had chattered on about chemistry and science for an hour with him.

and right now, (y/n) sat as Harry was chatting about something called a hot-footed frog, which apparently could be used for potions that were able to boost the users speed.

‘oh god’ (y/n) thought, watching Harry babble about the frog to Uma, CJ just behind him, braiding a couple of white and blue flowers together ‘please don't make me eat another frog’

(y/n)s breath hitched as the world brightened around her, the flowers CJ was holding becoming insanely familiar.

you watched as Harry took pictures of the flowers surrounding you, giddily exclaiming as he found more.

“oh there's one!” he laughed, snapping a photo of some bright yellow flowers “oh! and another!” you smiled slightly as Harry took another photo, this time of a blue nightshade patch.

“The flowers we have in Saorsa* aren't jus’ beautiful, they’re also extremely useful for a variety of food and elixirs.” Harry gasped as he spotted a particular flower, a gorgeous white and blue flower that hung over itself slightly, blooming gracefully.

“this one ’ere is called the silent prince” Harry murmured, leaning forward to brush the petals with his fingertips, you leaned forward on your knees, gazing at the flower.

“it's a rare endangered species, but despite our efforts, we can't get it to grow domestically yet, the prince can only grow out here in the wild” Harry sat back on his thighs, sighing wistfully as he stared at the flower. “all that we can hope...is that it will be strong enough ta prosper on its own”

you frowned as Harry's shoulders slumped, no doubt thinking of his own struggles as his own silent prince. suddenly Harry gasped, leaping forward on his knees, scrambling to catch something, you raised your brow smiling as Harry started to babble.

“is that what I think it is...IT IS” Harry muttered giddily, turning and smiling at you “I don't believe it but I actually caught one!”

you stared at Harry's hands as he cupped something in it, slight croaking coming from within, you had a bad feeling, but you ignored it, letting Harry cheer himself up.

“this delicacy is known ta have very, very potent effects under the right circumstances” Harry grinned as he opened his hands, revealing a green and peach frog, you tilted your head, nodding for Harry to go on.

“ta-dah! research from the castle shows that ingesting one of these little guys can actually augment certain abilities!!” Harry bit his lip, watching your reaction, you nodded hesitantly, having a feeling you knew where this was going.

“we wouldn't be in a controlled environment out here, but with yer level of physical fitness you’d be a perfect candidate for the study!” Harry scooted forward on his knees, grinning giddily like a little kid, it was kinda cute, to be honest.

wait...what?!

“go on!” Harry shoved the frog in your face, you tilted backward, avoiding the frog “taste it!”

oh hell no, you stood quickly, wanting to get away from the prince and his frog. “come on (y/n) please! I'll buy you some gourmet meat!!” you stopped, breathing deep before turning back around, seeing Harry's hopeful grinning face.

sighing, you walked back over to him, signing out ‘cook it first, I'm not eating it raw’

Harry grinned, cheering “yeah!!! come on! there's a stable nearby we can cook it!” you slumped as Harry stuffed the frog in his bag, leaping onto his horse. you were going to regret this.

glancing at the silent prince once more, you thought. ‘i hope it prospers too’

“there ya go Harry! now you’re the princess of flowers!” CJ announced, plopping the crown of silent prince’s on Harry's head, Harry paused in his ramble, eyeing the petal in the corner of his eyes.

you shook your head as you came out of the daydream, it seemed so familiar, as if you had experienced it before. But you brushed it off, watching the two pirate siblings.

“CJ” Harry started, turning to look at his little sister “wha’ the fuck?”

CJ cackled “come on! you look so pretty!!” Harry sighed reaching up to take the crown off before the sound of a phone camera going off startled him.

whipping around he saw Harriet grinning at him, Evie's phone in hand. ”lookin good, princess~”

Harry's face turned red as he proceeded to rip off the flower crown, though being careful not to hurt the flowers.

Harry stood, pushing past Harriet as she laughed “come on!!! you look pretty!!” Harry stalked away, holding up his middle finger.

“fuck off Hettie!!”

Harriet cackled as she handed the phone back to Evie, who cooed at the picture, CJ stood running after Harry, yelling out.

“princess Harry of the flowers come back!!” you heard Harry let out a loud groan of exasperation

shaking your head you giggled, covering your mouth slightly. Harriet turned to you, tilting her head and raising her brow.

“now who are yeh?” you waved, signing your name. Harriet nodded “(y/n)? alright, how’d yeh become friends with this bunch?” she gestured to the pirate crew, who were still laughing at CJ's nickname for Harry.

you shrugged, making Harriet laugh “heh, sounds about right, you just somehow ended up being friends right? that’ll happen”

you nodded, the odd feeling of having seen her before digging at the back of your mind, but that would be impossible, this was your first time ever even hearing about her, let alone meeting her.

“well,” Harriet grunted rolling back her shoulders,  "gotta go, crews waitin’ for me, nice meeting yeh (y/n)” you waved her goodbye, watching as she turned and walked out of the room, her scarlet and blue coat billowing behind her.

a flash and you saw Harriet walking away, a similar coat flowing behind her, walking between the king and queen, Harry at your side, fists clenched. groaning you patted your forehead, willing the odd images to go away.

“(y/n)!!” Lonnie called, all dressed in her ROAR gear, you stood, nodding as she walked closer “come on you promised me a sparring match” you paused, before nodding slowly, oh yeah.

loser buys ice cream right? you signed, making Lonnie grin slightly and nod “yep, just so you know, I love mint chocolate chip~”

you rolled your eyes, grinning smugly and I like (favorite ice cream flavor) Lonnie shrugged “not like I’m gonna need that information, cuz you're goin down!”

no, you snickered, I believe it is you that it's going down Lonnie cackled and rolled her eyes at your cockiness “yeah yeah, now go get dressed, and grab your sword, meet you in the training grounds outside!”

you nodded, picking up your bag and quickly making your way to your room to get dressed.

=

Harry sighed as he walked around campus, having lost CJ a little while ago, when he heard the familiar sounds of clashing swords, perking up he started to jog over to the source of the noise.

his jaw dropped as he rounded the corner, seeing Lonnie and (y/n) dancing around each other, clashing swords every other second.

Harry watched as Lonnie side swiped at (y/n), who backflipped just in time. Harry gasped as the surroundings around him shifted.

(y/n) landed, the metal clinging to her body sounding as she hit the ground, she dashed forward, and it was as if time slowed, hitting the sheikah warrior with a flurry of attacks.

the black-haired warrior grunted, managing to slide away, holding up her blade. (y/n) stood slowly, staring down the warrior.

“Impressive isn't she” his father said from beside him, staring down at the training knight, “she's the one to be rumored to wield the sword that seals the darkness” Harry nodded, watching as the warrior dashed forward once more, stabbing at (y/n) who simply sidestepped and parried the attack with her shield.

“aye” harry finally replied, glaring slightly at the girl “apparently so” his father glanced down at him, raising his brow.

“you should take notes from her, only 13, and she was able to draw the sword” Harry clenched his fists, biting his lip as he nodded.

“yes father”

Killian nodded, beginning to walk away, “remember your studies, Harrison, we need you to unlock your magic as soon as possible” Harry's shoulders sagged, nodding numbly as he watched (y/n) fight.

“yes father” he muttered, his shoulders jumping as the warrior spun around (y/n), swiping low at her feet, but the girl seemed to see through the warrior, leaping backward over them and landing on her knees, pointing the tip of her blade at the warrior.

“wa-how” the warrior panted, stumbling slightly as she stood. (y/n) said nothing, rushing forward and hitting the warrior with a quick barrage of attacks, ending the fight.

sighing (y/n) stood, cracking her neck, holding her hand out to the warrior, who laughed lightly and took the hand, letting (y/n) help her up.

(y/n) nodded as the warrior complimented (y/n) on her skill, she looked up, blinking surprised as (e/c) met ocean blue.

Harry gasped harshly as the world came back into focus, his shoulders jumping in surprise when he realized he was looking into the exact same (e/c) eyes he saw in his daydream a moment ago.

(y/n)...

looking down her body, his brows raised at the surprising amount of scars littering her body,

Harry couldn't help but feel like he had seen some of them before, but that was impossible.

“why are yeh so familiar?” Harry whispered, once more meeting (y/n)s eyes.

---end of part 6---

*Saorsa means Freedom, Liberty in Scottish Gaelic

@dpaccione​ 

thx @marichat4lyf​ for beta reading

[echoes-of-the-clockwork]

Book One: Death (Noctis x Reader) Chapter Sixteen

A/n: Remember when I said there was going to be a huge time skip, whelp... it's in this chapter! Hope you all enjoy!! Love you all!!! •••••••••••••••••••• After deciding to separate herself from the boys, (Y/n) summoned Thanatos. The steed noticed her solemn expression and nuzzled his snout against her head. Death patted the top of his head with a melancholic smile. "C'mon, buddy. Let's head back to Lestallum and collect my clothes. After that, we've got one more Wendigo to hunt down and then we can return home."

As (Y/n) mounted Thanatos, her mind raced back to the time she spent with the four boys. She felt horrible for not saying a word about her departure, but she knew a simple "goodbye" would've torn her heart into shreds. She knew she had worried them because she felt the familiar tug of Noctis trying to summon her, but she ignored his call and forced her body to remain where it was. Tears threatened to fall from Death's eyes as Thanatos trotted through the woods and avoiding the highway to prevent the others from spotting her. 

The girl leaned forward, burying her face into Thanatos' creamy, white mane. "Did I do the right thing?" All she got in response was a neigh. She laughed weakly before scratching the base of the horse's neck. "I really wish you could talk and let me know if I truly am doing the right or wrong thing."

<-------<<<<<<<<<

In Lestallum, (Y/n) left Thanatos on the outskirts of town before walking to the Leville. Inside the hotel, she noticed no one was in the lobby and she made her way up to Iris' room. Opening the door, she peered inside and saw the young girl wasn't in the room. Scurrying around for her clothes, she found them nicely folded in the dresser. Grabbing them, (Y/n) dashed out of the room and down the stairs.

Leaving the Leville, Death stormed through the streets of Lestallum until she found her way to the main road and to the outskirts of town. Thanatos lied in wait exactly where (Y/n) had left him. Climbing onto the steed's back, Death held her clothes tightly to her chest. "Let's get going, Than. Wouldn't want to be anywhere near Lestallum once the boys return." Thanatos neighed as he reared his body before taking off.

<-------<<<<<<<

"Why would (Y/n) disappear on us like that?" Prompto mumbled sorrowfully as he scanned through the pictures he was able to take during their battle with the Wendigo.

"I don't know. Let's go back to Lestallum and see if she's there. If not..." Noctis didn't finish his sentence as he stared at the scenery they passed.

"If she doesn't want to be found, then don't go lookin' for her. We've got more royal arms to collect and then we have to take Iris to Cape Caem. We can't afford to spend all our time searching for (Y/n)," Gladio states calmly. "Altissia is our main priority, not (Y/n)."

"Dude, that's cold even for you," Prompto retorted.

"Altissia has always been our main goal. I'm just sayin' we shouldn't waste our time on (Y/n) when we've got more important things to do."

Noctis gritted his teeth, clenching his hand into a fist. He was tempted to punch Gladio in face, but he stopped when he went to swing at the brute and his fist nearly collided with the person who appeared in the middle seat. The prince's azure eyes were wide in shock as he saw the girl he almost punched glance in his direction. "So, you're the boy she mentioned."

Hearing the unfamiliar voice, Ignis slammed on the brakes. Everyone, except the strange girl, lurched forward in their seats at the sudden stop. The boys exited the Regalia and kept their distance from the stranger. The redhead stepped out of the car as the boys eyed her every move. Noctis glared at her as she crossed her arms. "Who the hell are you?"

"One of Death's sisters-War. It's nice to meet the group she's been traveling with," the redhead responded with a displeased tone.

"Why're you here?" Gladio questioned her.

"Wanted to see what was keeping her on Eos besides the last remaining Wendigo."

"Do you know where she went?" Noctis inquired, hoping the Horseman of War would know.

War uncrossed her arms, placing her hands on her hips. "You best sever your ties with her now."

"Why?" The prince demanded.

"The moment the last Wendigo is slain, Death will return to the Inner Sanctum where she belongs. Let her finish her mission and you can go on your merry way, Your Highness."

Noctis' glare sharpened at War's fiery tone. "(Y/n) should be the one who decides where she belongs, not you."

The Horseman chuckled with a smirk. "How naïve. You think we wanted to become Horsemen? If you do, you're sorely mistaken. Our souls, bodies, and powers are in the hands of the Daemon King. We have no say in anything! You best keep you eyes forward and avert them from Death. That is my warning to you. Good day, Your Highness." In the blink on an eye, War vanished.

The royal retinue was silent for a few minutes as they replayed the Horseman's words in their heads. Prompto was the first to slice through the suffocating silence. "Talk about a fiery attitude. Reminds me of someone we know..."

The sharpshooter's eyes trailed over to Gladio, who caught his lapis gaze with his amber one. "Watch it, pipsqueak," he growled.

Noctis glanced down at the orb in his hand, War's words ringing in his head like a bell. There was truth behind her words that the prince didn't want to believe, but he would have to. Gripping the object tightly, he slid it back in his pocket with a sorrowful look in his eyes. "Let's head back to Lestallum."

Prompto was taken aback at Noctis' resolve. "You really aren't gonna look for (Y/n)?"

"Why should I? If she even cared one bit about any of us, she wouldn't have left. Let's go, Ignis," the prince retorts vehemently.

Gladio was joyous at Noctis' decision and hopped back into the Regalia beside the young prince. Prompto and Ignis, on the other hand, knew he was hurt and only spoke in such a manner because of the heartbreak he was suffering from. They both still believed (Y/n) cared about all of them, especially Noctis, even if the prince and his bodyguard didn't.

<------<<<<<<<

Days turned into weeks as Noctis, Prompto, Gladio, and Ignis finished their duties in Lucis and traveled to Altissia with help from Cid and Cindy. During the entirety of their time left in Lucis, Noctis' thoughts were only occupied by one person-(Y/n).

After having lost her during their trip to Malmalam Thicket, no one has seen her since. The moment Noctis and the others reached Cape Caem, he described (Y/n) to Cindy and asked if she had seen her. Morosely, the blonde mechanic hadn't seen a girl matching the description before leaving to work on his father's ship.

Once they finished everything they needed in Lucis, the ship was prepared and the royal retinue was on their way to Altissia. Noctis wasn't the only one worried or missing (Y/n) as Prompto would express his sadness every now and then.

"I wonder how (Y/n)'s doing?"

"Do you think we'll see her again?"

"I wonder where she is now."

In honesty, Prompto was speaking the only thoughts that plagued Noctis' mind. He wouldn't admit it, but he missed (Y/n) dearly and tried to summon her whenever he could. Unfortunately, the Horseman continued to refuse his desperate cries to see her again. In his mind, the prince replayed the memories with her and couldn't focus on anything else. He prayed to the Six that wherever she was now, she was safe.

After delving out of his mind, Noctis realized Prompto was staring down at his camera. He had been staring at a picture the five of them had taken during their travels. The salty breeze whipped through the boys' locks as they admired the photo. "You still have the ones you sent Vyv?" The prince questioned.

"Oh, yeah!" Prompto scrolled through his pictures until he stopped at one of the photos he had taken during their battle with the Wendigo in Malmalam Thicket. Vyv had loved the photos so much, he gave them an extra two thousand gil. The man had wondered where the star of the photo was and Noctis responded harshly. Now that he remembered the moment, he regretted his anger towards (Y/n) and all the horrible things he's said about her since she vanished. Noctis hoped he would meet Death one more time before she had to leave Eos and was out of his reach forever.

<-------<<<<<<<

In Altissia, the royal retinue explores the beautiful city before heading to Maagho and meeting with a man by the name of Weskham that Cid told them about. While at the bar, the group was visited by the First Secretary of Accordo-Camelia Claustra. During the encounter, Noctis learned about Luna and what the empire was demanding. Leaving the bar after the confrontation with Camelia, the boys headed to the Leville for the night.

The next morning, Noctis and the others headed to Camelia's estate. The prince entered the large house to negotiate with the First Secretary while Prompto, Gladio, and Ignis waited outside. In the end, they were able to come to an agreement. The boys leave the grand estate, waiting for the day of the rite to arrive.

<-------<<<<<<<<

All hell broke loose the day of the rite. The moment Luna summoned the Hydraean, the empire made their move and attacked the Tidemother. Prompto, Gladio, and Ignis focused on evacuating the citizens of Altissia while Noctis headed to the altar in order to help Luna and receive the blessing of Leviathan.

The prince, with the help of Titan, was able to receive the blessing after a grueling fight. Morosely, the chancellor of Niflheim had other plans as he drove a blade into Luna's flesh. Noctis lost consciousness before he could help his childhood friend.

<------<<<<<<<<

Once Noctis awoke, he felt a cold metal in his hand. Opening his palm, he saw the Ring of the Lucii in his palm. With the ring now in his possession, the only thing left to do was reclaim the Crystal from the empire.

Several weeks later, the four boys boarded a train. Now with Ignis being blind, Prompto helped him to a seat so he wouldn't trip over anything. Noctis sat down by himself, glancing down at the Ring in his possession. With Luna's death now lingering on his shoulders, the prince was reaching a breaking point. Not only had the girl he loved vanished without a word or a trace, his childhood friend was dead.

As Noctis stared out the window, he heard heavy steps heading up the aisle. The footsteps fell silent once they reached his seat. Gladio stood beside him, scowling down at the boy. "The hell is wrong with you?"

Noctis slowly raises his head, his azure eyes slightly dull. "What?"

"We're not stopping in Tenebrae. You need to grow up and get over it," Gladio growled.

The prince stands and confronts his friend. "I am over it. I'm here, aren't I?!"

The brute grabs Noctis by his jacket and pulls him close, his glare becoming even more fierce. "Maybe when you're not too busy moping, you can look around and give a shit about someone worse off than you."

"Let go of me," Noctis demanded with a venomous tone.

"How's that ring fit ya? You'd rather carry it around than wear it? She gave her life so you could do your duty, not so you could sit around feeling sorry for yourself. Even (Y/n) saved your sorry ass countless of times."

"You don't think I know that?!"

"You don't! Ignis took one for you, too, and for what?!" The shield bellowed, eyes set aflame.

"Enough, Gladio!" Ignis shouted.

Gladio's tempered remained flared, but his yelling ceased. "You think you're a king, but you're a coward."

"Shut up!" Noctis shoves Gladio and grabs him by his jacket as well.

Prompto jumps from his seat and tries to intervene. "Don't do this-!"

The shield puts his hand on Prompto's face and shoves him back, causing the blonde to fall to the floor. Noctis' eyes were filled with anger and melancholy as he gritted his teeth. "I get it, alright?! I get it!" He shoves Gladio away before taking a few steps back.

"Then get a grip! Pull your head outta your ass already!" The bodyguard yelled.

Not being able to listen any longer, Noctis turns and walks away. Prompto calls out to his best friend as he leaves the train car. "Noct!"

"Leave him," Gladio hissed as he turned his back and walked in the opposite direction.

Noctis enters another train car and takes another seat in the back. After a moment, he holds his closed hand up and slowly opens it to reveal the Ring of the Lucii. With his other free hand, the prince pulled out the summoning orb and admired its beauty with sorrow. His hands shake as he held the only two things that provided a connection to those he loved. Noctis closes his fists tight around the ring and orb, gritting his teeth as he tried to prevent tears from falling. "Dammit...!"

[bethany-sensei]

Thing-a-day #11

Characters: Chaighan (KYE-hann), Baaz, Gavi, assorted ruffians Series: Chronicle of the Spheres

Baaz drummed her claws on the battered old bar. Her lips pursed, and her eyes squeezed to slits as she contemplated the young dragon before her, contemplated what he asked of her. To his credit, Chaighan did not squirm as he would have done not so many years ago. He kept his chin lifted and his shoulders squared, and his dashing blue uniform would have completed the effect, if not for his lack of horns. Poor thing. Until they grew in, he would always look young and soft.

"Compensation's fair," Baaz conceded, grinding her jaw sideways, hedging for more time to consider the offer. The prince himself requested that she come and attend the upbringing of a youngster—details ominously omitted—and in her experience, royals more commanded than requested. Baaz disliked commands. "Belowstairs accommodation's more'n good enough for me. But..." Her gaze darted around the gloom of the inn, seeking out the flicker of movement she knew she would find. Faithful Gavi. For all her optimistic faults, she deserved better than this rocky frontier life. "My girl comes with me, or I ain't interested."

Chaighan gawked at her. His mouth flapped open in silence as he struggled for words. "I... uh, I..."

"Didn't realize this was a negotiation?" Baaz slanted a grin at him. "Didn't I raise ya better'n that?"

"Of course." Chaighan shot an uneasy glance toward Gavi, obviously calculating the risk of bringing an uninvited person back to the castle. He hesitated.

"Take it or leave it," Baaz pressed, unkindly leaning on the poor young thing's distress, needling him for a hasty decision. "I got work that needs doin'."

"Fine," Chaighan blurted, caving a bit too easily for Baaz to really enjoy it. "Yes, fine. Get your things and let's go."

Baaz reached across the bar and patted his slightly flushed cheek. "That's my boy."

She sidled out from behind the bar and signaled to Gavi, who delivered two drinks and then scurried to join her. "What's that about?" the girl said, her eyes following Chaighan as he feigned disinterest in the afternoon crowd, such as it was.

"We're movin' up in the world," Baaz said. "Hurry along and fetch your things before Boss hears. And bring me that bag I have under the bed. I'll keep an eye on this lot here."

Gavi scurried away, ever eager, probably assuming that haste now would bring her explanations sooner. Clever girl. Mostly. As Baaz eyed the sparse patrons, three of them slouched up to Chaighan. Looties, the sort Gavi went soft on. Chaighan stiffened at their approach.

"Last time you was here," drawled a rangy fellow with piggish eyes, "you came lookin' for Silvermoon. Whatcha done with him, hey?" He spread his hands to either side of his lean frame. "We ain't seen him 'round here for near a week."

Some folks, Gavi included, liked to romanticize this lot, overlooking their assorted crimes because they freed slaves. But two wrongs don't make a right, as Mama always said, two worlds and a lifetime ago. Without their leader to keep a firm hand on their necks, the Looties swiftly reverted to the sort of petty crime that had earned them their name.

"He's traveling," Chaighan said, his expression shuttering in a way Baaz had never seen on him. Cagey. Suspicious. "Gone to see an old friend."

"We're his friends." This one had the proportions of a stoat and the disposition of a badger freshly awakened. "You bring him back."

Apparently their thieving ways turned less profit in the absence of their clever leader.

"It's curious," said Chaighan, in a tone that demonstrated that he found nothing at all curious, "how you think I have any influence whatsoever over what Silvermoon does or where he goes."

Against her better judgment, Baaz pushed between the Looties and the guard. "Y'gonna fight?" she snapped at them, wielding her broad frame as a shield, as she always did. "You know the rules." She turned to Chaighan, who knew no such matter. "Outside. No brawlin' indoors."

Chaighan grinned the sort of grin that reminded people why they disliked dragons. "Of course," he said, and inclined his head.

If those fools refused to back down, this business would get very messy indeed.

[jpat82]

BBQ

A little late on this one but my sister. @devilbat requested 15 and 21 with Thor, mainly cause I told no tom or Loki this time. Lol. I mean to her, cause I can be. So here we go.

15.) "put the burger down or I'll shoot you in the knee."

21.) “Open your mouth, and you'll see what my knife can do up close and personal."

You were the newest person to join at the avengers compound. Though nothing was extra ordinary about you, you had a specific set of skills. Ones that allowed you to get into places that were locked to most everyone, with the right tool and a flick of the wrist could gain you easy entry to even the most secure of places.

Not only were you adept at breaking into anyplace, you were quite skilled with knives. Whether it be throwing them or using them in hand to hand combat, they had become an extension of your own body. How you came to work aside the ‘worlds mightiest heroes’ was beyond you, yet six months in here you were.

You lived in the compound with most the rest of the team, with exception of Clint and occasionally Thor. You had managed to turn your life around, common thievery to only breaking into enemy territory. You were proud of yourself for once in your life, but yet there was the lingering feeling of not being good enough.

“What do you think?” You turned to face Natasha and Wanda, the loose summer dress twirled as you faced them.

“Its looks very cute on you, I think you should wear it.” Wanda replied with a smile sitting on your bed, her eyes lighting up as you nervously bit your lip.

“Getting dressed up for a barbecue? Anyone specific your dressing up for?” The red headed assassin asked, smirking as she leaned against the wall.

“No, no reason.” You stuttered out quickly, turning away from them feeling your face flush up.

“Couldn’t be because a certain Asgardian is going to be here?” Natasha’s coy voice asked over your shoulder as she stared at you from the mirror.

“Nat, be nice to her.” Wanda chided, glancing over at her.

You weren’t going to admit it, you had been harboring a small crush on the prince since you came. Thor was an amazing person, and so funny, and as much as you tried not to get all giddy you still did. You tripped over your words around him, as well as your own feet. It seemed everyone at the compound had noticed but him.

“You don’t think I weird?” You asked looking at Wanda then looking down at your left leg. The scarred flesh a tint of pink marbling from your foot all the way up under skirt.

“No, I think you look stunning.” She Replied back, again your lip found it’s away between your teeth as your eyes flicked over to Natasha.

“Even with the scars?” You asked softly.

“Look if Thor can’t see how amazing you are then it’s his loss.” Natasha stated walking over to you, she reached out placing her hands of either side of your arms. “You look amazing.”

The three of you left your dorm room and wandered to what had been determined as the ‘backyard’. Sam was managing the grill, wearing a ridiculous ‘kiss the cook’ apron, laughing at something Tony had said. A whistle from behind you caused you jump as Bucky brushed past you, slinging his arm over your shoulder pulling you away from the other two women.

“Lookin’ good kid, so tell me, are you actually going to talk to him this time? Or just stare? As a wingman I can only get you so far.” He whispered lowly as he made his to Steve.

“I can talk to him.” You retort crossing your arms.

“You sure about that?” He smirked before leaning into the other man, giving him a quick peck on the lips.

“What is she sure about?” Steve asked, you at you.

“Talking to Thor.” Bucky replied chuckling.

“Oh, we’re still at this?” Steve asked, Sam waltzed over, grabbing a beer from the cooler next to you.

“Lover boy just showed up.” He smirked at you, giving you wink. “Want me to talk to him?”

“Open your mouth, and you'll see what my knife can do up close and personal." You hissed at him under your breath.

“Gotta watch it Sam, she always has a knife.” Bucky jested. “Even in a dress, I can promise you that she has at least one on her.”

You rolled your eyes walking away from the two super soldiers and the bird boy. The evening wore on, and conversations flowed as easy as the beer. After the first round of charred burgers, Steve decided to forcibly remove Sam of cooking duties. To the amusement of everyone Sam huffed like a toddler before returning the cooler to grab another beer.

“Lady y/n, I must say you look absolutely beautiful.” Thor’s deep voice came from behind you. Instantly your heart began to race, you turned slowly, trying to remember to breathe.

“Thank you, Thor.” You replied, trying to keep your voice even. He was wearing a grey t shirt that clung to him and tight blue jeans. His golden hair was pulled back roughly, ocean blue eyes focused on you.

“Seems like I didn’t arrive late, I was worried as I left Asgard.” He smiled, looking over at Sam who maintained the Clint had purposely distracted him.

“No, I’m not sure who’s bright idea it was to let bird brain grill, he can’t cook worth damn.” You giggle.

“May I ask a personal question?” His face turned serious as he turned back to face you.

“Sure.” You replied slowly.

“Your leg, is it giving you problems? I noticed that you tend stand with it bent, slightly behind your other one.” He pointed down, you looked and noticed that subconsciously you were trying to hide your bad leg.

“No, it’s just.” You started before bring it next your other leg. Thor’s eyes flicked across your leg, taking in the thick marbled flesh. “It’s not the prettiest thing to look at.”

“I find nothing wrong with your leg.” He stated, his eyes traveling back up to meet yours.

“As sweet as that is, it’s ugly. And a reminder of how I lost my family.” You sighed, crossing your arms, looking down. “The scar travels from the bottom of my foot to just above my hip.”

“It’s not ugly, there isn’t anything ugly about you.” He stated softly, a warm smile spread across his face. “You survived something terrible, something should of killed you and here you are. Not just a strong woman but a fierce warrior never forget that.”

You couldn’t help but grin ear to ear, you could feel the blush creep up your face. You looked up to him, biting your bottom lip.

“Never hide it, okay?” He reached out and rubbed the side of your arm. “Can I ask another question?”

“Ask away.”

“Could I take you out sometime?” You nodded your head afraid if you answered you’d make a fool of yourself. It was about then a large commotion caught both of your attention as Sam sprinted towards the two you. You and Thor parted allowing the man to pass, Bucky hot on his heels.

“Put the burger down or I’ll shoot you in your knee.” He yelled, dashing pass the both you, laughter erupted.

“Guess nobody gets between snow globe as his food.” Tony stated.

@kitkatkl @octobermermaid

[lunapaper]

Album Review - 'CRASH' - Charli XCX

All Charli wanted to do was to be a popstar...

But stan culture, of course, had to go and spoil the fun.

Underwhelmed by her ‘sellout’ era, Charli’s ‘angels’ expressed their displeasure at just about every aspect of her latest project, from songs choices to even the choreography.

The criticism eventually began weighing on the British singer’s mind, even lashing out at one fan on Twitter, who she mistakenly believed called her old: ‘If u wanna throw around midlife crisis fucking throw it at me [...] I’m getting older, I’m getting hotter, my tits are stunning, I’m in great shape, I’m dancing, I’m progressing and I’m living my best life – and that the tea.’ She also snapped back in another, now-deleted tweet: ‘Bitch BYE. I will NEVER understand what possesses people to be such C*NTS online.’

CRASH isn’t a bad album, per se. For her final album as part of her contract with Atlantic Records, Charli goes all out and shamelessly gives in to her baser pop instincts.

The title track is glassy and effervescent. First single ‘Good Ones’ is throbbing disco pop tailored for a debauched rave, given a nice, thicc coat of gloss courtesy of Max Martin. The beat is rather reminiscent of Eurhythmics’ ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),’ with just a dash of Billie’s ‘Bad Guy,’ but whatever...

‘New Shapes’ (featuring Caroline Polachek and Christine and the Queens) is all brassy synthesisers and flashy 80s synths, streaking tears across a sparkling neon dancefloor. ‘Constant Repeat’ deserves that exact treatment, recalling the sparse, celestial atmospheres of Charli's 2020 lockdown album, how I'm feeling now.

‘Move Me’ has a smoky allure with its brooding, ‘We Need a Resolution’-esque beat, the singer admitting ‘I got a habit for destruction/Take all of your trust and then betray it like it's nothing.’ ‘Yuck’ gives disgust a dynamic, bass-fuelled groove straight out of the halcyon days of 90s pop, Charli unmoved by romantic schmaltz (‘Yuck, lookin' at me all sucky/Yuck, quit acting like a puppy/Fuck, going all lovey-dovey on me’).

On ‘Baby,’ meanwhile, she’s promising to fuck you up. The track has received rather mixed responses from fans and critics, but I love it – it's about time Charli got funky. Influenced by the likes of Janet Jackson and Prince, it’s a certified ‘sex anthem,’ a fun, flirtatious and deliciously bawdy cut of glittering 80s funk, along with hints of city pop and RnB. Why the stans don’t dig this one is a mystery – that's basically all the ingredients you need for a killer Charli track.

But although Charli calls CRASH her most ‘cohesive and consistent’ album, it’s actually quite an uneven record.

In fact, there’s a lot of wasted potential. The singer leans far too much on repetition and cliché, with ‘Lightning’ and the title track among the worst offenders. Other tracks go nowhere or end far too soon – a common complaint among fans. But every Charli album is, admittedly, quite patchy. For every ‘1999’ and ‘Unlock It’ and ‘Gone,’ there’s a ‘White Mercedes’ and ‘Blame It on Your Love.’

‘Used to Know Me’ rips its melody straight from Disclosure’s best track, ‘White Noise,’ but still can’t compete. ‘Every Rule’ proves once again that ballads are not Charli’s strong suit, even though she’s managed to pull off heartfelt emotion before on tracks like ‘Boom Clap’ and ‘Gone.’

Recent single ‘Beg For You’ (ft. Rina Sawayama) is uncharacteristically subdued and kind of dull. You’d expect something much bolder and more explosive from two of pop’s most exciting provocateurs. A track by Charli and Rina should be goddamn electric.

Instead, we get a half-arsed sample of September’s 2006 club hit ‘Cry For You’ (which I’d never even heard of before this). What’s supposed to be filled with yearning comes off a little desperate (‘You know I go insane every time you have to catch a flight/Well, can I take you to the airport?/Make out under the bathroom lights’). I’m sure they’ve both suffered their fair share of heartbreak in the past, but they’re Charli and Rina – why do they need to beg for anybody’s love?

CRASH is meant to define Charli’s ‘sellout’ era, her long-awaited freedom from major label tyranny, but the album doesn’t seem to make any clear statements or have any overarching themes. It just... is? The whole rollout has been pretty hit and miss: five of the album’s 12 tracks were released before it even came out, accompanied by videos inspired by wildly different concepts. ‘Good Ones’ saw ‘pop figurehead’ Charli sexy-dancing at an ex-lover's funeral, but her ‘sellout’ schtick is totally forgotten by the time we reach the clip for ‘Beg For You.’ Throughout, she just looks bored.

If you’re going into this record expecting some winking, Electra Heart-style commentary on pop culture or the industry as a whole – and this would’ve been the perfect time to do so – this isn’t it. Charli is more than capable of pulling it off, but CRASH just feels so damn lazy and generic, even by mainstream pop standards.

The strange sense of entitlement that permeates throughout stan culture is disturbing – the bigger the fan, the more ownership you believe you should have over an artist’s work. Artists don’t really owe us anything, nor should they indulge our every whim. A healthy amount of distance should also be place between artists and fans in order to preserve some sanity.

However, for someone as forward-thinking and avant-garde as Charli, who prides herself on being provocative, she sure is thin-skinned. Her defensiveness and constant assurances only seem to further confirm her lack of confidence in CRASH.

And therein lies the question: Is Charli subverting expectations by releasing a more conventional album or is she just taking the easy way out? It is the end of her contract, after, all, so why not just phone it in?

Or maybe it was just time for Charli to crash, especially after churning out almost a decade’s worth of stellar work, even defining a whole new genre with hyperpop. But now that she’s finally free from the clutches of Atlantic, she’ll hopefully bounce back more creatively reinvigorated than ever...

- Bianca B.

[tjroewrites]

Sweet Reality

Pairing: Castiel x Reader

A/N: This one took a bit longer for me to spit out. I’m still getting used to writing one shots. Let me know what you guys think. Feel free to send me more!

Prompt: Maybe do a Cas x reader where Jack even as innocent as he is has figured out that the reader and Cas have feelings and just tells them about it and locks them in a room to deal with it? (thanks @clockworkmorningglory for the prompt!) 

Warnings: Blood. Use of grace. I can’t write anything without including angst. But a fluffy ending. 

Summary: Wraith’s can be a bitch to deal with.

Word Count: 5.7k

           It all started on one Friday morning.

           The night prior had been long. Y/N had hardly gotten a few hours of sleep. When she heard the first sign of movement from outside her bedroom door she waved the white flag, trudging out in her bare feet and pajama pants. Sam was munching on a bowl of cereal at the main table while Cas and Jack watched. All three of their heads turned at her entrance. “Morning, Y/N.” Sam smiled.

           Y/N grunted.

           “You good?”

           “Couldn’t sleep.” Her hair was a wreck. She could feel it as she scratched her head. Lack of sleep wasn’t an unusual occurrence. Most times she hid it well. Not today. “Tossed around all night.”

           “That was me last week.” Sam sipped his orange juice and licked his lips. “Room was too damn hot. Maybe try getting a fan?”

           “Maybe.” She yanked out the chair at the end of the table and plopped down into it, letting her head fall into her hands. Someone got up from the table. When she looked back up, Cas was gone.

           “Have you tried keeping inventory?” Jack asked. His head tilted slightly.

           “Keeping inventory?” Y/N raised an eyebrow. “How’s that gonna solve anything?”

           “I have heard that keeping inventory helps with falling asleep.” He said. Sam’s eyebrows furrowed.

           “Do you mean, like,” She racked her brain for anything that could be similar. “Counting sheep?”

           Jack sighed with relief. He nodded. “Yes. Flock inventory.”

           Sam snorted. “Man, it’s like having the original Cas around again.”

           A thick aroma filled the air. Was that coffee? Sam hadn’t made any. “Counting sheep has never been my thing. Just makes me think more.”

           “It is supposed to work. Maybe there is something wrong with your brain.”

           “Jesus, Jack, don’t need to point out the obvious.” Y/N smiled and rested her cheek on the table. Sam chuckled and took another bite of cereal. “You really have a way with words, don’t ya?”

           Her eyes slid closed for one moment. When they opened again, a white coffee cup and a carton of milk had been placed in front of her. Her head lifted. Cas was standing over her with a small smile on his face. “This should help.”

           Butterflies flew in her stomach. Y/N sat up straight and slid the mug toward her and let the steam fill her nose. A wave of newfound energy seeped through her. “Thanks, Cas.” Her face split under his stare.

           “My pleasure.” Cas stood over her for another moment before moving back to his place beside Jack. Sam had merely shrugged the entire situation off. Jack, however, could not decide if he wanted to glance at her or Cas. Y/N stirred in the milk and sipped the drink with a slight blush dusting her cheeks.

           Upon waking up at the crack of noon, Dean found a case. A few people had been murdered in New Mexico after showing signs of psychological trauma. More than likely a wraith. Y/N hated wraiths. Vampires, she could deal with. Shapeshifters? Small ball. But for some reason, any type of entity that thrived on the psychological breakdown and torment of its victim got to her. It was one thing to get your head ripped off by a werewolf. It was another thing entirely to lose your sanity before becoming a human milkshake for some creature. Disgusting.

           Ever since they had found Jack, traveling had become cramped. Sam and Dean usually took up the front bench, leaving the remaining three to fend for themselves in the back. Today was no different. Sitting side by side, Y/N was wedged in between both celestial beings as they made their way south of the states. It didn’t help that the road was bumpy. Every pot hole they drove over forced her shoulder into one of their bodies. Because Dean insisted on hugging the shoulder and Cas chose the right side, it made him the primary recipient of her blows. One in particular nearly threw her into the angel’s lap.

           “Sorry.” She muttered, gripping the back of Sam’s seat to steady herself.

           “No need to apologize. It’s not your fault that Dean insists on driving off road.” Cas punctuated his sentence with a pointed stare toward the front seat.

           “And put Baby in harm’s way? Not a chance.” Dean said. “Suck it up. What kind of girl complains about being sandwiched between two angels?”

           “That’s not the problem.” Y/N muttered. Cas snorted.

           “Dean, pay attention to the road.” Sam sighed. “You’ll get us killed.”

           “What’s it matter? Not like that means anything anymore.” Oh, here we go. One of Dean’s weekly rants. The entire car huffed out a groan as he continued. “Used to be ‘whatever’s dead stays dead.’ Back when things made sense. Now we’ve all died at least once. Can’t even count how many times Sam and me have kicked it. Why can’t things go back to bein’ simple?”

           “What planet have you been living on? Our lives have never been ‘simple.’” Sam said. “A Prince of Hell dripped his blood on my mouth when I was an infant and our mother burned on the ceiling. What part of that sounds ‘simple’ to you?”

           “The part where Dad stayed dead and demons were more of a mystery than a Nancy Drew book.” Y/N let her head fall back against the seat and stared at the roof. How much longer until they hit the town? Maybe Cas knew. “Now we got Lucifer’s kid ridin’ bitch in our car, a fallen angel, two ex-vessels of the Apocalypse and Y/N.”

           “Tell us how you really feel.” Y/N muttered at the ceiling.

           “All I’m sayin’ is that things ain’t like they used to be. Hunting isn’t just hunting anymore. It’s like lookin’ for a water hole in the Sahara Desert. Damn near impossible, but someone’s gotta do it. And sometimes I wish- “

           “Dean, watch out!” Sam pointed at a green traffic light that had turned straight to red. Dean hit the brakes with a lead foot and the entire car lurched forward, damn near skidding into the intersection. Burnt rubber filled the air. The four corner seats all had shoulder straps. The middle seat wasn’t so fortunate. The only thing keeping Y/N from hurling through the windshield was the meager little strip of fabric over her pelvic area. Her body smacked against the back of the front seat and dug into her collar bone. She thought her head had actually disconnected from her spine.

           “Jesus.” Dean muttered through clenched teeth. The car lurched again as it came to a stop, throwing Y/N back into her seat. With nothing else to grab onto, her fingers gripped Cas’ thigh to find her balance. She might as well have been run over by a car. “Where the hell did that light come from?”

           “Everyone good?” Sam asked. Y/N groaned in reply.

           “Are you hurt?” Cas turned her head toward him and inspected the damages. She hoped like hell he couldn’t hear her heart nearly thudding out of her chest. Or feel her temperature spike under his touch. She tried, and failed, to suppress a grunt when he touched her collarbone. It was definitely bruised. “Your chest is already swelling from the impact.”

           “Oh, c’mon, the girl bruises like a peach.” The light turned green and Dean started the Impala forward.

           “It might be easier if I focus on Y/N’s well-being and you focus on keeping the vehicle on the road.” Dean flinched like Cas’ words had burned him. Sam cleared his throat. In a moment his eyes were back on Y/N.

           “’S’fine, Cas.” Her lip tugged at the corner. “Dean just doesn’t know how to drive, is all. Nothin’ new there.”

           “Hey-” Dean clamped his mouth shut under Cas’ glare.

           “Stay still.” His callused palm caressed her cheek and that familiar warmth flowed through her veins like the sweetest drug. Cas’ grace. If this was how heroin users felt after shooting up, she might just become a grace junkie herself. She never tired of that soothing sensation that tingled through her muscles and danced along her bones. Her eyes fluttered shut as the aches and pains dulled in a moments time. “Better?”

           “Yeah.” Their eyes met and she swore she was flying. It was like the entire sky was trapped in his eyes. Another world entirely. A better one. Her breath faltered and her lips parted. His thumb, which still rested against her cheek, began to trace small circles into her skin, little patterns that she wished she could treasure for a lifetime. “Much better.”

           “Alright, let’s try not to kill each other, okay?” Sam said. It was like his voice had slapped them. Cas pulled away and Y/N straightened in her seat. “We’re maybe twenty minutes out. Some fresh air will do us all good.”

           “Yeah, I think so too.” Y/N sighed. But it wasn’t fresh air that she wanted.

           They spent most of the day investigating the town for any possible connections. Nothing stood out. Town as small as this one, everybody knew everybody. According to all three wives, the men would regularly meet at the local pub after their shifts at the factory. Belle’s. Sam suggested they check it out and ask around. Dean’s face nearly split in two at the mere thought of a drink.

           The joint was small. Crowded. The only tables available were those tall pub tables that were hardly big enough to seat a few fully grown adults. Only two were available. One near the door, the other closer to the bar.

           “Jack and I will sit by the door.” Y/N said. Jack furrowed his eyebrows. “See if you dashing young men can’t charm some ladies into forking over some information.”

           Sam snorted. “Yeah, we’ll see about that.”

           Most of the bar housed locals. That was clear to see. Conversation was heavy and smiles were plenty. Y/N sipped her beer and scanned the room for anybody that stood out. Nothing but muddy work boots and ratty t-shirts. Jack watched her for a moment before speaking.

           “Why did you want to sit with me?”

           Y/N set her drink down. Did he think she didn’t like him? She did spend a lot of time with the brothers and Cas. Maybe he felt left out. “Jack, you’re awesome. Why wouldn’t I want to sit with you?”

           “I just thought that you would want to sit with Castiel.”

           She felt her fingers twitch at his name. She grabbed her glass to hide it. “And why’s that?”

           “Because you love him.”

           Y/N nearly spit out her beer onto the table. She wiped her mouth. “I-I don’t know what you mean.”

           “I believe it’s a human term to describe an intense feeling of romantic or sexual attraction- “

           “I know what the definition is, Jack,” Y/N waved at him to stop. “I love all of you. You’re all like family to me.”

           “I did not think polygamous relationships were legal.”

           Y/N pinched the bridge of her nose between her fingers. This kid would be the death of her. “It’s not. I meant that I care deeply for all of you an equal amount. No sexual attraction what-so-ever. No romantic feelings. Period.”            

           “But, Y/N, I don’t think- “

           “Jack!” Y/N sighed in relief at Dean’s voice over the noise of the bar. They turned their attention back toward the boys, who were surrounded by four young women wearing very little clothing. One of the blondes was running her hand over Dean’s chest and giggling in his ear. Y/N could see the glint in his eye from across the room. “There’s someone I want you to meet.”

           “You heard him.” She kicked Jack from under the table. “Big brother wants to show his younger sib the ropes.”

           Jack looked like a deer in headlights. “Do those women have rope?”

           “Oh, they have somethin’ alright.” She kicked him again. “Go on.”

           Jack hesitated before making his way through the crowd toward their table. It was like a lion pouncing on its prey. A younger looking brunette began lavishing over the kid, wrapping her arm around his shoulders and pressing her cheek against his. His entire face turned a deep shade of crimson. Dean beamed with pride.

            Y/N’s eyes shifted, naturally gravitating toward Cas on the farthest right of the table. A woman was attempting to card her fingers through his hair. She might as well have been in his lap. Y/N felt her cheeks heat up slightly. But Cas looked more than uncomfortable, nearly leaning his entire body off of his stool and offering one of his typical ‘I’m-sensing-awkwardness-please-help’ smiles. It was kind of cute. Scratch that, it was very cute. Adorable, even. Y/N sipped her beer and smirked behind the glass.

            He must have felt her staring. Their eyes met across the room and he grimaced. ‘Help me.’ He mouthed. Y/N let out a loud laugh.

            ‘Not my problem.’ She mouthed back, shrugging. ‘Maybe she’ll give you a lap dance.’

            He shook his head so hard she thought it might fly off. Y/N giggled.

            “Something funny?” She turned her body in the stool to face an older woman above her. Her deep black hair nearly reached her belly button. Y/N stifled the tail end of her giggles.

            “Oh, no. Just laughing at my friends over there.” She jabbed a thumb back toward the table of guys. “I swear, they’re like a walking reality TV show.”

            “Men are animals, aren’t they?” She followed her thumb and sighed.

            “I’ll drink to that.”

            The woman offered a tight lipped smile. Her cheekbones were so sharp they could cut through metal. As was her chin. “Need another?”

            Y/N glanced at her half-empty glass and back toward the boys’ table. Dean was already on his second shot of scotch. Sam was twenty minutes deep into a discussion with a tall woman in a green sweater. Jack and Cas both looked miserable in their respective situations. Yeah, she should probably stay sober for this one. An escape plan might be necessary tonight. “Thanks, but I’m good. Judging by how things look over there I might be the DD tonight.”

            Y/N swore she saw the moment the woman’s eyes went dark. It sent a shiver down her spine. Something didn’t feel right. “I think they can take care of themselves. They’re grown men.”

            “Like I said, you never know.” She shifted about under her gaze. “Maybe another time.”

            A man brushed passed her and all but slammed into her shoulder. The woman came barreling into Y/N, nearly knocking her out of her stool. The woman’s thin fingers gripped her bare shoulders and her nails bit into her skin for a brief moment before she pulled away. “Jesus, walk much?” She called at the guy. He didn’t turn back.

            “Guess not.” Y/N muttered.

            “Sorry about that.” The woman straightened out her thick black turtleneck. An odd choice in clothes during the middle of July in New Mexico. Wasn’t she hot? “Told you men are useless.”

            “It’s fine.” The guys were watching her now. Cas had managed to shake his admirer off his lap long enough to give her a puzzled look. Y/N used it as an out. “Speaking of useless men, I think mine are ready to hit the road.” She grabbed her glass and gave the woman a tight smile. “It was nice talking to you…?”

            “Tamber.”

            “Tamber.” What kind of name was that? “Have a nice night.”

            “Be safe out there.” Tamber’s smile was anything but sincere. The ends nearly curled like a Cheshire cat. “This town goes crazy when the sun goes down.”

            And then she was gone. It was like the crowd swallowed her whole. Y/N scanned the bar a few times before slowly making her way back to the boys.

            “Who was that?” Dean scoffed. Most of the women had left save for the green sweater, who had pulled up a chair beside Sam as close as humanly possible. “Chick looked like she was straight out of Halloweentown.”

            “You saw her too, right?” Y/N slid in between Jack and Cas, setting her beer down on the table. Her palms were suddenly drenched in a cool, clammy sweat. She wiped them along her jeans. “Thought I was seeing things.”

            “You look like you saw a ghost.” Sam said. The girl giggled beside him, pressing her face into the sleeve of his shirt. Her entire face was covered in a light blush.

            “I feel like I did.” She wiped the back of her neck. The shorts hairs along her nape were drenched. She sniffed. “You guys find anything out over here?”

            “Whole lotta nothin’.” Dean said.

            “Well, I say we head back to the motel and re-group.” The idea of taking another sip of beer was enough to make her vomit. She shoved her trembling fingers into the pocket of her jeans and shifted from foot to foot. “This place is pretty cramped. I’m starting to get antsy.”

            “Are you alright, Y/N?” Cas asked. She forced out a laugh and looked at the ground.

            “Fine, fine. Think I might’ve had some bad chicken at that diner earlier.”

            “It did look kinda pink.” Dean drained the rest of his scotch.

            Sam began to exchange numbers with the green sweater while the rest of them polished off their drinks. The lights in the bar were way too bright. This was a pub, for God sakes. Why did they have to keep it so lit in here? A bead of sweat slid down her cheek and pooled on her jaw before dripping to the table. Cas eyed the spot and then looked back to Y/N.

            “You look so beautiful tonight.” He sighed. “There are no words to describe how radiant you look under these neon lights.”

            Y/N about broke her neck to stare at him. “What the hell did you just say?”

            “I said, we should think about leaving soon. You do not look well.” He tilted his head. “Y/N, are you sure- “

            “I agree with that. Let’s hit the road.” She all but sprinted through the crowd and broke down the bar door. The last thing she needed was anyone questioning what was going through her mind.

            Especially Jack.

            By the time they returned to the motel, she was inching closer to a catastrophic break. Luckily, she had her own room, which gave her an excuse to lock herself away from the others for the remainder of the night. She had been feeling fine before they drank at the bar. What the hell had changed?

           They decided to pool their ideas together and try to narrow down the list of suspects that they had compiled over the course of the investigation. The wives of the victims had pointed out multiple people of interest, most of them being fellow employees and a few childhood enemies. With every minute that passed, Y/N could feel her body slowly shutting down. Every nerve was on edge. Her shirt was soaked in sweat. Her breaths were coming out in short, staggered bursts. Faces were beginning to blur. She was starting to hear entire conversations that weren’t even being said. Until finally, she couldn’t take it anymore. She had to get out of there.

           “Alright, I’m turning in for the night.” She weakly pushed herself up from the edge of Sam’s bed and started for the door. Her knees could hardly carry her. “I feel like garbage.”

           “Just lay down on my bed.” Dean jabbed his thumb toward the mattress closer to the bathroom. “Maybe you just need a nap.”

           “No, I really need to-” Her legs gave out as she reached for the door handle. Her body fell. But she didn’t feel the hard surface of the motel floor. Instead, she fell into Cas’ awaiting arms. He must have followed her from behind. “Shit.” She muttered.

           “I will help her to her room.” Cas hoisted her into his body and slung her arms around his neck. He was so warm. So solid. A comforting presence in this moment of need. He fumbled for the door handle and pried it open, carrying her with minimal effort toward her room a few doors down. Y/N pressed her face into his trench coat and took a deep breath. He smelled of tattered pages from an antique book, a Kansas summer breeze and fresh cut firewood. A scent so uniquely… Cas. They stopped moving and Cas shifted her in his arms.

           “Do you have your room key?” He asked.

           Y/N nodded. She felt like she was drunk. Freshman year of college drunk. “My wallet. Back right pocket.”

           “Can you reach it?”

           Y/N shook her head. A cheeky grin was pressed into his chest. “Guess yer gonna have ta’ get it.”

           Cas sighed. With the most gentle work of fingers he dipped into here back pocket and retrieved her wallet. “You are so tempting. Every part of you.” His voice was a deep rumble at her ear. A pleasant chill vibrated through her entire body. “Do you know how long I have admired you?”

           “Mmm,” Y/N hummed. “Tell me how ya really feel, Cas.”

           “What do you mean? I asked if you needed anything to drink. I don’t see how feelings play into that.”

           “Sure ya did.” Y/N giggled as he shoved the key card into the slot. He kicked the door open with his foot and pulled her inside. The bed felt like heaven under her back. The way he looked down at her was also quite the treat. She licked her lips.

           “Your face is flushed.” There he goes again. Stating the obvious. Did the kid have any sort of filter? “And your temperature has peaked. My grace should be able to help.”

           Oh, hell yes. She could use some of that right now. Her limbs hummed at the mere idea. “Bring it on, cowboy.” She slurred. He moved to caress her face when the door slammed closed.

           “What-” Cas jumped up and hurried to the door, attempting to pull it open. No matter how hard he yanked the door did not budge. He grunted. “How can a door be locked from the outside?”

           “And it will remain locked.” Jack’s voice carried through the wood of the door and into the motel room. “I have secured it with my powers.”

           “Why would you do that?”

           “I have heard this is an alternative way to encourage two people to admit their feelings toward one another. I believe it proved effective in a television show known as the ‘New Girl.’”

           “Jack, this is ridiculous. Y/N is ill. I do not think this is the time… “

           “The door will not open until your feelings are proclaimed.” Jack was firm. The room started spinning. “As Dean once said, your romantic frustrations are enough to drive him up the side of walls. It would be easier for us all if you followed your hearts.”

           “Jack- “            

           “I will return in another hour.” Jack’s footsteps faded away.

           “Jack! Jack, get back here.” Cas sighed, resting his forehead against the door. “I now understand how infuriating I was when I first came to Earth. I owe the Winchester’s far more credit.”

           “Cas…” Y/N’s stomach was doing flips. She rolled onto her side and groaned.

           He was at her side in a flash. “One moment.” Those warm fingers found her cheek once again and his grace flowed through her. She waited for something to change. Anything. But the sickening haze that had coated her didn’t fade with his touch. Cas noticed immediately.

           “You are not healed.” He huffed, his brows knitting together. He took her face in both hands and trained his eyes on her. His essence poured through her double time. More than she’d ever felt. Still nothing. “Something’s wrong. This should have worked.”

           “I knew I shoulda got that flu shot.” Y/N let out a weak giggle. “Just can’t trust doctors these days.”

           “I don’t think this is a human illness, Y/N. There are no communicable diseases strong enough to withstand an angel’s grace.”

           “Then what is it?”

           “I don’t know.” The dim light of the motel room seemed to further accentuate every feature of his face. The light stubble over his jaw. That small tuft of hair on the crown of his head that never seemed to settle with the rest. The laugh lines around his lips. Those lips. Lord, have mercy. Seemingly crafted by the Chuck Himself. Maybe it was her sick state of being. Or something worse. But in that moment, with her heart working double time and her mind damn near mush, she felt it hit her all at once. Her mouth moved before she could stop it.

           “You know how breathtaking you are, right?”

           She couldn’t read his face. Panic? Disbelief? Fear? Maybe all three? His eyes darted around the room before landing back on her. “What?”

           “You.” She breathed. Shut up, Y/N, shut up. “You’re just…amazing. All the time. And you don’t even try. You’ve been through so much and yet here you are. Still fighting. It’s inspiring.”

           A deep blush dusted his face. He swallowed. “Y/N, you’re sick. You don’t know what you’re saying.”

           “I’m fine.” And she was. Maybe his grace had worked after all. She felt ready to run a marathon. She settled for sitting up instead. “And I mean it. You are incredible, Cas. Anyone would be a damn fool not to see that. You’d be a damn fool not to see it yourself.”

           He looked everywhere but at her face. They were sitting at the same height now. Their thighs touching. Their lips inches away from one another. “Y/N, I don’t- “

           “I know this is a lot being thrown at you at once. But I just wanted you to know how I feel. How I’ve always felt. How I will always feel.” She placed her dry palm on top of his own. Her cold sweats had all but diminished. How had her shirt dried so quickly? “Jack was right. I have always felt a romantic draw to you. I’m just sorry it took me this long to say anything.”

           His eyes finally met hers. She sucked in a breath. Those beautiful, sea blue eyes. They knocked her flat on her ass every time. “I am glad to know you have felt it, too.”

           Y/N’s eyes burned with tears that threatened to fall. This was it. Everything she had ever wanted. Right here, in this low-end motel room in the middle of New Mexico. Her only wish in this crazy, fucked up world. “You mean it? You’re sure?”

           “How could I not?” His hand found her cheek again. She could feel his grace hum at her skin. Her eyes slid closed and a tear escaped. “You make me a better person, Y/N. You are my best friend. And I love you. Truly, I do.”

           “Oh, Cas.” It was a whisper against his lips. They were a breath away from one another. A breath away from what she’d always wanted. And now that she knew he felt the same, they could live this life together. Her own piece of happily ever after. She’d never ask for a single thing ever again.

           His fingers went rigid on her cheek. When her eyes opened, she saw the fear of God in those baby blues. And when she leaned away a scream tore at her throat.

           “Cas!” She leapt from the bed and looked down at him, watching in horror as crimson blood seeped from his chest and through his shirt. He looked down and back up again.

           “Y/N…” His voice was so strangled. It cracked halfway out. Y/N shoved the trench coat off his shoulders with his suit jacket following. The entire front of his shirt was now stained red.

           “No, no, what the…” She wasted no time with the buttons of his shirt. The fabric tore apart easily in her fingers. A button hit her in the cheek. How was this possible? They were the only two in the room. Had someone hidden a hex bag? Was this some kind of sick joke? But the gaping hole that stretched from his stomach to his collarbone was proof enough. A weak, purple glow shone from the center of the gash. His grace. A sob left her throat. “Cas, what the hell?”

           “Y/N.” A tear slid down his cheek. Its red tint was unmistakable. “Please… “

           “Can’t you heal yourself? Cas, tell me you can heal yourself.” She was practically huddled in his lap now. “Please, Cas, not now…”

           He took her hand between his own trembling fingers. A trickle of blood dripped from the corner of his mouth. She wiped it away and sobbed. “I’m sorry…” His body started slouching toward the mattress. No, God, not now. Y/N pressed her face into the crook of his neck and held him close, breathing him in.

           “Don’t leave me. Not now.” Her tears covered his bare skin. “I love you, Cas. I love you so much. Please stay… “

           “Y/N?” A distant voice called. She lifted her head at the sound of her name. It was like someone had installed a speaker system in the motel room. “Y/N!”

           Cas’ body had gone limp in her arms. She sniffed and looked around. No one else was there with them. Was there someone outside? Maybe it was Jack. He could bring Cas back. He had done it before. He could do it again.

           “Y/N!” It came again.

           Y/N let his body down gently into the mattress. She went to look down at him one more time. Her blood went cold.

           His face was gone.

           “Y/N!” Her eyes shot open. Her heart beat was off the charts. The world was dark. Why couldn’t she see anything? Where was Cas? She tried to move her body but a pair of hands held her arms.

           “Stay still. It’s alright.” She blinked a few times to put a face to the deep voice. It couldn’t be…

           It was Cas.

           “C-Cas?” Her voice was wrecked. She blinked wildly to clear the dark haze. No blood. No tears. Just those same vibrant blue eyes staring back. Her chest heaved as she tried to catch her breath. Her body was soaked in sweat. Her limbs shook violently under his touch. “You… what…”

           He shushed her. “Take a moment. You’re safe.”

           Her eyes left his face and darted around them. The motel room was gone. No bed. No off-white walls. Instead, she saw a window. Dark leather seats. The Impala. They were in the backseat of the Impala. The sky outside was pitch black, the stars twinkling like nothing was amiss. Cas had to keep re-adjusting his grip from the moisture on her arms.

           When her breathing had returned to somewhat normal, she met his stare once again. “The Impala?” She asked. He knew what she wanted to know.

           “Yes. We are parked in front of an abandoned mill outside of town.” Cas shifted above her. He had the opposite door open and was leaning in from the outside, most of his body covering her own. “Both of the wraiths have been using it as a base for some time now.”

           “Dead?” Y/N huffed. He smiled.

           “They must be. Or else you would not be conscious.”

           Her head tilted. She had been infected? When? Then she pieced it together. “The bar.”

           “I believe her name was Tamber.” Cas confirmed. “At least, that was what she screamed when she cut us off on the way back to the motel. She was very… persistent about taking you from us.”          

           “She infected me.” The victims had all been married men. How did she fit the M.O? “Why?”

           “She does not take rejection very well.”

           The married men must have all denied her advances. It was almost humorous. She snorted. “I was a target ‘cause I said no? Bitch needs to wake up. It’s 2017.”

           “I don’t think she will be doing much of that any time soon.” He smiled. “Do you need me to heal you? I was unable to while you were ill. Now that the wraith’s poison has subsided, though, my grace should work.”

           “No, I-” She felt her entire face drain of color. The motel. Jack locking them in the room. Her confession. “So, we never made it to the motel?”

           Cas shook his head. “You nearly passed out in the gravel outside of the bar. I was the only one fit to drive. The wraith cut us off before we made it back and we followed them here.”

           It was all a delusion. Tamber must have read her mind and used it against her. Her greatest desire. She tried to hide the heartbreak she felt in her chest.

           “Damn. Those wraiths don’t mess around.” She faked a laugh. She fought back tears. “Really thought we made it back.”

           “Y/N,” She wriggled underneath him and sat up in the seat. She managed a glance in the rear view mirror. Her hair was everywhere. Just like it had been that morning a few days before. Great. “What did you see?”

           Did he know? She had to have muttered something during her little episode. “Don’t ask questions you don’t want the answers to.”  

           “I want to know.” He slid in beside her and shut the door. She squirmed under his stare. It bore right through her. It was like he was looking at her soul. Her very essence. “What did you see?”

           Everything inside of her called out in agony. Begged her to shut up. But just like in her little hallucination, she couldn’t help her words. They tumbled out like an avalanche.

           “I saw you.”

           The air was heavy. Thick. He blinked a few times. She felt a deep, crushing weight pound on her chest. A single tear threatened to fall from the corner of her eye. She had to say something. Anything. Dig herself out of this hole she’d found herself in.

           Then his lips were on hers. Soft but bruising. His fingers tangled in her hair and pulled her impossibly close, their noses pressed together. She blinked wildly with her hands raised above his shoulders. Nothing registered. Was she still sick? But when he pulled away and his breath fanned over her face, it was all too real. Not like the gash he had in her delusion. This moment was real. A slice of sweet reality. Her hands fell to his shoulders as she stared at him. Her lips moved but no sound came out. He spoke for her.

           “I am glad to know you have felt it, too.”

[zacklover24]

Lights of Eos Chapter five

Summary: It had been six months since the defeat of Organization XIII. And things have been quite, Sora has taken up training with his mentor Angel, as riku trains with the king. But rumors have spread of the possible return of the organization in worlds that have been thought lost to time. Yen Sid has requested that the king, riku and sora and angel go and stop the organization.

Tagging: @nykamito, @aquacura, @itshaejinju, @nemo-ne-impune-lacessit, @mandakatt, @ffxv-ocs-unite, @moonraccoon-exe, @insomniacapples, @rikusqueenofhearts, @bluechocobo

Pairings: Ignis and OC, Riku and Sora( down the road), Gladio/Noctis/Prompto

Warnings: None 

Rating: Teen 

Angel sat on the old and cold brick wall, she found a spot on the castle wall to watch the day go by, she was trying to ignore the itch of the bandages or the subtle ache of pain. She had passed her test with flying colors. She saved the world of Baron and saved Queen Rosa from death but why did she feel empty? She was a keyblade master one of three and yet it didn't feel right. Why did she have this ache in her heart, that wasn’t going away.

“There you are Miss. Angel.” Angel looked to her right, the only side of her that she could see now. Which was funny in a sad way.

“Queen Rosa.” Angel says getting up to bow to the queen.

“No, need I wanted to see how you were doing and to see how your eye was healing.” The queen says approaching and gently cuping the young master face. The left half of angel face hidden behind bandages.  “Are you any pain?”

Angel gave the queen a half shrug, “I am find madam, the pain medication your doctor gave me are helping” If only a little, there was a dull ache where her eye use to be.

“But how are you feeling?” Rosa asks smiling.

“I think I’m okay physically. Mentally this feels like a hollow win for me. I passed my test and gained the status I've been dreaming of but it feels….”

“Empty?” Queen Rosa finished, “You lost your eye and almost your life to save me. You have earned your title.”

“It doesn't feel it.” Angel confesses gently removing the queen hand from her face. And going back to enjoying the landscape.

“You don't have a family do you?”

****************************************************************************

Angel woke to hot breath against her neck and pair of arms around her waist. It seemed that sora was spooning angel from behind again, thinking that she was riku. Hell the kid was sleep talking and calling her riku.

“Right well.” As angel wiggled free of his grasp and grabbed her sunglasses. That was one way to start the morning. Another way to be greeted by the cold chill that hung in the air.

“Good morning angel.” Ignis greets  as Angel left her tent. It would seem that speckled man was up and already cooking. He was standing in front of large pot, there was a steady column of steam rising from it. And by the pot was a silver coffee cup.

“Morning ignis.” Angel greets heading over to the fire pit and starting a small fire. With the fire alive in the pit she parked herself in the seat that Gladio was sitting in the night before.

“Impressive can everyone where your from do that?” He inquiries.

“Yes and no. Sora and myself, Merlin,  leon, cloud, yuffie, tifa and Aerith can. But cid and a few others can't. So what's cookin good lookin?”

“Again? But if you must know its porridge.”

Angel licked her lips the last time she had porridge it was made by Mrs Potts, “Yum I'll take mine with honey brown sugar a small dash of cinnamon.” As she cracked her knuckles.

“You like things sweet?” Ignis asks getting her a bowl.

“Makes life easier.” As Ignis handed her the bowl, “Why thank you good sir.”

“Your welcome, how does sora like his porridge?”

“Brown sugar and apples.” She tells him digging in while Mrs. Potts porridge was sweet, Ignis was porridge was also sweet and it was very tasty, “Oh is there any more coffee?”

“Thank you and how rude of me, would you like a cup?”

“Yes, milk and sugar if we have any of either.” The porridge was so good, and it was warm.

“Here you are my dear.” As he handed her a cup of coffee and sitting down in the chair next to her.  “The weapon you and sora used yesterday what was it?”

“It’s a keyblade, a weapon that well… it’s a mystery.”  Angel didn’t know much about the keyblade herself. It was one of those mysteries. “It’s one of the mysteries of the universe. It has the power to protect and that is what I use it for. It’s my wish to keep everyone I hold dear to my heart safe. I don’t want anyone I love to get hurt.”

“That is very touching of you.”

“Thank you.”  The two sat in silence and finished eating. Sora, Gladio, Prompto, and Noctis woke up an hour later and they were off to hunt. They took out the dualhorn rather fast, collected the reward and were on there way to Galdin Quay.

“So from there your going to catch boat to Altissia and then your going to marry a woman you haven’t seen in ten years?” Sora asks after they dropped off Cindy package.

“Yes, that is the plan.” Ignis informs him, watching Angel who was talking to young lady selling potions and the like. “Sora how long have you know sir?”

“About six months or so.” Sora tells him with a half shrug, “She’s really, really, really nice once you get to know her.” He beams.

“Thank you.” Angel smiled and paid the young lady, and the group was off to Galdin. As they got closer, Sora jaw dropped, Galdin was beach resort!? Why didn’t anyone tell him?

“Wow this Galdin?” Sora asks jaw dropping once Ignis has parked the car he hopped out of the car, he missed the smell of the sea air, he missed the sounds of the waves lapping against the sand and he missed his island.

“And the other in the distance is Altissia.” Gladio points out to the young man, Sora eyes went wide.

“Can we do some fishing? Or try out some of the food here? Please, please?” He begs looking at Angel and the others.

“I don’t think we’ll have time kiddo.” Prompto tells him, “But hey maybe when we get to Altissia we can go for a boat ride?”

If it was possible sora eyes got bigger, “Really?”

“Really, really.” Angel tells him, “Now let’s go on the boat.” Sora nodded yes, and sprint ahead of the group with Prompto and Noctis not to far behind.

“How much sugar did you give him?” Angel asks looking at him.

“Not as much as I had thought.” Ignis mutters.

“Come on, before they get into trouble.” Gladio mutters following after the younger members of the group. Gladio caught up the young keyblade wielder, the shooter and the prince right as a strange man approached them, he had fire red hair and was dressed a hobo, werid. Angel grabbed Sora and put him behind her.

“I’m afraid your out of luck.” The man tells them,

“Are we?” Noctis asks watching as Ignis and Gladio slowly started to close ranks around him.

“The boats bring you here…” The man tells them, turning his back to look at the resort,

“What about them?” Prompto asks cutting the man off, the gave them a creepy smile as he spoke once more,

“They’ll not take you forth.” As he started to run a hand through his red hair.

“What’s your story.” Gladio asks.

“I’m an impatient traveler, ready to turn ship,” The man then started to walk towards them and the group broke apart Angel keeping sora close, while Ignis did the same for Noctis and Prompto, “The ceasefire is getting us nowhere.” The man spun on his heel and took something out of his jacket pocket and flipped towards Noctis, but gladio caught it,

“What’s this some sort of souvenir?” Gladio asks, Prompto came over and saw it some sort of coin.

“Consider it your allowance.” The man says doing some hand gesture that Angel hadn’t seen before.

“Yea and who is allowing us?” Gladio asks taking charge.

“A man of no consequence.” As he did a small bow before leaving.

“Yea right.” Nocris scoffs. Angel looked at sora then back at the man,

“Sora stay close for now.” Angel warns.

“Yea good idea, hey didn’t he say that the boats weren’t working?” Sora asks looking at the boat.

“Yea I think he did.” Prompto says.

“We should go check to make sure.” Ignis suggests.

“Good idea.” Angel agrees.

End of line