#the prince is lookin dashing

[peculiarbeauty]

rebelhub asked: ❝ Did you also read books when you were a kid? ❞ She asks; bichromatic eyes alight with curiosity as she sits on the floor of the Dreamlight Library-- Merlin is out, so it's just Maelie and Belle in the little house of books, her right hand is wedged between propping her head up and her right knee, giving a somewhat-relaxed posture ( though it isn't good for her back-- but she's fifteen and she sure doesn't care much ), ❝ I read a lot back in primary school, so I wonder if you used to read books when you were small too, Belle. ❞ // from @valleydreamt!! hiii maelie is lookin with big old eyes /lh

" oh , most certainly ! for as long as i can remember i've been imagining a world crafted through the stories i read. " as cheesy as it was to say out loud , books were her everything. in most cases they were all that she had even as a young girl. " my papa had many business trips when i was young. there were several occasions where i spent time by myself with nothing to do. fairytale romances helped remind me of how wonderful a world of make believe might be. there were times i even inserted myself in situations with a dashing prince. " she giggles. " i also enjoyed strong protagonists who happened upon a wish that grew from hard times. " she will place a book upon the rather organized pile of others. the dreamlight library was less daunting now with it's pile of books. there is more space for the time being. she is certain tomorrow will come quickly and merlin will use a magic spell to make it a bit messy again but she really does not mind. being a librarian is one of her favorite things.

" tell me about your favorite books ! what story inspired you the most ? " she leans close with a smile. " do you enjoy shakespeare ? "

[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..........

[janetbrown711]

“I can’t do this on my own.” Yakko

The royal family had been on the edge of their seats in anxiety ever since the day Angelina I locked Wakko up in the tower. 

Well- that wasn’t entirely correct. Dot seemed blissfully unaware of the tension surrounding her, and Wakko was trying his best to just enjoy the fact he didn’t have to stay in that tower any longer than he already had anymore. His and Dot’s spirits were admirable, but the rest of the family simply couldn’t share the same feelings. 

Lena had been practically pacing 24/7 ever since her conversation with her mother, of which she refused to give the kids details about, but from how easily her worry spread to their father, and the massive bruise on her face she tried so very very hard to cover with makeup, it was safe to say it went very poorly. She was constantly checking up them, making sure to keep a special eye out for Wakko, of whom Yakko was pretty sure she never let out of her sight anymore. 

William had been nervous too. He was off at the training stations at night far more often than he used to, practicing his sword fighting. This effort failed him, however, when he sprained his arm from overworking it. Without his main source of stress relief, it became very clear something was eating him alive, and Yakko wished his parents trusted him enough to tell so he could help. He was the eldest brother, after all, he was supposed to help watch over his sibs too. 

 Yakko was anxious because of his parent’s anxieties, the fact they wouldn’t tell him what was going on, and a mysterious letter he had caught a glimpse of at his last lesson. 

He had arrived early to his grandmother’s study, and she must’ve been writing to someone right before he came because she left a letter to dry there. Yakko only caught a glimpse, but he recalled it saying:

“...they are the priority. However, if the younger were to be lost in the chaos, I wouldn’t mind in the slightest-” and his grandmother snatched it from his hands before he could read further. 

Yakko wished he hadn’t started reading it from the middle, because he simply couldn’t make sense of it. It sounded ominous, but not wanting to stress out his parents any more than they clearly were, he kept it to himself, figuring he was smart enough that he’d decode it eventually. 

He was pretty sure his parents could tell how tense he was, because they kept patting and rubbing his back and assuring him things would be fine, but the bruise on his mother’s face refused to let him believe that. 

“Alright you two, it’s well past bedtime now, clean up the toys,” Lena chuckled softly as Dot and Wakko pouted in the playroom. 

“C’mon, you heard her you two,” Yakko rolled his eyes and assisted his younger siblings in cleaning up. Slowly but surely the warner siblings successfully cleaned up and put everything back in it’s place, before tiredly dragging themselves to their bedroom. 

Wakko went straight to his and Yakko’s room, and Yakko was pretty sure he was out cold once he hit his bed. 

Yakko however, lingered by Dot’s bedroom, cracking open the door just a little so he could listen in on the conversation the two were having. 

“Mommy, are you okay?” Dot asked. 

“Of course, dear, whatever would make you think that,” his mother said as she tucked in his little sister. Dot reached up, and her hand hovered over her bruise. 

“I’m fine, Dottie, it’s okay. You don’t need to worry about me, you need to get to bed,” Lena booped her nose. 

“I want a lullaby,” Dot said, sitting upright in the bed. 

“Ah ah, what do we say?” Lena scolded lightly. 

“May I have a lullaby... please?” Dot said. Lena nodded. 

“Let’s see now...” His mother thought to herself, tapping a finger on her chin.

“When I look into your eyes,” She began, slowly tucking Dot back in again. “It’s like watching the night sky.”

“Or a beautiful sunrise. There’s so much they hold,” She sang softly, and for a moment, Yakko thought she saw him, but she didn’t stop singing. 

“And just like the old stars,” she continued. “I see that you’ve come far, to be where you are. 

“How old is your soul?” she sang that line softer, and Yakko felt a chill go down his spine. 

“Well, I won’t give up, on us. Even if the skies get rough. I’m giving you all my love. I’m still looking up,” Lena put a soft hand on Dot’s cheek, and she smiled.

“And even you’re needing your space, to do some navigating, I’ll be here patiently waiting, to see what you’ll find,” Dot was practically asleep at that point, but neither Yakko nor his mother moved from where they were. 

“Cause even the star, they burn. Some even fall to the earth. You’ve got a lot to learn. God knows you’re worth it.” She then kissed Dot on the forehead, slowly standing up.  

“No, I won’t give up,” Lena said, more than sang. She paused a moment. 

“Goodnight, Dot. I love you very much,” She said, pausing for a response, but Dot was fast asleep, as was the plan. Lena smiled softly before taking her candle and heading toward the door. Yakko panicked and started to run back to his room. 

“Yakko, I know you were listening,” Lena said as she closed the door to Dot’s room. 

“Sorry- I’ll go to bed now,” He apologized and continued on his way. 

“Stop right there mister,” Lena ordered, and Yakko stopped dead in his tracks. his mother approached him slowly. 

“You’ve been so anxious as of late, Yakko. I’m worried about you,” she put a hand on his shoulder. 

“Well- so have you,” Yakko shrugged. 

“Yakko, you’re so much younger than you realize... you’re twelve, for crying out loud. Our burdens should not be your burdens as well,” she stroked his cheek. 

“But I wanna help,” he frowned. 

“You help out in many meaningful ways, Yakko, but worrying yourself to death isn’t going to do any of us any good,” Lena said. “We need you to take care of yourself, alright?” 

Yakko thought long and hard about that. 

“But I want to help,” he said. Lena sighed softly. 

“I know honey... but for now, the best way to help is to take care of yourself. Try to get some sleep, alright?” She gave him a weak smile. Yakko bit his lip. 

“I can try,” was all he promised, which was good enough for the tired princess. Lena gave Yakko a soft kiss on the head. 

“Goodnight honey,” She said. 

“Goodnight, mom,” He replied, and before he knew it, she was gone. 

Yakko frowned at his bedroom door. He knew for a fact he was likely to be unable to sleep, so instead, he headed to the family study, which was quite a bit away from him and his sibs room, or any of the bedrooms really, but he didn’t mind the walk. Once there, he pulled out one of his favorite books, lit a few of the candles, and got to reading. 

However, as his eyes scanned the pages, the words from the letter rang in his mind over and over again. 

The younger of who? A priority of what? Why wouldn’t she mind? What ‘chaos’? There were simply too many questions in his head. 

Perhaps he should have shared them with his mom... that might’ve helped. 

Then again, it could also just make her more nervous, which was the last thing he wanted. 

He made the right decision, of that he was sure. 

Yakko wasn’t sure how long he was reading or attempting to do so, but somehow he had managed to fall asleep against the table. However, a loud crash, sent him straight up, as his mind scrambled to wake up with his body. 

What was that? Where did it come from? 

Another crashing noise. 

It came from the opposite direction of him and his sibs rooms, which meant-

His parent’s room. 

Yakko heard shouting, swearing, and fighting of all sorts. He ran to the door to open it, but realized that might not be the best of ideas. To both his panic and relief, the voices seemed to continue going away from his and his sibs rooms, but that meant they were going for his parents. 

Once the voices got far enough away, Yakko didn’t hesitate to swing the door open and run. He had to find his mom and dad- he had to make sure they were okay. 

It wasn’t hard to follow the mob, as they left a path of destruction behind. Shattered glass, torn down curtains, mud, and other filth on the carpets. Yakko tried not to dwell, as he instead took a short cut to his parent’s room. 

Yakko dashed around corners, around furniture, and under a few tables when he thought he might be caught. 

However, he was moving so fast, he could hardly stop himself when he dashed around a corner and one of the men saw him, and grabbed him before Yakko could even think to turn around. 

“You the little princey we’re lookin’ for?” He laughed, spitting in his face. 

“Let me go!” Yakko demanded, but the man didn’t. Instead, he kicked him down, and dragged him down to the end of the hall where he saw-

“Mom!” Yakko gasped. 

He honestly hadn’t thought much time had passed, but his mother looked like 50 brutal years had passed on her. Her hair and fur were disheveled, her nightgown was torn. She had more bruises on her face and a gash in her shoulder that was bleeding. Her wrists were tied in rope. . Her face grew mortified when she saw him. 

“Let him go! It’s me you want, not him,” Lena pleaded, not looking at Yakko.

“H-huh?” Yakko sniffled. 

“Not so fast, your highness,” one said in a mocking tone. “We were told one of ‘em could be collected as a bonus.” 

“Please. I’ll do anything- just let him go,” she pleaded. 

“No, mom! I wanna stay with you!” Yakko began to cry. 

“No Yakko, your siblings need you,” Lena looked at him. 

“I need you,” Yakko pleaded.

“Yakko? Aren’t we supposed to be lookin’ for a Wakko?” One man said. Yakko’s eyes widened. 

The younger. Priority. Chaos. 

They were going to come for Wakko. 

“We were told to leave the crown prince alone, and get the middle one,” The tallest one smacked the one holding Yakko over the head. The man holding Yakko let him go, and he ran to his mother. 

“Other way, stupid,” One of the men snarled at him. 

“Mom, I-i’m not leaving you,” Yakko said. 

“You have to. You have to protect Wakko,” Lena put her forehead against his and whispered. 

“I-i can’t...” He cried. 

“Scram or we’ll make you regret it!” The tallest shouted at him. Yakko gave his mother one last look, before running back with all his might, before he felt something hit him against the back of his head, hard and everything went black. 

.o0o.

When Yakko finally opened his eyes again, it was morning. He was surrounded by shattered glass, mud, the smell of torches and firewood, and a throbbing headache in the back of his head. 

His parents. 

Where were they???

Yakko shot up, ignoring the increase in the throb, and immediately began his search, checking every room he went by.

No, not their bedroom... not the bathroom... not the parlor... not the painting room, not the dining hall, not the kitchen, not the lounge room, not the playroom, not the nursery, not the family study, not this bedroom, not the next, not the next, not the-

“Yakko?” Wakko groggily rubbed his eyes. 

“Wakko, you’re okay,” Yakko sighed a breath of relief to find out his brother was still in his bed. 

“What’s matter?” he asked, sitting up. 

Yakko didn’t have it in him to tell him, so he just turned and left. 

“Hey-! Wait! I wanna help!” Wakko protested his leave, and followed him. Yakko still didn’t say anything, checking Dot’s room quietly. 

She was still there too. 

“What’s the matter Yakko? I wanna help,” Wakko said just a tad too loudly, and Dot was awoken. 

“Yakko?” She asked, rubbing her eyes too. Yakko still couldn’t get himself to speak, so he continued his search. Wakko shrugged at his little sister, and Dot decided to join her brother in following Yakko. 

Yakko didn’t care that they were following, or that they were confused or worried by his silence. He didn’t care they were asking question after question about the state of the castle, and why so many things were destroyed. He needed to find them. His parents had to be okay. They had to be. 

Not in his room, not in Dot’s room, not in the laundry room, not in the tailoring room, not in the dressmaker room, not in the storage room, not in the supply room, not in this bedroom, not-

Angelina I’s private study. 

Maybe she’d have some answers. 

Yakko didn’t even knock before bursting in. 

The queen was already wearing all black, her face covered by a thick veil, though it hardly mattered because she wasn’t facing them anyway, staring out into the window instead. 

“Where are they?!” Yakko demanded. 

“They’re long gone, Yakko,” she didn’t even turn to look at him. 

“Y-y... you’re lying!” He couldn’t accept that. Not now. 

“Believe what you will, but you won’t find them here,” She said coldly, clutching her handkerchief tightly. 

“C’mon, let’s go,” Yakko commanded his younger siblings as he went out of the room. 

“Yakko, who are you talking about? Who are we looking for?” Wakko wasn’t understanding the situation. 

Yakko still couldn’t answer. 

not in the meeting room, not in the food storage, not in the tower, not in the ballroom, not in the dance lesson room, not in the theater room, not in the foyer-

Wait. 

Yakko saw something shining on the floor. Quickly he bolted down the stairs as fast as he could before he realized-

It was his mother’s crown. It would never just be lying on the ground like this. They had to be close. Yakko looked around desperately. 

They had to be here. 

“Mommy’s crown...” Dot frowned and went to it, but Yakko held his arm out, not daring to disturb it. 

“Yakko, why is mum’s crown here? Where is she?” Wakko asked him. 

“Yeah, where’s mommy and daddy? I’m scared...” Dot looked up at him.

“they have to be here,” Yakko whispered to himself. 

“I can’t do this alone.”

He looked around the room, but his eyes were becoming clouded by tears rapidly filling his eyes. He called out for his parents again, but only a painful echo replied. A sharp wave of pain and numbness washed over him. 

Yakko collapsed onto his knees and sobbed. 

His parents were gone. 

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9

[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...”

[tulipscomeinallsortsofcolors]

Face to Unfamiliar Face pt 4

This installment's POV is brought to you by @thebestworstidea . Hopefully it lives up to expectations!

*

Roman had managed to wedge himself between the door, the dash, and Leith’s feet, a scowl fixed firmly on his face. Dizzy had wedged herself between his legs and chest, and she was staring at everyone as they sped through town. 

“Please tell me you’ve actually been training as a witch,” Logan said in a strained voice. Roman almost snapped in response, but Dizzy kneaded at his chest. 

“Shoving everybody into the truck wasn’t arbitrary. He smells scared as hell, Roman.” He pursed his lips. 

“Duh,” he said in an incredibly collected manner. Dizzy used a little more claw in her kneading. 

“There’s a - thing, a doll thing. Have you done it before?”

“You mean poppets? Not by myself.”

“Right, no, of course, because that was after the deal.” Logan sounded like he would dearly like to smack his forehead against the wheel. “Does Thomas look worse or better?”

“How do I tell?” Leith asked. 

“Is he more interested in self-preservation, or breaking through the rear windshield to get to us?”

Leith craned around to look. “He’s still hanging onto the side.”

“Alright, then this direction is safe. For now, anyway,” he muttered. Roman was ashamed to say he had no idea where they were - he hadn’t been very concerned with tracking their turns, just on not sliding all over the floor as Logan (a stranger! A Fae stranger! Why was Roman even kind of trusting him? Was he trying to die?) drove like a maniac. They took a turn and then abruptly began to slow down, then turned again - probably into a driveway, given that Logan stomped on the brakes even harder. Logan was the first to jump out, going around to the bed of the truck. Leith opened the door, and Roman flailed as his back support disappeared. He grabbed blindly at Leith’s leg and the side of the door. When he was sure he wouldn’t take a header into the dirt, he glared up at him. Dizzy hissed.

“You first, Dizzy,” Roman grunted. She carefully arranged herself on his chest, then leapt to the ground, muttering unflattering things about Leith. Roman un-contorted himself, half-spilling onto the ground. Leith stepped gracefully from the cab and pushed the door shut behind him. Patton had already let himself out through Logan’s door. He was now standing very close to Logan - Roman couldn’t really blame him, though. He was pretty sure twenty minutes ago was the first time anyone had ever been nice to him besides his parents.

“‘M okay, Berry.”

“No, you’re not. Last time -“

“This is very not last time,” Thomas said. “I’ve got -“ he gestured inarticulately at his head. “I can see you and Virgil? And Roman’s standing near the King, and - it’s like she got him back and lost him all over again, Logan. She’s angry.”

“This is when I wish I could say: wonderful. Just what we needed.”

“What can we do, Berry?”

Logan hesitated. “Not a lot,” he admitted, cringing a little at the look on Thomas’s face. “We’ll ask May about poppets, and Leith and I both have a better handle on our magic than I did at the time.”

Thomas’s silence was grim. Logan helped him down, grimacing. 

“Tell me if she gets close?”

“I just didn’t realize what I was feeling until I was too angry and scared to say something,” Thomas admitted quietly. 

“Alright.” Logan gave him a quick squeeze and walked with him toward the house. Roman lengthened his stride to be at the front of the group. 

“Mamaw? I’ve got some guests.”

“Plural? Well, I’ll be damned.” Mamaw called from the kitchen. 

“Two of them are Green Men.” That brought Mamaw out of the kitchen, looking as ruffled as a startled hen.

“Salutations,” Leith and Logan said simultaneously.

“Care to tell me why Thomas is hangin’ off one of ‘em lookin’ half-dead?”

Roman opened his mouth to explain and then realized he didn’t have a damn idea. He looked to Logan. (A spark of doubt in the back of his mind asked why he was trusting a Fae, of all people. The voice of reason, which sounded awfully like Dizzy, pointed out that Logan couldn’t lie and had no obvious reason to twist the truth.)

“First, you should know that he isn’t the Thomas you’re familiar with. Secondly...Greta.” Logan give the name a strange weight, staring with eerie focus at Mamaw. When Roman looked back, she was quickly paling. 

“What?” Mamaw croaked. 

“There is a phenomenon we don’t understand at work, and it’s affecting Greta. She found Thomas at the churchyard. It’s a rather time-consuming explanation, but I theorize he’s the only one who was hearing her because she’s been in his head before.”

Roman looked back and forth between Logan and Mamaw - at least Patton looked as confused as he felt. Leith, too, to Roman’s surprise. 

“Greta?” Leith asked sharply before the conversation could continue. Logan looked at him grimly. 

“The Serpent King’s monster.” Now Leith had gone pale, and Roman was trying not to let his hackles rise at being one of the only two in the dark. “And the part you should like even less is that if she’s asking where her brother is, she’s not under his control.”

A grim silence fell, and Roman tried not to stew. Leith’s frown deepened suddenly and he cocked his head. At the same, Dizzy’s ears pricked into alertness.

“Something’s coming,” she said sharply. Leith hurried out the door, and Dizzy was right on his heels. Roman followed automatically. There was a shape at the end of the road, moving faster than a human ever could. Leith barely twitched, but Roman was pretty sure nobody else could be responsible for the fairytale-worthy wall of brambles that sprouted with a terrible noise between the house and the street. Roman pulled his knife. Logan came up on his other side, flexing his fingers. The shadows at the base of the wall of brambles distorted.

The Spider Prince materialized. He was breathtaking in motion. And - oh, those eyes. Roman had never seen such a vivid purple.

Vines sprang at the Spider Prince’s feet and twined around his legs. Frost spread rapidly across the ground at the prince’s feet, his eyes flashing. 

“Leith, wait!” Logan cried. The Spider Prince froze. The vines stopped growing, but didn’t retreat either, twining a little tighter around their victim. “...Virgil?”

“Logan!”

Logan sprinted off the porch, clusters of flowers in every footstep. Lavender roses and snowdrops and lemon balm traced his path through the front yard (including the steps he took off the porch. Dammit. Mamaw was going to make Roman take care of that, wasn’t she?). Logan threw his arms around the Spider Prince when he reached him, burying his face in his chest. Roman barely noticed Leith’s vines falling away. His chest ached terribly at the tender way the prince held Logan. 

“Mother said someone from out-of-town caused some portals...I think. I’m not sure I understood her right,” Virgil admitted. “What’s going on? You and Thomas got so scared.” Virgil stroked Logan’s hair.

“Portals would make sense,” Logan said, pulling back a little. “This place...I think it’s offset from us. I hope it’s a little offset from us,” Logan amended, grimacing. “It’s awfully late for Roman and Patton and Leith to pull things together if they’re perfectly in sync.”

Virgil’s eyes flickered to the Green Man on the porch before he gave his attention back to Logan.

“I would also be concerned for Wick Hills if they’re as late on their timeline as we are, because - well, because Greta’s investigation of the school happened independently of us, and I really hope that didn’t already happen with no one in a position to snap her out of it.”

Virgil squeezed his eyes shut tight for a moment, tipping his head toward the sky.

“Fuck,” Virgil said passionately, opening his eyes and looking down. “That’s why. Are you okay?”

“She got in Thomas’s head again. I didn’t hear her, and she wasn’t too nearby, so - scared, but okay. But she’ll find us again, especially here.”

“Yeah.” Virgil looked up. “C’mon. Let’s get inside and regroup.”

Logan released Virgil, only to twine their fingers together. When he turned to see the path he’d left, color bloomed across his cheeks. He steadfastly pretended not to see it as they made their way back to the porch. Roman wasn’t sure when he’d let his wielding hand fall to his side, but he was glad he had. He sheathed his knife, glancing over to Leith. He frowned. Leith had that look from the Waller’s place again - carefully rounded shoulders and a stubbornly stiff neck. As Virgil and Logan hit the steps, Leith bowed his head very deliberately, and Roman’s stomach swooped unpleasantly at the vacancy in his eyes he’d caught before they were fixed on the ground. The pair of Fae walked past them into the house. Roman tried not to be too obvious about watching Leith.

“Are you coming, Roman?”

“Be inside in a minute, Prince Phillip.”

Roman heard them questioning the line of logic for that one (how could they not understand? Virgil, the formerly-comatose most beautiful man he’d ever seen; and Logan, the man on his arm), but he ignored it as the voices moved away. Dizzy padded inside - they’d each know half of what was going on and could put it together later when things were less crazy.

“Hey, Maleficent...you alright there?” Roman asked lowly, edging a little closer.

“I am adequate.” Leith’s voice was clipped as he picked his head up quickly, his body language still carefully relaxed and yet riddled with tension.

“Okay, fine, that’s what I said, but that’s not what I meant, and I think you knew that.” Roman crossed his arms. At least Leith couldn’t look quite so vacant while giving him sideways looks. 

“That is distinctly your problem,” Leith declared. Roman let out a string of sputtering, offended gasps and pressed a hand to his chest - and okay, maybe he was laying it on a little thick, but that had never hurt anyone, and he thought he might even see the corner of Leith’s lips twitching out of that blank mask. Leith didn’t do anything as obvious as taking a deep breath or rolling his shoulders, but a moment later, Roman felt like the guy he’d spent the day with was back. Leith looked at him once more and then went inside. Roman strode after him. Unnoticed by anyone, two sprigs of flowers grew resolutely in the spots where Leith’s feet had been planted - Love-in-a-mist on the right, lemon balm on the left. 

[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

[fire-emblem-heroes-supports]

Donnel/Nephenee C-A+ Support

Written by @lancethegallade1500

C-SUPPORT

Nephenee: …Well, here we go, I guess… time ta meet my sparrin’ partner. Oh, (y/n), why d’ya have to make ‘em different each time? Then I could’ve at least done it with someone I know…

Nephenee: (…is that fella wearin’ a pot on his head?) *shakes head, takes deep breath* Um… hello there.

Donnel: Well, howdy there, miss! My name’s Donny, what’s yours?

Nephenee: (…(y/n), yer a GENIUS.) *phew* Nice to meet ya, Donny. My name’s Nephenee.

Donnel: Same here! …Wait, Nephenee? From Tellius?

Nephenee: Huh? Yeah, but how’d ya know that?

Donnel: Uh… I think I heard some o’ the Greil Mercenaries talkin’ bout ya. But never mind that, I think we’ve wasted enough time already.

Nephenee: I guess yer right. Let’s see what ya got!

[Donnel and Nephenee have reached support rank C.]

B-SUPPORT

Donnel: …I see. Thank you, Yer Highness! *turns the corner, almost bumps into someone* Ah! Sorry, Nephenee, wasn’t lookin’ where I was goin’.

Nephenee: …N-no, it’s fine. It’s just, uh… who’re you talkin to?

Donnel: Hmm? Oh, just now? I was askin’ Her Highness Eirika ‘bout some techniques. Y’know how I drag folks back when I fight ‘em? I saw she did the same kinda thing, so I asked fer a few pointers.

Nephenee: W-wait, but ain’t she a queen n’all? Don’t ya get nervous when talkin’ to her?

Donnel: Well… not really, no. I mean, I do quake a bit when I talk ta someone like Walhart or Zephiel, but I think that’s jus’ cause they’re scary people.

Nephenee: …I see. Catch ya later, then.

Donnel: …She looked real worried, there. I hope everything’s alright…

[Donnel and Nephenee have reached support rank B.]

A-SUPPORT

Donnel: *knocking on door* Neph, you in there? Ya never showed up to the mess hall.

Nephenee: Ah… Donny. *pause* Come on in.

Donnel: Sure thing. *opens door* N-Nephenee?

[Donnel looks around. Nephenee’s room is empty, save for the furniture, her weapons, and a large bag on the bed.]

Donnel: What’s going on?

Nephenee: *deep breath* Well, Donny… I’m gonna be headed back to Tellius.

Donnel: What?!

Nephenee: W-woah, hold on. Sorry… poor choice of words. I’m not going to just abandon Askr n’all. I’m goin’ home to practice.

Donnel: But… why d’ya need practice? You can already beat a good half the Heroes here on yer own!

Nephenee: Not that kinda practice. I mean, uh… speakin’ practice. I can’t stay here if I know I won’t be able to talk ta half the Heroes, and my friend Calill ain’t in the Order yet, so I gotta go back.

Nephenee: So, uh… here. *hands Donnel her Slaying Spear* I want ya to hold onto this until I come back. It ain’t gonna break, I can tell ya that. It’s my promise that I’ll be back someday.

Donnel: But… when’s that gonna be?

Nephenee: When I feel like I can properly hold a conversation with everyone here. *picks up bag, walks out the door* …Thanks fer bein’ my friend, Donny.

[Half a minute passes, with Donnel staring at the spear in his hands.]

Donnel: …Aw, hell! *Dashes out the door*

[Donnel and Nephenee have reached support rank A.]

A+ SUPPORT

Donnel: NEPHENEE!

Nephenee: D-Donny? *turns around to see Donnel barreling towards her*

Donnel: (…Uh-oh.)

[Donnel crashes into Nephenee, sending both of them tumbling to the ground]

Donnel: Ow… Donny, why’d ya think that was a good idea… *wince*

Donnel: N-Neph, you alright? I’m real sorry ‘bout that… my legs moved faster’n I wanted ‘em to.

Nephenee: …Yeah, I think I’m fine. Just… why’d ya decide to go that fast?

Donnel: (Alright, Donny. Don’t mess this up now.) …I, uh… Look, I’m not gonna try and tell ya what you should do. But can ya listen to what I gotta say first?

Nephenee: Sure.

Donnel: Uh… in private?

Nephenee: …Ah.

[The two of them head into a nearby room.]

Donnel: I… I get why ya wanna go back. But I want ya to know something ‘fore ya make any decisions.

Donnel: Way back, ‘fore I joined the Shepherds, I didn’t really know much about heroes n’all. I knew Lord Chrom and the Shepherds, sure, but other legends were hard to come by.

Donnel: Still, a few made their way down. I learned about Marth and Alm, the Three Lords of Elibe, and even a little ‘bout Prince Leif! But I always did like the Tellian stuff a bit more.

Donnel: So when bandits came to my village… I remembered one o’those Tellian legends above all else. But I didn’t think of Queen Elincia, or Ike, or Micaiah… I thought about an ordinary village girl, who took up a blue helmet n’ lance and became one o’ the strongest in the continent. …An’ I’m lucky enough I gets to call that girl my friend.

Nephenee: ..!

Donnel: Yer a hero, Nephenee. And you made yerself one without havin’ any crazy prophecies or dragon blood or divine weapons.

Donnel: Please don’t think this army’s too good fer ya, cause I know that yer the reason half the villages in Ylisse even have the courage to fight! Yer story’s gonna keep making heroes out of ordinary farm boys like me for a long time.

Nephenee: …

Nephenee: Heh. I, uh… didn’t really wanna go back to Tellius just yet.

Nephenee: But I thought that… I needed to, cause I don’t know any other way ta get better at talkin’.

Nephenee: But I think I can figure something else out.

Nephenee: Thanks, Donny. Guess I needed someone to get my head straight.

Donnel: Anytime!

[Nephenee and Donnel have reached support rank A+.]

[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.